War on Heiwa Book 1: The Wrath of the Demons

The Wrath of the Demons Chapter 10: We Start the Run for Our Lives

Luckily I didn't get an infection.  I was released from the hospital  a couple of days later after my wound was healed, and my life was back to my normal routine, not until Attakai sent me up to his office the first day I got out of the hospital.

"So, regarding your first mission." He said to me. "That was more than I had expected it to be."

Yeah, no shit. 

"I didn't mean for you to meet Izanagi so soon." He continued.

"Oh thanks that makes me feel better." I muttered sarcastically. "How did you know about Izanagi anyway?

"Let's just say I've crossed paths with him before, and it didn't end happily ever after." He said darkly. "But," His tone rose back to his own cheerful and mature self.  "Your mission was indeed accomplished! You have now the rank of a private!" He handed me a medal to pin on my jacket.

I fended off an entire race of demons along with their king for the measly title of 'private'? 

"Thanks" I mumbled, taking the medal and walking out. I wasn't too pleased, but at least I could rub it in Mao's face. I hadn't talked to him since the skirmish, but I should. I have a lot of questions to ask him, especially that scene with Daisuke and why he wanted a hostage. Oh, and rubbing my title in his big fat jerk face. Definitely can't forget about that. It was noon, our break time. Mao usually hangs out in the recreaton room, playing pool and drinking a couple of beers, and that's where I found him too. He didn't look too happy when I walked in the room. He was sitting on a chair, chugging on a bottle of vodka and talking to a couple other big-looking guys. I fearlessly walked over and stood in front of him.

"I need to talk to you." I demanded.

"Sorry little punk, but I'm making the most out of-"

"I wasn't asking." I broke in. He stared at me with a smug look for  a while, but finally gave in. I led him outside. He took a glance at my chest.

"So you're a private too, punk?" Mao pointed to my medal, then reached into his pocket and pulled out his medal. "Surprised you actually survived."

Well, so much for rubbing it in his big fat jerk face. "How did you-"

"I got the first mission a day after you left for yours, and I completed it a day before you did. Easy as pie."

Yeah, well you didn't have the damn demon king try to obliterate you.

"Are you still looking for a hostage?" I said directly.

"Hmm?"

"With Daisuke. He told me why you were beating him."

"So, you really want to know? Well, too bad. I ain't gonna talk to some bottom-rung idiot."

"It's for your company, right?" I persisted.

"Heh.. funny." He said sarcastically. "It'd be better for your health if you would run away right about now. I still haven't gotten my revenge for you injuring my leg!" He cracked his knuckles, but I stood my ground. I wasn't scared of him anymore, compared to what I've seen of Izanagi. Mao is nothing compared to him. Mao raised his fist, just when a voice broke in.

"Takuma!" I turned to see Fukuro staring at Mao's hand. He was just exiting another building, carrying a couple of boxes. "You mind giving me a hand?"

I parted from Mao as soon as he said that, still emotionless. "Well, lucky punk." I heard Mao mutter as he entered back into the recreation room. 

"I thought you were going to stay away from him." Fukuro scolded as I took a box and we walked toward the castle.

"Yeah, well I had questions that I needed answers to, and compared to what I saw on my first mission, Mao is nothing."