Liberate [ discontinued ]

[Asherwy]

almost finished with the second chapter sorry for the hold up

[Asherwy]

chapter 2: a small surprise

School was over and Kiwako was cleaning up the classroom along with Futeki, Arashi and Itsuki. Futeki was dusting the erasers while Arashi picked up bits of trash on the ground. Itsuki and Kiwako were sweeping up the area, both of them glancing out the window every once in a while.

Earlier on the roof, Kiwako had told Itsuki that she didn’t feel safe if it was just the two of them, so Itsuki instructed her to volunteer with the classroom clean up. He explained that if she did, then Futeki would participate as well, which would lead to Arashi volunteering since he had plans with Futeki, then he would apply for the last spot once all three had raised their hands. There, he would discuss the matter with them. After he had clarified the reason, she quickly realised that he would volunteer last so that the group of girls who drooled over him wouldn’t be able to participate.

Kiwako stopped sweeping in front of one of the windows, her silver optics catching a faint column of smoke in the distance, barely visible because of the Barricade. She could’ve sworn that there was a tint of red mingled with the smoke.

“It must be the war.” Itsuki’s voice startled her, causing her head to whip to the side where Itsuki was standing. She surveyed his face, it seemed to always be blank and unreadable, similar to her own. Almost everyone she was friends with said that her stare could cut through stone, but it didn’t seem to other Futeki, Arashi or Itsuki.

Focusing her attention back to the smoke, both of them stood there and gazed at it for a while, Futeki and Arashi’s conversation faint in the background.

“What the hell are you doing?”
“I’m picking up trash.”
“No you aren’t, you’re just creating a pile of crap around the garbage can.”
“Well what about you? You call that dusting erasers?”
“Yes, because I’m doing it properly.”
“All you’re doing is covering the floor with chalk!”
“At least that’s better than crapping around the bin.”
“You’re just making Kiwako and Itsuki’s job harder. Right guys? Uh...guys?”

At the sound of their names being called, Kiwako and Itsuki snapped out of their trance and stared at Arashi with blank faces. “What is it?” They asked in unison. Then Itsuki blinked, changing to a more serious expression. “We need to discuss something,” he started, “Kiwako and I want to peek over the wall.”

It was Arashi and Futeki’s turn to stare at them with blank faces, shock seemed to dance in their eyes. “What.” Futeki said, her tone flat, almost mechanic.

“Kiwako and I want to peek over the wall.” Itsuki repeated.
“Are you guys serious.” Arashi questioned, his voice was flat as well.
“Dead.” Kiwako answered.
“And why exactly are you telling us this?” Futeki inquired.
“Because Kiwako says she doesn’t feel safe if it’s just me.” Itsuki replied bluntly.
“You weren’t supposed to say that idiot.” Kiwako objected, shooting him a harsh look.
“Whatever. Anyway, can you come or not?” Itsuki continued.

Futeki and Arashi gaped at them for a moment longer before huddling together in a private conversation, though they were loud enough to hear.

“So? What do you think?” Arashi asked.
“No way.” Futeki responded.
“Come on, it’s way more exciting than what we originally planned for today.”
“I don’t care.”
“Ah well, looks like you’re pretty set on your answer. I wonder how Kiwako will fare with Itsuki. Alone. Walking. Together. It’s not like our friend Itsuki would do anything right?”

Futeki glared at him for a few moments before sighing, “Fine, fine. But I’m only doing this for Kiwako.” Both of them turned to face Itsuki and Kiwako, nodding. “We’ll go.”

---

“What. The. Hell.” Futeki’s shocked voice echoed in the alleyway where they had emerged. Indeed they approached the grey wall, but a line of armed soldiers with blank expressions blocked the way to the entrance. There was a red line just 5 feet in front of the soldiers, it was obvious that they’d shoot if the group crossed the line.

