Forbidden to cry.
Since funeral of my mother I was forbidden to cry. After coffin with body of Marisa Gaiz was buried my father give me hug and said:
- Auris. Today – the last day when you see my tears. It was mine weakness fault that you mother died in that bombing, so from today I forbid myself to cry. I will use everything in my grasp to gain position and strength and became powerful enough to protect you and world around you. In future I may be seemed as ruthless and cold but please remember I do that only in order to defend everyone.
I was so touched by determination in my father voice. So astonished by passion that glimmered inside his eyes, so I made vow on my own,
- Don`t worry daddy. Auris will help papa, I will grow into strong girl and definitely help you. So from today I also won`t cry. Never.
So did I. No matter how hard my life can become I never allowed my tears to flow. Even when I was beaten up by upperclassman I never shed tears. I stay absolutely calm when entire class laugh at me when father was late at work and I was only child whose parent didn`t come to our class meeting. Ny face didn`t flinch when my boyfriend broke up with me telling me that “he have no intention to became life-partner with freak like me”.
And I didn`t cry during your funeral, father.
I still hear those whispers: “…what a freak, her father died and she can` even mourn for him”, “…maybe she was the one who killed him, what a bitch”, ”…well. What did you expect from Gaiz daughter, he was a bastard himself, who betray everyone, so it`s form of karmic justice to have such creepy daughter”.
I force myself to stay calm, to ignore those horrible words. Wrong, they all wrong. I not shade tears for you father because I despite every bad choices you did I still love and respect you dad. And I will keep the promise I gave to you. And not a single tears leave my eyes when I watched how your coffin disappear under countless throws of soil. I waited ceremony to end and only after I leave Clanagan cemetery.
After father`s death everything become even more harder for me. Even though I have no part in my father`s deal with Jail Scaglietti, I was still daughter of “corrupted high-ranked officer” so I every order that HQ give to me was very difficult as if they WANTED me to fail. Well I can understand why they do that – if I fail command will have excuse to send me far away from Mid-Childa out of eyes and mind of civilians, officers and OF COURCE media.
I never complain. I have completed every task they give to me. And despite soul-crushing hardness I never let myself to cry. A smiled, I argued, I even laughed when my subordinates, who still was loyal to me throw a birthday party for me. But I never allow myself to show my sorrow or weakness.
Because I forbidden to cry.
After few years after JS incident higher-ups decided that I clean myself. So they give me promotion and new assigned Department of Interdimensional Intelligence and Support (DIIS). Our task was gathering of information and providing support to army and Enforcer corps. It wasn`t a heroic job we didn’t fight the bad guys we just gather information about them and give it to field brigades of enforcers and provide support and medical aide, we didn`t even allowed to participated in rescue team job. Still I was proud of my work. Because I and my team was able to participate in helping numerous people like my father and mother always wanted.
Then I again meet Hayate Yagami. She was assigned as DIIS overseer.
In the beginning I wasn’t amused be this event – which what I directly said to her in our first private meeting. She replied that she too don`t very like to be advisor to “little bad girl”. After that war is started.
I used every opportunity to wrap information that I gave to her. I delayed deliveries of equipment and medicaments as long as I can. And I never missed a chance to speak out of loud about “Book of darkness” incident.
Hayate also didn`t seat and take a slaps. She turn a normal store inspection into pure nightmare, moreover, she carried out them every week. And I often heard how she sweetly ask me how I feel about “corrupted higher-ups”.
That struggle lasted for almost five months when sudden incident help turn situation around.
It was already 10.20 PM and I was last person (expect the guards) in building (as I think) when Hayate stormed in my office. Her breath was heavy and her cheeks stained scarlet but my attention was involved by folder, which she carried in her arms.
- What`s wrong, lieutenant-general? – I asked calmly.
- Almost nothing, director Gaiz, - she answered sweetly, - just minor case of incompetency.
- Oh, that so? – I raised my eyebrow.
- It is, - she opened a folder and pull large pack of paper out of it, - It`s your yesterday report about band of drug dealers.
- Yes, I personally edit information that was gathered by my subordinate.
- Oh, what a lovely addiction to work. But I afraid, I found some “mistakes”.
