Fading Blossom in the Sand

[Fmkitty]

Title: Fading Blossom in the Sand
Pairing: Iori x Kyo
Characters: Kyo Kusanagi, Shingo Yabuki, Iori Yagami, Chizuru Kagura, Dr.Makishima, Male Original Character, Female Original Character, Leona Heidern, Yukari Mitsumine, female!Kyo Clone
Rating: 18+ (Rape, non-con, tentacles, tentacle rape, dubcon, suggestive themes)
Status: Completed (20 chapters)
Summary: It’s 24XX, one of Resistance Force members, Kyo, was sent to investigate abandoned NESTS spaceship. The very little he would know that this place is not so lonely…

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Chapter 1.

 

 

The year is 24XX. After the nearly century-lasting great war, peace was finally restored.

Although, the physical and psychological damage that humanity left is beyond repair. Due to the radiation, most of the areas have become inhabitable. Many innocent lives were lost in the never-ending slaughter because of a mere argument and showing off the influence and power of the rich.

As soon as this war ended, these bastards were publicly executed by the wrathful, hungry, and exhausted folks. Anarchy has spread over the continent. Eye for eye, fang for fang - there was no mercy for the weaker ones.

Years have passed. However, everything changed when the Imperial army showed up and ceased the chaos and despair.

The world was reformed into an oh-so-promised holy land without war or fighting. Everyone had equal rights and was under the safe wing of Duke and led by him.

At first glance, it was a call from the heavens for the poor, innocent people, a true Utopian dream. Unfortunately, nothing comes without paying a high price.

Of course, all people were equal, but some were more equal and privileged than others. As long as you followed the orders and lived up to the ideals of the supreme ruler, you could live without fear of being tortured like a war criminal or killed like a dog, which corpse would become a showcase to others for disobedience.

Living under the glass where your every step was being traced and recorded… If you had the slightest complaint about Duke or his lackeys, you were lucky enough to be killed in the same spot. Otherwise, your miserable fate would fall into the hands of the officers of the strictest regime jail.

The people who grew up living in fear were ready to betray their own families to survive.

Meanwhile, some attempted to escape the ruthless tyrant’s ruled world, even if most died trying to reach their freedom.

However, in these challenging times, there was hope!

Those who left this dystopia and survived, gathered into groups and fought back against the evil Empire. And thus, eventually, one of the strongest rebel organizations, known as the Resistance Force, was formed.

As time passed by, the Resistance Force grew stronger.

However, you cannot win a battle just by empty words or promises. Therefore, you need resources that are running out.

It’s the first mission for one rookie assisted by one of the seniors soldiers - Kyo. Checking the abandoned spaceship and bringing back anything valuable - it’s the most basic task fitting for an inexperienced soldier. In theory, nothing can go wrong, right? Yet an old Earthian saying goes: “When a man is planning, god is laughing at it.” And thus, here is our story begins.

Somewhere in the vasts of the galaxy. The older brunette pilot looks like he can fall asleep any minute while he leans against the chair and rests his head behind his hands.

If it wasn’t for his uniform, he could be mistaken for someone who loves to get into trouble.

The Resistance Force got their unique outfit, which is simple but practical on the battlefield - dark green color pants and the same color jacket with two chest pockets, which the upper line highlighted by a dark gold line. Then, the black boots, white gloves, and a sound transmission device that is barely visible behind the ear.

As for weaponry, this organization’s members’ choice isn’t too wide - old model light-saber blades or handheld laser guns.

Usually, you can carry a couple of selected weapons during the mission. Attach them to a white belt, and you’re ready to go. Of course, these weapons are no match for the Imperial Army’s body armor suits, but if your combat skills are decent, you should be able to survive for longer.

But for now, there are still 2 hours left until arriving at the destination point. In this case, the auto-pilot function is pretty convenient because you don’t have to worry about getting stray away. You can sit back and relax.

On the other hand, it’s the greatest curse for Kyo - he can’t make his way more interesting or thrilling by making a twist or two or maneuvering and mastering new techniques.

It’s a space, for heaven’s sake! What could happen? It’s nothing like he will hit anything or crash anywhere. He thinks to himself.

The truth is why he is restricted is quite simple. As the commander mentioned countless times, it was a waste of fuel, along with his other rants, about Kyo damaging the spaceship.

Hell, everyone has a right to mistakes, plus it was one of his first flights, and he was still green. And now, he only can pilot when someone supervises him. Otherwise, he is left with his so-oh-beloved auto-pilot function.

Suddenly, the brunette jolts and opens his eyes to his mission partner’s unexpected question in a cheerful tone. “Hey, Kusanagi-san, are we there yet?”

Of course, of all people, Kyo is paired with an amateur who keeps following him nearly everywhere.

However, it’s good to have someone who innocently admires you. After all, Kyo can ask for any favors and get treated. But most of the time, it’s annoying as hell.

Even before accepting this mission, Kyo received many remarks from other members about how he didn't team up with his usual partner - Iori Yagami, and how he dumped him and other comments.

Yet, to their surprise, he walked away without paying attention to the cheap insults while showing not the kindest gestures.

If Kyo had to pick an option, he preferred solo missions or going with Iori because there was no mission when they weren’t together.

Besides, even if most of the time they argue or fight, it’s different when they are together during their missions.

Of course, in the beginning, they faced difficulties, like this redhead’s lack of trust. - After all, it didn’t sound promising to Iori that he would need to team up with a troublemaker like Kyo.

Secondly, the brunette equally treated everyone, be it superior or a simple soldier, and he would say what he thought without sugar-coating. Not to mention, he was too lively and chirpy. He may get scolded or threatened, but it would still not affect him.

Over time, Iori got used to his partner’s behavior and attitude. It wasn’t as bad as he believed. More so, he even left piloting for Kyo because he enjoyed it.

More so, during missions, they both know their rhythm and movement and can synchronize.

More so, sometimes a little competition as, who will defeat more Imperial troops or anyone who stands in their way, gives some variety. Both grew to trust, support, and respect each other.

Usually, Kyo feels like his missions take forever when he is forced to team up with other resistance members. He is also isn't interested in working together with other soldiers unless he needs to. “Let’s just finish this…” is the best way to describe his attitude toward the given tasks.

This time, the brunette may be sent alone if it wasn’t for his hobby to master more complicated piloting techniques.

Also, some operators suggested “It would be good practice for a newbie. So, take him with you.” which was like rubbing salt in his wounds.

But for now, Kyo replies in an annoyed voice without facing his partner. “Do you see anything in front of us? No? Nothing around? Wake me up when you’ll see anything, got it?”

When he looks at Shingo, he asks, “What is it with you? For such a simple task, you look excited.”

The younger brunette replies honestly. “I can’t believe this is my first mission. Finally, I could get into real action! And, and…and, well, seeing Kusanagi-san kicking some ass… too.”

Yet, his further words stuck in his throat, and he lowered his gaze.

Meanwhile, Kyo only sighs and places his hand on Shingo’s shoulder. “Don’t have such high hopes. It’s just a simple check-out of, er... What was that called? NE… NEE.., ah, that’s right! NESTS spaceship. That’s all. Nothing special. I can bet there will be a bunch of trash and empty rooms. The scariest thing that could happen is tripping over a wire. And once we're done, reporting to the headquarters. The same old procedure, you’ll get used to.’’

When he removes his hand from the rookie’s shoulder, he leans back on the chair and falls asleep.

As time slowly passes, they finally land their spaceship inside the entrance of the NESTS spaceship. While the older brunette stretches around, his partner is still in awe and comments while looking around at the surroundings. “Oh, man... That’s surely way bigger than imagined! I’m not sure if we can finish on the same day.”

Once Kyo lowers his arms and checks if his handheld gun is on the left side of his belt and the light saber blade on the right. Lastly, he replies. “Yeah. Someone surely got their data wrong. Anyway, don’t get away too far or do you wanna stay here? Then be my guest. …Let’s just go.”

When he prompts the younger brunette to go, both Resistance soldiers start investigating this abandoned place.

[Fmkitty]

Chapter 2.

 

 

After a few minutes of walking, a short beeping noise from the sound transmission device stops Kyo. When he places his finger behind his ear, he answers. “Yes, this is Kusanagi speaking.”

A second later, one of the female operators asks. “This is the Headquarters. Can you give us the status report?”

The brunette cracks a smile and replies. “We are inside the NESTS. So far it’s clear, nothing unusual. Here, the only bother will be checking all the rooms tiredly because there is helluva a lot of ‘em. Heck, Shingo could go alone and he would be fine on his own. It’s too easy.”

The operator remains silent for a couple of seconds. However, even from her voice, one can tell she is concerned yet trying to be professional. “You should not let your guard off so early. Be mindful and remember - you are not alone, you also have a responsibility for this newbie's safety. If anything happens, contact us immediately. Please, stay safe…”

After a brief pause, she continues. “…Yagami gives a weird look again. Do you have anything to tell him?”

Kyo only gives the smuggest look and replies in a buoyant tone. “Oi, Yagami, are you bothering a good young lady and not letting to do her job? Besides, you would have nothing to do here. It’s too boring.”

As he sighs, he adds. “In the worst case, it may take a couple of days to fully investigate all rooms. I promise that I’ll return by then. You won’t even notice that I was missing. So, relax, you have nothing to worry about, and have faith in me, you idiot.’’

Lastly, Kusanagi changes his tone to a more formal one. “This is Kusanagi. Over.”

 

---

 

A couple of hours pass by wandering through endless, silent corridors. Only the sound of the automatic door opening disturbs it.

Upon discovering what is inside of each room, these rooms look like they hadn’t been used for years - rusty iron tables, useless papers or testing tubes scattered around along the other tools, and the remains of supposed to be experiment objects.

However, most of these objects are innocent-looking ones compared to the ones that are later found - from rodents to other small animals whose corpses are dismembered and rotten, to even possibly actual human being parts or at least resembling them.

‘No, it can’t be. Even the worst and lowest scums couldn’t do that… Surely, even with that stench still there, these NESTS people could at least properly dispose of these remains.’ The brunette wonders and feels that he shouldn’t be in this place.

As Shingo and Kyo deeply wander, the buzzing sound of lights on the ceiling accompanies their journey. Eventually, the sound of single water drops also keeps them company on this lonely ship. Unfortunately, some parts of the corridor are completely in pitch blackness.

Before entering the unknown darkness, Kyo asks Shingo to give his flashlight, which he gave him during the trip.

After lighting it up, anywhere where the light touches the surface, it’s visible that the corners of the corridor seem to be rusted.

However, the deeper they go, they notice a narrow, short, dark brownish line, which becomes wider as they go. Eventually, it leads to a larger pool of the same color liquid. After Kyo swallows saliva, he points the flashlight towards the source of it.

Finally, when light reaches that object, it reveals its true form - a headless rotting corpse that leans against the wall, who has been here for a long time, and being eaten by the maggots that can reach the size of the human finger.

That corpse… Why it’s so swollen and with such fragile skin? There are even enormous abscesses under the skin all over the body, which can tear apart at any second.

As one of the maggots crawls into the deeper tissues of this dead person, its skin is damaged, and the dark-colored liquid starts leaking out.

The older brunette even instinctively covers his mouth and widens his eyes. Surely, that stench and such a view make him pale, and he nearly throws out.

Unfortunately, the other soldier loses control over his body, and his knees give up on him.

A second later, the older brunette kneels and places young Yabuki’s arm on his shoulder. As the Kusanagi helps him to stand up, he addresses him in a nearly shaking voice. “Oi! Get yourself together! J-just do not give up on me. Are you listening to me? Hey!”

Gladly, it helps Shingo to return to his senses, even if he hasn’t recovered from the trauma.

‘Poor kiddo, and it’s his first mission, too. Maybe it was his first time dealing with death as well.’ Kyo thinks while feeling bad for his partner.

After going further, they notice that there are no traces of this corpse’s head. Maybe these maggots already have eaten it, yet it doesn’t matter.

 

---

 

The deeper the Resistance soldiers go, they reach the lighter part of the corridor.

In some discovered rooms, there are large testing tubes placed close together. More so, most of them contain humanoid-like forms.

It’s not clear whether these are failed experiments or other species. Whatever it is, it looks like it’s been hibernated for months. However, none of the Resistance soldiers wants to find out whether behind the glass of the test tube life forms can answer them.

There are even single test tubes, which are broken as if someone tried to escape yet stuck to wander inside this spaceship for the rest of their eternity.

It won’t be surprising if someone might be lurking and waiting. So, the main question is where and when it will show up. Even Kyo nervously bites his lower lip at such a thought and feels that primal fear of being hunted down.

After investigating this room, this couple wanders in the endless corridor with no rooms.

Once again, a dead silence surrounds them without a clear sign of where this corridor ends. However, only one second of this couple letting their guard down is enough. Thus, the loud buzzing sound of the insect wings follows them.

Suddenly, Shingo falls to his knees and becomes paralyzed while shakily holding his hand-held gun and pointing upwards just behind the other soldier.

Kyo doesn't even have time to turn around upon hearing the sound of a shot and the target falling with squirting noises. Surely, it makes him realize how close he is to his doom.

Meanwhile, Shingo is pale as a sheet of paper while roughly breathing. Even his eyes are filled with terror as he observes the shot-down object that lets out a dreadful, short, high-pitched screech.

Apparently, it’s a dark, purplish-colored lump of meat that is the size of a small animal and resembles a brain. Yet, it has a single eye in the center and a pair of transparent color insect wings on top of this creature’s body. Lastly, it has eight legs, similar to a spider’s.

For now, this creature barely keeps its balance and nearly leans on its left side while crawling forward.

When this creature’s iris constricts like a reptile, the younger brunette cannot take on this anymore.

After Shingo closes his eyes, he quickly shoots it down while screaming in terror and fear.

Even if most of his shots are missing, it leave burn marks on this creature’s body where the laser beam touches it.

Lastly, after aimless shots, Yabuki manages to blast away this creature, and the green ooze splatters everywhere along its body parts.

Meanwhile, Kyo just silently observes the whole scene.

He never felt so useless just by standing, and it’s like his body refuses to move a single muscle.

It’s the same feeling of being unable to do anything like that one time during one of his early missions when one of his fellow soldiers was shot because of his one reckless mistake. It was his first encounter with death, and he realized how life is such a fragile thing that can be taken away so easily and quickly.

But for now, Shingo opens his eyes while hardly panting and checks on the ruined mess of this corpse.

He cannot stay calm, nor try to hide it while asking. “Just what a hell is that thing?! Why did this thing appeared? What a hell is wrong with this place?! Shit…”

After that, he only nervously shakes his head and whimpers. Even his adored senior can clearly see how he reached his limit.

However, the Kusanagi understands he shouldn’t feel pity and must focus on completing his mission.

But, hell, it’s only a matter of time before this kiddo will have a mental breakdown.

More so, he’ll get all the blame if anything happens to this newbie during the mission.

For now, the older brunette kneels and places his hand on Shingo’s shoulder. “Hey, you’re okay? Should we go further?”

Yet, little do they know that someone is lurking out and how soon they will be greeted with a fate worse than any death.

[Fmkitty]

Chapter 3.

 

 

There seems to be no end to wandering in the endless corridors with no rooms, but there is no choice but to keep going until the end of this maze.

At the moment, Kyo wonders whether he should report the messed up findings.

However, after consideration, the brunette remembers it might also make Yagami worried, and he won’t be able to reach and reassure him.

That’s right, the redhead can be overprotective when it comes to him.

Apparently, as time passed since meeting Kyo, Iori started to feel a strange urge to check that his mission partner would be safe and sound.

Yet, he cannot understand whether because of Kusanagi gets into trouble. Or could it be because Kyo’s presence was so calming?

On the other hand, Iori is certain of one thing - he won’t forgive anyone, even himself if anything terrible happens to the brunette.

The trigger and the reliever - this is what Kyo has become within time to Iori.

That’s why, since the brunette is aware of Yagami’s current feelings and how he might react, he’ll report to the Headquarters about the NESTS once they return.

Besides, what can happen that he won’t handle? Or so Kyo naively thinks.

But for now, both Resistance soldiers nearly reach the end of the corridor.

So, in theory, there should be a door to the elevator or some spare room. It must be something. Otherwise, someone has poor design skills to make it into an empty space.

In any case, the Kusanagi stays aware of his surroundings. So, who knows what kind of monstrosity can show up when they least expect it? Kyo ponders while checking on the junior soldier.

Despite that, he is secretly curious about what awaits them next before checking the last room. Then, all he would need to do is taking a few samples, and reporting about another successful mission. Kyo keeps thinking while already seeing himself resting after taking a long shower.

---

Once Kyo and Shingo reach the dead-end, they notice a suspiciously slightly opened door from the right side.

Something is wrong - either the automatic door lock is broken and stuck like this, or something is in between the door. Perhaps an enemy waits behind the door.

Just before the younger brunette moves forward, Kyo instinctively stretches his arm to block him.

After he leans against the wall, he lowers his hand, ordering Shingo to do the same. Later, the older brunette removes his glove by his teeth and tosses it towards the opened door.

Even if Yabuki does what he is asked, he gives an innocent, questioning look at his idol.

Was it necessary to remove his glove in such a way? Or is it something that higher rank or more experienced soldiers usually do? Could it be - it’s an intimidating tactic against the potential enemy? If so, maybe he needs to try it next time as well. Shingo thinks.

Meanwhile, the Kusanagi doesn’t quite like his partner staring at him with such excitement.

To think of it, he looks nothing more than a curious child who is in awe of seeing something exciting. It’s completely different from the one Yagami usually gives him during their missions or off-duties.

Firstly, the way Iori looks away with his cracked poker face after getting caught curiously staring at him, and he keeps denying how he doesn’t look at Kyo or pretends to do something else.

Secondly, the redhead has a habit of giving such a demanding look as if expecting something to happen and once again persisting that it is only Kusanagi’s imagination.

More importantly, recently Iori does it more often.

When the brunette casually drinks water? Yes.

Being off duty or him getting caught changing his clothes? Once again, yes!

If Yagami has anything to say, he should say so! But now? Why he has to be like this? The brunette cannot understand such behavior, and sometimes it irritates him.

One day, he’ll catch his partner and corner him until he gets the wanted answers. Or so Kyo is determined for a while.

But for now, his further thoughts are interrupted by Shingo’s question. “Should we check it? Maybe there is nothing inside.”

“Then, I’ll go first. But you better watch my back. Understand?” The older brunette replies. After picking up his handheld gun, he takes the lead and moves towards the room.

Once Kyo approaches the opening, he makes sure he will be barely visible. After he swallows the saliva, he peeks inside.

However, it was enough to convince him it was not worth investing any further and risking his life.

Even if it is dim inside this room, it’s a pretty spacious one, and its floor is covered in thick organic vine-alike threads. Hell, that thing even shows a sign of life by pulsating and making disturbing, slimy noises. Perhaps it’s a rare outer space life-form or a consequence of the radiation after the Great War.

In the end, Kyo withdraws slowly while hoping not to be noticed by that creature. Unfortunately, just another step back and…

Suddenly, the brunette is alerted by Shingo’s yelling. “KUSANAGI-SAAAN!”

That thing’s one of the grayish vines is wrapped around Kyo’s ankle and keeps moving upwards. Its coldness and dampness soak deeper into his clothes until it reaches his skin.

For the love of the, now it grasps him and tries to pull him inside the room!

Kyo even shakily closes his eyes at the disgust.

However, it’s not the time for the panic! He has to act quickly. Otherwise, only god knows how it will end.

Thus, without hesitation, Kusanagi grips the handheld gun. After quickly aiming, the laser beam burns down the vine.

Inside the room, the mysterious creature screeches, and the separated vine drops to the ground.

That was a close one… The brunette wonders while roughly breathing and staring down at the shot object. Soon enough, Kyo feels the warmth rushing down to the area where the vine was grasping him and closes his eyes as the clothing material on his leg falls off.

As soon as he opens his eyes, he notices this limb is fine and without any scratch.

Unfortunately, this victory doesn’t last long…

And thus, another set of vines burst from the room and counter-attack. Yet, it aims at the Kusanagi’s waist and both legs. Hell, these are faster than the brunette’s battle instincts.

Vine after vine wraps around his one leg, another one, and his waist.

His body is frozen, and he can only stay still. That paralyzing fear takes control of Kyo’s body and makes him feel useless.

Yet, Shingo’s voice immediately returns him to his senses, and he starts resisting. Unfortunately, it’s too late…

These gray, veined vines are stronger, and now they violently toss Kyo onto the ground, making him let out a short, painful groan.

Despite slowly getting dragged into this creature’s lair, the older brunette holds into anything he can.

Anything will do! He is desperate to escape at any cost. As he closes his eyes, he digs his fingertips into the smooth surface as hard as he can while crawling.

Meanwhile, Shingo dashes toward the vine monster while unleashing his saber blade and screaming at the top of his lungs.

However, a new set of vines shows up. One powerful attack and Shingo is sent flying towards the wall facing the door.

And thus, as Yabuki’s back hits the wall, he lets out his last groan, and his body falls like a rag-doll.

No movement nor sound… Did he lose his consciousness? Is he dead? No one can tell at the moment.

Meanwhile, Kyo calls the junior soldier’s name. However, the very little he realizes that it’s his last made mistake.

Even if it is only a mere second, it’s enough for him to loosen his grasp, and now he is getting dragged closer to where the unknown, horrifying creature awaits him.

Despite the fear and despair, the Kusanagi uses his last chance to escape. After he gets close to the corner of the door, he holds onto it with all his might.

But for now, he closes his eyes in utter disgust as he feels how his clothes soak around his waist and below.

Hell, the creature’s familiar slipperiness and coldness nearly make him sick. More importantly, that monster can rip him apart by its powerful grip.

Despite that, Kyo removes his arm from holding the frame of the stainless steel door, only to reach out for his last resort - his trustworthy light-saber blade from the right side of the belt.

Unfortunately, his other hand starts trembling and loosens the grasp before touching his blade. While only the brunette’s upper body remains outside, he shakily stretches his hand towards Shingo while his face is filled with pure fear. “SHINGOOO, NOOOOOOO!!! PLEASE! OH, GOD! WHY! NO! NOOOOO!”

In the end, he is at the mercy of whatever is behind the door without anyone hearing his cry for help or his utter end.

[Fmkitty]

Chapter 4.

(tw: non-con, tentacles)

Click here to read

When Kyo is inside the room, he spots the floor covered in gray vines, which are thicker, and loudly pulsate.

The only source of light in this room, filled with the sounds of slippery slime, is the open door.

Nevertheless, the brunette is still dragged by this creature until he reaches the center of the room.

At that moment, Kyo feels his lower body, which is wrapped in vines, is set on the familiar heatwave.

He already guesses what will happen next.

No. This is just a bad dream, right? There is no way it is true. Why?… In his thoughts, Kyo desperately wishes to wake up from his nap, all the while being insulted as a stupid brat for nodding off during his responsibilities.

Meanwhile, a gray vine crawls past him and wraps around his wrists.

Soon, the vines around the Kusanagi’s legs loosen while remaining on his torso and forcibly roll him on his back.

However, Kyo refuses to see what is in front of him and closes his eyes, keeping them shut while the tentacle monster lifts him while the vine on his torso supports him when he is above the ground.

When piece after piece of Kyo’s pants and underwear fall off, his face burns in shame, and he lets out a small whimper.

After he opens his amber eyes, he freezes in terror while his heartbeat becomes much more frequent.

Yet Kyo cannot remove his eyes from the hellish creature.

Hell, what the fuck is this thing?! The brunette wonders.

Apparently, it’s a two-meter-high piece of gray meat with a glassy eye, surrounded symmetrically by the five orange orbs staring at its prey.

Suddenly, a huge glowing iris narrows like a reptile’s.

Surely, it makes the Kusanagi gasp in terror.

On the monster’s sides, there are three holes vertically lined that rhythmically gaping. There is a short gap, which is as wide as a man’s spread palm below the enormous eye.

Under it, there is a vertically gaping enormous mouth that could take a lying person without problems.

Suddenly, through all the holes, purple pores spread into the air.

Kyo only averts his gaze from this unearthly being and does his best to hold his breath as long as possible. Besides, who knows what kind of poison it contains?

Unfortunately, one of the grayish vines crawls under his shirt.

At that moment, he cannot help himself but be disgusted by the slimy coldness and how the octopus-like creature licks his upper body.

Once it reaches the collar of his uniform and shirt, the gray vine tears it apart!

Thus, the brunette pathetically gasps and inhales the air filled with unearthly pores.

Eventually, Kyo feels the sudden changes in his body.

Suddenly, the unbearable heat spread all over his body.

Kyo trembles like a leaf while aching for something. He wants to be relieved, even that monster will do.

No. It’s wrong! There is no way… It’s so fucking wrong. Or so his remaining sanity tells him.

Unfortunately, his own body betrays him by showing otherwise.

The Kusanagi nervously swallows the saliva and lowers his gaze while whimpering.

Of all times, his dick raises slowly.

No matter how much Kyo didn’t want to admit it, he never felt so ashamed that tears ran down his cheeks. He even hates himself the way how his body reacts.

Despite that, a couple of vines make their way up to his defenseless chest and violate it.

While one organic vine is busy with the left side, another deals with the right one.

After one vine withdraws its tip, it splits into four parts, and in the middle of it, there is a tiny red mouth with a tongue-like feature.

Yes, Kyo is afraid of this creature. However, there is nothing he can do aside from waiting to be finished.

When it attaches to his right nipple, the brunette lets out a sweet moan.

Suddenly, his upper side jolts, and he feels the pleasant shivers down his spine.

While the vine on his right side licks his hard nipple, the left one continues massing the other side.

Surprisingly, the monster’s tongue is warm and slightly rough.

More so, the vines around the brunette’s body aren’t cold anymore. As if it finally adjusted to the perfect temperature.

At that moment, Kyo turns and lowers his head while the heat rushes to his cheeks by just hearing these wet noises while his upper body is teased, and his own shaky breathing and letting out adorable mewling noises.

Soon, the vine on his left side repeats the right one’s movement, making the brunette tilt his head and moan while his nipples are twisted and pleased.

Even his weeping arousal begs for attention.

But for now, the third vine joins, making its way up to Kyo’s neck and carefully wraps around it.

Kusanagi’s fear vanishes, and his head feels filled with cotton. He can barely think straight anymore nor care any longer that his mission partner looks at his suffering.

Hell, the pleasure already slowly drives him crazy that he cannot take it anymore while his lower body remains struggling.

Yet, a grain of shame remains and returns him to his senses.

What if Yagami will see him fall that low and disgracefully? Will he be disgusted and turn his back on him?… Or will he only silently mock him for failing?

No. If Yagami was there, that creature would be already dead! That is for sure.

Besides, he will only buy off a good session of being scolded by Iori about being reckless for overlooking such a mistake. Kyo knows it.

