Seigan laid on his back staring at the ceiling. Sleep wasn't coming easily, especially not after what he heard a few hours ago. The room was dark, aside from the soft glow of his electronic clock. He sighed as he flipped over.
Seigan: [Guess I'm just going to be up all night…]
A faint knock echoed through the room, breaking the silence that had settled over him. Another knock, this time firmer; followed by a hushed voice.
Takuro: Seigan, you awake?
Siegan sighed, scratching his head before rising from the bed.
Seigan: Yeah, you too?
He opened the door and found Takuro standing there arms crossed. He had small bags under his eyes.
Takuro: None of us went to sleep. We're all gathered in my room. Figured I'd grab you.
Seigan exhaled sharply through his nose.
Seigan: Lead the way.
Takuro's room was dimly lit, the single lamp in the corner was the only thing stopping the shadows from completely overtaking it. The others were already there, sitting anywhere they could. Inezo was sprawled out on the bed, looking at the ceiling; Akida was sitting on the floor, hands resting on her knees; and the twins sat beside each other against a wall.
The air was thick with unspoken thoughts.
Seigan stepped inside after Takuro, shutting the door behind him.
Seigan: So…We're talking about the whole "we're dead and have a choice thing"?
He found a spot on the edge of the bed while Takuro sat in a chair.
Inezo sat up, rubbing his temples.
Inezo: What else would we talk about?
Tamiko: This whole thing is ridiculous, our deaths are faked, and now we have to either fight or hide?
Sakiko: It's not about us, there are bad people out there doing who-knows-what, and we're just going to sit here and let it happen.
Sakiko's voice was shaky, every other sentence came after a sniffle.
Inezo: Uhh, yeah? 48 hours ago the "bad people" consisted of criminals and teachers who assigned too much homework, not guys who can slice us up with a wave of a finger.
Tamiko: Exactly. And besides, we're not grand heroes. We don't owe the world anything—especially not now.
Akida: So what? Ya on "team Hide away"?
Tamiko: All I'm saying is, we need to actually think before we dive headfirst into something we can't walk away from.
Seigan: At this point, I don't think walking away is a real option. We're still dead.
Takuro: Ok, then what do we do?
Silence again.
Takuro: I say we at least hear them out-
Akida: Oh yeah, let's just hold hands and start formin' a friendship circle with the STRANGERS we just met.
Takuro: You're making it sound simpler than it is.
Tamiko: It is that simple, we know nothing about this place. All that Kindness Ms.Siana showed us could very well be fake.
Takuro: They're offering us a chance to fight back.
Inezo let out a low-pitched laugh that grabbed the other five's attention.
Inezo: Fight back? You sure they don't just want more soldiers?
Seigan: If they do, fine. Even if I'm just a weapon to them, it's better than living a false life.
Sakiko: What if more people end up like us… dragged into this mess without a choice. I don't want that.
Inezo: We could just run, go somewhere far away, and disappear… people do it all the time.
Seigan: …We're on an island jackass.
Tamiko scoffed before she nailed Inezo with a condescending gaze.
Tamiko: Yeah? Then what? Sleep with one eye open for the rest of our lives, waiting for Prince or whoever comes to tie up their loose ends?
Akida: Exactly, they didn't fake our deaths out of the kindness of their hearts.
That thought made the room twice as heavy. Not one of them liked being manipulated, some much less than others.
Sakiko: I get what you guys are saying… and like I said, I don't want more people dragged into this like we were. But fighting? Actually fighting? That's way easier said than done. We still don't even know why all this happened to us.
Tamiko: I agree, especially with the six of us.
Inezo: What're you tryna say?
Tamiko: That us working together is far-fetched. We were hardly classmates.
Seigan: She's unfortunately right.
Takuro: If we're doing this, then we have to be serious about it. No backing out. No hesitating. No second-guessing ourselves.
Takuro looked at each of them. His expression wavering.
Takuro: One bad mistake… and it's over for us.
Takuro's words hit like a cold chill, for the first time since Siana told them the truth. The weight of what they were discussing fully sank in.
Sakiko: If we…if we fight I want it to mean something. Not just because we think we have no other choice.
Tamiko glanced at her younger sister, her expression softening for a moment, before she hardened her face once again and looked at the group.
Tamiko: Then we need to figure out our own reasons. Not because we're dead, not because Siana asked us. We decide for ourselves, even if it's only for revenge.
