Chapter 19

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"Thank you for helping me." Zero thanked them with a box in his arms.

"No problem." Replied Zane, who also lugged a box and set it down on the counter.

"I'm glad you decided to take over the bar." Topper smiled.

"Thank you for making the offer." Replied Zero.

"You're welcome, and please just call me by my name." Laughed Topper, who seemed to be taking one last look at his bar. "Seems like things are going well here." He nodded.

"Your flight leaves tomorrow, doesn't it?" Asked Zero.

"That's right. I have a few things to do before then, but they're just little things." Was Topper about to make his way to the exit. "I'll say goodbye then, you guys will be fine."

"Have a good trip and thanks again!" Zero extended his hand to Topper.

"You're welcome. We'll keep in touch."

"Goodbye Topper." Carol waved to him as he left the bar and the others said goodbye to Topper.

It had been three days and Zero had taken over the bar from Topper.

"I hope I get something to drink if I'm going to be hauling this stuff around." Tyler, who came into the bar with one of the last boxes along with Aki, complained.

"It was just ten boxes." Laughed Zane.

"Didn't think we took that much with us," Nathan looked around.

"It's all my stuff from Zane's apartment and a few things I picked up earlier." Explained Zero.

"You're moving?" Tyler asked.

"Didn't you read the texts?" Zane looked at Tyler.

"Other people are working, unlike you Mages who just stroll around town all day."

Zane was about to counter when he remembered that they often did just that and slowly closed his mouth.

"Yeah. The bar has an apartment upstairs." Zero explained further.

"Our stuff is there too!" Declared Carol, while Asagi blushed a little.

"That's right, it's a two-story building." Tyler recalled. "Are you building your harem after all Zero?" He laughed.

"It's for financial reasons." Zero explained dryly.

In complete contrast to the rest of the buildings, the bar stood in an area that was rather conspicuous for its small buildings. The district had something of a village in the middle of the city, serving as a sort of breakup of the blocks.

"Are you moving in too Aki?" Zane looked at her.

"Unfortunately, no. My leave ends soon, so I should be back at base ready to be called up." She did seem a little sad.

"You're welcome anytime." Carol told her without even asking Zero.

"Thanks!" Rejoiced Aki.

"And here we go again, they just decide over my head." Said Zero in a sighing voice, while Asagi and Zane patted him on the back. Along the lines of, you've got your work cut out for you.

"Looks good." Zane looked around as everything was finally cleaned up. Tyler was already sitting at the bar downing a beer while Zero started polishing some glasses.

"Right." Confirmed Aki.

"Almost looks like it used to." Added Carol but then remembered Zero and quietly apologized.

Zero just smiled. "The furniture might need replacing." Zero looked around. The wear and tear on the tables and chairs was evident. In some places one could still see the former shine of the bar stools and tables, but the ravages of time had gnawed at them. "But Topper already mentioned that."

"Do you want to do that before opening?" Asagi asked.

"Maybe later, first I need to see what the bar is throwing off. I actually really like the decor."

"Is it still Topper's?" Inquired Zane.

"He told me that's how he took over the bar."

"The previous owner must have had the same taste as you." Aki looked around the place.

"Whoever it was."

"What do you mean Zero?" Asked Zane.

"Topper said when he bought the bar there was no owner." Narrated Zero. "No one knows who had the bar before or when it was built. It just seemed to be there."

"Sounds creepy." Said Carol, trying to scare Asagi, who just giggled a little.

"So far, though, no people have disappeared or anything." Laughed Zero.

"When are you planning to open?" Nathan asked.

"Tomorrow night, I still have a few things to prepare, but it should be fine." Nodded Zero.

"Isn't that a bit much?" Zane worried and Asagi also agreed with him.

"Those two are right, you're barely out of the hospital." Added Aki.

"Let the man do what he wants." Tyler suddenly interjected.

"It's all good guys, don't worry about it." Zero tried to dispel the others' worries, yet he was pleased that they were worried about him in the first place. "If it does get to be too much, I still have you guys to stop me." He grinned.

"You bet we will." Said Aki and they all started laughing.

"OK, what should we do?" Asked Zane the group after they had cleaned up everything. Asagi and Carol had already moved into their rooms with Aki's help and the bar was otherwise ready for tomorrow's big opening.

"I should run a few more errands, then I could cook you guys something." Zero opined.

"How about we go out? You can cook plenty more times."

"Right." Nathan said to Zane.

"Zane is right Zero. You don't always have to cook for us." Agreed Asagi as well.

"So we're going out." Zane Grinned at Zero.

"We're going out!" Announced Carol.

The seven sat at a table in the shopping arcade, near the porch that provided a view of the lower and higher levels. Various dishes were spread across the two tables.