Why, at a moment like this, does he remember Iori?

Yet, the brunette’s thoughts are interrupted by the vine around his neck sliding behind his ear and hitting his sound transmission device on the floor.

At that moment, Kyo shakily closes his eyes and his face twists in disgust at the creature licking behind his ear and neck while making wet noises.

At least he wanted to be disgusted than his body being aroused by the given attention.

Meanwhile, the squid-like monster hadn’t forgotten about his mate’s lower parts and gave it proper care while massaging his chest.

Suddenly, Kyo panics as the creature’s vines roughly spread his leg wide open.

While one gray vine wraps around his erected dick, the very thick one rubs against his entrance.

“No! Anything but this… Please, no. Get… Get away from me! I beg you… Don’t…” the Kusanagi desperately begs in a lewd voice while moving his lower body to drive away the monster from any further harm.

He understands it’s a useless effort, but he refuses to do anything, even if he is too weak to resist.

Unfortunately, the unearthly being ignores his cry for help, and the thick vine penetrates Kyo.

Suddenly, the brunette screams in agony while his insides are torn apart by the coldness that gradually turns into heat with each thrust.

Even if the monster slowly penetrates him, it still hurts, as if any other body part is harmed.

At that moment, the Kusanagi can swear he feels his stirred insides bleeding.

More so, he is scared that not only his entire digestive system will be destroyed but also it may reach his lungs.

Of course, if that vine won’t come out through his mouth and turn him into its personal flesh-light.

After lowering his gaze, Kyo sees a bulge in his belly as the beast thrusts.

Despite that, he begged this creature to stop while moaning like an animal in heat.

More so, Kyo cannot read this creature’s emotions.

From the beginning, it only stares at him with its big glassy eye. No judging, no mocking, no nothing - this monster doesn’t show anything toward its victim.

As the thick vine violates the Kusanagi, another one strokes his cock.

Maybe this creature is familiar with humans. Therefore, it decided to comfort him. The poor soldier wonders, while softening his gaze and whimpering.

More so, it feels as if a long tongue masterly moves around him, knowing how to please him.

Suddenly, he gets alerted by the static noise from below, making him realize that everyone in Resistance Headquarters will hear how he is violated while making lewd, shameful noises.

There is no greater humiliation than at the moment.

On the other hand, Kyo convinces himself that he should be lucky that he uses the outdated model of his sound transmission device that doesn’t transfer images.

Otherwise, his suffering will be relieved as soon as the monster kills him.

But for now, the brunette is more miserable because of how his body loves being toyed.

Eventually, the pain in his lower half numbs until it disappears and is replaced with something else. Something about what Kyo utterly hates himself wanting for.

That’s right, the monster hits his special spot, which he didn’t know having it.

He cannot help himself but see the stars and let out lover cries as his prostate is rubbed more often.

Soon, the squid-like creature penetrates him more roughly and faster.

Shit… if that thing will grow any larger, I’m so fucking dead. The brunette fears and closes his eyes.

Eventually, Kyo panics at the new, unknown sensation that he is convinced that he’ll die.

In the end, the brunette lets out an ecstatic long moan, and his vision becomes white as he reaches the orgasm.

Meanwhile, the unearthly monster keeps pouring something hot inside him until his belly stretches.

As soon as the creature pulls out a thick vine from the Kusanagi, Kyo only blankly stares with his dead eyes and catches his breath while white transparent liquid keeps running down like crazy out of him without stopping.

Is he going to become a mother for this bastard’s children? Why? Why it must happen to him? His very time wasn’t supposed to be like this… Weren’t stuff like that should be only done with someone you love? But now, all that was robbed from him. The brunette wonders while he sobs and feels the tears run down his face.

“Yagami…” Kyo speaks through his sobbing.

Unfortunately for him, as soon as the creature’s juice leaves his stomach, it brings the thick vine to Kyo’s entrance again.

Thus, another round begins.

Meanwhile, Kyo only wishes that Iori would never discover how he suffered or died.

[Fmkitty]

Chapter 5.

 

 

Meanwhile, in the Headquarters of the Resistance Force.

Surely, only sitting and doing nothing while waiting in his room already bores one certain redhead to tears that his hands are itching for any action.

Besides, there might be any news from Kyo, even if that is unusual for him to contact the Headquarters during his missions unless anything serious happens.

Yet, Iori has nothing better to do, anyway. So, it is still worth checking if there are any new updates on Kyo’s mission.

And with that, Iori gets up and heads towards the command room.

Thus, upon the sound of the automatic gates opening, he enters the command room.

But for now, Yagami is greeted by the same usual view.

Apparently, a couple of female operators are busy working on holographic screens - one from the left side and another from the right.

Perhaps they are handling tons of constantly incoming data again. Strangely, the commander is missing. However, it seems that he is on another operation or raid.

Either way, it’s not that he cares about the commander. More so, the less his day will be ruined. Or so Iori decides.

Meanwhile, his presence remains unnoticed by the other soldiers, who are only minding their business.

That’s why Iori approaches and leans against the wall that supports the platform above, on which there is a balcony, where are located the desk and holographic screen.

But he stays here for longer unless anyone asks him to leave. Besides, he can always leave if he gets bored without problems.

---

However, not even a single minute has passed, and the brief beeping disturbs the silence, making the redhead lift his head for a moment.

A sound transmission at such a time? Despite that, he hasn’t much high expectations.

After the short-haired brunette operator checks on the holographic screen, she states. “It’s… It’s from Kyo!”

Kyo? But it is unusual for him to call first. Despite that, Yagami listens carefully.

When the younger operator taps the screen, she answers. “This is Headquarters-”

However, she suddenly gets startled by whims and soft moaning through the speakers. “... ngh ... nyaah.”

Of course, it concerns both operators, yet one of them maintains a formal tone. “This is Headquarters. Can you hear us?”

Yet, there is no answer from the other end. But this time, these moans and cries become louder and more pathetic.

Certainly, his long-time mission would never call out of the blue and joke around. Just what the hell is going on? The redhead tries to convince himself while he becomes more anxious and tense.

Yes. Kyo might not take most of his tasks seriously or get into trouble if he doesn’t pay attention. However, even if he wants to annoy anyone, he would never act like this, and Yagami knows him well enough to understand that.

Meanwhile, the operator repeats her question. “This is Headquarters. What happened? Please, answer us.”

However, the moaning continues, and now with some words in between. “....naa ...aah~ ...plea~ ...no ...nyaaah~ ...get ...geeet away...”

That’s it! When Iori has, finally, enough of it. Thus, he rushes to the operator’s deck and pushes away the younger operator. “Move!”

As the poor gal harshly falls to the ground, the long-haired blonde operator instantly moves away and observes the entire situation. At the moment, it’s better to comply with this unpredictable man’s wishes without questioning him.

When Yagami puts on the headphones with the microphone and slams his palm on the table, he speaks up without hiding his frustration. “What the hell is happening? Answer me!”

Unfortunately, there is no reply, as if the redhead’s words do not reach him.

Yet, he doesn’t give up. “Hey!-”

In the end, the cracking noise cuts the sound transmission.

No response, no nothing - Yagami is left in uncertainty while being dumbfounded and shocked.

He couldn’t do anything when his help was needed the most, and that feeling of being completely useless utterly crushed him.

But for now, Iori only punches the panel and silently growls. “… Shit.”

A second later, he lowers his head and keeps it hung.

‘How could I let this to happen?’ he thinks while grinding his teeth.

Suddenly, he looks towards the fallen operator. “What are you staring at?! Do something! Dial him again or something!”

Meanwhile, the poor operator widens her eyes and is about to burst into tears while fearing for her life.

Fortunately for her, the further menace of Yagami is stopped by the scolding feminine voice from below. “What is the meaning of this, Yagami?”

‘Oh no. Of all times that annoying woman has to show up…’ the redhead wonders as he rolls his eyes.

A dark-haired woman wearing black stockings, a dark green color skirt below her knees, and a matching color jacket and under it, a black tank top, and a long white medical coat - it’s one of the medical team members, Chizuru Kagura.

But for now, as she climbs the stairs, the clacking sound of her high heels accompanies her.

After she approaches Iori, she only silently stares at him with a calm yet judging eyes.

It’s the least person whom Yagami wants to see, and he asks without hiding irritation. “Great… Just what the hell do you, Kagura? Are you asking for some trouble as well?”

However, he is instantly silenced by Chizuru’s strict tone. “Remember on whom you are raising your voice.”

A second later, she checks on the poor, scared operator and another one who comforts and hugs her. But for now, she glances at them with a gentle gaze.

After the ebony-haired woman lifts her eyes and turns her head towards Yagami, she keeps a serious look and adds. “More importantly, you have no right to vent all your rage on innocent people.”

As Iori only frowns and grinds his teeth, he shakes his head.

After he tosses the headset on the desk, he walks past Chizuru and declares. “Fuck this! I’m taking the shuttle and getting out of this place.”

Yet, he stops and widens his eyes when the back of his jacket collar is grabbed and hears another command. “Wait. You cannot let your emotions to control you, no matter what happened. Calm down. Or do you want to be dismissed by the commander again?”

When Iori turns his head, he whines. “Screw the commander! If that asshole was smart enough to send an inexperienced rookie with any other soldier, then, loosing another one should be no problem for him!”

After Chizuru closes her eyes and takes a deep breath, she softens her gaze and asks. “What happened, then?”

That’s right, the redhead has barely any interest in other members of the Resistance’s well-being. However, there can be only one person who receives this kind of privilege and favor.

The ebony-haired woman has known Iori for too long. After all, she was the one who noticed him being terribly wounded and another victim of the Imperial Army.

When Yagami got better, she offered him to join the Resistance Force. Yet, she was surprised that he agreed.

As time passed, during his first mission with Kyo, something changed.

Yes. In the beginning, most of the couple’s injuries were not caused by the enemy. It was from their constant fights or arguments, and they didn’t want to give up while honestly showing even the slightest disagreement.

However, mission after mission and the time spent with Kyo, both got used to each other’s company and did not mind it.

More importantly, Iori is more calm and perhaps secretly happy to find a trustworthy partner.

As if the Kusanagi had a hidden curing effect on him without realizing it...

Meanwhile, Chizuru was glad that not only she would have less work treating their wounds but also that these two matured enough not to cause a ruckus over most petite details.

But for now, Yagami answers in a nervous tone. “Kyo is… Damn! For the fuck’s sake! As we speak, he might be dead already or captured by the enemy!”

Lastly, he lowers his head and bites his lower lip.

After the dark-haired woman places her hand on his shoulder, she explains while trying to reassure him. “Even so, you cannot go blindly and die in vain. Unfortunately, there is nothing we can do at the moment. However, do you think Kusanagi gave up so easily? Just believe in him for a bit longer. I’m pretty sure that he’ll return safely.”

In the end, Yagami doesn’t want to listen to anyone. He just had enough of everything.

On the other hand, Kagura helped him to cool him down a bit. Maybe there is a small part of truth in this woman’s words. Iori wonders as he silently passes Chizuru’s side with his hung head and leaves the command room.

At that moment, he doesn’t care if anyone will laugh at him. He cannot find peace of mind and is tormented by his regrets.

All the redhead desires so badly is to embrace Kyo and never let him go while protecting him from pain or suffering.

But for now, he is too tired to question such an unexpected urge or why he seeks the brunette’s comfort.

Thus, without even noticing it, after Iori reaches his room, he crashes into his bed and slowly closes his eyes. However, all he can do is wait for the commander’s return.

[Fmkitty]

Chapter 6.

 

 

Meanwhile, inside the NESTS spaceship.

Right now, even the brunette’s once lively eyes are empty and dull, staring into nothingness.

Is it, finally, over? Yet, will it change anything? Kusanagi wonders as his vision becomes blurred and dim while he lies on his stomach like a broken rag-doll and respiring.

Suddenly, Kyo quietly whimpers as something is pulled out from his entrance, and feeling a white, thick liquid leaking out of him.

Does he feel any shame or disappointment in himself? Yes. Or at least the remains of it.

However, thanks to this awful experience, most of his senses and emotions became numb.

Despite this, he can feel his face wet from tears and sweat.

Did he cry all this time? In the end, it doesn’t really matter anymore. It makes the brunette more pathetic than he ever was before.

Even his own body doesn’t listen to him anymore or have the will to move a single muscle.

But for now, as the vines around his hands loosen, Kusanagi only sighs.

Perhaps the ferocious creature that assaulted him has calmed down.

After all, the squid-like monster already neutralized its victim. So, there is no need to torment its prey or fight back.

Of course, Kyo gathers all his remaining strength and uses this as his chance to escape.

More so, he cannot only lie down like this while the junior soldier might be, in the best case, in critical condition.

Therefore, there is a hope that Shingo might be still alive!

Hell, it might be too late for him. But, at least, let this rookie survive and return safely. That is what he wishes for. Kyo thinks to himself while stretching his arm and sighing with his fingers twitching.

In any case, when this kiddo returns, he should keep Yagami busy and maybe let him get over Kyo’s disappearance.

After all, knowing the redhead, he will probably try to destroy the entire base of the Resistance Force if he becomes furious.

However, there are only two people who can over-talk and calm him down, no matter what may happen. One is Kyo, while the other is the same medic who has enough patience to take care of their wounds to cool down these two stubborn idiots and remind them of their place.

That’s right, if anyone can stop Iori when Kyo is gone, that is Chizuru who has become like a big sister to them.

But for now, with that in mind, Kyo manages to put his last effort to move with an exhausted smile on his face.

Soon, the gray organic vines wrap around his legs and drag him close to the squid-like creature’s mouth.

Finally, the unearthly being opens its vertical mouth and slowly starts swallowing its food.

Is this the end of this Resistance soldier? Will he be devoured by this creature?

Yet, instead of struggling, Kyo accepts his bitter fate. After all, there is no reason for him to be alive.

Thus, the fallen soldier’s feet, ankles, legs, torso, and eventually entire body reaches the monster’s stomach, and it closes its mouth.

---

It’s so warm inside the monster’s belly. So warm and tight. Yet, even these slimy sounds don’t scare the brunette anymore.

Perhaps because of a somewhere echoing distant, rhythmic heartbeat that strangely calms Kyo and makes him relaxed.

Eventually, he slowly closes his amber eyes while listening to it.

An unknown amount of time has passed. For sure, after being inside this monster, Kyo has lost the sense of time along the definition of it.

Just how much time has passed? An hour or two? Maybe days or months? Perhaps just mere minutes?

It feels like an eternity or more like a dream. However, the brunette doesn’t want to wake up from it or worry about the outside world.

Besides, nothing matters to him anymore. Right now, it’s only him being carried away from any pain or suffering before he rests in peace.

Is this how a child feels inside their mother’s womb? Maybe. Maybe not. But one thing is for sure, nothing lasts forever like this sweet illusion before meeting one’s demise.

---

Suddenly, the unearthly beast lets out an eery scream, followed by the loud splashing.

Thus, the first thing that Kyo feels is the coldness, which returns him to reality and makes him gasp.

Even when he lies outside the dead creature in the same spot, he cannot comprehend what happened.

However, the brunette is too weak to move while remaining under the spell of the perished outer space being.

A second later, he notices he is in the same room and is surrounded by the bunch of scattered remains of the unfortunate creature.

Secondly, as he barely lifts his head, he can see that there are at least a couple of people around him who wear black boots and white CBRN suits.

Without wasting time, these people lift Kusanagi by his hands and feet and transfer him into stretchers.

For sure, the chilliness of the rubber gloves is not the most pleasant sensation, but it’s bearable.

A second later, a material is spread and covers his body.

Later on, the brunette realizes it is a thin, cold blanket. Yet, eventually, his body gets used to it and warms up.

Despite that, he feels uneasy when these people with gas masks are silent.

Not even exchanging words or gazing at each other. The only sound surrounding this room is the emotionless breathing through gas masks.

‘Please. Even a single word or gesture will do. Just don’t ignore me.’ Kyo begs inside his head.

Maybe the Resistance Force sent them to rescue him after hearing that sound transmission. If so, that is pretty quick.

To think of, how did they make it? There is no way that the rescue squad used the teleport.

The Resistance Force doesn’t possess such an expensive technology yet. Or could it be - someone has been sent to check on Kyo and the junior soldier during their mission? Beats him… The brunette wonders.

Suddenly, he gets alerted.

Something is wrong.

After leaving this room, he notices another couple of people wearing the same color CBRN suits waiting for them outside.

However, they hold the most recent machine guns while standing and ignoring Shingo’s close presence.

Soon, this couple joins the same people who carry Kyo.

‘Why did they leave Shingo behind? At least they could have checked if he had a pulse, or he breathes and his irises reflexes. So why did they ignore and leave him?’ The brunette becomes more concerned while wondering.

Finally, Kusanagi realizes that the individuals in question were not dispatched by the Resistance Force.

Even if they can afford to buy these hazmat suits, they are in light green.

So, who are these people? Where are they taking him? Could it be - that the Imperial Army sent them to raid this spaceship, and Kyo got in their way and, now, will be captured as a war prisoner? Kusanagi ponders in rising fear while having so many unanswered questions.

Despite that, as Kyo is carried, he notices that Shingo’s body slides down until it reaches the ground. Lastly, behind the younger soldier’s head are long blood traces on the wall.

Meanwhile, Kusanagi feels bad for his fallen comrade and immediately looks away while letting out quiet whimpering noises.

It’s simply too much for him to handle.

---

Good half an hour has passed. Finally, Kyo notices an enormous spaceship. However, even he can tell that it’s not the Resistance’s.

So, what will happen to him? Will he be killed immediately and become a mere showcase? What if they find out that he is not an ordinary civilian?…

But Kyo refuses to think about it any further and takes it as his punishment for his carelessness, even if he is afraid to die.

In the end, the brunette slowly loses consciousness again and falls asleep without even realizing that this is only the beginning of the nightmare.

[Fmkitty]

Chapter 7.

 

 

It’s too bright, even with his closed eyes.

Finally, the white blinding light and the buzzing noise around the brunette wake him slowly from his long slumber.

Was it all only a terrible nightmare? Maybe he is resting in the healing capsule in the medical unit after another mission. Perhaps so…

Maybe he’ll wake up when the lid of the capsule is lifted. Kyo wonders.

A second later, he hears the voices in the distance. Yet, he cannot understand a single word of what these people are saying.

At that moment, the brunette feels like his head is filled with cotton and gradually aches.

What the hell happened? He thinks to himself with his eyes shut down.

However, he cannot move a single muscle. Soon, he realizes that his hands, chest, torso, and legs are tied up while multiple electrical pads are attached to his body.

But for now, while he groans, he slowly opens his eyes.

The first thing that Kyo notices is that behind the glass of the capsule, he is in a white room, and a single or a couple of people wearing medical coats are passing by.

Suddenly, Kusanagi’s self-awareness wakes up as well.

That is not the Headquarters of the Resistance Force! So, what in the world happened, and where is he? How long did he lose his consciousness? More importantly, what happened to Shingo? Is he still alive? Many questions like this attack Kyo’s mind while his heartbeat becomes quick and deeply breathing.

However, the sudden steaming noise of the opening capsule nearly startles the brunette.

As the lid lifts and white smoke surrounds the capsule, Kyo can only hear multiple footsteps and see vague figures approaching.

Apparently, one of them is the senior scientist who scolds someone. “You clumsy fool! What the hell have you done?!”

“I-I’m so sorry, sir! I-I just wanted to check his status.” The middle-aged man replies in a whimpering voice.

Yet, the other person scolds this pathetic man. “Sorry do not cut it when you’ll be eaten alive by worms! We barely managed to find another specimen, and you fucking broke the seal! You better pray that he would be still alive or else…”

As soon as the smoke is gone, Kyo sees he is in the laboratory or, at least, in one of the testing rooms.

On the left side of the room, a few large monitors are displaying black screens with constantly changing green digital data, body maps, and other information. A couple of scientists are monitoring these changes despite the noise in the room.

Meanwhile, the brunette is tensed by being the center of these scientists’ attention.

However, as the steel door opens, a stunning blonde woman with long hair, glasses, and a white lab coat enters, drawing everyone’s attention to the right side of the room.

Even despite her serious face and keeping her hands in her medical coat pockets, her graceful approach is intimidating.

Lastly, the same fool that has broken the seal fearfully cries. “Doctor Makishima!”

Meanwhile, the blonde doctor fixes her glasses and gets close to the capsule.

But for now, while she observes Kyo with her cold, piercing gaze, she asks. “How is he?”

As one scientist studies the monitor, he immediately responds. “Blood pressure - 142/80 mm/Hg, pulse - 90 times per minute, oxygen saturation - 98%. No other particular changes after the forced awakening.”

“Very well.” Makishima replies.

A moment later, she turns to the same person and speaks in a calm, malicious tone. “I hope you haven’t planned anything, Mr. White. However, next time, you should be more careful with our precious testing subjects because it’s difficult finding ones…”

After a brief pause, she adds. “It was nice working with you. Take care.”

When she snaps her fingers, a couple of soldiers wearing black suits and shiny armor helmets covering their faces enter the room.

Definitely, they aren’t from the Imperial Army. But they probably aren’t against them.

Lastly, these men take the pathetically screaming and begging White through the door.

After the automatic door shuts, Makishima addresses Kyo in a calm tone. “Oh my, you poor thing. How do you feel?”

However, Kusanagi refuses to say anything and only silently stares at her like a cornered, wounded animal.

Meanwhile, the blonde doctor comments. “You are still recovering after the shock, aren’t you? In any case, since you woke up, we can progress further.”

One of Makishima’s assistants, who appears to be in his forties, approaches the capsule and helps her remove the electrode pads from the brunette’s body.

Surely, being treated like a testing animal disgusts Kyo. However, no matter how hard he struggles, the straps around his body are too tight.

“You are sure a pretty lively fellow. It cannot be helped…” the blonde comments as she cracks a mocking smile.

While she grips Kusanagi’s elbow and makes sure that the vein on the inner side is exposed and staying still, she turns her head and addresses her assistant. “You know what to do.”

After this man leaves, he returns with the syringe filled with transparent liquid and removes air.

After he leans toward the brunette’s arm, he cleans the injection spot with a wet piece of cotton.

For sure, the stench of the alcohol only makes Kyo sick and turn his head away.

No matter how hard he tries to fight back, the tip of the needle already enters the blood vessel, and a cold liquid runs inside him.

What the hell is happening to his body? The brunette starts stressing as he slowly loses control over his body.

After Makishima and her assistant withdraw, they wait silently for a minute while observing their test subject.

Soon, the blonde doctor orders the group of scientists. “It’s safe to untie him now. Take him to the isolation unit.”

As these men untie one by one strap, she stares at Kyo like a viper on its prey.

Once the brunette is released from his restraints, he is dragged out of the capsule.

Unfortunately for him, along with feeling the cold, he can see himself, and it’s enough for him to turn his head away and lower it.

Right now, Kyo bites his lower lip as a burning sense of shame fills his head upon realizing that he is sleeping without wearing anything in this capsule.

First, his pride was stripped away in such a degenerated way on that abandoned ship.

Then, he is someone’s tool that is too weak to resist. For sure, it only builds the rising rage inside the brunette.

As Kyo raises his head and indignantly stares at the blonde scientist.

Yet, Makishima is unaffected by such intimidation and addresses him in a strict tone. “You do not need to look at us like that. We are not interested in capturing sex slaves. As long as you cooperate with us, we grant you safety.”

A second later, the assistant asks in a formal tone. “Should we put a tracker on him? Or should we send him straight to the room?”

The blonde only explains in a serious tone. “There is no need to rush. Let him rest for a while.”

In the end, Makishima and the group of scientists follow her while Kyo is taken to his destination.

---

An hour has passed, and the brunette reaches a long white corridor, in which each room door has an open view that reminds him of a prison cell - the main door is made from thick glass, and everything inside is very well visible.

However, the supposed-to-be residents of the cells are not moving at all or barely show any signs of vitality.

As if they lost the reason to live, and now they are nothing more than soulless bodies that are forced to exist. Even the air outside is soaked in despair and gloominess with shattered hopes and dreams.

Soon, the people who drag Kyo stop walking upon seeing that near one of the room doors, two scientists are chatting while waiting for someone.

One of them is a young man in the second half of his twenties with a light silver fluffy hair that can be mistaken for the platinum ones. Yet, it’s difficult to tell what kind of gaze he gives behind his glasses. Even if his full name is covered, there is a visible name ‘Kurama’ written on his ID card that rests on his coat’s pocket.

But at the moment, he seemed to be calmly explaining something to his assistant while keeping his hand in the medical coat’s pocket.

This person is a woman in her early twenties with long brown hair and a fringe that covers her eyes.

However, her stance is the opposite of Kurama’s. Instead of keeping her hands in her coat’s pockets and being more relaxed, she holds them closely while hugging a folder with important documents while fixating her adoring gaze on her precious professor.

Although she hasn’t an ID card, the brunette has a surgical scar on her throat and a black electric choker.

That’s right, it is one of the older artifacts before the Great War that was used to fix the prisoners’ behavior. After all, one wrong move, and it can send a high-voltage shock or trigger unimaginable pain and suffering to the wearer.

Unfortunately, during the war, this device got into the wrong hands. Thus, to this very day, it is used as a perfect tool for human trafficking and slavery.

But for now, Makishima’s voice draws this couple’s attention. “Professor, I brought you a new resident and you should have already received the sent data. Without a further ado, I’m entrusting him to you for a while.”

However, when Kyo slowly lifts his head, Kurama briefly widens his eyes and softens his gloomy gaze.

A second later, he fixes his glasses and replies while keeping his poker face. “Understood.”

After the silver-haired male turns his head, he asks his subordinate in a calmer tone. “Nemu, could you help me to get this poor thing into his room?”

When the long-haired brunette handles the documents to Kurama, she nods and approaches Kyo.

Once this woman kneels and takes Kusanagi’s arm, she throws him over her shoulder and stands up. Thus, she returns to Kurama’s side as if it is nothing.

As the silver-haired professor ruffles Nemu’s hair, Makishima explains to him. “Starting today and the following week, he stays here before he is ready to be transferred to another sector.”

Lastly, the blonde doctor and her assistants leave the isolation unit.

---

After Kurama enters the correct code on the panel, the glass door opens, and this couple brings Kyo to his new room.

Apparently, it’s a white minimalistic room where everything from bed to shower is in the same depressing color and soaked in the scent of the fresh sanitizer.

However, the same glass door from the inside is not transparent, and one cannot see what is happening outside.

After Kusanagi is lying on the bed, Kurama addresses him while keeping his serious face. “When you feel better, you can put these clothes on, which are left for you. I suggest you not to try anything funny unless you want your little friend to die.”

For sure, the last part alerts the brunette and freezes him in the same spot.

Could it be that Shingo is somewhere around here and alive? Or is it just a bluff? Whatever it is, he needs to know and see by himself.