I cursed inwardly. She was right; I did some “correction” to gathered information to be short – I change a little address of targeted building. It didn`t affect entire operation, because standard procedure for actions of such proportion required entire block to be isolated. So criminals won`t escape but Hayate will be forced to met consequences for destruction of innocent toy store. But for some reason she don`t buy this. Well, maybe because I already pull this trick o her.
- And what mistake you mean, lieutenant-general? - i managed not to show my displease to her.
- Oh, I mean this. – she flipped pages and show me, - You maintain that drug produced by this factory called “Foul eye”.
- Yes.
- But you know, I do my homework: “foul eye” required for his creation extract of juice of rare flower – Abikharan`s Rod and this flower can`t survive under temperature higher than 5 degrees C. That mean this factory, judging by scale of this cartel operations, required a large orangery with powerful freezer. And I must say that size of a building where presumably stay a factory doesn’t meet that criterion.
I cursed again, I didn`t add information of “foul eye” creation process in my report, so it`s mean that Hayate was forced to go through many and many information sources, impressive I must admit.
- I see, - I started slowly, - But I must notice, that such reaction show incompetency of your troops, lieutenant-general, Yagami.
- Wha… - she almost gawked, but quickly calmed herself and continued more steady- can I say, what do you mean, director Gaiz?
- Well, our department job to gather information, edit her and send to army, yes? But it didn`t mean that we must to take your hand and guide to goal. As you can see I just noted this place as “most probable” not as a target. I can recommend you to inspect this food shop`s store – I pointed onto “right” building. - Actually, if you give me some time I can even show by arrows a patch from TSAB HQ to destination point.
- Oh, so generous, - she give me a dazzling smile, - But I think I can do it myself, moreover, I think I will keep this report and show it to my subordinate. We just love to read absurd stories sometime.
She close the folder in tried to take it but I quickly grab it myself.
- If you love absurd stories so much I can advise you to go to book store for school grader, I won`t allow you to humiliate my work. – I forced my grip on folder and tried to pull it to me but she won`t allow that.
- You do it by yourself, - she snarled and add more strange to her arms, forcing me to stand from chair.
It became literal power struggle between us when we tried to pull out folder from opponent arms. But first to give up was pitiful report. With loud “screesh” folder was ripped in half and we, shrieking felled on floor. For ten second we just sat there, breathing heavily and staring at each other. And the Hayate burst in laughing I was unable to resist and followed her example. When storm come to end we stand up adjust our clothes, then Hayate broke the silence.
- I fell so stupid now. It`s more like kid`s quarrel than a adult talk.
- I heard phrase: adults – just grow up kids.
- Maybe- maybe, - hen she became serious, - Director Auris Gaiz, I think we must rethink and rebuild our relationship, our never-ending quarrels affect overall efficiency of TSAB forces. And for start please take my deep apologies, - she bowed and then stretch her arm toward me.
- And you too, lieutenant-general, Hayate Yagami, please take mine apologies for my behavior.
A stretched my own arm and shake her hand.
After this our relationships change dramatically and from being my bitterest rival Hayate turned in my greatest helper. She never refuses to help me to get more equipment for mine subordinates through web of bureaucracy. She always was the first to lend help and she was just great woman.
Slowly she got her way into my heart. And for the long time I have person in my life that I can call a friend.
But we never think that our newborn friendship will evolve even further.
It`s all started when, during the break, you asked me:
- Why did you always so stoic? Everybody who working with you for long time notices – your face never show any sad expression. Whenever you get hurt you just tightly compress your lips and your voice loses any trace of humanity. You now Auris, it`s not a bad thing to ask somebody for compassion.
Normally I never answer to that question. I always think that my vow to my father must remain only between me and him, but for some reason (now I think that the reason was your gentle smile) I decide to answer. I told her everything: mother funeral, father oath, my own promise, school days, beginning working in TSAB, JS incident and father funeral.
During the story you don`t say anything, just chewing on you lip but your eyes was set firmly on my face. When I finished you stand from coach came close and… give me a hug.
For instance I froze. I wanted to push her away and give her a few VERY unpleasant words about her behavior. But I found myself utterly unable to move. Her warmth burns me, melting away my resolve to fight. This tender embrace, this soft warmth…
It was feeling that I already forgot – sensation of comfort, sensation of protection. I was unable to resist the urge to enjoy this situation. Ah yes, now I clearly remember that nobody embrace my since mother funeral. What a pitiful woman I am.
