Tainted Soul

The story is set in year 2015. The United States' war on Terrorism has led to the development of special genes. When implanted in fetuses, these genes will give the newborn children complete control over their spiritual aura. This is called project S. Project S is a secret government bio weapon that has been hidden since World War Two. The project was later relocated to Japan shortly after 9/11. The first child in the set of “Perfect Specimens” had finally been born in 2000. Although the bodies of the young children whom the genes were planted were strong, the gene has some unfortunate side effects. Prolonged use and being divided from the body too long leads to muscle spasms, seizures, total body shutdown, and even death. Many test subjects died within the ten year. Only five out of the thirty lived. Now ten years later, these five are separated from their parents and trained in the art of war. They are taught how to use their spiritual weapons to dismember others and destroy tanks. This is where our story begins.

The sound of sirens echoed throughout the jails. A young girl, only ten years old, lie inside of her cell crying. She wore only dirty brown rags. Her soft pink hair dirtied by the dust in the cage that she was kept in. Her only companion was a torn up stuffed animal. Her dark emerald green eyes were wet with tears. Her name was Rei. The General named her that because he saw her as nothing. A big fat zero. Rei cradled her frail body against her teddy bear awaiting the tortures that the men would bring to her in the morning. They used her every day against her will ever since Rei was born. She lived in the same cell as long as she could remember. Every morning a guard came to her cell door and gave her a disgusting breakfast. Then a female guard would escort her to the baths. Then after that the guard would escort Rei to training where they forced her to fight other kids. The soldiers would make them choke each other to near death using their powers, then after a brief rest, they would have to shoot at each other with their spiritual energy. It was hard, painful, and exhausting. “Teddy I want out. We need to get out of this place.” Rei cradled her bear in her arms and rocked back and forth, awaiting the night shift guard.

“Here brat, eat it, it will make you grow up to be big and strong!” After the guard tossed what appeared to be soup mixed with bodily waste at Rei he walked away laughing. Rei scarfed down the food and stood up. The chains around her ankle clanged as she stood. “Ready Teddy? As soon as the next guard comes and frees us, I'm out.” Right on que, a female guard by the name of Martha marched in there and unlocked the chain. Rei had nothing against Martha. Martha was always kind to her. she gave Rei her teddy bear. Right now escape was the only thing on Rei's mind. “I'm sorry.” Rei hugged Martha. Before Martha could react, Rei's hand started to glimmer. A silvery blade erupted from her fingertips. Rei struck Martha in the heart and laid her to rest. As Rei retracted her soul back into her body, blood erupted from her eyes. This was common to Rei whenever she used her powers, so she was used to it. “Lets go Teddy before I have to kill someone else.” Rei ran as fast as she could out of the jail and into the crisp clean night air.

Sirens rang overhead. The General didn't look pleased. “How the hell did number five get away!” The General paced back and forth in his office while he awaited an answer. A nervous soldier spoke up. “Sir, Martha the caretaker has been found dead in number five's cell. She was stabbed to death by a weapon of unknown origin.” The sweaty soldier gulped and looked up from his report. “So the brat got cocky huh? She couldn't have gotten too far, send numbers three and four after her immediately!” The guards saluted. “Sir yes SIR!” The General turned away in disgust. His secretary tapped him on the shoulder. “Um sir, why send two test subjects after one runaway?” The General laughed. “Because unlike that piece of garbage, those two obey my every order!”

The alarms were getting dangerously loud. Rei used the aura in her legs to pole vault over the barbed wall. As she jumped over the wall, blood started to come out of her nose. Her left arm fell to her side. “I over did it Teddy. I can't use my power anymore.” The sound of dogs barking caught Rei's attention. “I can't give up Teddy, I must keep running.” She wiped the blood from under her eyes and her nose and ran towards the highway.

Two young high school students were on the road. Sora Nagasaki and Haru Nara were driving down a small highway that led into Tokyo. Sora and Haru has been friends since grade school and were returning from a visit to a popular karaoke bar. This is where destiny strikes.

“Sora watch the road while you are driving! I can't believe it is so dark out here.” Haru is a sixteen year old sophomore with soft blue eyes and a love of art. Her blonde hair fluttered in the breeze as she stuck her head out of the window. “Haru get back in, what are you looking at?” Sora pulled her back in. Sora is a seventeen year old junior with brown hair and brown eyes. “I am just listening to that loud Siren. Where do you think it is coming from?” She placed her ear to the glass and listened. “I don't know. It is too late at night to sound a horn.” Haru glared at him. “Whose fault do you think that is, if you didn't want me to sing that duet with you we would be home already!” She shoved him. “Hey! Its not my fault! You are the one who insisted that the last 40 songs were going to be your last... WHAT THE HELL IS THAT!” He swerved out of the way just in time as a young pink haired girl walked in front of his car.

