Chapter 121

It was a chilly weather and fogs were coming out of their mouth as they breathe and talk. Event though it was chilly and the sun hasn't yet showed up there are at least three birds that was already flying above them.

'Early birds really catches the worm," Cormac uttered under his breath.

General Cormac pour coffee to the three disposable plastic cups which was in front of him since General Edison and General Brixton is busy with their things and couldn't find a time to have their own coffees. He understands that what they are going to face is unpredictable from all the wars that they have experienced—this thing is different and have no idea what would welcome them. What awaits them but even though he had nothing to worry about if his life will come to an end because he was always ready if that is how his fate was written because he couldn't last anymore living another day because every day it reminds him of being alone and no one to have to because his family—his loved ones had already gone.

He sighs and shakes his head slowly and doesn't want to be distracted again. 'Okay," he breathe and get the three cups into his hands and have it balanced as he takes his walk to where their directions are.

He looked at them as he holds the three cups and he knows that even those two are rude and sometimes snobbish which they were called the stones but they just ignored it just as they always do. But he knows that those two are also soft-hearted and also have their weaknesses especially General Edison who is a step-father of Lieutenant Michael. He loves that kid but he just doesn't know how to show it and because his wife the mother of Lieutenant Michael had already passed away so he didn't have a chance to also have his own son but he was still grateful because he have Michael as his son and he knew that. He was the one who always give him some advises on how to help out a kid like him because he haven't experienced it.

One day Michael had a family of his own and he had been a grandfather which was the greatest feeling that he had on into his life even though he was not his real father but deep in his heart he was the happiest man living on earth. He was a great grandfather towards his granddaughter and Michael was happy for that and somehow he could feel that he was somehow not a stone of what the other men called and think of him. But sometimes he was still rude to him but if they are in their work or on their own business they know where their places are.

As he gets near where the two are who were now getting into their seats have their rest it was the perfect time to have a coffee with them.

He carefully places the three cups to the small wooden table that was in front of them and smiled. 'Here you go," he said as he gestured the coffees in front of them which they gladly take it and said their thanks on him which he just nodded his head.

As they took their hot coffee he couldn't help but to notice the sudden change of mood of Brixton which made him question him, 'Hey are you okay?" he asked breaking the silence between the three of them making Edison to look at the direction of Brixton too with curiosity.

Brixton sighs and answered, 'I'm not okay I have this uneasy feeling which keeps bothering me of what will welcome us today."

Edison averted his eyes away from him and took a deep breath because even he doesn't know what welcomes them there but nothing will ever change to their mission because the President is waiting for them there and the other crews that are waiting to be rescued. They are still hoping that they could radio them but still there was nothing. They were losing hope this time but that doesn't mean that they have to abort the mission and considered them dead because the President of the United States is in there and who knew someone in there is hoping for them just as they hope for them.

'From what we have learned of what the President have us watched is unimaginable and very shocking . . . it was a horror. What if they have taken down already? What if all of them are now dead? We should think of the reality in here, face the reality and should not sugarcoat everything in there," he said which makes Edison hissed because of what he had said because among the three of them he was the one who keeps in positive vibes and it is not just obvious in his aura.

'Stop talking about that you have been talking that since last night," he said which makes Brixton sighs and brush his head with his hands since he was a bald man.

He was already old and he also have a family and two sons which now have their own families and it was only him and his wife. His wife was still waiting for him to comeback since he had opened to her everything just in case something goes wrong and he had already secured her safety in the safe house where all the resident of the United States are. Since she was already old and cannot fight on her own he had taken advantage since then when this situation was not yet happened. He had the house for her built especially since it had an underground in there and had things that would be used in case in emergency and for a lockdown there are foods and medicines that was already stock in there and medical things that is needed whenever she was admitted into a hospital. He had everything ready and had everything under his control so he felt relieve knowing that she was okay. But somehow those worriedness came back since they have landed in Japan because the horror was in the air and he could feel it.

He also had written a letter out of the corner for his wife and yes, he knew he had let go a promise for her that he will be back for her in one piece safe and sound. As crazy as it is because it looks like he was already bidding his farewell and had fully accepted his death even though he still doesn't know what would come and he had already decided and think of his death.

'We aren't going to die—we're built as warriors and had face so much battles in years," Cormac said which made the two of them face him.

'That is normal soldiers like us but those things are also soldiers but in invisible form yet they could fight back. We are not immortals yet they are. We only have one life yet they have nine lives like a cat but in unlimited one," Edison said which also makes sense and from what he have researched those kind of possibilities is from an astral projection.

