ShopDreamUp AI ArtDreamUp
Deviation Actions
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Description
Steam swirled as she played with the faint white billows from the coffee cup, but the coffee itself remained untouched. She was rather fascinated by how the water particles danced in curly formations before vanishing into thin air. It reminded her of the teachings of long-passed down knowledge that she kept secret. Without anyone worthy to pass them to, would they evaporate into nothingness too?
Kumiho sighed. Her pearly white armor shone beneath the light while the other shades of sapphires glimmered. The expression behind her blue visor showed both hopelessness and boredom.
Her coffee was no longer producing any steam, so she nonchalantly knocked it off of the small table and into a waste bin. “Maybe... It’s best if my secrets died along with me...” her voice was serene as she looked at her comrade who sat across from her, “If there’s no one worthy left to wield them, then why should they even exist?”
The other dissolved Spartan, wearing blue armor with splash of his respected white and scarlet heritage decorating his splendor, continued to not say anything. The expression behind his visor was calm, but unreadable. He sipped his coffee, though he preferred tea.
Kumiho frowned at her British acquaintance. “King, does this not concern you?”
The blue Spartan lowered his cup. “My answer remains the same, Kumiho.” He said, his voice deep but clear, “You just need to give them a chance. Who knows, maybe you will finally find the one who you’ve been looking for this time.”
The white Spartan sighed and muttered something in Korean. “And if I don’t?”
“Then you should keep your secrets until the next time... or the next...” he sipped his cup of coffee again, “By the amount of greys being brought in every month, someone is bound to perk your interest.”
Greys. A title given to the first-timers, the rats of scientists’ laboratories because of their pale appearance. Kumiho had been watching them for years now, but none seemed worthy enough to learn her ancient secrets of combat. There were many who she was tempted to take under her wing because of their unsuccessfulness to obtaining a master, but in her heart she knew that they were not in the right state to follow her teachings.
A warm touch to her cold hands snapped her back to reality as she glanced up at the concerned face of King. He had put his hand over hers.
No words were exchanged, but Kumiho knew that he was only suggesting what was best for her.
She lowered her head, but trusted his wisdom. “Alright... I will try again.”
King nodded. “You will find the right student.” He said, “I am sure of it.”
-----------------------------------
Few white-coats saluted her as she walked past. She ignored them. Her thoughts were more focused on getting to the “Big-Room” and putting up with yet another pointless search for the right candidate valid enough to obtain the title as her student.
The automatic doors slid open with a silent hiss as she neared them.
There were already dissolved Spartans in the observation room, ready to choose their greys like a owner choosing a pet. A few of them looked at her, assuming she was just going to exit empty handed once more.
Why were they called "dissolved"? Because all of their flaws and "noobiness" had "dissolved" as they gained their highest title of status.
Kumiho didn’t even glance at them. Was she prideful? No. She was patient with their ignorance. She walked up to the window and glanced at the big room below where the greys were gathered.
Many looked nervous and huddled in groups while others preformed stretches or fake punches in attempts to pre-impress the onlookers.
Kumiho frowned. “Too cowardly... Too overconfident... They lack focus.” She whispered to herself. She examined the white badges that were pinned across their left breast.
Some had scribbled names, others had codes or numbers, one was colored...
... Kumiho blinked and glanced at the grey with a colored tag.
The tage was an emerald green color, but it had no name or number. It was blank.
Perplexed, she observed the unusual grey.
Like the overconfidents, he was stretching, but in a matter of making no attempts to impress. He seemed nervous, but not afraid, taking deep slow breaths and looking around the room as if analysing the area for any useful tactic.
Kumiho grew curious and motioned to a white-coat.
The scientist looked at her before walking to her side.
Kumiho pointed at the green-tagged grey. “Who is that grey? Is he new?”
The scientist chuckled. “Oh, him? Nah.” He said, “He’s been there for quite a long time now, probably the longest. Nothing new about him.”
Kumiho blinked a few times. How had she not noticed him before?
The grey seemed to occasionally rub his green tag gingerly.
Kumiho raised an eyebrow. “Why does he do that? Is it part of his religion?”
“Nobody knows. Probably for luck. Odd fellow that one.” The scientist replied, “He doesn’t have a name as far as we know.”