However, just before he opens his mouth, Kurama and his assistant are about to leave.

Lastly, the silver-haired male fixes his glasses and adds. “After a couple of hours, you’ll get dinner and then you’re free to do whatever you want all night.”

Thus, as the automatic door shuts down, Kyo is left alone with many unanswered questions.

A good hour has passed. The drug’s effect is finally gone, and Kusanagi can move his body.

After sitting on the bed, the brunette quickly inspects his surroundings and notices something under the pillow.

So, these are supposed to be his new clothes, huh? Well, at least it is better than nothing. Kyo wonders, as he puts them on.

Even having a simple white t-shirt with a white cross with thin black corners, underwear, and matching color pants relieves him and, finally, lets him have some dignity back.

But for now, he needs to wait until tomorrow. Maybe then Kyo will find out what happened to Shingo. Or so Kyo decides as he lowers his head and sighs.

---

A new day has begun.

However, the sudden beeping sound against his forehead wakes up the brunette.

More so, the sensation of something pressing his finger drives away all his remaining sleepiness.

As Kyo groans and opens his eyes, he immediately panics upon noticing this Kurama person sitting next to him.

As the brunette tries to withdraw, the silver-haired professor frowns and speaks in a calm, ice-cold voice. “Stay still. I do not wish you any harm for you.”

After Kurama turns his gaze towards his subordinate, he politely asks her. “Nemu, can you prepare me everything for taking blood samples?”

When the professor finishes checking the temperature, blood pressure, and oximetry measurements, he focuses on checking for better veins in Kusanagi’s arms.

Of course, Kyo dislikes being touched by this man and wants to beat a living shit out of him.

However, he understands he cannot put Shingo’s life at risk again. After all, he wants to believe that the junior soldier didn’t die in vain just because of him.

Meanwhile, the silver-haired male only smiles when he finds such a good vein.

Thus, without saying a word, Nemu picks a tourniquet from a small suitcase and passes it to her adored person, who wraps it above Kyo’s elbow.

After Kurama stretches his palm, this woman gives him alcohol swabs, and he cleans the injection spot in the circling movement while enjoying himself.

When he gets a needle and testing tubes, the silver-haired male aims a needle at the thirty-degree angle and slowly inserts it into a vein.

For sure, even such a simple thing as getting inside the vein makes Kurama briefly chuckle, and without hiding his excitement, he asks his subordinate without removing his eyes from the injection spot. “Maybe I should allow you to do this… Please pass me the tubes.”

The long-haired brunette acts as if she is programmed to follow this man’s instructions, and she gives him a few testing tubes.

While the crimson dark blood fills the tube, Kurama adds in a nearly singing voice. “Look at this, Nemu~ Such fine veins… as if they are made for the injections. Next time, I’ll definitely let you try to do it by yourself.”

After this tube is full, Kurama switches to another tube and eventually to the last one.

When the professor finishes the procedure, he removes the tourniquet, and after he places the cotton on the needle, he suddenly removes the needle.

As he presses the small cotton ball against the injection spot with his fingers, the silver-haired male addresses Kusanagi. “Hold it for a couple of minutes, Kusanagi-kun.”

Suddenly, Kyo indignantly asks while keeping his demanding eyes on him. “How do you know my name?!”

While Kurama gently shakes the testing tubes, he replies in a sweet and innocent tone. “Oh my… So, don’t you remember how you called this boy’s name before he crashed into a wall?”

After this scientist stands, the light reflects on his glasses, and he adds. “I’ve seen the sent data of the security cameras. While your friend was still conscious and abandoned, you did seem having a good time behind the door.”

That’s it! He cannot allow to be insulted any longer. Kyo decides, as he lowers his head and grinds his teeth.

Suddenly, Kusanagi launches a punch into the professor’s face.

Despite that, Kurama manages to hold tightly testing tubes in his hand, and after a harsh hit, he places his palm on the stinging cheek.

However, as Kyo roughly breathes, he receives a powerful strike from Nemu into his guts.

For sure, despite her delicate and frail look, this long-haired brunette’s punch makes her opponent fall and twist his face in pain.

For now, all Kyo can do is stare at this inhumanly strong woman.

Even behind her bangs, her gaze alone warns that if she wanted, she would have killed him on the same spot.

After Nemu withdraws her hard, she checks on her precious professor and places her palm on his.

Meanwhile, Kurama only gently smiles and reassures her. “Nemu, I’m fine. The samples don’t look ruined. So, can you send them to the doctor for me? The rest of the data is written on the paper.”

While Nemu takes away the samples and gathers the remaining equipment into a small black suitcase, she hears a silent thank you before nodding and rushing through the door.

When they are left alone, Kurama addresses Kyo in a cold and strict tone while fixing his glasses. “You know, that Shingo boy was in worse condition than you. His life depends on you - one wrong step, and somebody may trip over the wire and unplug his life-support machine. I suggest you behave yourself tomorrow. Otherwise, you will receive a video clip of his last moments… I’m leaving you alone to think about your behavior.”

In the end, the silver-haired male bids farewell before taking his leave.

Thus, as he promised, neither the professor nor his assistant showed up for the day.

[Fmkitty]

Chapter 8.

 

 

A couple of days have passed. However, there are no signs of that professor or his assistant. Not even a single spirit has bothered showing up to check on Kyo.

Right now, even the slightest noise from outside alerts him and makes him anxious. More so, the black circles under his eyes are proof of the brunette’s sleepless nights, and his growing hunger slowly weakens him.

Despite that, he knows he cannot give up and has to figure out how to escape this place. But for now, while Kyo lies on the bed, he curls into a ball and closes his eyes.

Suddenly, the opening door makes him sit up and raise his guard.

Apparently, it’s the same familiar couple of scientists. More so, this Nemu person holds a tray with food and drinks.

Meanwhile, Kurama addresses the brunette in his usual calm manner. “How are you feeling? I hope you managed to calm down.”

After he chuckles, he adds. “My, you don’t have to give me such a look. Anyway, I figured out that you want something. Here. You need to regain your strength.”

When the silver-haired professor’s assistant approaches Kyo and the food tray next to him, he frowns and straightforwardly asks. “How is Shingo? If anything bad happened to him, I’ll make sure that all sickos like you won’t recover! Even you cowardly hiding behind this woman won’t save you!”

Instead of being intimidated by Kusanagi, Kurama only sighs.

After he swooshes his hair, he comments. “You sure are as energetic as the last time. I wonder how long you are going to keep acting like this. Well, as for that boy… No changes aside from him saying a few words during his sleep. He sure cares about you, Kusanagi-kun. Poor little guy... But I’ve heard someone mentioning that after a day or two, his life support might be discontinued. Unless…”

After he fixes his glasses, he adds with sensible malice in his voice. “I could try to over-talk doctor Makishima and make her reconsider her decision, but if only you are willing to cooperate with us. Don’t worry, as soon as your little friend recovers, we will erase his memory and release him. There is no use in him. On the other hand, you seem to show a high potential.”

Lastly, Kurama closes his eyes and smiles. “So, from now on, let’s get along.”

Meanwhile, Nemu silently observes her adored professor bending and stretching his hand toward Kyo. Even if her face may look indifferent, she narrows her piercing gaze.

Yet, Kusanagi backs off and brushes this male’s hand away. “How can I trust you? Show me a proof!”

When the silver-haired male gets serious and picks a few recent photos from his coat’s pocket, he replies. “I already guessed that you may ask about this.”

After he handles the photos to Kyo, he adds. “Look, I even went through all this trouble just for you.”

That person resting in the capsule with his oxygen mask looks similar to the same junior soldier who went on the mission with him. The brunette realizes it as he studies the photos.

After he lowers his head, he returns them to Kurama, who explains. “You have a couple of hours left before the procedure. So, why don’t you have something to eat or drink in the meantime?”

Lastly, he turns his head and addresses his assistant. “… Let’s go, Nemu.”

Meanwhile, this woman sighs and nods before leaving with her adored professor.

After the automatic door closes, the brunette punches the nearest wall and curses.

For sure, Kyo never had so much self-hatred that he wanted to disappear without a trace.

Unfortunately, his dry throat reminds him of his biological needs. Thus, he rushes to open a bottle of water and chugs it as if there is no tomorrow.

Yes. It’s dripping and spilling everywhere, but it tastes so good. It’s like the first water in ages for a parched person.

---

Two hours have passed. This time, two men in black suits and stainless iron masks enter his room.

Thus, without saying a word, they approach Kyo and press him against the bed.

Even when he desperately catches the air, one of these people presses his face against the pillow and ceases his slightest attempt at resistance.

As the bed creaks from the heavy pressure, the brunette’s arms are crossed behind his back, and along with the clicking sound, a cold pair of handcuffs is put on his wrists and feet.

However, when that crushing feeling is gone, one of these masked men pulls his hair and forcibly yanks his head up.

Are they enjoying his suffering? Who knows what expressions they make behind their masks? Kyo wonders as he roughly breathes and savors each gulp of air.

After they make the brunette stand on his feet, one guard holds his right arm while another grabs his left before dragging him out of the room.

In the end, Kyo feels like nothing more than a dirty criminal who is dragged into the long corridor to greet his punishment.

---

After a while of wandering through corridors and going down to the lower floors of this laboratory, the brunette is pushed into the operating room. Thus, upon the door shutting, Kyo is left under the care of the squad of surgeons.

The sudden beaming light from above makes them appear like terrifying shadows of threatening beasts looking down on poor Kusanagi as if he is nothing more than a small, frightened animal.

When the countless arms stretch toward him, they slam him on the cold iron examination table.

That light is so bright that Kyo instinctively closes his eyes while his heart rapidly beats.

But for now, two surgeons stand on his left side while another couple on his right.

These men’s faces are hidden behind face masks and caps along the glasses that reflect the brunette lying on the table. More so, that eery silence with cold respiring only makes Kyo tense.

Finally, the fifth surgeon makes his way and approaches his new victim.

After one surgeon offers him a kidney-shaped metal plate, that man picks a thick, ten centimeters long needle and a black color electric choker with at least half a meter hanging thin wire.

When the senior surgeon gets close to Kyo’s neck, he orders in a chilling, strict tone while he clicks on the choker and opens it. “Lie him down on his stomach and make sure he won’t move.”

However, the surgeon from the right side asks his superior. “Should we use anesthetics before the procedure, sir?”

“There is no need. In the best case, he would only survive for a couple more days. So, you do not need to waste drugs on scums like him. Just make sure that he won’t resist too much. One wrong move and his nervous system will be beyond repair,” the senior surgeon explains.

It doesn’t put Kyo at ease, who is held against his will. However, a sudden sharp pain in his nape makes him gasp and whimper.

After the thick needle pierces his skin and reaches his cervical spine, this surgeon inserts a thin wire through it and pushes it down.

Meanwhile, the brunette’s face twists in agony as a cold and sharp foreign body slowly goes down his spine.

More so, the time slows down during this painful procedure.

Yet, he does his best to hold back and not to shed any tears. After all, he cannot let these awful people enjoy his suffering.

An hour has passed. After a thin wire reaches Kyo’s lower back, the senior surgeon asks one of his assistants to pass him small pliers.

When he pushes a thick needle out of the brunette, he carefully cuts it and inserts the wire until the black choker touches his nape.

A second later, another assistant passes him tweezers with a squeezed cotton ball that is soaked in alcohol, and the senior surgeon cleans the bleeding area.

Lastly, he throws the dyed-red cotton into the instrument plate and fixes the electric choker on the immobilized brunette, who drools while his face is soaked from tears.

At that moment, Kyo only blankly stares into nothing while his head rests on the table, which is wet from his tears and saliva.

Meanwhile, when the doors open, one familiar doctor shows up and approaches Kyo.

While Makishima keeps her hands in her medical coat’s pockets, she observes Kusanagi without mercy, as if he is just a mere disposable testing subject.

After she fixes her hair and glasses, she addresses the surgeon team while keeping a professional tone. “Well done. Don’t forget to remove his cuffs and send him back to the isolation unit.”

Lastly, with these words, the blonde elegantly turns her back and takes her leave.

---

After a while, a couple of nurse assistants return Kyo lying on the camp bed to his room, where one silver-haired professor and his assistant are waiting for him.

Just before transferring him to his bed, the nurse assistant gives a pile of documents to Kurama. Thus, upon receiving a brief thank you, they leave.

Yet, Kurama only sighs and gently smiles while looking at Kyo, who still cannot move even a single muscle in his body, and greets him. “Welcome back. You did well.”

But for now, he adds before taking his leave. “Tomorrow we would need to test your reflexes. So, for now, you can rest. You deserved it.”

In the end, Kyo is left alone in his cell. Soon enough, he regains control over his body.

When he touches his new choker, he sheds another tear upon realizing that once a proud soldier like him has become nothing more than a toy in someone’s hands.

At that moment, he even remembers one redhead as he blankly stares into the ceiling.

Perhaps Yagami is still chilling out in the Headquarters, or he is already on another mission.

However, that should keep his mind distracted for a while, right? Or so the brunette hopes.

A second later, Kyo sighs and softens his gaze by thinking that after his unexpected disappearance during the mission, somewhere deep in the Resistance Force’s database, his status is updated to deceased.

Well, at least being known as someone who got killed during the mission sounds more appealing. Or so the brunette wonders while being strangely comforted by such a thought.

Even so. What would Iori do by learning about his supposed-to-be demise?

Certainly, his long-time mission partner won’t just sit with a hung head. That is one thing for sure.

Of course, like hell, that stubborn idiot won’t simply accept it!

Right now, Kyo is concerned about what can happen if Yagami loses control.

After all, when Iori is blinded by his emotions, it’s impossible to stop him or return him to his senses. Yet, there are only a couple of people in the entire Resistance base who can calm him.

Despite that, the redhead might try to do something as reckless as chasing Kyo down to the most distant corners of the universe. Even his own death would mean nothing to him and would get in his way.

Hell, Yagami won’t rest until he finds proof about his fallen partner on his own. The brunette doesn’t wish to be found by him as a dirty tool or how he was treated. And this is what Kyo is most afraid of.

Despite his worries and fear, the brunette wants to see him again. Even if it is for a brief moment. Even a short voice transmission and hearing his voice again would be more than enough.

Back in the day, they used to do it pretty often when one of them was on a mission. Besides, it was Kyo’s idea to keep in touch like this.

More so, this was the only way to keep Iori safe from acting recklessly, and it worked fine. And knowing that Yagami was calm and safe reassured Kyo.

More importantly, feeling how Iori started slowly opening for him comforted the brunette and strangely warmed his heart.

On the other hand, the redhead also was acting strangely, and that behavior can be irritating.

Even the way how he looks at Kyo… Why does he use such a demanding and curious gaze as if expecting something to happen?

More so, the redhead stubbornly insists that it’s only his imagination and that he has nothing better to do.

Either way, he understands he will know what makes Iori behave weirdly. After all, Kyo can be discarded at any moment. If not today, then tomorrow or another day.

But for now, the brunette crashes into bed and remembers about his still aching nape and spine. Yet, it’s not as bad as before. Thus, another restless night begins.

[Fmkitty]

Chapter 9.

 

 

After the restless night, the brunette falls asleep, even if it is already the early morning of the new day.

Finally, he can forget about any pain or neglect, even only for a short time. Besides, who knew that being able to doze out is bliss?

More importantly, remembering the early days of being a rookie soldier who was only running errands, joking with his friends, and getting scolded by the commander for pulling a prank or two reminds him of the peaceful times in his life that he took for granted.

In this dream, Kyo sees himself hanging out with a group of good friends in the local bar before returning to the Resistance Force Headquarters after a successful mission.

Suddenly, numerous long ghostly arms appear and remove him from this peaceful image.

Even if the brunette yells, his voice is mute, and no one notices his disappearance, like he is ignored by everyone while being dragged closer to the appeared and opened gate to the eternal darkness.

Lastly, despite his struggle, he is already in a new, grim world.

But for now, Kyo sees himself in the endless black void. More so, he is completely alone in a silent and lifeless world.

Eventually, a static noise disturbs the silence, and one junior soldier stands in front of him.

As the younger brunette opens his mouth, the static noise disappears, and he speaks up in an innocent yet sad voice. “Hey, Kusanagi-san…”

Meanwhile, Kyo only silently stares at him with wide-open eyes while his lips tremble. “Shingo, you… you’re alive? W-why are you here?”

However, Shingo closes his eyes and forces himself to smile while, instead of tears, the blood runs down his face. Even from the corners of his lips, the dark crimson liquid drips.

“... Can’t you remember? You abandoned me and left me to die, Kusanagi-san,” the rookie soldier replies in a gloomy tone.

Kyo only cracks a nervous smile and backfires. “What a hell are you talking about? I am right here! So, let’s get out of this place now. You are injured, you fool…”

Yet, Shingo places his hand on his side as it slowly dyes red. Soon, through the gaps in his fingers, the crimson liquid gushes out.

Suddenly, he groans painfully and throws up the blood.

Nevertheless, the younger brunette refuses Kyo’s help and warns him. “It’s too late for me… Run.”

When Shingo removes his palm, his bloody intestines fall out through the open wound.

Suddenly, Kyo’s knees give up on him while trying to shake off his guilt for failing to protect his mission partner and letting him die twice.

No matter how he desperately calls the junior soldier’s name, he receives no response. Thus, he is left alone in the dark void again.

A second later, a sudden headache strikes him, and he shuts his eyes and places his palms on his head while screaming in pain.

Even through his closed eyes, Kyo can feel how a pair of enormous, cold, yellow snake eyes stare at him. Soon, the reptile’s eyes narrow, and the brunette’s headache fades away.

Yet, the echoing hissing in this dark world gives him goosebumps all over his body.

After the brunette opens his eyes, he notices he lies on the ground and feels how someone has lifted his hands above his head and something thick wrapped around his wrists.

However, he knows it is not a rope or vine. Whatever it is, that thing is covered in smooth scales and is alive.

But for now, another gray snake appears and crawls closer to his left leg. At first, Kyo attempts to kick the approaching enemy, but this creature wraps its neck around his foot and slowly but successfully crawls up his leg.

Even through the fabric of his uniform pants, the brunette feels countless smooth scales rubbing against his skin.

Once the reptile reaches his thigh, it lifts its head and bites into the inner side.

Of course, it makes Kusanagi loudly moan, but the gray snake ignores him and continues crawling up his body.

Soon, this creature reaches his belly and slides its head under his shirt. Then it drifts in a zigzag pattern without missing a single spot of Kyo’s abs and chest.

More so, the brunette softly moans as the small split tongue licks all over his body. Eventually, his head is filled with a mix of fear and rising pleasure while wondering whether this is the effect of the poison.

Thus, within seconds, his body becomes more sensitive. Nevertheless, he hates how he is given to this primal lust so easily.

When the countless snake’s scales rub against his skin, the brunette loses his mind and gives in to the unknown, pleasant sensation.

At least no one will see or hear him in this never-ending darkness. Kyo ponders while catching his breath and letting out adorable whims and sighs.

Once the gray snake reaches the collar of his shirt, it lifts its head and looks into the brunette’s eyes while flicking its split black tongue.

Meanwhile, Kyo only stares back while giving a blushing and begging look.

However, the reptile only opens its mouth and reveals its sharp fangs while hissing at him.

Thus, without a second thought, the snake aims at the brunette’s exposed neck and sinks its fangs into his flesh.

It’s unbearable pain, yet there is nothing he can do to stop the ice-cold venom spreading in his body.

A few seconds later, another snake crawls closely to his face and enters his mouth.

Even if the brunette shakes his head and tries to use his remaining strength to spit out this invader, this snake moves down his throat and stomach as if it is nothing.

Meanwhile, something gently slaps Kyo’s cheek while an awfully familiar male voice calls him. “…sanagi-kun, …Kusanagi-kun…”

In the end, that voice repeating his name becomes louder until someone breaks the line between his dream and reality.

---

Thus, the Kusanagi heir wakes up covered in a cold sweat and roughly breathing.

A second later, he realizes he is lying on the bed and notices that next to him sits the fluffy silver-haired professor, who gently strokes his cheek and addresses him in a concerned tone. “Finally, you’re awake… Did you have a nightmare?”

But for now, Kurama only gives him a comforting smile, even if behind his glasses, his predatory gaze sparkles.

Meanwhile, Kyo gets alerted and moves to the top of his bed until he leans against the wall.

Upon noticing the suspiciously large bulge, the silver-haired male fixes his glasses and comments in a thrilled tone. “My, it seems I was wrong, after all… Maybe you had rather an exciting dream. No wonder why did you let these lewd noises.”

This remark makes the brunette grind his teeth and frown, and he threatens the professor. “Get away from me, you fucking pervert! Don’t touch me! I warn you!”

However, the silver-haired male only delightfully smiles and leans closer to Kyo. For sure, his partner’s harsh words do not affect him at all but sparkle his excitement.

Now, Kurama picks a small remote controller from his coat pocket and shows it to him. “Don’t forget in what kind of position you are, Kusanagi-kun. Your dear friend’s life is in my hands. One wrong step, and he is dead.”

After putting it back in his pocket, he sighs. “That would be very unfortunate, wouldn’t it? After all, you seem to have such a deep relationship with him. You even were calling his name before enjoying yourself~ Unfortunately, I had to wake you up.”

When the silver-haired professor picks transparent vinyl gloves and puts them on, he orders in a strict yet hypnotizing voice. “Listen. We have a very limited time before my assistant shows up. You might be not aware, but this room’s door is transparent from the outer side. So, I can help you to deal with your little problem before anyone notices. Unless you prefer being watched? Remove your pants and get on your fours. Or do you want me to assist you with that?”

For sure, such a request makes Kyo widen his eyes and growls. “You bastard… Why are you doing this?”

But for now, he silently stares at him like a small trapped animal.

After Kurama picks the same remote controller again, his thumb moves closer to one button while giving a piercing look. “The more you resist, the more you waste of your precious time. Remember, I hold power over you. One button press, and you’ll be electrocuted. No one aside from your dead body will care about that boy. If you die, he’ll be disposed of. So, it’s up to you what to do next.”

No matter how much Kyo despises the professor, he cannot risk losing Shingo twice. Even if he is just a toy in this man’s hands, he swallows his remaining pride and obeys this twisted person.

When he closes his amber eyes, the brunette shakily unzips his pants and lowers them.

After he gets on his fours and lifts his bottom, he opens his eyes and rests his head on his hands.

It is a helluva embarrassing position, and being observed by this man makes his cheeks and ears burn from such shameless behavior.

But for now, Kyo narrows his gaze and impatiently stares at Kurama. After all, it might be wiser to lower his ego and leave the rest to the silver-haired male.

Meanwhile, Kurama delightfully smiles and comments. “My, was it that hard to do it from the very beginning? But why did you stop?… Or do you want me to help you?”

The brunette only lowers his gaze and addresses him in a shy tone. “Just finish it quickly before I changed my mind and kicked your ass.”

It makes the silver-haired male chuckle, and he replies in a soft voice. “Fine by me. For now, I’ll take it as your best attempt at begging.”

After he leans close to his partner, he slides his palm into Kyo’s underwear and masterly removes this unnecessary piece of clothing.

Lastly, the brunette buries his face in the pillow to keep his voice down along his ashamed face.

While the silver-haired male’s hand moves to Kyo’s half-hard dick, another one slides under his t-shirt towards his chest area.

The brunette widens his eyes and gasps at such an unexpected gesture. Yet, he frowns and turns his blushing face to face the professor. “The hell you’re doing?”

However, instead of saying anything, Kurama strokes his member while his other hand massages his chest.

Nevertheless, the brunette does his best to endure this torture, even if all he can do is bury his head in the pillow.

He understands this is wrong, and he doesn’t want to be defiled again, but his body becomes even more sensitive just by this man’s touch and begging to be screwed.

More so, the brunette shamelessly mewls and lets out purring-like noises while being pleased by him.

Eventually, Kurama’s hand movement around his rock-hard cock is rougher and faster. For sure, Kyo can’t hold back his lovely moans any longer.

Even when the silver-haired male exposes his shoulder and bites into it, he lets out another adorable cry while shivering.

---

Meanwhile, behind the door, a young woman with long brown hair and a fringe covering his eyes and wearing a medical coat, a black tank top, and dark gray shorts hugs a red folder with important documents.

It’s the same woman with a back choker and a surgical scar on her throat. The professor’s loyal assistant - Nemu.

Apparently, a poor gal was curious about where her adored professor had been all this time. But now, her heart is broken by seeing what is happening behind the door. Even her poker face is already wet from the never-ending tears that land on her bust.

The brunette only bites her lower lip without being able to remove her eyes from the lascivious creature corrupting her one and only precious person.

At that moment, Nemu won’t forgive that teasing prick for snatching away from her adored Kurama.

It doesn’t matter if that creature is just another testing subject. It’s her new rival.

However, this scientist only wipes her tears with the sleeve of her white coat and silently walks away.

For now, she only needs to wait patiently for the professor in the testing room and adjust some settings of one program.

---

Meanwhile, Kyo is close to reaching his limit when being tormented by the silver-haired male. Besides, his mind is already submitted to the pleasure. At the moment, all he can do is out these sweet whims and cries.

Soon, the brunette lets out a long erotic moan and climaxes as his hot and thick semen shoots on the bedsheet. Lastly, he collapses to the side while his mind is blank, and sees only a blinding white color.

While his chest bloats and deeply breathes, his sense of shame and self-hatred returns slowly.

However, he can also feel Kurama ruffling his hair and praising him. “Good boy. You did well.”

After the silver-haired professor picks an empty testing tube and a swab from his pocket, he opens the tube.

When he scopes a generous amount of Kusanagi’s seed, he puts it into a tube.

When he closes the testing tube and puts it back in his pocket, he addresses Kyo. “Let’s go. Probably, by this moment, my assistant should show up.”

After Kurama removes and drops the vinyl gloves, he reassures him. “Don’t worry. This procedure won’t take long, and it shouldn’t be painful. Besides, when we are gone, your room will be cleaned.”

But for now, the brunette slightly frowns while fixing his clothes and lazily standing. On the other hand, he won’t be dragged by the force like the last time.

Even if he can knock out the professor and run away, he knows this bastard might try to pull something up his sleeve. Therefore, in the worst case, Shingo and he will be killed.

In the end, no matter how much Kyo doesn’t want to admit, he has to endure any pain or humiliation to figure out where is Shingo kept.

But for now, the brunette swallows the saliva and follows Kurama while preparing himself for the worst-case scenario.

[Fmkitty]

Chapter 10.

 

 

When they leave the room, Kurama looks around, but there is no sign of his assistant.

After he closes his eyes, he murmurs. “Don’t tell me you are still asleep, Nemu… It cannot be helped that I have to look after you.”

But for now, he calmly addresses Kyo on their way. “It seems I would need to go to my room and sort out a couple of things first. So, for now, all you need is to do is to keep me a company.”