Sora and Haru jumped out to see if the girl was alright. The girl was collapsed in the middle of the road. Blood dripped from her nose and eyes. “Holy shit Sora you hit her, you murderer!” Haru's face turned pale. She ran into the woods to puke. Sora started to sweat as he rolled the young girl onto her back to check out the wounds. “She is still breathing, that is good.” Haru returned. “At least she is still alive, lets take her back to my place.” Haru looked closer at the girl's clothes. “Shes wearing barely anything at all, only a filthy rag! Who the hell would be so cruel! Quick, pervert, get the extra blanket out of the van and cover this poor girl!” Sora ran over to the van and did as requested. Haru carefully wrapped the girls body in the sheets, carried her into the van, and laid her onto the back seat. “Sora we need to go to the cops. This girl was tortured or something, look at her shes so fucking skinny! Her ribs are just poking out!” Sora nodded. “But first lets get her to your place, I will sleep over. We will nurse her back to health then do more in the morning.” Haru agreed.

“Father we lost the scent of our sister.” Two identical boys dressed in army uniforms bowed to the General. One had dark red hair, the other had lighter red hair. Both were young boys, only ten years old. They looked towards the General as a father figure and they never disobeyed him. The General always saw the two twins as his sons, and gave them special treatment. He saw to it that they never were overworked, always ate well, and never overexerted their powers. “You did your best. Worst case scenario is that she may be dead. Good thing I had those tracking chips installed in all of you.” The General turned to his tech specialist. “Track number five at once, bring her back!” The specialist saluted him and ran to his computer. “Readings indicate that number five is heading towards Tokyo, Japan. What is our course of action?” The General looked at the moving dot on the screen. “We wait.”

Sora and Haru made it home without any more pauses along the way. They worked together to carry Rei's unconscious body into the house. “You can place her on the bed in the guest room next to mine, ok Sora?” Sora carried Rei to the guest bed and covered her up. “You know Haru, I don't even know her name. If she wakes up in the morning maybe we can ask her if she isn't too scared?” Haru nodded. “I almost forgot, I found this thing next to her!” Haru held up a torn up teddy bear. “I am going to run downstairs and patch it up and I will be right back!” Haru ran off. A few moments later she came back into the room and held up the newly threaded bear. “TADA! This little darling is in for a sweet surprise!” She placed the bear next to Rei. “Lets leave her to rest” The two walked out.

All was quiet around Rei. As she stirred from her restless slumber all she could feel was the softness of the ground beneath her. “Am I dead?” Rei asked herself as she opened her eyes. She was laying on a soft bed, softer than anything she has ever slept on. “How did I get here?” Rei tried to sit up but her body wouldn’t cooperate. “I hope I am not still at the bad place. I hope I got away...” She dozed off to sleep. A few hours later the sounds of footsteps startled Rei. Visions of her surroundings came into view as the sunlight poured into the room. The soft yellow walls glowed with beauty and the house was alive with people talking. Rei felt her teddy bear next to her. Looking puzzled; she saw him sewed up, good as new. “Your arm is fixed Teddy! The mean man wouldn't do that for you.” Footsteps from outside got closer and the door opened.

“Well look who is finally awake! You were sleeping for two days now, we got worried!” A strange blonde woman that Rei never seen before walked in carrying a plate filled with pancakes, scrambled eggs, and toast. “Here little girl, you must be starving.” The woman offered the food to Rei, who gladly accepted. Rei swallowed the food whole, taking no time to chew. Every bite could be her last. “Slow down please, there is more!” Rei looked up at the nice woman. More and more pancakes filled her plate, and every bit was swallowed. “You must be a hungry little thing! Tell me, what is your name?” Rei swallowed the last bite and chugged down the orange juice. “The name that was assigned to me is Rei. I have no surname.” The woman was surprised by this. “Rei where did you come from?” Rei hugged her bear tightly. “Somewhere dark and lonely.” Haru decided note to press the question any longer. “My name is Haru Nara. My friend is named Sora Nagsaki, he will be here soon. I sent him to get you something, but first it is bath time. She winked at Rei. After Haru ran the bath water she led Rei inside. “Ever had a bath before?” Rei shook her head. “They just stripped me naked and sprayed me with a hose.” Haru was outraged. “Get in and I will treat you to luxury!” A brown haired man walked in carrying a plastic bag. “Here are the clothes you wanted. I brought them from downstairs like you asked.” Haru grabbed the bag and pushed Sora out. “Thanks, you're a peach. Now get out so we can get this poor girl properly dressed. No peaking, perv.” She slammed the door.