"How are things going at work Tyler?" Zero inquired, squinting one eye at Carol, who had ordered a hamburger.

"We have a lot of office work... I get to help my boss who gets to write a report on the battle and I get to look for the fragmented soldiers too." He complained. "I'm a pilot, not an assistant."

"How's your ATBS?" Zane asked.

"They're in the process of replacing the arm, but it'll probably be a while. Meanwhile, I'm stuck in the office for the time being." Narrated Tyler. "What about you guys? When's the exam?"

"In two months." Zero replied.

"Are you all taking them?" Tyler looked around and everyone confirmed or nodded. "Guess Zero got you guys wrapped around his finger." Laughed Tyler.

"Well, Zero's actually right about that." Explained Nathan. "It's hard to get a job without a degree, Zane and I included."

I wonder if I can send Sora to a school, too? Zero thought to himself as Aki snapped him out of his thoughts.

"Oh!" Aki suddenly waved to a couple in the distance. "Be right back." She stood up and walked over to them.

"Do you need anything else for tomorrow Zero?" Asagi asked.

"So far I have everything, the rest will come tomorrow with the supplier. I hope it all works out...", Zero worried a bit.

"It'll be fine!" Zane tried to ease Zero's tension, when a short time later Aki came back as well.

"Friends of yours?" Tyler asked.

"Yes. I invited them to your opening Zero!" Said Aki. "They said maybe they'd bring a few others."

"Thanks Aki." Said Zero in surprise.

"The more the merrier!" Zane laughed and patted Zero on the shoulder.

"What time will it start tomorrow?" Tyler asked.

"It opens at 6 p.m."

"Let me see if I can make it, we have a meeting." Tyler took a sip from his glass.

"I'll see if I can get back from patrol by then." I should invite the others too. Zane thought.

"Do you still need help Zero?" Nathan inquired.

"No thanks that's fine, Asagi and Carol want to help me." Explained Zero.

Immediately, everyone imagined Carol in the kitchen.

"It'll be fine." Said Zane, a little worried.

"Hey!" Carol plumped her cheeks. The problem wasn't cooking, but Carol's clumsiness. Once, for example, while stirring pancakes, she had both dropped the pancake bowl and thrown a package of flour against a fan. For months afterward, Zero found flour in the joints of his furniture.

The following day 6:10 p.m.

The classic ding sounded as the sliding doors to the bar opened.

"You're late." Tyler said, who had taken a seat at the bar.

"Hi Zane!" Carol greeted the group centered around him.

"Hey, sorry we had some business to take care of." Gestured Zane.

"Welcome." Greeted Zero the group savvily. "Have a seat, I'll be right with you."

"Thanks!" Smiled Zane, looking around for a seat. The bar was well attended, certainly a successful opening party. Zane found Asagi, Carol, Nathan, and Tyler at the bar, while he spied Aki in another corner with a group of Mytics. There were clientele everywhere; in addition to the Mytics and humans, Zane even saw a few elves and Anikai. When Zane's eyes fell on an empty table near the counter, he saw a holographic occupation sign with his name emblazoned across it.

He was probably expecting me to bring someone with me. Zane grinned and led his colleagues to the table. But there seemed to be a special place at the bar, too.

No sooner had Alex, Gerard, Simon, Stephen, Mikael, Kenlem, and Zane sat down than Sound joined them at the table and took their orders.

Zane looked at Aki, who had sat down between two tables. On one sat four girls, one seemed to be writing something down, while the second seemed to be talking happily. The third wore a thick scarf despite the air conditioning and leaned heavily on the fourth girl.

"Is that a dragon?" Mikael looked over at Aki's table in wonder.

The fourth girl... Zane sensed that the first two were Mytics. Their energy levels were significantly higher than the rest of the guests or the girl with the scarf, who had virtually no magical energy. But the fourth girl's levels were significantly higher; she had by far the highest levels in the room. A scar adorned one of her eyes and horns reminiscent of a dragon as described in ancient Asian mythology came out of her forehead.

"Seriously?" Alex looked around as well.

"Stop staring at her." Said Kenlem as Sound already returned with the order. In the distance they saw how the girl with the scarf seemed to calm down the dragon girl, who started to blush.

"You don't see that often." Added Alex.

"I think she brought me a package once...," Stephen seemed to recall. "But the horns are new to me."

"You get express packages?" Alex asked.

"That's one of the Tactical Mage teams, isn't it?" Looked Kenlem over to the other table next to Aki.

"Must have brought her colleagues." Simon said. "But the other table doesn't look bad either." ""Just leave it."" Said Mikael and Alex, who sat to Simon's right and left and gave him a friendly smack on the back of the head at the same time.

