Chapter 3

Michael woke up to stiff muscles and a head ache. After a few seconds the head ache stopped. Michael glance down an intravenous drip in his arm, and plucked it out. He threw off the sheets of the hospital bed he was in, and saw he was in a paperish hospital gown. His clothes were folded on a chair next to his bed. He put them on, and then stepped out of the room, right into a nurse. "Oh, Mr. Samson, I was just on my way to see if you were up." Michael shrugged, he didn't feel any worry was needed. "Where is Helen Ashton?" The nurse shifted her weight a little, just slightly enough that most people wouldn't notice. Michael wasn't most people. "What's wrong?" The nurse shifted again. "What's wrong?!" The harshness in Michael's voice forced a reaction from the nurse. "You should come to her room, it'll be better for her to tell you." Michael was chilled, he forced his emotions down, deep as he could get them to go. It was a trick he'd learn doing odd jobs, mostly those that didn't sit well with him. It paid when you could shut off emotion. The nurse lead him down the hall, glancing at the numbers on the doors. Finally the nurse opened a door. Helen was lying in bed, wide awake and talking with Mina. Both of them fell silent as he stepped in. Michael let his emotions drift a little closer to the surface. Mina was strange. Another skill Michael had developed was the ability to see subtle moves, hints to what a person was thinking. Mina was fighting back something. Helen was much more pensive. She was good at hiding her emotions, just like him. Michael felt the presence of someone else in the room. He took two steps forward, and out of the corner of his eye saw Dr. Iuzumia. She was an open book, surprise, happiness, and a desperate attempt at self control mottled her features. Michael knew now that the nurse's unease had been at concealing the truth. He grabbed a chair and sat down. With a slow, steady outward breath, Michael relaxed in the chair. Mina practically shivered. Michael had learned that trick from someone he'd worked under. It was an easy way of convincing someone you were annoyed or angry, which usually forced them to let their guard slip. Mina's face now showed a similar pattern to Dr. Iuzumia's. "So, what the big surprise?" The calm, mellow tone of Michael's voice, almost as if he'd known what was going on all along, floated from his mouth. Only Helen wasn't fooled. "Oh, nothing." Michael was impressed. Very few people could keep something from him. Maybe that's why he loved he so much, she was just as clever as he was. "So, Dr. Iuzumia, I assume there must be a medical matter for you to be here, yes?" Even Michael was a little unnerved by the silky, almost serpentine tone of his own voice. The doctor was fighting her every impulse, holding back whatever it was with all her will. His eyes drifted, almost lazily, to Mina. Instantly she clamped her lips tight. His eyebrows popped up, feigning surprise. Helen remained static. Michael could tell she was having fun. "So, are we going to keep at this game until one of these two breaks, or will you tell me?" Finally Helen smiled, a sweet, beautiful smile, which failed utterly to fool him. "Well, spill it." This time Michael wasn't playful or coy, he was blunt, cold, and sharp as a blade. Helen rolled her eyes. "You're no fun at all, sweetie." Michael was actually caught off guard by this one. Helen was sweet, but she liked to avoid those cliché affectionate terms. "No fun, dear? Why, I played your game, didn't I?" Michael was game, he had a big vocabulary. "Yes you did, darling, but I was hoping you'd play a little longer." Helen was really having fun with this. "My love, I'd would've liked to continue the game, but my concern for you quashed my interest in games." This time Michael interspersed some truth with the word play, catching Helen off guard. Her smile faltered, she was touched by his concern. "So, doctor? Will you tell me?" Dr. Iuzumia shook her head. Michael looked at Mina, who shook her head too. "I'm pregnant, Michael." This time, Michael was dumbstruck. All the suave, slick intelligence, the cunning, the games, the subtle trickery, all fell away, and his emotions were laid bare. "P-pregnant?" Helen smiled, this time sincere and loving. "Yes. I guess I shouldn't have to say this, but it is yours." Michael couldn't think, couldn't react. A lump grew in his throat. "I'm going to be, a dad?" Helen smiled again, all her love for him shining through. "Yes, you are."
"Most guys dread stuff like this, you know."
"I know." Helen giggled a little bit. "I guess I'm not like most guys though, huh?"