A few moments later Haru emerged from the room. She escorted Rei outside the room. Sora almost had nasal blood loss at the sight of how cute Rei was in Haru's old elementary school uniform. The brown miniskirt hugged Rei's thighs and ruffled as she moved. The white blouse was neatly tucked into the mini skirt. It fell loosely to Rei's skinny torso. The bowtie that Haru picked out was a blue neck tie that reached to the waistline. Rei also wore blue stockings. “I never wore anything before.” Rei turned away with embarrassment. “Sora. Rei told me some stories of how she was mistreated. These guys are seriously bad people to fuck with children like that.” Haru hugged Rei tightly. “I let her borrow some of my old panties, I was going to donate them anyway. This poor girl went commando all her life so it was the least I could do for her.” Rei squeezed Haru tighter. “What sick fucks would stick a naked girl in a jail cell. Oh you poor girl did any men touch you in naughty places?” Rei shook her head. “That’s a relief. So Rei want to go clothes shopping, and maybe we can get better acquainted?” Rei grabbed Haru's hand and squeezed it tightly as they walked out the door.

“General, the target is headed for Tokyo Clothing Emporium.” The soldier handed his report over to the General. “Very good. She must be trying to discard her rags to blend in. Too bad I can track her. Three! Four! Get number Five now. Failure is not an option.” The twins bowed and walked out.

Rei has never worn anything but her brown rags, so walking around with a skirt on made her feel happy. “I escaped. I did it. I found a family of my very own!” Rei skipped merrily next to Haru as they entered the clothes shop. She was stopped by two boys at the entrance, both with military uniforms, red hair, and piercing red eyes. “Three and Four why are you two her?” Rei stepped in front of Haru to protect her. “Sister we come to take you back. Comply and punishment will be... minimum.” The twins said in unison as they moved closer. “HARU RUN!”

Rei charged her aura into her fist. She used some energy to push Haru into to the corner and out of harm's way. Haru fell unconscious when she hit the wall. The entire Clothing Emporium was strangely empty. The General knew she was here.“I won't go back!” Rei's hand started to glimmer a silvery white, and a massive ghostly hand erupted from her fingertips. She gripped the twin with darker hair and squeezed until a defining crunch was heard and he was still. Blood dripped from her eyes as Rei fell to her knees with exhaustion. “There were two... Where is the other?” She looked across the room only to find the younger twin holding Haru hostage. A ghostly silver blade was in his hand. Blood dripped from his nose, but it didn't bother him.

The older twin stood up and walked over. “Impossible! I killed you!” He dusted himself off like nothing has happened and cracked his neck. “Father warned us about your abilities, so he gave us insurance. “The older twin held up a crushed silver canister. “A spirit deflection device, you crushed it when you gripped me. It still hurt... a little.” The two twins grabbed Haru by the hair and stood there smiling. “You've grown attached to this woman, haven't you Sister? Come back with us and we will not kill her.” Rei fell to her knees. “Why are we fighting like this? That mean man kept us locked up like prisoners all our lives and forced us to be his weapons! Why can't we escape!?” Rei fell over. The exhaustion was getting to her. “Resistance is futile...”

As Haru stirred from her slumber all she could hear was a truck engine. “The emporium sure is quiet today... Wheres Rei?” Haru got to her knees and glanced at the pools of blood on the floor. “The hell happened here!? Those two children from before, did they do this?” Haru Jumped to her feet and caught the glimpse of a pink haired girl being shoved into a white van. “REI! REI!” Haru ran outside only to find two policemen waiting for her. “Excuse me miss, you don't belong here.” Rei shoved them aside and tried to run after the van. One officer grabbed her arm. “Like hell I do, that van just kidnapped my friend!” The officer smirked. “If you know what went down here today, come down to the station and give us your statement, we will give you a lift.” The officer gestured to his patrol car. “Fine.” Haru followed.

Once in the patrol car, Haru took out her cell phone and punched in Sora's number as fast as she could.

RIIIING RIIIIIIIING

“Hello?” The sounds of food being prepared could be heard on the other line. “Listen to me Dummy, Rei has been kidnapped by government dudes, you need to do something! Shes in a white van somewhere on the highway!” She tried to keep her voice as low as possible. Sora apparently dropped the phone because a clanking sound rang out then the line went dead.

The insides of the van were filled with high tech spying equipment. The twins sat in the front next to the driver, while Rei was chained to a table in the back next to two soldiers. The chains cut deep into Rei's arms and legs. They removed the cloth from inside her mouth and allowed her to speak. “Why do you want me so bad? I will just run away again!” The two soldiers laughed. “We highly doubt that, Brat. The General has plans to alter that pretty little brain of yours and take away all of that free will you have stored in there. Learn your place Runt!” The soldier slapped Rei across the face. The lighter haired twin was apparently watching because a tear escaped his eye. Rei looked over at him and mouthed the word “why.”

“What is the matter, Brother?” The darker haired twin placed his hand on the younger twin's shoulder. “I despise torture. Why does Father want such a thing for any of us?” Tears escaped his eyes. “It is for the best. We were born to be weapons.” The younger twin grabbed his brother. “Who do you think made us this way!? I think that Sister had the right idea. Her new family was.... nice....” The older twin struck his Brother. “You are thinking like that rebellious girl and I won't stand for it Jun!” Jun started to cry. “Yes Junichi.”