Kumiho looked at the scientist. “Is that what he said?”
“Unlikely. He hasn’t spoken a single word since he first arrived here.” The scientist explained, “No name, no birthplace... he was a complete ghost. No wonder why he hasn’t obtained a master yet. Nobody knows what he’s like or what he will be like. Guess they don't want to take the risk.”
Kumiho looked at the greys again. “Hasn’t anyone observed his skills in combat instead his behaiviour?”
“Who would?” the scientist laughed lightly, “The fella doesn’t even fight. He runs.”
“Runs?”
“Yeah, as in runs away from battle, yet runs into battle as well.” The scientist said, “He just plain ol’ runs. He’d make a good athlete, but a poor soldier.”
“Runs...” Kumiho repeated thoughtfully to herself as she continued to stare at the peculiar grey.
A few other greys pointed fingers at him and laughed out of pure ignorance, but the green-tagged grey paid no attention to them. He seemed to know that he was being watched and glanced up at the observatory glass, staring right at her.
They stared at eachother for a rather long time, before the grey adverted his gaze respectfully and went about his own business.
The scientist noticed Kumiho watching him. “Bah, I wouldn’t waste your time on that one.” He said, “He’s as useless as a pencil without lead. Try watching the others, they’re bound to fair much better than that one.” With that, he walked away.
Kumiho didn’t seem to hear the scientist. Her focus was solely magnetized to this odd grey. “Runs away from battle yet into battle...” she mumbled, “How strange...”
The warning alarm blared in the big-room, snapping Kumiho out of her thoughts.
The tests were beginning.
The greys jumped up and scrambled like little chickens, forming a line. One grey purposely shouldered the green-tagged one. “Just give up. You’re never gonna rank up.”
Green-tag didn’t even acknowledge that the other grey was there. He was probably used to this kind of treatment.
A red light flashed as a buzzer rang. Metal shifted as a thick heavy door began to raise.
The greys stiffened, ready to fight, or ready for flight.
The scientists and dissolved watched.
There was a loud metallic boom as the large door had completely raised, triggering the alarms and flashing lights to a halt.
A moment of complete silence.
All of the greys focused on the opening.
Watching...
Waiting...
Then...
A loud metallic screech then buglike robot drones swarmed out of the doorway. The room erupted in screams and the clitter-clatter of metal claws.
Overconfidents battle-cried and rushed into the mass of drones. Immediately, they were overwhelmed. Some were beaten silly, others were tossed away like useless ragdolls. Others completely lost their confidence and squealed in fear before fleeing. The cowardly ran with sheer fright, their arms raised in immediate surrender. Slow runners were quickly caught and suffered the same fate as the others.
Dissolved burst into laughter at the greys scrambling like ants, other dissolved looked rather unimpressed and bored.
Kumiho frowned as she watched the greys. “Ugh... just as usual. Too eeger to impress, thoughts are to scattered, no ounce of real courage...” she sighed and lowered her head, but then quickly raised her gaze once more and looked around, “Where is he? Where is he?”
Some dissolved looked at her as if she had lost her marbles. “Where is who?”
“Green-tag!” she exclaimed, “Where is the grey with the green tag?”
Dissolved looked perplexed before observing the big-room. “Oh look, there he is.” Someone finally said, “Pfft! What the hell is he doing this time?”
Kumiho quickly looked to where the dissolved was pointing. She gasped.
The green tag was fast. As in, really fast. However, not once did he attack. He would run away from drones that would try to attack him, but run straight at the ones that didn't notice him. Quite often he would slip and fall or run into things, but he would always get back up and start running again.
The dissolved laughed. "Man, that guy is just asking for trouble! He sucks!"
Though there was truth behind that statement in a way, Kumiho ignored them and completely focused on the greys peculiarness.
A drone was chasing another runner. The runner tripped. The drone went to attack.
Green tag bowled right into the drone, but didn’t even stagger it, only smacking right flat into it. Dazed, he wobbled backwards before shaking his head and looking up at the beast.
The drone growled and looked at him.
Green tag gulped before spinning around and running away, the drone hot on his tail.
“My word...” Kumiho said as she watched, utterly flabbergasted, “He... he just saved that grey...”.