- “You had such a sad life Auris-san.” - Whispered Yagami. - “You didn`t expect to love or be loved, you throw away your humanity just because you want to predict to be strong. You know everybody have right to cry, to be sad, to mourn, this nothing wrong with it. Long ago I heard one memorable phrase: when people stop crying they became monsters. So please. Stop torturing yourself.”
But I still wasn`t able to give away my promise. Despite the fact that me heart want to burst out of feelings that was storming inside. I looked up and meet her gaze. My eyes said everything to her.
- “Mou, - she pouted. – You so stubborn. Okay, it`s decided then, tomorrow we call the day off and go on vacation.
- B…but what if somebody see us together. Aren`t we make a deal to hide our true relationship from higher-ups?
- He-he, so you afraid that your boyfriend will get jealous? – giggled Hayate.
I sure, that it was first time in my entire life when I blushed.
- I… I don’t` have a boyfriend or girlfriend,,, or friend – the last word I nearly whispered.
Hayate smile changed from teasing to reassuring.
- I AM your friend, Aury. So cheer.
- Aury?!!
Her smile again became a mischievous one. She let me go and make two steps back.
- Yup. “Auris” is just SO formal, we need to get closer to each other. So let`s call our self Aury and Hayate, how about it?.
- DEFINETLY NO!! – I shrieked.
- Okay, But still we HAVE to go on vacation tomorrow. If you so afraid about secrecy how about this plan. I can invoke sudden inspection on DIIS tomorrow, and you will have no other choice to confront me personally, aren`t you? DIIS have five stores across the city, normally it will take about five hours and fourteen minutes to inspect them all – fourteen minutes for each store and time for the road between them.
- You point?
- How about to turn this time to nine hours. We will have three hours and twenty minutes for fun.
- And how about report?
- Let`s just keep him as a souvenir. Or as a proof our undying love.
- Shut up. Please!
- He-he, so it`s decided then. So I will wait you tomorrow around 9 AM in front of TSAB administrative centre. Don`t be late.
- Hey, wait I don`t say yes!
- Oh, your mouth don`t, but your heart yes. I repeat – don`t be late tomorrow.
After that she turn around and leave my office. I sighed and continue to work, I still need to complete my report and search some information. And moreover make preparation for tomorrow events.
That day was… how can I said… turbulent. Hayate surely enjoyed herself – not only she turn entire stores inside out, but she actually GROPED me every time when she get opportunity, moreover when we was INSIDE DIIS buildings.
After inspection of first store she drag me to the game club and force me to content with her in fighting games. But I get some form of revenge when total score of win/draw/lose get totally in my favor in the end.
After the second inspection I found myself watching CARTOON in local cinema. I can`t properly recall name of the cartoon, it was show about never endings battles between cat and mouse… Tim and Berry of something like that. But Hayate really liked that show and I was totally fascinated of how beautiful was her face filled with child-like happiness.
In the end of the day we have gone to the amusement park. I think Yagami make me go through every attraction that park have. Roundabout, shooting gallery, vending machine and etc. etc. etc.
When we leave park I was totally exhausted, covered in sweat… and happy. Despite the every odds that filled this day I never feel myself so… live. If I am make some mistake, my only punishment was teasing remark. I was able to laugh at jokes like a fool, eat ice cream and cakes. I was able to do everything that I forbid myself to do before today.
And for the first time in my life I forced back tears of happiness.
Hayate see that and give me a pinch on shoulder.
- Mou, you a stubborn girl aren`t you. If you want cry out of happiness then just do it.
I give her a smile (my first sincere smile I give to her).
- Sorry, no can do, lieutenant-general. My promise still my promise and I never broke it.
- Well, at last you can shed some happy tears In order to repay me for this wonderful day.
- Hey! – I shouted. – Wonderful day?! You actually GROPE my a… uh. Private area.
- Can`t help, Auris-chan, - Hayate grinned, - you have SUCH cute butty.
I yelped and my face flushed bright red.
- S-s-s-shut up.
- Make me, u-fu-fu-fu.
