The Ghosts of Our Future

[Dr.Ambs]

Rae stood still as her eyes continued to stare at the looming man behind Dante. With a quick glance, the man was able to instill something she had forgotten; fear. It caused her to flinch back a bit, barely able to hear Dante call her to sit down. It wasn't until the older officer asked the daunting man to deliver a message did she take a seat. Then there was too. The younger marine could still hear the argument raging in her head, causing her to look down from sheer embarrassment. Perhaps he was going to scold her for that too. Yet when Dante asked how she was feeling, quickly answering it himself, her purple gems looked up to him.

He wasn't going to throw the scene back in her face? It caused her to slightly nod to his remark, before her eyes watched him roam the room to get a few things before sitting down. He began to talk about Night Beast Island. About her brother.

Yet this time, no tears came her her eyes. No sign of distraught. No sign of a breakdown. Instead, her eyes slightly narrowed as her ears focused on his words. She had noticed a lot of people were scared of this place. Very few came away alive or barely injured. The fact that her brother had fallen there made a lot of the men want to avoid the topic all together. The commander of the base had briefed her lightly on the mission; Rance was declared dead when his bloody dog tags were delivered to them, just as the scientist.

The blue haired teen read over the paper she was given by the silver haired marine, her eyes quick to read. It seemed like a normal report, but Dante had pointed out things she would have never thought of. The fact that Samuel Davis was being brought up caused her to tighten her grip on the paper. She had talked to him earlier that day, knew who she was, but didn't tell her of her brother? It began to click in her head, no wonder Dante didn't trust the guy. It did cause her to wonder why she hadn't picked something wrong with him in the first place. "I thought the only reason he knew me was because... we were guests here. But he had been on the mission with my brother." Her voice trailed off as her eyes became like fire. He knew her, called her out, and refused to tell her of her brother's mission? His death?

Glancing up, the teenager only placed the paper back down on the desk, if Dante wanted her to keep tabs on him, then she would. It's not like it wouldn't be too hard. The man had asked her out on a date after all. She would just have to learn to control her temper. The truth of it was that she wanted to find him and beat the living crap out of him, yet she didn't want to disappoint Dante or her comrades anymore than she had with her breakdown. Regardless, keeping a check on Davis wouldn't be a probably.

Exhaling, Rae let herself lay back in the chair, glancing at the floor. Perhaps she should apologize for the events earlier, but Dante wasn't bringing them up, so she shouldn't, right? However, the fact that he asked if she was still okay almost bothered her. Of course she was okay. Well, for the most part. True, her brother was her world. To think that he was dead nearly shattered her. Yet she realized that the world was not stopping. Shutting her eyes, the teen pup could only see her brother. She wondered how much he had changed since she last saw him. Regardless, it was time that Rae stepped up now.

"You don't have to worry about me Dante." her voice broke out, her purple gems looking up at the ceiling. "Rather we find Rance or not, rather he's dead or alive... I have to keep going. I can't just waste away. The men here all told me what my brother was like while he was here. They all looked up to him, went to him for guidance." There was a small pause as her lips twisted to a smile, it sounded just like her brother. It was a short second before she sat up straight looking at Dante, "I'm gonna be like him, like my brother. I'll be someone people can look up to. So don't worry about me."

The wild cat gave a grin to her superior officer. Although small, her eyes flickered with her determination. If her brother was dead, she would have to live with the regret of never having to have apologized to him, yet she would still live on. She would still make her brother proud. If Rance was alive, then she would believe in any god for the miracle bestowed upon her. "So tell me, when do we get to leave for the mission?" She asked.

[|The SHAKINATOR|]

Dante paused a moment at the question. They had been scheduled to leave the day following tomorrow but with light to the recent information he had found, he wasn’t willing to risk his troopers out there knowing fully well that they could be walking right into a trap.

He had spent many hours pondering over this and had made his decision regarding it. Now that he had been promoted to the position of a captain, he had the authority to bring such decision to the table, as long as he could justify his decisions and rationalise his thought-process.

Not only was he a Captain but he had been secretly put in charge of an internal investigation concerning corruption in the bureau.

He had discussed this with nobody but his letter explaining a month of preparation had been written up. There were some things the tactically efficient marine wanted to take care of before heading for the island. This included both his personal training in the more secret arts available to the higher ranked marines and also the training of his close subordinates.