Silence blanketed the room once again, but this time, it wasn't because of uncertainty.
Seigan rubbed the back of his neck.
Seigan: Guess we're all thinking the same thing then?
Takuro smiled slightly.
Takuro: Guess so.
Inezo: So what now?
Akida: We do this "training", then we get our lives back.
Everyone nodded.
Takuro: Alright then, we should get some sleep. Big day tomorrow…Or I guess later today.
Seigan: Oh yeah, cause after that talk, I'm just gonna casually drift off.
Inezo jumped from the bed.
Inezo: I know, I will!
Sakiko stretched her arms above her head and let out a tired breath.
Sakiko: We'll need sleep eventually. No point in exhausting ourselves before we even start training or whatever.
Tamiko stood and gave her sister a knowing look.
She looked back at the others before heading for the door.
Tamiko: We'll talk more tomorrow.
Sakiko followed suit, but not before flashing a small, reassuring smile at the rest of them.
Akida got up next, rolling her shoulders.
Akida: Later.
One after another, they filtered out of the room, Seigan last.
Inezo caught Seigan in the hallway.
Seigan: I'm surprised you're not asleep already.
Inezo: Truth be told, I haven't been able to sleep very well since we got here.
Seigan felt the color drain from his face.
Seigan: [Maybe I should write my will when I get back to my room.]
Inezo: I can tell by your face you're thinking something stupid.
Seigan: Me? Never.
The laugh the two of them shared was followed by a short but comfortable silence.
Inezo: Seigan…we're not gonna die right.
Seigan: We're already dead.
Inezo: Very funny.
Seigan pivoted and stood face-to-face with Inezo.
Seigan: Nah we won't. I've got your back just like we promised on the day we met.
Inezo: That was a week after we met… we fought the first time.
Seigan: You know what I mean.
Inezo let out a small laugh as he turned to head to his room.
Inezo: Yeah, I do.
For the first time since they left their school, they all felt like they finally had control of their own fate again. Not much, but enough.
And for now, that was ok.
The sun was at its peak as the group filed into the living room. The atmosphere was tense. The six sat in various spots, some leaning forward while others were sinking into the cushions, all of them waiting for Siana to arrive. The weight of their decision from the previous night still lingered in the air.
Takuro: Any last-minute doubts?
Akida: Doubts? Please. If anything I wanna get it over with, we already know what we're gonna say, so why does it feel like we're waiting for judgment day?
Inezo: Because we kinda are, once we tell Siana we're in, I imagine there's no backing out.
Takuro turns away from the window to face the group.
Takuro: We've gotta be ready for anything. We're doing more than agreeing to fight, we're committing to something bigger than us. Following orders, training, and putting our lives on the line.
Tamiko looked up, raising an eyebrow at Takuro.
Tamiko: Sounds to me like this is right up your alley.
Takuro: I wouldn't say that. But I do know that in Kendo, hesitation can cost you, and in this case, it's much more serious. So if anyone's got second thoughts, now's the time to voice 'em.
A brief silence followed. No one spoke up.
Seigan stood up and stretched his arms and legs, obviously trying to cover up his nerves.
Seigan: Guess that settles it then. We're all in. Now we gotta live through Siana's speech.
As if on cue, the front door creaked open.
Siana: Hey kiddos, I'm back!
Sakiko: Welcome back Ms. Siana! We're in here.
Siana stepped into the living room, her demeanor upbeat and bright, you'd never believe she had told six kids they died. She scanned the group, taking in their body language as she laid her jacket down on a chair.
Siana: So? You got an answer for me?
Takuro: We're all in.
Siana exhaled softly as if she expected that answer, but still needed to hear it from them. She slowly looked at each one of them.
Siana: Once again, you guys understand what this means right? If you take this step there's no turning back. This isn't a game.
Akida: We ain't scared.
Siana let out a small chuckle while studying them.
Siana: Bold words. But remember, fear keeps you alive.
She picked up her jacket and turned towards the door.
Siana: Follow me, time for you to see the real Xodur's Hold.
Akida: Wait wait wait, you want me to go outside in this?!
Akida pointed at herself, emphasizing her pink pajamas.
Seigan: Does it matter? You don't know anyone here.
Akida: My family prides itself on looking presentable anywhere we go, so yes it actually does matter.
