the void || vignette
Being born without a mutation in this new world is not something that makes Shiro feel jealous, or singled out. He doesn’t feel any less pride or shameful in the slightest, but Takashi Shirogane feels weak.
Just about six years older than Lance and Keith, his two best friends, Shiro was like a brother to the two most important people in his life. He was their guardian angel, so to speak. He loved them more than his own life, which was probably why he ended up where he did.
Shiro had been so proud when Lance and Keith’s powers manifested. But he was also terrified for them; with great powers, they would surely be scouted by the Red faction’s army, known for being ruthless killing machines. That would have been the last thing he could ever want for his family. But without an ability born from a mutation, Shiro was powerless.
The Red faction was known for all types of prowess, and Shiro had heard many things about the Red General, and how powerful he was. People revered him like a god; surely he could grant abilities as well. So, in order to save Lance and Keith, he sought the Red General himself.
“I have no need for a powerless ant in my ranks.”
But Shiro was not deterred; he was desperate.
“Please, I’ll do anything.”
“Oh? Anything?”
Shiro nodded without hesitation, with an extreme conviction in his eyes that the Red General seemed to enjoy. A few seconds later and Shiro was whisked away to an all-white room, restrained to an operating table. A couple of men surrounded him, all dressed in lab coats and masks completely covering their faces.
“There are some compounds in our anesthetic that interferes with this operation...are you still willing to go through with the Red General’s wishes?”
The way the doctor spoke wouldn’t have given Shiro an opportunity to change his mind. But Shiro wouldn’t change it for the world.
“I would not be myself if I refused.”
“Hello, my Champion. I see the operation has succeeded.”
The Red General was given no reply.
“Ah, I see the screaming has damaged your vocal cords; no matter, they will heal soon. And right now, they are not needed. What I need from you, my Champion, is your strength. I’ve brought in a prisoner form the pretty little Black faction. They were trying to spy on us, see. They were trying to see what I’ve made you into. Won’t you show me your loyalty?”
Shiro rose from the table where he had just been operated on, eyes dark and lifeless, lips sealed tight as no sound would come from his voice. But he hadn’t remembered the screaming. His arm, raw and forged from steel and New technology, was itching for blood. Then he saw the Black faction’s spy.
She looked terrified, bruised and beaten from an earlier torture. And now she had been brought to her execution at the hands of the Red General’s new play toy. Shiro narrowed his eyes in concentration before he barreled after her. She was quick, reflexes faster than Shiro’s, but she could not last long to Shiro’s new prowess. He had her neck in his vice-like grip with his robotic arm and he considered her weeping, pale face for just a second. And the next second her head had dropped to the cold metallic floor with a thud. The Red General was pleased.
“Takashi Shirogane fights for the glory of the Red Faction.”
Shiro knelt to the ground in respect to his master, waiting for his next order.
“Death be to anyone who gets in our way.”