"No, no you're not, but that's why I love you."
"Wow. I guess your parents aren't going to like me much."
"Like I care. It's not them I care about, it's you." Michael sat up straight, a broad smile pulling at his lips. He let his head flop back on his neck, facing the ceiling, and he allowed a great booming laugh, a laugh of joy and happiness, ring out. His head fell back to his chest. "I suppose if I were a gentleman, I'd ask you to marry me." Both Mina and Dr. Iuzumia gasped. Even Helen was surprised. "M-marry you?" Michael looked up into her beautiful eyes. "What? Am I not good enough for you?" Helen's eyes went wide, and her mouth gaped like a fish's, as she tried to explain her reaction. With a deft motion, he put two fingers to her lips. "I was joking. But still, I don't think it'd be odd, after all, people have been married younger. My parents were married young, for instance." Finally Iuzumia spoke. "Are you kidding me?! You actually want to get married?! My God, most men your age avoid marriage at all costs."
"But I'm not most men, am I?" The doctor fell silent. Mina looked dizzy. "Well, we’ll see what happens.” Michael smiled, looking at Helen. He couldn’t believe it, he was going to be a father. Then a sickening thought slithered into his mind. What if he, or worse yet, Helen, was killed in battle. The thought alone was enough to frighten him to his core. Then it dawned on him, that all he had to do to guarantee her safety was to take on anything that came their way. He was certain, as long as he had Helen and his unborn child to protect, nothing would stand in his way.
A half hour later Helen and Michael walked hand in hand down the halls. Helen already had plans in her head, but Michael's biggest concern wasn't the wedding itself, they had time, and she could take all that she wanted in planning. Michael's concern was a proper engagement, namely a ring. The clever side of his mind kicked in. "Helen, could you go pick up Jana from school? I just remembered, there's something I need to get."
"Sure thing, what is it your going to get?" Michael smiled. "You'll see." Then he ran off. Helen sighed.
Michael jumped on his bike, and turned the key in the ignition. To most people, it seemed to be in perfect condition, but to Michael's ears numerous odd clicks and clacks were decoded, and showed him, in his mind's eye, countless flaws, imperfections that, if left unchecked, would cause further issues. Luckily this was going to be a quick trip, so he didn't need to worry about it. Michael pulled on his helmet, and flipped the visor down. The engine revved, and Michael peeled off. The visor of his helmet misted slightly once he was outside. He looked up at the sky, which was an overcast gray. It was drizzling, tiny spits of rain flecking his skin and clothes. He revved the engine again, and tore off down the street. He’d been planning on proposing to Helen soon enough anyway, this was just the excuse he needed to move up the time table. He threaded through traffic, buzzing by cars. Michael pulled off the main street, turning down a smaller side street. Some more traffic dodging, and he reached the small jewelry shop. He’d gone there once before, almost a week ago, to see if it was still run by the people he’d remembered from his childhood. It was. Michael propped his helmet up on the handlebars of his bike, and stepped inside. “Michael!” Michael smiled at the elderly man who hobbled up to him. “Mr. Halinski, how are you? Is my request ready?” The old man smiled. “Gertrude! Michael’s here! Could you bring it out please?” From the back of the store, Michael heard an old lady yell, “Coming, just give me a moment.” Mr. and Mrs. Halinski had been Michael’s baby sitters when he was young. He used to spend an hour or two each day watching Mr. Halinski work, craft exquisite jewelry with his bare hands. His hands could no longer do that work, but his son had taken over for him, and so the business thrived. Michael had been relived that the Halinskis were still in business, he didn’t know the first thing about jewelry. Mr. Halinski was happy to help Michael, especially when he confessed to what he was looking for. Mrs. Halinski tottered into the room, and gave Michael a small, velvet box. Michael opened it, not so much to see that it had been done to his requests, but to marvel at it’s beauty. It was perfect. He snapped the box shut. Michael paid for the piece of jewelry, and thanked them both. At the door he turned, and said, "I'll let you know the date. I expect you to show, okay?" The old couple both nodded emphatically. The drizzle had turned into a light rain. Michael pulled a thin jacket out of the pack he kept on the bike, and threw it on. "You're fortunate." Michael was startled by the thin young woman who spoke. Her skin was very pale, and she was unnaturally thin, but oddly not emaciated. Her eyes didn't move, and her face was painted with jealousy. "Excuse me?"
