Where there's light there's dark and so where is dark there's light

…..

a week later.

Varakiel: mhm looking good.

Varakiel was in his office monitoring through cameras the progress of the outpost.

Varakiel: i underestimated the building speed of nikkes…

*click* *thud*

???: ah there you are greenhorn, i been looking for you.

Varakiel: hm? What is it liter?

A Young looking nikke wearing a Brown jacket, a Safety helmet and a yellow jumpsuit enters the room while being accompanied by a mecha dog.

Liter: Are you sure you only want those facilities? We can make a clothing store or even a cafe. Working on the surface is a completely new experience and I want to taste a little bit more before the end of the day.

Varakiel: hmmmm….well even if i wanted to, i don't know about anyone who would want to work here for now.

Liter: ah i see, don't worry greenhorn i know a bunch of people let me put you in contact with them.

Varakiel: really? then…how many credits would it be for those facilities?

Liter: kahaha, don't worry about it, greenhorn . I heard from that girl anis that you're loaded right now, i will tell you later.

Varakiel:...*sigh* Would 200m do?

Liter: mhm, more than enough greenhorn, that amount should allow us to use top quality materials.

Varakiel: alright, i leave it to you liter-sensei! and bolt, catch!

varakiel throws a bone to liter's mecha dog, bolt.

Bolt: woof!

Liter: hahaha, of course greenhorn, building a city from scratch is a good challenge for me.

liter then rushes outside the dormitory excited to keep working.

Varakiel: such a cute lady.

Varakiel then turns around and sits on his desk

*beep*

Varakiel: hm? Who is it?

—-

Snow white

just what kind of maintenance you did to my equipment?…they are even better than before.

Varakiel

Consider it a gift from us, be safe snow white.

Snow white

…..thank you….

commander.

—-

Varakiel: Well she at least calls me commander, it's a matter of time until she addresses me by name.

....

somewhere in the ark

a woman was looking at a letter on her hands.

File No: Assasination Authorization No. 1930-09

Target: Varakiel.

The main accusations are as follows:

holds a passive attitude about reclaiming the surface.

uses illegal websites for drug and illegal chip trafficking.

incites nikkes with inflammatory rhetoric.

Periodically goes to the outer rim. could be planning a terrorist attack.

For the reasons mentioned above, the target has been identified as a significant security risk (terrorist attacks, violent demonstrations,etc.) to the ark.

Assasination authorized

*beep*

—-

X

Have you received the order?

D

Just came through.

X

Good.

IV is the one who brought it in.

all judges voted in favor.

for the reasons stated in that document.

if you require further elaboration, here's what IV said:

I have heard that the target has gone up to the surface for purposes other than attempting to reclaim it.

D

And?

X

IV also overheard that the target took forbidden objects from the surface

back to the ark to sell them

on illegal websites

some of the objects in question were also sent to the outer rim

The nikkes who accompanied the target up to the surface seem to have been kept in the dark.

The Judges have therefore determined there is a high potential that this individual will engage in future terrorist attacks,

and have issued an assasination authorization.

IV described the target as "a ticking time bomb"

his exact words.

D

And no one knows when or where it'll go off.

X

Precisely. A serious threat to public security.

I believe IV is right.

The target has exhibited a flagrant abuse

of the power they've been given.

we must nip this in the bud.

I believe that's all the explanation you should require. 

you can take it from here.

—-

D: Varakiel? What a surprise. I thought he would be different from the other hotshots in the ark….best not let my imagination run wild. I better go check this out myself. time to pay this guy a visit.

*beep*

D turns off her tablet.

She then picks up her ax from the table in the corner of the hotel room and starts to sharpen it.

D: if they deserve to die, then their days are numbered. I'll make sure of that. if they are innocent…..

*Swooosh*

D lifts up her ax from the ground.

D:...anyways, it's time to head out.

….

Varakiel: *yawn*it seems there's nothing left for today, alright, it's time for a walk and do those chores…

*thud*

as varakiel opens the door he's greeted by a woman wearing a black coat, a rifle and an axe.

Varakiel:....hello..can i help you?

D: security here is pretty lax, I see. you don't have a single guard. I just waltzed right in.

Varakiel: Well, there's no need for guards, everyone is doing their own duties for today, so what brings you here..uh.