Meanwhile, the brunette remains silent and plays along with this man’s rules.

After a while, by walking in the familiar white corridor, they reach the automated door from the right side, and the silver-haired male picks up the ID card from his coat’s pocket.

Just before he strokes it against the card slot, he is interrupted by the irritated Kusanagi. “When can I see Shingo? I just want to check by myself whenever he is fine or not.”

However, the fluffy silver-haired male fixes his glasses without looking back and answers. “Be patient. You’ll see him soon after the testing procedure.”

After swiping the ID card, the iron door opens, and Kurama steps inside and turns his head. “You can come inside.”

---

When they are in the room, the silver-haired professor picks a testing tube from his pocket and places it on the stove with other tubes. Yet, something catches his eye.

Apparently, some documents which were left on the working table were missing.

But for now, he gently smiles and sighs. It seems his assistant is one step ahead of him. Even so, it’s unusual for her to do anything without his approval.

Perhaps that woman has finally decided to stop acting like a dog that never leaves his side unless he asks.

After all, she is too docile and never disagrees with Kurama. Hell, even Nemu’s choker is fake and nothing more than her own sign of her thought years of loyalty. Despite that, the professor never asked for this, but as long as his subordinate does her job, he doesn’t mind it.

Besides, he feels nothing but pity for this woman, who was once a proud and lively scientist with ambitions higher than any mountain and also had been passionate about her work.

That’s why Kurama cannot understand when and why she degraded herself to a mindless spirit that only exists to serve.

Maybe he is the one who made a mistake in allowing her to be his assistant. Who knows?…

But for now, he checks on the brunette and addresses him. “My, it seems someone was ahead of us. It cannot be helped, then… Anyway, why don’t you sit down for a while? I’ll turn on the coffee machine and bring you some snacks.”

Kyo only gives him a suspicious look and asks. “Why should I trust you?”

Yet, the professor chuckles and replies calmly. “You still have got no breakfast yet. Besides, I don’t want you to pass out during today’s test. So, why don’t you try to relax until then?”

Despite not trusting this man, the brunette listens to him and sits on the office chair in front of the working table while Kurama heads towards the door that leads to another room where he probably rests.

However, it doesn’t take much time, and the silver-haired professor returns while carrying a cup of hot scented liquid and a small glittering package and places it carefully on the table.

Apparently, it is one of the new-generation nutrient bars that has become a substitute for food products because they are much cheaper and faster to produce.

They also contain the same nutrient value as regular food products that nowadays are only a privilege to the rich people.

More so, these nutrient bars come in different flavors that are supposed to emulate how food tasted a few centuries ago. In this case, Kyo got a chicken flavor.

Even if the brunette is not a fan of this flavor, he doesn’t complain and silently accepts it.

After he peels off the rustling package, he nibs it while feeling like being watched. Nevertheless, his hunger wins this time, and he ignores the professor’s presence.

Meanwhile, Kurama is glad to see the Kusanagi heir eating from his hand with a little stress.

Even if it is for a moment, the brunette looks like an accurate replica of someone whom he knew in the past.

Maybe it’s nothing more than a coincidence or a cruel joke, but he is glad, but at the same time, it hurts to see him again. Why does he have to have the same face and look like him? Kurama thinks to himself.

After a while, Kyo finishes drinking a cup of herbal tea and hopes it doesn’t contain anything weird.

A second later, Kurama asks him. “Are you feeling better? Should we go?”

Lastly, when the silver-haired male reaches the exit door and unlocks it with his ID card, both leave the room.

---

A half-quarter of an hour has passed. Kurama repeats the same procedure to unlock the supposed-to-be testing room, and the iron door kindly opens for them.

Inside this room, there is an area separated by a thick wall with a large bulletproof glass window, and below it is the control panel. Behind the window, there is an expensive-looking recliner covered in black leather, along with the latest version of VR glasses and headphones.

Lastly, near the panel, a familiar scientist is already waiting for them with her usual preserved look.

But for now, Kurama comments. “It seems you have already prepared everything.”

When Nemu expects to be praised, the silver-haired male asks her. “But first, can you help me to prepare Kusanagi-kun for the procedure? I just want to make sure that you’ll know how to do it on your own next time if you may need to work with someone else.”

But for now, Kurama turns his head and gives Kyo a comforting smile while leading him to the testing zone. “We need to test your reflexes, and it shouldn’t take long. So, why don’t you relax and leave it the rest to the program?”

Once the brunette is next to the recliner, Nemu politely points at the recliner with her palm and silently prompts him to sit down.

When he rests his arms on the arm pads, he becomes alert when Kurama and his assistant tie up his wrists with sturdy leather straps.

Suddenly, he indignantly speaks up while resisting. “What a hell you’re doing?! Untie me before I’ll put you into your place!”

While the professor works on putting the straps around his test subject’s ankles, he replies in a chill tone. “Calm down. I’m just making sure that you won’t harm yourself. That’s it.”

When he finishes with the current task, Kurama adjusts the final straps around Kyo’s waist and chest. For sure, being tied up like an animal only infuriates Kusanagi. Unfortunately, he understands he is not in a position to object, and it only hurts his pride even more.

Lastly, Kurama puts the VR visors and headphones on him, leaving the brunette in the darkness.

After several minutes, Kyo feels how cold electrical pads are stuck on his temples, under his t-shirt, around his heart area, and near the elbow veins.

A second later, a familiar voice addresses him through headphones. “Can you hear me? Nod if you can. Then we can process further.”

Without having a choice, Kyo slowly nods and listens to the further instructions. “Listen, you should see a view in any second…”

A few seconds later, Kurama adds. “Can you tell me what you see?”

Soon, the image appears, and he sees himself in some abandoned prison cell and someone menacingly approaching him.

Yet, Kyo only nervously chuckles and mockingly comments. “It’s sure nothing really different from how you keep me and I even got a cellmate. However, for some reason, he is not that happy seeing me.”

Meanwhile, Kurama is confused by such an answer and checks on the displayed data on the panel and, later, on his subordinate, who also wears a pair of VR visors.

He can swear that this woman is smiling while working on the keyboard. Surely, it makes him suspicious, but he trusts Nemu for now.

For now, he speaks with Kyo through the microphone in a slightly concerned tone. “Do not hesitate to say a word if anything hurts you, got it?”

However, when a thin laser beam touches his hand, Kusanagi groans and tries to move his hand. Another laser touches his other hand - the same reaction, but now, he shakes his head.

When the laser points to his left cheek, the brunette grinds his teeth and turns his head while groaning. “… You bastard…”

As another laser beam points at his abdomen, Kyo screams in pain and roughly breathes.

Meanwhile, Kurama crosses his arms and observes how the laser randomly points at him and how he responds to it.

As the fluffy silver-haired male checks on the data, he gets alert upon seeing the distorted heartbeat and breathing.

‘What a hell that woman is doing? The test subject shouldn’t scream in agony! In the worst case, it should be only a slightly irritation…’ the professor ponders.

However, it is the last drop of Kurama’s patience when Kyo’s suffering becomes unbearable, and he may tear the leather straps.

Suddenly, he approaches Nemu and removes her VR visors.

Yet, she only innocently stares at him while he puts the VR visors on. For sure, she has never seen her adored person so worried before.

Soon, Kurama grinds his teeth and yells at her. “Nemu! What is the meaning of this?! Turn the switch off. Now!”

After he tosses the VR set and pushes her away, he enters a specific command to turn off the system and storms into the testing zone to remove all the straps and devices from the brunette’s body.

While he handles the current task, he notices that Kyo’s entire body twitches, his eyes are wide open, and his face is wet from tears and drooling. A few seconds later, Kusanagi lets out a final gasp before he stops moving.

When Kurama places his fingers on Kyo’s sleep artery, he senses a pulse and sighs. ‘Fortunately, he only lost his consciousness.’

Lastly, after he picks up his phone from his pants pocket, he calls Doctor Makishima.

Meanwhile, Nemu only silently stares through the window. Surely, she doesn’t like how her precious professor behaves - that cold and serious look on his face, his stiff shoulders, and his walking in circles while talking with gods who know who.

Several minutes have passed. After Kurama ends the call and puts his phone back in his pocket, he leaves the testing area with a dark look on his face. For sure, it doesn’t look promising, and even the female scientist understands that.

After Kurama approaches his subordinate, he gives her a cold, piercing look and speaks up in a strict tone. Didn’t I already say that if you don’t get something, just ask instead of doing something stupid? It seems you’ve changed the settings incorrectly and Doctor Makishima was not very pleased about it because that is not what she asked us to do. So, why did you do that in the first place?”

But for now, he places his palm on her shoulder and continues. “Nemu, don’t tell me you saw what we did today?”

The brunette is genially shocked by such an accusation and looks at him with a guilty look on her face, hoping to be forgiven.

However, it doesn’t affect the silver-haired professor, and he explains in a judgemental tone. “You know, it’s none of your concern if I need to assist someone to take the ordered samples. So, if you think you can show your guts by causing someone the pain, then… I suggest you work with someone else. This time, I’ll pretend that nothing happened today. So, that’s all for today. You are dismissed.”

Thus, with these words, Kurama returns to the testing area while he ignores how this woman fell on her knees and silently sobbing.

Once he is close to the unconscious Kusanagi, he places his arm around his shoulders and makes him stand. After several minutes, they left the testing room.

---

A good hour has passed, and Kyo wakes up. However, when he opens his eyes, he is alerted by the realization that it is not his cell. Even if he is in the small bedroom, it’s pretty dark here.

Soon, someone turns the lights on, and he spots a familiar figure showing up through the gap in the door. Apparently, it’s the same silver-haired male, but he doesn’t wear his medical coat.

As Kurama observes the half-sitting brunette, he gives him a warm smile. “So, you’re awake? Took you long enough… Anyway, how do you feel?”

After a brief pause, Kyo asks him. “What am I doing here? Have you done anything wrong with me again?”

The silver-haired male only fixes his glasses as he approaches his partner. After sitting next to him, he replies. “Rest assured. I’m off duties for today. So, let me relax for a bit… Unless you want anything.”

As Kyo clenches his hands into fists, he gives a demanding look. “You’ve told me that once it’s over, I will see Shingo. So, where is he?”

However, Kurama’s face darkens, and he is briefly silent. After he sighs, he confesses. “I’ve talked with Doctor Makishima while you were dozing out. Along with reporting about the test results… Unfortunately, your dear friend didn’t make it. He died this morning. I’m sorry.”

Suddenly, Kyo widens his eyes and remains dumbfounded.

At first, he thought maybe he had misheard it. Maybe it’s a mistake or misunderstanding, right?

Unfortunately, he freezes in the same spot and, a couple of minutes later, collapses on Kurama. But for now, he rests his face against his chest without caring about anything for a while.

After all, his last ray of hope is finally dimmed and taken. It doesn’t matter if he is vulnerable or not. That man can do as he wishes with him. Lastly, as the tears run down his face, Kyo only wishes to sleep for eternity.

---

Back to the tragic day in the NESTS spaceship. After the mysterious soldiers have taken Kyo away, Shingo is left alone in this spaceship.

At the moment, he is still in the world of the never-ending darkness while his blank eyes stare into the void. Besides, it’s already clear what fate awaits the young soldier.

An hour has passed. A young woman in a military uniform and blue ponytail wanders in the corridor and discovers the remains of dead people and animals.

However, judging from her straight, unbothered face, she is already used to seeing such a view that it doesn’t gross or scare her now.

As she walks further, she notices a familiar rookie soldier resting against the wall, and next to him, the remains of the tentacle creature.

Thus, without hesitation, this gal uses her sound transmission device and speaks up in a formal tone. “This is Leona. I have found one of our soldiers and he is heavily injured.”

When Leona kneels to check his pulse on his sleep artery, she states. “His pulse is weak, but he is still alive. There are also a lot of remains of various, from what I can assume, test objects. Aside from that, there is only a bunch of useless trash.”

After she notices an open door facing Shingo, she continues. “Sir, there is also a huge door in front of me. However, there are only the scattered remains of some kind of monster. Should I invest any further?”

In less than a minute, Leona closes her eyes and nods before turning off the sound transmission device. “Understood.”

When the blue-haired soldier enters the spacious room, she scans her surroundings. However, she widens her eyes after noticing a weird-looking panel.

When she inspects it, Leona uses her sound transmission device again. “This is Leona. Ralf, Clark, you have to see this. Over…”

[Fmkitty]

Chapter 11.

 

 

Meanwhile, in one of the rooms, where one certain redhead was resting. It seems that after a couple of hours he could finally calm down. However, all of a sudden, he hears a rustle outside. Surely, it annoyed him as hell, and now he wanted to shut down whoever dares to disturb him. So, after lazily leaving the bedside, Yagami decides to check, who are these unfortunate souls asking to die. Once he enters the code, the steel door opens. Apparently, it were a couple of male soldiers chatting outside. However, upon noticing this man's menacing presence, both soldiers moves out of his way. It appears that it was much wiser not to get into his bad side. Of course, Iori ignored such a reaction and continued his way through the long corridor leading to Headquarters and medical until. Perhaps, there would be any updates about the looting mission and Kyo. Or so, hoped this redhead while keeping his hands in the pants’ pockets.

Some time has passed~ From the first glance, everything seem to return to normal, like that awful sound transmission didn’t happen in the first place. Even both of operators were over-whelmed by the work when a countless amount of data. Nothing seemed to exist in the world for these two gals, aside to flashing numbers and letters. Not even a single minute to rest.

More important, there were no sign of commander as well. It can’t be helped then, so, that bastard should consider himself lucky for being not on a sight, or so, Yagami thought while leaning against the wall near the entrance door. That’s right, like never before, Iori’s fists were itchy for personally to deal with the commander. After all, it was this fool’s fault not only to send not so experienced soldier together with still green rookie on same mission. However, also for not letting Yagami to join this mission and make sure that Kyo would be under his watch.

Nevertheless, the more this redhead stays in Headquarters, the more irritated and anxious he felt. So, without further ado, he takes his leave. Perhaps, during the time when he was dozing out, one certain brunette already have returned and now having his wounds treated by Chizuru. So, paying a visit to the medical until shouldn’t do any harm.

It didn’t take long enough to reach the destination place. However, the metal door of the medical unit were wide open, and it was unusually noisy. That's right, that rustle was hearable even from the corridor. Yagami enters the room he notices the rescue squad carrying someone in the stretchers. It was hard to tell, who it was, thanks to rushing medical staff blocking the view. More so, that a familiar looking long ebony-haired woman wearing a long white coat was discussing something important with a young bluenette soldier. Meanwhile, two tall muscular type men were transferring the injured rookie soldier into a healing capsule. However, Iori storms into the room “What a hell is going, Kagura? And how is he?!”. When the redhead noticed the face of the unconscious young man, he widens his eyes and remains speechless. While his gaze dumbfounded follows this brunette, Iori comments in quiet pitiful tone “I don't get it…’’. After cracking a smile, he continues with such a disbelief in his voice ‘‘Where is Kyo? This is not Kyo…’’. Lastly, the redhead lost his patience ‘‘WHERE IS HE?! WHY IS THERE ONLY THAT SHITTY BRAT?!”.

Yagami only lowers his head and growls. Surely, such a thrown tantrum made him a center of attention for the brief moment, but soon enough the medical team focuses on saving the junior soldier's life. Unfortunately, the next target to let out his rage was a blue-haired woman. Thankfully, Chizuru was fast enough, and now she grabs this redhead from behind and holds him. As Yagami struggles he shouts at this medic “Let me go, you stupid woman!”. After escaping from Kagura's grasp, Iori was about to grab Leona by her jacket, yet the massive arm in between them momentary ceases the rampage of the redhead. Apparently, that arm belonged to a tall short-haired blond soldier, who wore a pair of sunglasses. Meanwhile, this man gives a serious look, Iori feels how a heavy hand was placed on his shoulder, which was followed by the male voice from behind ‘‘Chill out, little man. Or do you want to visit the isolation so badly? ’’.

After turning his head, Iori noticed another tall soldier, who wore a red bandanna through which gaps there were visible dark curly hair. However, without even the slightest affected, Leona addresses both soldiers “Clark, Ralf, I'm fine. But, if you have a time to waste on that amateur, then clearly it seems that you have too much of free time on your hands, don't you think? Let's go, we still need to report to the Commander about the survivors in the NESTS spaceship and what we found.”. The bluenette soldier calmly with-draws and without paying attention to Yagami, was about to her leave. Of course, her comrades follows her as well.

Yet, Iori didn't want to let it go this easily. So, just as the blue-haired soldier was about to walk through the steel door, Yagami indignantly yells “Don't fucking act so proud just because you are commander's daughter, you useless fool!’’. However, his words didn’t affect Leona a bit, nor she even bothered to look back at this mocking idiot, who keeps barking for no good reason. Despite that, the redhead continued his hateful speech ‘‘You cowardly bi- ''. Unfortunately, before finishing the sentence, a harsh sound of slapping spreads across the room.

Even a woman, who seem to have unlimited tolerance for both — Kyo’s and Iori’s shenanigans, finally, lost her patience. Meanwhile, Yagami covers his hurt cheek, he dumbfounded stares at Chizuru, who could barely keep her face calm ‘‘Enough is enough! You’re allowing yourself too much, Yagami.’’. After shaking her head, the ebony-haired woman continues ‘‘It is already a miracle that at least one of them arrived safely. That’s why, show some gratitude for the Rescue Squad. Think, Yagami, when Yabuki would awake, he could tell us what exactly happened to him and Kusanagi in detail. But for now, let us do our job in peace. Believe it or not, but not you are the one who is shocked.’’.

When Kagura gives more forgiving gaze for the redhead, she tries to convince him ‘‘Just before you storm in, Leona mentioned that after picking up Yabuki, they noticed the camera inside one of the rooms. Perhaps, there should be a recorded material of what may happen before the Rescue Squad shown up. So, why don’t you give everyone a bit more of the time? Then you’ll know whenever Kusanagi is somewhere alive or… not.’’. However, Iori didn’t want to hear anything else and now just stared with such a dissatisfaction and disappointment at this medic. He just closes his eyes and walks towards the capsule surrounded by the few medical staff. After opening his eyes, Yagami observes the peacefully resting young brunette, filled with pure hatred and disgust towards him. Now he murmurs ‘‘It’s all your fault… I’ll make sure that the day when you’re awake would be the beginning of your torture. You’ll regret being alive, you fucking bastard.’’.

Lastly, without wasting any time, the redhead soldier turns around and takes his leave while ignoring every single person’s presence. For today, he had enough. Fortunately, he hasn’t met anyone on his way. One wrong gesture or word, and it would be a good reason to kill that unfortunate person on the same spot, or so, thought Iori.

A week has passed~ There were no news or updates of what happened in NESTS spaceship, and it concerned and made Yagami more and more anxious. At some point, he even sensed that the truth was being hidden from him. More important, he cannot access the files of all Resistance soldiers or decrypted data from NESTS spaceship. First, they are being stored in commander’s room. Secondly, not everyone could enter this room whenever they want. That’s right, only those who have special permission can enter it. However, it was impossible to sneak out, mostly because of that pesky couple of operators and, of course, the security cameras.

On the other hand, Iori got an idea how to get the wanted information. Perhaps, if he tries to bribe the operators, these, how he calls, foolish women would send him a copy of the recorded video. If that doesn't work, the redhead decided to continue to negotiate with them, and in worst-case scenario — threat them until he gets what he wants. However, now, the biggest issue was that he won’t be sent on a mission. So, for now, he needs to wait for the right moment when one of the operators would be on the break and then lure them into a more desolated room.

Meanwhile, in the medical unit, the office of the main doctor~ Chizuru was restlessly working on the reports about the patients’ condition. It was an exhausting job, but there were no time to complain or get too emotional. After all, like any other medical staff, her shoulders were carrying a lot of responsibility. So, one tiny mistake, and it might cost someone’s life. That’s why, no matter how much there are pressure or stress, but the ebony-haired woman doesn’t want to allow any more countless vain deaths. More so, it was her decision to join Resistance Force and in her own way to repent for her sins of the past.

Several years ago her talent to make various drugs, which were like a sweet poison, which drives people crazy until their last gasp. So, without having a power to oppose to one local criminal organization, she had to work all day and night. However, thanks to Resistance soldiers and commander’s kind heart, she was saved and set free. Later on, Kagura convinced that now her death won’t change anything, and the only way to made up for the suffering and deaths, was now saving people’s lives by her fine medical skills.

Back to present. The monitor’s light was reflecting on this determined woman’s face while she was carefully analyzing the data and taking the notes into her notepad.

However, all of a sudden, the automated steel door opens, and it was followed by the concerned voice of a young woman ‘‘Doc-doctor Kagura, this is really important! Please, you need to see this!…’’. After she spins her chair to see to whom belonged this voice, Chizuru replies in serious yet calm tone ‘‘What happened, Yukari-chan?’’. Apparently, it was a young nurse in her late teen years, who had long curly purple hair and amethyst color eyes. Like any other nurse, she wore a green color shirt, matching color skirt below the knees and the white medical coat. While Yukari hugs the folder, she continues ‘‘He… he is… We are not sure if Shi-, -er, Yabuki is rejecting the me…me… medicine, but… but he is in pain and tries to say something!’’. Once the doctor immediately stands up, she rushes into the medical unit where are the capsules with patients in bad condition. Thankfully, it took only a couple of minutes to reach it.

When Chizuru and Yukari enters the room, she rushes while remaining calm towards the capsule in which was struggling one certain brunette. Meanwhile, the ebony-haired woman asks about the brief information about the Shingo’s condition, she listens while entering the code in the panel near the transparent lid. After the glass lid was opened, she observed how this soldier’s face was twisting in pain and turning his head on opposite sides while he was roughly breathing and turning his head on opposite sides. Now his eyes were wide open, and he instantly sits up. Even his first words were a desperate call ‘‘KUSANAGI-SAN!’’. While he was heavily breathing, poor brunette quickly scans his surroundings. After lowering his head, Yabuki’s lips were nervously shaking and through gritted teeth the sorrowful and pitiful whine escapes ‘‘Damn…’’. When he leans forward and covers his eyes, he continues ‘‘Why… why it had to happen?’’.

However, Kagura only softens her gaze and places her hand on Shingo’s bare shoulder. Surely, it startled him, and now this brunette slowly lifts his head up and dumbfounded stares at her ‘‘Kagura-san?… What… what am I doing here?’’. Chizuru calmly replies while removing her hand from Yabuki’s shoulder ‘‘Don’t push yourself so hard. It’s alright now. You’ve been saved by the rescue squad. So, for now, rest as much as you can. Then you can tell us about what happened in that spaceship.’’. After hearing this answer, Shingo’s gaze was filled with guilty ‘‘Is Kusanagi-san is also here? How is he? I need to apologize to him.’’. The black-haired doctor only closes her eyes and sighs, after opening them, she answers ‘‘Sadly, you cannot see him now. He is missing.’’.

Of course, this news made him clench his hand around his heart area ‘‘So, was he killed by that monster then?… Damn… it’s all my fault! I was useless and couldn’t protect him!… Why did you leave me alive then!?’’. Now the purple-haired nurse silently speaks up ‘‘Shingo-kun…’’ as she watches how this brunette was slowly sinking into despair. However, Chizuru replies in strict tone ‘‘Blaming yourself or jumping to conclusions won’t return Kusanagi. First, you need to recover. Then, you can look for him and see by yourself, if he is alive. So, promise me that while I’ll go to report to commander that you’re awake, you’ll let us take care of you.’’.

The fellow soldier could only doubtfully stare, however, soon enough he replies like child, who was scolded ‘‘Alright. I get it. Sorry… and thank you, Kagura-san. But can I get something to put on? It is cold outside here.’’. Surely, this doctor felt relieved that Yabuki was slowly returning to his normal self. So, before taking her leave, she turns her head addresses Yukari ‘‘Can you make sure that Yabuki would get something to wear? If I’m not mistaken, there should be a spare pajama. Then, when he feels better, could you show him where he could rest? I would be very grateful for your hard-work as usual, Yukari.’’. With these words, Chizuru leaves the room and now while there were one concern less, she needed to make sure that one certain redhead would stay away from the rookie soldier for a while. So, later on, warning the medical staff about possible unpredictable behavior of Yagami was her high-priority.

[Fmkitty]

Chapter 12.

 

 

Couple more days have passed since Shingo is recharged from the Medical Unit. Even though he recently recovered, he was already sent on a new mission. However, there was still a lot of time left until the departure. So, the brunette decides to visit the Medical Unit.

As soon as he reaches the senior doctor's room door, he presses the button next to the door frame and speaks into the microphone ‘‘Hello? Kagura-san, are you here? It’s me — Shingo. Can I come in?’’. Even if he patiently waited for several minutes — no answer.

‘Perhaps, she has an important meeting…’ — Or so, the brunette wonders. Now, Shingo turns around and heads back to his room, where he can rest before the new mission. As Shingo wanders in the corridor without paying too much attention to the surroundings, suddenly, he bumps into someone. This couple instantly and politely apologizes in unison.

As soon as Shingo looks down, he notices the young nurse with long purple curly hair, who is too busy picking up the scattered papers. Without any second thought, he kneels and helps her.

“I-it's okay! Pl-please, you-you don't need to worry about this.” — nervously says Yukari while she is concentrating on the papers.

Just the moment when their hands touch accidentally, they look at each other. Suddenly, the heat rushes to their cheeks as this couple stare at each other without saying a word. Soon enough, the brunette turns his head, and while he rubs his nape, he handles the gathered papers. As the nurse takes the papers and dumbfounded stares at Yabuki, she thanks in a shy voice.

After they stand up, Shingo asks in a concerned tone “Are you alright? Did I hurt you?”.

Yet, the purple-haired gal lowers her gaze while she hugs the folder “Um, I'm fine… I think. Perhaps, I was only on your way, Shi-, er, Yabuki-kun.”.

“N-no, I'm the one who should be apologizing for not paying the attention. Anyway, you don't have to be so formal with me, Yukari-san. Of course, if it is fine by you. So, you can call me 'Shingo'.” — Quickly replies the soldier. Now, he adds “Anyway, have you seen Kagura-san?”.

However, Yukari only shakes her head, and replies in a slightly apologetic tone “I'm sorry, but I haven't seen her. Maybe she is still in the meeting. Do you need anything from her?”.

“I see… I just wanted to tell her that I'm leaving soon.” — Or so, replies Yabuki.

It appears that such news is unexpected for this nurse, who just asks in a concerned tone “You're leaving? That soon? But you barely recovered, Shingo-kun… A-are you going to be alright?”.

Lastly, the brunette sighs and, as he places his hand on the purple-haired girl's head, she suddenly closes her eyes and lets a silent whimper. But once she feels how her hair gets ruffled, she opens her eyes.