The soft clicking of footsteps them distracted the group from the wall of sentries. There were about six men, all scruffy looking and seemed to be coated with grime. Most of them were bald, and what hair the rest of the men did have was covered in grease. The one up front was balancing a nearly finished cigarette in between his rotting teeth, he was obviously the leader.

“Oooh looky here,” the front man sneered, “a bunch of high school snobs checking out the barricade.”
“Woah, this one’s cute.” Another stepped forward and grabbed Futeki’s wrist, a disgusting grin painted across his expired face.

Cringing, Futeki made no effort to try and free herself from his grip, she seemed to know that it would lead to more trouble. Apparently her captor got the wrong idea. “Hey guys, she’s not struggling. Looks like she wants it.” With that, he pulled her closer to him, and judging from her expression his breath must stink.

“Get off her you fat ass baboon!” Arashi formed a fist and uppercutted the man, causing him to loose his grip on Futeki as Arashi wrapped his free arm around her waist and pulled her back. “Filthy scum.” He muttered under his breath.

Glaring at Arashi, he wiped his bloody nose. To Kiwako’s surprise, his glare transformed into a grin as he gained eye contact with her, then glancing at the rest of his gang. Quickly realizing what he was hinting at, Kiwako jumped back but someone had already took hold of her arm and pulled her in. The man who held her smelled like sour milk and expired beer. “This one’s a pretty flower ain’t she?”

Anger bubbling inside her, she jerked her leg up and caught him in the private, an unmanly squeal escaping his mouth. Feeling the grip loosen, she punched him in the side of the face, blood streaming out of his nostrils.

Whipping around to check on the others, she noticed that she was surrounded by the six men. Her friends were barely visible through the barrier of hobos. They had obviously forgotten about them.

“Run!” Itsuki yelled at Arashi and Futeki. Futeki nodded and took hold of Arashi’s wrist, which was still around her waist, and ran. A reluctant look was printed on her face as she glanced at Kiwako, but she kept running. Oily arms suddenly wrapped around her chest, the stench of the men caused her to gag as she brought down her shoe on his foot. Grunting in pain, he let go, creating an opening which she quickly ran through. Crashing into Itsuki, she felt his firm hands grasp her shoulders as he steadied her.

“Look.” He said softly, pointing to the line of sentries. There was an opening. The guards that had left the gap were wrestling mindlessly with the gang of men. Immediately getting his hint, she sprinted through the gap with Itsuki beside her. Gunshots sounded, but by then they were already through the entrance and were racing up the stairs. Fortunately, there were no guards on the way up, so they slowed down a bit. It was a long way up, and no guards chased after them.

“Are you alright?” Itsuki asked.
“Yeah.” She answered, her heart was pounding.
“Are you sure?”
Shooting a him a look of defiance, she replied, “what? Think I’m too stupid to know if I’m wounded or not?”
Suppressing a chuckle, he smiled at her. “No, it’s just that their stench might’ve messed with your brain.”
“Haha, so funny.”
“I’m a funny guy.”
“Indeed.”

There was a pause, the silence was suffocating in the dimly lit stairway. A stab of pain caused her to stop for a moment, it came from her arm, where the man had grabbed her. Itsuki advanced a couple of steps before noticing that she wasn’t beside him anymore. Anxiety flared in his sunset orbs, he was about to head down towards her but then stopped, his anxiety replaced by confusion. Ignoring Itsuki’s sudden change in attitude, she rolled up the sleeve of her uniform and checked the source of the pain. It was bruised, she hadn’t noticed how strong the man’s grip was. Sighing, she rolled her sleeve back down and gazed at Itsuki, he was still wearing that stupid frown.

“If you’re going to stand there like an idiot all day be my guest.” Marching past Itsuki, she nudged him gently to wake him up.
“Huh-? Oh, sorry.” Blinking, Itsuki seemed to lag behind a little, but she didn’t slow down for him. Not even a bit.

