#rage0fdeath

''Chimera dragon Taishi, a legend feared by many.''

Sketch, made during the civil world war by unknown artist. 

Part from: Our 100th year History Jubileum - The Core gouvernement facilities

''3 days!! 3 days until the battle of battles begins!! No one else then the great Camelia Goodfaith, Is competing in the force-exams, dont miss the live broadcast here on channel 005. the best of everything!'' so the commercial goes, the tv was the only thing that broke the silence. '' so tell me Jeremy, who is this Camelia exactly?'' ''Well, Camelia Goodfaith, is the most praised student of the force in training, Bursting with talent, A rare and powerful chimera, and good looks she will probably be the feminine face of the force.'' '' tell me more about this rare chimera'' '' It is said that Camelia has an Augube, the Chimera that is to be exctinct after a mass contamination. People believe that her having the last Aubuge may be a sign of '' the dragon ''. '' I spat out all the soup I had in my mouth. what did he say? did he actually say the D word? It has been a long time since people used that word on tv. It reffered to the almighty dragon Taishi that helped the core retrieve our nation. Highly honored, yet highly feared by many, as it holds a power greater than our leader. but It hasn't showed itself over a hundred years, so the topic has become irrelevant.

Yet, did they actually think that the time had come for the Chimera Taishi, to bond itself to a human beiing? Like the core promised to do after the retrieval of our nation. Camelia, compatible with a chimera like Taishi? Well she has always been extremely lucky, so I wont be the one who denied the possibility. It could indeed be possible, since Aubuges were exstinct, that the dragon would have taken form of one. But still, wouldn't I have noticed? Since I am the only one who can understand all chimera's unlike others who can only hear their own. and apart from its arrogance, there seemed nothing odd about its behavior or character. yet I wonder If I would be able to know the difference between the dragon and the rest. probably not.

But for my own sake, I prayed that I didn't have to go against such an ledgendary beast. Only the thought of it makes me feel sick. I can barely survive an single attack from her as it is.

despair took over me, I grabbed my head as it started to ache. why did this have to happen. I wanted to be stronger, I wanted to have my own chimera, By trying every day. never giving up, why must I be reminded that I am weak by showing it to the whole world?

The house was empty, my parents were at work, my brothers and sisters at school or other facilities.

This wasn't my home anymore, yet I keep running back here.

Hiding, Afraid,

I always have, when people had bullied me. when they tried to break me, when they ignored me, I always end up here.

My head hurted, I needed to sort out my thoughts.

I needed a shower, A long shower.

5 Days earlier,

''Akuro, Akuro! Hurry up will ya, there are a lot of customers waiting!'' I was looking at the shelves full of products That stood within my reach. Damn why must we have such large inventory's. I cant find a thing in here. And to think I alfabetized it yesterday!! They made a mess of it already. I sighted. My boss was getting grumpy, she had a lot of costumers and If something went wrong I will always be the one who takes the blame.

I had been trough a lot of trouble for getting this Job. My ''condition'' makes it hard to get one. As long as I remember I have always been outcasted. Because I was too weak. I am unable to call upon a chimera animal. Which in this country is odd. When I was young all the kids around me had their animal partners besides them. Always playing together never alone like I was. And from the shadows I would always watch them. Still wishing one day I would have my own. And I still do, I believe that one day, I will have a chimera as well. And the people around me will finally except me. Though people were never really mean to me, they were always afraid of me. They avoided me. Because I was different. I was refused every single Job offer. My parents knew this, but they still wanted me to keep trying. My father trusted in me, and so I continued to apply.

One day, I was walking back from practice when a group of wild chimera's was fighting over something. With a bit of talking and patience I was able to settle them down. And somehow a woman noticed that. And came to me offering to work here in the chimera beauty store. That woman became my new boss. To be honest I am really greatful for my job. And work everyday as hard as possible afraid it could be my last.

I grabbed the products I needed from the shelves. And hurried back, I was currently washing a fire type chimera animal which needed to be handled very carefully. The tiny fox was laying within a warm bath especcially made for her kind. And was having the time of her life. Making bubbles by blowing her nose in the water. ''Here, the lavender mixture you wanted'' I said while I poured it into the warm water. It squealed pleasently. '' Thank you, you really are doing an amazing job as always'' It said while it sank deeper into the bath. Two paws resting on the ledge. ''they really should give you more points you know'' I chuckled. ''That is very kind of you, but Im sure they are all as hard working as I am and all deserve their own share'' Referring to my colleagues. ''Oh believe me, if we chimera's had a vote, we would have promoted you long ago.'' At the same moment the doorbell ringed while a group of new costumers walked in.