Seigan: [Typical…]
Siana: Well you guys still don't have clothes but I washed your uniforms, so you could wear those.
Akida: That works, give me three minutes.
Siana: All of you might as well go and change, I'll wait here.
After a quick moment, the group reassembled at the door. The sun sat high in the sky as they walked the streets of Xodur's Hold. The island buzzed with life. Bustling streets, tall buildings, and the distant hum of helicopters coming and going.
Siana led the group down many different streets and around numerous corners, her hands in her jacket pockets, moving at a steady but unhurried pace. Behind her, Seigan, Takuro, Akida, Sakiko, Tamiko, and Inezo followed, each of them taking in their new surroundings with a mix of amazement and uncertainty.
Akida: This place is even bigger than it looked.
She glanced at the passing buildings. Some were sleek and modern while others had an old-world style charm, as if they'd been around for centuries.
Siana: Our destination is just ahead.
Sakiko: What exactly is our destination?
Siana: Xodur's Citadel, it's the center of everything on the island. Our leadership, our planning, everything runs through there.
Inezo walked slightly behind the rest of the group, he turned his eye to the people passing by. A variety of different faces and clothing styles. Some of them were even wearing armor, but every one of them walked with a sense of purpose.
Inezo: What should we expect when we get there?
Siana let out a sigh, rubbing the back of her neck while she turned to face him.
Siana: Even if I tell you, you'll still be surprised. *wink*
They turned one last corner and the citadel came into full view. A massive tower of white stone and Golden metal. Engravings ran across the building, and two powerful statues stood at the front watching over the courtyard.
Siana stepped aside and gestured towards the entrance.
Siana: Here it is!
Takuro faced the group, silent agreement crackled in the air.
Takuro: Let's go.
Siana smirked.
Siana: Awesome!
With that, she pushed open the doors of the towering building, and the group stepped into the heart of Xodur's Hold.
The inside of the tower was a sight to behold. Intricate engravings were scattered along the walls just like the outside of the building. The group took in all the sights.
Siana: Before we head upstairs we gotta make a quick stop, come with me.
Siana led them to a desk in the middle of the floor. A secretary looked up from her computer smiling. She had straightened brown hair that dropped to her neck, and brown eyes, both complemented by her red lipstick; dressed in a dark blue suit jacket, a skirt, and heels.
The secretary had a warm smile as she addressed Siana…in French. Asking her what she could help with.
Siana responded smoothly, asking for a favor.
Akida: Oh yeah, this is super helpful.
Seigan: Anyone want to turn on subtitles for me?
Siana ignored them as she answered the secretary.
Sakiko: Be patient you guys.
Siana bowed to the secretary and turned back to the group.
Siana: Next stop, the elevator c'mon.
The elevator didn't appear any different from a normal one, until Siana pressed the button for the fifth floor and a hand reader deployed.
She pressed her hand onto the scanner and waited, after a moment an AI's voice chimed in.
Elevator: Welcome, Siana Kanefusa.
Inezo: Cool!
Sakiko: So your family name is Kanefusa? Is your family from Japan?
Siana: Nope! I'm Swiss!
Tamiko: Are you mixed?
Siana: 100% Swiss. Kanefusa isn't my true family name.
Seigan: So what is it?
Siana: Wouldn't you like to know? *wink*
All: [I hate when she does that.]
Akida: What were you and that secretary at the desk talking about?
Siana: Oh after we're done here she's gonna make IDs for you.
Seigan: IDs for the dead?
Siana: You're only dead outside of the island, you still need an ID to do lots of stuff around here.
The elevator came to a stop on the fifth floor. The doors opened to reveal a T-shaped hallway. Siana beckoned the group out.
Siana: We're going left.
They bent the corner and came face to face with two massive double doors. The six of them all held their breath as Siana pushed them open.
The doors creaked open with a faint, almost ceremonial sound. A heavy air of authority hung in the air, the weight of silent power pressing down on them as they stepped into the room. Siana motioned them to stop a few feet inside.
Siana: Everyone, this is the council room, all major decisions on the island pass through here.
In the center of the room was a lengthy table shaped like an hourglass, surrounded by tall, almost regal chairs. Sitting at the head of the table was an elegant woman with a commanding yet calm presence.