D: you can call me D….and i have come to see you.

Varakiel: D? nice to meet you i am varakiel

D:....

she only looks at him with a cold stare…

Varakiel: (an assassin i see…) then D, why is that you came to see me?

D: to kill you.

Varakiel:(well those guys in the central government don't waste time around i see)i see..

D: you don't look scared…why is that?

Varakiel: i face death everyday up here with my companions of course, *sigh* I thought I had a good amount of years left in me.

D: you're awfully relaxed for someone whose life is on the line, you clearly aren't taking this seriously.

Varakiel: you're wrong. I am taking this seriously, and so far I have found 3 flaws in you to escape but it would make things worse so tell me why I am being targeted.

D: 3 you say?...an order came through. the judges have made you a target. so, for the next few days, I'm going to be watching everything you do. depending on what i see, i'll decide whether you live or die.

Varakiel:....aren't you supposed to carry out your assasination in secret?

D: typically, yes. I was planning on tailing you behind your back. but my preliminary investigation showed me that you're constantly surrounded by nikkes all time.

Varakiel:...

D: and some of them have eyes in the back of their heads. if i want to carry out a proper judgment, i need to get you alone, you can see my dilemma. I therefore decided to take the initiative and secure you before anyone else does.

Varakiel: You know that I could be pretending this whole process to mislead you right?

D: humans can hide their true nature momentarily, but it won't be long before you show your true colors. no amount of playacting will cover up who you truly are. If you're as bad as the order describes, I will end your life without the slightest hesitation.

Varakiel:...i don't think i'm as bad as they made me look.

D: So you're admitting you're partially villainous?

Varakiel: Well, where there's light there's dark and where is dark there's light, no one is truly evil or truly good. I just do what I do to protect those I love, but I assure you, I haven't done anything to hurt someone else….so far.

D: you're not dishonest….prove it, then. convince me that you are not a bad person. I will make the final decision and take full responsibility. This is my job. I'm rather good at it. That's all I have to say. good luck over the next few days. 

*click* *thud*

D walks into varakiel room.

and so the next few days with D observing like a hawk on varakiel began.

...

D enters the commander's room and begins rifling through everything.

Varakiel: please put everything back on its place when you are done.

Varakiel then was about to leave the room when…

D: stop right there, varakiel.

Varakiel: hm?

D:...you're weird, no one should be relaxed with an assassin in their room….though i am not going to kill you just yet.

Varakiel: Just to make sure, you're not going to kill me because I speak in a rude tone or i accidently disrespect you, are you?

D: I won't let my emotions interfere with my work. I will only take action based on the information I received in my order and whatever else I witness with my own eyes. I already told you. All you need to do is make a case for yourself.

Varakiel: so…can I go now?

D: where were you planning on going?

Varakiel: Well, I was going to take a walk, then head out to the surface to do a few jobs. 

D: with your usual coterie of nikkes in tow, i presume?

Varakiel: Well I was going to take a single nikke with me, I usually remain stealthy when I carry these jobs, and everyone else has their own business already, and I don't want to interrupt them.

D: call her then. tell them you won't be needing her for the next few days. it will be just you and me.

Varakiel:.....do you want me to make your meals as well?

D clenches the ax in her hands more tightly.

D: if you wish.

Varakiel: Alright then.

Varakiel then takes his phone and sends a message to anis.

—-

Varakiel

Anis, there's a change of plans, you can remain on stand by for now, i am sorry.

Anis

wha? What happened commander? you said we were going to hunt for some old world snacks!

Varakiel

sorry there's been some….issues.

look, i am sorry, as a compensation you can take 3 million credits from my bank account, go enjoy yourself.

Anis

r-really!? you're the best commander! thanks!

Varakiel

also tell rapi and mihara to not worry there's a new nikke assigned temporarily as an observer, so i will be leaving with her for the time being, don't worry she looks very capable.

Anis

commander….are you having an affair on our backs?

Varakiel

sorry it seems that the central government is aware of our illicit snacks scavenging.

Anis

Are you going to be okay commander?

Varakiel

don't worry, also you know how strong i am, the raptures in the vicinity aren't capable of hurting me.

Anis

that's….true…be careful commander, the central government people aren't the kind that plays fair.