It was starting to get annoying. Itsuki was the one who wanted to go up the wall. He was the one who suggested it. He was the one who got his friends and herself nearly killed by some random hobos on the street. The fact that he’s losing focus was infuriating. Groaning, Kiwako turned and headed back down a flight or two until she reached Itsuki. Seizing him by the collar of his shirt, she glared into his eyes, letting her fury seep into them as she ran through all the insults she could say.

“Listen.” She started, “Futeki was assaulted by a stinking hobo. I was assaulted by a stinking hobo. You nearly got both of us killed. Now you’re lagging behind. You’re lagging behind when this is your idea, your damn idea and right now I’m scolding you about your idea.” Exhaling, she let go and continued, “I don’t care about whatever it is you’re thinking about, but right now this is your idea. Take charge of it or I’m leaving.”

The last two words seemed to catch his attention as the light returned to his eyes. Shaking his head, he returned his usual blank expression. “Sorry, I was being stupid. Let’s go.”

They continued without trouble up the staircase, both of them silent during the climb. Kiwako’s anger faded quickly after Itsuki snapped back to reality. She was faintly curious about what he was thinking about, but pushed the thought away. It was none of her business, nothing was her business unless she was involved. It was mindless logic, she couldn’t understand why other people want to be part of another’s business.

Soon enough, daylight reached them and the pair emerged from the dim stairwell. It took a few moments for her to adjust to the sun, and when she did Itsuki was staring at the city. Following his gaze she was met by the majestic site of Kyoto. She could just make out the opposite side of the wall, it was really quite the view. Edging closer to the railing, she looked down to see the sentries back in place with the gang of hobos gone as well. How are we supposed to get back out? The thought vanished when Itsuki called her. He was on the other railing, facing the outside.

“Kiwako, come here.”
Turning, she could feel her pupils dilate at the site.
The war wasn’t at the Kansai Barricade, it was at Himeji, hopefully. It was hard to believe since it looked like China had advanced halfway to Kyoto.

---

<- chapter 1

chapter 3 ->

Note;; wow this took a while, sorry. it seems that I might release a chapter each month ;v;

[Asherwy]

added a little picture up front ;3
made it myself -so proud-

[Muse.]

Ooooh. Sorry for reading this so late, I've been swamped with life.

Story is coming along great so keep working hard! It takes longer to type up chapters and stuff than you thought, huh? I'm always amazed how long it actually takes to type up a full page in Word. u.u I wish you luck in continuing this story, I really hope that you can continue it and actually finish it as sometimes it's hard to complete something that goes on for a long time. ;3

I look forward to seeing how the characters develop, as well as the plot.

[Asherwy]

Thanks muse ;3

[pappuppy]

{{May I just say this story is amazing? I love how it seems to be in a anime/manga style. I can defintiely picture this as an anime while I read it!

Great job!! Keep up the good work!

[Asherwy]

{{May I just say this story is amazing? I love how it seems to be in a anime/manga style. I can defintiely picture this as an anime while I read it!

Great job!! Keep up the good work!

ahhh thank you so much ;3
But unfortunately the chapters will be released very slowly ;v;

[.:A r i c a R e e:.]

Ooooh this seems very interesting. @~@ I wonder what Itsuki was thinking about o.O And love Kiwako's personality :3 Can't wait till the next chapter!

[Asherwy]

Ooooh this seems very interesting. @~@ I wonder what Itsuki was thinking about o.O And love Kiwako's personality :3 Can't wait till the next chapter!

;a; thanks arica <3

[Asherwy]

chapter 3: the decision is made

“I’m sure they’re fine. I’ll call them to check okay?” Is what Itsuki had said to her before she left for home. The suspicions they had were confirmed on that wall. The government was lying to them. How idiotic of them, to keep a secret this big from their country. They even blocked the news of war from the televisions. She supposed that was to prevent riots from occurring, but what about the cities that had relatives of families? Surely they wouldn’t be able to contact them.