"Nah. Looked more like he arrived at the wrong place at the wrong time. What an idiot." another dissolved stated.
Green tag tripped and fell, sliding to a halt with a squeak.
Drone moved in for the attack.
Green tag rolled out of the way before leaping up and running again in a zig-zag pattern, jumping, dodging. He looked rather scared, but determined to stay alive.
The dissolved were laughing their heads off. “Wow... If we had a clown faction, he’d be the best there!”
Green-tag’s eyes widened as a drone rushed at his front. He panicked and skidded to a stop.
Big mistake.
Drones rammed into him from wither side, sandwiching him.
Kumiho quickly looked away.
Dissolved flinched, some cried out and covered their eyes. “Ooh... Ah... That’s gotta hurt...”.
Green-tag, mind all boggled up and scrambled, crumpled to the floor, defeated. He was the fifth out of sixteen greys to fall. Stars circled his head.
One by one, the rest of the greys were easily defeated.
The alarm buzzed and lights flashed once more.
The drones stopped their attacks and swarmed back into the large open doorway, victorious. Once they were inside, the heavy door fell with a loud boom, slamming shut.
The greys were gathering themselves back up, mind and body altogether. Many were still dazed others were being carried away on stretchers.
“Well...” a dissolved said, “That was quick... but amusing. Let’s go meet them. I’ve got my eyes on the cocky one.” Scientists and dissolved began piling out of the observation room.
King was just about to exit the room when he spotted his comrade still staring out the window. “Kumiho? Are you coming?”
Kumiho felt sorry for the greys as she watched them be carried away or stumble dazed from the trials. She sighed. “No... Not yet.” She said quietly.
King sighed and left the room quietly.
Kumiho examined the big room, alone in the observation area. She blinked and looked back at Green-tag.
He was still lying on the floor, curled up, clutching his stomach.
Kumiho was shocked as she saw medics step over him as if he was just a simple log that was in their way.
Green-tag shuddered and started to get up, only to fall back down when the mean grey from before purposely bumped into him.
“Greenie.” The grey hissed before walking away.
Green-tag frowned, obviously upset, but did not react. Instead, he just gently rubbed his green tag again like he had done before the tests. After a few minutes, he forced himself back onto his feet before limping into line with the other greys.
Kumiho blinked at this and continued to watch.
The remaining greys lined up into an orderly formation, tired and worn, but eager to hear their results from the dissolved. They saluted as scientists and dissolved entered the big-room. Their grey bodies were stiff and straight like a pole.
The dissolved stopped in front of the greys.
Many of the greys lowered their hands, but green-tag kept his hand up in a salute.
Kumiho noticed this.
The main scientist walked down the line, examining each and every one of the awaiting greys. He came to green-tag and stopped, staring at him. “Hmf.” He continued his way down the line.
Green-tag never let his arm or posture down.
“Pitiful.... Useless!” the scientist barked, “Every one of you! Losers! Numbskulls! Good for nothing!” he stopped at the middle of the line and stood, facing them, “Not an ounce of a soldier in your blood! But, thanks to some generous hearts, that’ll all change fairly quickly!” he stepped out of the way, introducing the dissolved, “Those of you who might have caught the eyes of the dissolved Spartans may actually have a small chance of becoming one of them! With their training and your listening ears, your potential will finally come forth and forge you into a real soldier!”
The greys began to chatter amongst themselves, but green-tag remained silent, still having his arm up in a salute.
The scientist frowned and clapped his hands, gaining their attentions once more. “However, those of you who aren’t chosen will stay here in the grey section until next month... or the month after that.... or the month after that...”
Everyone was looking at green-tag, who was still saluting, not changing his expression or posture one bit.
The scientist scrunched his nose before looking at the dissolved. “Alrighty lads and lassies... take your picks.” He walked to the side and stood by, watching.
King went first, walking down the line, examining the greys.
Many greys looked excited, others shy, and some looked confident.
King examined the green-tag, interested, but more focused on the grey at the end of the line and walked past him, stopping at that grey. “What’s your name, unit twenty six?”
The grey, female and quite shy, stuttered quietly. “Kn-Knight... S-Sir....”