Now, Shingo comforts her “Please, you don't need to worry about that. Kagura-san once mentioned that you were working-hard and took care of me. So, I should be more than fine, Yukari-san.”. Certainly, the brunette's face radiated with pure innocence and happiness, which could brighten up anyone even at the darkest time.

But for now, the young soldier adds in a cheerful tone ‘‘So, thank you so much!’’. Seeing one of her patients quickly recovers and honestly shows gratitude, assured the young nurse. She even feels convinced that she should have more faith in Yabuki. Yet, she still wonders what the head of the medical unit has told Shingo.

That’s why, the purple-haired uses her chance, and after she gathers all the courage, she asks the brunette ‘‘Um, Shingo-kun? Can ask you something?’’.

‘‘Sure thing. What is it?’’ — replies Yabuki.

‘‘I was wondering, whenever, if it would be okay with you, of course… If you don’t mind. I was thinking for a while. Maybe it would be nice if we could hang out someday.’’. — Yukari confesses. Lastly, she impatiently waits for the reply.

After a short pause, the brunette gives his answer, ‘‘Well, I don’t mind that. I mean, if we have a free time. How about we can give it a try when I return from the mission, I could visit you?’’.

For sure, such a reply not only relieves the young nurse but also makes her happy. Now, she delightfully nods. But for now, the young soldier helps her with carrying the paper.

Some time has passed. Finally, it is about the time when Yabuki should depart. When he arrives at the port, he notices that his partner is already here. It appears that one certain redhead soldier has been here for a while and fed off of waiting. While he is leaning against the wall with his crossed arms and observes one of the spaceships, Yagami addresses Shingo in a serious tone ‘‘What a hell, you’ve been taking so long?’’.

The brunette only lowers his gaze and defends himself ‘‘I’m sorry. I just had a-’’.

Yet, the redhead interrupts him while harshly spitting out the words ‘‘I don’t care! Let’s just get it going. You're already wasting my time.’’.

One thing is for sure, Shingo cannot understand what he has done wrong to this man. After he checks the time — there are still a few minutes left before departure. Perhaps, Iori isn’t in his best mood or just got up by placing the wrong foot — Or so, the brunette convinced himself as he gets close to his partner.

Once Yabuki is near the redhead, he asks him in a worried voice ‘‘Did anything happen, Yagami-san?’’.

Iori instantly answers while giving a cold glaze ‘‘You exist. That’s what happened. So, shut up and stay away from me!’’. Yagami only grasps his arms tighter while he grids his teeth. It is so close for him to lose his patience.

For sure, hearing these words upsets and hurts Shingo. Although he could sense the tension between them, he wants to get along with the redhead, even if it is just for a single mission. As the brunette places his hand on Iori’s stiff shoulder, he gently asks ‘‘Listen, I-’’.

Unfortunately, Yagami didn’t even let him finish, and yelled at the younger soldier ‘‘DON’T FUCKING TOUCH ME!’’. Now, he sends a strong punch into Yabuki’s face.

The brunette didn’t have time to register the unexpected assault, and he fells on the ground. While he shakily sits up and rubs his wounded cheek, Shingo notices the warm blood on his snow-white glove.

Although Yabuki is in pain or injured, Iori does not show mercy. He stares at the fallen soldier. After he closes his eyes and sighs, Yagami comments in a strict voice ‘‘Who allowed you to act as you want? You messed up so badly, yet, you dare to speak to me like that? Just get up and get over it! You’ll explain to me everything on the way, you stupid brat…’’.

Lastly, Iori walks towards the given spaceship and unlocks it. For sure, Shingo knows that it is wiser not to get into the bad side of the redhead. So, even if he is hurt and blamed for something that he is unaware of, the brunette stands up and follows Yagami with his head hung down. And thus, this is how their mission started. Of course, without a saying, Iori took control over the spaceship and pilots it. For sure, he doesn’t have any trust at all in his partner on the mission. More so, if it wasn’t for Shingo possibly knowing what happened in the abandoned NESTS spaceship, Yagami would already have launched the brunette into the vasts of the galaxy.

Nearly a half-hour passes. Yet, as soon, as Iori turns the autopilot function, he breaks the awkward silence between them by demanding in a strict tone ‘‘Speak up what you know, brat.’’.

The brunette dumbfounded stares at the redhead ‘‘Eh? What are you talking about, Yagami-san?’’.

‘‘Don’t pretend to be dumb now. Spit everything you know before I kick you out.’’ — instantly, Iori backfires in an irritated voice.

However, Shingo only cracks a nervous smile, and replies in a shaky voice ‘‘Can you be a bit more specific?’’. For sure, the young soldier fears for his life because who knows what this unpredictable man could do to him. So, Yabuki nervously waits for another blow by Yagami.

‘‘Do not test my patience. Where is Kyo and what have you done to him?’’ - Iori replies in an agitated voice.

No matter how much Shingo doesn’t want to remember that incident or what he saw, yet, infuriating the man next to him sounded like the worst fate than death. That’s right, even if he feels like being interrogated by Yagami, who is picky about each word or sound, doesn’t sound that bad. As long as it might calm down the wrath of his partner, Shingo is ready to endure any pain. After nervously swallowing the saliva, the brunette begins to explain while shakily holding his hands into the fist ‘‘Do I need to go through this again? I guess that it can’t be helped, then… But even now, if I was stronger, I-I would have protected Kusanagi-san from That Thing… Aand, and we would have escaped together that nightmare.’’.

Despite feeling how slowly the emotions are building up, the brunette tries not to break in front of Iori. For now, he tries to remain as calm as possible ‘‘That spaceship was full of rotting corpses, which were even missing some limbs. E-even, Kusanagi-san was shocked, but he helped me to stand up, and carry on. Who knows for how long that place has been abandoned? For months, years, decades — it doesn’t matter! That place is a mess-up!’’. Shingo only hugs himself while he shakily breathes. However, the redhead indifferently observes his partner.

After a short pause, Yabuki continues ‘‘You won’t believe what kind of creatures we met there… and I hope that you wouldn’t need to encounter them too, Yagami-san. I don’t know what those god-awful creatures were, but, perhaps, they were some sort of mutants. Who knows… Perhaps, some of them managed to escape the tubes in which sealed them, and, now, they aimlessly rampage on the NESTS spaceship. However, one of them tried to attack Kusanagi-san. But he even didn’t turn back. I was afraid of that awful creature, but I had to do it or else we have been killed! I-, my body moved on its own and I took the buster, and started to shoot that thing with my eyes closed until it’s dead.’’.

Once the brunette took a deep breath, he adds ‘‘However, it wasn’t enough, and another creature… I’m so sorry. But, in the end, I could not protect him! I tried fightback that tentacle creature, but… It… it was dragging Kusanagi-san inside the room. Just before I slashed it, that monster sends me flying into the wall, and I… I lost consciousness… I… I don’t know what happened to Kusanagi-san! All I remember was that the Rescue Squad soldiers were taking me to their spaceship while that room, where was Kusanagi-san, was empty and distorted… What kind of bloody massacre happened there… I have no idea at all.’’.

It looks like Shingo is nearly broke into tears or has a mental- breakdown, yet he tries his best to hold his emotions back in front of Iori. Yet, he secretly hoped that, perhaps, the redhead would show kindness and would hug him when he needs it the most. Unfortunately, the senior soldier shakes his head and facepalms while replying in a serious tone ‘‘So, you allowed him to get kidnapped that easily? You better pray that Kyo is alive somewhere when I’ll find him. Or else, I’ll make sure that you’ll beg to be killed.’’.

For sure, Yabuki feels that this reply is like a sharp blade, which stabbed him into the chest. After he covers his face, the brunette unstoppable sobs ‘‘I’m so sorry! I failed… I…’’.

Yet, Iori replies in a strict tone ‘‘Apologize not for me. I don’t need that. Keep that for Kyo when I’ll return him. Then you can beg him on your knees.’’. Once he turns the manual mode, the redhead adds ‘‘Do you expect me to pity you? Forget it. No one on the battlefield would comfort you. So, get over it. Anyway, in an hour we should reach the Metal Jungle. So, you better be focusing on getting the resources and fighting back the enemy. Do you even hear me?’’. Yet, all Shingo could do is silently nod. Yagami only adds ‘‘Good. Just don’t make me hold back if you get into the trouble.’’.

After the brunette turns around from his partner, he stares into the space. Perhaps, Yagami-san had a point, yet why he has to be so cruel? And how did Kusanagi-san had dealt with having him as a partner? Or so, Shingo wanders during the rest of the trip.

However, for sure, the brunette decides to redeem himself according to Iori, and prove to him that he is not a drag.

‘Perhaps, then I would even earn Yagami’s respect. On the other hand, it might turn out completely opposite than I hope. Just what would Kusanagi-san would do in this situation? No, there is no way that someone like him would give up so easily. That’s why, even if I need to prove by my blade that I’m not hopeless… I guess.’ — Or so, Yabuki thinks to himself.

[Fmkitty]

Chapter 13.

 

 

Finally, the two Resistance soldiers arrived at their destination place. And thus, after leaving their spaceship, they are greeted with the deadly world of the Metal Jungle.

Metal Jungle, formerly known as Heart of Gaia, was like a paradise because of its variety of flora and fauna. However, everything changed after the Empire colonized this planet and abused it for its never-ending resources. Later on, it would help them win the Great War in the future.
 
Unfortunately, it only took less than a century until the colonists damaged the ecosystem of the Heart of Gaia beyond recovery. However, humans realized this when it was already too late to do anything when the ecological disaster would happen soon.
 
Nevertheless, the Empire forced the scientists to restore the former paradise. Those who refused to cooperate were eliminated, and any trace of their existence was destroyed.
 
With each failed attempt, the government was outrageous. Yet, one day, a strange group showed up. Their leader explained they are a powerful organization - NESTS, which is neither against nor on the Empire’s side, just a bystander.
 
After all, they have their own goals. However, NESTS offered a better solution, which, according to them, would make the Empire so powerful that no force in the entire universe wouldn’t stop them.
 
The Empire was interested in the NESTS’ plan and generously paid them in advance. After the ruler of the Empire and the leader of NESTS shook hands, these organizations worked as one and gave an oath to never betrayed each other.

However, the leader of NESTS secretly cracks a smile while holding his other hand behind his back.
 
Years passed, and the surface of the Heart of Gaia changed drastically. Once known as the pinnacle of nature and all life forms, this planet now wears an iron mask. Eventually, it was named Metal Jungle.
 
As the name suggests, cyborgs and other advanced robotic creatures replaced all the life-forms to protect the dozens of weapon and armor factories. However, to keep the plants alive and serve as a protection from entering deeper into the Metal Jungle, NESTS scientists modified them.
 
In the end, this highly protected place kept the Empire strong.
 
After the Resistance Force learned about the Metal Jungle, they saw this as an opportunity to have a greater chance to fight back against the Empire.
 
The commander is aware of the dangerous nature of this place, but he takes the risk and sends some of his soldiers on a looting mission.
 
But for now, while Shingo follows Iori, he asks him in a polite tone ‘‘Um, Yagami-san… Should we contact the Headquarters first?’’.
 
‘‘Do as you wish. You can talk with these fools all you want until I return.’’ The redhead backfires without looking back.
 
The brunette politely objects ‘‘But we’ve been told that-’’.

However, Yagami interrupts him while giving a cold glare “You’re staying here, got it? I don’t need a useless brat who would just bother me.”.

In the end, Shingo remains silent and lowers his gaze, but he refuses to listen to his partner’s request.

Some time passes. As they go deep into the mechanized forest, Iori feels that something is off. It’s too quiet for a place which supposes to be heavily protected.

Nevertheless, he is ready to draw his trustworthy laser blade at any time.

Meanwhile, Yabuki is about to contact the operators through his transmission device. However, after hearing a cracking noise and the operator responding, the brunette freezes at the same point.

“This is Headquarters. Can you hear us?” The operator’s voice speaks, even if her voice cannot reach the brunette anymore.

Shingo got barely time to react when Iori charges his blade at the roaring beast behind him. One sudden move and the junior soldier feels how the warm, dark liquid splashes on him.

As soon as the slain creature hits the ground, Yabuki shakily holds the buster gun and shoots at the swarm of flying mechanic insects.

He is terrified, but he continues to blast his targets while Yagami covers his partner’s back. For now, if the redhead wants to survive, he has no other choice than team up with that brat.

Besides, he can use Shingo as a momentary distraction and escape while searching for Kyo or use that brat as a meat shield. Or so, Iori convinces himself as his instinct to kill takes him over.

Unfortunately, the more mechanic creatures the duo has destroyed, the more of them keep spawning. There is no end to it, unlike the stamina of the Resistance Soldiers.

Even Yabuki fears that it is a matter of minutes, if not the seconds, before their demise.

Suddenly, the brunette remembers about one item, which one member of the Rescue Squad gave to him after he recovered. That tiny oval-shaped metal was supposed to be like a gift for the rookie, and it should be used when he would be in danger.

As the young soldier fighting back the enemy, he grasps a small item in his chest’s pocket.

“Yagami-san! Start running as fast as you can when I give a signal!” The brunette addresses his partner. Lastly, he twists the tiny bomb and launches it at the insects that almost over-whelmed Iori.

There is no time to waste, nor a second chance! Shingo grabs Iori by the back of his uniform and drags him.

He doesn’t care if Yagami yells at him - all he cares about is staying alive.

As soon as the Resistance soldiers run, the loud explosion echoes through the area. A second later, the blinding white color and high-pitched beeping surround everything.

Suddenly, Shingo trips over the fallen vine and drags Iori down with him.

After the brunette sits up while groaning, he opens his eyes and notices that the white light is gone. More so, all mechanical creatures are disabled.

Even Yabuki is unsure what just happened.

‘‘So, maybe this is what these guys meant when they said that this little device holds a huge destructive power…’’ Shingo remarks in a shaky voice while he rubs his nape.

After the redhead gets up, he looks around and scolds his partner ‘‘Tsk… Why haven’t you done this earlier, you stupid, useless brat?’’.

When Yabuki gives him such a guilty gaze, Iori continues lecturing him ‘‘Whatever… You’ll explain to me later. For now, who knows how long these bots are disabled. So, let’s move. Or do you prefer to sit here and get killed?’’.

In the end, Shingo follows the Yagami’s given orders.

On their way, the brunette tries to contact the Resistance Headquarters again. Fortunately, this time he could do it and give a brief report of the current progress. Although Iori remains silent and grumpy during Yabuki’s speech.

Some time passed. Finally, the duo reaches an enormous building, which they assume is one of the weapon factories.

Yet, as soon as Iori spots in the distance that there are a couple of soldiers in black biometal armor and white shiny metal helmets, which cover their faces, he gives Shingo a command to hide behind the nearest tree.

‘‘Listen carefully, you fool. You won’t move a single muscle until I say so, got it?’’ Yagami quietly addresses his partner while they observe the guards.

Yabuki only silently nods and listens further to the commands ‘‘There won’t be any second chance. If you fail, it’s your fault for dying. When I give you a signal, you will shoot at one of the guards. So, while you distract them, I approach them and kill them. Do you understand?’’.

Shingo nods again ‘‘Yes.’’.

‘‘Good. So, let’s split out.’’ Iori adds in a strict tone.

After doing as he was told, the redhead raises his arm and instantly lowers it ‘‘Now!’’.

Suddenly, the brunette shoots at the alerted guards, who are focusing on their new target. Fortunately, he can blast one of the soldier’s shooting guns.

Meanwhile, Yagami draws his laser blade and charges at one of the guards. Soon enough, Shingo joins him.

As the brunette is busy dealing with one guard who only possesses the laser blade, Iori focuses on another one.

No matter how fast is the enemy’s bullet, the redhead successfully blocks them with his blade. When Iori is close enough, he slashes the guard’s gun.

A second later, Yagami kicks into his opponent’s stomach and forcing him to fall to the ground.

However, just before the redhead claims the victory, the guard picks the laser blade from the pocket on his thigh and swings the blade.

Fortunately, Iori’s reaction is faster, and he dodges the attack. After his opponent stands up, he keeps attacking the redhead.

The more they fight, the more Yagami realizes that his opponent’s style is similar to Kyo’s.

The redhead can hear his heartbeat ringing inside his head. However, he cannot let his emotions control him. After all, he is still not sure if it is his old-time partner in missions.

Even if it is the brainwashed Kusanagi, Iori still needs to defeat him first. Either this way, either only by killing the guard in front of him is the only way to find out the truth.

This is the first time in his life when he prays to the god that his guess should be wrong.

As he blocks and dodges his enemy’s attacks, the redhead notices that the guard’s movements are less agile and more aggressive. Nevertheless, Iori uses this as an advance.

Lastly, Yagami aims at his opponent’s arm, which holds the blade. One sudden strike, and the armored fellow bleeds.

While the guard is paralyzed in pain, Iori slashes his opponent with an uppercut. In the end, the guard falls while the dark red liquid splashes like a fountain.

However, as the redhead mercilessly observes the killed guard lying in his blood, he suddenly widens his eyes and turns his head towards the terrified scream ‘‘KUSANAGIIIII-SAAAN!’’.

As Yagami runs in the direction where was his partner, he notices how Shingo’s knees give up on him and how he covers his face while sobbing.

Even Iori can barely comprehend the sight in front of him. He refuses to believe that he is not dreaming.

Next to the younger brunette lies Kyo with the stabbed chest. The paled-face Kusanagi remains dumbfounded while the small bloodstream runs down the corner of his lips.

Meanwhile, the tears don’t stop flowing through the gaps of Yabuki’s palms as he sobs ‘‘I’m… I’m… sorry… I… I… killed him… I… killed… Kusanagi-san… Wha- what… What have I done?… why?… Kusanagi-san…’’.

Even Iori feels heartbroken while refusing to accept the Kusanagi’s demise. Yet, it doesn’t change the fact that he failed to protect the only person in the world who mattered to him. After the redhead sits near Kyo, he brushes the brunette’s bangs from his face.

However, something catches Yagami’s attention. Iori cannot understand why a metal plate is attached to his forehead. More so, when he turns Kyo’s head, he notices the tattooed barcode with the serial number on his nape.

Suddenly, the redhead comes up with a crazy idea. Yet, he hopes he might be right this time. After leaving the grieving Yabuki, Iori checks his killed guard.

When Yagami squats near the corpse, he turns the guard’s head and notices the same barcode with the serial number. Yet, he still needs to remove the helmet to see who this person is.

After pressing the button on the bottom backside of the helmet, it loosens and fall-off.

In the end, all Iori can do is stare in belief. The lying person in front of him is also the Kusanagi. The redhead covers his mouth with his palm and shakes his head.

‘‘There is no way any of these bastards are Kyo… It’s not Kyo. It’s not him! It can’t be him! IT’S NOT KYO! WHERE THE FUCK IS HE?! I WON’T FORGIVE TO THOSE WHO TOOK HIM FROM ME!’’ Yagami howls as the beast. Suddenly, his sorrow grows into a pure rage.

As he shakily holds his palms into the fists and grinds his teeth, Iori swears to hunt down and murder everyone who stole his Kyo from him and made him suffer.

But for now, Yagami aggressively approaches Shingo.

When Iori squats, he roughly grabs the brunette by his uniform and lifts him. Despite the sudden behavior of his partner, Shingo keeps his head hung and refuses to face the redhead.

Suddenly, Iori harshly slaps the junior soldier’s face and yells ‘‘Get a hold of yourself! There is no time for that! It’s not Kyo!’’.

Meanwhile, Shingo dumbfounded stares with his red and teary eyes at the redhead.

Even after Yagami releases him, the brunette barely stands on his feet. For now, he listens to Iori, who threatens him ‘‘If that was Kyo, I would make sure that you will have a living hell until you’ll die like a dog. Understand? But now, it means that he may be still alive somewhere.’’.

After a brief pause, the redhead continues his speech ‘‘We need to see what’s inside this building. But before that, contact the Headquarters.’’.

When Iori stares at his partner, who is about to weep again, he dials the Headquarters. Besides, he might get into trouble because of one brat who can’t behave properly. Therefore, no matter how Yagami hates talking to these lousy operators, he has to do it.

After giving a quick summary of the discovery, Iori picks up his blade and cuts the door until he makes his way through. Lastly, he prompts the junior soldier to go inside.

However, neither they nor the Resistance Force is aware that there are not only weapon factors on this planet. Nor about the NESTS buildings where they dispose of the remains and corpses from the failed experiments.

And thus, Iori and Shingo enter the den of various creatures lurking in the dark and waiting for a new meal to play.

[Fmkitty]

Chapter 14.

 

 

The longer Iori and Shingo wander in the endless, silent corridors, the more the redhead feels anxious. He cannot understand why such an enormous place like this is lifeless and unsecured.

Suddenly, Yagami gets alerted as dark shadow dashes behind him. As soon as he turns around, he sees no one. Strange, because he could swear that someone follows them.

However, the brunette’s concerned voice returns him to reality ‘‘Are you okay, Yagami-san?’’.

‘‘Shut up! And mind your own business, you stupid brat.’’ Iori backfires in a grumpy tone. Lastly, he pushes the junior soldier forward to keep him walking.

Some time passes. Aside from countless messy office rooms filled with scattered papers or other trash, the Resistance soldiers found nothing that might be useful or interesting to the Headquarters.

However, some rooms look renewed and even had vending machines with restocked drinks and food.

Despite the temptation to break these machines and relax before continuing their journey, Iori drags Shingo with him.

Who knows, maybe it is only a trap for the intruders. Besides, the redhead has no desire to listen to the complaints that some rookie was stupid enough to die.

The further they proceed, this couple encountered the locked rooms with the most advanced locks and unbreakable steel doors. However, whatever is inside isn’t important at the moment, and Iori decides to revisit these rooms as they come back after discovering the entire facility.

In the end, they finally reach the dead end and spot an old rusty elevator.

Just before the redhead presses one button, he gets stopped by his partner, who politely asks ‘‘Um, Yagami-san? Shouldn’t we just report to the Headquarters and return to the spaceship? Because that thing doesn’t look like it was used for ages and there is nothing we can take.’’.

‘‘No shit, huh? How about we’ll check it by throwing you as the testing dummy?’’ Iori backfires while giving an icy gaze. After pressing up and down buttons, he adds ‘‘What will your Headquarters do? They won’t come here to save you just because you called them. Tsk, let’s just get going, you coward.’’.

Meanwhile, a pair of glowing green eyes shine and observes its new targets in the distant corner.

---

A few minutes pass, and the elevator finally stops. After the heavy metal door opens, the Resistance Force arrives at the underground laboratory.

This floor isn’t lightened as much as the previous one. The only light source is the countless monitor screens, which constantly update the changing data and lighten up large testing tubes with the green fluorescent color.

More so, from time to time, the bubbling noise from one of the countless tubes and rarely quiet beeping from the monitors are the only sound here.

As a couple of soldiers explore the laboratory, they notice that inside of these tubes grow humanoid figures. Some of them are already resembling full-grown adults. Some - are still immature and hairless. Even their skin is transparent, and all the vessels and internal organs are visible to a bare eye.

There is also a group of artificial creatures that are hybrids of other alien species and humans.

However, this couple does not know whether all testing subjects are alive or hibernated.

Another detail that catches Iori’s and Shingo’s eye is that the most recent group of fully developed humanoids resemble one certain Kusanagi.

After Yagami walks toward one of the replicas and studies it. Just seeing the peacefully resting brunette connected to the wires and feeding tubes boils the redhead’s blood. His hatred for all the Kyo’s look-alikes grows stronger with each second.

While Iori places his palm against the glass, he wonders ‘How much Kyo needed to suffer that these bastards would bring these disgusting creatures to this world? Whoever has done this will never peacefully rest, nor have a day without shrugging in fear and shame. It doesn’t even matter why these abominations were created. Whoever took Kyo away from me will burn in hell!’.

A second later, he lowers his head and grids the teeth as his hand grasps the artificial creature’s chest behind the glass. Lastly, the redhead picks up the lighting saber and stabs the clone.

As the glass shatters and liquid splashes around, the homunculus lets out an agonizing scream and hits the ground. However, Yagami only silently observes the cut and suffering brunette.

‘That creature shouldn’t be alive. It’s not even Kyo, nor look anywhere close to him. So, that’s fine. It’s just a dirty animal. It’s not a big deal. Killing someone who wasn't supposed to be born should be fine. That fucking creature asked for it. Because of this degenerate, Kyo got captured.’ Or so, Iori thinks to himself as he hears the heartbeat ringing in his ears.

For now, he stomps on the wriggling body until the glass shards penetrate the flesh. In the end, the poor clone lets out his last gasp. However, Yagami is unaffected at the slightest and kicks the corpse’s side while taunting “Is that all you got? That’s not even close to your original... Pathetic.”.

Meanwhile, the junior soldier is in shock by not being able to comprehend the sudden redhead’s behavior. Despite that, Shingo knows he must do something.

He is afraid, yet he approaches his partner, who just looks down on Kyo’s look-alike without saying a word. Unfortunately, this is where the brunette makes a mistake.

After Yabuki pats Iori’s shoulder and calls his name, he receives an elbow strike into the guts.

While the brunette groans in pain and holds his hand on his stomach, he dumbfounded looks at Yagami, who gives a cold, piercing glare.

“Do not fucking interface. Just stand in my way and I’ll slay you like a pig.” Iori growls through his teeth as he grips the saber. Lastly, as the redhead slashes through the nearest testing tubes, the bloody massacre of the clones begins.

---

One after another, the replicas and testing subjects fall by the madman’s blade, who barely resembled a human anymore.

That wild beast is driven by nothing more than bloodlust and vengeance for his enemies, nor it will calm his wrath down. Even if he remains the last one standing on the top of the dead clones and claims his victory, it won’t be enough until he has Kyo back.

Meanwhile, without realizing it, the young soldier fled to hide behind the safest spot he could find. He doesn’t know how long he will be safe behind one of the computers, yet it was still a better choice than nothing.

As Shingo trembles in horror, he closes his eyes and covers his ears. However, he can still hear the Iori’s howling, shattering glass, and the sound of the tearing flesh.

Suddenly, something warm and wet hits him. Hell, whatever it was, it also covered him with the liquid reeking of iron. After the brunette opens his eyes, he screams at the pile of torn internal organs and kicks them away.

In the end, Yabuki hugs himself and desperately begged to anyone to pick him up or wake him up from this terrifying dream.

However, he doesn’t dare to dial the Headquarters and possibly become a disappointment to the Resistance Force again. While Shingo shakily holds his gun, he waits until the murderer soaked in red will come for him next. No matter how he wishes to avoid taking another life, he is ready to do anything to defend himself and stop Iori.

---

As the splashing blood and guts continue to paint the lab while the primal beast roars and hysterically laughs, the new threat lurks just around the corner. Eventually, the shadow figure reveals its form.

This person wears black body armor and a shiny metal helmet with intimidating closed sharp fangs and a couple of three round spots in the triangle on the eye level. While this soldier carefully observes, they dial someone.