Although they had progressed somewhat since Shivre Mountain, it had only been a week or so since that event had taken place. They needed more time to reach the levels they were capable of achieving.

One thing Dante firmly believed in was improvement. You never reached a stage where you no longer had to strive to improve. There was always someone out there that was stronger than you, faster than you or someone who could out-smart you. You had to be physically and mentally stronger than your opponents to survive in this world. He would have to drill this philosophy into his team before they headed out to Night Beast Island.

The son of Lee Dante of the Xiaolan Family planned to cover all bases before the journey was to be made. The reason for his haste in picking his team was for none other than training purposes. He had experienced what the lack of planning and training could lead to. The fiasco of Operation Shivre Mountain still hung loosely at the back of his mind. Never again he thought to himself.

“Rae… I’ve decided to postpone our leaving for the island.”

He paused a moment, not quite sure how to explain. This would undoubtedly make it less likely that they would find Rance alive if he wasn’t already dead but risking a whole squadron on a whim was beyond foolish and Dante would not be remembered as such, even if he were to fail.

“We need more preparation. I need you all to be stronger… a lot stronger. I’m not willing to risk your lives out there when I personally do not think we are ready for such a mission. I will not be pressurised by the higher authorities in this base to make such reckless decisions.”

Pausing a moment to fold his hands at his desk, he looked at the wood that held his research rather than into the eyes of the girl who had received news of her brother’s death.

“We won’t be leaving until the 4th day of the next moon… exactly 30 days from now.”

There was a reason why he had picked such a date other than giving them time to prepare. From his reports, he had come to find a pattern in the behaviour of the beasts. The night of the 14th cycle of the moon, there was far more activity reported on the island. Dante didn’t believe much in folklore surrounding the white shining ball in the sky but the full-moon seemed to be pivotal in this investigation.

He wanted to be ready for this encounter and that was the date he had marked on his calendar. It was the date he would find out the truth behind this whole mystery surrounding the island, Rance and the failed mission.

[Dr.Ambs]

Rae caught the hesitation in his voice. He didn't reply right away when they were leaving. It caused her grin to fade as the more time passed silently. With the news of postponing, her body moved on her own, standing up quickly, "How long are you postponing this?" She called out, her voice a bit raised. Not with anger, but with concern. When were they suppose to leave? Why was he postponing. As the older marine voiced his concern, her own heart sped up.

While yes, Rae understood his own concern of not wanting a repeat of Shivre Mountain, her own emotions were starting to get in the way. If they postpone this expedition too long, that slim hope of Rance still alive, that hope would die quickly. Even though she expressed that rather they found him alive or dead she would still become the marine he wanted, Rae still would like to find her brother alive than dead. Yet she didn't shout this time at him. She stood still, listening with her fist clenched.

Dante wanted them stronger. Rae knew that, understood that. Personally, Rae wasn't strong like Dante or Ayumi. The teenager was a league under them all in strength and experience. Was it because she would be going? That because she wasn't stronger, that he was postponing this? Her purple gems looked to the floor, hearing that it was going to be 30 days before they left. The pup was only silent for a moment before she looked up at him, "Are you postponing this because I'm not strong enough yet?" She asked him tentatively.

She would understand if he said yes. Rae was the weak link in the group, something the young wild cat had known about since the failed mission at Shivre. Why Dante kept her around when she wasn't even close to Ayumi and Yuri's strength she didn't know. Potential? That had been something he expressed to her on the ship before the attack. Her hand went to her side, feeling where the blade had entered her, the permanent scar and reminder of her weakness would haunt her.

"I swear, I'm trying to catch up, I really am. I think I'm getting the hang of it though. Thinking before I act. It's what you were trying to get through when we sparred on the ship right?" The blue haired teen expressed, "I'm actually trying, I just don't think it's working." She muttered under her breath. The teenager had felt like the past few days had been a miss. Especially since she had been in the hospital bed for a few days since the ship battle.

Now with the news of a thirty day delay, it made the girl want to kick the nearest object; the chair. She already felt useless, now that she had the small hope that her brother was miles away possibly alive, she felt even more useless. Her brother could be on deaths bed, needing medical care. What if he died alone? A man like him should never have to fear the loneliness of death. What if she got there and he was close to death? Could she handle having her brother die before her? Rae only shook her head as she looked at Dante, hoping he would be able to help her easy her worry.

