Syphon's Peace

Chapter 30: Vows and Reveal

"You know, kid, for someone that's about to marry the love of their life, you sure do look gloomy."

Reina blinked up at Sorahiko from her seated position on Gregory's couch in his temporary living quarters, doing her best to muster up a smile through the dark thoughts plaguing her mind. She was all dressed in her gown and ready to go, a day earlier than they had originally planned, to try and get it finished before any unwanted visitors could ruin it for them. They were waiting on everyone to finish the very last minute preparations, as they hadn't been given a heads up beforehand. With the identity of the unconcious informant remaining a mystery, they had little choice but to spring it upon them suddenly. Everyone was confused, and slightly annoyed with the mistrust they were being shown, but they understood in the end. But still, this was putting a strain on all of them, she could feel it.

He scowled, waving a hand at her. "Don't pretend with me, girl. Save your fake smile for someone else." he grunted as he sank down next to her, careful not to sit on the skirt of her dress. It was quiet for a moment as they both stared off into space, reflecting on the world around them. Sorahiko cleared his throat, leaning forward with his elbows on his knees and casting a look at her over his shoulder. "You're worried."

Reina nodded. "Yes, sir. I don't want anyone to die because of me."

He raised a silver brow. "What makes you so sure someone is going to die?"

"I'm not foolish enough to believe that the government will just leave them all alone if I leave." Reina murmured with a shake of her head. "They'll be targeted and killed to try and find information on me. Besides, they'll not want to risk word of this getting out too much. The most logical thing for them to do will be to cut loose ends."

He nodded, smirking slightly. "You're right, they'll do what they can to silence them. But I'm afraid hoping for them to merely kill them is too generous."

Reina groaned, nudging him with an elbow. "No offense, Torino-san, but you suck at making people feel better."

He shrugged. "Never said I was any good. I don't usually handle emotional support." He grinned at her dark chuckle. "You're a good woman, Reina. Not just as a partner to Toshinori, but as a friend and family member as well. Better than most I had in my time, and I can say that just from the few months I've known you. Everyone out there is more than willing to go through this with you, and they all understand the risks."

He paused, rubbing the back of his neck uncomfortably, and Reina took that opportunity to speak. "But potential torture isn't what I can accept for them, not because of me. I just can't leave them to that. I refuse to turn my back on them for myself."

"So what will you do? Face down a team of Marines alone? Turn yourself over to them?" he grumbled quietly, pulling out a small flask and sipping slowly.

Reina nodded. "If that's what I have to do, I will. And if it comes down to it, I want you to take Toshinori back to Japan even if you have to force him onto the plane. You know he'll come after me, and we both know that he can't be killed for something as foolish as me. He has a greater purpose in this world."

Sorahiko was silent for just a moment before he gave a deep laugh, confusing Reina. He grinned at her, passing the flask to her. "I think you need this, kid. Sake does wonders to calm the mind." She took it, sipping it timidly as he continued to chuckle. "You know, you remind me quite a bit of Nana Shimura. The fight in you, and the ever damning self sacrifice." He grunted, his face filling with sorrow. "She was a damn good hero, gone far too soon for someone with a heart like that. A heart like yours, from what I can see."

Reina grimaced, her tongue curling a bit from the bitterness of the sake as she passed it back to him. "I'm honoured you think so."

"I do. Which is why I'm not going to let you sacrifice yourself to become a guinea pig." He held up a hand when she opened her mouth to protest. "Don't argue, girl. You'll be doing it for no damn reason. Plans have already been made to relocate everyone involved. Did you really think we'd leave anyone behind to be killed? Use your head."