"Four members, that would fit as a fire team." Said Mikael.

Zane looked over to the other table Aki was also half seated at. There were two men and a girl who seemed to sense the stares of Zane's unit and nodded as if to greet them.

"Welcome." Zero stood in front of them. "Thank you for honoring us today."

"Hey Zero." Zane greeted him. "So how's the opening going?"

"Can't complain." He laughed, roaming his gaze over the crowded bar. "You're Zane's team, right?" Zero looked over at the second Mage unit.

"Unit two. We're in charge of this sector." Explained Kenlem.

"If anything comes up, feel free to contact us." Added Stephen, and Zane also nodded in agreement. "Thank you, too, for taking him in so well." Zero replied.

"Zero...," Zane seemed a little embarrassed as Zero continued.

"I hope you enjoy your evening! What can I get you?" Zero took the orders.

"Is he your brother?" Alex asked Zane when Zero had left again.

Zane looked around, people were laughing everywhere, and the mood was good. He saw Aki talking to her friends; Asagi, Carol and Nathan having fun; and Tyler talking to various guests. All this while Zero, along with Sound, kept the place running.

"They're all my family." Zane smiled.

It went on joyfully and the groups mingled as the evening progressed. Except for the fact that Simon drunkenly tried to make a pass at two of the girls, nearly getting smacked by the dragon, it went off without a hitch. The opening of Zero's bar was successful.

"Good night." Asagi stood on the stairs with Carol almost asleep standing up, only having the strength to wave.

"Good night." Wished Zane.

"Good night you two," said Zero.

"Are you sure you don't want us to help you anymore?" Asagi inquired.

"No, that's fine, still have Zane here. Sleep tight."

"OK."

"Good night Zero...," Carol whispered before slipping upstairs with Asagi.

Zero heard the upstairs door close and turned to Zane. "You don't have to stay Zane. Sound and I can handle the rest by ourselves."

"Don't worry Zero, I'm on call tomorrow."

Zero didn't know exactly how the work schedule worked for Mages. Still, he worried that Zane was overdoing it, as usual.

"Phew. Done." Zane sat down at the counter as Zero set a glass out for him.

"Thanks again for the help."

"No worries!" Zane took a deep swig. "Ahhh, that felt good. Are you happy with the opening Zero?" Zane asked as Zero wiped down Sound. "It was a successful party."

"True." Zero looked around somewhat nostalgically.

Zane could tell Zero was thinking about Ben. I wonder if he would have been happy for Zero. Zero had actually wanted to take over Ben's bar after graduation, but the war had thrown a wrench in that equation.

"I hope things keep going well." Zero said anxiously. "But I can't count on it..."

"What do you mean?" Zane Looked at him confused.

"I went to the military base today..."

"You went to see Sora, didn't you?" Zane knew about Zero's two-day routine of visiting Sora.

"That's right, and I took Leon up on his offer."

"You're taking the instructor job?!" Zane looked at Zero in amazement.

"Yeah..."

"But I thought you didn't want anything to do with it?" Zane inquired.

"I know, but I have to take care of Asagi and Carol, plus Leon revealed to me that he might give me permission to take Deadra and Sora in with me then."

"Really? I mean that's great, but aren't you overdoing it a bit?"

"I'll be fine, I've got the bar in the mornings and evenings and the instructor job at noon."

"When does it start?" Zane inquired.

"Duty doesn't start for another nine days. By then, I'll probably be able to assess how things are going with the bar."

"True, you can't use the first day as a guide yet." Zane summed up the situation.

"If it does get to be too much, maybe I can hire someone else by then." Zero reflected.

"If you need help, you can always count on me Zero!" Zane stuck out his thumb.

"Thanks, Zane."

"Do you think this will work?" Zane asked hesitantly.

"What do you mean?" Zero looked at him confused.

"Never mind, is there anything else I can help you with?"

Zane looked at his PDA, the number of reports of potential Outbreaks had increased again. Zane wasn't sure if they were actually increasing or if he was just noticing because he was in the military. Leon had given him access to some of the military intelligence, which he used to access various pieces of information. Most were related to the special unit Zane was to join.

"I wonder if this is going to work out...", Zane looked up into the night sky, thinking about Deadra and Sora. Zero seemed to really trust them and they seemed to be attached to him too, he recalled the scene in the ship when Zero collapsed.

That's when Zane caught himself as his hand began to shake. He stared at his hand, lit only by the street's lanterns, before clenching it into a fist. "It'll be okay." He walked to his apartment.