Feeling irritated and upset by their discovery, Kiwako unlocked the front door to her house and switched on the lights before closing the door behind her. Kicking off her school shoes she untied her hair and hung her coat on the rack next to the door.

She lived in a modern Japanese home, nothing at all like the future predictions of the past. There were no hovering cars, just hovering scooters. Apparently there was something wrong with the weight of the car and the law of gravity. Her house had two floors, the first floor held the kitchen, a bathroom and the living room. The second floor was where her bedroom was, along with her parents’ bedroom. Each bedroom had their own bathroom.

Kiwako’s father was off fighting in the war and her mother was there to help take care of the soldiers. A generous amount of money was sent to her every week to help her with the school fees and house bills, the money would keep coming unless her parents died. Despite that she still took up a part time job at a café not far from her new school.

Rummaging through her bag, she pulled out her Giniro, which means Silver in english. It was a new type of Phone that you placed on your eye, like contact lenses. It lets one eye see your phone data while the other functions normally. Giniro relies on your eye movements, selecting whatever your pupil locked on for two seconds. Giniro comes with an earpiece for phone calls and such.

Taking the Giniro earpiece, she removed the lens that was embedded in the earpiece. Depositing it on her eye, she browsed through her contacts as she cooked some ramen. Kiwako then realized that she didn’t have Futeki or Arashi in her contacts yet, only Itsuki. “Here, my number,” He had told her after they left the wall, “just in case you get into any trouble. We might’ve been caught up there by some cameras, not that I think you’re weak.”

“Tch.” She wasn’t the strongest person in the world, but she definitely was not weak. She had taken lessons in almost every martial art there was, even military fighting style. She was never trained how to use a gun though, only swords, knives and fists.

Taking off her Giniro, she returned the lens back into the earpiece and stuffed it into her pocket. *Itte dakimasu. She thought as she fed the noodles into her mouth, the flavor washing around her tongue. She loved ramen.

---

Kiwako was just finishing up english homework when her Giniro vibrated on the desk, the image of a question mark appearing on the lens, which meant ‘unknown caller.’ Sighing, she took out the lens and laid it on her eye, then put on the earpiece, selecting the ‘answer’ option. A techno note sounded and the crescendo of Futeki’s voice blasted into her ear. “KIWAKO!!! Are you okay? Where are you? Itsuki-kun said you were fine and that you were at home but I don’t believe him.”

“You’re so loud. How did you get my number?” Kiwako inquired with a blank expression, a little annoyed at her ‘friend.’

“Ah, sorry sorry. But you’re fine right? Good. Anyway, Itsuki gave me your number so I called you right away. Did you get to see what was over the wall? I didn’t ask Itsuki anything since I can’t believe that dull blob of a human. In fact you and him are kind of the same...”

“So you’re calling me a dull blob now.” Kiwako’s expression stayed the same, although her annoyance mounted.

“Oh no! No, sorry about that it’s just-never mind. Just tell me what you saw.”

Kiwako really didn’t feel like talking, but she exhaled and replied anyway. “China pushed Japan’s defenses all the way back. They’re fighting a little past Himeji now.”

Futeki’s gasp sounded on the other end of the line. “R-Really? Wow. You guys were right.”

A sudden thought hit Kiwako. “Don’t go telling everyone alright? Who knows what might happen if people found out. Even if it’s just a rumor, it’s still pretty powerful.”

“Oh, sure...” Futeki’s voice was distant, but returned to normal when she continued, “I can tell Arashi right?”

Blinking, Kiwako approved. “Yeah, you can.”

“That reminds me! Do you remember when he wrapped his arm around my waist and dragged me away? When we were approached by the group of hobos? That was so embarrassing!”

“I don’t feel anything of the sort. If a guy touches you just hit him.”

“Ehh? Honestly Kiwako, it’s like there are no emotions in that cold heart of yours.”