Varakiel

i know, thank you for your worries anis, hehe you're so cute.

Anis.

c-commander!

—-

Varakiel: done.

D: off we go then

...

D and Varakiel then head up to the surface alone.

D: What were those assignments you had mentioned?

Varakiel: Sorry, it's a secret for now.

D: What do you mean by secret? Is this mission not above board? am i to assume that you're up to illegal activities of some kind'

Varakiel: Relax is not that kind of secret, jeez.

D:.....

D grips her ax more tightly than ever.

Varakiel: (well, she is the really serious kind….*sigh*) we've gotten reports of abnormal signals, we're to proceed to these coordinates and investigate.

D loosens her grip on the ax.

D: I suggest you stop trying to be a comedian and take this more seriously. your words and your actions are all i have to go on.

Varakiel:...sorry about that.

D: i also take umbrage at your insinuation, all secrets are the same, that's why they are secrets in the first place.

Varakiel: I was just trying to ease the atmosphere.

D: Be that as it may, I don't like people comparing secrets. If people have something to hide it is always bad for others, so refrain from doing so in the future.

Varakiel:...that's where you are wrong.

D:.....do you come up to the surface on a daily basis? it must be very tiring for you.

Varakiel: Well, it's more fun than being underground on the ark so I can't complain….what about you?

D: ¿? 

Varakiel: Do your missions weigh on you?

D: never. because I believe what I'm doing helps make the world a better place, however minor.

Varakiel: i agree, despite the how small the contribution eventually you can build something big, and besides, someone has to stain their hands for the good of others, like i said light in the dark, dark in the light, eventually the future generations will build a future that can prosper, thanks to our contributions.

D: how i wish…everyone could think the way you do.

Varakiel: impossible, all humans are different.

D: you're right about that.

Varakiel: oh it seems we arrived, let's go in.

…..

D and varakiel arrive at the coordinates.

*buzz buzz* *buzz buzz buzz*

a lone old radio is the only thing lying on the ground.

D: Perhaps it's the source behind the signals that were detected.

*tick*

D turns off the noisy radio and looks around.

D: There are so many discarded items on the surface. no not discarded….left behind, rather.

Varakiel: mhm, sometimes, i'll take items from the surface back with me.

D: you do?

Varakiel: Yeah, I usually take some old snacks like chocolate, or toys, hell I have found a game console so far.

D:...as far as I'm aware, that's against the law. You of all people should know the kinds of issues that can cause. Did you receive approval to take any of those items back to the ark?

Varakiel:..uh D, i think you don't understand, some of these items remain on the outpost, and also sometimes other people send me up to the surface to retrieve certain items for them.

D: ….

Varakiel: all with the express permission of the central government, and all that yada yada yada.

D:...when you're talking to someone, you really ought to be as clear as possible to prevent any misunderstandings. I can't assume anything. I can only go by what you tell me, and no more.

Varakiel: hehe, sorry, i'll keep it in mind, is just that is this the first time i find an assassin like you.

D:....at any rate, let's head back.

...

the next day.

D: where's your mission taking you today?

Varakiel: to the shopping mall.

D: the one in the ark? What kind of mission would require you to go there?

Varakiel: Well you see I had a date with Anis to go to the shopping mall today, so you'll have to take her place.

D: a date? That doesn't sound like a mission to me. sounds more like horsing around. If that's what you do with your work time, then count me out. I'm not here to screw around. I suggest you find something else to do. If you have nothing better to do with your time, you can go to the mall by yourself. I'll follow from the rear and observe.

Varakiel: (she is hard to conquer) Well, I was going there to buy supplies and furniture for the outpost.

D:...you certainly have a penchant for telling jokes. come on then.

Varakiel: (the date with anis wasn't a joke…)

...

then D and varakiel arrive to the ark.

D: I've mostly come here for missions instead of shopping.

Varakiel: Why is that?

D: Most of my targets are fond of shopping, I suppose. perhaps because it allows them to flaunt their wealth and show off.

Varakiel: really? *sigh* We are all on the border of extinction and the only thing on their minds is to keep bragging about those things….seriously how things got so bad.

D:...i…agree. So where's our first stop?

Varakiel: the supply shop.

….

Varakiel: Now let's see….we need some wooden boards, tools and…

D: we can make this go quicker if we split up, show me your shopping list.