"Sister has the right idea. The prison is hell. I need to escape too." Jun made up his mind that if his brother Junichi wasn't with him, then he was against him. Jun looked back and nodded at Rei. Rei smiled back at him. Her beautiful face dirtied by the soldier's abuse. Jun charged his soul into his hand and produced a ghostly sword. He stretched the blade to cover his brother and the driver. “Stop this vehicle or I will decapitate both of you. That is an order.” His brother was shocked. “What are you doing Jun? Are you betraying Father too?” Jun held his sword closer to Junichi's throat. “What betrayal. This isn't betrayal this is life or death.” The driver slammed on the breaks and complied.

“What the hell, are we there yet?” The first soldier looked out the back glass only to find that they stopped on the middle of the highway. “The hell Kyo what did we stop for? We out of gas?” The sweaty and uncomfortable driver of the van pointed at Jun. “Another brat dares to betray us!?” Jun held his blade steady as the soldiers pointed their guns at him. “Shoot at me and I decapitate them both. Then I go for you.” The soldiers put their weapons down. “Release my sister at once, or else!” The soldiers were forced to comply. Rei felt the chains leave her hands and feet. “I knew you weren't evil.” Rei crawled over to where Jun was. “You woke me up and showed me the truth Sister.” Rei bushed. “I only wanted freedom, I never thought the General's son would want it too.” Jun was outraged. “That man is not a father of mine. He used my brother and I. If it was up to me I'd have killed him years ago.” Junichi's face turned redder than his hair. “Take that back you traitor. You were my brother! We trained together! We lived together!” Jun held his sword up. “You call that living? Day after day pushing our bodies to near death for the enjoyment of some man? All to be a weapon to win a war that should have never been started?”

Jun struck and decapitated his brother and the driver. Blood covered the seats of the once untarnished leather seats. The dark red blood dripped onto the floor board where both of their heads lay. “Rest assured Brother that nobody will ever use you again. Now as for you!” Jun lunged at the two soldiers and started to slice at them. The two soldiers took this opportunity to shoot at him. “Run Sister, Run as far as you can! You can't fight in the state that you are in! RUN!” Jun's face was black with blood. He was at his limit with his powers but he refused to stop. Rei opened the door to the van and ran out. A cool burst of wind greeted her as she ran down the highway and into the bushes, fearing that her savior would be killed. Gunfire echoed from the van and all became still. Not a single car dared to approached this closed off section of the highway.

Sora paced the floors. He didn't know what to do. Rei was kidnapped and Haru was at a police station. “I have to remain calm. Haru is with the officers, maybe they found Rei?” Sora paced back and forth until his leg started to ache. Sora sat down on the couch and waited for his phone to ring. The door opened with a slam. “Sora I'm back. Those pigs kept me in there forever! I swear they didn't believe me when I said that two boys in military uniforms were inside the clothing store.” Haru took her shoes off at the door and sat next to Sora. “Any news Haru? Did you find Rei?” Haru shook her head. “The pigs are on the case; all we can do now is prey.” Haru picked up the remote and turned on the television. The Six O'clock News was on. “Reports indicate that a bomb has went off in downtown Tokyo today... The carrier of said bomb was a white van... Reports indicate that...” Sora snatched the remote away from Haru. “We need to turn this up!” Brutal images flashed onto the screen of blood stained seats, dead soldiers, and one familiar dead red haired child. “The bomb released shrapnel which effectively decapitated all within thirty feet. Now here’s Ken with the Sports!”

Sora dropped the remote as the gore left the screen only to be replaced with basketball players. “A bomb my ass! Sora that is the van that Rei was kidnapped in!” Sora's stomach churned. “I didn't see her in the van, I'm sure she got out safely!” Sora grunted as he ran towards the bathroom to let his lunch out.

The sky started to turn orange and the cold weather crept up on Rei. The skirt that Haru had given her was torn and she was missing a shoe, but at least she was alive. “Why did you sacrifice yourself Jun?” Tears fell from her eyes as she got to her feet. “I need to get out of here before the General tracks me again. I can't return to the nice lady's house or she will be in danger...” Tears flooded her face at the thought of losing her new family. “Giving up already Sister? The chips can be disabled.” A familiar figure with light red hair walked towards her. “Jun you are alive!” Rei ran over and hugged her once lost brother. “Let me disable your chip, I disabled mine years ago. It won't hurt.” He placed his hand on her head and immediately she felt the presence of his spirit entering her body. The chip inside her skull floated out. “Here you go.” Jun handed Rei the microchip. The chip was drenched in blood, but it was still beeping. “Feeling better now that you aren't bugged?” Rei nodded, placed the chip on the ground, and stomped on it until it was just dust. “Lets go home, Misses Haru and Mister Sora are waiting for me.” Jun walked next to her. “Will they let me join in? I did just kidnap you.” Rei hugged him tightly, to which Jun's face turned redder than his hair. “They will if you tell them how you saved me. My hero!” She kissed him on the cheek and they kept walking down the lonely highway.