"You humans, you're so lucky." Michael felt a chill dance up his spine. "You're a demon aren't you?" The thin woman smiled, showing bizarrely perfect teeth. "You're a perceptive one. Yes, I'm not human, but I'm not just a demon either. I am Envy."
"Envy, one of the seven deadly sins?"
"Yes, yes, that is what your species called us. I always envied you people. The peace of death is denied to us, unless we are killed. The joys of love, compassion, and happiness are alien to us. Forever deprived of the, what's the word, good things in life, we demons are cursed. Not that my brethren see that. This brings me to the point. The time will come when one of your number will face me. I will not show mercy, but know that I do wish to die. I know not who will fight me, but I sense the fight coming. Please, if you find out, ask them, my foe, to grant me the chance to feel gratitude."
"What are you?"
"I'm one of the strongest demons alive, of the eight strongest, to be precise. You will meet my brothers and sisters in due time." Before Michael could ask another question, she was gone. He was unnerved, it wasn't every day you had a civil conversation with a demon. Michael rode home slowly. He mulled over the bizarre conversation. Then he shoved it out of his mind, filing it under things to think about later. As he rode, a thought struck him. He pulled off to the side of the rode, and pulled out his phone. "Helen?" Helen sounded breathless. "Yeah, what is it?"
"Are you okay?"
"Oh, yeah, just fine, just Jana, she wanted to play tag, so..."
"Don't push yourself too hard, you know, the baby."
"I know, I know. Now, what is it, what's up?"
"Well, I was on my way home, and I had a thought."
"Really? Wow, that's great."
"Ha, ha, very funny. Would you hear me out please?"
"Okay, sorry."
"It's alright. Well, I figured we could go out to dinner, and invite everyone, you know, from S3, so we could tell them about the baby."
"Oh, that sounds great. I'll get ready."
"Alright, I'll see you soon. Love you."
"Love you too." Michael hung up and pulled away from the curb. The rain stopped, and the clouds cleared. Michael gave the engine a little more gas, and flew down the road. Michael pulled in the garage. He pulled off his helmet and jacket. He felt his pocket, to reassure himself it was still there. Michael took his time walking the halls. He rounded a corner, and came face to face with Allen. "Hey."
"Hey."
"Look, Allen, I want to apologize. I know I can be cold, and cruel, but, just know, it's not personal."
"I know. I talked with Helen; she told me all about your past. Life's a bitch, ain’t it?"
"Yes. Well, anyway. I wanted to tell you that you're invited to dinner with all of us."
"Us?"
"The six of us pilots and the project heads, Helen and I are taking everyone out to eat."
"Oh, cool. I'll be there."
"Thanks."
"Yeah, thanks." Michael shook hands with Allen, and then Michael got moving. He stepped into his apartment, just in time to get hit in the face with a pillow. "Jana, throw another pillow, and I'll lock you in your room for the rest of the night." His little sister squealed and ran to her room. Helen came around a corner in a towel, and was toweling off her hair. "Sorry. I guess I'm going to have to get used to this parent thing." Michael laughed. "I'm willing to bet our baby will listen to you better than she does. I assume you told her?"
"Yep, I told her." Helen walked to their room, and Michael followed her. "Do you mind?"
"No." Helen giggled coyly. "Keep it in you pants, lover boy. I am already knocked up."
"Like I don't know. Let's just get dressed and let everyone know about the party. Oh, that reminds me; I bumped into Allen on the way home."
"Uh oh. What happened?"
"Nothing, we talked, settled our differences, and I told him about the dinner. Oh, and he told me that you told him about my past. When would you have done that?"
"He visited me in the hospital. He came with Mina. He was there when the doctor told me I was pregnant too. He got really pissed, started bad mouthing you, and swearing up a storm. I damn near beat the shit out of him, but Dr. Iuzumia kept me in bed. It was Shinji who decked him."
