Heroes to Hunted

Chapter 5 Social Pressure

?The room became still as I fell under the analyzing gaze created by dozens of eyes.

I would have liked to avoid being involved in something as complicated as social politics. Sadly, with this atmosphere, I had little choice.

Tachibana noticed me, then sauntered up to meet me. "Huh, so you do look like you're in the military... Who are you, then?"

The level of informality astonished me. Maybe I was too used to military practices, but I couldn't remember being addressed so lackadaisically.

'No respect, huh?' I'll admit it irritated me a bit, but not to the point I let it show on my face.

Moving on, despite my irritation, I performed a formal soldier's greeting just as I'd been taught. It wasn't a choice but an automatic reaction from years of service.

I straightened my back, slid my boots together, and saluted. "A Sergeant of the 31st forward platoon and a member of the Armored Deployment Corps. Sato Katsuro of the Japanese Military!"

"Woah," Tachibana stepped back, "so you guys talk like that?" For a moment, he only stared at me before resuming. "Well, whatever," he shrugged, "so…do you think you're up to the task? That you can take charge of our merry band of heroes?"

After everything I'd been through these four years, I wasn't interested in leading anyone anymore, even more so after how my last mission ended. Unless a superior ordered it, I had no obligation to protect, or even help these people.

"I need orders first," I responded flatly.

"I see," he scratched his neck, "that didn't really answer my question… Okay, I'll be more specific: Are you willing to lead us?" he nodded toward the crowd of curious spectators within the room.

'Did he not get it? Was I vague?' I always struggled with a communication gap when speaking to civilians. 'I guess I need to be more direct.'

"I only perform tasks when ordered by a superior," I made straight eye contact and left nothing to interpretation.

His face became apparent with impatience, and his shoulders tensed up. "So, you're saying you don't intend to lead us then?"

'This kid…' my eye twitched with irritation. He knew I didn't intend to lead, but he wasn't asking out of curiosity. It was painfully evident he was trying to knock out a potential rival, like a regular politician, by getting an unambiguous declaration of surrender.

'Fine,' I relented, 'I'll give him what he wants.'

I folded my arms behind my back, straightened my posture and spoke with a loud tone. "That's right, Tachibana. I don't intend to lead this group." I never got along with political types, so avoiding this kid would be in both our interests.

"Sounds good!" Tachibana plastered an idiotic smile on his face and turned from me. Then, gleefully skipped back toward the others. "Welp, you heard the man, folks! Unless there's anyone else that would like to throw their hat into the ring, we should get goi-"

Interrupting Tachibana's declaration, the punk stomped his foot on the floor. "This is stupid! Like I'd let some brat tell me what to do! You all can play politics if you want," he pointed to the door, "but I'm leaving."

'That's the way!' I smiled slightly. It was nice to see someone else sharing my opinion.

"Brat?!" Tachibana exclaimed. "Who do you think you are?!" he flexed his arms for a fight.

A violent smirk containing what could only be described as bladed fangs appeared on the punk's face. Then, uncannily, he arched his neck and turned toward Tachibana. "I'm Takagi Akio, and I'm getting the hell out of this moldy prison. Get in my way," he made a slicing gesture with a finger across his neck, "and I'll kill you."

Unsurprisingly, that threat was enough for the overconfident Tachibana to back down and make himself small. The sight resembled a fussy Pomeranian cowering after angering a grizzled Doberman.

'All bark and no bite, huh?' I chuckled inside.

It seemed like someone else enjoyed it as well, especially Agawa, the girl behind me. I could hear her snickering and then muttering, "Behold, our valiant leader."

Takagi then walked forward, making me the next hindrance he needed to address. "Move" were his only words to me.

There was no way this kid could break it, and even if he could, I wouldn't want him antagonizing our captors, so I tried talking him out of it. "The door is locked, and exceptionally sturdy. Attempting to force it wouldn't end well without proper planning."

"It doesn't matter… move," his eyes were fixed on me with growing intensity.

'Civilians frustrate me,' I sighed wearily. 'They just don't listen…'

Following orders made by civilians wasn't a habit of mine, but I figured it'd be better to let him learn from his mistakes. He wouldn't break the door, so the worst outcome was he minorly hurt himself.

I stepped aside, prompting Takagi to continue his stroll to the immobile obstacle. Another beast-like grin appeared on his face as he lifted his right leg.

It was a very untrained and reckless way to break down anything, let alone a reinforced door. Without support, he'd kick it, the door won't budge, and all the force he exerted will reflect back on him.

'Maybe he'll learn to listen,' I smirked and crossed my arms.

But that's when he started glowing!

Small orbs of green energy gathered in a spiral around his leg, their luminescence reflecting off every wall. The light dwarfed the torches in both radiance and size, blinding everyone.

I had no choice but to avert my gaze too.

The light vanished when I looked away, taking the door with it. No, the door didn't disappear…this guy sent it barreling down the hallway! The sound of wood fracturing against stone proved that.

Once the dust cleared, I was met by Takagi's arrogant smirk as he stared me down. There were no words exchanged. But I definitely heard the phrase, "I told you."