Although, it was hard to tell whether this soldier’s voice belongs to a woman or a man. Yet, as soon as the receiver picks up the call and the holographic image of the scientist appears, the armored person speaks up without holding back the excitement ‘‘Dad, you are here! So, this thing works. I got to the place where Nii-sama is kept. But I encountered one little problem.’’.

‘‘What do you mean? Did anything happen to you?’’ The fluffy silver-haired with the glasses asks in a serious tone.

The black soldier briefly explains ‘‘I’m fine. But I’m not alone. There are other people in this building. One of them is the ferocious red-haired man called - Yagami-san, who destroys everything in his sight. Another one is a lousy, whiny brat. Hey, dad, what should I do? What if they are also after Nii-sama? They’ll ruin your plans. I… I cannot let this happen.’’.

‘‘Calm down!… Listen, I have little time. Can you record and send me what you can see?’’ Kurama patiently replies.

‘‘Y-Yes! Leave it to me, dad!’’ The armored person answers.

Before cutting off the contact, the silver-haired professor bids a farewell while keeping a poker face ‘‘Good. I need to go now. Stay safe, and if anything bad happens, contact me immediately.’’.

After setting the needed program in the helmet, the mysterious soldier thinks ‘‘I’ll make you proud, dad. Just wait for it. Then, you’ll praise me and love me the most.’’. Lastly, as they continue the mission, they patiently wait for the new targets to make one wrong move.

[Fmkitty]

Chapter 15.

 

 

Several minutes pass. After the terrific screams and insane laughter ceased, the massacre is over. Or so the junior soldier assumes.

When he opens his eyes, he notices that the entire laboratory already looks like it after the powerful storm. Expect all that is done by the army of one man.

A second later, Shingo nearly jumps from his seat after hearing how footsteps getting louder. Soon, the redhead smeared in blood from head to toe looks down on him as an emotionless doll.

However, the brunette spots something behind his partner’s back. That naked body still weakly fights for its life and cries for help.

Suddenly, Iori brings Kyo’s clone next to him and holds it in front of him. Despite this poor creature grimacing in pain and whining, the redhead addresses the junior soldier in an exhausted voice ‘‘This is your last chance. Take responsibility.’’.

However, Yabuki does not know what Yagami is talking about and doesn’t know how to respond.

After a pause, the redhead demands ‘‘Pull the trigger. Now!’’.

Lastly, as the brunette stares at the begging clone, he shakes his head and objects in a nervous voice ‘‘No. I won’t do this! Please, do not make me do this. What if he is Kusanagi-san?’’.

Unfortunately, such an answer dissatisfied Iori, and when he lowers his head, he grids his teeth. ‘‘So, this is how it is. Coward…’’ Yagami spits out in a hateful tone.

Suddenly, he pushes Kyo’s look-alike and grabs his light-saber. One sudden move and the poor homunculus is cut in half.

As the corpse lands on Shingo, the redhead addresses him without showing mercy ‘‘Tsk. Let’s move on already.’’. When Iori turns around and wanders into the lab, the brunette remains frozen in the same spot as a cold body is pressing against him.

He is still in disbelief at how cruel his partner can become, why Kusanagi-san teamed up with him, and how he can stand this behavior.

However, instead of wondering any longer, Shingo closes his eyes and apologizes to the clone before carefully removing it and placing it on the ground. After standing up, he looks for the redhead.

Lastly, he finds Iori at the end of the laboratory and looks down at something. After looking closer, he notices a ladder leading to the lower floor.

‘‘We’re going in.’’ The redhead speaks up.

‘‘But what if there is nothing there? We are going to waste our time, Yagami-san.’’ The brunette politely objects.

Unfortunately, his words don’t reach his partner, who shakes his head and climbs down.

Such reckless behavior makes Shingo concerned, and he tries again to over-talk his partner ‘‘W-wait, Yagami-san! Should we report this to the Headquarters?’’. In the end, he is ignored. But he has no other choice than to follow the stubborn soldier.

---

After a while, the Resistance soldiers reach the bottom. Yet, the redhead gets alerted upon landing on something soft, wet, and squishy.

After looking around, Iori realizes both are in a corridor covered in flesh and intestines. Of course, such a scenery perturbs him, yet he is more determined that Kyo is waiting for him, and nothing else should matter to him.

On the other hand, the junior soldier is convinced that this place is not worth exploring because he can sense that something vile may attack them.

Although, instead of begging Yagami to listen to him and return to the base, Shingo understands it will be a useless effort. Yet, he cannot turn back and leave Iori to die alone. After all, Kusanagi-san would be upset to learn that his old-time partner was left to rot in the enemy base.

The further they go, the brunette realizes they might be wandering in the basement where are disposed the dead or defective testing subjects.

Yet, Yabuki feels bad for them because not only they were treated in the most inhumane ways but also how they lost the privilege to be buried before their eternal rest.

Even when he glances at these bloody lumps of meat and internal organs pulsing, he closes his eyes and shrugs. He isn’t sure whether he is more scared of what he sees or of the idea that even after these clones are dismembered, their remains are alive.

In any case, the brunette understands he needs to keep going.

The deeper they go, the more it feels like wandering inside a huge macro-organism. Even time from time, one of the glands of the wall aimlessly squirts stomach acid.

However, as a single droplet lands on the redhead’s uniform, he stops walking and exhales. Suddenly, he picks up his trustworthy saber and activates it. Lastly, as he slashes one gland, he remarks “You’re so annoying... STAY QUIET!”.

When the blood splashes like a stream next to Iori, a high-pitched scream can be heard in the distance.

Meanwhile, Shingo widens his eyes in terror and gasps as the several rising arms cling to his legs and slowly sink him into the meat floor. While the fear paralyzes the brunette’s body, he looks at the Iori “Ya-Yagami-san! Wh-what have you done!?”.

However, instead of picking the saber blade to cut the ferocious limbs, Shingo picks the handheld gun in both hands and aims at his partner.

For sure, the redhead only widens his eyes as the laser bullet flies next to him. Lastly, the spurted arm falls next to him. All he can do is dumbfounded stare at the rookie soldier and move his gaze down to the twitching fallen limb.

As soon as the brunette shoots all the arms crawling up to him, he runs as fast as his legs allow him. In the end, he grabs his partner by his uniform jacket and drags him together forward to the end of the corridor.

---

Some time passes by. Finally, this couple reaches the dead-end, which is a spacious meat cave. The only difference between this place and the corridor is that the pulsing sound resembles the loud heart of an enormous beast. More so, the large smooth lump of meat is the source of this sound.

‘‘This is it. If Kyo is inside of this creature, then I have to cut it and save him.’’ Or so Iori thinks to himself as he picks up his saber blade again and approaches his enemy.

However, as the redhead raises his blade and is about to slash this creature, the giant skinless palm spurts and sends him flying until he hits the wall.

‘‘Ya…YAGAMI-SAN!’’ Shingo screams for his partner, who shakily stands up while ignoring his pain.

Although, the brunette falls to his knees as soon as the beast’s heartbeat ceases. Soon enough, he only shakily stares at the countless eyes open up on the walls, which look at their prey.

After these eyes are closed, the giant piece of meat drowns in the living flesh.

Suddenly, the ground shakes, and the new creature emerges. Apparently, it is a few meters tall, a skinless humanoid with melting meat from its distorted face and body. Even if its arms and the rest of the body below the ribcage remain buried in the flesh floor, the least of these Resistance soldiers’ concerns is how tall their enemy is.

While the brunette screams in terror and crawls back, his partner dashes with his sword at this monster.

Unfortunately, just before impact, the giant palm appears from the ground and slaps the redhead like a bug. A second later, the same hand grabs its victim and brings it close to the monster’s face. Lastly, as this thing opens its mouth and is about to swallow the struggling Iori.

Instead of meeting a horrible fate, the redhead is dropped on the ground as the colossal monster lets out a painful screech.

When Yagami forces himself to half sit and lifts his head, he dumbfounded stares at this creature covering its injured eyed with its palm.

Even so, the infuriated beast’s fist aimlessly smashes the ground.

At this point, Yabuki doesn’t feel how he stands up and runs. All that matters to him is to leave this place together. He understands he may get crushed by this mutant. Yet, the brunette doesn’t want anyone to die in vain because of him.

Kusanagi-san would be upset to learn that his long-time partner had recklessly perished. So, at least Yagami-san needs to survive and leave this hell. That is all Shingo thinks as he rushes to the redhead’s side.

In the end, the brunette picks up and lightens his saber blade. After he closes his eyes, he yells while slashing the monster’s hand.

After the cut body part hits the meat floor, the flesh mutant lets out an agonizing high-pitched scream. For now, this creature covers its bleeding limb while closing its remaining eye.

Meanwhile, Iori realizes this creature may not last long. Not after keep losing that much blood. Therefore, he has a perfect chance to slit its neck and finish it.

Suddenly, he widens his eyes as his arm is thrown on the brunette’s shoulder and takes him away from the battlefield.

‘‘Ya…Yagami-san? Are you okay? Any… anywhere injured? Hang in there! Just a little bit… Just a little bit, and we should escape this place.’’ Or so Shingo addresses the other soldier through panting.

Yet, the redhead only grids his teeth and clenches his hands into fists. When they leave the room, Iori bends his elbow and strikes the junior soldier’s guts ‘‘Don’t interface, you fool!’’. Lastly, without looking back or showing any concern for Shingo, he pushes the brunette away.

‘‘Yagami-san…’’ Or so, Yabuki manages to speak up while all he can do is stare at his partner rushing to the battlefield. Although he tries his best to ignore his pain and follow the redhead.

---

After Iori enters the room, he notices that the flesh mutant is not as hostile as before. However, he is not affected by its weeping and howling. Step after step, the redhead approaches his target.

Even so, the monster does what it can to defend itself from this pesky human. After the countless pores on its head open up, it shoots the corrosive acid.

However, Yagami’s reflexes are quicker, and he dodges the sent attack. ‘‘What’s wrong? Do you want to die that badly? Fine, I’ll grant your wish.’’ He mocks this creature as the acid burns the flesh floor.

Without wasting a second, Iori jumps as high as his strength allows and stabs the monster in the heart’s area. Lastly, when he lands on his feet, the beast lets out a final scream as it collapses.

Meanwhile, the Resistance soldiers observed how the flesh and organs melt from this creature’s bones. Eventually, the bones sink into the meat floor, leaving nothing but a human-sized cocoon covered in dark purple flesh.

As the flesh layer gets torn, Iori widens his eyes and speaks up in a barely hearable, desperate voice ‘‘Kyo…’’. While Shingo is speechless in the view in front of them.

Apparently, this naked sleeping figure curled into a ball resembles one familiar Kusanagi heir. Despite being covered in blood, he has unusually pale skin.

With no further hesitation, Yagami rushes. After kneeling close to him, he takes him into his arm ‘‘KYO!’’. However, the Kusanagi’s body is still warm, and Iori even manages to grasp the pulse. Even after pressing his ear against Kyo’s chest, he hears weak breathing.

‘‘Wake up, Kyo!’’ Unfortunately, the redhead’s voice doesn’t reach him. No matter how hard Iori shakes his shoulders or slaps him, there is no response.

Meanwhile, Shingo only stares at them without being able to move. More so, he isn’t sure which is more stunning, reuniting with Kusanagi-san or how someone as merciless as Iori is vulnerable.

However, the sudden voice behind this trio makes Iori and Shingo alert ‘‘Leave Nii-sama alone!’’.

After turning back, these two notice the soldier in black body armor and shiny metal helmet. Lastly, this person points with the crimson saber blade at them ‘‘Handle him to me, and I may reconsider leaving alive.’’. And thus, a real battle is still ahead of them.

[Fmkitty]

Chapter 16.

 

 

After Iori carefully lowers the supposed-to-be Kyo, he growls without removing his gaze from his opponent. "The hell with you!… Kyo is mine!" Lastly, he stands up and turns on his saber blade.

When the redhead turns his head towards Shingo, he orders, "Stay out of this, got it?"

Yet, the younger brunette objects, "But we may defeat him easier if we team up, Yagami-san."

"I said, DO NOT INTERFERE! Just keep Kyo safe, you fucking idiot!" Iori briefly retorts. Finally, he rushes at his new opponent while Shingo only silently stares.

Meanwhile, the dark soldier places their hand on the helmet’s side and speaks up. “Dad, can you hear me? These two guys refuse to cooperate. What should I?-”

Suddenly, this person dodges Yagami’s attack.

“Is everything alright?” Kurama’s voice asks while the black soldier blocks the upper slash.

“I’m… Yeah. It’s just… All I need is to defeat these two types. So, wait for me, Dad… Over.” The mysterious person replies while evading and counter-attacking each Iori’s strike.

For sure, such an arrogant attitude only boils the redhead’s rage, and he uses more heavy slashing.

However, he notices the dark Imperial troop’s movement is as agile and graceful yet deadly as the original’s.

There are moments when Yagami doubts if it’s brainwashed Kyo.

After all, this soldier aims not to kill his opponent but to knock him out or injure him.

Suddenly, Iori widens his eyes as he blocks the enemy’s lower cut. Even while their blade clashes, his heartbeat becomes rapid and loud.

More so, he cannot read what kind of face his opponent has behind the platinum helmet with intimidating, sharp fangs. All he can see is the colorful sparkles reflecting on the metal mask.

When the black soldier lowers his blade, Iori uses his chance and aims at the open torso.

Unfortunately, his strike is blocked.

“Give up. You have no chance against me. Besides, you are just a waste of my and Dad’s time.” This troop calmly addresses him as he picks up the laser gun and points it against Iori’s forehead.

However, the redhead only lowers his head. “We’ll see about that.”

When he drops his saber blade, he reveals his bare fangs and picks up the pistol. “Eat this!”

Suddenly, as the metal helmet and body armor explode and shatter into pieces, the soldier screams in a too-high-pitched voice for a guy.

For now, Iori only observes how his opponent hits the ground.

“It… it hurts!” The soldier speaks up in a pitiful, feminine voice while shakily covering their face with the palm.

The first thing Yagami notices is that this wobbling person has slightly longer hair than Kyo, a rather curvy, slim figure, wearing a torn in several places body suit.

Lastly, Iori freezes in the same spot and remains speechless when the mysterious person removes their palm from their face. “The fuck is this?”

Apparently, it’s a female Kyo clone. When she wipes the dripping blood from her forehead and lifts her head, she adds. “You won’t get away with this.”

Yagami only cracks a smile as he approaches the clone. “This is where you are wrong, bitch.”

When he places his palm on the brunette’s shoulder, he chuckles. A second later, he punches her stomach. “Know your place, you filthy trash!”

While the poor replica covers her stomach and shakily breathes, she refuses to cry and show weakness in front of this cruel man. For now, she only painfully stares at the redhead.

Yet, Iori shows no mercy. After he grabs the female clone by her throat, he lifts her. “Look at you. You’re disgusting and shouldn’t be born at all. It’s all your fault. I don’t care if you are a woman. You’ll die like the rest of your kind!”

Meanwhile, Shingo only observes in terror how his partner is about to take another life while hugging the pale, unconscious Kusanagi.

“I don’t want this… No, I don’t want to see anyone dying on me. Not anymore.” The brunette soldier thinks to himself, as he cannot remove his eyes from the struggling clone who desperately clings to her life. In the end, he closes his eyes and turns his head away.

In the meantime, the female replica holds onto Iori’s wrists while her throat is under pressure. She's aware that her death may be near. Despite that, she says in a weak voice. “Because… because of you… I’ll upset Dad… Dad… Dad will be sad… I… I… won’t forgive you!”

When Iori notices that this clone doesn’t have a metal plate on her forehead like other replicas, he shakes his head and grins. “You should be thankful to me. At least you know when you die.” And thus, he activates his saber blade. “Rot in hell!”

Suddenly, the laser bullet closely flies to his face, and he freezes in the same spot. As he drops the struggling brunette, he hears a voice behind him. “Enough! I will not stand this any longer, Yagami-san!”

As the ferocious redhead approaches him, Yabuki adds while grinding his teeth. “Too many innocent people died in vain death… and all because of you and your blind rage! I can bet my life that Kusanagi-san would also hate you now! Wake up. YOU BECOME A MONSTER, YAGAMI-SAN!”

It was the last drop of Iori’s patience. Now, he grabs Shingo by his uniform and brings him closely. “What did you just say to me? Repeat it one more time, you little dipshit!”

Shingo only replies while having nothing to lose. “Do it. I’m not afraid of you. I know that you just shake off my corpse. Then, you gonna murder these two and aimlessly go after another victim until you’ll get killed by another bloodthirsty killer like you.”

“What are you talking about? It’s Kyo, and he is going with me.” Iori briefly backfires.

Meanwhile, the female clone only sits on her knees and hugs herself while regaining breath. “Leave Nii-sama alone, you freak!”

Yet, she refuses to give up and weakly approaches them.

After Iori turns his head and glares at this replica, he immediately turns back upon hearing the pale brunette groaning.

In the end, the supposed-to-be Kusanagi’s heir shakily opens his eyes.

Yet, both Resistance Force soldiers are in deep disbelief after noticing how Kyo’s eyes glow in crimson color.

“Nii-sama!” the wounded brunette addresses him while making her way through to hug her sibling.

“Everything gonna be alright, Nii-sama. Soon we’ll see Dad and the three of us will live happily forever and after.” She continues comforting the other clone, who isn’t aware of his surroundings or understands anything.

Meanwhile, Iori is still in denial. “The hell? Who is that freak? Why he is not Kyo? Did I come all the way here just to see another trash?” As he clenches his hands into fists, he lowers his head.

Fortunately, this time Shingo notices his partner’s actions. And thus, before Yagami raises his blade, he sends a harsh slap across his face.

For now, he calmly adds. “Please, don’t, Yagami-san. We’re going to report about it to the Headquarters. What if they may help you? No, to help us find Kusanagi-san’s whereabouts. Believe it or not, but I, like everyone else, want to save Kusanagi-san and see him again.”

Certainly, it was a good wake-up call for Iori, who is still shocked. Soon enough, he returns to his senses. Yet, he only turns around and keeps his hands in his pants pockets. “Do as you wish… But it’s your fault if they will choke you in your dreams.”

Lastly, Shingo extends his hand to these clones. “I know nothing about you. However, all I know is that you want to live as much as anyone else. And that is enough for me.”

Yet, the female clone hits his hand and backfires. “Stay away! I won’t let you hurt Nii-sama! Just you wait until dad shows up! He’ll punish you for bullying us!”

Meanwhile, Iori rolls his eyes and face-palms. “This ain’t going anywhere, you fucking idiot. Why do I have to do everything by myself?”

Poor Yabuki is confused about what to do. He even keeps his palms away from these replicas. “Um… well, I. I mean, we won’t hurt you. All we want is to help you. I… I promise that guys in the Resistance will treat you well. And we are also looking for your dad. So, we are the Good Guys, I guess...”

“I warn you. Back off before I punch you!” This artificial creature replies while giving a fierce, protective gaze.

Suddenly, Yagami makes his way and parts the clones. “You’re so annoying, you stupid woman!”

When he pushes the resisting brunette to lie on her stomach, he holds her wrists behind her back.

For now, he turns his head to Shingo and orders. “Give me your jacket.”

Meanwhile, this replica continues to struggle and gives an indignant look. “Let me go, you ugly bastard! Get off me! Or else you gonna regret it.”

Yet, Shingo doubts his partner. “Yagami-san, do you really need to do this? She clearly doesn’t like this.”

“No shit, huh? And you were happy when she attacked us? Just hurry up, and do it.” Iori replies while ignoring the struggling clone’s threats.

In the end, Yabuki sighs and follows the command. “I’m sorry. So, please, don’t get mad at me because I have no other choice. All I want is to help you two.”

When he hands his jacket to the redhead, Iori uses it as a rope and ties the replica’s hand. After he throws the brunette over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes, this look-alike demands. “Don’t you dare? Do not think of doing it! No… Put me down! I said, put me down and untie me!”

However, Iori remains unaffected by such indignant demands when she kicks him back. For now, he only rolls his eyes, checking that the brunette doesn’t fall. “Say what you want, but you’re going with us. Then you can tell us about your father from all your heart’s content.” After he walks, he prompts Shingo to take the other clone with him and leave this place.

On their way, Yabuki contacts the Headquarters and tells them about the underground laboratory, cloning, and that they are not coming back alone.

Some time passes. Somewhere in the vast of the galaxy. While Iori chills in the pilot seat, he comments. “It’s unusually peaceful here. Did that stupid clone finally snap out?”

Instead of saying anything, Shingo remains silent without interfering. After all, his presence will be ignored again.

After Iori turns to see what is happening in the backseat, he sees how a male replica of Kyo is dozing while the restrained brunette sits back and turns her head away.

“Not only you took the wrong spaceship, but you also heading the wrong direction. You know, it’s only the matter of time when dad will find you. So, I’m not afraid of you and I’ll stay strong for him.” She replies while lowering her gaze and refusing to face the redhead.

Yagami only cracks a smile. “Do you still believe in that? Whatever suits you. But soon you’ll speak differently when you realize that you were used by him to get his job done.”

As the brunette faces him, her eyes burn with determination. “You’re wrong! Unlike you, dad is a very kind and strong person. I know that he’ll come and when I’ll show him that Nii-sama is with me, I’ll make him happy. Then, I’ll finally become dad’s bride and I could show him how much I adore him. So, just you wait and see!”

After Yagami face-palms, he murmurs. “Sure you will… Just what the hell are these sickos up to? And why do they need Kyo?”

For now, he understands that if he wants to get actual information about his former partner; he has to befriend this artificial creature before finishing her.

When Iori brushes the hair from his face, he addresses the female clone. “Listen up. You’re not going to see him soon. However, once you’re recovered, we’ll bring you and your precious brother to your father. Any problems with that?”

The brunette only makes big eyes and dumbfounded stares. “What do you mean?”. After a momentary pause, the artificial creature’s eyes sparkle with excitement. “Oh… I see! But don’t you think that you’ll make me like you more, mister. You’re just slightly better than your friend. So, don’t set your hopes high, got it?”

In the end, the redhead returns to his seat and wonders. “If any of these clones are as intelligent as a child, what shady works or services they are trained for? After all, they cannot be just biological weapons.”

But for now, Yagami rests his head behind his hands and closes his eyes.

[Fmkitty]

Chapter 17.

 

 

Meanwhile, in one room of the Isolation Unit. One certain Kusanagi is sitting in bed, and while he leans against the wall, he turns his head away from his cell door and stares at a blank wall.

It has been a couple of weeks since he was imprisoned by NESTS, and a few days since he learned about his mission partner’s tragic fate. However, he is slowly becoming accustomed to this place and doesn’t mind spending the rest of his life here.

At least, this is a suitable punishment for a criminal like him who failed the mission, and his mistake cost him Shingo’s life.

Therefore, perhaps he is kept alive to repent of his sins. Or so the brunette thinks as he closes his eyes and exhales as he sinks into a gloomier mood.

At this point, he is too exhausted to end his miserable life and has given up the hope of leaving this place. Even if he attempted to escape, he would have nowhere to stay. One worry is adopting a new identity, while another is the potential discovery of his involvement in the rebel movement.

Besides, Kyo does not wish anyone from the Resistance Force to see him deeply fall from his grace, especially Yagami. After all, his long-time partner will be disappointed if he discovers how easily he was defeated and marked by the enemy while submitting to these shameful acts.

“Whatever you are planning to do, please do not seek for me or come anywhere close. I don’t think that I could endure grieving another loss, Yagami. So, please forget me for your own sake. And do not try anything reckless, you fool…” The brunette silently prays while just imagining the redhead clenches his heart.

But for now, the sound of the automatic door opening startles him.

“How are you doing today, Kusanagi-kun?” The silver-haired scientist with glasses asks.

When he approaches Kyo, he notices that his test subject hasn’t touched his food or water ratio for two days. As he softens his gaze, he sits next to the Kusanagi.

After he wraps his arm around the brunette’s shoulder, who shows no reaction, he brings him closer. “I understand you are still not over your friend’s death. However, you cannot neglect yourself.”

“Not because you’ll grow weak and die, but I might get into deep trouble, and it would cost me my job, and we do not want that, do we?” Or so Professor Kurama keeps in his mind.

“Unfortunately, I’m afraid that this is the last day of your stay here. Starting today, you will be transferred to the research facility.” He adds in a chill tone.

When he presses Kyo against his chest, he ruffles his hair. “But you do not need to worry. You will be under doctor Makishima’s care. As long as you follow hers or the researchers’ instructions, you should be fine.”

At the moment, the professor’s words have no weight or meaning to him. It is just sweet nothing before he is sent to the deeper level of his own Avici.

After Kurama releases the brunette from the soft embrace, he kneels in front of him. As he holds his shoulder and stares into these dull amber eyes, he gives him a comforting smile. “The doctor is already waiting for us. So, shall we go?”

When he helps Kyo to stand up, he walks him through the door.

While on their way, the brunette hung his head.

Meanwhile, the blonde doctor fixes her glasses while keeping her hand in the coat’s pocket.

As this couple stands in front of her, she briefly cracks a smile. “It’s been a while, Kusanagi. How was your stay here?”

Yet, she receives no response from the silent brunette. “Either way, I assume that the professor Kurama informed you about your further plans.”

But for now, Makishima addresses the silver-haired male. “So, from now, we’ll take him over, professor.”

“You heard her, Kusanagi-kun? So, why don’t go with her?” Kurama speaks up.

After he turns his back to the blonde, he wraps his arm around Kyo. As he grins like a snake, he whispers into his ear. “Just wait for me, and will come to rescue you, Kusanagi-kun.”

For sure, it makes Kyo widen his eyes and freeze in the same spot as if being in the giant snake’s grasp, which flickers its split tongue. However, when he feels how gently the professor’s hand pushes him forward, he returns to this world.

In the end, as he walks with Makishima, he turns his head and notices that the silver-haired male closes his eyes and innocently smiles and waves while keeping his other arm behind his back.

---

A couple of days pass. The fluffy silver-haired male twice looks around his shoulder, making sure that no one follows him into his room.

Fortunately, none of the blonde doctor’s underlings are anywhere around.

After the brunette arrived in his new cell, he accidentally chirped too much for the doctor about the unauthorized test samples that Kurama took.

Even if the silver-haired male wasn’t aware of what Kyo had told, he was certain - Makishima wasn’t too happy about it.

Therefore, all the Kusanagi’s clones, which were not fully developed along the prototype and all documentation, were confiscated, and Kurama’s research ceased.

Even a few scientists who assisted him turned their backs on him and witnessed against him.

After Doctor Makishima reported the current situation to NESTS, instead of being shot, Professor Kurama’s every movement was monitored while working in the isolation unit.

However, his old friend still passed him a pair of communication devices, which signals cannot be tracked even by the NESTS or the Empire.