Cormac had it researched all of it and when he had watched the video that the President had showed them and along with him is his secretary which he believes his names is Joemar and he was the one who had said that it was an astral projection or astral form and no one heard him except him. He heard him clearly and that is when they depart he took himself to do a research.

And then after his research he also had do a background check of the Gambits which he believes he was familiar of or have heard of It before and he was right.

A moment of silence took over them and after they have emptied their cups they have thrown it to the nearest bin and have prepared for themselves. They didn't bothered eating anymore for which they are now contented with the coffee. It was already four in the morning and their alarm to move out was exactly five in the morning and before that happens they were already prepared.

Cormac was the first one to leave in there leaving the two and he walk where the other soldiers are who were busy preparing for their armors. He decided to help them instead for a faster progress. He was busy when he felt someone that was walking near him and he believes he knew who it was and then when he turn his head to the left he saw Michael walking through his direction. He could feel something was wrong by the looks of his face and he could also tell that it was urgent and something was bothering him so he gets closer and then they were just a meter far from each other.

He was curious why he wanted to abort the mission that when in fact that they were all preparing and just waiting for the go signal. Deep in him he wanted to believe in his instincts that something will go wrong and as far as he knew to himself that he was already prepared if he would die what he was concerned of is about the others and also to Michael whom he had already treated like his own son.

Cormac didn't knew that Edison and Brixton was just next to them and it was obvious that they have already have heard their conversation and he already knew what was coming. He saw Michaels mood suddenly changed into fear when his eyes and his step-father's eyes met. Someday he will confront Edison to go easy on him if he want to get his attention.

As to what he had expected Edison had been rude to him and Michael left with a heavy footsteps. Yes, Edison was right but it is not right to talk to his step-son that way.

As soon as the three of them was left alone Cormac chooses to be with Edison's chopper because he wanted to talk to him and if it would be their last day at least he had told him those things with nothing to be regret in that last seconds of his life.

When the time had tick to four-thirty in the morning they have all moved out and he entered where Edison's chopper is and of course Edison was curious but he had just let him because he already knew the reason why and he had no choice but to take all of his advises once again. He glanced through the window and the Vice President in her own combat shoes and clinging her cargo jacket and there was determination in every steps she takes as she walked to where Michael's direction was but there were hesitation in her eyes and different perspective in it and he knows it—he can read it.

He dashed it away and just focus on what was into the present because he doesn't want to be distracted by anything again.

When they were already flying and had their aviation headset he had changed his mind upon advising Edison because no matter how much advises he gives him and from the advises that he had thought him none of those were taken by him. Maybe he will be next to him and just let him realize things and make it under his control. His mission right now is maybe he would protect him in case anything might go wrong in there. Since he had fully accepted if he will die or not he had now a mission to do for Edison and Michael, he doesn't even know why he is doing that but maybe he is doing because he didn't have much time for his own family before and now he doesn't want that to happen for Edison and Michael too. Maybe he was their guardian angel that was sent above for them and if he was is then he will do his duty.

'Why are you here?" Edison couldn't help but to ask him because they have been silent to each for maybe how many minutes right then and he started breaking the silence for them.

He smiled and looked at him and even though the noise was booming inside he had it heard clearly.

Cormac turned to face him and responded, 'I am here for a purpose maybe." He was smiling the entire time which makes it awkward for Edison to seat next to him because he was acting weird to him but Cormac doesn't care what he thinks about it.

'Stop that," he said with coldly but that didn't even make him flinch instead he was getting eager for his goal.

'Stop what? I didn't do anything," he said in a mocking tone of voice and his eyes were narrowed as he stares at him.

Edison rolled his eyes which makes Cormac wanted to burst into a laugh but he just holds it instead because he knew how Edison would be sounds angry and he doesn't want that to happen especially they are on their mission.

'I maybe don't why you are instead into your chopper to your team but I know what is running through your mind and whatever is that please don't . . . stop that okay? You are making me nervous and cringe at the same time," he said a small laugh really escapes from his lips.

Edison couldn't do anything from it anymore and just let Cormac there and in the end whatever he tells him he will never listen to him and he just hopes that there are no foolish things that were running through his mind.

