Clear Skies

Chapter 16: But the Vultures Never Flew

In the sunset's crimson, our group of six gathered between a pair of green hedges. Yusei had approached from the hydrangeas and wouldn't look me in the eye. Aki exited the roses and stole a glance at Yusei. I lingered beside Jack, who hadn't answered any of my several questions.

That hadn't changed, either.

Luna and Leo, at least, were bursting with energy. I noticed a few briars stuck in her pigtails and his ponytail. Jack asked, "We settled on going?"

Leo's excitement oozed through his answer: "Sure are!"

"We have a problem!" The Security woman, Mina, rushed out to us. "Something bad is happening in the Satellite. Really bad."

Jack, Yusei, and I sprinted after her. She took us to a room filled with screens showing the Satellite. A black fog engulfed the island streets. Mina said, "An abnormality occurred, and we cannot contact Sector Security in the area. This footage may not last for very long-"

The screens went dark.

"That's it," Jack said. "We're going to the Satellite right now. We won't stand by while it's turned to ruin!"

"Okay. Have all six agreed on crossing?" Jack's bellow of a confirmation had her scrambling to call us a ride. The other three joined us in the meantime. She pulled out a communication device - a "phone," Luna explained to me - and spoke with Godwin. She hung up after a few words and led us to the roof of the building.

While waiting, Mina started into a conversation about how Jack better be careful. He seemed entirely uninterested in whatever she had to say. Everyone broke off into their own conversations. Luna bugged me about why I had no idea what a phone was, so I told her about my lost memories. Godwin arrived to meet us, and we gathered again.

"The mist is from the original Ener-D Reactor, meaning that destiny must be guiding its creator, Professor Fudo's son." The others seemed astonished. I was too hung up on all the words I didn't understand. "Signers, remember your mission: defeat the Dark Signers and get that reactor turning in the right direction."

Godwin excused himself. Typical of a Security leaving others to do the legwork. Our ride hadn't arrived, so I consulted the Crimson Dragon. What did the mist do?

The black fog consumed the residents of your home as sacrifices for the wicked gods.

W-What? Everyone? Crow, Louie, Annie, Martha... all of them?

We do not know the extent of the damage. Those you care for could have survived.

What about those who didn't?

As Godwin said, we are not certain of their fate.

My heart sank. Steady thwumps approached from the sky. A "helicopter" by Luna's explanation descended toward the roof. A man in a Sector Security uniform stepped out then stopped at the sight of Yusei. His deep and raspy voice shouted, "Why are you here?"

"Trudge! You're the one bringing us to the Satellite?"

Anger darkened the man named Trudge's face. He about broke into a screaming fit until Mina cut him off. "Trudge, please, we need you to bring us. I know you may not like Yusei, but you're the best man we've got now."

Trudge's fury softened instantly. So that's what Martha meant about compromising in love. Trudge said, "Of course, ma'am. I'm completely capable of the task ahead! It is an honor to serve you!"