Who also knew that not murdering that defective, undocumented clone and keeping her locked in the closet during the investigation could be his key to retrieving Kyo and escaping from this place?

More importantly, showing decent behavior towards that replica brought a fine harvest. After all, that clone was blindly trustful and obedient, and she could do anything without questioning if Kurama just asked.

But for now, as the silver-haired male enters inside, the automatic door closes behind him.

After he reaches his bed and sits on it, he turns on the transmission device. Unfortunately, when he tries to dial one certain brunette, the blue holographic screen turns red, showing an error message.

At the moment, Kurama bites his nails and hisses. “Strange… She always picks it up. Don’t tell me she was killed. I knew I shouldn’t have expected much from a mere copy. How unfortunate...”

As he lowers his head and grids his teeth, he grasps the transmission device and tosses it on the ground.

When he lowers his head, he cracks a smile. “Well, even if my last hope has died, I will still find a way to how to get you out of there. So, wait for me for a bit longer, Kusanagi-kun.”

---

Back to the Resistance Force Headquarters. As soon as one couple of soldiers returns, Shingo hands over the slumbering male clone of the Kusanagi to the group of medics and leaves him under their care.

Meanwhile, the restrained brunette shrugs and steps back after seeing so many people in white coats in one place.

What if they are working together with the same person who imprisoned her dad and going to bring her back to the same white room and run tests on her? More so, this time nobody will ruffle her hair afterwards and praise her for enduring another experiment.

“Where are you taking Nii-sama and what are you going to do with him?” The female replica indignantly asks one of the medical staff while staying close to Iori and refusing to leave his side.

“We’re taking him to the medical unit, ma’am. However, we would also ask you to go with us.” One medic briefly explains.

“I’m not going anywhere.” The brunette backfires. After a brief pause, she continues, pointing in the redhead’s direction. “Unless he is coming together. How else I can be sure that you won’t trick me?”

For sure, such an attitude slowly gets on Iori’s nerves, and he rolls his eyes.

Yet, he tries to remain calm and addresses the remaining personnel. “Why are you still here? Don’t you have a job to do? I’ll take that woman to the medical unit even if I need to drag her, if that concerns you.”

And thus, after the medic nods, he rushes towards his team.

Lastly, he grabs this replica by her arm and prompts her to go.

Meanwhile, the brunette frowns and objects. “Oi, what do you think you’re doing?”

However, Iori only murmurs. “Why do you have to be so annoying?”

The female replica only raises her eyebrow. “Eh? Did you say anything? If you have anything to say, say it clearly, and not mumble like an old grumpy man.”

“Of all clones, why does this one have to have such an attitude?” Yagami wonders while hoping that the sooner he brings this Kusanagi’s look-alike, the sooner he can have peace of mind.

More so, no matter how he doesn’t want to admit it, he has to get along with this replica, because she might guide him where Kyo is.

---

Some time passes. On the way to the Medical Unit, the brunette realizes she is the center of everyone’s attention.

At first, she does her best to keep her pride and confidence despite being a prisoner in unknown territory.

Unfortunately, it becomes a difficult task when she can feel the male soldiers fixating their eyes on her with such morbid curiosity. For now, she gives a questioning look at Yagami. “Hey, why are they staring at me like that? Do I look that weird?”

Meanwhile, Iori only grids his teeth and gives a deadly glare to anyone who looks in their direction.

At the moment, he can swear that even one wrong gesture or word will be enough to send anyone flying across the hallway.

He's not interested in a fake version of Kyo or the attention of these men they are giving her, but he's just tired and frustrated. Or so Iori convinces himself.

But for now, he exhales. “Just don’t pay too much attention to it.”

“If you say so. However, they are not dad’s co-workers. So, why they are so fixated on me and can’t mind their own business? It’s not that they need to test or confirm something for the research.” The brunette honestly replies.

Instead of making unnecessary comments, Iori holds back.

After reaching their destination place the automated door opens, and both enter inside.

As Yagami makes his way through rushing medical personnel, he notices the staff gathered around one healing capsule.

“Hey, Kagura. I brought that pesky clone.” The redhead addresses the certain doctor.

When the ebony-haired woman turns back, she replies. “Welcome back.”

As she takes a better look at the tied-up Kyo’s look-alike standing next to him, she briefly gets confused. Despite that, she comments. “You do almost resemble Kusanagi as if you were his sibling…”

Yet, the brunette demands the answers. “I dunno who is Kusanagi, but all I know is that Nii-sama is here. So, where is he, and what have you done to him?”

“You can rest assured. Your brother is fine, and he just needs plenty of rest.” Chizuru reassures her and lets her get closer to the capsule, where the prototype peacefully slumbers.

“Nii-sama…” the female clone whispers in a nearly pitiful voice.

A second later, the dark-haired woman adds in a serious tone. “But for now, I would ask you to cooperate with us. At first, I would need to need to examine you properly.”

Lastly, she addresses Iori. “You can leave now… And thank you for what have you done.”

“Whatever… Just be careful and don’t be tricked by her. She might look weak and innocent, but she is as strong as Kyo.” The redhead replies as he turns back and raises his palm. Finally, he walks away while keeping his hands in his pants pockets.

Meanwhile, the female replica tries to over-talk Kagura. “Do I really I have to do this?”

“I’m afraid that this is the only way how can I can check if you are injured. However, later on, you can change into clean pajama.” The dark-haired doctor patiently replies.

“That is the very first thing that dad gave me. So, there is no way I’ll let you discard it!” The brunette objects while pointing out at her body suit.

“But what if I promise you I will keep it for you? And I’m sure that your father would be relieved knowing that you are alright or not sick.” Chizuru continues negotiating with the brunette.

At first, the female replica doubts her intentions, yet she lowers her guard temporally. “Alright. I trust you for now, I guess. Besides, you wear the same coat as my dad. So, you can’t be a bad person, right?”

In the end, Chizuru closes her eyes and ruffles the clone’s hair as a small sign of gratitude.

---

Several hours pass. It is the middle of the night, and everyone is already asleep in the bunkers.

Unfortunately, one redhead’s peaceful rest is disturbed by the sensation of someone sleeping next to him.

Suddenly, he widens his eyes and turns to check whether he is still dreaming.

Not only does he realize he is not alone, but he also has a weird feeling about who might be that fearless fool who asks for their death wish.

No matter how much he is tempted to kick out the sleeping brunette, he understands it will awaken everyone, and he’ll get into trouble.

For now, Iori nuzzles the female clone while whispering. “Hey, enough sleeping. Wake up.”

Yet, the brunette only frowns and replies in a sleepy voice. “What is your problem? If you can’t sleep, at least let the others, you know.”

That woman wants to test his patience limits, doesn’t she? Iori thinks to himself while facepalming.

Instead, he shortly instructs. “Get up. We’re leaving.”

“Where? I’m fine staying here.” The Kusanagi’s look-alike objects. When she climbs on top of Iori, she rests her arms on his chest and smiles like a feline. “And I could use you as a pillow.”

It might be pointless arguing with this pesky troublemaker any further. Therefore, he has to figure out how to make this creature leave without causing problems.

“How did you get there? And what do you want from me?” The redhead asks.

The brunette lowers her gaze. “I didn’t want to sleep alone, and dad didn’t mind it either when I was still in the lab because he told that it would be warmer. So, I don’t get why are you complaining?”

After a brief pause, she confesses. “Even if I had no idea that you were staying here, I just simply followed my intuition.’’

When she places a palm on her chest, she continues. “As if, deep inside me, there was a part of me telling me I should trust you and seek you despite you being such an idiot. Heck, just listening to that strong feeling, I also guessed the password of this room. So, now I wonder what kind of relationship you had with Nii-sama…”

After listening to these words, Yagami explains. “I have nothing to do with that cheap copy.”

Surely, it confuses this clone. “But dad shown me a photo of Nii-sama, and asked me to bring him. He even entrusted this task to me because he told me I was the only one who could do it.”

“Then your father tricked you. You two are nothing more dull replicas of Kyo.” Iori briefly replies.

The brunette only gets bewildered by this man’s words and speaks up. “You’re… you’re lying. Dad is a very kind person and why else he would have told me that everyone else who looked like Nii-sama were fakes and I shouldn’t feel bad for them? Or that a bad people, who are stole his hard work, made them?”

“If your father truly cared about you, why hasn't he reached out? You are just a tool for him or for whoever these bastards to kidnapped Kyo and made you. For fuck's sake, even after you reunited with your brother, you should have noticed any differences between that photo or him in person.” The redhead backfires.

The female clone hangs her head and remains silent for a while.

After receiving no answers, Iori asks while keeping his poker face. “What’s wrong? Does the truth hurt you?”

She only shakes her head in disbelief. “I… I don’t understand. Why dad wanted me to bring Nii-sama to him, if he isn’t Original? It makes no sense.”

“This is what I want to know as well, and you will help me find Kyo and rescue him.” The redhead replies in a calm tone.

Meanwhile, this replica remarks. “You seem to adore and care about my original a lot. Now, I kinda get it why that one part of me cannot help but feel attracted towards you. Maybe you are not that bad person if he feels that way.”

As the brunette genially smiles, she adds. “After all, dad mentioned to me once that I share not only Original’s skills but also his emotions and at some point his memories.”

Yet, when she notices the dumbfounded redhead, she raises her eyebrow. “Hey, what’s wrong you with you? Did I say anything wrong? Or didn’t you know this?”

After Iori turns his head and closes his eyes, he tries to remain calm. “And you are poking your nose into the others’ business like him.”

When he gets up, he addresses this replica. “Either way, let’s get you back to your room.”

Despite not comprehending Yagami's reaction earlier, the brunette still does what he asks.

[Fmkitty]

Chapter 18.

 

 

A week has passed.

As soon as the detailed examination results showed up, they were delivered to the commander. Thus, after the meeting, the commander decided that Kusanagi’s clones did not pose any threat to the Resistance Force.

However, while the female replica was safe to leave the Medical Unit, the male one had to remain under the supervision of the medical staff until he was ready to be trained as a soldier.

Starting today, the female Kyo’s look-alike has officially become a member of the Resistance Force and received the title of Private Kyoko.

Meanwhile, for Iori, it is a long-awaited day as well. After all, he can finally progress his plans further.

But for now, he finishes preparing for tonight’s departure.

“Hopefully, that idiot won’t forget about the meeting nor do anything reckless.” Or so the redhead murmurs when he picks up his light saber.

As he stares at it, he softens his gaze. “You better be not dead. So, wait for me for me, Kyo ... Just a bit longer, and I’m coming for you.”

Lastly, he attaches his trustworthy weapon to his belt.

---

Some time passes. It is already a late night. After a while, the redhead reaches the port. However, when he looks around, he notices that there is no sign of one certain brunette yet.

But for now, he leans his back against the nearest wall. After he picks a pack of cigarettes from his uniform jacket, he lightens one.

Another few minutes pass. Soon enough, one certain brunette shows up. “There you are. So, what did you want to show me so badly, Yagami?”

As Iori steps on the burnt cigarette, he states. “We’re leaving.”

Kyoko only widens her eyes and raises her eyebrow. “Where?”

“We’re going to visit your father and your original,” Yagami explains while keeping his hands in his pants pockets and approaching the nearest spaceship.

While she follows her partner, she objects. “What you mean by that? But what about Nii-sama? Dad might be upset if I won’t bring him.”

“That’s his problem.” Iori backfires.

‘If anything, he should be afraid for his life and god forbids it if he was one of these bastards who hurt Kyo.’ Or so the redhead thinks while clenching his palm into a fist and momentarily baring his fangs.

After exhaling and lowering his shoulders, he adds. “Your brother is still too weak to go with us. So, you can tell this to your father. Besides, if he is such a kind person as you claim, he should understand you. Don’t you think so?”

At first, the brunette steps back while giving a questioning look. Yet, she follows Iori and nods.

That’s right, during her stay in the Resistance Force, Yagami used to visit her in the Medical Unit every day. Despite these being short ones, it strangely brighten up her day.

Thus, eventually, she started to trust the redhead and noticed that he didn’t mind that much when she tried to tease him.

---

After getting into the spaceship, Iori allows Kyoko to sit in the pilot seat while she turns her head and stares at him.

As the redhead sits down next to her, he asks. “Why are you staring at me like this? You should know better where is your father than me. Unless he didn’t tell you how to return home and wanted to get rid of you.”

“You’re wrong! Dad would never do this. Just you wait ‘til you meet him.” The brunette indignantly replies.

Iori only rolls his eyes and points at the display panel with his palm. “Go on and prove to me I’m wrong.”

While Kyoko enters the needed coordinates, she complains. “But thanks to you, I won’t be able to contact him. So, how he’ll know that I’m coming to see him?”

When they finally depart from the Resistance Force, Kyoko sits back and frowns. “Besides, based on what I’ve seen so far, I’m surprised that you rely on a piece of clothing that has zero protection instead of having body armor. You also use such primitive weapons. And I’m not talking about the outdated technology in your base… It’s still amazing how you survived that long.”

Instead of saying anything, Yagami removes the sound transmission device from behind his ear and passes it to the female replica. “Here. Even if it’s an old model and not whatever you used, at least the Empire or anyone else won’t be able to listen to you.”

While Kyoko studies the small device, the redhead’s question makes her turn back. “What’s wrong? Now you can call your oh-so-precious father. Or you don’t know how to use it?”

“Of course, I know! …I think.” The brunette immediately responds.

“Let me give you a hint. You need to scroll the switches until you set to your wanted frequency. Then, if you want to hear anything, put it behind your ear,” Iori explains while he relaxes in the chair and crosses his arms.

Meanwhile, Kyoko carefully follows the instructions and remarks. “It’s a pretty primitive-looking thing. However, I saw something like this lying around in Dad’s room. In any case, hopefully, he is not busy...”

Lastly, Iori closes his eyes and exhales. For now, he waits until they arrive at their destination place, where Kyo is imprisoned.

At the moment, he isn’t much concerned that whoever created this clone would pick up their signal to lure them into a trap.

That’s right, someone bred these replicas for the Empire, and the one sitting next to him might have been not an exception.

More so, she is as naïve as a child creature who would betray him without any sense of guilt or a second thought and wouldn’t understand what she has done.

On the other hand, it’s not important right now. After all, Yagami’s determination to see his long-time partner is stronger than anything.

Even if they are greeted by the armed forces, Iori will unleash his blade and fight anyone until either he or the enemy remains on the field.

He’ll even challenge the Death itself or the entire world if that’s the only way to get to Kyo. Or so the redhead ponders while observing the vast of the never-ending universe through the front window.

---

A couple of hours have passed. Thus, the Resistance soldiers finally arrived at their destination place.

The only light source that touched this land was from the spaceship, which revealed a grim and neglected scenery by mankind for years.

Judging from the empty, spacious area surrounded by the dark mist, it was used as a parking area.

But for now, when they step on this strange land, Iori turns on the flashlight and passes it to his partner. “What are you waiting? Show me the way. Or did you think you would trick me into going to the middle of nowhere?”

“Why would I? Dad taught to me to never lie or hide anything from him. Besides, how else I would prove him that Nii-sama is alright? That’s why you need to stay close to me because dad warn me that if you get lost here, no one will help you.” The brunette replies while keeping an eye on Yagami.

As they go deeper into the never-ending darkness, Kyoko explains. “It shouldn’t be far from here. So, we should reach the backdoor of the lab facility where dad works for the evil people. However, I wonder if he is doing fine or if he knows that we’re here…”

Of course, the redhead could tell her why her oh-so-adored father didn’t bother to pick up the signal. However, it would be as pointless as asking the wind not to blow.

More importantly, it may be wiser not to agitate or to stress this replica and play along with her, no matter how ridiculous her world is painted by whoever made her.

For now, Iori closes his eyes and sighs. “I’m sure that he is doing something important.”

In the end, the brunette’s face lightens up, and she nods. “That’s right!”

A second later, she proudly adds. “Perhaps right now he is waiting for me. So, you better be prepared to show him no less than respect when you see him.”

Lastly, Iori only rolls his eyes. “Whatever.”

---

After a while, their path becomes brighter. As the female clone of Kyo promised, she kept her word. Thus, soon, they reached the poorly lightened iron gate.

Meanwhile, Kyo only crosses her arms and holds her chin while staring at the pin code panel close to the door.

“What’s wrong? Have you forgotten the password?” Iori asks.

For sure, the redhead’s question makes her turn her head. Yet, she lowers her gaze. “Dad never told me.”

Yagami only indifferently addresses his partner. “And what are you suggesting to do next? Wait until anyone will unlock for us?”

“That’s right.” The brunette briefly answers.

For now, Iori steps forward and pushes Kyoko to the side. “Move.”

A second later, he picks up and lightens his saber blade. After he turns his head, he adds. “Or do you wish to be sliced into pieces?”

“What are you?-” The brunette speaks up before her voice is cut off when Yagami unleashes a powerful strike.

A slash after a slash, and Iori kicks out the cut door.

As soon as the sirens howl and the white corridors flash in crimson, he grabs the stunned brunette’s arm and announces. “We’re going in. Stay close to me or else you’ll meet your father faster than you think. ”

In the end, Yagami storms in through the gateway to hell.

---

Meanwhile, in one of the researchers’ rooms. One silver-haired professor is about to doze out before finishing working on the papers.

Suddenly, his guard is caught by the loud sirens and the robotic voice warning. “EMERGENCY ALERT! EMERGENCY ALERT! A GROUP OF TERRORISTS ARE ROAMING FREE IN ISOLATION UNIT!”

After Professor Kurama pushes the chair away and stands up, he fixes his glasses and delightfully smiles like a fox. “My... it was a matter of time before the inevitable happens.”

Just before taking his leave, he adds. “Looks like Miss Fortune favoring us, Kusanagi-kun.”

Despite the midst of the panic and chaos, he walks with noble elegance until someone rushes into him.

“The hell you’re doing? Don’t just stand here!” The senior scientist yells at him.

While the silver-haired male keeps his hands in the medical coat’s pockets, he pulls the pistol and pulls the trigger.

With a bang, the middle-aged scientist’s life thread is cut, and his dead body hits the ground.

For now, Kurama squats and searches that man’s pockets. “Please, you do not need to worry about me.”

When he picks up a key card and puts it into his pocket, he stands up and addresses the corpse. “On the other hand, I would be very grateful for this.”

In the end, the professor heads towards the facility where one test subject is kept before he is sent off to the Imperial Army.

And thus, the great race with time begins in which only one side can succeed.

Edited June 22 by Fmkitty

[Fmkitty]

Chapter 19.

 

 

After the Resistance soldiers reach the end of the end of the Isolation Unit, they get surrounded by the men in black body armor and stainless steel masks wielding massive laser guns and pointing at them.

When the brunette raises her hands, she addresses these troops. “You can lower your guns. I’m on your side.”

She points with her chin at Iori without removing her eyes from the armed soldiers. “All I’m here for is to bring this man to my dad.”

While the troops focus on their targets, Kyoko lowers her hands and adds. “He works here. Does the name Professor Iriyu Kurama says anything to you? So, you have no reason to treat us like this.”

For now, the redhead addresses his partner while he lowers his blade. “You’re wasting your breath… Cover my back.”

Lastly, without hesitation, Iori charges at the enemy.

As the countless bullets fly at Yagami, he reflects on each one by spinning his trustworthy weapon and sending it back to his opponents.

When he gets close enough, he stabs and slashes in half the nearest man.

Meanwhile, Kyoko picks up the handheld gun and blasts whoever aims at them.

---

Soon enough, the fierce battle is over. After wiping the blood from his face with his uniform sleeve, Iori approaches his battle partner.

However, when he reaches the metal door and is about to slash it, Kyoko’s voice stops him. “Wait! Dad’s office is here. So, we don’t need to go any further.”

“I don’t care about him. We’ll get your original first. Then, that fool.” The redhead backfires without looking back.

After Yagami unleashes a couple of stronger attacks to destroy the door, he briefly orders. “Follow me. Or do you want to wait here until more of these guys show up?”

At this point, the brunette has no choice but to follow the stubborn soldier. “It can’t be helped that I need to protect you until we find Dad.”

Unfortunately, another wave of the NESTS troops already greets them.

Meanwhile, Iori only cracks a smile and mockingly comments. “Oh~ Looks like you want to go to hell that badly. Fine. I’ll send you there.”

---

Some time has passed. After rushing through the endless corridors and defeating countless enemies, they reached the deeper level of NESTS.

Judging from the endless rows of half-empty rooms enclosed by thick glass doors, this place resembles a prison where unfortunate souls await their death sentences.

After wandering for a long time, Iori freezes in the same spot near one room and widens his eyes.

Apparently, one familiar-looking person catches his eye.

Even the sense of time and place disappears for Iori, and all he can do is stare in disbelief at this male as if he saw a living ghost.

Heck, thousands of emotions that the redhead could not understand, nor did he know he had rushed to him.

Apparently, the Kusanagi sits on the bed, leaning against the corner, staring into nothingness while his arms are restrained with chains.

However, the redhead doesn’t realize that anyone sitting behind the glass door cannot see what is going on outside.

Right now, he can only speak up in a quiet, shaky voice and press his palm on the glass door. “... Kyo.”

Lastly, the brunette faces the door.

When their eyes meet, Yagami’s heart skips a beat.

Despite starting with his empty and tired eyes, Kyo doesn’t react to the person behind the door. A few seconds later, he turns his head away and lowers it, sinking deeper into the darkness.

For sure, it makes Iori shakily clench his palms into fists and lower his head while grinding his teeth.

However, he isn’t heartbroken and frustrated because of traveling across the universe just to get ignored by Kyo.

No. Iori is not certain whether he should be mad at himself or whoever has broken Kyo to such a degree that he cannot recognize his long-time mission partner as turning him into nothing but a shell of his former self.

Suddenly, Iori hits the door as hard as he can and continues doing so while calling the Kusanagi’s name.

At the moment, even Kyoko steps back while observing this from a distance.

Meanwhile, the imprisoned brunette gets alerted and looks in the direction of the banging.

Even if he cannot see behind the white door, he immediately recognizes to whom belongs that familiar voice that struck like thunder from the clear sky.

Despite being confused about whether it is just a hallucination, Kyo carefully stands up while facing the door. “Ya… Yagami?”

A second later, the banging ceases, and the redhead addresses him. “Stay where you are! I’m coming for you!”

Thus, with the sound of scratching the surface, the saber blade penetrates the door and cuts it into pieces.

After Iori enters the cell, he calls the Kusanagi’s name. “Kyo!”

As the brunette barely comprehends the view in front of him, he asks in an unsure tone. “Yagami… What. What are you doing here?”

“It’s you! It’s really you,” Iori says while containing his emotions.

When he approaches Kyo, he instinctively wraps his arms around him, refusing to let him go.

For sure, such a gesture surprises the Kusanagi. After all, it’s the first time when his partner so openly shows any affection.

But for now, while Yagami’s trembling body is pressed against his, he can feel how his hug tightens.

In the end, Iori closes his eyes and whispers. “You’re… you’re alive. Thank the fucking goodness, I’ve finally found you.”

When Kyo notices another person standing behind the redhead curiously observing them, he gives a questioning look.

As Kyoko gets close to this couple, she speaks up in an unsure voice. “Nii-sama? Er, I mean… So, you’re the original?”

Finally, when Iori releases the Kusanagi from the hug, he holds his shoulders and explains in a calm tone. “We need to get out of here.”

However, he suspiciously narrows his gaze upon noticing a strange black collar around Kyo’s neck. “What a hell is this?”

Just before he touches it, a strict voice behind them interrupts them. “Stay away from him!”

---

Apparently, it’s a fluffy silver-haired scientist wearing glasses standing in the gap of the former door, pointing a gun at Yagami’s head and keeping his other hand in the pocket.

After Kurama gets everyone’s attention, he adds while keeping his poker face. “I warn you - one wrong move and I’ll blast a brute like you.”

Yet, Iori only growls at the impostor and shields Kyo with one arm.

Meanwhile, Kyoko’s face shines with excitement as she approaches the scientist. “Dad, you’re okay!”

However, as the tip of the gun moves towards her, Kurama replies. “Back off, you filthy copy.”

After she steps back, she lowers her head to the side. “Dad? Is everything alright?”

When the female replica places her hand on her chest, she adds. “Hey, Dad, look. The original is here. And that man over there - he helped me to save Nii-sama. So, he is in good hands now, and we’ll bring him to you when he feels better.”

The silver-haired male is unaffected by these words. After he points back the gun at the redhead, he orders. “Let him go and I may pretend that I never met you.”

“Fuck off! Kyo is mine!” Iori growls and points his trustworthy weapon at him.

But for now, Kurama only chuckles and fixes his glasses. “I see… It seems that peaceful negotiation with war criminals has failed. But I didn’t expect more from someone who only understands violence. Unfortunately for you, I won’t allow a bloody murderer like you to harm him any further.”

Meanwhile, Kyo is startled when the professor looks towards him with that warm, innocent smile and a comforting voice that sends cold shivers down his skin. “It’s alright, Kusanagi-kun. Let me finish these barbarians and I’ll take you to a safer place.”

---

Just before he pulls the trigger, Kyoko closes her eyes and tackles him, making him miss the shot.

While Kurama struggles under the brunette sitting on top of his back, he desperately tries to reach the dropped gun. “What? What do you think you’re doing? Get off me now!”

Unfortunately for him, Kyoko is strong enough to lock his arms.

But for now, she softens her gaze. “I’m sorry, dad. I can’t let you do this. That man may have killed countless of my brothers. However, he proved to me he cares a lot about original and he spared Nii-sama’s life. Dad, he even gave me a name before you did.”

“I knew from the very beginning that you are a defective failure who can’t follow simple orders. But I’m amazed how a weakling like you shares the same genes as Kusanagi-kun. If only the prototype would have developed faster than you, I would have saved my time and energy, and used him to trick that woman and NESTS instead of giving a life to such a worthless creature like you,” Kurama confesses.

After Kyoko releases his arms, she responds weakly while tears run down her face, trying to hold back sobs. “No. Dad, please tell me you’re lying…”

For sure, hearing these words alone boiled Iori’s blood with pure rage and hatred for this man.

At that moment, Kyo lowers his gaze upon such a revelation while the redhead refuses to listen to it any further and turns off his saber blade and attaches to his belt.

When Iori lowers his head, he addresses Kyo without looking back in as a chill voice as possible. “Stay still and do not interfere. It’s something personal between me and him.”

After he approaches the dumbfounded and shaky Kyoko and her oh-so-adored father, he pushes her away. When he squats, he roughly grabs Kurama by his shirt and makes him stand up.

In the end, Yagami narrows his gaze and looks down at the professor with pure disgust and hatred. “So, you’re the one who took Kyo away from me and made him suffer …You fucking bastard!”

Thus, Iori launches a punch into Kurama’s face.