"Shinji? You mean our Shinji? Wow, I didn't think he had it in him. Wait, he was there too?"
"Yeah, everyone was."
"Aw, fuck. Then what's the point of this dinner?"
"Well, we can still celebrate, right?"
"Yes, I guess we can. So, Shinji decked Allen."
"Yeah, he was really pissed. Hisana told me Shinji really looks up to you. He envies your courage."
"What is up between those two? Are they a couple or what?"
"Ew, no! They’re brother and sister!"
"What? No way, they have different last names."
"They're twins, who were separated shortly birth, their mother died in childbirth, and their father wasn't exactly around. They were adopted by two different families. It wasn't until they were found by Dr. Iuzumia for project that they even knew about each other. It didn't take long for them to figure it out."
"I see. So, back to the story."
"The whole getting punched thing pissed Allen off even more. Mina tried to hold him back, but he just shoved her off. He squared off with Shinji. Then the major stepped in. I swear, he beat Allen like he was just a baby. Allen didn't stand a chance. I knew the major was tough, but he's on a whole different level from you or Allen."
"He's a professional military man; I'd expect him to be much more skilled and stronger than me."
"Right. Finally Allen chilled out. Then he asked me why I was in love with you."
"What'd you say?"
"I told him the truth. I love you because, when I'm with you, near you, I feel like I am where I'm supposed to be, where God wants’ me to be. Then I told everyone what you told me that morning. Only Professor Hanson was unsurprised, I suppose you told him the whole story already."
"Yeah, it was one of the requirements."
"I thought so. Mina almost threw up, and Allen went all pale. Shinji was kind of dumbstruck too. I couldn't tell what Hisana was thinking though. I don't think I'll ever get her."
"I wouldn't say that. I'm sure you could get along with her if you tried."
“That’s not the point. Anyway, Dr. Iuzumia made everyone leave, except for Mina and herself. Mina had to do a lot of begging too.”
“She was that interested in my reaction, huh?”
“Oh yeah.” Helen stepped out of the closet wearing a long white dress. “What do you think?” Michael made an approving wolf whistle. “Thanks. Just think; in a few months I’m not gonna be able to see my toes. God, I’m not looking forward to this.” Helen laid a hand on her belly, and a contented smile spread across her face. “Then again, maybe I am. Still, I’m not looking forward to all that weight gain.”
“Trust me, no matter how big you get, you’ll still be sexy to me.”
“That’s touching, really, but I wonder if there isn’t a way for me to stay in shape without risking the baby?”
“As the doc, she probably knows. Could you hand me a tie?” Helen tossed a tie at him, which he just barely caught with his pinky. “Thanks. I’m gonna go ahead and take a shower, alright?”
“What do you need okay for? You’re a big boy.” Michael came out of the bathroom a few minutes later, the tie draped over his neck, buttoning up a clean white shirt. His pants were black, and slightly baggy. He finished with the shirt and moved onto the tie. After several attempts, he called to Helen. “Can you help me get this damn thing on?” Helen had to fight back a torrent of laughter as she came around the corner and started to help him. “I just finished calling everyone, and they all said they’d be there.”
“Great. Thanks for the assist.” Michael kissed her suddenly, pulling her to him. They broke apart after a minute. “What was that for?”
“Just because.” She blushed a little. “You’re a real flirt, you know that?”
“Yep, but that’s why you love me, isn’t it?”
“Of course.” She kissed him again, quickly, and then hurried off to Jana’s room. The doorbell rang. Michael, pulling on a jacket that matched his pants, opened it. On the other side was Envy. “You again. What is it now?”
“Just a warning. My brother, Wrath, is going to send a small demon to attack you. Kill it.”
“Like I need you to tell me that.”
“You miss understand. It will attack you outside of your machines. He thinks you are vulnerable in this state, prove him wrong.”
“Why are you helping me?”
“Boredom mostly, and we have a wager on the outcome.”
“We? As in you and Wrath?”
“Not just Wrath and I, all of us. You’ve drawn quiet a lot of attention. Wrath thinks killing you will earn him more honor. He forgets that honor goes to the one with the blood on his hands.”
“You demons are real pieces of work, you know?”