"I don't want to be the weak link in this group, and I know it's important to be stronger but.. why are you delaying this? You said you thought that he could be alive, and what if those other people, the scientist are still alive? What if they're being hurt or starved? Would they last another month before we get there?" She expressed. Perhaps it was because she wasn't in his position. Rae never thought to think that Dante was now responsible for other people's lives. However, the young marine thought she was thinking of others lives now; those in danger.

[|The SHAKINATOR|]

He knew the response he was going to get. It would not make sense to Rae and she would fight for it, now that he had given her hope. Perhaps it was wrong of him to do so, despite his whim of Rance being alive. There was grief on his face as he began to think his decision through.

Would it perhaps be better to go earlier, rather than late to ensure the safety of Rance and the scientists who were missing?

No... He couldn’t second guess himself like that. His reasoning for delaying the mission was completely rational, despite the pleas of a young girl hoping for her brother’s life. He cared for Rae, she was his subordinate but he wasn’t going to risk the lives of a whole task force upon this fallacy. It was a delusion he had created himself that they would be able to bring back Rance alive but it was what it was and there was no guarantee or concrete proof that such was the case.

There was a slight chance that it was true. It was the matter of probability and logic. Rance may well be alive considering a corpse was not found. That was the hope he had given Rae but he could not give her any more than that.

“I’m sorry Rae but my decision must stand. Yes, the truth is I don’t believe you are capable of bringing success to this task on your own. Even I don’t think I am capable. Rance is a very accomplished marine and if he failed this task, the only explanation is that he wasn’t at the level required to be successful.

We need to take every precaution necessary that we don’t end up another anomaly in amongst bodies of dead marines. Our priority is the success of this mission foremost. As marines we must uphold that duty before the lives of our loved ones. I am taking my dead uncles daughter on this mission with me. I don’t want to be responsible for the ending of his bloodline should things go wrong.”

Thoughts flushed back to him of a smiling face and green eyes. His uncle had also been a marine who had perished on duty. It was the reason why his father had ensured both he and Ayumi were well equipped with dealing with danger so that they wouldn’t end up dying like his siblings; Captain Lekal Dante and Ensign Shivette Dante.

He didn’t remember much about the death of his aunt. Nobody spoke of it so he wasn’t sure if she had died before or after his birth. All he had heard was the fact she was a prodigy and a ferocious marine.

It was ironic; they were at the same ranks their predecessors of the Xiaolan family had reached before finding their demise. Perhaps they too were destined for the same fate.


“I have to ensure that I do everything I can to guarantee the success of this task and for that I need time to prepare myself, my plan and my troops. The last thing Rance would want is to see you die before his eyes should he be alive and we fail.”

He paused a moment, hesitating to lie to the girl before him but he kept his composure. His face remained unnerved, despite the thoughts clouding his mind.

“I have a gut feeling that Rance is not dead and will remain alive by the time we get to the island. I cannot explain to you why but you’ve got to take my word on this. I want to reunite you with your brother just as much as I want to ensure nobody dies on this task.”

His eyes suddenly fell to the letter he had received earlier this morning. It was a letter from the marine authorities in charge of promotions. Along with having received his own official appointment to the rank of Captain, there was also a new rank for the blue-haired girl that sat before him.

“I almost forgot…”

Dante spoke softly once more, a smile almost spreading across his face as he remembered his own promotion up from the lowly rank of sea-man recruit. He had hated being looked down upon by every single marine in the base. Your family and bloodline meant nothing to these people. The only thing that mattered was the insignia on your badge.

Remus Dante had to learn this message the hard way. It took sheer will-power to remain in control of his actions and only through gritted teeth had he managed to climb to the ranks of a Warrant Officer at the age of 18, a whole two years’ worth of grovelling.

“Here’s your new rank Rae. You’ve been promoted for your actions and abilities over these past two weeks. You’re a Warrant Officer now.”