Five days passed and Zane's everyday life had not changed since then. The situation with the vampires seemed to be over and otherwise it was quiet. So, he walked to Zero's bar like every morning. It was going well, Zane had not seen it empty once. There were always a few guests there, many still from the opening seemed to soon become regulars.

"Morning." Zane entered through the door into the bar, which greeted him with the familiar ringing. "Welcome Zane." Zero greeted him, who stood behind the bar as usual.

"Morning Zane." Carol greeted him, who was sitting next to Asagi in a corner of the bar.

"Good morning." Asagi greeted him as well.

"The usual?" Zero asked.

"Yes please." Zane nodded before taking his seat and looking around the bar. Sound was cleaning the floor as usual while taking orders when he noticed a table full of girls. Is this going to be the same as in Halsion? He wondered, but something irritated him as he rambled to Asagi and Carol.

"So, how is the preparation going?" He inquired. On the table in front of the two of them were three tablets projecting various holograms and some books.

At the question, Carol rested her head on the tabletop and Asagi began patting he head.

"I guess I shouldn't have asked." Zane cringed uncomfortably.

"How are the preparations going with you Zane?" Inquired Asagi.

"Pretty good." He nodded thoughtfully. "My unit is letting me have some free time so I can take the exam."

"That's great." Zero set out a plate of scrambled eggs and bacon for Zane.

"Do I get some?" Looked Carol over enviously at Zane, who was enjoying his breakfast.

"Work first!" Zero reminded her before setting a glass of water down for her and Asagi each. "Besides, you've already had breakfast."

"Oh come on..."

"I think it's good that despite your Tactical Mage pledge, you still want to graduate." Zero put a glass down in front of Zane as well.

"You're right after all, and my colleagues also said that I should graduate." Agreed Zane. "How about you Zero?"

"Can't complain..."

"You probably already know everything, am I right?" Zane looked at him critically. "But on a different note, those girls over there..." he gestured with his head to the table he had spied earlier. "They look kind of familiar."

"They're from Halsion." Explained Zero.

"What?! I thought we were the only ones transported to New Comound." Zane wondered.

"Not anymore. They're a year below us, they transferred here to join the military service, like you."

"How come?"

"Well...", Zero started scratching his head. "Seems like someone in the old school group mentioned me becoming an instructor...", Zero looked over at Carol and then at the girls as he continued to scratch his head.

"So it's the same as before..."

"What do you mean?" Zero inquired.

"Don't pretend...", Zane took a sip and Zero grinned, along the lines of what can I do about it.

"As always, thanks for breakfast Zero." Zane said goodbye. "And good luck to you guys!" He turned to Asagi and Carol.

"You're welcome." Zero respplied the goodbye and Sound produced a waving hand on his display.

"Bye," Asagi said, while Carol kept her head on the tabletop.

Zane barely arrived at the base before one of the receptionists sent him to Kenlem.

"Seems like you people from Halsion are all the same" Kenlem greeted Zane laughing, who looked at him a bit puzzled.

"Did something happen?" Zane wondered.

"Zane Seranis, you are being transferred to the main forces." Kenlem announced to Zane, who looked puzzled.

"You're leaving?" Stephen greeted Zane.

"Is it time already?" Wondered Simon.

The entire second unit was gathered in the briefing room.

"You knew about this?" Zane looked in the faces of those present.

"Sure." Said Alex.

"Most of the rookies who come here are there to get some experience first before they get transferred." Explained Mikael.

"Very few stay with us." Gerard looked at Simon.

"It pains me to lose someone with your skills." Started Kenlem a speech of sorts. "Still a bit untrained, but you have great potential. I'm sure the main forces will be glad to have you." Nodded Kenlem.

"Thanks." Zane seemed a little embarrassed.

"Do you know where you're going yet?" Asked Alex.

"I can't say yet...", hesitated Zane.

"Special unit." Nodded Mikael confidently.

"Definitely special unit." Alex agreed.

"When do we leave?" Simon asked Zane and Kenlem.

"In two days." Kenlem answered.

"I want to thank you all for the past three weeks." Said Zane. "And invite you all again."

"I won't say no to that." Replied Simon immediately.

"Do you have enough money for that?" Joked Mikael.

"It'll be just enough for you guys." Zane laughed.

That evening at Zero's bar:

"You're switching to the Tactical Mages?" Carol looked at Zane puzzled.

"To the main forces, yes." Explained Zane.

"That was quick," Tyler wiped the beer foam from his face.

"Then we're colleagues." Said Aki

"Weren't you already?" Tyler looked at Aki.

""Congratulations Zane!"" Rejoiced Asagi and Nathan for him.

"I'm happy for you Zane." Smiled Zero. "The night is on me folks." Announced Zero.

"Thanks." Grinned Zane at everyone. "But isn't that a little much Zero?"

