Kozuna
Damn… Was I really out? When did I knock?
Everything was blurry for a short while. My eyes slowly fluttered open. Not a single thought popped into my mind. Gradually, I scanned the area to find myself in a cot, complete with bandaging across portions of my body.
My gear was secured nearby. It looked like my clothes had been stitched back together. Didn't take long for me to notice the other thing in the room. Yvira was slouched forward in a chair, her head resting near my stomach.
She must've gotten me to that small hospital… Would explain why this room feels so cramped.
Groaning, I forced myself to sit up a bit. There was immediate pain in my leg, more than anywhere else, and thick gauze was wrapped around it. I lifted the blanket away and slowly hopped out of bed, leaving Yvira's head lying gently against the covers. Surprisingly, she didn't wake from my movements. I didn't waste time gearing up, though.
Medical stations like these aren't built for long-term stays. Patients need to be in and out. Luckily, the military pays for any treatment I need.
"Nnngghh," I quietly grunted again. The pain returned, but in my hands. "This better not affect me in a fight."
My gaze trained itself back to the black crescent. It'd centered itself on the back of my left hand, and it wasn't just some hallucination. Not anymore. I peered at it curiously and worriedly for all of about ten seconds before hearing Yvira yawning and moaning. I must've made a little too much noise.
Please tell me this isn't what I think it is.
Yvira's eyes fluttered open gradually, and they were followed by a much louder yawn. When it seemed to register in her head who was awake and standing around, she sprang at me with a tight, leg-wrapping, clingy fucking hug.
My skull twitched, and I nearly fell over from the sudden force. Yvira squeezed hard enough to break bones, somehow, and she pressed her cheek up against mine.
"Ow, ow, ow! Girl, chill! How long was I out?"
Yvira giggled for a moment, but her smile didn't last very long. She released me, but only after a few more moments.
"I'm glad you're awake. I was worried. You lost a lot of blood."
"Well, I have you to thank for saving me, right?"
If anything, this was a proper thanks. A life-saving for a life-saving.
"I did my best. Had some help getting you to the medical station for proper treatment, though."
"Thanks." I flashed a slight smile. "I appreciate it."
"Of course!" Yvira's real maniacal smirk returned in a heartbeat. "Another hug, then?"
"No, no, no, no!" I almost waved my hands frantically, careful to keep the left covered. "Just tell me how long I was out."
"Two days." Yvira's gaze shifted from mine momentarily. "A lot's happened."
"Did Nikai show up? Is the mission officially underway? What about Nazun?"
"Nikai dropped by. Nazun wanted me to stay by your side, though. Told me if you woke up in time to meet near the southern gate of Sanzo today."
"Back to the investigation?"
Yvira shook her head. "Situation's changed. The Bahsin are held up in Jigen. A ton of marauders. They're causing a lot of problems in the area right now. Kaiten wants them cleared out before the investigation can continue."
A setback, huh?
"Guess we'd better get moving. Nikai and Nazun haven't left yet, have they?"
"No, I don't think so. And it's not just them."
"Who else is coming?"
"You'll see. But I think you- we- should really sit this one out."
"I can walk, and I can move my arms. I think I'll be good."
***
Thankfully, we weren't at a real hospital. I was able to check myself out with minimal stops from doctors. Probably helped that the medics needed the beds for other patients. That said, Yvira did continue pulling on my hand, trying to keep me from participating in the mission.
But that was a decision I'd make for myself.
Outside, we were greeted with cool winds. No sandstorm or anything. An unusual sight, frankly. And even more unusual, a gang of buggies parked along the south gate with an accompanying group of soldiers, all donning the black and red Ozukashi uniform. Among them were a few familiar faces.
Nikai, Commander Kaiten, Nazun… Even some soldiers from other specialized squads. But why's Commander Kaiten here? Does this mission really require someone as high-up as him?
I maintained a purposefully stale expression as I pocketed my hands and approached the group.
"Look who it is!" Nazun was the first to greet me, shockingly enough. "Surprised you're up and about! Feelin' better?"
Nazun's grand methods of announcing my incoming presence turned all eyes on Yvira and me. I made eye contact with most people in the group. Some waved and smiled, whereas a couple barely cared for my involvement.
I kinda shrugged him off. "I'm doing okay, I guess."
Wutann, Selenns, Vaztel, and Vax Vorin from Artemis Squad. Annnd Korydo, Hallie, Nubruo, and Loken from Voris? So, thirteen in total, including my squad and Kaiten. Is this everyone? What exactly is this team supposed to accomplish?
Nazun rubbed his hands like a villain getting all excited over tormenting someone. At least, that was how I interpreted it. By then, Commander Kaiten approached me.
"Good to see you up and about, Kozuna. I'm sure Yvira has already told you, but there's been a slight change in plans. Your current mission is delayed for the time being."
"Yeah, I've heard a little bit. But not much. What exactly is going on?"
"I'll explain what's happening shortly. Ears up, soldier. You'll be vital to the success of this operation."
Kaiten marched toward the front of the crowd, garnering everyone's attention. His presence alone turned heads. Meanwhile, Nikai stepped beside Yvira, Nazun, and me. He gave me a quick fist bump.
"Ready for this, bro? The Bahsin won't stand a chance with me back in the fold!"
"Yeah…"
"Alright, soldiers, eyes open and ears up! Time to begin the briefing!"
***
It was a plan of Nazun's creation. I didn't get why Kaiten went with it, but I had to groan and just deal with it. Orders were orders. I was beginning to wonder if that mindset was worth the trouble.
