⁕ Something More Than The Blade

Years passed, and the sisters formed close bonds as they considered each other the only semblance of a family. Though they demonstrated a high level of emotional awareness and empathy, their design purpose made sure that they remained lethal killers. The sisters would gather to say goodbye when one of their own was sent on a mission, and worry about each other. They would also learn to entertain themselves with games or knowledge when they gain some free time outside of their missions.

Life was going to be just fine and bearable until an unforeseen event three years after their birth would disrupt their delicate bond. It was a morning like the others as KD-551 was assigned a mission in Poland, where she would have to take down a target of interest to the Empire. As the girls gathered around KD-551's transport craft, they exchanged a few heartfelt goodbyes.

[KD-552] - "Can't believe they would keep sending you out on missions instead of us. "

Said KD-552 as she playfully shook KD-551's shoulders.

[KD-551] - "Aw, it's probably because the mission is a low-intensity one. If they were serious, they would've probably sent KD-554 or our little steel maiden sister. "

[KD-552] - "Ah, Little Five, you mean. I wonder where the hell is she again. "

Said KD-552 quizzically.

[KD-553] - "Ugh... you know her. Obsessed with those romance novels you snuck back last time. Seriously, what a naive little shit she is, thinking any sane man would want her. "

Said KD-553 in an annoyed tone.

[KD-554] - "Exactly, she should be training with us in new combat tactics instead of daydreaming. "

[KD-552] - "Fucking hell, you two are like a pair of pessimistic vultures! Constantly sitting beside each other and only feeling joy when you see the downfall of somebody. "

Said KD-552, and she pointed her fingers at the sisters.

[KD-553] - "Wow, it's like women who are named Kirchoff-Decimator should be inclined to feel joy when they serve their purpose of causing downfall and chaos. What a surprise, sister, what a surprise. "

Said KD-553 in a mocking tone.

[KD-554] - "HAHAHA! "

[KD-552] - "Ah hell, you two are fucking lost causes! "

Said KD-552, annoyed by the taunting.

[KD-551] - "Hahaha! Ah well, I suppose I have to get going soon, so we'll settle this another time. I can't wait to get this over with soon. "

Said KD-551 as she stretched her arms while yawning.

[KD-553] - "Hey, safe trips, big sis. Come back in a single piece, alright? "

Said KD-553 as she leaned in and hugged KD-551.

[KD-554] - "Yep, same here! Go make some eyeballs and gut fly, sis. Remember, I don't want you to leave any survivors and get punished like the last time. "

As KD-554 leaned in for a hug, KD-551 instinctively opted for a handshake instead, clearly disturbed by KD-554's comment.

[KD-552] - "Welp, I'll send you KD-555's regard instead, since she's again late. "

Said KD-552 and she hugged KD-551.

[KD-551] - "Oh, by the way... "

[KD-552] - "Huh? "

KD-551 hesitated as she noticed KD-553 and KD-554 listening as well.

[KD-551] - "Nothing, I suppose I'll tell you instead when I come back. "

As the sisters left the area, KD-551 breathed a long sigh before moving to board her ship. Suddenly, in a gust of wind, KD-555 arrived in front of KD-551 before tripping and collapsing in her arms.

[KD-555] - "Ouch! I'm sorry for this, big sis. "

[KD-551] - "Look who decided to show up? "

Said KD-551 with a smile as she helped KD-555 stand upright.

[KD-555] - "I was too caught up in that novel you brought me. Like, I can't get rid of that fuzzy feeling I was getting every time I saw the characters being lovey-dovey with each other. "

[KD-551] - "Is that so? I'm glad to hear that. "

Said KD-551 with a relieved grin.

[KD-555] - "I was late because I got mad at KD-553. She brought a male "friend" of hers and asked him what he thought of me, and he said he'd rather sleep with a wild animal than sleep with a savage such as me. So after that, I went to hide and- "

[KD-551] - "That is absurd and ridiculous! "

Yelled KD-551 in anger before her sister could finish.

[KD-551] - "Listen to me, my little steel maiden, you have more choice than you think there is. KD-553 doesn't realize the gift she was given compared to our predecessors. We have the gift of life! We can think as humans who are not destined to kill forever. We can build families, choose a different path from our destined one and choose to go pursue our own happiness. "

Said KD-551 as she stared at KD-555 in the eyes.

[KD-555] - "But... We are born killers. If we don't kill, then what purpose do we serve? "

[KD-551] - "What difference is there between you and the women in these novels you've read? Withdraw these blades, and you will no longer be a killer. Tell me, little sis, do you not strive for anything else other than to serve the people who created us? Do you want to serve as their tool for the rest of your life? Or do you want to give choice a chance? "

There was a dreamy expression in KD-555's eyes as KD-551's words resonated with her.