Varakiel: five bottles of body wash, five bottles of essential oil, fire power VOD…

D: Wait, that's an awful lot of stuff. Are you sure you're not trying to show off or anything? half of this stuff isn't even daily essentials.

Varakiel: They are not only for me.

D: Who else is all this stuff for then?

Varakiel: Well, everybody?

D:..fine. i'm sorry. it's just that all of my previous targets only bought things for themselves. I was lumping you in together with them.

Varakiel: there's no need to apologize

???: Hey, partner! i didn't expect to see you here. How's it hangin'?

Varakiel: Hey there.

D:...?

???: it's been a week since i saw you last. I was getting worried about you. oh by the way, i just developed a new "drug" chip, and i've got you to thank! You really inspired me.

D: drug chip?

???: drop by my shop whenever you've got a spare minute. I'll get you some more freebies. actually, since you're already here, why don't we-

Varakiel: It's okay, I am with someone right now, we can talk later.

???: oh, this chick? is she your girlfriend?

Varakiel: (*sigh* this guy is making it more difficult than it should be!! ) yes.

???: Schnikes! she may be the best lady friend you've had so far. She's built like a tank too.

D:...

Varakiel:....

???: anyway, don't forget to stop by when you've got a moment. My door is always open. See ya!

D: drug and chip…Varakiel. What, may I ask, is a drug chip? Neither of those two words exactly has positive connotations. The only chips I know are identification chips, and ones that are illegal. As for drugs, I believe that's self-explanatory. care to catch me up on what exactly a drug chip is? unless…does it mean…there are drugs in the chip? someone takes the chip, jacks into it, and the narcotic implanted inside will spread throughout the body. then…

Varakiel: (she really has a overactive imagination, so adorable) he's talking about potato chips, that's all

D: you've got to be kidding me.

*tick tick tick*

???: hey, buddy! i totally spaced out and forgot to tell you the name of the new drug chip. This latest batch is called…banana chips! they're super addictive, so hurry on over and try em out when you can. it musta taken me over 100 iterations to perfect the flavor. be sure to spread the word for me. see you around!

Varakiel: *Sigh* I told you to find another name for your brand, dude.

???: Ah well, drug chip sounded good, you know.

Varakiel: It is but it can also cause misunderstandings like I told you.

???:...i'll think about another name.

then the stranger leaves D and varakiel alone.

D: so they've taken bananas and injected them with narcotics?

Varakiel:....bananas are more expensive than narcotics these days you know?…he calls them "drugs" in the sense that they're delicious, you'll probably get addicted.

Varakiel then takes a while to explain to D why the word "drugs" was used for the potato chips.

Varakiel: and that's why we are here… do you get it now?

D: more or less. I think it would be better if he called them something else, though. using "drug" is not good for his reputation….and yours.

Varakiel: I know he will think of something better.

D:...anyway, let's get out of here.

...

the next day.

D: I can't believe this is already the third day, time flies when you're having fun, doesn't it?

Varakiel: Indeed, I think I can't live without you now, D.

D: you'll be cracking jokes even as they lower your casket. I'm starting to see why you're surrounded by so many nikkes all the time.

Varakiel: Anyways ready to go?

varakiel then grabs a bag that's besides the door.

D: What's that bag for? Does it have something to do with today's assignment?

Varakiel: Mhm, we're going to the outer rim today.

D: outer rim? sounds like a big change of pace. What possible reason could you have for going there?

Varakiel: is better for you to see it yourself.

D:....very well. i'll see it myself.

*Hrrnngghh*

D has a death grip on her ax.

Varakiel:*sigh*

D: humans always show their true colors when they start to feel at ease and let their guard down. I don't know what you're about to do, but I just hope it isn't anything unethical.

...

*tuk tuk tuk tuk tuk*

D and varakiel are now in the outer rim

the outer rim, a dingy and dreary place, full with rancid odors, no one sane or someone without a choice would live here.

Varakiel:....

Varakiel takes his phone and sends a message.

Varakiel then begins to walk in a certain pattern through the outer rim.

D:....

D just follows behind him…

Varakiel: Tell me D, you know why the outer rim exists?

D: This place is for noncitizens who refused to receive a citizen ID chip implant, exiles and criminals.