Despite that, Kurama remains silent and gives a smug look while the blood runs from his nose and the corners of his lips.

As soon as Yagami tosses down the silver-haired male, he approaches Kyo. “We’re leaving.”

Meanwhile, the brunette objects while sitting on her knees and making big eyes. “But what about dad? We can’t just leave him like this, can we?”

“You’ve seen just now how much he cares about you. Besides, your brother is waiting for you.” Iori explains.

For now, the brunette lowers her gaze and follows the command. “Yes.”

When he gets close to Kusanagi, he takes his hand. “The same goes for you. Let’s go.”

However, just before Kyo opens his mouth to protest, Yagami interrupts him. “You can say whatever you want when we reach the base, you fool!”

Lastly, the redhead starts running and grabs Kyoko’s arm, making sure they will escape NESTS together.

---

Some time has passed.

After finally reaching their spaceship and entering it, Iori hears a short beeping noise from his sound transmission device and answers it. “What do you want?”

“This is the Headquarters. What are you up to this time, Yagami-san? And where in the world did you took Kyoko-san? Pl… please return to the Headquarters immediately!” The young female operator’s voice burst through speakers.

“Why do you have to be so annoying? Your precious princess is here with me if you care that much about her. Besides, we’re not coming back alone.” Iori explains in a slightly irritated tone.

“What are you talking about? Care to explain?” The operator asks.

Instead of wasting his time, the redhead replies before turning off the transmission device. “When we return, you all will see. Over.”

Meanwhile, Kyoko switches to the auto-pilot mode and turns her head to check on the other two Resistance soldiers in the back. “What was that, Yagami?”

“It seems that someone only now noticed that you’re missing and worries about you.” The redhead answers.

“I knew that I should have warned Kagura-san and Nii-sama before I left…” the brunette murmurs.

---

Several minutes have passed. While the auto-pilot mode is still on, Kyoko takes a longer nap before they reach the Headquarters.

In the meantime, Kyo stares through the window and sighs. “You should have left me. After all, not only I’ll cause trouble for you, but also I’ve killed him.”

Yet, Yagami leans closer and gives a questioning look.

Even if the words stuck in Kusanagi’s throat and he avoids facing Iori, he continues. “It was my fault that Shingo died twice. I’ve let him suffer in that abandoned spaceship, and now his dead body lies somewhere in NESTS labs. More importantly, NESTS and the Empire are probably tracking us and soon will discover our base.”

Suddenly, he widens his eyes when a couple of palms rest on his cheeks, making him face the redhead.

At that moment, the brunette silently stares at Iori, who narrows his gaze and studies him.

A second later, Yagami closes his eyes and exhales. After he lowers his hands, he replies. “Is this what concerns you? Then you definitely need to see something by yourself once we return.”

After a brief pause, he adds. “If you still blame yourself for what happened, show me your wrists.”

Of course, the brunette doesn’t question such a decision.

After Kyo raises his restrained hands, he looks away and impatiently waits for his partner’s next turn.

However, he gets alerted by the sound of a saber blade cutting and the sensation of his wrists being so light-weighted.

After Kyo checks his hands, he lifts his amber eyes, which question Yagami’s actions.

“I should have done this earlier.” Iori comments.

But for now, Kyo nervously swallows the saliva when their eyes meet.

Meanwhile, the redhead places his fingers under the brunette’s collar. “There should be a button somewhere around here to remove this thing, right?”

Thus, with the clicking noise, the black collar opens and releases the Kusanagi’s neck.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t fall on the ground and rests on the nape.

“The hell? Why is it still there?” Iori speaks up in an indignant tone while reaching out for it.

When he tries to pulls it, he withdraws his hand upon the Kusanagi’s sudden gasp.

A few moments later, the brunette only lowers his gaze and explains in a gloomy tone. “You won’t remove it that easily. It’s deep down inside me.”

‘These bastards… What they have done to him?’ Yagami thinks to himself while grinding his teeth.

A second later, he addresses Kyo in a serious voice. “This may sound like a stupid thing to say, but I need you to lie down on your stomach and on my lap.”

To his surprise, Kusanagi doesn’t protest and does what he says.

When Iori brings his hand in front of his partner’s mouth, he orders him. “You may want to bite into it. Here.”

For sure, such a gesture bewilders Kyo, making him hesitate.

“It may hurt you. That’s why I don’t want you to harm yourself.” The redhead persists.

After the brunette opens his mouth, he gently bites into Yagami’s hand.

When Iori grasps with his fingers around the exposed wire under the collar, he warns. “I’m going to pull it out now. Nod me if you’re ready.”

Lastly, Kusanagi lowers his gaze and nods.

Suddenly, Kyo widens his eyes and loudly gasps.

While his partner’s teeth sink into his flesh, Iori endures the pain and deeply breathes.

Fortunately, he pulls out the entire metal thread out of Kusanagi’s body.

However, when Kyo stops breathing and loosens his bite, Yagami slightly panics. “Kyo!”

After immediately removing one glove, Iori presses it against the brunette’s nape and checks his pulse on his sleep artery.

When he senses a weak pulse twitching against his fingers, he lowers his shoulders and exhales.

As Yagami brushes the hair from Kyo’s face, he whispers. “Thank goodness… He only passed out.”

---

A few minutes have passed. After Iori puts a medical plaster on disinfected Kyo’s nape, he lays him down on the entire back seat and rests the brunette’s head on his lap.

As he takes off his uniform jacket and covers himself, he gazes upon the peacefully sleeping Kusanagi, still in disbelief that Kyo is here with him.

More importantly, even staying like this for a while makes Iori happy secretly. After all, Kyo is safe by his side and does not need to suffer anymore.

[Fmkitty]

Chapter 20.

 

 

A couple of hours have passed. Finally, a group of Resistance soldiers reaches the dock of the Resistance base.

After turning off the engine, Kyoko stretches while sitting in the pilot seat. But now, she rests her crossed arms like a cat and checks on the backseat.

Apparently, Kusanagi hasn’t regained consciousness yet and peacefully sleeps on Iori’s lap.

“Hey, Yagami, we already arrived. So, should we leave?” the brunette addresses him.

After a brief pause, she asks. “Is he alright? Should we wake him up?”

While Iori stares through the window, he closes his eyes and replies. “Yeah, probably… But you can go first.”

A second later, he turns his head and adds. “Then you can help me to carry Kyo.”

When Kyoko nods and leaves, Yagami sits Kyo, and puts his uniform jacket on him.

As Iori buttons up the jacket, he softens his gaze and sighs. He picks up the black collar and wraps the metal wire attached to it around it before putting it into his pocket.

---

After a while, this couple reaches the Headquarters of the Resistance Force while carrying a still-unconscious Kusanagi.

However, Kyoko becomes alert when they are greeted by a squad of resistance soldiers led by the commander, who crosses his arms and glares at them with a steely eye.

Meanwhile, Iori only narrows his gaze and indifferently stares at this well-built man in his forties.

“What is the meaning of this, Yagami?” the commander asks in a clear tone as he crosses his arms.

As his piercing look switches towards Kyoko, she almost jumps from the same spot and straightens her back.

A second later, this man briefly raises his eyebrow and addresses the brunette while keeping his straight face and frowning. “Kyoko? You too? What were you two thinking?”

The redhead only closes his eyes and clenches his palm into a fist. After opening his eyes, he explains. “You can leave her out of this. She has nothing to do with it.”

Kyoko only turns her head and objects. “Oi, Yagami… But I-”

However, her voice is cut off by Iori’s confession. “I kidnapped her and used her by force to get to where Kyo was kept.”

After a brief pause, he adds in a sensible, judgmental tone. “Since no one gave a fuck about Kyo since he was abducted by NESTS, I had to do it by myself.”

When Iori grinds his teeth, he picks the black choker from his pocket and tosses it at the commander.

Fortunately, this man’s reaction is quick, and he grasps the thrown item and narrows his gaze. Despite one of his soldier’s insolent behavior, he remains calm while listening to the indignant redhead. “Just how much he had to suffer and for what? You make me sick…”

But for now, the commander briefly orders the other Resistance soldiers. “Transfer Kusanagi to the Medical Unit immediately and bring Yagami to my office.”

Meanwhile, Kyoko lowers her guilty eyes and waits for her turn and the strict punishment.

When a couple of soldiers remove the weight from her shoulders, she lifts her head and widens her eyes at the calm commander’s voice. “You are dismissed, Kyoko.”

Just before the soldiers lay a finger on Iori’s uniform, the redhead gives them a glaring look. “I can walk on my own.”

For sure, these glaring eyes alone were enough for a couple of soldiers to withdraw and keep a distance from him.

But for now, Kyoko observes some soldiers take care of the Kusanagi heir, and others make sure that Yagami won’t resist or run away.

Yet she decides to wait until Iori leaves the office and only then tries to talk with the commander.

---

Some time has passed. Soon, the redhead enters the Medical Unit and, without wasting time, looks for his long-time mission partner.

Fortunately, it doesn’t take long to find the healing capsule, in which Kusanagi peacefully rests while several electrical pads are attached to his body. But for now, Iori places his palm on the lid and softens his gaze.

However, the familiar voice behind him makes him lift his head. “You’re back?”

When Iori turns his head, he notices the head doctor of the Medical Unit. But for now, Chizuru addresses him. “Can we talk about something?”

At that moment, Iori exhales silently and nods.

Thus, after a brief pause, the ebony-haired woman stares into asleep Kyo and confesses. “I still cannot believe that he is alive, and you’ve brought him home. Finally, I can reject his status as missing.”

After Chizuru turns her gaze towards the redhead, she asks with a serious look on her face. “Were you the one who pulled the choker out of him?”

“Yeah. And what’s wrong with that?” Iori backfires with confidence.

However, the dead look on her face and her silence are enough to make the redhead regret his words, and he only nervously swallows the saliva.

When Chizuru closes her eyes, she announces her verdict. “You were very close enough to killing him.”

These words widen Iori’s eyes, and he cracks a nervous smile.

After the ebony-haired doctor opens her eyes, she adds. “I’m sure that you weren’t aware that it is impossible to remove that metal wire without damaging the person’s nerve system or destroying it.”

After taking a deeper breath, Chizuru explains. “Even so, I ran a few tests on Kusanagi. Surprisingly, there weren’t any significant changes that could be life-threatening. However, for now, all we can do is wait until he’ll regain his consciousness.”

“How long it will take?” the redhead impatiently asks.

When the ebony-haired woman rests her chin on her knuckles, she narrows her gaze and replies. “Even I’m not certain how long it will take and if he’ll be the same, we know.”

“Then I’ll come here every single day until Kyo wakes up.” Iori replies before taking one more look at the unconscious brunette and taking his leave.

---

A couple of weeks have passed. There are no new updates about Kyo, and he hasn’t regained consciousness. Or so that is what the Medical Unit has told Iori.

However, no matter how much he wants to see his long-time mission partner, he simply cannot now.

That’s right, if it wasn’t for being on another looting mission, he would constantly check whether Kyo was awake.

Fortunately, if everything goes according to the plan, the redhead should return tonight and see it by himself. The redhead wonders as he turns on the spaceship’s engine.

---

Meanwhile, in the Medical Unit, behind one of the healing capsule’s lids, Kyo Kusanagi silently groans as his eyelids tremble.

At first, he doesn’t understand whether he is still dreaming while he remains in a never-ending darkness.

Yet the familiar humming and soft vibrations around him strangely comfort him, giving him a false sense of security.

Suddenly, Kyo remembers perhaps he is only resting inside one NESTS healing capsule, and seeing Iori after such a long time is nothing but a vivid dream.

But now, the brunette opens his amber eyes and exhales. After blinking, his blurry vision finally becomes clear, and he gets startled by spotting a familiar figure behind the lid.

As the lid opens, the ebony-haired doctor warmly greets him. “Welcome back home.”

However, the brunette asks her while trying to get up. “… Kagura? But where?… How did I get here?”

Chizuru softens her gaze and adds, “Do not push yourself too hard. You must have gone through a lot. But it’s alright. You are finally here with us at the Resistance Base.”

After a brief pause, she turns her head and addresses the purple-haired nurse, who hides behind her back. “Could you bring something for Kusanagi to wear, Yukari?”

“Y-yes! Th-then I’m on m-my way!” Yukari immediately responds and nods before rushing to take her leave.

Soon, Kyo lowers his head while holding himself. “But I still don’t get what I’m doing here. It’s only a matter of time before NESTS or the Empire strikes us.”

As he lifts his palm and touches his neck, he widens his eyes and, through trembling lips, says in disbelief, “… How?”

When Chizuru closes her eyes, she calmly explains, “Rest assured, that choker was destroyed before anyone could track the signal.”

“But it doesn’t change the fact that it was my fault that Shingo… that he…” Kyo objects, shakily clenching his palms into fists, unable to finish as if the words were stuck in his throat.

Grinding his teeth, he lashes out, “…Shit! That stupid Yagami should have left me rotting in that lab instead of risking his life for nothing!”

After these words, the brunette covers his eyes while his shoulders tremble.

However, as he feels someone’s palm resting on his shoulder, Kyo lifts his head and removes his palm from his face, staring at the ebony-haired woman with genial confusion.

“Calm down. First, let me check on you and inform the commander about you, alright?” Chizuru comforts him, keeping a serious look on her face.

Lastly, the Kusanagi heir only closes his eyes and nods. “Alright.”

---

A few hours have passed. Somewhere in the hallway of the Resistance Base.

On his way towards the bunkers, Kyo is stopped by a familiar voice behind him. “Kusanagi-san!”

Upon recognizing the owner of that voice, the brunette widens his eyes and slowly turns back.

Facing the person, he only stares in disbelief, as if he saw a ghost. “Shingo?… You’re… But I thought you were…”

However, he cannot finish the sentence, as if the guilt weighing down his heart chokes him.

Meanwhile, the junior soldier approaches him, not hiding his emotions. “It’s really you!”

Suddenly, Shingo pulls him into a tight hug that slightly lifts Kyo into the air. Placing his hand behind his partner’s head, he gently sinks his fingers into his scalp and closes his eyes. “I’m so glad, Kusanagi-san! I’m so glad that you are alive. But…”

Neither of them cares about their surroundings or anyone passing by.

After biting his lip and exhaling, the junior soldier apologizes, letting out all the pain and sorrow that has been corroding him from the inside. “I’m sorry… I’m so sorry that I wasn’t strong enough and couldn’t protect you.”

While trying to hold back his tears and sniffing, Shingo continues in a sad voice. “I hope that someday you will be able to forgive me… I’m sorry for failing you.”

Meanwhile, Kyo is bewildered by such a confession and momentarily doubts.

After a brief pause, the Kusanagi heir reaches out for the junior soldier, pats his head, and softens his gaze. “It’s alright. None of it was your fault, or you did anything wrong.”

“I never held a grudge against you, not even for a second. Nor did I think you did anything wrong, you idiot…” the Kusanagi heir closes his eyes and whispers.

In the end, Shingo only tightens his hug and makes his senior puff. “Kusanagi-saaan!~”

However, their emotional reunion is interrupted by another familiar voice. “I told you that you have no reason to worry about it, you idiot.”

For sure, it makes them turn their heads toward the direction of that sound, and Shingo releases the brunette from his powerful embrace. “Yagami-san?”

Apparently, it’s one certain redhead who gets closer to his long-time mission partner. “It’s been a while, Kyo.”

As Shingo steps back, Kyo steps forward towards Iori and gives him a questioning look. “Yagami? What are you doing here?”

Yet, the redhead backfires while keeping his poker face. “Tsk. It cannot be helped that I took longer and couldn’t be on time to see you waking up.”

When his gaze briefly fixates on Shingo, he returns it to Kyo and addresses him in a serious tone. “Can we talk about something? Not here, but later, in private.”

At first, the Kusanagi heir hesitates and briefly averts his amber eyes from him, but his curiosity wins, and he nods. “Sure.”

Before taking his leave, Iori bids his farewell. “Then I’ll see you after an hour at the dock. So, you better not forget it.”

---

An hour has passed. After arriving at the docks, Kyo sees one redhead leaning against the nearest wall.

When he gets close to his partner and leans close to him, the brunette asks, “So, what did you want to talk about, Yagami?”

After the redhead picks up a pack of cigarettes from his pocket and swiftly lifts one by his thumb, he brings it toward Kyo. “Take it.”

However, the brunette doesn’t object and accepts his partner’s offer. Thus, as he holds the cigarette between his fingers, Iori lights it up.

When Kyo notices his partner dims the lighter and puts it back into his pocket, he gives a confused look. “Aren’t you going to join me?”

While he brings the lit cigarette to his mouth, his eyes follow the redhead, copying his movement.

Suddenly, the brunette widens his amber eyes and feels the heat rushing to his cheeks as Iori brings his calm face close to his.

However, when Yagami’s cigarette lights up, he withdraws his face from Kyo’s. Thus, after resting his back against the wall, he inhales and tilts his head before blowing a gray line of smoke.

Meanwhile, Kyo remains dumbfounded by the redhead’s rather out-of-the-blue movement.

Yet, Iori’s voice makes him return to his senses and shake his head. “Listen, do you know why I called you here?”

After a brief pause, the brunette only softens his gaze. “No, but I’m guessing it’s something important if you wanted to talk in private.”

When Yagami puffs on another smoke, he narrows his gaze. “I was thinking a lot.”

After mimicking his partner’s movement, Kyo lowers the cigarette and smiles. “You don’t say~ But thank you for letting me know you carry a head instead of cabbage on your shoulders.”

Meanwhile, Iori only lowers his shoulders and gives him an irritated look.

Despite that, the Kusanagi heir adds, “Come on, just tell me what it is.”

After rolling his eyes and a brief pause, Yagami confesses. “A lot happened since you were gone. But I still found you no matter what it took, even from the depths of the hell you’ve been.”

When he slowly blinks, he sighs. “After Kagura told me that you may never wake up… I thought a lot and realized something.”

Meanwhile, Kyo only nervously swallows and feels how loud his heart beats as Iori stands in front of him.

But for now, Yagami drops his cigarette and takes it away from his partner.

As Iori corners him with one hand, he brings his face close to the brunette and whispers in a deeper voice, “I’ll show it to you.”

When he presses his lips against Kyo’s, the latter widens his bewildered amber eyes before blissfully narrowing them.

The brunette only closes his eyes and lowers his arms.

However, their kiss doesn’t last long. After withdrawing his face, Iori gives a demanding look at his dazed partner while sliding his palm under his uniform shirt and stroking his abs, impatiently waiting for his response.

Meanwhile, Kyo only turns his head and lowers his gaze.

When he tightens his lips, he places his palms on Yagami’s chest and replies in an ashamed tone. “Yagami, I don’t know what to say. But please…”

Suddenly, he pushes his partner away and yells from the top of his lungs, “STAY AWAY FROM ME!”

That response pierces and tears Iori’s heart, yet he shakily respires and observes how the brunette shrugs and holds himself.

Kyo only cracks a bitter smile. “…Of all people, you have a shit taste. You know that, don’t you? That’s why I don’t want you to have anything to do with me.”

At that moment, Yagami only narrows his gaze and listens further to his partner, who bends and covers his face with his hand. “If you had been around that day when the incident happened or knew how that clone was made, I bet you would be disgusted and laughing at me. So, I suggest you not be involved with me unless you want to be just as much of a laughingstock as me…”

It seems like a matter of seconds before the trembling Kusanagi may collapse and fall apart. Thus, without wasting time, Iori pulls him into a tight hug.

As he buries his fingers in his partner’s hair and grasps his uniform, Yagami only closes his eyes. “You fool…”

Meanwhile, Kyo only stares in disbelief and listens to his long-time mission partner whispering. “As if I could ever do that. I’ll chase you down, even to the end of the universe.”

After releasing the brunette from his embrace, Iori holds his cheeks and makes Kyo face him. “You belong to me, Kyo. And nothing will ever change that.”

But for now, the Kusanagi heir only grips the redhead’s wrist and brushes his cheek against his palm.

After a brief pause, Kyo softens his gaze. “You have no idea what they took from me… it would be easier to list what is left of me.”

When he forces himself to chuckle, he adds while his cheeks dye in a lovely shade of pink, “However, you just took the only remaining thing that NESTS haven’t. Something I’ve desperately saved for someone important to me. But perhaps it was already kinda late for that, don’t you think? So, will you still accept me, even if everything has been stripped from me?”

Instead of saying anything, Iori only holds his wrists and presses him against the wall.

As he pins Kyo against the wall, the redhead lifts his knee and spreads his partner’s legs until it touches his crotch.

Lastly, Iori whispers into his ear, “Then I have to retrieve what belongs to me. This time, I’ll make sure that no one will take you away from me, Kyo.”

Meanwhile, Kyo lets out purring-like sounds as the redhead kisses and licks his neck. But for now, he replies in between the lovely sounds. “Shouldn’t we do it somewhere else? What… What if anyone walks into us?”

However, his voice doesn’t reach Iori, who only slides his palm under his shirt and strokes his abs and chest.

A couple of seconds later, the redhead withdraws his face from his neck and responds while lowering his knee and unbuttons Kyo’s uniform jacket and shirt. “It should be on them for having too many eyes. Besides, no one will be around this hour.”

For now, Kyo gives a shy smile to his partner and comments. “You’ve planned this ahead, haven’t you? Well, that’s no less from you, Iorin~”

Such a note surprises Iori, and his poker face slightly cracks. After handling the current task, he asks. “Can you turn around and place your hands on the wall?… Unless you don’t want to. Then I’m not forcing you…”

Even if he realizes his partner’s true intentions, Kyo doesn’t mind it and does what he is told to do.

Besides, who knows how long Iori has kept these feelings to himself? More so, he trusts the redhead enough to entrust his body.

After he places his palm on the wall, he hears how Yagami undo his belt. But for now, he gasps as his pants and underwear drop on the ground and his lower regions are exposed.

At that moment, Iori unbuttons his uniform and white shirt.

A few moments later, Kyo whimpers as his partner presses his body against his and wraps his palm around his semi-hard cock.

Meanwhile, the brunette only softly moans and respires as Iori strokes his weeping arousal and massages his chest.

Despite that, he can feel that the redhead is holding back.

Suddenly, Kyo lets out another adorable cry as Iori pinches and plays with his nipple.

But for now, the brunette notices Yagami’s fingers and hears his gentle command. “Lick them.”

As Kyo is working with his tongue around his fingers and sucking them, he lets out more adorable whims as Iori’s hand movement around his dick becomes faster and rougher.

Soon, the redhead removes his fingers from Kusanagi’s mouth and whispers. “That should be enough.”

Thus, when Yagami removes his hand from his hard-on, Kyo turns his head and gives him a lewd, needy look while blushing. “… Yagami?”

“It might be a bit cold. So, don’t be scared,” the redhead calmly explains before bringing his wet fingers to his entrance.

As the slippery, cold fingers enter inside him, Kyo closes his amber eyes and whimpers.

At first, he only shakily respires as something moves inside him. After all, it’s nothing different from the foreign object wriggling and exploring his insides.

Soon, he let out a sudden moan and opens his eyes as Iori’s fingers hit his special spot.

“Looks like I’ve found it,” the redhead comments on his discovery with sensible excitement in his voice.

But for now, he continues focusing on rubbing his partner’s prostate and being rewarded with Kyo’s pleasant cries and sighs.

For sure, when Iori messes with his ring muscle like that, even his knees are shaking from that thrilling sensation.

Eventually, as the redhead feels that the Kusanagi heir’s insides are loosened enough, he removes his fingers.

However, just before the brunette feels lonely and wants something would keep him filled, something larger and hot rubs against his entrance.

“I’m going to put it in. So, let me know if you’re okay.” Iori gives the final warning and waits for his partner’s answer.

Kyo lowers his blushing gaze and nods. Thus, he starts deeply breathing as the tip and then Iori’s enormous length slowly penetrates him.

When Yagami pushes himself, he holds the brunette’s waist and closes his eyes. “Try to loosen yourself… Because… because you’re going to squeeze me.”

After his entire length is inside his partner’s warm and tight insides, Iori addresses him. “I’ll start moving now, okay?”

Finally, the redhead slowly thrusts Kyo, making him groan and lower his head.

Eventually, the Kusanagi heir lets out another erotic moan as Iori hits his prostate.

After finding his partner’s special spot again, Iori aims to touch it and moves his hips faster.

As Yagami’s vigorous hard-on stretches his insides and penetrates him with raw strength, Kyo cannot think straight anymore but feels corrupted by the pleasure. Hell, he doesn’t care what lewd face he makes or his sexy sighs.

More so, judging by how Iori calls his name while groaning, he is enjoying himself.

However, as soon as Yagami stops moving and suddenly removes his cock, Kyo whimpers and turns his head while giving him an unsatisfied, questioning look. “Ya… Yagami?”

After the redhead makes his partner face him, he spreads his legs and presses his back against the wall.

Before lifting Kyo, he holds his hips and briefly suggests to him. “You may want to hold on to me, Kyo.”

Without a second thought, the brunette throws his arms around his partner, and he lets out another lovely as Iori inserts himself and starts moving.

It doesn’t take long for him to pick up his previous rhythm.

Meanwhile, Kyo only closes his alluring amber eyes and wraps his legs around Iori.

Such a gesture only turns him on, and he thrusts harder while being rewarded by Kyo’s endearing moans.

More importantly, he never felt so glad to have Kyo by his side. Also, knowing that he is the one who makes him melt in pleasure satisfies him.

But for now, he pulls Kusanagi into a deep kiss.

Kyo cannot hold back his voice and feels the electricity running through his spine as Yagami’s tongue explores and conquers every single part.

He sinks his fingers into Iori’s hair and strokes them while being on cloud nine.

Eventually, Kyo reaches the climax. As his vision goes white, he lets out an ecstatic moan and calls Yagami’s name.

In the end, he whimpers and sighs as Iori grunts and fills his insides with his hot seed.

---

After Yagami lowers his partner’s legs and makes sure that he safely stands on his feet, he pulls out his cock.

Meanwhile, Kyo lowers his blushing gaze and watches how the white, thick semen runs down his thigh. “Wow… It… It just keeps going… like there is no end to it.”

However, Iori only helps his partner sit down.

When Yagami sits next to him, he wraps his arm around Kyo and prompts him. “Come here.”

After Kyo sits on his lap, he rests his head against Iori’s chest and feels how he gently strokes his hair.

At a moment like this, the brunette has never felt so comforted or calm as now by being close to his partner. More importantly, even if he understands it is only a selfish thought, he wants to stay like this for a while.

Yet his further thoughts are interrupted when Iori brushes his hair from his face and lands a soft kiss on his forehead.

In the end, Kyo lifts his head and stares at Iori with loving amber eyes before resting his palm on his cheek and pulling him into a kiss.

Finally, he feels safe and loved by someone he trusts, and with Iori by his side, he can finally greet tomorrow no matter what challenges it may bring for them.