"It's fine as it is. If you'll excuse me, I'll go check on dinner." Said Zero, heading for the kitchen.

"Seems like Zero has already gotten used to his new arm." Tyler looked after him.

"True, the food tastes as good as it used to." Zane agreed with him as well.

"Do you know what unit you're going to join yet?" Aki asked Zane.

"Not yet, it doesn't start until the day after tomorrow. Until then, I'm on leave."

A short time later, Zero returned with a couple of plates. Zero had prepared a variety of foods. Carol was already looking greedily at the plates when Nathan raised his glass to toast. Immediately, everyone followed suit.

"To Zane."

"To his new job with the Tactical Mages." Added Zero.

The glasses clinked and they began to celebrate. Tyler and Aki told Zane about their duties, though he already knew he probably had a significantly different job description than they did. Asagi and Nathan tried to help Carol a bit more with her exam assignments before Zero took advantage of the evening as well.

"I think I should tell you guys something too." Everyone looked over at Zero, who had been hosting the rest of the guests all evening in addition to the party.

"I took on a job as a military instructor."

"What?" Aki seemed indignant. "Why didn't you tell us?"

"I wanted to wait and see how the bar was doing...", Zero tried to avoid Aki's gaze.

"You want to keep the bar going on the side?" Tyler wondered, and Asagi and Nathan also seemed to have the same thought, looking at each other.

"The instructor job is in the afternoon, so...", began Zane when he felt Aki's gaze on him.

"How do you know that already?" She looked at him critically.

"I... uhm..."

"How come Zane knows and I don't?" Aki turned back to Zero, who seemed to be slowly moving away from her.

"Now we're in trouble...", Tyler took a sip and laughed to himself as a noise rang out in the kitchen.

"Oh, I'll have to go check on that." Zero vanished.

"Zero! Stay here! You're not getting away from me that easily!" Aki made a move to run after Zero.

"Big Sis Aki Strikes again." Carol and Asagi laughed.

"Tell me Zane, are you sure about this?" Nathan asked in a serious voice.

"What do you mean?" Zane looked at him.

"Are you sure you can do this? I mean the attack on Halsion wasn't even a month ago." Immediately everyone's attention was fixed on the conversation between the two. Carol became visibly depressed, whereupon Asagi began patting her shoulder.

"Are you ready for this?"

"I...", Zane started to answer when Tyler cut him off.

"Don't worry, they wouldn't have accepted Zane if he wasn't up for it. Besides, the new recruits are being trained and prepared once again. So, we don't have to worry about our little guy here."

Zane left Tyler's line unanswered as Nathan continued.

"I know that, but that's not the point. We were trained to fight, but there's a difference between theory and practice. The attack on Halsion was just a taste of what awaits Zane, and even there we only came out of it with a black eye..."

Suddenly Nathan realized what he had said. A hush had fallen over the group as Zane broke the silence.

"Thanks for worrying about me Nathan." Zane grinned. "But I've thought this through, I'm ready for what's in store next." He nodded with a smile.

"If you're sure...", Nathan didn't seem to want to elaborate on the topic as they already heard Aki chasing Zero into the kitchen.

"Sound, table four." Zero put the dishes in Sound's tray.

"Hey, I'm not done with you yet!" Aki complained as Zero turned to her and suddenly patted her head.

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you." Immediately Aki became tame and seemed pleased.

"That's one hell of a big cat you got there." Tyler said, at which point everyone started laughing.

The evening came to an end. Aki and Tyler walked back to the military base, while Nathan accompanied Zane for a bit.

"Zane, about earlier..."

"Don't worry about it Nathan. I know you were just worried."

"You're going to fight the Akuryuma aren't you?" Shocked, Zane looked at Nathan.

"How do you know that?"

"I know you." Nathan smiled. "You don't have to tell me the details, but... are you really ready for this?"

"I am." Zane said firmly. "I've been preparing for this ever since." He clenched his fist.

"I know Zane, but...", Nathan started again.

"Don't worry about it." Zane grinned at him.

"Then what about Sora?" Nathan suddenly interjected.

"Huh?" Zane seemed caught off guard.

"You pretty much didn't look at her."

"That was...," Zane tried to explain himself.

"What about the Infected at the hospital?"

"I..."

"You were shaking...", said Nathan softly.

Zane went quiet and stared at the sidewalk.

"Zane... Can I ask you something?" Nathan looked at him seriously.

"What are you going to do when you come face to face with her?"

Zane swallowed, beads of sweat appearing on his forehead. He wanted to say something, anything that would convince Nathan. Anything at all. His thoughts were paralyzed. The red eyes were all he could think about as his gaze fell on his shaking hand.