"Craft D-7609, clear for take-off! You may move toward the runway. "

Announced the radio above the sisters.

With a teary face, KD-551 hugged KD-555 tightly against her as if it were the last time she'd ever see her. Then, in a hurry, KD-551 turned around and ran up to her ship's ramp as it began to initiate its takeoff.

[KD-551] - "Farewell, my dear sisters. Thank you all for everything. "

Whispered KD-551 as she took one last look at the Imperial base.

As KD-555 began to head back toward her barracks, she began to daydream about her future. As she imagined the soft mattress and tender touch of a lover, she abruptly bumped into an Imperial lieutenant holding his lunch tray. The crash immediately sent searing soup and food flying around her and the officer.

[Lieutenant] - "Ah mother fucker! Son of a bitch, you dumb fucking pig! "

Yelled the lieutenant in pain as the soup burned his hands.

Before KD-555 could react, the officer slapped her across the face and sent her to the ground.

[soldier] - "Shit, man, I can see skin peeling. "

[Lieutenant] - "All because of this blind fucking bitch, fuck! "

Yelled the lieutenant in anger as he mercilessly kicked KD-555 in the abdomen.

Seeing their lieutenant in pain, the men around him assumed that something worse had happened as they began to surround and attack KD-555 on the floor.

[KD-552] - "Get back! Get back, you bunch of pricks! "

Yelled KD-552 as she suddenly appeared over KD-555.

In a swift motion, KD-552 drew her wrist blades and forced the men to back away from her sister. As the crowd cleared, KD-552 immediately helped her sobbing sister get up before leaning her against her shoulder.

[KD-552] - "It's ok, let's get out of here, Little Five. "

Said KD-552 as she forced the lieutenant to back off with her blade.

[Lieutenant] - "How dare you point that thing at me? I'll report your sorry ass to the lieutenant general for this! "

Ignoring the lieutenant's threats, KD-552 carried KD-555 out of the crowd without a word.

[KD-555] - "Thank you! "

Whispered KD-555.

[KD-552] - "You would've done the same for me. We are a family, remember? "

KD-555 smiled as she rubbed her cheek against her sister's shoulder affectionately.

However, not all good things last. KD-551 never came back from her mission as many suspected that she had been captured and executed by enemy factions. As for KD-552, she was sent to the lieutenant general in command for punishment but never returned to the barracks since her departure. Just like that, the fragile balance of a family broke apart with KD-553 and KD-554's cold demeanour and indifference toward KD-555, sealing the final nail in the coffin.

Just like this, another two years passed by as KD-555 grew increasingly isolated from her sisters, who embraced their killer nature. Meanwhile, KD-555 too began to be desensitized to the ideas of humanity and empathy as her killer side began to overtake her dreams and desires.

On another afternoon like the others, Kadyn returned from one of her missions. However, as she stepped off her ship, the whole hangar crew was in shock as they saw her covered from head to toe in blood. Like a zombie, Kadyn wandered through the hallways toward her barracks, which was the only place she was allowed to take a shower. As she walked, the bystanders became increasingly disturbed by her appearance until some disgusted Marines decided to do something about it.

Just as Kadyn passed by a maintenance yard, a group of Marines stopped her in her steps by forming a human wall in front of her. Soon, curious staff and soldiers began to gather around to see what was going on. Before Kadyn could react, the Marines abruptly began to drench her in high-pressure water with each of them holding a water hose.

[Marine 1] - "There ya go, you disgusting bitch! This should make you less gross, haha! "

[Marine 2] - "Hey, John, wash her properly. Make sure she gets squeaky clean! "

Said the marine as he aimed his jet at Kadyn's breasts.

The bystanders all watched as the Marines cruelly tortured Kadyn, but most of them cheered as they felt no empathy for what they perceived as a remorseless killer. Amongst the Marines was the lieutenant who was now promoted to Marine lieutenant.

[Lieutenant] - "Well, ain't this funny? I think it's that same bitch who burned my skin off a few years ago. "

Said the lieutenant as he cruelly aimed his jet at Kadyn's private parts.

Unbeknownst to the men, however, Mike was still doing his inspection of the base as the Grand Knight. Drawn to the crowd by the sounds, Mike was horrified to see Kadyn on the ground being tortured by the Marines. With a searing rage in his heart, Mike ignited his crystals and caused the hoses to abruptly explode in the Marines' hands, breaking their fingers and bones.

[Mike] - "Cruelty and injustice are not to be tolerated within the Emperium. You watch as one of your own comrades gets tortured for no apparent reason. Have you no shame? Have you no honour? Let me be clear with the bastards among our ranks: The enactment of such motherless behaviour is a choice for those seeking to create childless mothers. "

Yelled Mike while pointing his finger at everyone present.