King thought this over for a moment before nodding with satisfaction. “Walk with me, Knight.” He turned and walked away, the rather relieved grey following close behind him. Every time, King only chose one grey. Mystery why though.
Kumiho continued to watch as slowly, one by one, dissolved Spartans examined and picked their students. She was surprised to notice that green-tag didn’t even lower his arm once, let alone, slouch from his posture. Sadly, dissolved members either looked at him with disgust or seemed uninterested in him.
At last, it came to the last dissolved and six remaining greys. The dissolved pondered over each and every grey. He stopped at green-tag and eyed him carefully.
Kumiho stiffened and wondered if he would be chosen.
Green-tag never faltered from his posture, nor changed his expression even though he seemed extremely hopeful.
A moment of silence.
The bystanding scientist looked as if he was about to fall asleep on his feet.
The dissolved sighed. “Welp. I’ve made my decision.”
The greys either looked shocked or surprised.
The dissolved looked at the greys on either side of green-tag. “You and you, come with me. We’re gonna have some fun times. Let’s go.” He turned to leave.
“Yes!” the greys shot their fists into the air and hissed with victory, before running after their new master.
The mean grey stopped for a moment. “Oh wait, I almost forgot!” he rushed back to the line... and kicked green-tag right in the nuts.
Green-tag’s eyes widened and he doubled over in pain, collapsing onto his hands and knees.
Everyone in the room burst into laughter.
“Hahaha! Better luck next time suckers.... If you ever get it!” the mean grey hooted before running after his comrade and new master.
Kumiho frowned. “Such repulsiveness...” she said quietly.
The scientist rubbed his hands together. “Well that’s all for this time, folks!” he stated, relieved that the day was finally over, “The rest of you, go back to the grey section. We’ll see you next month!”
Disappointed greys lowered their heads and slouched before moping back to the exit, others never lost their confidence and hurried back to the exit, sure that they would get picked next time.
The scientist turned end exited the big-room, shutting off the lights on his way out.
Kumiho sighed and turned to leave the observation room, but stopped and glanced back through the window.
Green-tag was still there, on his hands and knees.
She blinked and watched him.
Green-tag never got up, looking truly defeated. Small tears trickled from his eyes and his shoulders trembled slightly, as he slowly rubbed his green tag with his fingers, as if still having faith that that little tag would give him hope. He paused, noticing a bit of light flooding into the dark room as the door opened once more. Soft footsteps walked toward him and paused in front of him, causing him to glance up. He blinked when he saw a female, white dissolved.
Kumiho, standing in front of green-tag, looked down at him quietly. She held out her hand to him to help him up.
Green-tag stared at her for a long moment before shakily forcing himself back onto his feet... and straightening his posture back into a perfect salute once more.
Kumiho blinked, unsure what to do or say.
Silence was between them for what seemed like a long time, green-tags posture never wavering.
Finally, Kumiho sighed. “Um.... At... At ease...”
Green-tag exhaled and dropped his arm with exhaustion, relieved to finally have someone say the line he had been waiting for the entire time.
Kumiho blinked, amazed with the greys tremendous amount of respect. She looked at him then stared at his tag. “Why is your tag green?”
Green-tag said nothing.
Kumiho stared at him. “Do you have a name?”
He just stared at her, saying nothing.
Kumiho looked at him before smiling meekly at him. “Well, if you don’t mind, I would like to give you a name...” she waited for a response. Receiving none, she continued. “Your skills in combat are terrible and your coordination horrifying...”
Green-tag lowered his head.
Kumiho put a finger under his chin, causing him to look back up at her.
“But...” she continued, “Your heart is in the right place... and your speed reminded me of the blast from a rifle... For that, I would like to call you Blaster.”
Green-tag blinked a few times as he stared wide-eyed into Kumiho’s eyes.
She grinned. “So? What do you think?”
A moment of silence.
Green-tag looked down and shifted his weight onto his other foot.
Kumiho looked a tad concerned. “Do you not like it?”
He shook his head and looked at her again, “I... it... it's great... Thank you.”
Kumiho smiled, “Well then, Blaster... would you like to follow me? I don't think either of us wants to stay in this big dark room...” she held out her hand to him once more.