"I'm sorry." Nathan relieved him. "I didn't mean to." Nathan seemed to regret his statement.

"You're right." Zane suddenly said to Nathan, who was about to walk onwards. "You're right about me not being ready...", Zane stared down. "I could fight the Aku, but...", he hesitated. "As soon as it was said that it had been human before... I hesitated." He clenched his hand. "I'm weak and I know it!" He looked at Nathan. "But I can't keep running away!"

"Zane..."

"I don't know what I'll do either, should I run into her...", Zane began trembling. "But I can...I don't want others to have to go through the same thing I did!" Zane looked up. "I'm willing to give anything for that!"

Nathan came back and put a hand on his shoulder.

"I'm not going to leave you alone in this. Maybe I've been worrying too much, too. I'm sure you'll be fine." Nathan smiled at Zane. "I'll support you any way I can!"

"Thanks Nathan."

The next day.

It was just after half past nine. Zero had already closed the bar again for the morning and was about to go into the military base. Security knew him by now. It was the same as in Halsion, the same looks from those who knew why Zero was here. The only difference was that he was just visiting a girl....

"Ah Zero." Someone suddenly spoke to him from the side while he was waiting for the elevator. Zero turned to the voice - it was Lucia the secretary of Leon.

"Hello, you are Mrs. Fernan, aren't you?" Zero greeted her.

"I'm glad you remember me. After all, our last meeting was quite brief." She seemed impressed. "Would you have a moment? General Pearce would like to discuss something with you." The elevator doors opened. "It's about your Infected." She added.

"So, it's true you've been stopping by every other day." Lucia started some small talk as the two headed in the elevator toward the general's office.

"I promised her I'd check on her." Zero explained.

"Well, that's nice of you. The scientists said she seems much more relaxed and calmer since you came to see her."

"I'm glad to hear that."

"Fortieth floor." The elevator voice sounded along with the signal.

"Here we are."

"Are you sure this is all right?" Zane looked critically at Pearce.

"Of course it is. I've cleared it with the professor and the administration, it makes no difference if you take them now or when you come on duty." Explained Pearce. "The conditions remain the same."

Zero looked at the documents on the tablet Lucia had handed him. On it were the conditions under which Zero could take Deadra and Sora. It was a massive list of prohibitions and directives, ranging from petty things like theft to a possible Outbreak.

Generally, however, the instructions were that Deadra and Sora could only leave the house with consent and Zero was liable for anything they did.

Zero wondered who had written that. But he knew that these conditions were non-negotiable, and that by doing so he could save Deadra and Sora from what might have been an even crueler fate.

"Besides, it accommodates my little request." Added Pearce. "Is that all right with you?" He looked at Zero.

"Of course." Nodded Zero.

"Excellent, Lucia the documents please."

"If you'll sign here, please." Said Lucia after pressing a button and a display appeared on the tablet in Zero's hand.

Zero put his hand on the hologram and signed. No sooner had he signed the contract, Lucia and Pearce led Zero into the lab. On the way, Professor Nordskov joined them before they arrived in the lab.

"Here we are, General Pearce has discussed the details with you already?" Nordskov turned to Zero.

"Of course." Zero replied confidently as he looked down at Sora, who seemed to be waiting on the bed with her feet bobbing.

"Excellent." He turned to a suitcase. "We thought it's best to leave this to you." He showed Zero the contents of the suitcase. A collar was in the case, it clearly reminded Zero of the collars Ariane and Ethan had worn.

"It's for everyone's safety." Pearce looked at Zero, who seemed to hesitate.

"Yes...," Zero took the collar.

"My assistant will accompany you." Nordskov explained, before Zero left the lab.

Zero stood in front of the glass box, and as every time, the privacy screen was lifted. Immediately Sora jumped up from her bed but hesitated when she caught sight of the other people. They were the assistant and two guards who had been specially assigned for today's "handover". They were heavily armored and carried heavy weapons, an intimidating image.

"You're scaring her." Zero said quietly in a worried voice.

"Sorry, but that's the protocol." The assistant turned to the wall, which had a lock on it. He entered a code and confirmed with a hand scan, whereupon a door was released from the wall.

"After you." The assistant pointed to the door and Zero entered.

"Sora?" Zero asked carefully.

Immediately tears began to swell in Sora's eyes, and she ran toward him. The soldiers seemed to get a little nervous. But before anything happened, Sora landed in Zero's arms, who had gone down on his knees.

"Zero!" She sobbed.

"It's all right." He stroked her. "I get to take you with me."

"Really?" She looked at Zero joyfully.

"Yes, really." Nodded he. "We have to follow a few rules for that, though." He reminded her. "You know about that."