“I do.” Without further word or any theatrics, Envy vanished. Michael closed the door. Helen called from Jana’s room. “Who was it?”
“No one, just a delivery guy with the wrong address.” Michael felt a spasm of guilt with the lie. ‘Why not tell her?’ he though. But then he reminded himself of the item in his pocket, the mission he was on. “Oh, that’s strange.”
“I know.” Michael finished buttoning up his jacket. Helen came out of Jana’s room, followed by Jana herself in a cute little pink dress. Helen suddenly looked concerned. “How are we all going to get to the restaurant? You didn’t tell me which one it was.”
“I assume you told them to meet us at the parking garage?”
“Yes, I did, how did you know?”
“I know you. You went for the simplest solution. Everything will work out, I‘ve got it under control.” A few minutes later, Michael, Helen, and Jana arrived at the garage. Mina, Allen, Shinji, Hisana, Iuzumia, Hanson, and Kalasdozki were all there. Allen raised an eyebrow and aimed his gaze at Michael, who just smiled and nodded. After just a few seconds, a luxurious stretch limousine pulled up. The driver’s window rolled down. “Mr. Samson?”
“That’d be me.” Michael stepped up to the driver’s door. “Do I got this destination right?” Michael peered in through the window. “Yeah, that right. Any trouble finding the place?”
“No, it was easy enough to find. I mean, who in town doesn’t know about this joint. I was just surprised is all. I never imagined someone in here calling for a limo.”
“These are strange times.” Michael turned from the window. “Alright, everybody in.” No one moved. “What?”
“How the hell did you get a limo?” It was Allen who’d spoken. “Didn’t I tell you guys. A little while after I got here, I was finally able to access my inheritance.”
“Inheritance? Why couldn’t you get at it ‘til now?”
“My parent’s lawyer was a thief. He took the money and ran after the gate opened. I finally tracked him down. To make a long story short, he paid for it. Not that he needs money where he is now.”
“You killed him?!”
“What? No, hell no! He’s in prison.” Everyone nodded in unison, which was funny as hell to Michael. Finally, everyone piled in. The limo was very large, easily accommodating all ten of them. Everyone made pleasant conversation on the way. Michael noticed Allen was looking at Hisana a lot. She did look very nice. She had done her hair up in an elegant ponytail. Her pale skin looked very soft. She was wearing a strapless, sparkling blue dress the matched her hair. Lastly, she had left her glasses off, and looked to be wear contact lenses. Michael could finally see that she had brown eyes. Michael spent most of his time, however, looking at Helen and Jana, who were playing a quiet little game of rock-paper-scissors. It suddenly dawned on him that soon enough, in Jana’s place would be a little boy or girl. For the first time, Michael began to wonder if the baby would be a boy or girl. After think about it, he hoped it was a girl, a little angel just like her mother. He shivered at the thought of a son, a second him. He remembered that he hadn’t been the best child. Shinji bumped him in the ribs. "WH-what? I mean, what is it?"
"You okay man? You look kind of distracted."
"Yeah, I'm fine, just thinking." Shinji chuckled. "A little nervous about the dad thing? Can't say I blame you, I'd be scared shitless." This time Hisana ribbed Shinji. "Watch your mouth. I'll not be seen in public and acknowledge you as my brother if you talk like that, understood?"
"Yes, mam." Michael suppressed a laugh. The limo suddenly began to slow, and Michael grabbed a small phone wired into the wall of the limo. This phone ran directly to another next to the driver, who picked up. "Yes, sir?"
"I'm guessing we're almost there?"
"Yes, sir."