Looking at her laughing dace I feel how anger aroused in my chest. But then I decide to payback Hayte using her own methods. I stormed forward, grab her shoulders and crush my lips on her.
After a few seconds my brains reactivate. What in the interdimensional plane I am doing?!! K-kissing a GIRL, moreover HAYTE YAGAMI for all people. But everything became every complicated when Hayete (who stood flabbergasted with eyes shoot wide open) regain her sense… hug me and return the kiss.
When we broke apart my breath was heavy and face stained with red. To my little comfort Hayate`s expression mirrored my own. When we calmed a bit it was Hayate who broke the silence.
- Wow, it was incredible. It seems you quite skillful in erotic stuff, Auris-chan,
- N-no i… I am no. I-it was my first kiss, - a almost whined blushing even harder. To my utter surprise she flushed too.
- M,, me.. mine too.
- Oh. So we each other’s first. He..he, - I tried to laugh in to hide my deep confusion. I never suspected that Hayate never kissed anybody before that. – W-well. It was very good.
- Really, - her face flared up – You really think so? I wasn`t do anything wrong?
- No. You were quite a good kisser and your lips were so soft and w…warm.
Oh my. It`s my imagination or my glasses started to melt? Few minutes we just stay still and try to calm ourselves down.
- Auris, - Hayate looked in my eyes, while her lips trembling her gaze was firm, - How about to repeat this event next week.
- Gladly, - was my instant answer.
It became some type of every week ritual for us. Rote was always the same: inspection – video game salon (of movie) – park – and kiss. After the third “inspection” I take a part in the planning of entire “date”. After the five one I decide to took control of it. And after the eighth I admitted my love to her.
I didn`t know, who was more flabbergasted by this confession – I, because I can`t believe that I at last manage to gather enough courage, or Hayate who lost her ability to speak due shock. After a few moments of heavy silence my heart dropped. It`s seems Hayate doesn’t love in the same way as I did for her. I again, as numerous times before that, suppress me tears and prepare for leave… When you flung your arm around me and press your lips to mine.
When we parted she looked directly in my eyes and give me answer that I longed for.
- Me too. I love you too, Auris-chan.
Then we didn`t follow our normal procedure and don`t go to our apartments, but instead we go to hotel.
I never intended to have homosexual relationship and as every girl in my class I wanted a handsome and rich man, but when Hayate press our naked bodies together I stop thinking about everything and drown myself in passion and love.
When our bodies lost every capability to continue and we lay in each other`s arm gasping and sweating, Hayate suddenly say:
- I think I must send “thank you” note to Catherine-chan.
- Catherine-chan? – I asked surprised, - Wait, you mean this weird albino girl whom captain Takamachi dragged in your group.
- Yup, it`s she. You know she was the one who make my assignment to this place.
- How? - that`s perked my interest, - If I remember correctly, she worked in Staff department.
- She already became head of Staff department. It`s hard to believe that two years ago she was lost sad girl, who was found by Nanoha-chan. And now she Nanoha-chan peer and even studying illusion magic under Teana tutoring.
- So she was the reason behind my suffering, - I playfully narrowed.
- Hey, - pocked me Hayate, - you mean behind the unimaginable happiness.
- Okay, you win, - I smiled and kissed her again.
- Good night Auris-chan, - she yawned and snuggled close to me.
- Good night, Hayate, - I murmured while gently hugging her. Feeling of her voluptuous and warm body in my arms was almost unbearable and I was afraid that everything is just dream. But it was true, her smell, her warmth and her love – everything was real.
I didn`t know why, but I again don`t let tears of happiness to flow. Maybe because, I was so foolish to think that this happiness will last for eternity. Maybe because I think that Hayate`s love will forever protect me from sadness. I don`t know and a never will.
Because today I receive message that, lieutenant-general Hayate Yagami died in terrorist bombing. I didn`t want to believe that you die, I didn`t want to recognize the truth that everything you worked about now is crumbled and I definitely didn`t want to admit the fact that you leave me alone. I wasn`t able to save her, I don`t have power to make proper investigate about this incident and I wasn`t able to make in time to your funeral.
When I stormed in, your casket was already buried. All I can do it was to stay and look at your tomb, and because of our promise to go at top positions, I can`t even mourn about you properly. It`s end for everything, for dreams, for happiness, for love.