A police car pulled up beside them minutes later. “Where are you two children going at a time like this it is almost curfew!” Rei put her hands on the window. “We got lost walking home, can you drive us home?” The officer opened the back door. “Where is your home little girl?” Rei started to cry. “I don't know. We live with a nice lady named Miss Haru and a nice man named Mister Sora.” The officer looked at the children. A young girl named Haru Nara came to the precinct earlier today asking about a small pink haired girl named Rei that matches your description. Is this the one you know” Rei's eyes lit up. “Can you take us to her?” The officer closed the door. “Sure thing, buckle up.”

Haru held Sora close as she cried on his arm. In the short time that Rei has been with them she became part of their family. Haru enjoyed making Rei smile. "Who would want to harm such a perfect little girl?" She wondered.

KNOCK KNOCK.

Haru walked over to the door and looked out the peeking hole. An officer stood there waiting for her. “What is it now, I already gave you my statement.” Haru wiped the tears from her face and opened the door.

Standing next to the officer was Rei and a small red haired boy. Rei's face was cut and dirty. Her skirt was ripped and one of her shoes were missing, but she was alive. The boy next to her was covered in blood and had a torn military uniform on. “REI! Haru jumped out and hugged her. “What happened to you, you are filthy and your clothes are torn!?” Rei started to cry. The red haired boy stepped up and tossed his arm in front of Haru. Haru recognized him from the clothing emporium. “Do not touch her.” Rei grabbed his arm. “It is alright, this is Haru, she is nice.” The red haired boy put his arm down. “Haru, this is Jun. He saved my life.” Haru glared at Jun. “Weren’t there two of you?” Jun looked at the ground. “Nevermind. Since you saved my Rei, you can come on in.” The officer stepped forward. I expect detailed statements of the event from all three of you, but for now rest. Come by the precinct tomorrow.” The officer walked away and drove off into the night.

“Spill it, I know you kidnapped Rei. Why the sudden change of heart?” Jun's eyes watered up. “I never wanted this. My twin brother was brainwashed by Father. Father wants all of the special children together. His intentions with us are unknown.” Sora walked over after seeing everything. “Rei I am so glad that you are safe.” He grabbed Rei and hugged her tight. Seeing this, Jun started to grit his teeth. Haru noticed Jun's body language immediately and giggled. “So that is why you saved her, you like her!” Jun's face flamed. “That isn't it at all!” Jun covered his face with both of his hands. “Why are you covered in blood anyway?” Jun instantly turned serious. “Rei didn't tell you?” Haru and Sora shook their heads. “I see, well here is the story. The reason why Rei and I are sought after by the General is because of the powers we known from birth. We have the power to control our spiritual energies. With this power, entire armies can get destroyed within seconds. Rei is the youngest of the five. My brother and I are twins, so we are the same age. We are next in age. Then number two is the second oldest, and she is quite powerful. The oldest is number one, and I haven't seen him before. Every time we use our powers, our bodies slowly give out on us. Eventually we may cause our own demise. You already witnessed Rei use her aura when she pushed you to safety at the store.”

This was a lot of information to swallow. Haru fell to her knees and started to breath heavily. “So all this time you were a weapon Rei?” Rei started to cry. “I am no weapon. That is why I ran away! I don't want to be a weapon!” Rei hugged Haru tight. Sora walked over and patted Rei on the head. “Use your powers to help, not to hurt, then instead of a weapon you can become a heroine. Screw the rules, why follow them anyway! You write your own destiny Rei.” Rei jumped up and grabbed Sora. Her tears wet his blue tee-shirt. “I promise I will never use my powers to hurt anyone again.” A shadowy figure entered the room. Her footsteps were as silent as a cat's and her voice was as cold as ice. “Touching. Truly touching. Little sister you are coming with me.” Number two stood outside the door. Her silver hair and yellow eyes shined in the moonlight.

“General, Number Two has made contact. Your plan was a success.” The General stood by the monitor. “I knew Number Four didn't have the nerve to kill Number Five, but I didn't foresee him killing his brother and joining forces with Five. I gave him everything! Food! Water! Clothes! What more does the Brat want?” The soldier next to him backed away from the General. “Since the soldier that you disguised as an officer discovered the location of number Five's new caretaker Haru Nara, Number Two was able to infiltrate the residence.” The General looked at the beeping dots that represented the locations of his toys. Numbers Four and Five have disabled their chips somehow, it isn’t showing up on the screen. Give an order to Two, tell her to not kill Five, she can do whatever she wants to Four. THATS AN ORDER!”