"Excellent, thank you." Michael put the phone back into it's socket. A minute later the car pulled to a full stop, and the door to the back seats opened. Three valets stood around the door. Michael stepped out first, and then helped Helen out. "Oh my God! I thought we were going to a restaurant, but not, this restaurant." Michael just smiled. After every one was out, Michael led everyone in. A wire thin man in a tight black suit stood behind a little pedestal. "Hello, welcome to Chez Supreme, the finest restaurant in New Tokyo. How can I help you?" The man had a thin, drawling voice with a French accent. "Hello, I'm Michael Samson, I believe I have reservations for ten?" The stuffy man looked over a list centered on the pedestal. After a moment the man looked up at Michael and said, "I'm sorry I'm not seeing that name on the ledger." At the same time the man made a little gesture with his hand that only Michael could see, indicating the Michael would have to pay the man just to get the table he'd already reserved. Without pause Michael suddenly spoke in rapid French, spouting a chain of words no one else in the group understood, except, apparently, for Professor Hanson, who chuckled softly. The man behind the pedestal spoke back, but his French was no where near a polished a Michael's. After a moment, Michael spoke again, this time with a much more annoyed tone of voice. Helen didn't need to know French to get the gist of what he was saying, "Take us to our table or else!" The thin man finally backed down, grabbed a stack of menus, and led them to a large table. Everyone chose their own seats. Michael looked around, and for his own entertainment, figured the arrangement out in his head. On his left was Jana, and next to her was Shinji. On Shinji's left was Hisana, and Allen claimed the other seat next to her. The major sat himself next to Allen, and Professor Hanson elected to sit on his left. Next, Mina and Dr. Iuzumia sat next to each other, and lastly, on the doctor's left and Michael's right was Helen. The thin man hovered around the table for a second, until Michael said, "Thank you very much." The man flash a glare at Michael, but then smiled and said, "Not at all sir." The man left them alone. For a few minutes everyone looked over the menus. After everyone had decided, Michael signaled to a passing waiter. The waiter courteously took their orders and hurried off. After he was gone, Helen touched Michael's arm to get his attention. "Why didn't you tell me you could speak French? Are you ashamed of it or what?"
"No. I didn't tell you about it, because the story behind it is tied in with some years of my life I'd like to forget."
"Why, what happened?" Michael rolled his eyes. "This is exactly why I didn't tell you before. You always ask."
"Well, are you going to tell me or not."
"I'll tell you later, at home, okay?" Helen pecked him on the cheek. "Okay." The night seemed to speed up to Michael's eyes. Soon enough the food arrived, and everyone abandoned conversation for eating. Helen gave him a taste of the pasta she'd ordered. Jana insisted on having a taste of almost everyone's meals, except for Major Kalasdozki, who understood fully why. The major was fully aware of his frightening stature. After everyone was finished, Michael felt his gut tighten. He slid his hand into his pocket, feeling the velvet box. For a split second, he hesitated. Then his feelings for Helen overcame his uncertainty. "Helen?" Michael took Helen's hands into his own, and stood up, and she stood with him. "W-what is it?" Her face was growing red. Michael held onto her hands as he knelt down on one knee, and then let go of her left hand, and pulled the small velvet box out of his pocket, and held it up to her. "Helen Ashton, will you marry me?" Everyone in the restaurant went silent. Helen's eyes were wide. With a flick of his thumb, the box opened. Inside was a ring. The ring itself was small, the diamond set into it equally so, but, in spite of it's size, it was perfect. The fine details made it more beautiful than any other ring she'd ever seen. A few tears formed in her eyes. For what seemed like eternity, she just stared at the ring. Then her lips trembled, slowly forming words, and finally a sentence. "Yes, I will, I'll marry you!" Relief flooded into Michael's body and his muscles relaxed as he plucked the ring from it's box and slid it onto Helen's left hand ring finger. It was a perfect fit. At the same moment the entire restaurant exploded with applause and cheers. Mina looked ready to pass out. Michael stood up, and Helen jumped into his arms, wrapping her's around his neck and kissing him passionately. He embraced her, holding her in the air. He even heard on of her shoes fall to the floor, but he didn't care. All he cared about was this moment, one of many perfect moment he hoped were yet to come. Finally they broke apart. Michael set her down gently. After he paid the bill, they all left the restaurant. After a slight wait, the limo pulled around and picked them up. On the car ride, Jana fell asleep with her head in her brother's lap. As Michael sat, stroking her hair, he remembered Envy's warning. As the limo pulled to a stop in the garage, Michael woke Jana. After everyone was out, Michael heard a feint, but distinct, snarl. Michael told Helen, Mina, Hisana, Dr. Iuzumia, and Professor Hanson to take Jana and get inside. He tried to convince Shinji, Major Kalasdozki, and Allen to go to, but they stayed. The major pulled to large handguns out of his jacket, and handed one to Allen. "I assume you know how to..."