Surprised, and wondering if this was all a dream, Green-tag... Blaster, hesitantly and lightly took hold of his long-waited-for master’s hand, and she led him out of the room.
From the observatory window, King watched. He was smiling.
Picture drawn by *Halo-Yokoshima
Kumiho sighed. Her pearly white armor shone beneath the light while the other shades of sapphires glimmered. The expression behind her blue visor showed both hopelessness and boredom.
Her coffee was no longer producing any steam, so she nonchalantly knocked it off of the small table and into a waste bin. “Maybe... It’s best if my secrets died along with me...” her voice was serene as she looked at her comrade who sat across from her, “If there’s no one worthy left to wield them, then why should they even exist?”
The other dissolved Spartan, wearing blue armor with splash of his respected white and scarlet heritage decorating his splendor, continued to not say anything. The expression behind his visor was calm, but unreadable. He sipped his coffee, though he preferred tea.
Kumiho frowned at her British acquaintance. “King, does this not concern you?”
The blue Spartan lowered his cup. “My answer remains the same, Kumiho.” He said, his voice deep but clear, “You just need to give them a chance. Who knows, maybe you will finally find the one who you’ve been looking for this time.”
The white Spartan sighed and muttered something in Korean. “And if I don’t?”
“Then you should keep your secrets until the next time... or the next...” he sipped his cup of coffee again, “By the amount of greys being brought in every month, someone is bound to perk your interest.”
Greys. A title given to the first-timers, the rats of scientists’ laboratories because of their pale appearance. Kumiho had been watching them for years now, but none seemed worthy enough to learn her ancient secrets of combat. There were many who she was tempted to take under her wing because of their unsuccessfulness to obtaining a master, but in her heart she knew that they were not in the right state to follow her teachings.
A warm touch to her cold hands snapped her back to reality as she glanced up at the concerned face of King. He had put his hand over hers.
No words were exchanged, but Kumiho knew that he was only suggesting what was best for her.
She lowered her head, but trusted his wisdom. “Alright... I will try again.”
King nodded. “You will find the right student.” He said, “I am sure of it.”
-----------------------------------
Few white-coats saluted her as she walked past. She ignored them. Her thoughts were more focused on getting to the “Big-Room” and putting up with yet another pointless search for the right candidate valid enough to obtain the title as her student.
The automatic doors slid open with a silent hiss as she neared them.
There were already dissolved Spartans in the observation room, ready to choose their greys like a owner choosing a pet. A few of them looked at her, assuming she was just going to exit empty handed once more.
Why were they called "dissolved"? Because all of their flaws and "noobiness" had "dissolved" as they gained their highest title of status.
Kumiho didn’t even glance at them. Was she prideful? No. She was patient with their ignorance. She walked up to the window and glanced at the big room below where the greys were gathered.
Many looked nervous and huddled in groups while others preformed stretches or fake punches in attempts to pre-impress the onlookers.
Kumiho frowned. “Too cowardly... Too overconfident... They lack focus.” She whispered to herself. She examined the white badges that were pinned across their left breast.
Some had scribbled names, others had codes or numbers, one was colored...
... Kumiho blinked and glanced at the grey with a colored tag.
The tage was an emerald green color, but it had no name or number. It was blank.
Perplexed, she observed the unusual grey.
Like the overconfidents, he was stretching, but in a matter of making no attempts to impress. He seemed nervous, but not afraid, taking deep slow breaths and looking around the room as if analysing the area for any useful tactic.
Kumiho grew curious and motioned to a white-coat.
The scientist looked at her before walking to her side.
Kumiho pointed at the green-tagged grey. “Who is that grey? Is he new?”
The scientist chuckled. “Oh, him? Nah.” He said, “He’s been there for quite a long time now, probably the longest. Nothing new about him.”
Kumiho blinked a few times. How had she not noticed him before?
The grey seemed to occasionally rub his green tag gingerly.
Kumiho raised an eyebrow. “Why does he do that? Is it part of his religion?”
“Nobody knows. Probably for luck. Odd fellow that one.” The scientist replied, “He doesn’t have a name as far as we know.”
Kumiho looked at the scientist. “Is that what he said?”