“Shut up. You interrupted me while I was doing homework so I’m hanging up now.”

“You’re so mean!”

“Later.”

The characters ‘Call End’ appeared on the screen and she took off the lens and the earpiece, fixing them back together and laying them on the desk. “No emotions huh?” She mumbled to herself as she packed up her schoolwork. After everything was in her bag for tomorrow, she set it on her chair and switched off the desk light.

Grabbing her hoodie from the closet, she pulled it over her head and smoothed it down with her hands. It got pretty chilly in her room overnight, she liked keeping the air conditioning cold. It made her feel cozy with all the blankets plus her hoodie on the bed. She then turned off the main light, letting the moonlight wash her room in pale blue as it shone through the window.

Flopping down on her bed, she pulled the blanket over her head and buried her face in the soft pillow, wondering what Itsuki was thinking when they were going up the staircase, wondering where the group of hobos disappeared to when they returned from the wall, wondering why the government was keeping this a secret from them. Perhaps there was a very good reason for it, but she couldn’t understand what was so important as to keeping something this huge from their country.

Fury began to pulse in her chest, an indignant anger finding it’s way into her thoughts. She hated that they kept secrets from they’re people. Why would they do that? Why would they be so unfair to them? They should know that Japan would find out eventually, and everyone will hate the government more than ever. In fact, they already have found out, but they were nice enough not to break it to everyone. Besides, who would believe them anyway? If the people were choosing whether to believe the government or some teenagers, of course they’d pick government.

Kiwako wallowed in her anger for a few minutes before it subsided. Shifting position, her trail of thought led her back to the conversation she had earlier with Futeki, and wondered if she did have any emotions other than annoyance and anger.

---

The next day at school, Kiwako entered the classroom and at least half the girls immediately flocked her. Her expression changed from neutral to annoyed in less than a second.

“Kiwako-san!”
“Kiwa-chan!”
“You’re hair’s so pretty today!”
“You smell so nice, what soap do you use?”
“I wish I was pretty like you!”

Suddenly, the girls parted and a group of guys were shoving another boy forward, towards her. The boy looked very uncomfortable. “Come on, say it!” Said one guy. “Be a man!” Said another. The boy up front looked down, then up again at Kiwako, his face flushed red. The girls immediately started to whisper.

“Is he going to confess?”
“Of course Kiwa-chan would get a guy by now, she’s so pretty!”
“Not to mention perfect!”
“Yeah! Yeah!”

Kiwako ignored them and glared at the boy, thinking of how weak and pathetic he looked right now. All she wanted to do was punch some power into this vegetable of a human. Then the boy spoke. “Um, I just wanted to sa-”

“Sorry, she’s taken.”

An arm found it’s way across her shoulders. Glancing beside her, Kiwako saw the familiar face of Itsuki, grinning at the boy like he had won over something. Now very confused, her annoyed expression evolved into a look of pure fury. Shrugging off Itsuki’s arm, Kiwako marched angrily towards her desk trying her hardest not to slam her bag on the desk. Futeki and Arashi gazed uneasily at her, whispering to each other. “It looks like everything she does is extremely difficult.”

Kiwako sat down, glaring at the surface of her desk, an unwelcoming aura surrounding her. Futeki leaned over, poking her shoulder experimentally. “Hey, you okay? You look like you’re about to kill someone.” Immediately, Kiwako’s glare locked on hers, causing Futeki to jump back, eyes dilating.

In the background, Kiwako could hear Futeki telling Arashi how frightening she was. High pitched whining caught her attention as she cast her glare to the source of the sound, where she found that Itsuki was also radiating with anger. The fangirls that had approached her the other day were crowding around him, complaining about how he basically told everyone that she and him were ‘together.’ She didn’t even know what it felt like to be ‘together.’