Varakiel: mhm, but you forget to mention a certain group of people….we arrived.

Varakiel stand in front of a wall

D: a wall? What do you possibly need here?

Varakiel then put his hand in front of D.

D:¿?

Varakiel: say D you know how to keep a secret right?

D:....if this is some kind of plot to get rid of me…

Varakiel: Would you keep a secret if it's for the good of the innocent?

Varakiel talks to her with a serious face and tone.

D:....as long as they are innocent i won't talk about them.

Varakiel: take my hand then.

D:...

D after a whole minute takes varakiel hand.

Varakiel: mhm…

varakiel then walks forward…and the wall distorts.

D:???

...

D and Varakiel were in front of an old church.

D: where is this place?

Varakiel: this is-

???: ah! look everyone! Big Brother is back!

suddenly a bunch of children rush to varakiel side. several of them….were missing limbs or suffer some kind of discapacity 

???: welcome back big brother!

???: Hey big brother, did you brought them!?

Varakiel: There there relax little ones…

Varakiel then opens his bag and takes out several exoskeletons, and prosthetic limbs.

Varakiel: Here you go, let me help you put them on alright?

???: okay!

Varakiel then puts the exoskeletons and prosthetics on the incapacitated children…

D:.....

D then loosens the grip on her axe….

???: commander…thank you very much for all your help.

an old man wearing a priest robe comes out of the church.

Varakiel: Is nothing grandpa, with this everyone can play together now, say have you found more children out there?

Grandpa: no, it seems that's all of them….thank you commander…from the bottom of my heart.

Varakiel: Hehe, then I'll leave. I got something else to do, I promise I will come back with rapi, anis and neon next time.

???: Hey, big brother, is she a new companion!?

a kid points at D.

D: companion?

???:: yes, big brother said that he and his companion will defeat the evil raptures and take us to the surface to play!

D:.....

D takes a look to varakiel…

Varakiel just smiles at her.

D:....yes, I am.

???: really? yay! thank you big sis! Everyone will pray for your safety! right everyone.

all the children answer with a cheerful tone.

Varakiel: Alright then, see you little ones.

???: bye bye big bro!

???: take care big brother!

Grandpa: thank you yet again commander, please be safe…

...

Varakiel and D are back outside on the outer rim….

D: Tell me why you do it?

Varakiel: because it is the right thing to do.

D: food, prosthetics, exo skeletons, supplies…

Varakiel: a week ago just after my vacations started i decided to come here, since i got the position of special commando i can roam free without being asked, and i concealed the information of that church location, i know that several higher ups would do Anything to get a hold on me, doesn't matter if they have to use children, so i hide them with my position.

D: why?

Varakiel: because no one else will.

D: Why are you so generous to them?

Varakiel: because i am an orphan like them, i know their pain, if i can save them, i'll do it.

D: there's nothing in it for you.

Varakiel: That's true.

D: and?

Varakiel: Just that, there's nothing in it for me, I just want to help.

D: In the future, that stuff could be repurposed and used for something illegal. What if something happens? aren't you worried?

Varakiel: that's why i'll guide them for the good road, dark in light, light in dark, D.

D:...I see.

Varakiel: Let's head back.

D: just that?

Varakiel: Mhm, there's no reason for me to stay any longer.

D:...let's go then.

???: *hiccup* hey, you.

a drunkard approaches D and varakiel.

Varakiel: What is it?

Drunkard: You look like outsiders. What are you doing here? you two youngsters here on a date? bah, whatever. I don't care. just hand over whatever you've got. if you've got some booze on ya, all the better.

Varakiel: *sigh*.....

Varakiel then begins to look on his bag.

D: And if we don't have anything to give?

D steps in front of varakiel and stands opposite the drunkard

Varakiel: (uh oh!)

Drunkard: hee hee hee. If you don't have anything for me, I can make you pay plenty of other ways.

the drunkard lurches towards D

*snap*

Drunkard: waddya say, babe? wanna dance?

D lifts her cloak.

D: unhand me.

Drunkard: huh? what?

*whoosh*

D swings her ax at the man.

Drunkard: aagggghhh!

Varakiel: D, that's enough.

D:...

D glances at varakiel.

*clank*

The ax slams into the wall behind the drunkard.

