Disclaimer: This is a work of original fiction. Any names or characters, businesses or places, events or incidents, are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.
Warning: Description of some form of Blood and Cursed words. Reader discretion is advised.
Chapter 14.3 -- Between two sides (Part 3)
Major Rose’s Personal Office, Unit Branch Office, Lone Syracuse Outpost, Syracuse, New York, USA, 8 December 2020, 2205 hrs
With that said, Major Rose takes off both her Peace-Lifer Gauntlets before using her sharp teeth to cut her right thumb. Within a second, visible blood immediately oozes out from her right thumb, which makes the Tri-Sixer Hell-finder officer shiver in discomfort.
“No need to be afraid of my blood, Captain Bowie. It won’t hurt you, so please show me both of your hands.” Mira says in a comforting voice before drawing her blood on Ash’s Tri-Sixer combat gloves. “May the faith of a Peace-Lifer bless this human believer from all kinds of harm and grant her better combat abilities for her to fight the evil ones during the upcoming battle. Let her win this fight in the name of our Queen and free her from her past trauma.” .
With those words, her blood glows on the Tri-Sixer’s combat gloves, blessing Captain Bowie with new temporary powers.
“What kind of power did you just bless me with?” An intrigued Ash felt her entire self refreshed before wondering what kind of power she received from the Young Templar Major.
“You just received some temporary powers given by me that will last you for five days. What I gave you not only increased your personal luck in battle but also increased your sense of situational awareness. This means that you can hear visible footsteps further away and faster reflex movements than ordinary humans do.” Mira lets out a sigh before saying something important to Ash. “However, I can’t grant you others, such as improved strength and faster healing abilities, since a Tri-Sixer human soldier can have up to three blessings max. I know these blessings may not be ideal to you, but I believe your human willpower is strong enough to overcome the upcoming battle against the Ravens.” .
“How would you know I would win the fight against the Ravens? I don’t think I can win the upcoming fight against them.” Ash doubts herself.
“My Young Templar faith told me not only can you win the fight against the Ravens but also survive this war and go home to your loved ones with a spouse for life.” Mira stands by her words. “Do not forget, you are officially a Tri-Sixer Hell-finder soldier. Based on the words from Mayflower, Hell-finders are the bravest human soldiers of the Tri-Sixers so far, as they are not afraid of death when cornered completely. So please, act like one, Captain Bowie.” .
Despite feeling the intense pressure from her words, Captain Bowie knew Major Rose was right. After failing to commit suicide, someone brought her to see Mayflower. From there, Mayflower assigned her to be a Tri-Sixer soldier and even took the extra step to be her mentor for guidance. However, Mayflower is no longer alive, and she’s officially alone again. ‘You can do this, Ash. Don’t let your past be your obstacle. Be firm with your human willpower. You had us willing to back you up if needed.’ Mayflower’s words echoed through Ash’s mind.
“I can tell you are hesitating, Ash. Do not hold yourself back.” Mira says in an encouraging tone after seeing her doubtful expression. “Remember, you will never be alone again in this world, and I have your back if you need to seek help or anything. So for now, do you want to hide yourself further in your fears or push yourself to become the legendary police officer Ash Bowie years from now?”
Inspired by her words and wanting to change her future life for the better, Captain Bowie answers back: “I would rather become the legendary police officer instead.” .
“Say it out loud with your full name! I can’t hear you!” Mira demands.
“Yes, I’m the legendary goddamn police officer, Ash Bowie! To protect and serve my community from the motherfucking Hell-Culters!” Ash snaps.
“Good. That’s what I want to hear from you as a Hell-fighter Tri-Sixer. Never ever forget who you are and why you are here, Ash,” Mira reminds her. “Ok. It’s getting late now, and you should be in bed sleeping right now. I don’t want to hold you further since we have a long day ahead of us tomorrow. Finish up your drink so that I can send you off.” .
The Tri-Sixer Hell-finder nods and finishes her leftover milk tea that has gone cold.
Moments later at the door…
“Don’t think too much about tomorrow and have a good sleep, Ash. I will check on you after breakfast.” Mira says.
“Thank you, Major. See you tomorrow.” Ash replies before saluting her.
Major Rose salutes back before closing the door as she is about to retire to bed as well. She then unbuckles her Peace-Lifer Plate Carrier Tactical Vest while walking towards her desk. As she places her vest on the desk, she sees a photo stand showing a picture of her standing together with other humans and Peace-Lifer Young Templars.
“Oh, John,” Mira calls out his name. “If only you were around, things could have changed differently. Why did you and your team lose to them on that day?”
Tears flowed down her cheeks after saying those words. To Mira, he was always someone she looked up to when she sought help or someone to speak to. He’s the first ally of hers who understood her well when the others kept their distance from her for being a former Raven operator of the Young Templars.
Flashback…
Several years ago…
“Don’t feel bad for yourself just because you were formerly part of them. You can’t change your past, but you can change and write your own future. No need to be afraid of me, I won’t hurt you just because you are a Young Templar,” John says in a friendly tone as he gestures to Mira to take his hand.
“Why did your people save me? They knew who I was! I would rather die here as a Raven than let you or your human slaves take care of me!” Mira slapped his hand in rejection before curling herself to cry in silence.
John approaches slowly as he sighs in disappointment before sitting down on the floor beside her. “My fellow human soldiers are not my slaves. They have free will, and they worked for me for a purpose. As for you, I believe you have a purpose of becoming a Young Templar as well, right?”
However, Mira ignores him and refuses to lift her head to face him.
“OK, how about we start from the basics, shall we?” John attempts to get Mira to talk to him. “Your hesitation to swallow the suicide pill when captured by us. You never wanted to follow the Ravens completely, and your goal of becoming a Young Templar is to locate your human brother, isn’t it?”
Those words surprised her, as she never expected the human officer to know her brother’s whereabouts. “How did you know about this?”
“I know everything about you, Mira. Your personal background, family history, and all the things you do. I got all of them compiled in a list over the years, and I became well-versed in it like Shakespeare. There’s no need to hide it from me,” John chuckles. “In fact, we rescued him a few years ago from a hidden facility before he got converted into a Fledgling.” .
“Where is he?!” Mira pulled his formal suit, demanding an answer.
“Let him go!” A lady’s voice bellows throughout her cell.
Immediately, Mira lets go of John, and both of them turn their faces to see the unknown lady. “I’m alright, Your Highness. Don’t need to penalise the former Raven.” John informs the unknown lady.
“I’m sorry that she treated you like this. Get your feet up and let me do the talking.” The unknown lady tells John before turning to face the former Raven.
“Hello, Captain Mira Rose.” The unknown lady addresses her. “Your callsign is Rosey, and I know you came from Section 2A of the Ravens Division. You are one of the Ravens’ feared operators with exceptional leadership skills.” .
“How do you know my rank and which military unit I came from?” Mira looks at the unknown lady’s face in a puzzling manner before realising who she is. “Hold up. I know you! You are the legendary Hell-flower, and did you just discard your dignity for the inferior humans?!”
“Watch your tone, Captain Rose,” Hell-flower warns. “I could have easily ended your life right here, right now. But first, I have something to discuss with you.” Hell-flower then sits down beside her before pulling Mira’s face to hers, staring face-to-face. “Now, look at me. We will have a good chat while my close friend will act as a mediator between us.” .
Flashback ends…
To be continued...
End of Chapter 14.3
Note: All the characters, places and storylines are owned by Jeremy Mountbatten. All rights reserved by the author. Feel free to give some feedback and don't forget to vote for this chapter. If you want to support me, you can tip me on Ko-Fi (link provided below).