And I can`t even shed a single tear for this.
- You! – furious roar reverberate behind me. I turned around and my gaze meets hatred-filled eyes of captain Vita. – What are YOU doing here, four-eye?!! Did you come to gloat?!
Her voice dripped with venom and was filled with disgust bur her words were most painful to hear.
“No, I came to mourn someone who was precious to me. And now I can`t even do that”
- Everyone knows that you hated Hayate. You always wanted her to disappear, to go away from your path!
“It`s a lie, lie, lie!!! I loved her, more than anyone, I never wanted to let her go and every paths who lied before me was worth only if I can go through it together with Hayate!”
- What?! You still here? – snarled red-hair, her lips twisted, - If you want to cry out of delight than FUCKING get your ass out of here!!
I wanted to hit her, really. I didn’t care that she was AAA class and I didn`t have any trace of magical power, it didn’t matter to me at all. I wanted to make her swallow those horrible words. But I can`t do that. If I do, my and Hayate work for cover up became meaningless. I can`t show any sight of despair about her death. And to my utter disgust now I must show a SATISFACTION about her disappearance. It`s not fair, not fair, NOT FAIR!!!
- C-captain Vita! W-what are you doing! – Suddenly a new voice pierced an unpleasant silence between me and short captain. We turned and see tall albino yellow eyed women who dashed toward us. Catherine de Volga – chief of Staff department. Latest updating to their group. As always she seemed almost scared, and when she stopped she didn`t have courage to stare directly into mine or captain Vita eye.
- I-it`s a funeral, h-how could you said s-such a horrible words to anybody?
- Why are you defending her?! That four-eyed bitch always…
- Captain Vita! – she suddenly shouted startling both of us. – Please stop. I can understand your situation, but saying such horrible words on miss Hayate funeral is just unforgivable. Moreover you insulting director Auris judging only on rumors just unfair. Apologize to director Auris right now, captain Vita!
During few seconds Catherine and Vita staring in each other eyes, but then Vita turned away.
- Okay, I am sorry, director Gaiz, I said something really disrespectful toward you. I was deeply affected by…by – her voice broke and tears start to leak. Albino woman`s face instantly lose any trace of anger and she kneeled before redhead, hugging her and gently whispering words of consolation to her.
- Shhhh. Vita dear. I am here, I am here for you. Mourn, it`s nothing wrong in crying for your beloved friend, I am and every of our friends here for you.
“It`s not fair. I also want to cry for her, I want to say for loud how I missing her, how I loved her, how I want her back. I gladly give anything I achieved just to get Hayate back. And I can`t. I lose any chances to mourn for peoples a care the most.”
I turned and go away. I don`t want to be here, in the entire dimensional planes now don`t exist anybody who care for me, now everything I have it`s my oath to my father and me promise to Hayate.
When I returned to my office it was already past 10 PM. I was tired, mentally exhausted and my stomach twitched in hungry pain. I feel sick: I could never present that exist so many people ready to gloat about death of someone. The remember about Book of Darkness incident, about her connection with General Graham, about patronage of admiral Harlaown and Saint Church. How few in numbers were men and woman who remembered her hardworking nature, her resolute actions during JS incident. How many people today praised me with mine soon-to-be promotion. I sighed, hyenas always promise their loyalty to lion when he strong and always stab him in the back when he weak.
I slumped in my chair and try to relax. Tomorrow will be a very hard day, since Hayate death new overseer need to be commissioned. At last it will be a temporal overseer because, as I hear, HQ recognizes mine efforts and decide that DIIS can now functional without careful watch. Just couple days ago I was so glad to hear it, but now,,, without Hayate world seems so empty.
I looked up. Cellar in me office was always carefully washed. Despite whispers that I was “perfection freak” in truth I just suffer of powerful allergy on dust. It was white, clean and empty. So empty. Bitter irony of my life that I promise I give my father turned my existents in something as empty as cellar in me office. Just work, work and work – no friends, no happiness, just notion of compulsion that forbidding myself to cry I can became strong, respectful and famous. Only my time with Hayate showed me true happiness and true strength. And now she`s gone. I open my drawer to get some soothing pills, and suddenly froze. On the top of papers and disks lied red ribbon. Hayate`s present – the same red ribbon as her own. She was dark red when she give it to me and became as red as she when Hayate herself tied it on my hairs. I carefully lifted ribbon holding it in both hand. The ribbon still holding warmth of her hands, smell of her perfume and feeling of her love. The last thing, Hayate left in this world.