Nikai and I found ourselves riding passenger, and unarmed, on the way to Jigen. And Nazun was at the helm. We left our gear with Yvira, Selenns, Loken, and the other medical personnel. He had Nikai disguised as the clan leader, due to their facial "similarities." It wasn't like Nikai was in his fifties, though, and I was there acting as a "personal guard." I couldn't wrap my head around Nazun's backward strategy, and Kaiten's words echoed within the walls of my skull.
"The Bahsin have taken up residence in Jigen, raiding supply lines, caravans, and even killing traveling civilians. Ridding them from our lands is a top priority."
Is this really a good idea, though? We've got nothing to defend ourselves with. What if they shoot us on sight?
"Nazun has already made contact with the Bahsin and set up a meeting. Approach Jigen unarmed and buy time under the pretense of negotiations. Identify and draw out their leader. Our snipers are already in position, and the rest of us will be ready to begin the assault the very moment we get the signal."
I wanna trust Kaiten's judgment, I really do. But nothing ever goes to plan.
Sweat dripped from every inch of my frame. My heart started to pound painfully. All I could do was suppress my reactions. We were closing in on Jigen once more, and the sheer number of Bahsin marauders crowding the town was considerably higher than the number we had available. They lined the streets, the gates, the fucking rooftops, and just about everywhere else.
"I expect your best, men."
I'll do my best, Kaiten. But… this just feels like a suicide mission. Is there another angle you're purposefully keeping hidden?
Nazun slowed the buggy to a crawl before inevitably coming to a stop. He glanced over at me and back at Nikai with a gaze that screamed of wanting us to trust him. That was the feeling I got, at least. Did he have something up his sleeve to give us the edge? I had no idea. I breathed deeply before hopping outside, forced to walk beside Nikai and Nazun for the purpose of "keeping up appearances." Nazun and I had to play the role of subordinates.
Something stirred beneath the gloved flesh of my left hand. It felt strangely alive. My fingers twitched as we approached, but I practically locked them in place. I needed to concentrate.
***
In only a matter of days, Jigen had gone from a manufacturing plant to a fortified outpost. The Bahsin pulled machine guns and heavy artillery onto gate posts and buildings. The outer walls were spiked with jagged steel rods to deter anyone who might try to enter. And on top of all that, the Bahsin soldiers were outfitted in heavier gear. Semi-standard equipment, but with metal body platings. Not just bulletproof vests. They were prepared for a firefight, while the three of us had to stupidly walk in unarmed.
I couldn't even carry a concealed weapon. Guards patted us down damn near the second we stepped away from the buggy. The whole situation was made remarkably uncomfortable. The tiny hairs on the back of my neck stood up on their own.
Someone's bound to recognize me. These bastards shot me.
Bahsin soldiers pretty much circled us. A good number of them went to inspect and confiscate Nazun's buggy, and others stayed close and kept their eyes on us. Our one way out was gone in a heartbeat, and we could no longer afford a single, tiny fuck-up. But according to Nazun, it was all part of the plan. The real issue was the tall, slightly menacing-looking man by the gate.
The golden, cog-like symbol of the Bahsin Clan was embroidered on his cloak. Chestnut-brown dreads fell clear at the front of his hood, complete with purple beads near the tips that complemented his chocolate skin. His gaze was flat, and he was giving us this unsettling grin from ear to ear. It only grew wider the closer we came.
The man spread his arms out openly, and almost warmly. "Welcome, welcome! My name is Orion Bahsin, supreme commander of the Bahsin Clan's military forces! And YOU must be Izanai Ozukashi, the clan leader! You look a bit, eh, different from how I remember! Facelift, perhaps?"
I almost laughed, but locked right back in. I noticed Nikai struggling to keep a straight face from the corner of my eye. He abruptly cleared the hell outta his throat.
"Facelift, no, no!" Nikai responded, semi-deepening his voice a bit. "Wealth treats you well, is all. Who else could possibly look this good at my age? Who other than Clan Lord Eaz-an-eye?"
I tried to refrain from making any faces at Nikai's pronunciation. The mission was already tougher than I expected, but in an entirely unexpected way.
Orion laughed aloud. "You're JUST as I expected! Snobby and full of yourself! I see the stories tell a true tale! But enough pleasantries."
"Indeed… What will it take for you Bahsin to leave our lands?"
"That I cannot say. It's not my decision to make." Orion flashed his fangs from the comfort of his smirk. He turned and motioned for us to follow him. "Come along. There's someone you need to speak with."
"Very well. Lead the way. I don't need my time wasted."
Orion scoffed. He didn't entertain "Izanai" with another response. Instead, he led us further into Jigen. I was quick to begin scanning the area as we walked onward for what felt like an eternity. There was more than just an absolutely ridiculous level of firepower, swiftly and suspiciously manufactured. To me, the Bahsin felt off.
Odd…
They were lined up along the sides, watching our every step. That part wasn't unusual. However, their heads rotated on an axis, and each one moved at the EXACT same time. Plus, none of them were blinking. Their eyes were completely white and soulless.
I saw Orion's eyes. His had color. But these guys? The hell's going on here?
My hand twitched again. I made a fist, but couldn't bring myself to pocket it for some reason. It was beginning to feel like the blood flowing through my veins. Something I shouldn't have been able to feel.
But I knew it wasn't blood.
It didn't help that I was stuck in a looong, uncomfortable stint of silence as we blindly followed Orion. A silence that Nazun broke in such a way that I felt even more uneasy.
"So, how much longer?"
"He's right up ahead, Nazun, Nikai, Kozuna…"
Wait a minute…