Among them was a girl with a tall creature that you would be able to spot miles away. The birdlike creature walked in, with a dignified yet arrogant gesture. It was called, an Aubuge. Probably the last of its kind. (that was still sane) That's why the owner, was always very ''aware'' of her position.

'' Okay, maybe not all of us '' the fox said, while referring to the new costumers. Knowing we had to keep quiet for a while. I continued to pour the lavender into the bath, making it just perfect. While the fox enjoyed the warm water.

''Well, well, ladies! what an honor to have you all in my shop again! I heard the exams are coming up, how exciting, are you finnaly going to join the force?'' You could hear in the voice of my boss that she was trying to suck up to them. '' Yes this exam will be the most exciting one yet!'' One of them said. Not sure which one, they all looked alike. ''Yes I heard, I saw the ads in the news. How exciting that the most powerful and bright student is finnaly going to the force!''

The thought of the exams made me sick. Thousands of people watching, while you fail. Oh god why did this have to happen. I had just forgot about them! Why of all places did they have to come here. And talk about the exams. I could feel that all my colleagues were currently paying attention to the matter. It would be best just to stay low while they talk things trough.

I could feel what was coming. And It wouldn't be fun.

''They made it quite the spectacle, I heard it was completely sold out within an hour, over ten million seats! It's a good thing I was able to get a couple of tickets! So I will be cheering you on!'' All the employees in the store looked very jealous at the boss. '' Can I go with you boss??!!'' I wanna see too!!'' ''Well I was saving it as a price for whoever gets to be the employee of the month'' All the employees looked at each other in chock. And imeadiatly started working even harder. '' Well not like it matters, we all know who will win the exam match'' One of the group said. '' It's certain '' An other said '' Thats why, we have come here to celebrate an early victory'' The owner of the Aubuge finally spoke. I looked down at the bottle of lavender which I now held uselessly within my hand. It's certain...

The fox's-ears were pulled back, ''People like them don't deserve to win'' The fox said to me. But I barely seemed to notice. ''Well then congratulations! Lets pour some champaign!'' Before she could appoint someone, I was already headed for the storeroom.

I could still hear their voices as I walked away from the conversation. '' I heard that your opponent is the worst student the school ever had, Isn't that a bit overpowered?'' ''Yes, But there was no other choice since we started training at the same time.'' '' It's also the reason why so many people want to see this exam.'' ''TO SEE AN POWERLESS OPPONENT BE STRUCK TO THE GROUND!!'' one of them said with much drama.

My hands were shaking as I grabbed one of the bottles of champagne,

powerless...

I slowly walked back, '' Hahahaha!! And then I got even more points! '' Thank god, they were talking about something else. Still my stomach was aching as I was getting closer as they continued. '' Yes, they are all very hard workers, though none of them is as much requested and works as hard as Akuro, she really does a great job!'' I walked in as my boss said that. Wait, WAIT, wat?!?! Why were they talking about me? '' There you are Akuro! I believe miss Maple's fox is very pleased with it's bath. I don't know how you pull those things off. So what do you say? Do you want to see Camelia's exam's?'' All my colleauges looked at me with chock and jealousy. '' OMG, Im soo jealous!! '' One screeched while she almost fell of her chair. But I, I wasn't happy, I knew that they had done it on purpose, coming here.

I could see them unpleasantly smiling at me as I walked towards them. The real reason they were here just revealed itself. The bottle of champagne was extremely steady within my grip. The impact of their plan had been dealt with, now I could discard my feelings and defend myself.

''Oh but Akuro can't watch the show, she will be my opponent, isn't that right Akuro?'' Camelia said on a sarcastic tone. POW!

The sudden noise scared the whole shop, and left camelia with a flustered expression. I had opened the bottle and the champaign cork was planted right between her eyes. 

''Congratulations on your early victory''

As the ground shook my head was pounding. As the ground shook people around me where falling, as the ground shook blood was finding its way trough the open space. As the ground shook, guns fired.

Faster, we have to run faster! Blood pounding through my body. Heavely shaking as I moved. Don't look back, can't look back.

People shot, blood everywhere. Faces I saw for the first time as they died. No mercy, no sympathy, no escape, only death.