The reminder of her death, force me to shudder in pain. I clutched my chest moaning and sobbing, But tears won`t come. Why?! WHY?!! WHY-Y-Y?! I am some type monster?! Why I cannot cry because of my most beloved person death. It`s some type of curse. Or I just condemned to not able to have human feelings. What else in this world left for me?
Tears finally burst out. Now I broke oath to my father. I laughed bitterly. It`s seems everything that I hold dear for me start to disappear.
Through my tear filled vision suddenly sparked blink of red. I froze when I suddenly understand what was that. Hayate`s ribbon that still lied in my hand.
That`s it! I still have my promise to Hayate. To rise through the ranks and gain the power to protect everyone. Yes, I must live in order to defend her vision of future. And her good name.
I stand, now regaining my confidence and whipping tears. I looked down on the red ribbon and gentle touch it with my lips. Thank you Hayate I love you so much.
My though was interrupted by sound of explosion and distant screams. The roar quickly came nearer and after few seconds door explode with thunderous roar, powers of impact send me flying on a floor.
In the middle of dust cloud and rubble that dimming the floor stood captain Vita. Her barrier jacket was intact and her hands grips her infamous hammer so tight that staff was soiled by blood. Her eyes was glassy as if she almost don`t understand what happening around her. But something in it was certain. Her hatred. She almost radiate the astonishing wave of loathe, and target of her feeling was undoubtfully me.
- You! – She bellowed. – It was you-u-u!!! She charges toward me raising Graf Eisen over her head preparing to deliver killing strike. I didn`t try to evade the blow, it was hopeless. I can see the armed soldiers appearing behind enraged knight, aiming their staffs at her. But it`s too late. I closed my eyes and prepare to receive bonecrushing strike of battle hammer.
- I`m sorry Hayate, I can` t fulfill my promise to you. It`s seems I am just a loser to the end.
But suddenly I was overwhelmed by wave of warmth. That presence, I know it,,, it,,, it was.
I didn`t fell how captain Vita`s strike shatter my head, blast my brains apart and smash my upper body, I didn`t feel pain. Every I feel was Hayate gentle embrace, warmth of her bode, her tender lips on my own. My last moment was filled with joy and the very last tears in my life were tears of happiness.
Epilogue
Four hours later.
Work in morgue never was a pleasant. Sergeant Hilbert Dolvert always cursed his lack of a talent that never allows him to get more prestigious role in the entire TSAB Mid-Childa machine. His work was dirty, stinky and often gives him nightmares. Moreover he wasn`t a heartless guy and his heart always ached when he watched people in despair, when they recognizes in the mutilated corpses they beloved ones. And now, this incident.
As if death of famous officer Yagami Hayate wasn`t enough now they was stroked with another tragedy. For some reasons one of the Wolkenritters, the Captain Vita charge in the head of DIIS (a very creepy woman) office and splat her brains all over room. Named DIIS head`s bodyguards wasn`t amused by this events and almost ripped short captain body apart in devastetful volley. And now entire TSAB was stayed on ears. Man, that will be a long night.
His somber thoughts was interrupted by sounds oh steps. Door opened a bit and slightly embarrassed woman looked in.
- Ah, um. Hello. – She slipped in room and Hilbert yelped and immediately stand when he recognize the head of Staff Department. – Can I come in?
- Yes, ma`am. Of course ma`ma. – Howled sergeant Dolvert.
- Easy, sergeant. - She raised her hands almost in protective gesture, - Please. It`s no need to be so formal.
- As your wish, ma`am. – Replied Hilbert.
Hilbert relaxed a bit. It was hard to believe that such shy and weak looking woman can be head of entire department. She still held her arms near her mouth palm forward almost trying to shield herself from him. Her eyes were yellow and her nose has swelled. After careful look at her morgue overseer notice that woman chewed on something.
- It`s a gum? – He asked carefully.
