The Strike Team

I was frozen in place. Ready to accept death? What kind of a question is that? I didn’t reply, instead looking down. The others looked at me expectantly, waiting for an answer I couldn’t provide. He then asked his next question.

“Why are you here?” he asked plainly.

“I… don’t really know. I’m still figuring that out,” I admitted. The fox looked at me for a moment before turning away.

“Then we have nothing more to discuss. Try not to be a burden,” he said before walking to one of the doors. Once it opened, he stepped through, letting it slide shut behind him. An awkward silence filled the room until Chiaki spoke up.

“Don’t mind Kang—he does this to everyone. It’s great to meet you, Yuka!” she said with a bright smile. I slowly lowered my hood and pulled off my mask, smiling back. I let my big mouse ears spring up, knowing they wouldn’t earn any judgment here. The Director was really telling the truth earlier.

“Good to meet you, too… My name is Yuka–though I guess Kang said it earlier,” I said while giving my own smile. I won’t ask how he knew… he probably has a file about me. With how official he spoke, I’d even go as far as to assume he calls the shots in this team.

“Well, you already heard my name–but this is Kti, though make sure you don’t add any extra vowels since it upsets him,” she explained while gesturing to the other Mutor. I forget that during The Second Coming, some people didn’t mutate so cleanly. Some mutated so badly that they lost their humanity and Watchers had to eliminate them.

“And over there looking sketchy is Azarin. Also a weird name, I know, but that’s because he’s not from Japan,” she explained. Azarin nodded.

“It’s true, I came from America before it was overrun by abyssal monsters. Though not a single record of me exists anywhere,” he explained to me.

“Well, anyway–we should probably fill you in on things since Kang did such a poor job. Sound good?” Chiaki said with that same warm smile. I couldn’t help but smile when I saw it. I gave a small nod. She walked to the table, sitting in one of the four swivel chairs. I sat in one next to Kti as Azarin and Chiaki sat across.

“So what do you know about our mission?” Chiaki asked. 

“Well… I know people here fight monsters that have a chance of making it through the barrier. I also know that it’s a dangerous job, and there are no applications. You can only get it by being chosen,” I responded slowly.

“Seems you know just as much as anyone else. There are three kinds of Watcher teams–the strike teams, the recon teams, and the retrieval teams. Each is mostly self explanatory. Our team is a strike team, meaning we take on monsters that threaten the barriers across Japan,” Azarin explained. I looked over at Kti, who was tracing his claw on the table and mumbling something to himself. When Chiaki spoke, I quickly looked back at the two.

“So what kind of magic do you use?” Chiaki asked with a smile. I rubbed my neck, chuckling nervously.

“I, uh… don’t use magic. I never learned how,” I replied shyly.

“What?! Wait–you–” Azarin started but Chiaki quickly interrupted him.

“Hey, now! Maybe he uses artifacts! So… do you specialize in weapons?” she asked quickly. I looked down for a moment.

“I know… a bit of swordplay.” That was the only answer I could give. Why was I chosen? I feel so useless already. I don’t know anything about magic or artifacts.

“Awe, don’t look so glum! Our next mission will be a good testing grounds, seeing as it’s an easier task,” Chiaki explained with a kind smile.

“What is that mission exactly?” I inquired.

“Nothing difficult–we’re just taking on a Lich!” I gulped nervously, shrinking back.

“Don’t worry, Liches are fairly weak. I know you’ve heard the horror stories, but we’re more than equipped to deal with one,” Azarin assured me.

“Anyway, we should definitely get you some gear!” Chiaki exclaimed.

“Gear?” I tilted my head. Chiaki gave another bright smile.

“Hehe… you’ll see. Think of it like an anime hero thing!” I don’t want to think of it like that…

~~~~

I don’t know what I expected, but trying on different kinds of armor plating for two hours was definitely not it. Most of it didn’t fit me, which made me wonder how many people of my stature were ever chosen to be Watchers. I have less blood I can lose before I’m dead, that’s why. I quickly cleared my thoughts as Chiaki threw a shoulder plate at me while rummaging through an assortment of plating and fabric.

“So uh… why did you become a Watcher?” I asked softly. She held up some fabric, examining it.

“What kind of question is that? Cause it’s anime as heck!”

“I’m serious. I still don’t know why I did…” I looked down at my palm. Chiaki smiled softly.

“Well, I suppose I can tell you if it’d help. The thing is–I, uh… did it for money. Heh.”

“Wait, really?!” I blinked in shock.

“Yeeeeah. Truth is, my family never had much. We were always dirt poor, and I lost my uncle and brother because of that. My parents were the only ones left, but weren’t going to last much longer. We were stuck in the more poor cities packed full of people, and with magic cutting down jobs and all, finding work was impossible. But… then he showed up.” 

“Kang?” I questioned. 

“Yep. He offered me a position on his team. Usually soldiers come and get you if you’re joining, but Kang himself showed up for me. Said that if I joined, my family could live very comfortably. With an offer like that–how could I refuse?” I looked at her smile before looking down at the shoulder plate I held. So what was my reason then? I remembered a distant memory… an old man giving me his final words.

“Do not despair little one… for your light will shine the brightest.”