"Shoot? Of course I do." Allen checked the gun's clip of ammo. All four men tossed their jackets and ties aside. Shinji suddenly seemed to stand taller than before. Michael felt the supernatural energy of his body shift and slide. Another snarl, louder this time. The major also slid out of his shirt. From the corner of his eye, Michael could see the major's chiseled body, a sight much more intimidating than any demon he'd yet seen. Allen slid silently off to one side, moving in the shadows. Shinji turned his head slowly to one side, until a loud crack came from his neck. The demon finally stepped into the light. It stood at twice Michael's height. Three shots rang out from under one of the cars near the demon, and three bullets ripped into its right leg. The demon snarled, and threw a car up into the air. Michael forged a sphere of fire, and hurled it at the creature. An explosion shook the garage, but the demo was unharmed. "Major, I need more space." Michael called to Kalasdozki. "Then we go up. Fusakata, you'll help me cover Samson. DeChevalier regroup with the others. Hopefully this beast's alone." Michael, Shinji, and Kalasdozki turned tail and ran for the ramp to the top of the garage. All the way up Michael was focusing his energy. At the top of the last ramp Shinji and Kalasdozki stopped, and Michael kept moving. The demon was on them in a second. Shinji was fast, able to dodge the demon's every thrust, and the major was strong enough to catch them. At one point the major caught the demon's left arm, and with a brutal motion, broke it over his knee. Shinji landed countless kicks, disorienting the monster. Finally Michael shouted, "Get down!" Both Kalasdozki and Shinji dove out of the way. At the same moment, Michael lifted his arms over his head, a ball of burning light between his hands. Then he brought his arms down, holding them straight, pointing his palms at the demon. "Burn." A pillar of flame burst from his hands. After the flame dissipated, all that was left of the demon was a pile of ash. Michael let his arms drop, and fought against the fatigue that started to weigh him down. Shinji looked normal again. The major holstered his pistol and walked over to Michael. “That’s quite the fireworks display.” Michael spat at the ground. “A fireworks display that’ll turn you to ashes. I doubt you'd want to be in the way." The major shook his head. Michael took a step forward, and almost fell flat on his face, but both Shinji and Kalasdozki braced him. After Shinji helped him for a few more steps, enough of his strength had returned for him to walk unassisted.
"Michael!" Helen nearly knocked Michael to the ground as she ran into his arms. He felt a hundred fold better with her in his arms, and a renewed strength flooded his limbs. Allen handed the major his shirt, jacket, and tie. After redressing in his shirt, the major stepped over to Doctor Iuzumia and Professor Hansen. "Michelle, Jonathan, you've both kept secrets from me, and likely each other."
"Being rather forward today, aren't we Ivan? Yes, I did keep a few things hidden from you and Michelle. I suppose she's kept things from us as well, just as I'm sure you have. The professor spoke in a gentle, joking tone, but the look on his face was anything but playful. "What is it you want to know?"
"Samson, Michael. In the garage he used, well, for lack of a better word, magic."
"I'm sure he did. He did the same thing to that demon just a couple of days ago."
"That was the same thing? I assumed you'd built in a weapon that had achieved that effect."
"Oh no. That was all Michael." Iuzumia butted in. "What is it you wanted to ask me?"
"About Fusakata, Shinji. I noticed he took on a much more aggressive combat style and personality, much more in line with a professional soldier than the timid young man he usually seems to be."
"Yes, I expect so. Shinji, would you like to explain this one?"
"Yes, mam. Major Ivan, I am not an ordinary human. The Shield project isn't just about making weapons to protect people. It's also about making people who can protect themselves. I am, simply put, a super soldier. I have a secondary personality that I can activate at will that allows me to fight at a super human level. While my body is always capable of this, I have conditioned myself to only use my strength and speed when my secondary personality is active." Shinji said all of this in a voice that was not entirely his own. It sounded like his voice, but the tone, somehow, didn't. It was as if someone else was speaking with his voice. The major nodded. He turned back to the doctor. "I assume Asayumi has this same ability?"