D:...get lost or else the next one is going for your head.

Drunkard: i…i..i'm sorry! i thought you were someone else!

*tap tap tap*

The drunkard runs away in horror. 

Varakiel: Are you alright?

D: it should be me asking you. At any rate, I'd never kill someone over something so trivial. I was just scaring him off.

Varakiel: (hell no, that hit on the wall was to kill, she changed it at the last second..)*sigh* you're not good at lying you know.

D:...so much for our trips.

Varakiel: hm? What do you mean?

D: nothing, i just reconfirming some things

Varakiel: reconfirm what?

D: the authorization. The figure described in the order I was given is all but a bunch of sick lies. I need to reconfirm the directive with my superiors.

Varakiel:...so you are leaving…

D walks up to varakiel slowly.

Varakiel looks at her like he always had done, with trust and respect.

D: Are you scared?

Varakiel: nope.

D: I won't be killing you. not now, at least. I'll have to put out little excursions on pause for the time being.

D then walks past varakiel…then varakiel catch up with her.

Varakiel: You know, if you want to visit those children tell me, I can tell you when we go.

D:....*nod*

D just nods to varakiel offer.

….

D was alone in front of a door.

*knock knock*

D: My investigation lasted for several days, during which I found nearly all details in the authorization to be factually incorrect…i have to report my findings to X.

a few hours later.

—

X

I've gone over the materials you sent me.

Your findings do seem to contradict the description given in IV's report.

D

I spoke with many of the target's acquaintances regarding

the accusations leveled against them.

I also personally traveled with the target for several days,

yet failed to uncover evidence that corroborated any of the statements contained within the authorization.

X

Understood. The judges are conducting their own internal investigation in regards to this matter.

D

Given the surplus of discrepancies with this case, I've postponed the execution order.

I also suggest there be a reappraisal of the target

X

The judges do not want a target to be terminated in error, either.

We accept your application.

if what you are saying is true,

there will be a revote.

either you or IV

is attempting to deceive us.

only one of you can possibly be telling the truth.

Spreading falsehoods is an offense punishable by death.

I take it you are aware of this?

D

I am.

X

very well. we will contact you when everything is made clear.

—

D:... IV is the one who proposed making Varakiel a target. Maybe I should follow up with him.

….

At the door to IV's room.

*swoosh*

D places her ear against the door

IV: so, the target managed to pull wool over D's eyes? I don't wish to speak out of turn, but this person is a sly fox indeed.

D: Is he speaking with X on the phone?

IV: if the target could fool D so easily, it's only a matter of time before they manage to hoodwink the entire ark and bring everyone there over to their side. This is bad. I didn't expect D would actually fall for their tricks. Luckily, I found some hard evidence in advance. I'll send it to you straight away.

D:...hard evidence?

*Bang*

The sound of someone banging on the table comes from inside the room.

IV: Damn it!..*huff* The vote was already done! How can this be happening?

D:...

D removes her ear from the door.

D: so…it's all a fabrication…but why?.....actually, i can think of something…

*beep*

—

X

D The judges have deliberated over the materials you submitted

as well as IV's 

They found there were multiple inconsistencies within IV's statements, and have thus concluded his argument to be invalid.

He wove an intricate web of lies.

Had it not been for your call for an additional review, it would have slipped by us unnoticed.

I had assumed that the recent newcomers were all conscientious people.

I did not expect there to be a traitor within our midst.

D

Has the assasination authorization been revoked, then?

X

we will leave it to you on how to proceed.

the decision is yours to make.

—-

D:...it's time to go.

*clank*

IV: who's there? D? what are you doing here?

D: the target has changed, it's you now.

IV: !! Wh…what? I was just talking to X…

D: let me ask you. why did you make varakiel a target?

IV: It's none of your bus…

D: Answer me.

IV: …Ha!

D: Were you jealous? Your jealousy consumed you so much that you felt you had to frame them.

IV:...

D: you were once a commander, weren't you? yet you never amounted to anything. so you became jealous. envious of the fame and admiration you had never gotten yourself.

IV:..

D: your selfishness almost got an innocent person killed.

IV: So what? That's no concern of mine.

D: Are you sure about that?..the consequence of lying is death. you never were qualified for this job. consider this early retirement.

*swoosh*

D swings her ax at IV.