The people we build upon, the people whom we trust in, gave our hope, freedom, pride, loyalty and will to fight. They were  once our allie,now turned to foe. They, who held our safety, are now our greatest threat. As brothers and sisters we stood. Now as strangers we are slain.

No way out. no way back. Only the tight chocking hands of death which we are thrown in.

The nation, we are so proud of. We swore loyalty to.

Wants to kill us.

As a threat, we are to die. After we build our lives here, were born here, learned to breath here, learned to walk, learned to talk, learned to love, cherish, hope. we are to die.

For reasons wich are unknown to us.

We are to be slain by our comerades.

Our friends,

family.

Yet,

I would rather be slain by family. I would rather be slain by a friend. I would rather be devoured by a reaper then facing those cold eyes, his cold eyes, as I would fall to the ground they would pierce throug my soul, judge me.

Then that judgement turnes into my last breath. As it warms the air one more time. Before it dissapeares along with my spirit into eternal slumber.

I close my eyes and try forget the horrifying tought. My legs are burning. While I only hear my own rapid breathing. I dont want to look back. I can't look back. I can hear them behind me. I pray he's not behind me.

Keep on running. I hear metal chreeching behind me as shots are fired. The hard asphalt beneath my feet. It feels like I have been running for hours. The number of people around me is running out. The noise behind me is getting louder. It won't be long until the backup comes. And when it does. Even I know that its game over. There will be no use running. No use trying. We will be swept away within a breath.

A bridge came into sight. Marking the end of the journey. Behind its reach was the seventh gate. One of the 15 gates that are shutting our nation off from the outside world. Beyond it lies a world destroyed over a hundred years ago. As dangerous that it is considered worse than death. These gates must be so overly protected that they themselfs are military bases. And thus, the end of the line.

How ironic, both ways I run into my own death. I can run and eventually get shot like a coward. Or turn around and embrace my death by getting shot as well. I gather all the curage I have left, all the energy I have left, while fighting the exaustion that wants to take over, and turn my head towards my enemies. I notice that there are only around 20 people still alive. 20 of the 300. As I turn my head futher I see them. soldiers. I have never seen so much soldiers. running just like us. With slow tanks that are unable to fire due risking to destroy the bridge.

Terrifying, they are terrifying. Soldiers trained to slay everyting that comes across. I wanted to be one of them, but I never imagined they would be like this. Their murderous intent that overwhelmed me. Their eyes that wanted to choke me. Familliar faces, people that had trained with me. I had considered allie. I had looked up to. All were terrifying.

Chimera's growling by their sides.

Then I suddenly realized, I wasn't the only one that didn't have a chimera. The people that were running with me, apart from excluding three or four they all had the same strange hair color as me and all of them didn't have a chimera. Was that a coincedence? Thats almost impossible.. people who don't have a chimera have always been born with a deceace. I always thought I was some strange exception, or just undiscovered ill. Im not the only one, Im not wrong. All this time, I thought I suffered, how could I have been so arrogant to think that I was the only one. These people suffered the same, are the same. And I have used them to escape, the way I treated them is no better as others treat us.

What is this feeling, this warm feeling, this anger that is taking over, the will to fight is returning to me.

Eventhough there is no hope, eventhough we will probably die. I dont want to run away anymore. I cant bare any longer to watch people die, while I make my escape. What has gotten in to me, why was I running. A real soldier woudn't run, a real soldier wouldn't let innocent people die. How can I ever wish to call myself a soldier when I act like this? Because some punks are running after me. I have to stand up and fight. Even If I die. I cannot die like this.

As I turned around slowly reaching for my bokuto, I saw my fellow escapers for the last time. Im sorry, Im sorry that I am such a coward. Letting people die because I am afraid. Thank you, for staying with me till the very end. You all made me remember how it feels to have courage to fight, so in my final moments I will use it to protect you the best I can. And for the second time I faced the frontlines packed with terrifieing soldiers. I was ready for their wrath. I was ready for their chimera's sharp teeth. Oh hell I was ready to battle a whole battelion of mountain lions. If I had not noticed those eyes, those cold judging eyes. Making a sprint for it as I slowed down.

''HOLYMOTHEROFSH*T!!!''

Okay Im out...

I turned back and boosted the f*ck away. Maybe running into an overpowered military base wasn't such a bad idea. I could finnaly see the end of the bridge and I had to admit, those 300 metre rockets look more inviting. Oh why did it had to be him. Of all soldiers. Goddammit!

