OTHERS: Five elements

CHAPTER 1.5: NEW MISSION

21 March 2033, 8:20am

I was surprised. I didn't understand anything August said. Is it such a critical problem? 

- "The Others are completely different from humans. They are faster and have tough skin. But new ones have emerged with powers. They can control nature. It's as if they've evolved. If we don't stop them, they will take over the entire world", August said. 

- "How can the Others have powers? You must be joking. This sounds like some kind of fantasy movie."

- "It’s no joke. Our soldiers couldn't catch an Other because he has the power of mist. Bullets just passed right through it. He moved quickly. The young man who died was suffocated. This is the first case. That's why I'm sending you to solve this problem."

- "Should I go by myself or bring someone along?" I asked August.

- "Bring whoever you trust." 

I don't currently trust anyone. If Hans were here, I would take him. But since he's not, I'll take Daniel. This will be his first real fight with the Other. It’s the perfect opportunity for him to use what he has learned and practiced in a real battle.

- "We don't know where he is at the moment. We should find out by tomorrow. I'll let you know as soon as I do. If you can't capture him, I'll have to deal with that problem myself. I would go in person, but everyone knows me, while you’re still new. That's why I'm sending you."

- "No problem, General. I'll handle it." 

- "I have no doubt in you. After all, I was your mentor.  You’re dismissed. I’ll inform you of the Other's location as soon as I find out. And be ready." 

- "I will."

I left August's office and went downstairs. I saw Daniel practicing. He’s quite strong and agile. He took down two soldiers without any trouble. I trained with him this morning, teaching him how to fight: improve his defense, increase his speed, and stop attacks. We also practiced sword fighting. He’s not yet very skilled with the sword. I gave him a test to cut through five watermelons with a single strike. He didn’t manage to cut any; each time, his sword either got stuck or he missed. I guess we need to work more on that.

- "You handle the sword poorly. Have you ever used it before?"

- "We practiced using it during that six-month training, but I really struggle with it. I also have an aversion to it."

- "Why?", I asked Daniel.

- "It feels too violent to kill someone by severing their head."

- "But you have to stop him if bullets aren't working."

- "I know, but maybe there's an alternative."

- "An alternative? How?"

- "I don't know... I still see them as human beings. I think I won't be able to hurt them."

The moment Daniel said that, I approached him abruptly and covered his mouth with my hand.

- "Don't you ever say that again, if you want to live. Be cautious with your words. You are now a Black Crow, and such words could lead to your punishment or even death. You took an oath after six months; you are obligated to uphold it. You are send to kill the Others and to stop their spread in the world. The Others can never be humans; their humanity has perished. They are monsters."

As I spoke to him, holding his mouth shut with my hand, I saw fear in his eyes. He hadn’t expected this from me. His eyes trembled.

- "I’m sorry. I reacted abruptly. I didn’t mean to frighten you. I just didn’t want anyone else to hear what you said and report you, leading to your punishment. You are a good person; you’re not corrupt, and I don't want anything bad to happen to you. Moreover, I am your mentor, and I must look out for you."

- "Everything is fine. No problem.", said Daniel.

- "I got a task from August. We need to catch an Other. And you’re coming with me."

- "Me?", Daniel asked with surprise. 

- "Yes! I'm taking you with me. The best way to learn is in real combat. And don't worry. I'm here to protect you!" 

After training, we parted ways. He went to eat, and I decided to prepare for the new mission. While I was heading to the warehouse with the weapons, I reflected on my behavior. I shouldn't have done what I did. I really made a fool of myself. I should have handled it differently. I scared him. I’m such an idiot. Instead of building trust between us, I immediately put up a wall with my behavior. Great job, Mark! You made a fool of yourself in front of him. And these thoughts—there’s no way to get rid of them. My head is going to hurt again. I hope Daniel doesn’t resent my actions. I hope there's still a chance for us to be friends.