Her face was covered by a white mask with silver and gold accents, but no eye slits. Her hair was dust-gray, her attire was a mix of traditional and modern aesthetics. She wore a long black coat with bits of dark red scattered about, resembling a kimono.
Siana: The woman you see there is Madam Haruta; she holds the role of "Celestial", the leader of Xodur's Hold.
Haruta waved a hand, her voice was soft but confident.
Haruta: Come a bit closer, don't be shy. I'm sure you've seen far stranger things than me by now.
Haruta's calm demeanor felt out of place compared to those around her.
Siana cleared her throat, moving to stand beside Haruta.
Siana: Madam Haruta, I'd like to formally introduce you. From left to right are Akida, Inezo, Sakiko, Takuro, Tamiko, and Seigan.
Haruta: So formal Siana, I told you not to be so tense around me.
Despite her relaxed tone, her words carried a sense of authority.
Haruta: Seems they're still on edge. Don't worry I don't bite, have a seat.
Haruta snapped her fingers and chairs rose from the floor. The group hesitantly sat down. Their chairs quickly slid up to the table.
Haruta: Now, before we get into the deep and dark topics let me introduce my Divinities, the strongest people in Xodur's Hold…or at least half of them.
Haruta gestured to the woman sitting to her left.
Haruta: This first one here is Dr. Vera Kanefusa, she's the head of the Medical Division on the island. Don't look her in the eyes or she'll drug you.
Vera had a professional air about her. Her hair was smoke-white, barely reaching down to her ears. Her yellow eyes scanned the group of kids slowly, analytically. She wore a stainless white lab coat with gold trim over a tactical suit. All her pockets were filled with vials of all sorts of colors.
Vera: Zachem ty eto skazala? Oni zhe tebe skoro poveryat.
Tamiko: [Russian?]
Akida: [Does anyone here speak the same language?]
Inezo: [Why are we the only confused ones here…]
Sakiko's hand shot up.
Haruta: Oh, a question? Go ahead.
Sakiko: Umm, we have no clue what she's saying.
Haruta seemed taken aback for a moment.
Haruta: Siana…you didn't give them earpieces?
Siana: Madam Haruta, they were never delivered to my house.
Haruta reached into her pocket.
Haruta: Haha, well I happen to have some extras on me anyway.
Siana: [She forgot to send them…]
Siana took the earpieces from Haruta and walked to the other end of the table. She handed one to each of the kids, instructing them to place them in whichever ear feels the most comfortable; then double-tap to turn it on.
Vera turned to the group.
Vera: Can you understand me now?
Sakiko: WHOA, yeah I can!
Vera: For the record, I'm not going to drug you for making eye contact.
The man sitting to the left of Vera chimed in.
Man: Those are the disposable versions, if you have any issues let me know so I can make sure your personal ones are perfect for ya.
The man had a heavy Australian accent, even with the earpiece some of the words weren't clear.
Haruta: Go ahead and introduce yourself while you're at it.
Elijah: Right then. The name's Elijah. I'm in charge of the R&D Division here on Xodur's Hold, anything tech-based that you might want? I'm your guy.
Elijah wore a sleeveless utility jacket over a plain shirt, paired with cargo pants covered in pockets for tools and gadgets. Both his arms were metal from his shoulder to the ends of his fingertips, blonde hair that was short and messy, smudged with what looked like grease or dust, and his dark brown eyes gleamed with curiosity.
Takuro raised his hand slowly, not sure if that's actually the proper method or if Sakiko just got lucky.
Siana: What's your question Takuro?
Takuro: I noticed you and Ms. Vera have the same family name…
Vera: Ahh yes, that's a condition of becoming a divinity, you unofficially take on Madam Haruta's family name.
Seigan: Siana's a divinity?!
Vera: …She didn't tell you?
All of them switched their focus to Siana, whose grin couldn't be hidden.
Siana: I told you I was important!
Sakiko: Not that important!
Tamiko: You said this was only half of the divinities right? Where are the rest of them?
Haruta: Each of them has a lot to do, either their duties here on the island or a mission somewhere across the world. Vera's only here because the hospital is calm right now.
Vera: I wouldn't use the word calm, but I can attest to there being fewer life-threatening injuries at the moment.
Haruta: Well then, we've finished all the introductions! Now it's time to get down to the serious matters.
The air in the room shifted, the initial weight returned.
Haruta: I will now tell you six. The truth about our world.