AstroHarmony: The Height of Rebellion

His Merciless Blade

There were three officers, each bearing a weapon that met her target as Leeh, Rokuro, and I. They wear the same uniform as Leeh, deceptively making it seem as if we are outnumbered. I remain completely still as they glare at us, not allowing the end of their weapons waver from our chests.

"State your names." I didn't recognize who spoke; too busy concentrating on the pounding blood in my ears and the drumming of my heart in my chest. His voice was gruff, authoritative.

Leeh shuffles, "Elaine Markes." She glances to me, a risk too great under the watchful eye of the Elites. An alias, I think, trying in vain attempts to conjure one for myself.

"Zin Katsu," Rokuro states next, his voice steady and confident as if it truly was his name. I found myself questioning that thought. Keeping my eyes forward, I watch as one man brings out a receiver, much like the one Leeh had used in the hovercraft, though sporting a sleek steel antennae instead of a cord. The officer glances at me, raising his threatening silver gun at me, the color contrasting brilliantly with the royal blue of his uniform.

My mind is blank, but I speak as if I'd memorized the name years ago. "Pascal Arden." He blinks at my immediate response, seeming pleased at our cooperation.

But I was confused. Where had that name come from; rolling off my tongue as if I had spoken it so many times it's become instinct?

He shrugs, propping his gun in the crook of his elbow as he goes to speak into the receiver, bringing it to his lips, not once breaking his gaze from mine. "Scout Troop six to base." He holds the device to his ear as a response transmits into the room, too quiet and overwhelmed with static for me to understand what was exchanged.

But the Elite must have understood, for he nods. "We have under detainment Cadet Ambrose, along with two ambiguous partners; Zin Katsu and Pascal Arden."

Leeh, they recognized Leeh. My thoughts are racing, faster pace than the beating of my heart. That's why Rokuro pulled on the mask; why he claimed their whole plan would be ruined. He must be like her; some sort of spy—

But they didn't recognize you.

The selfish sentence in my head isn't a thought, more like a voice speaking from the back of my skull, against my will and against my thinking.

There is another moment of feedback through the receiver.

"Yes, possible aliases." Pause. "Alright, copy that."

The Elite's voice brings me back to reality, shoving my thoughts back into my head. As I watch the officer replace the receiver back into his belt, he faces me, glancing between the three of us and finally resting his gaze on Rokuro.

"Mr. Katsu, I must request you remove the mask." Rokuro doesn't budge at the officer's request, holding steady the man's cold glare. Nobody moves. "Sir, we just have a few questions to ask you, I just ask that I can see your face—"

As the Elite had put his receiver away, the barrel of his gun had dropped, still held by his arm. Rokuro must have noticed as well, for this is when he lunges, revealing his blade and diving for the man's throat.

Leeh immediately runs for me as all three guns turn to Rokuro, neither of the other officers daring to shoot in the aspect of possibly hitting their commander instead of the target. I feel Leeh grab my arm, pushing me forward when I didn't move, my eyes locked on Rokuro.

He's throwing punches to the Elite, catching his jaw, his cheek, his shoulder, each with rapid succession and not giving the man time to recover. The others are shouting, trying to get close without putting themselves at risk. With both of them distracted, Leeh takes an opportunity.