The crowd immediately fell silent as men and women began to lower their gaze out of guilt. Immediately, Mike stormed in and kicked away the pressure wash control before grabbing the lieutenant by the collar.

[Mike] - "Penal Battalion 161, 6th fleet, welcome to your new home! "

Said Mike before throwing the lieutenant away.

[Mike] - "Demoted! All six of you transferred to the 161st Penal Battalion as well. I'll notify General Mike of your transfer. I'm sure he'll be happy the garbage took themselves out. "

Said Mike as he kneeled down and used some tissues to clean Kadyn's face.

[Mike] - "Get back to work, all of you! "

Said Mike without raising his head.

Without delay, all staff and men dispersed and went back to their occupations, leaving Mike alone with Kadyn.

[Mike] - "Do you need medical attention? "

Kadyn coughed as water escaped her mouth. As she got a better look at the Grand Knight, she immediately began to kneel down to show her respect.

[Kadyn] - "Mister Grand Knight! I apologize for my lack of manners! "

Said Kadyn, unable to contain her excitement at the sight of the Grand Knight.

[Mike] - "Sigh... Save the formalities. Let's get you cleaned like last time. "

Later, as Mike locked the door behind him, Kadyn was looking around the spacious room like a curious little kid. As soon as Mike removed his helmet, Kadyn was immediately able to recognize him.

[Kadyn] - "I was hoping to meet you again, mister Grand Knight. "

Said Kadyn with a nervous face.

[Mike] - "I wasn't expecting to meet you, however. Keep it short this time, because I won't engage you in those nonsensical talks like last time. "

Said Mike bluntly as he began to detach his armour.

[Kadyn] - "Yet, you stepped in to save me again... Not to mention, you gave me my new name when we met a few days ago. I just feel that maybe we are destined in some way to meet again. "

Said Kadyn as she approached Mike while trying to catch his gaze.

[Mike] - "For what purpose are we destined to meet? There is simply no outcome in which our meeting can benefit the Empire in any way. I'd say it's quite a waste of time to engage in such dead-end philosophical talk. "

Said Mike, with the emotional range of rock.

[Kadyn] - "It's not dead-end, I read in a few books my sister brought me that there are such things as soulmates. But... I can't expect you to understand, probably. "

Said Kadyn, with a defeated expression on her face.

[Mike] - "Ugh! Please refrain from questioning my intellect on such trivial matters. My tolerance does not grant you total freedom of speech. "

Grunted Mike with frustration.

[Kadyn] - "Do you not like me, mister Grand Knight? I know I'm just an assassin designed to serve and kill, but when I first saw you, I just couldn't help but feel... charmed. "

Said Kadyn as she daringly approached Mike from the back.

[Mike] - "What I think does not matter in the grand scheme of things. I'm but a servant of the Empire; my personal thoughts are not relevant. "

Kadyn stopped inches away from Mike's back and stared at him with a pair of dreamy, awestruck eyes as she managed to notice the battle scars on his back. Suddenly, Mike violently grabbed Kadyn by the shoulders and slammed her against the wall. In her shock, all she could see was the embarrassed and frustrated face of a young man as he stared at her with daggers in his eyes.

[Mike] - "I'm the Grand Knight, enforcer to the will of the Emperor, and lord commander of all cyberknights of the Empire. You will cease this foolish game immediately and comply with the orders you are given! I have tolerated your insolence for long enough, so consider this your final warning. "

Said Mike in a firm and aggressive voice.

Unexpectedly, Kadyn didn't tremble out of fear and instead began to tear up.

[Kadyn] - "I don't care! Put me down if you find me this annoying! I lived my whole life as nothing more than a weapon. You are the first person to show me empathy after I lost my two sisters. I... *sobs* I... don't care anymore. I just want to... *sobs* to know if there is even a light in my miserable existence. "

Said Kadyn before bursting into tears in front of Mike.

Faced with this situation, Mike immediately felt the guilt inside him pulling his hands off the poor girl's shoulders. Though this type of situation can be resolved with a known protocol, Mike felt hesitant to put up an act in front of her. Inside his heart, Mike felt a need to care for her and comfort her as if he were caring for a wounded person, despite her healthy status.

[Kadyn] - "Who am I kidding... How could I ever dream of making you like me? I'm an insane girl walking around coated in the blood of victims... I deserved to be treated the way those Marines treated me. "

Whispered Kadyn in a loathing voice, while wiping her tears on her sleeve.

[Mike] - "Comrade Kadyn, please stop the tears, you are beautiful in your own way and do not deserve the brutality of those who are ignorant of common morality. "

Said Mike in a compassionate voice.