WHITE HUES of light flashed through Dr. Vega's eyes as he roamed his eyes through the mirror that had surrounded his place and considering that it was an enormous mirror those choppers will never get away for his tricks. He had eyes everywhere and those eyes were the birds that were flying in the air together with them. Those birds are just a toy which looks exactly like one and no one would ever thought that it was a fake and since it is flying it had a less percent of knowing. The camera was installed into the eyes of the birds and it was as clear as the water the footages are.

As he looked through the monitor he couldn't help but to get pity for those people that is planning to come to his place and plan for a wrath which was the complete opposite of it. He also couldn't help but to see the Vice President of the United States which a smile was formed into his lips. He never knew that the time would come that their destiny would met and he guesses that she will be the only one who would be able to survive for what he had come to prepare for them. They will be look exactly what had happened to the first batch and now the second batch looks like there will be someone who will be able to survive.

The Vice President Sheila whom which he called Goldilocks because of her golden curly hair. He had completely forgotten her and of course he was able to see her in the television or maybe in tabloids but it was just an image of her but right now from what his birds are seeing he felt like it was the fate that was giving him the key for the both of them. He also knew that she had already her own family and she loves her husband and they already have a son but nevertheless he doesn't care because once he got her she will completely forgets everything about them.

It doesn't even came cross to his mind that they will be meeting soon but he won't slip this time again. His father had told him that their legacy shouldn't be cut off and someone should continue their name and in order for him to do that is for her to bear his child and he doesn't care if they would ever split in the end what is more important is that the child should be born and he believes that he will find all of those answers in time but he will make sure that he will continue the legacy and he had to do an action about that.

He and Sheila had meet in this kind of museum art which had caught his attention when he saw a lady wearing in a red dress and was alone and was in front of a big painting that no one ever landed their eyes into—but it was his favorite painting because it was a small bridge with a stream and there were lotus and there was a little boy who is holding an umbrella for the girl. For them it was a genuine love that speaks everything in the image and it was like magical a fantasy that he had never been felt even though he was making impossible things turn into possible he could even do it to his own life. There he meet Sheila she was just a college student taking law for she had dreams to be a politician and he was working with the experiments that his father had inherited him.

He invited her for a coffee which she gladly give her yes and starting from that day they often have a coffee and so on a dinner and he could completely remembers everything. She was a treasure that he couldn't forget and he was the one who had left without a valid reason, he just left and had focus on his goal thinking that she will be there in the end when he gets back but he was wrong. He was completely wrong and who was he kidding because he had gone for how many years with no connection to her and left her with no valid reason. Who would ever be the person would wait him? He doesn't even know if what he feels was love but that word is not even valid and not in his vocabulary and never will be but the feelings he had was unknown.

He took a deep breath and sighs as he brushed his hair with his fingers. 'What is this feeling," he grunted and because it was just twelve in the evening and Seiji was already in his room probably sleeping he couldn't help but to took a wine and drink it.

Dr. Vega still had a lot of time to relax because he already had come prepared everything for them and he was now just waiting for them to come over and he couldn't wait for that time because he will be able to see her again for how many years had gone. What he should be worrying is that how on earth he would bring her to forget everything.

'How Goldilocks?" he uttered under his breath and pour a glass of wine and instantly gulp it until it was empty.

And then it hit him because he had just a thing for it and how on earth did he even forget such a thing. He had that one when his father saw Hiro from his father's abode and he had it stole from that day when he learned what is that used for. Yes, some of their gadgets were stolen from the idea of the Fushita and that why they are a competitor and at the same time enemies.

Yes, he will use that and he had it hidden to his locker for a long time and he wishes that it still works.

A smile was written on his lips as the monitor shows the face of her and she touches her face in the monitor and his smile never fades as he recalls their first met.

'A lovely painting," he commented which makes her startle from where she was standing and sorts to smile when their eyes meet including him had smiled because of how beautiful she is. The word beautiful itself is not enough to describe her but all he saw from that time was to be treasured to.

She gracefully nodded her head and smile once again, 'Yes, indeed," she answered and a moment of silence took over them and a minute passed when she was about to turn her heels away from him then he spoke up.

He didn't even see it coming out from him but now he had already let those words go out of his mouth so he had to withstand it. Besides he couldn't afford to lose such a beautiful woman in front of him and he will not let her slip. He just got to give his best shot.

'Would you mind taking you to a coffee shop nearby?" he asked while scratching the back of his head which was a cute image for her.

She giggled and it sounds lovely to his ears and the way she placed her hand near to her lips as she covered it like a doll. 'I don't mind," she answered and his eyes lit up with so much excitement.