[Dr.Ambs]

The truth stung. The fact that she was one of the reasons for delay was something that caused the teenager to only sit back down in the chair. Rae still had a lot to learn. Yet the more Dante talked about it, how not even he was ready, it caused her to look up at him. Dante didn't think he was strong enough either? Perhaps it was because Dante was the only strong person she had seen, that she forgot that Dante was still human and not a super powerful being. Further in his speech it dawned on her. Her brother had been a Lt. and had even failed this mission. What difference would a Seaman Recruit make?

Hanging her head in defeat, his other truth hit her. Dante knew what he would be risking, not just his life, but the entire team including Ayumi. How stupid was she? How selfish was she? She only though about her brother and no one else. The young marine hadn't put anyone else in her line of thought but her brother. I guess there's a reason why Dante is the leader of this team and not me. I would have everyone killed on the first mission... Her own inner voice echoed.

You never think things through Rae

Her teeth gritted as she heard her brother's scolding. She was going to have to change a lot of things. Purple orbs looked up as she heard the silver haired marine express the more reasons why he was delaying and that he was still promising that Rance would be alive and that they would find him. He had a point, dying on a mission to rescue her brother would be pointless. "Yeah, you're right. I'm... sorry." Her voice spoke, barely audible. Rae exhaled and cleared her throat, "You've led us this far without facing death, I should trust you.. I do trust you. I'm sorry Dante." The pup spoke as she lifted her head to face him.

The young blue haired teen was about to stand and leave when he still had some matters to attend to her. The news hit her like a brick, her mouth almost dropping. Warrant Officer? Her? How was that possible? "You mean..." Her voice was useless, her mind still trying to understand what happened. She was no longer a Seaman Recruit, she was a Warrant Officer. Forget hitting Petty Officer, she was higher than that! In only the first few months of her enlistment.

It hit her suddenly and she jumped up with a huge grin on her face, "You mean it?! You're not pulling my leg? Cause if you are, I'm going to hit you! You mean I'm not a recruit? I'm really a Warrant Officer?! Aw man! Just wait until the kids back home here that! That'll show 'em who's the street fighter!" She nearly shouted, her hands holding onto her hair, "Oh! Just wait until I tell Ayumi! Thanks Dante! You really mean it though right?!" She reassured.

She began to head to the door at a rush, wanting to let the pink clad girl of her accomplishment before her hand stopped at the door knob. Rae wouldn't have gotten this far if she hadn't stumbled on the group that night, if she hadn't broken the rules and went with Dante. It almost caused her to chuckle. Yeah, she knew Dante didn't trust people easily, he pointed a gun in her face the first time they met.

Turning a bit, she smiled back at the older marine, "Thanks Dante, I wouldn't have made it this far if it wasn't for you. Are you still gonna be able to train me while we wait for the departure? If not, I'm sure I can manage on my own, you look busy with all that paperwork." She half thanked, half asked. It would bother her a bit if he couldn't, only because she didn't know if she'd be able to further her skills on her own. But if he couldn't, she would understand and just have to push on her own at her best.

[|The SHAKINATOR|]

The newly appointed Captain hadn’t been entirely sure of his approach with Rae. She was young and had begun to open up to him. Having to switch from friend to an honest captain’s approach was difficult to carry out and Dante could only imagine having to actually be on the receiving end of such changes in relationship.

Much to his relief and delight, Rae had taken it quite well. She trusted his judgement, something he valued above everything else considering trust was what he based most of his lies on and the reason he got away with the wrongs he mixed in with the rights.

He didn’t think of himself as a good guy. His father had taught him and reminded him time and time again that good guys finished last or ended up dead. No, he was no saint and didn’t plan on becoming one but it did feel good helping a friend and there was no harm in caring for people that were close to you. It was the only true way to reach out to them by showing them that you were there to help them and guide them.

The noble-born marine couldn’t help but enjoy the joy of his compatriot with a smile of his own.

“You deserve the promotion Rae, you’ve earned it. Like I said, I can see you going places and I will help you get there.”

He gave her a nod and a bared a grin, wondering if he should formally congratulate her with a handshake but then deciding there was no need. The matter at hand that did need addressing however was her training.

“For your training, I think we need to make you stronger physically before we look into teaching you new skills and improving the one you currently possess.

The best man for that job would be Lieutenant Haem. He knows to build muscle quickly and will know the best training routine to better your fighting style. I’m planning to have sessions of my own with him as he is a skilled trainer as well as a fighter due to his discipline in life.”