“Number Two, to who do we owe the pleasure?” Jun pushed Rei back. Number Two, Asuka stood in front of them. Her silver hair fluttered in the midnight winds. The front door was left open. “Out of the way brother, I have orders to kill you and retrieve Rei, but I am just going to do the latter, no need for unnecessary loss of life.” Asuka was taller than Rei and Jun. Unlike Rei, Asuka's breasts were in full bloom. Asuka wore a silver body suit. The suit molded to her body shape. “Asuka it's me, Rei, We used to spend our sparing sessions playing hide and seek when we were growing up! Don't you remember? Did the mean man brainwash you too?” Asuka moved her hair out from in front of her eyes. “That old fart couldn’t touch me if he tried. I only came here because I had no choice, they will kill me if I do not bring you back.” Haru grabbed Asuka by the arms. “If you hate him that much, stay with us.” Haru glanced down. “Her breasts are bigger than mine. THAT IS SO NOT FAIR” Haru's face turned bright red. “Lets get you out of that jumpsuit, I'm sure we all need a bath after what happened today. You two boys go to Sora's house and use his bath, k. Tonight its girl's night!” Asuka decided to disobey her orders and stay with Rei. For now.

“So how old are you Asuka?” Asuka removed the battle suit. She was wearing nothing underneath. “I am fourteen.” Haru's face burned with envy. “No freaking way, I am sixteen and you have bigger melons than me!” Haru groped at her own breasts. “You must be at least a D cup! I am only a C...” Rei walked into the bath carrying her teddy bear. “Well at least my melons are larger than yours! Which reminds me, how old are you and Jun, Rei?” Rei undressed and sat down in the tub. “Ten. Jun is eleven.” Haru scrubbed the blood from Rei's face and doctored the cut on her cheek. The three got out of the baths and waited for the boys to come back over.

“Here, some of my old pajamas, they are cute bunny pajamas! I'm sure Jun wont be able to keep his eyes off of you!” Haru gave Rei white flannel pajamas with a fluffy tail and a bunny-eared hoodie. “Thank you Haru. You are the nicest person that I have ever met. Thank you for being here for me.” Rei started to cry as Haru helped her into the pajamas. “And for you Asuka I have a pair of pajamas that I wear now, it may be a little... er... small for someone with your melons... but tomorrow we can go clothing shopping and hopefully not be interrupted!” Asuka gladly accepted the light green pants and matching shirt and put them on. To Haru's amazement they fit Asuka perfectly.

Jun and Sora walked in just as the girls walked out of the bathroom. One look at Asuka in Haru's old pajamas made blood squirt out of Sora's nose. Jun looked at Rei's bunny suit and did likewise. “Nice family. Too bad I may have to kill them all...” Asuka said to herself.

“WHAAAAAT NUMBER TWO HASN'T YET RETURNED? ITS BEEN TWO DAYS!” The outraged General threw his clipboard at one of his soldiers. “Sir! It seems that her signal has vanished and she is unresponsive on the communications device that we supplied her.” The General did not want to hear that. He grabbed the soldier by the neck and started to choke him. “You mean to tell me that two brats killed number two? Impossible!” The soldiers neck broke with a definite snap and the soldiers lifeless body fell to the floor. “Major Johnson I think it is about time to release Number One.” Major Johnson's face turned white as snow. “BBBBBBBUT SIR! Number One is insane! It kills anyone foolish enough to come near!” The General looked pleased. “That is what we need then. One of these brats needs to have a backbone! Take me to Number One's cell this instant!”

Haru and Sora finally took the children to the clothing store without incident. Haru took Asuka and Rei to the woman's section and left Sora with Jun. Haru decided to go to the lingerie first. “Haru why do we need lingerie?” Rei tugged on the sleeve to Haru's Leather jacket. “It is a woman thing, you will find out when you are older.” Asuka walked over to the bras and began choosing. Rei tugged on Haru's sleeve again. “Haru what is a bra and how does it work?” Haru didn't know how to answer that. “Once again, when you grow a little you will understand! Oh look this will look cute on you!” Haru walked over to the panties and pulled out a pair with a bear on the rear of them. “Want to try them on?” Rei followed Haru into the changing room. “Should I kill her now? No not yet...” Asuka took her eyes off of Rei and Haru and started to pillage through the bras again.

After shopping their group went to the ice cream parlor up the street. “What is ice cream Haru?” Rei looked at the shopkeeper as he served the treat to his many customers. “It is a special treat that is cold and tastes good!” Rei followed her to the counter. “Five chocolate scoops please!” The shopkeeper scooped up the ice cream cones and handed it to Haru. “That will be 300 yen please.” Haru pulled three coins out of her purse and paid the shopkeeper. Haru handed everyone their ice cream. “Eat it before it melts you three!” Asuka, Jun, and Rei sampled their treats. The result was all three of them smiling with delight. Asuka started to cry. “I told myself that I was going to kill all of you... but after this act of kindness... I'M SORRY!” Asuka's eyes started to pour. Her blue tank top got wet with her tears.

