Victory Day Surprise

After waiting for the clean up crew to arrive and identify the culprits, Shion requested their files be sent directly to her so she could investigate the men further. It became apparent that the remainder of the twenty minute walk that she and Chizuru had left would take much longer with the massive crowd that now flooded the streets.

The pair would have to find a different route to avoid the chaos of the crowd and any other potential assailants. Shion was certain they were being watched, but wasn't sure from where or by who. There were two options, only one of which was viable to ensure their safety on the remainder of their journey.

One, go underground, but with Chizuru, a member of the SS who was not an ally to the Rebellion, that wasn't a good idea. Many of the Rebellion's information hubs were located underground since most Upperclass people couldn't tolerate the toxic fumes well down there. Taking Chizuru down into the tunnels posed too great a risk of exposure.

The second option, or rather, the only option was to go up. All the buildings were pretty much the same height and had about an eight-foot gap between them. Shion and Chizuru both had no problem clearing that sort of distance even in their dress uniforms.

The two looked at each other.

"You thinking what I am thinking Lt. Chizuru?”

"We go up, right?"

Shion nodded, "Like old times? Or have you gotten too old to move your ass?".

Chizuru rolled her eyes, "I'll take you on any day!".

The two got into a runner's starting position and Shion began to count down "On three. One, two, th...".

Chizuru interrupted with a loud, "go!," and jumped from the ground to a fire escape on the 2nd floor in a single bound.

"You little shit!" Shion yelled out as she jumped onto the same fire escape.

The four story tall buildings became a jungle gym for the two as they jumped, slid, and climbed up the sides of the building. They raced neck and neck until they reached the top of the building which took a whole of 15 seconds.

The two of them then took a brief rest to take in the view of the ceremony platform. It was already brightly lit with huge viewing screens, large speakers, and thousands of stadium style seats. It was a grand display of the power and wealth of the Nazi regime.

After taking in the view Shion and Chizuru began leaping across rooftops, before sliding down ladders to the floor below. Shion's feet touched the ground first by about a second.

She turned around and gave Chizuru a big smirk.

"What?" demanded Chizuru.

"I won! Unlike you I didn't even have to cheat to do it." Shion laughed out loud.

"What prize do you want for winning, Shion? I have something I can give you."

"What would that be?"

She leaned in close enough that Shion could feel her breath on her cheek, "ME."

Chizuru saw Shion's embarrassed expression, and said "Just kidding, how about we grab a quick brunch on me at that cafe you mentioned, it's closeby. We got enough time for a small meal."

Shion couldn't help but be happy that Chizuru remembered the cafe considering she had only just mentioned it briefly. The two rushed over and were lucky enough to arrive as another group left.

Shion ordered a hot lavender matcha tea, and a chocolate croissant while Chizuru ordered a London fog with a slice of strawberry cheese cake.

While Shion ate, Chizuru took a spoonful of cheesecake and held it up to Shion' s mouth. When she didn't react, Chizuru opened her mouth. Shion then shyly leaned over and opened her mouth.

"That's so good" Shion said with her mouth half full.

"I figured you would like it since strawberries are your favorite fruit. I'm surprised you didn't order it yourself."

"Can I ask you something? How do you know all these things about me? I don't remember ever talking to you about it."

Chizuru smiled, "I have always liked you. I watch you and I notice things about you and I remember them so later I can do something to make you happy."

Shion's heart began to beat a little faster and her face suddenly felt warm. Is this what it felt like to be loved? Shion could no longer remember the feeling because it had been over a decade since her parents died and the rest of her life had been focused solely on her mission. She suddenly felt that urge to reveal something about herself to Chizuru.

"Chizuru, I was thinking of ordering the cheese cake, but I ordered these things because the people that raised me met here. This was their go to order. They died when I was young and I wound up living at the military academy after that. Trying these foods reminds me of when they were alive."

It felt like a burden had been lifted revealing even the tiniest information about herself. The whole life she lived now was an intricately created lie, so, maybe it wasn't such a bad thing to let Chizuru in a little bit.

As the two chatted a bit an overhead announcement took place, SS and all event personnel report to the north end of the podium in ten minutes.

Chizuru quickly offered up her wrist to scan as payment for the meal. They were instantly deducted from her bank account as they hurried out of the cafe.

They arrived at the podium where Shion was greeted by Prime Minister Tojo himself. All offered a salute to one another in straight-armed, Nazi style.

Prime Minister Tojo spoke to Shion, "It is a pleasure to finally meet you in person. I have heard about your many acts of bravery and your pivotal role in convicting those that betrayed the regime. The Fuhrer himself will be coming to offer a speech and present you with your promotion."

Shion smiled, bowed to the prime minister and walked down the ramp leading beneath the stage. Chizuru could tell Shion was becoming nervous despite her cool and collected exterior appearance.

When they got off stage Chizuru told Shion, "You have a tell you know? You rub your pinkie and thumb together when you start to worry. What's going on?"

Shion took a deep breath in, "Something important is happening today. I have a feeling I am not going to like it. Look at the crowds, the Fuhrer giving a speech in person, Lowerclass being allowed to enter the capitol."

Chizuru replied "It does seem a little odd but you will be ok. Close your eyes. I have something for you."

Shion closed her eyes, Chizuru leaned in, and gave Shion a soft peck on the cheek and a warm hug. Shion's eyes opened wide and she couldn't stop her heart from racing again but also felt relaxed somehow by Chizuru's warm embrace.

"Thank you, I needed that," Shion replied.

At this point the stadium was filled to the brim, the seats full of Upperclass and the grass in front of the stage with standing Lowerclass.

PM Tojo introduced himself and gave a spiel about the greatness of New Japan. Then he presented Hitler who behaved as if he were some kind of famous rock star. Running down the middle aisle, touching outreached hands, and throwing autographed shirts into the crowd.

Hitler did what he does best when he got to the stage. "Hello ladies and gentlemen of the strong and all powerful Nazi Regime. We gather here today to celebrate the victory which has allowed us to become what we are today. The world's strongest united empire. Today we give remembrance to the great scientist Mengel who first applied the Nietzsche Protocol to engineer a genetically targeted biochemical weapon which instantly killed thousands of American and European soldiers attempting to end our glorious conquest. Today is also a day to celebrate the victories of our current regime. We promote the youngest SS member in history to Colonel. Give it up for 1st Lt. Shion Tanaka who personally captured and convicted several in the regime who were plotting against the Nazi party. It is only fitting that today we show the world what we do to those who try to steal and bend the laws of the Nazis."

Two hooded figures were dragged onto center stage. Hitler walked by and kicked out their knees before removing their hoods. A Lowerclass, farming couple, in their mid 40's was revealed.

Hitler continued, "These two individuals are accused of gathering food from empire fields and selling it for personal profit."

To the crowd, "What happens to those who steal from the Nazis?"

The crowd answered in unison, "Death, death, death. Hail Hitler."

Hitler pointed to Shion, "Today my new colonel will have the privilege of issuing justice in my name."

Shion stepped forward, gave a salute, "Hail Hitler," pulled out her hand gun and rapidly discharged two shots. The crowd went wild, exploding with cheering and clapping. All but the Lowerclass standing in the grass who, instead, looked horrified. Shion marched off the stage doing her best not to vomit or faint and maintain her stoic and cold appearance.