"OK." She nodded before he demanded the collar from the assistant.

"I'll...", he reasoned. "...put this around your neck now, OK? You're not to take it off, understand? It has to be with you at all times, OK?" Zero clarified.

"OK." She smiled.

"OK." Smiled Zero, too. "Turn around for a second." Sora followed the instruction and Zero put the collar around her neck. "It's going to click for a second, OK?" Sora just nodded as the collar closed with a mechanical sound and tightened around her neck and a beep confirmed the closure.

"Is it OK like that? Does it hurt?" Zero asked anxiously, as if he could do something about the automation of the collar.

"It's OK!" She turned back to him.

"Link established." Sounded out from the speakers.

"Well done, Sora." He stood up while stroking her head. "You always have to stay with me, OK?" He held out his hand to her.

"OK!" She grabbed his with her small hand and they left the white box she called home for just under three weeks.

"Are you sure this regular collar will do?" One of the scientists turned to Nordskov and Pearce.

"I had the same concerns...," Nordskov explained. "But Pearce convinced me that it would."

"The little one is imprinted on Zero. I hardly think she'll cause any problems. Too much and we would have made Zero suspicious."

"That's right. It's unique data we'll get from her. I'm looking forward to analyzing it." Said Nordskov gleefully.

"Unfortunately, we are not the first...", said the scientist.

"I'm afraid not...," Pearce seemed concerned.

"There you are again." Pearce greeted Sora and Zero.

"Sora, this is General Pearce, Professor Nordskov and Mrs. Fernan." Introduced Zero to the three of them.

"Hello." Greeted Sora the three, tilting her head slightly as if to bow, but holding Zero's hand very tightly.

"Oh, how cute." Commented Lucia, at which Sora seemed to blush a bit.

"That went smoothly." Pearce seemed satisfied. "Then we can move on to the next station already."

The six, consisting of Pearce, Lucia, Professor Nordskov and his assistant, as well as Sora and Zero, were in the company of the heavily armed guards when they took another elevator, which seemed to lead even deeper underground.

Sora, still holding Zero's hand, whispered Deadra's name softly to herself after Zero told her about it. The elevator came to a stop. No voice sounded as the door opened, only the mechanical hydraulics and a simple sound announced their arrival. After a few meters they landed in a control room, from which one could see into a large room. It was littered with dents and scratches, and on the floor were devices for tying down chains or the like.

"So, here we are." Professor Nordskov said, who was already greeted by some scientists. In addition to the scientists, there were also four other armored guards, it seemed like a high security wing. But with the additional eight people, the room became quite cramped next to all the science equipment. "What kind of room is this?" Zero asked cautiously.

"We're investigating Akuryuma here." Explained the assistant to Zero.

"But don't worry, we haven't done anything to yours." Pearce immediately tried to placate Zero. "OK, same game as before." Pearce pointed to a collar Nordskov was preparing. It was significantly larger than Sora's and also seemed to be a lot sturdier.

"Don't worry, it's lighter than it looks." Nordskov said at Zero's puzzled look.

"Prepare cage B4." Said the assistant, whereupon the scientists sprang into action.

The room had three openings. One each on the left and right and one opposite. Above the gate on the right, a light came on and a horn sounded.

Immediately a hiss could be heard, familiar to Zero and Sora. Sora looked at Zero joyfully, they seemed to be the only ones happy to hear the sound.

"Cage B4 in position." Sounded a mechanical voice, confirmed by the scientist.

"Sir, we don't know how it will react." One of the scientists remarked, looking at Pearce and Nordskov.

"He's right." Nordskov turned to Pearce. "We've already had trouble getting it into the cage...", he looked at Zero.

"Are you sure about the transfer?" The assistant inquired.

"Zero." Pearce turned to him.

"Sir?"

"Show those lab bods what you can do." He said somewhat sarcastically.

A moment later, Zero stood in the room. Sora, meanwhile, had remained alone at the door.

"Are you sure about this?" Asked the scientists uncertainly.

"Zero had that Aku with him, I doubt it will attack him." Said Pearce with a fixed gaze. "I wouldn't have agreed to the transfer if I thought there was any danger." Pearce seemed a bit nervous.

"Deadra?" Shouted Zero in the direction of the gate Deadra seemed to be in. "I'll get you out now OK?" The cage, however, remained silent.

"Open the gate." Nordskov said as Zero gave a hand signal.

The heavy hydraulics could be heard as several mechanisms began to move and the heavy gate in front of Zero slowly opened.

With tension, the scientists around Pearce and Nordskov peered into the room.

BAMM. Deadra took the first step out of the darkness into the light of the room. For a brief moment Deadra stopped before rushing to Zero. It was not an attack pace, but Deadra walked briskly toward Zero. Deadra pressed its head into Zero's chest, who hugged him.