“Unlikely. He hasn’t spoken a single word since he first arrived here.” The scientist explained, “No name, no birthplace... he was a complete ghost. No wonder why he hasn’t obtained a master yet. Nobody knows what he’s like or what he will be like. Guess they don't want to take the risk.”
Kumiho looked at the greys again. “Hasn’t anyone observed his skills in combat instead his behaiviour?”
“Who would?” the scientist laughed lightly, “The fella doesn’t even fight. He runs.”
“Runs?”
“Yeah, as in runs away from battle, yet runs into battle as well.” The scientist said, “He just plain ol’ runs. He’d make a good athlete, but a poor soldier.”
“Runs...” Kumiho repeated thoughtfully to herself as she continued to stare at the peculiar grey.
A few other greys pointed fingers at him and laughed out of pure ignorance, but the green-tagged grey paid no attention to them. He seemed to know that he was being watched and glanced up at the observatory glass, staring right at her.
They stared at eachother for a rather long time, before the grey adverted his gaze respectfully and went about his own business.
The scientist noticed Kumiho watching him. “Bah, I wouldn’t waste your time on that one.” He said, “He’s as useless as a pencil without lead. Try watching the others, they’re bound to fair much better than that one.” With that, he walked away.
Kumiho didn’t seem to hear the scientist. Her focus was solely magnetized to this odd grey. “Runs away from battle yet into battle...” she mumbled, “How strange...”
The warning alarm blared in the big-room, snapping Kumiho out of her thoughts.
The tests were beginning.
The greys jumped up and scrambled like little chickens, forming a line. One grey purposely shouldered the green-tagged one. “Just give up. You’re never gonna rank up.”
Green-tag didn’t even acknowledge that the other grey was there. He was probably used to this kind of treatment.
A red light flashed as a buzzer rang. Metal shifted as a thick heavy door began to raise.
The greys stiffened, ready to fight, or ready for flight.
The scientists and dissolved watched.
There was a loud metallic boom as the large door had completely raised, triggering the alarms and flashing lights to a halt.
A moment of complete silence.
All of the greys focused on the opening.
Watching...
Waiting...
Then...
A loud metallic screech then buglike robot drones swarmed out of the doorway. The room erupted in screams and the clitter-clatter of metal claws.
Overconfidents battle-cried and rushed into the mass of drones. Immediately, they were overwhelmed. Some were beaten silly, others were tossed away like useless ragdolls. Others completely lost their confidence and squealed in fear before fleeing. The cowardly ran with sheer fright, their arms raised in immediate surrender. Slow runners were quickly caught and suffered the same fate as the others.
Dissolved burst into laughter at the greys scrambling like ants, other dissolved looked rather unimpressed and bored.
Kumiho frowned as she watched the greys. “Ugh... just as usual. Too eeger to impress, thoughts are to scattered, no ounce of real courage...” she sighed and lowered her head, but then quickly raised her gaze once more and looked around, “Where is he? Where is he?”
Some dissolved looked at her as if she had lost her marbles. “Where is who?”
“Green-tag!” she exclaimed, “Where is the grey with the green tag?”
Dissolved looked perplexed before observing the big-room. “Oh look, there he is.” Someone finally said, “Pfft! What the hell is he doing this time?”
Kumiho quickly looked to where the dissolved was pointing. She gasped.
The green tag was fast. As in, really fast. However, not once did he attack. He would run away from drones that would try to attack him, but run straight at the ones that didn't notice him. Quite often he would slip and fall or run into things, but he would always get back up and start running again.
The dissolved laughed. "Man, that guy is just asking for trouble! He sucks!"
Though there was truth behind that statement in a way, Kumiho ignored them and completely focused on the greys peculiarness.
A drone was chasing another runner. The runner tripped. The drone went to attack.
Green tag bowled right into the drone, but didn’t even stagger it, only smacking right flat into it. Dazed, he wobbled backwards before shaking his head and looking up at the beast.
The drone growled and looked at him.
Green tag gulped before spinning around and running away, the drone hot on his tail.
“My word...” Kumiho said as she watched, utterly flabbergasted, “He... he just saved that grey...”.
"Nah. Looked more like he arrived at the wrong place at the wrong time. What an idiot." another dissolved stated.
Green tag tripped and fell, sliding to a halt with a squeak.
Drone moved in for the attack.