Sora walked over and patted her on the head. “I understand everything. Remember: Your life is your own, never do anything that you do not want to do. Don't be a weapon unless that is what you want to be. You are too beautiful to be a weapon.” Asuka dropped her ice cream and hugged Sora tight. With every sob, the only words that could be understood were “I'm sorry (hiccup) I'm sorry” Rei and Haru joined in and hugged Asuka, soon joined in by Jun. “I do not deserve (hiccup) this kindness... I failed my mission... Number One is on her way you guys, we are all dead...”

The sound of footsteps echoed through the cells. The General briskly made his way towards the sealed chambers that Number One was locked in. “Unseal the gates. That is an order!” The two guards saluted him as they each pulled out a key and entered it into separate holes. Within seconds the sound of suction rang through the halls and the doors opened. A small black haired girl dressed in a black cloak sat in the cell behind the sealed door. She was smaller than Rei. Her black eyes traced the origin of the noise. The only food that she was allowed was given through a tube, so that couldn't be the sound she heard. “Are you letting me out Papa?” The little girl walked over to the cage and glanced over at the General. “Papa! Who do you want me to kill?” The General grinned. “Kill the others. Leave no survivors. Two through Five must die.” The little girl smiled a sadistic grin. “Will Papa praise me if I do?” The general reached in and patted her on the head. “Of coarse, Kurai my dear.” The General unlocked her cell and stepped back as Kurai crawled out of the cell. Her black cloak was even darker than her hair. The gray unitard that she wore cradled her frail body. “I will kill them all. ALL! And Then Papa will love me too!” Kurai lifted her hand and created a blade of silvery essence. “Guards see to it that Number One is escorted safely to the location of Number Five.”

Rei was the most uncomfortable with what Asuka said. Number One never sparred with anyone, she never played with anyone, and until now, it was believed that Number One was dead. Jun even said that Number one was a “him” at one time. Number One was the first child that the government experimented on. The genes they injected her with twisted her thoughts and turned her insane. She kills anyone who isn't the General. It was said that she even killed her own birth mother. Her name was never told to anyone in the prison. Nobody knew of her gender until now. “Asuka how do you know who Number One is and if shes coming?” Asuka gave a stern look to Rei. “Remember when I said my life was threatened? Well Number One was the one the General threatened me with. He took me to her cell and forced me to watch her. That girl is skin and bones. Her hair is blacker than the night sky. All she wears is a battle suit similar to mine and a black cloak. Her eyes are what scared me the most. There is no soul behind them. Her entire eye is black. She is two years older than me, but she looks like a kid. She refers to the General as Papa and the only reason I am still alive is that the General told this demon to spare my life.”

Rei stood in shock as Asuka recounted her tale. This girl really sounded like a demon. “She must be stopped Rei, no matter what the cost. With the three of us, we can kill her, I know it! Just make sure that Haru and Sora are out of harm's way.” Rei never wanted to fight again. All she wanted was peace and quiet, but this was war. The one's she loved are now in harm's way. “Ok I will do it.”

RIIIIIIIING RIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIING

“Haru I think that is your cell phone.” Sora pointed at Haru's purse. Haru finally retrieved her phone from amongst the clutter inside her purse and answered. “Hello?” Only the sound of laughter could be heard on the other end, then a deep voice answered. “Miss Nara how nice of you to pick up (“Papa can they come out and play yet?”) Encase you didn't realize, you have been holding government property hostage. Release the weapons by noon today or Number One will slaughter your entire neighborhood. We are waiting just outside your home. Good day.”

BEEEEEEEP BEEEEEEEP click.

Haru dropped her cell phone on the cement. Her phone's screen cracked by the force of the fall. “No matter what happens we can't return home. Where does the government get off on abusing their powers like that!?” Rei reached up and put her hand on Haru's cheek. “I have to go now. I can't let you get hurt because of me. Thank you for your kindness.” Rei's eyes watered as she slowly walked away. “Where do you think you are going shrimp?” Asuka grabbed Rei's arm. “This is my fight too, unless you forgot.” Rei hugged Asuka. “Thank you, I don't know what I would do without you.” Jun stepped forward and blocked the two girls off. “I am coming too. Number One is an unstoppable killing machine, no way you two are going in without me.” Jun looked back at Sora and Haru. You two do not follow us, you have no way to defend yourselves and you will only get in our way.” The three walked down the road and towards Haru's house. “Jun. Asuka. Don't let go of my hands. Please?” The other two nodded and held Rei's hands as they walked.

“Are you going to just let them go like that, they will get themselves killed” Haru started to punch Sora on the chest over and over, each time getting lighter and lighter as tears fell from her eyes. “Haru There is nothing we can do. They have power we can never understand. If they don't stop the General, who will?” Haru grabbed Sora tight. “I know... Wait doesn't your Uncle Ryo have an entire basement full of guns? And doesn't he live a few blocks away?” Sora grew excited. “What are we waiting for!?” Sora and Haru ran towards his Uncle Ryo's house.