As they together entered to a coffee shop which was just nearby and also served cupcakes which was her favorite but she didn't tell it to him but he already had read her mind so he was also delightful to know which her favorites was for the first time and he had that kept on his mind already.

They ordered hot chocolate with marshmallows on top instead of coffee and he admits that it would be his first time to be drinking that kind of drink because wasn't fond of sweets yet now he was taking it into his system for her. It was just a small amount of time that they are being together yet he already feels like it was a lifetime already that they know each other and he would everything for her which was the crazy part for him because he never thought that the day would come for him to be in that kind of situation.

They also ordered a brown sugar cupcake with a sprinkle of nuts for him while she had a salted caramel with a sprinkle of chocolate chips and they ordered the big size which also surprised him because lot of women prefer to eat small amounts especially when they are in front of a gentleman. Yet, she was different and therefore he knows that she is not a sugarcoated woman and she likes to be real so everybody would accept her for who she is which was he likes.

They had small talks and asking about what their likes and as corny as it is he knew few things on how to make a woman laugh and he had learned it from his father whenever he was talking about her mother and he knew what had come to an end even though he loves her he still eats he in the end but in his case he will never do that. Which is why he had left her because of those thoughts which keeps hunting him even in his dreams because he believes he could do anything without having to be in that kind of scene which he had. He couldn't just tell her everything and a normal person would indeed be in horror if that ever happens and he doesn't want her dead in any ways.

They have been dating for how many days and Sheila had already used of him being there whenever her school ended and he always takes her to eat dinner not in fancy restaurant but in picnics which was her wish every day and he granted those wish of her light in his heart and he was happy seeing her happy too. It was love indeed and he will do it every day if that is what she wishes for.

After those days that they have spent with each other he had left her in just a blink of an eye and no valid reason. She just woke up the next morning that no Vega is showing up when she finishes her day in school or whenever she is free.

He groaned as he shook his head as he doesn't want to be distracted anymore by those memories. He admits those memories keeps on hunting him in his dreams. He looked at the time and it says that it was nearly in five in the morning and sooner or later they will be in his place and he couldn't wait that to happen and the most exciting part was being with his Goldilocks then. He quickly get out of his room and run to where his office is that is where he had it hidden the thing that he would be using for her to erase her memories permanently and only their good memories will remain.

As he enters his office he smells the room and it was indeed someone had entered again in there and he knew it was that kid which name was Gunner. He looked at the cabinets and from what he had expected he had steal some food again so he dismiss it because there is nothing to worry about it because he believes that a day would come that he would crawl his feet towards him and asking for a survival which was totally understandable because he already had a globe for him and some of his sample experiments will be induced to him. He couldn't wait for that day to come and from what he had felt earlier down there it doesn't even bother him because he knew they will also be caught in no time. Nevertheless he should not be focusing on those things instead he should be focusing on the present which is now slowly approaching his place.

'Brave heart of thinking that they could outcome me," he said as a smile creeps into his lips as he take the device for his love and put it into his pocket.

He finally decided to wake Seiji for him to witness again the second batch and he will be the one to fire those choppers that come nearby. He then walks out of the room and had locked the door for him not to be able to steal from him anymore but he doubt it nevertheless he shouldn't be worrying about it.

He walks where Seiji's room is and when he was already near to his room is he already saw him standing next to his door which looks like he was waiting for him. A smile crossed from Seiji's lips and waves his hand and he couldn't help but to roll his eyes because from what his eyes were telling him it looks like he already knew what was coming. He stops from his tracks and gestured him to follow him which they will be going outside to wait for their visitors.

'I think they are close already," Seiji said and he nodded his head.

'How did you know?" he asked without even looking at him instead he was focus of where they are going and by the help of the hidden shortcuts they were already near to where their destination is.

'What can I say? I am a sly fox," he said which earned him a laugh from Dr. Vega and just nodded his head and doesn't want to ride in his jokes anymore.

When they reached to their destination Dr. Vega believes that they would be there in any minute from now.

'You to aim now," he said which makes Seiji surprised of what he had just said and nodded his head with excitement.

'Just so you know the Vice President shouldn't be dead because she is mine and I'll explain it to you later," he said which also makes Seiji curious but he have to slide it for now because there is no time for digging it in.

He took the weapon which was already prepared just behind them and ready for the aiming for they could already hear the noise of the helicopters flying their way to their direction.

Dr. Vega put an image of thunderstorm which they will also be flying in circle just like what the first batch has experienced.

'Here they come now, aim for fire."