Green tag rolled out of the way before leaping up and running again in a zig-zag pattern, jumping, dodging. He looked rather scared, but determined to stay alive.
The dissolved were laughing their heads off. “Wow... If we had a clown faction, he’d be the best there!”
Green-tag’s eyes widened as a drone rushed at his front. He panicked and skidded to a stop.
Big mistake.
Drones rammed into him from wither side, sandwiching him.
Kumiho quickly looked away.
Dissolved flinched, some cried out and covered their eyes. “Ooh... Ah... That’s gotta hurt...”.
Green-tag, mind all boggled up and scrambled, crumpled to the floor, defeated. He was the fifth out of sixteen greys to fall. Stars circled his head.
One by one, the rest of the greys were easily defeated.
The alarm buzzed and lights flashed once more.
The drones stopped their attacks and swarmed back into the large open doorway, victorious. Once they were inside, the heavy door fell with a loud boom, slamming shut.
The greys were gathering themselves back up, mind and body altogether. Many were still dazed others were being carried away on stretchers.
“Well...” a dissolved said, “That was quick... but amusing. Let’s go meet them. I’ve got my eyes on the cocky one.” Scientists and dissolved began piling out of the observation room.
King was just about to exit the room when he spotted his comrade still staring out the window. “Kumiho? Are you coming?”
Kumiho felt sorry for the greys as she watched them be carried away or stumble dazed from the trials. She sighed. “No... Not yet.” She said quietly.
King sighed and left the room quietly.
Kumiho examined the big room, alone in the observation area. She blinked and looked back at Green-tag.
He was still lying on the floor, curled up, clutching his stomach.
Kumiho was shocked as she saw medics step over him as if he was just a simple log that was in their way.
Green-tag shuddered and started to get up, only to fall back down when the mean grey from before purposely bumped into him.
“Greenie.” The grey hissed before walking away.
Green-tag frowned, obviously upset, but did not react. Instead, he just gently rubbed his green tag again like he had done before the tests. After a few minutes, he forced himself back onto his feet before limping into line with the other greys.
Kumiho blinked at this and continued to watch.
The remaining greys lined up into an orderly formation, tired and worn, but eager to hear their results from the dissolved. They saluted as scientists and dissolved entered the big-room. Their grey bodies were stiff and straight like a pole.
The dissolved stopped in front of the greys.
Many of the greys lowered their hands, but green-tag kept his hand up in a salute.
Kumiho noticed this.
The main scientist walked down the line, examining each and every one of the awaiting greys. He came to green-tag and stopped, staring at him. “Hmf.” He continued his way down the line.
Green-tag never let his arm or posture down.
“Pitiful.... Useless!” the scientist barked, “Every one of you! Losers! Numbskulls! Good for nothing!” he stopped at the middle of the line and stood, facing them, “Not an ounce of a soldier in your blood! But, thanks to some generous hearts, that’ll all change fairly quickly!” he stepped out of the way, introducing the dissolved, “Those of you who might have caught the eyes of the dissolved Spartans may actually have a small chance of becoming one of them! With their training and your listening ears, your potential will finally come forth and forge you into a real soldier!”
The greys began to chatter amongst themselves, but green-tag remained silent, still having his arm up in a salute.
The scientist frowned and clapped his hands, gaining their attentions once more. “However, those of you who aren’t chosen will stay here in the grey section until next month... or the month after that.... or the month after that...”
Everyone was looking at green-tag, who was still saluting, not changing his expression or posture one bit.
The scientist scrunched his nose before looking at the dissolved. “Alrighty lads and lassies... take your picks.” He walked to the side and stood by, watching.
King went first, walking down the line, examining the greys.
Many greys looked excited, others shy, and some looked confident.
King examined the green-tag, interested, but more focused on the grey at the end of the line and walked past him, stopping at that grey. “What’s your name, unit twenty six?”
The grey, female and quite shy, stuttered quietly. “Kn-Knight... S-Sir....”
King thought this over for a moment before nodding with satisfaction. “Walk with me, Knight.” He turned and walked away, the rather relieved grey following close behind him. Every time, King only chose one grey. Mystery why though.