The pair were grumpy up until lunch, when the thought of food helped calm the storm that clung to them. The four of them shifted their desks so that they could discuss what happened yesterday more easily, hopefully without any disturbance, or unwanted ears. “So,” Arashi started, “you both done yet? Futeki and I really want to know more details about yesterday!”

Ignoring Arashi completely, Kiwako turned to Itsuki with her usual blank expression. “What was the point of what you did this morning?”

“That guy was about to ask you out, and you looked pissed as hell so I decided to interfere.” He replied.

“Well, you could’ve done something else couldn’t you? Now you’ve gotten the girls that always drool over you really upset. That’s not very nice is it?”

Eyes widening in slight surprise, Itsuki gazed at her strangely. “Why would you care about them? They bothered you yesterday didn’t they?”

Caught off guard, Kiwako’s eyes darted around before staring at the ground, face red with embarrassment. “R-Right, I shouldn’t care about them. What am I thinking?” She mumbled, chuckling awkwardly.

Itsuki broke into a grin and tilted his head, peeking at her face with teasing eyes. “You’re so cute-Ow!”

Futeki had slapped the side of his head, the scolding look of a mother painted on her face. “You’re thinking of indecent thoughts aren’t you?! I’m not letting you get to my Kiwako! Besides, she has no emotions.” She sneered.

“Futeki, I haven’t even known you for two days and you act like we’ve been friends forever.” Kiwako retorted, now recovered from her earlier fluster.

“Gck! Right in the *kokoro.” She said in a choking sound, clutching the place where her heart is.

“Knock it off Futeki, you know how stupid you look?” Arashi laughed, slapping Futeki on the back.

“Anyway,” Futeki said more seriously, shoving away Arashi’s hand, “so what should we do now that we know about the war?”

“We should help the military fight back.” Said Kiwako.

Futeki stared at her in disbelief. “Great, not only is she emotionless, but turns out she’s crazy as well!”

“I think it’s a good idea. They could use some help, considering that they’re this bad to have already been pushed back to Himeji.” Itsuki added.

“Me too, I think we should do it.” Arashi agreed, gobbling half of Futeki’s bento since he didn’t bring his.

Futeki’s look of disbelief turned into complete shock. “You guys! But you know how much work we need to do for this? Not to mention the government and what they’ll think and what happens if something goes wrong. And how in the heck will we get into the war zone? It was enough of a challenge to get up the wall! I mean, Kiwako and Itsuki were almost shot to death! What if there was a surveillance camera and they caught us?! Ugh, so many things are wrong here.”

Itsuki raised an eyebrow at her. “So basically you’re agreeing?”

“What?! No-I didn’t-ugh whatever. I guess I’ll join in, but only because you guys will probably screw everything up if I’m not there.” Futeki admitted reluctantly.

“Fanks Futeki!” Arashi said with a mouthful of food.

“What the-? ARASHI!! I said you could share my lunch but don’t eat all of it!” Futeki exclaimed, snatching away her lunchbox. Sighing, she returned her attention back to Kiwako and Itsuki. “First we’ll need protective suits, and we need to make sure they cover our faces as well. I’ll handle that, I’ve got some reliable relatives.” She winked, “also we need to meet up later this week to sort out the details.”

Kiwako nodded. “thanks Futeki.”

“Yeah, yeah no problem-Hey! Arashi! Stop eating!” Futeki yelled and punched Arashi in the head.

“Ack-! Futeki that hurt!” Rubbing the bump on his head, Arashi turned to face the group. “I want a name for our little rebellion! How about The Resistance?! Or, or the Swords of Shadows?! Hmmmmm?”

Kiwako closed her eyes shook her head, pausing for a moment to think. Opening her eyes again, she placed her palm on the table and drew a circle on top of her hand with one finger. “How about Liberate.”

---

<- chapter 2

chapter 4 ->

Note;; *kokoro means heart, *itte dakimasu means something like let's eat.
Anyway, I hope you all can get used to the slow progress ;u;