''shit'', I dodged a flying dagger. He was close. He would get to me eventually, he has much more stamina then me. To my right his chimera a big red tiger, passed me. Running full speed towards my fellow escapers. An other dagger. I could feel his intent to kill, it was so terrifying that it made me sick. I don't think, I will make i.......

A hand behind me agressively grabbed me by my shoulder. My eyes widened, it was over. I will die, as a coward, by him. How could I have let things end this way.

''You have turned are an disgrace to your legacy, I will not forgive you for what you have become, yet I cannot let you die like this.'' An overwhelming voice said like it had been carried by the wind. And as suddenly as it had appeared it disspeared. Somehow it felt like time started running again.

In a flash I turned around to face my attacker. And blocked his sword with my bokuto, that somehow was able to endure it and not split into two pieces. I faced him, his eyes locked on me, with the judging expression that I had feared for. To my suprise the corner of his mouth twiched. And his eyes narrowed. ''Humh'' ''To get blocked by a wooden sword'' ''You didn't think that toy would stop me, would you?''

He was right, It wouldn't even serve as a toothpick when he was done with me. I have nowere to run to. Is there no other option? Suicide? There is no honor in that. I can't even commit seppuke with my sword. Was dying by his hands the only option. Seeing his eyes, my last memory. Breathing the same air while I cast my last breath.

Air, AIR thats it! Now I only need to make it a bit enjoyable.

I seathed my bokuto. And walked a couple of steps backwards while spreading my arms. The judging eyes turned into surprised ones, while they widend. ''Now you've got my home, my hope and my freedom already. My life however is mine''

Before I let myself fall backwards and cast myself off the bridge, I said a last farewell to my beloved ''friend'' by kicking him right between the legs. The expression he had when I lost sight of him made me able to accept my death when I was falling down the canyon underneath the bridge.

Suddenly a hand grabbed me and dragged me on something steady. I opened my eyes and found myself cruising trough mid air, while holding on to an other white haired woman, around my age I guessed. ''Hold on tight, this is going to be a rough ride'' 

Prolepsis

First Appearance: Chapter 3

Full Name: Unknown

Soldier Name: Haze

Rank: Luitenant General

Background story/ history: Although they both deny it, Haze is Raige's best friend. They assumably met on the training-grounds when they were just kids and build op a bond through fighting. Haze is probably the only one that constantly worries for his pal. To the point where he calls him every day to ask him if he had his vegetables. He has a very mysterious personality and a mysterious past. Though we know that somewhere along the line he had a bad experience meeting Kaya, Raige's chimera. which resulted into the so called ''Distant snow packt'' in which Kaya was prohibited to a 6 feet distance.

House/Living conditions: Because Haze is always on duty he mostly lives in the soldier barracks. But he has a little flat in the capital Aeri close to the station. He hasn't been there in ages though, and even the neighbours can smell it. His apartment is a total mess. Haze never really was the person who would clean up his mess. So when he comes back, he will probably hire someone to do it.

Sexuality/love-life: Haze is well know for charisma and his charms. He picks up girls wherever he goes. He even has some female stalkers and is very popular among the female soldiers. He mostly uses his charms for his own benefits. Eventhough he flirts with everyone, he never really fell in love before. Though nobody knows that he is the biggest fan of Lolita Di Mercurio. And is a total fanboy everytime he sees her. He tries to hide it though.

Height/body-type: Haze is pretty long for a male, when he was younger he always got bullied because he was so short. And he claims that eating vegitables was how he was able to grow. And now pushes Raige to eat them as well. He has a slightly olive tinted skin that creates a nice tan in the summers. Though it appears that haze rather stay's inside in summers because he claims that his body can't stand the heat. Though its mostly an excuse to watch some hoverboard reruns.

Hairstyle/texture/color: Haze's hairstyle is more to match his chimera, he has a part of his hair tied back with a pendant made of wooden beads and feathers. Which he claimes are to scare away the evil spirits from his hair. His chimera Fitz has his residence in Haze's hair. And sometimes puts his head out at crucial moments. haze's hair has a light blue color that is close to white. And likes to remind everyone that its BLUE not WHITE.

Fashion style: Haze is almost always shown in his soldier armor. but in his free time he likes to wear italian fashioned clothes. Much like this.