“Papa I grow tired of waiting for these insects. I want to kill something now. NOW. NOW.” The General's men all backed away from her. “ Kurai stop with your tantrum. Here they come.” Three shadows slowly walked down the road. The three were connected by their hands. “How nice, all of you come to die? Kurai have fun. Don't play too much.” The dark haired girl next to the General jumped out of her seat and slowly walked towards Asuka, Jun, and Rei. Kurai's bleach white skin contrasted against her dark eyes. Her skin has never seen a drop of sunlight since she has been born. “Who wants to play first? The tall one? The little one? The red one? Makes no difference to me I WILL KILL YOU ALL!” Kurai let out an evil shrill. “Stop it Sister! We are on your side!” Jun stepped forward. “Can't you see that man has destroyed your morals?” More shrill laughing erupted from the maw of the demon child. “What is a moral, do they taste sweet? Can I kill them too?” She stepped forward with both of her hands pointed at Jun.

“Since you will not listen to reason, I will be your opponent.” Jun released his aura into his hand and formed a ghostly blade made of silvery smoke. The muscles in his hands twitched as the blade took form. “Take this!” Jun ran at Kurai as fast as he could go. He swung his blade at the black haired girl before him.

SHIIIIIING

To his amazement, she bent backwards and dodged his blade. Faster than he could imagine, she copied his move, only at close range there was no place for him to dodge.

VZZZZZZZZZT

“Oh my you are no fun. It looks like my new toy has been DISARMED!” Her satanic laughter rang throughout the battlefield. Jun's left arm fell to the ground next to him. His arm dripped with blood as he picked it up. “JUN ARE YOU ALRIGHT?” Rei was too shocked to move, but Asuka moved in

“You beat him, so now your opponent is me.” Asuka walked towards the battleground. “Rei grab Jun and get him out of the way. This bitch is mine.” Asuka's hand began to glow as long whips grew from her fingertips. “My weapon of choice isn't a sword.” The whips on Asuka's fingers grew longer and longer. “DODGE THIS!”

CRACK! CRACK! CRACK!

Asuka's attack hit it's mark, but Kurai didn't seem to be too bothered. She just smiled back as three gaping wounds from Asuka's whips opened in her back. “That felt good, now let me love you back!” Kurai grabbed Asuka with a ghostly hand and started to choke her. “Does it feel GOOD? DOES IT TICKLE?” A shattering laugh escaped from her as she enjoyed the torture.

“Leave her alone!” Rei ran at Kurai. “If you come closer I just may remove her head!” Kurai squeezed harder. Asuka started to turn blue. Rei pointed at Kurai and charged every ounce of her energy into her finger. “For what you did to Jun. For what you did to Asuka. I WILL KILL YOU!

PEW!

Rei shot a bolt of energy at Kurai. Losing a piece of her soul like that left Rei weak. She fell to her knees. Blood poured from her eyes and her nose. Her entire body started to shake violently. losing that much energy induced a grand mal seizure upon Rei's small body. The bolt of energy flew at Kurai at godspeed, hitting it's mark. Kurai fell over with a smile as a hole penetrated her stomach.

“REI! JUN! ASUKA!” Sora and Haru ran towards the three children. Both of them carried a pistol and Sora carried a shotgun on his back. “More toys... WANT TO PLAY SOME MORE?” Kurai's limp body slowly filled with life again. She planted her feet back on the ground and slowly risen, as if from a zombie movie. Every step this girl took made her body shake more, any second she would pass out. All she wanted was to kill one more time, even the hole in her stomach was of little concern to her. All of her sanity was gone. What was left of Kurai was gone. All that was left was a hallowed shell. Sora decided that this girl was beyond saving. He walked over to the fragile being in front of him, placed the pistol to her forehead, and fired.

BANG!

She didn't move again.

Sora collected Rei's unconscious body from the battlefield and Haru helped him get Rei into their van. Haru drove Jun to the hospital, to where he got a prosthetic arm after a painful surgery of the deformed stub the fight had left him. Asuka woke up shortly after the fight. She still bears a scar on her neck from where Kurai choked her to near death. The General and his men left the battlefield right after Kurai's death. The General decided that he would never forgive Sora for killing the only child he ever called his. Even the twins couldn't compete with the love he had for Kurai. Because Kurai's birth mother was the General's wife. Kurai was rightfully his daughter.

“Major Johnson I want you to pull up everything that you have on Project S. I want our medical teams to perfect the strand. Soon I will recreate the perfect weapon and then I will take away what that fool holds dear, mark my words. This isn't over yet.” Major Johnson saluted the General and went to fulfill the request. The General's jet flew off into the distance.