"Not exactly. Her secondary personality formed entirely differently from her brother's. We are still working with it." Ivan turned to Hanson. "And Disandes?"
"Yes, she too has magical capabilities, but her's are far less powerful than Michael's, something to do with his direct contact with a demon when he was young." Michael was still holding Helen when he said, "What secrets are you keeping, major?" For a moment the major didn't move. Then his shoulders slumped in resignation. "I suppose you ask because Helen Ashton is carrying your child?"
"Not just that. I care about her, and I'd like to know if she's been forced to do anything she didn't want."
"Michael, It's okay, I accepted that certain things had to be done for me to pilot the White Sword."
"I know you've come to terms with it, but don't I have a right to know?" Helen looked down from his eyes. "Well, major?" Major Kalasdozki turned to face Michael. "Both Ms. Ashton and Mr. DeChevalier have under gone chemical and physical treatments to strengthen their bones, muscles, and internal organs to protect them from the forces applied to their bodies inside the machines."
"Forces? What forces?"
"When the mechs move above a certain speed, the speed increases the g-forces felt by the pilot." Professor Hanson steeped up. "Michael, do you recall when I had you focus your power into you own body in that exercise? That was to the same end. Like wise, Shinji and Hisana have been modified to increase their resistance to g-forces. It was necessary." Michael didn't look pleased. "What about the baby?" Dr. Iuzumia failed to look him in the eyes. "We can't be sure. I don't think the chemicals will effect it, but, we just can't be sure." Michael still didn't look comforted. "Is there any way to be sure?"
"I wish there was, but it's far too early to know one way or another."
"One more question, professor. Will my - abilities - be passed to the baby?" The professor looked away from Michael too. "I can't offer any more facts than Michelle. I just don't know if your power is tied to your genetic code or some other factor." Michael sighed. "Well then, I'll just have to do what any father does, pray for the best." Everyone got a laugh out of the weak joke. "Greetings humans!" The whole group froze, ad their eyes all swung to the source of the voice. A man in a black leather jacket and pants with thick black boots and long black hair stood in the hall a little way down from them. Behind him stood Envy. "Who the hell are you?" Allen asked. "Me? I'm Wrath, mother-fucker! I'm the baddest bad ass of all demons!" Envy coughed behind him. "Then explain why your lackey couldn't kill three humans."
"Oh, fuck off Envy. Just 'cause you won the fuckin' bet don't mean shit."
"Oh, it does mean something. You remember Sin's orders?" Wrath snarled in annoyance. "You tell 'em bitch. I fuckin' hate talking to humans, dumb little shits." Allen had to be held back. Envy stepped up in front of her brother. She adjusted the glasses she was now wearing, and looked levelly at all of them. "My master, our master, is very intrigued by you humans, specifically you." She pointed at Michael. "It has come to his attention that you..." She pointed at Helen, "...are with child. We demons are indiscriminate killers, but we refuse to kill something that has yet to live, a little caveat to our nature. Because of this, our master has decided to give you human's a year' reprieve. In exchange, he wants to fight one of you, namely you, Michael."
"Fight me? The master of all demons wants to fight me?"
"Don't worry, it will be a non-lethal bout, he only wants to test you."
"How will I fight him, in or out of my machine?"
"He requests you fight with your machine." Wrath roared from behind her. "The master doesn't request! He demands!" Envy ran a hand through her hair. "I am telling them what he told me to tell them, nothing more or less. If you have a problem with my words, take it up with him."
"Where? Where will I fight him?" Michael was dead serious. "He wishes to fight out in the large plain west of here that was created by us after the gate opened."
"You mean the graveyard of old New York?"
"Whatever you wish to call it, that is the battlefield he chooses. Do you accept?"
"Yes." Helen pulled Michael closer to her. "No, don't! I don't trust them. He'll kill you."
"If that's what he was after, why go through all this. No, she's telling the truth. I'll fight him. Who knows, I might even put up a good fight."
"My master hopes so." With that final word both Envy and Wrath vanished. Michael felt strange. He knew he should be nervous, but he wasn't. This was his chance to guarantee the safety of Helen and their child.