Dante felt Rae wouldn’t be too comfortable with this considering how intimidating Haem could be but it was for the best in this situation. Dante had to get a lot of work done before the month expired and couldn’t watch over all of Rae’s training.

“Not sure if it will make things any better for you but Yuri will also be taking part in these training sessions with you.

Apart from Haem, Ayumi and Yuri will also be teaching you some basic skills in regards to movement and stealth. You’ll be so busy this next month, you won’t even realise when it ends, that much I can guarantee.”

The silver-haired assassin began to think of his own training session ahead. He had been given an opportunity to learn the secret marine arts of Rokushiki. He wouldn’t be able to master them all in such a short period of time hence why he had picked on a couple to get started with; Soru and Geppou.

From his understanding of them, they would vastly improve his current combat abilities as his fighting style revolved around dodging and striking quick. His marksmanship was good enough to get by but his martial arts required more fine-tuning he felt and that was where he planned to excel in.

If he himself could move at a speed where he could dodge bullets, without a doubt he would meet opponents who were also capable of doing so. In such occasions he would not be of any use, unless he possessed the skill of someone as notorious as Ben Beckman of the Red-Hair Pirates. Dante knew he wasn’t going to reach that level any time soon therefore he focused on more practical things.

[Dr.Ambs]

Training with Haem? That huge intimidating man that had been with them earlier? It caused the teenager to shiver from fear for a moment. The man looked like someone who could knock her through a few walls than train her. Yet as Dante informed her that Yuri and Ayumi would be training her for stealth, the pipsqueak began to realize how real this was all turning out to be. Something was off in the marines, off with this base. More importantly, off with Samuel Davis.

Her lips formed a frown as her mind slightly wandered a bit. There should be no problem talking to Samuel, the man always asked for her to tag along with him. Getting anything from him would be easy. However, she had to keep her own composure and hold herself from knocking the guy out. Although Rae didn't know his strength and weakness, didn't know his fighting style at all.

Glancing to Dante, she nodded, "Right, I think I can handle it." She spoke as she placed her hands in her pockets. "If you need any help passing the paper work out, let me know. Actually if you need help with anything just call out. I'll try and swing by once I talk around." She spoke for a moment, before turning to head to the door. However before the officer could open the door, there was a knock. It startled the girl enough to cause her hand to flinch back. Purple orbs looked back to the newly appointed captain before she opened the door, seeing none other than Samuel Davis.

It was a quick second that fear flashed in her eyes. Had he been listening in? What if he had? How much had he heard? Yet the sandy blond man only smiled to her, "Hello Rae, I hope I didn't interrupt anything." He spoke, glancing up to see Dante, before back to her, "Your friend, Ayumi I believe her name is, told me that you were talking with your superior, I didn't mean to intrude." He spoke as his smile never left his lips.

"Oh, Ayumi, yeah. I was just leaving." Rae spoke, looking back to Dante.

"Great. I was hoping you would accompany me to this restaurant in town. I heard about your promotion, you should go out and celebrate don't you think?" He asked her. The small pup looked up at him, almost as if he had lost his mind. Was this a date or a celebration? Rae didn't know, she never thought about how things would be.

"Sure. You have to pay, and let me tell you, I eat twice my weight." She blurted out, placing her hands on her hips, "Meet you at the gate in fifteen." She spoke, before shutting the door in his face, literally. Her teeth gritted tightly, her fist clenched. That lying bastard. He acted like he knew nothing, like what happened on the mission with her brother was a nightmare. He smiled at her like there was nothing he knew about.

Turning to face Dante she held her hand up, "Training with Haem, Ayumi, and Yuri. Learn to be stealthy. Build more muscle. Watch that guy. Leaving in one month for this Night Beast island." She spoke as she pointed to each finger as she listed the main points they had discussed. "Got it. Thanks Dante. Er. Well, thank you captain." She corrected before saluting him.

With that being that, the blue haired marine walked out of the room, shutting the door carefully before heading back to her room. She had a month to improve, to be able to keep up with the others. Rae had chores to do as well, like looking after Samuel, hoping to find something about him. Perhaps she would find some way to see if there was a chink in his armor, or if he would spill what really happened on that island with her. It was worth the shot at least. The only thing Rae had to do, was not kill the man.