- Ah-eh? – She startled by his question, but quickly calmed down. –Oh, it is. Yes, it`s a gum. It`s always help me to calm down. And now… after those deaths…
She suddenly became silent and sniff. Dolvert has understood that he made a mistake and quickly told.
- I`m sorry, ma`am. It was a tactless question. Please forgive me.
- Oh. No-no. – She waved her hands. – It`s nothing. Eeer, can I have a look on Director Auris Gaiz body?
- Yes, ma`am. Allow me help you.
Hilbert turn around and guide albino director (to be more correct her hairs was very bright color of ash gray) toward one of freezers. He pushes the button and with a low hum stretchers went forward, revealing a black plastic bag. Content of the bug was clear to both of them, but when he stretch his arm to unzip the bug Dolvert was interrupted when she put her arm on his shoulder.
- Um, sergeant, can I investigate her body privately. – Her face brightened. – You know, you can go home, I suppose you very tired. I will clean everything up and lock when I leave. If someone will try to scold you for leaving you post, just send them to me.
- Eh, really? Oh, I mean, thank you ma`am.
Superior officer give him a nod.
- No problem. Now, dismissed.
Dolvert quickly pick up his property and dashed away leaving the keys on the table. Catherine de Volga don`t look away until he leave and when door closed turned back to target of her visit. Then her face expression changed dramatically. Her dull yellow eye shined bright her tightly compressed mouth turned into broad smile and her hand resolutely unzipped the bug. Then she bend over and greedily inhaled the smell.
- A…aaah. The smell of dead flesh. I missed it so much. – She sped almost a three minutes by savoring the aroma of Auris Gaiz dead body. After that she makes a step backward and, while smiling like a little girl, she started to speak.
- You know Auris-chan… Can I call you like that, just like Hayate? Aha, you didn`t say “no”, so I can. Back to deal. You know, I can`t even say how I grateful to you. It`s you stubborn refusal to cry help me convinced Vita-chan that main perpetrator behind Hayate-chan death was you. Ufufufu. When you leave us I and Vita goes to café where I reveal to her “unchecked and unfair rumors how you seduced Hayate and then killed her”. Ah, her hate-filled expression when drugs kick in…oh, pure bliss. I`m so sorry that I missed the chance to see how your office was baptized in beautiful red. – Catherine clutched her chest for emphasis.
- It`s so sad, I wasn`t able to lick your warm and tasty blood. But your smashed body wonderful smells almost made up for it. Wow!! What I sight! She friggin smashed your entire head, neck and left shoulder to bits!
Catherine giggled and licked her lips.
- Auris-chan do you want to hear the secret. – Catherine give Auris body a mischievous blink. – first script of the plan give role of first victim to you, and Hayate would go to your side after a month, when I was be able to crate “incident” for her. But you know she has too many friends on her side to sooth her and overtook the sadness of her loss. You on the other hand, became totally alone, and I always took a GREAT pleasure while seeming how you try to remain calm when you almost wanted to scream in despair.
Then Catherine de Volga face twisted in grimace of sorrow.
- But you now, I am also in despair. After such hard work, after such efforts my soul was crushed. I was so happy when I was able to get it imperceptibly and SUCH disappointment.
Her lips twisted and she spitted out her gum.
- Hayate flesh has SUCH NASTY TASTE!
The something that Catherine spitted was not a gum. It was an index finger.
- My soul was crushed, really. It`s too cruel to do that to me. And after I worked so hard to keep you relationship in secret. So I will punish both of you.
She give Auris almost apologetic smile.
- I didn`t really want to do that, bat bad girls must be punished. So today I will send to mass media edited information about your and Hayate lovey-dovey deals. I almost can predict heading of newspapers. “Lesbian relation of corrupted TSAB officials” of “DIIS gets in bed with ground forces”. A think Arus0chan, after this your and Hayate reputation will be grinded in dirt for maaaany years. I think I also dispose of that’s annoying pink-haired knight-girl and that familiar. Nothing personal, but after Hayate so brutally crushed my heart just soling her reputation can`t facilitate pain in my heart.
Catherine facial expression again turned into smile.
- Well, good buy. Now you can cry as much as you can in afterlife. A-u-ris-chan.
With these words she closed the freezer turned away and goes toward exit. And before she leave the morgue she turned lights off, leaving Auris Gaiuz in eternal darkness.