"It's been a while, how are you?" He caressed Deadra. Suddenly, Deadra's gaze seemed to be on the control center.

"It's looking at us...", one of the scientists gulped, even though Deadra had no visible eyes.

"Don't worry, they won't hurt you." He patted Deadra. "I'm going to get you out of here. Sora come here." He waved at Sora.

"Deadra!" She ran toward the two.

"Don't run!" Zero yelled, as Sora was already starting to fall. But before she could land on the ground, Deadra caught her with his tail, which had split into several tentacles. Deadra set Sora down next to Zero before she cuddled Deadra's neck.

"This thing is clearly more intelligent than any we've ever seen...", Nordskov gulped.

"Deadra." Zero came back with the collar while it was lying on the ground with Sora on top of it like a dog. Immediately Deadra looked at Sora's neck and then back at Zero. "I have to put this on you, OK? Otherwise, I can't take you with me."

Deadra nodded and stretched his neck so that Zero could effortlessly put the collar on. As before with Sora, the collar wrapped around his neck and a sound confirmed the placement. A small light glowed on both collars, probably showing the status.

"OK you two, you have to stay with me at all times. Got it?" He explained to them.

"OK, Zero." Sora replied on repeat and Deadra nodded.

"That went a lot easier than I expected." One of the scientists looked to Nordskov in wonder.

"Yeah..."

"Impressive...", said Pearce to himself.

"Let's go in." Nordskov started walking toward the entrance.

"You want to go in?" His assistant starred at him.

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!" Nordskov seemed like a small child who had found a new toy.

"Bring the weapon." Said Pearce to one of the scientists, who nodded and disappeared.

Nordskov, four of the soldiers and some of the scientists entered the room, but they all kept some distance. Nordskov was the only one who seemed to move closer as Zero approached him.

"Fascinating!" He looked at Deadra. "Can I touch it?" He asked Zero.

Zero nodded. "Deadra come here." Immediately Deadra lifted Sora off it with its tail and slowly came to Zero, while Sora went back to Zero. "Touch it."

Nordskov seemed to hesitate. Deadra made no sound and did not move. It was like standing in front of a statue.

"Don't worry he won't bite." Zero smiled at Nordskov, who then gathered the courage and touched Deadra on the head.

"Really fascinating!" No sooner had Nordskov taken the first step then the other scientists came along as well, pestering Zero with questions.

"Before I forget." The assistant handed Nordskov a bracelet. "This bracelet is for you, it's connected to the collars and lets you query the position and other things, also it's in nonstop contact with us here in the lab. So if they have any questions, you can reach us at any time." Said Nordskov happily.

"Thank you."

"May I ask where you got your Akuryuma?" Nordskov asked curiously.

"Sorry, he was just there...", Zero tried to answer.

"Ah I see, where..."

"Professor, I think that's enough for now." Pearce interrupted, who arrived with a large suitcase on a sidecar.

"Of course, forgive me Zero." Nordskov took a step back and the scientists, who had been running around Deadra like chickens, lined up again.

"Zero, we'd like to give this back to you for now." Pearce pointed to the sidecar rack. The massive black sword Zero had found during the battle in Halsion lay on it. "I think you can use it for your job." "We've also fitted it with a GPS that will give us various data about it." Nordskov explained to Zero.

Zero grabbed the sword with both hands. Paying attention to the size and weight, he lifted it carefully, yet he could take it off the sidecar quite easily.

"You are very strong." Nordskov looked at him in amazement.

"Since it was found within our territory, the sword remains in the possession of Alliance troops until further notice." Explained Pearce. "It's on loan for your job as an instructor."

"Thank you." Zero replied.

"We're making a big exception here for you Zero." Pearce said.

"I realize that." Nodded Zero.

"Good, please stay on call at all times and if there are any questions, you can contact Professor Nordskov. Alright, that should be it." Pearce looked at a hologram that appeared in front of him.

"We've provided a transporter to take you back to the bar." Lucia explained to Zero, who was quite a distance away from Deadra.

"Thank you."

"Take good care of them." Pearce had something admonishing about his words.

Zero drove a heavily armored truck back toward the bar. The day had suddenly gone very differently than he had expected. Sora looked joyfully out the small window that was on the side, and Deadra lay relaxed at Zero's feet, looking at the sword leaning in front of him.

"Is everything ready?" Pearce asked as he hurried to his next appointment with Lucia.

"Of course, the fact that he lives in the Mytic-sector makes our surveillance much easier."

"Good, let's prepare the counterattack!" Pearce stomped through the corridors of the military base.