[Kadyn] - "I understand now. You really don't care about me. It's all about protocols and your duty, and nothing else. I bet you won't even be able to smile with how cold you are. "

Said Kadyn before sobbing against her hands once more.

With a frown, Mike took Kadyn's challenge and began to move his cheek muscles. Kadyn watched as Mike tried to form a smile but struggled. It was the first time Mike tried to smile in over eleven years, as he had forgotten what happiness felt like ever since the day Sniper took him in. As his attempt failed, Mike frustratingly used his fingers to push his cheeks up to form a smile. Upon seeing Mike's weird grimace, Kadyn let out a laugh. Then, like a domino effect, the sight of Kadyn's joy caused Mike to involuntarily show a smile on his face as well.

As if a brick had been lifted off Mike's shoulder, he suddenly felt liberated. Every day, his routine consisted of sleeping, eating, training, receiving orders, executing said orders and repeating everything all over again the next day. Today, things are different. Not only did he feel joy, but it was the first time he connected to a person emotionally. As the smile faded from Mike's face, an expression of surprise soon appeared in his eyes.

[Mike] - "What happened to me? Why did it feel so good? "

[Kadyn] - "Haha! You mean your smile? "

[Mike] - "I smile, yes, as a gesture of formality when I was talking to people, but why did this smile feel so different? "

Said Mike with a confused expression on his face.

Though Mike was still confused, the authenticity of the smile he showed confirmed to Kadyn just how special the bond they shared was. If she was able to make such a stoic man smile, then more than likely, she can push her luck further. With now a renewed confidence in her soul, Kadyn allowed the greed in her heart to guide her next actions.

[Kadyn] - "Thanks for caring, mister Grand Knight. If you don't mind, I'd like to try something else. "

Said Kadyn as she pulled Mike toward her and gently kissed him.

As they finally pulled away, both of them were stunned by the sea of emotion in their hearts.

[Kadyn] - "Now, I can die happy and in peace. "

Whispered Kadyn as she remained close to Mike's face.

[Mike] - "Your careless assertiveness has somehow made me understand an experience unexplainable by words, but only through sensations and emotions. Maybe I do... Like you in a way I could not describe. "

Said Mike, eyes still fixated on Kadyn and beyond confused.

Quickly grasping the meaning in Mike's convoluted phrase, Kadyn immediately melted into Mike's arms out of excitement before suddenly hugging him. Even Kadyn herself was confused as to how her suicidal assertiveness had worked out in her favour in the end.

[Kadyn] - "Then let me stay with you! "

Said Kadyn with a cute smile.

The sudden hug caught Mike off guard. Though he wanted to pull away from the girl, the warm feeling of another's affectionate touch against his skin made the experience addictive. For the first time, another showed him affection so unconditionally while unfearful of his immense power. In her recklessness, she broke his stoic barrier and warmed his broken soul against his will.

[Mike] - "Sigh... If that's what you desire, then do as you please. It's not like I can control you anyway. However, I will admit, your courage is truly respectable considering our relationship dynamic. "

Said Mike before he leaned in to hug Kadyn back.

[Kadyn] - "You're the one who said it yourself that we are equal as comrades who fight for the Empire. Now, if you don't mind, I'd like to spend the night in your company. "

Said Kadyn as she stared at Mike with a pair of glowing, dreamy eyes.

Although Kadyn managed to stay, Mike decided to sleep on the couch while letting her sleep on his soft bed. For the first time, Kadyn could dream peacefully while knowing that her dream was not just a fantasy. With Mike around, Kadyn felt a sense of safety she had never once felt before, even with her sisters. As time went on, Mike kept secretly meeting Kadyn and taking her on dates sometimes.

For Mike, the raw and uncontrolled emotions of this strange girl changed his pre-programmed nature. Despite being the Grand Knight, he was no longer the tool Sniper had crafted him to be, as he learned to be more human and appreciate his own feelings. For Kadyn, Mike anchored her broken soul by offering her protection and by guiding her morally to become more than just a blood-soaked assassin. For their inherent nature, the two had accidentally found the right partner for each other in the strangest way possible.

As their relationship developed, they eventually felt comfortable enough to share the same bed. As Kadyn woke up from her sleep, she felt the comfortable bed beneath her body, but most importantly, she felt Mike's arm over her waist as his breathing flowed peacefully through her hair. It was the dream she had hoped for, and living in...

In the present day, Kadyn suddenly jolted awake with a look of shock in her eyes. Without looking away, she tapped her bed and found no one beside her, while the bed below her felt stiff as a rock. There was no sunshine but the neon lights of Trump City illuminating her room. Slowly, Kadyn clenched her fists as pain filled her heart. As much as she loved the realistic feeling of her dream, she hoped it was a nightmare instead. That way, she wouldn't have so much difficulty stepping back into reality.

To be continued...