Kumiho continued to watch as slowly, one by one, dissolved Spartans examined and picked their students. She was surprised to notice that green-tag didn’t even lower his arm once, let alone, slouch from his posture. Sadly, dissolved members either looked at him with disgust or seemed uninterested in him.
At last, it came to the last dissolved and six remaining greys. The dissolved pondered over each and every grey. He stopped at green-tag and eyed him carefully.
Kumiho stiffened and wondered if he would be chosen.
Green-tag never faltered from his posture, nor changed his expression even though he seemed extremely hopeful.
A moment of silence.
The bystanding scientist looked as if he was about to fall asleep on his feet.
The dissolved sighed. “Welp. I’ve made my decision.”
The greys either looked shocked or surprised.
The dissolved looked at the greys on either side of green-tag. “You and you, come with me. We’re gonna have some fun times. Let’s go.” He turned to leave.
“Yes!” the greys shot their fists into the air and hissed with victory, before running after their new master.
The mean grey stopped for a moment. “Oh wait, I almost forgot!” he rushed back to the line... and kicked green-tag right in the nuts.
Green-tag’s eyes widened and he doubled over in pain, collapsing onto his hands and knees.
Everyone in the room burst into laughter.
“Hahaha! Better luck next time suckers.... If you ever get it!” the mean grey hooted before running after his comrade and new master.
Kumiho frowned. “Such repulsiveness...” she said quietly.
The scientist rubbed his hands together. “Well that’s all for this time, folks!” he stated, relieved that the day was finally over, “The rest of you, go back to the grey section. We’ll see you next month!”
Disappointed greys lowered their heads and slouched before moping back to the exit, others never lost their confidence and hurried back to the exit, sure that they would get picked next time.
The scientist turned end exited the big-room, shutting off the lights on his way out.
Kumiho sighed and turned to leave the observation room, but stopped and glanced back through the window.
Green-tag was still there, on his hands and knees.
She blinked and watched him.
Green-tag never got up, looking truly defeated. Small tears trickled from his eyes and his shoulders trembled slightly, as he slowly rubbed his green tag with his fingers, as if still having faith that that little tag would give him hope. He paused, noticing a bit of light flooding into the dark room as the door opened once more. Soft footsteps walked toward him and paused in front of him, causing him to glance up. He blinked when he saw a female, white dissolved.
Kumiho, standing in front of green-tag, looked down at him quietly. She held out her hand to him to help him up.
Green-tag stared at her for a long moment before shakily forcing himself back onto his feet... and straightening his posture back into a perfect salute once more.
Kumiho blinked, unsure what to do or say.
Silence was between them for what seemed like a long time, green-tags posture never wavering.
Finally, Kumiho sighed. “Um.... At... At ease...”
Green-tag exhaled and dropped his arm with exhaustion, relieved to finally have someone say the line he had been waiting for the entire time.
Kumiho blinked, amazed with the greys tremendous amount of respect. She looked at him then stared at his tag. “Why is your tag green?”
Green-tag said nothing.
Kumiho stared at him. “Do you have a name?”
He just stared at her, saying nothing.
Kumiho looked at him before smiling meekly at him. “Well, if you don’t mind, I would like to give you a name...” she waited for a response. Receiving none, she continued. “Your skills in combat are terrible and your coordination horrifying...”
Green-tag lowered his head.
Kumiho put a finger under his chin, causing him to look back up at her.
“But...” she continued, “Your heart is in the right place... and your speed reminded me of the blast from a rifle... For that, I would like to call you Blaster.”
Green-tag blinked a few times as he stared wide-eyed into Kumiho’s eyes.
She grinned. “So? What do you think?”
A moment of silence.
Green-tag looked down and shifted his weight onto his other foot.
Kumiho looked a tad concerned. “Do you not like it?”
He shook his head and looked at her again, “I... it... it's great... Thank you.”
Kumiho smiled, “Well then, Blaster... would you like to follow me? I don't think either of us wants to stay in this big dark room...” she held out her hand to him once more.
Surprised, and wondering if this was all a dream, Green-tag... Blaster, hesitantly and lightly took hold of his long-waited-for master’s hand, and she led him out of the room.
From the observatory window, King watched. He was smiling.
Picture drawn by *Halo-Yokoshima
Image size
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