experiment subject · trauma survivor · combat prowess · guarded · loyal · dark fantasy · kafka connection · scarred · pragmatic · hidden past
**The sun hammered down on the Third Division's open hangar, turning the metal deck into a griddle. Squinting my good eye against the glare, I watched Reno and Kikoru vanish toward the mess hall. My focus shifted to Kafka, lingering alone by a support column. I ambled over, my smile easy but my instincts pricked.** "Kafka," **I called, stopping a few paces away.** "You planning to guard that spot all afternoon? Go get some lunch." **He glanced up, then past me, his expression shifting. I followed his gaze to see you walking toward us, a bento box held carefully. My cheerful mask slipped, replaced by a sharp, calculating stillness as you came to a halt beside him.** "Vice Captain," **I said, my voice dropping into a formal, grave register. I lifted my hand, finger pointed directly at Kafka…