Corrupted Hopes

-[8]- Bonds.

Kai lean against the counter slouching over, waiting. 23rd stand behind him. Footsteps echo from the back of the room. Mitch return to the counter of the room with a smooth metal black box. He place it on the counter.

"Here's your weapon," he said, watching 23rd taking the box. He look over at Kai. "Yours, not quite done."

"It's cool. I'm not desperate or anything."

"You said you wanted the original model to be upgraded, right?" He pull out a cigarette.

"Yeah. Since it was a gift for me," said Kai. He notice 23rd staring at him.

"Yeah, for a sword that was originally created from a master blacksmith to be upgraded instead of a downgrade is hard."

"How can it be?"

"The materials of the sword is heavily strong and rare."

"Is the blade made out of dragon teeth? What about a meteorite?" Kai ask in wonder.

"No. Not that.. More like it's made out of titanium and sulfur," he chuckle as he stick the cigarette between his lips.

"Sulfur?" 23rd ask. "What for?"

"On the original model, the sword is more like a machine that uses oil. From one of the switch, the sword can be more stronger from wind pushing and supporting the sword from little turbines underneath the casing of the blade and handle."

"How can a blacksmith do that?"

"I don't think it was the blacksmith. I think a engineer worked on the original model."

"And then there's you working on it."

Mitch nodded "It's three masters on one sword. Consider yourself lucky," He chuckle.

They both later on leave Mitch alone to do his work as they head out of the building. Kai was more afraid than surprised to use a sword that two skillful people worked on his sword.

23rd carried the box with her hands underneath the box. Kai only glance at the box. "Hey,"

She look up at him. "Hm?"

"Wanna get something to drink?"

They sit on chairs made out of wood and metal and across each other was a diligent looking table. Kai ordered a soda while 23rd ordered tea.

He takes a sip of his cup of soda, staring at her. She was looking out the window till she notice his eyes.

"What is it?"

"Ah.. Nothing." He revert his eyes.

She only stared at him, wondering. "Why did you join the cadets?"

"Huh?"

"What's your reason for joining this school?" She takes a sip of her tea.

"Ah.. Just to help win the war. That's all." He glance away.

"Are you sure about that?" She narrows at him. Kai startles but showed no expression.

"It's not your reasoning. Don't stick your nose where it doesn't belong," he narrows at her.

She later sigh then looks away. "My apology."

"No.. it's ok.. Sorry for being so blunt and rude."

"No. It's normal," she takes a sip.

Kai raise an eyebrow. "Normal?"

"Where people had a dark past, they often don't want to share their past to other people because it will give them a sad heart again for just thinking about it."

"I see.." he look down at his drink.

"Do you have friends?"

"Where did that come from?" She raise an eyebrow.

"Us sword Slingers are often left out. We are a different type of soldier and often get bullied for being an odd one. I barely have a lot," he takes a sip of his soda.

She looks at him confused yet sigh. "No, I don't." She sips her tea.

"Want to be friends then?" Kai ask.

"What?" She looks confused.

"I know how it feels to be alone. Even to see people I know alone and depressed, I can't afford not to care anymore."

"Your a strange one.." she put her empty cup down.

"Will you be friends with me?" He ask again.

"No," she stands up.

"What? Why?" Kai stands up as well.

"I don't need to be friends with you in order to fight. Your only my classmate and comrade in arms." She place a bill down on the table. "Don't pity me," she said, leaving the building before Kai could even say anything.

The next week rolled in like air. Kai haven't spoke to 23rd once and was forced to keep doing his average things.

"No way. The weight of the guns is important because of how fast you can go," said Nova.

"Yeah, and that will lack the firepower you have! You don't rush in war, you go slow!" Dane exclaims. They both look at Kai.

"Er,"

"Speed or power? Which one is superior?"

"Uh.. Speed?" Kai shrugs. He's uncertain with his answer.

"No way! Why?!" Dane ask

"I'm a sword slinger. I can only carry a pistol and a sword at the same time," he shrug again and lie his head on the table.

"Actually," a girl said. Ember appear behind Kai.

"They are both superior. Speed is capable of flanking the enemy and catching enemies off guard. Power is capable to surpress the enemy and disable their ability to shoot back," Ember explain. Dane and Nova look over at each other.

"Looks like we are made for each other," Nova said, laughing. So did Dane

"Yeah. Fuck you Kai," he jokes as they both look at Kai.

"The hell man," he sigh, chuckling.

"What's up? You kept sighing all week," Nova ask.

"I bet it's because it's the girl we encounter last week. The confession must've taken a wrong turn," Dane joke, laughing.

"Ehh? So you did that without telling me Kai?" Ember put her hand on his shoulder.

"Ah.. shit-" Kai said but Ember squeeze her hand against his shoulder.

"OW OW OW OW!" Kai scream. She later stops.

Dane and Nova stares at them, laughing.

"It's a joke Ember.. Just a joke," he slouch over again, lying on the desk.

"I have to see the girl first before you consult them to be your girlfriend," Ember point out. She start to laugh along with Nova and Dane.

"Jeez." Kai sigh.

But he still wonders why she's enduring this.