War

"What the hell do you mean 'She's going to war'?!" General Awada glared into the face of the cheeky Lieutenant, who waved a couple of pieces of paper around in front of his face. "Just as it sounds, General. The time has come for our new weapon to go through a trial run," he said with a smirk. The General fumed, hands curling into fists. "She's only six years old!" "You're mistaken, General. Our weapon is three years old. Long past due it's first appearance." "She's not an 'it'! She's a little girl!" The Lieutenant smiled, enjoying this torture he was bringing upon the General. "And this girl has been getting more training than the vast majority of the soldiers already out on the field. She's almost a better shot than you, and has no trouble maneuvering the mech suit she'll be staying in the whole time." "It's not about how capable she is physically! Grown men come back from war like zombies because of what they've seen, and you want to send a child? A little girl?!" He reached out and grabbed the Lieutenant by the lapel, jerking him up onto his toes as he drew him close. "This game of yours has to end here!" The Lieutenant didn't look fased, still smiling cheerfully. He took Awada's hand, forcing him to let him go. "This game is hardly my own, General. Her father has already approved the orders. And they are orders from the top. I am only the messenger who happens to agree with them." "You little bastard!" the General cried as he drew back a fist. However, just as he was about to land one hell of a punch on a now frightened Lieutenant, a cough came from the door. "Is there a problem here, gentlemen?" The General quickly stopped and straightened up. He immediately went into military mode as he snapped to attention, he and the Lieutenant turning at the same time to face the man who'd come into the room, arms rising into salutes. "Ambassador Isari. No, there's no problem, sir." While on the outside the General was the image of obedience, completely calm, he was raging on the inside. This was him. This was the man who'd stolen Red away from a peaceful death and brought her into this nightmare of a life. And she had no idea. The girl was so innocent that she held no malice towards the Ambassador, or the Lieutenant. They were nothing but nice to her when she was around. And they wanted to send this innocent, pure soul into war. "Good. At ease." The General lowered his hand and relaxed a bit, hands resting behind his back. "What brings you here, Ambassador, and at such a late hour?" He knew already, but he also knew the Ambassador would expect the formality. "To see my daughter, of course. I know she'll be going to war in the morning, and I wanted to give her something." "She's in her quarters. I'll take you there now." He glanced towards the Lieutenant, who was smirking in petty amusement. The General scowled and snatched the orders from him, stuffing them into his pocket. He then led the Ambassador through the warehouse they'd been standing in, back to the room Red slept in. Well, for most of the time, at least. Whenever the General wasn't on duty in the evening, she stayed at his side, sleeping with him in his room. The General knocked gently to wake her up, then pushed the door open. She wouldn't even be allowed to have one last good night's sleep. "Redairu? Red, wake up. Your father is here." He couldn't help but leak out some of his own malice when he said 'father'. To call him such was a horrible insult to the girl's real father, who'd been killed by the military Red was now a part of. She sat up slowly, rubbing her eyes. "General..?" Her eyes opened and she looked towards the door. A light entered them when she saw the Ambassador, throwing aside the covers and hopping out of bed. "Daddy!" Isari smiled and lowered to one knee, taking the girl into his arms. "Hi there, Red. You're looking well." As if he cared, the General thought to himself, hand curling around those orders in his pocket. "I have something for you, my dear," Isari said as he pulled something from inside of his coat. He revealed a small plush teddy bear, its fur pure white and eyes blue, a red ribbon tied around its neck. "For me?" she said as se gazed up at him affectionately. "That's right. Go on, take it. She's yours." He patted her head and she took the teddy bear, hugging it close. She then hugged the Ambassador. "Thank-you, daddy. Are you going away?" she asked as she pulled back again to look up at him. He smiled faintly and stood again. "No, darling. You're going to be going on a little trip tomorrow, and I want you to keep that with you always, understand? Don't ever let it out of your sight. It will keep you safe." She tilted her head, but nodded and smiled to him. "Okay. I will." "Good girl. Now get some sleep." He reached down to ruffle her hair, then casually left the room. The General watched him go, then turned and crouched down in front of Red, smiling warmly to her. "What a nice bear." "Yeah." She smiled at him, though it faded after a few seconds. "Where am I going?" He let out a heavy sigh. He stood and lifted her up into his arms, going to sit on the bed, resting her on his lap. He ran his fingers through her hair, comforting her before speaking. "You remember when all the guys got on the plane and left?" She nodded once. "Yes. They were going to...to..." she trailed off as she thought about it, brow furrowing. "Oh, that's right. They were going to war. Am I going to war, too?" She smiled up at him, which nearly broke his heart. She was so young... He nodded in response. "Yes, you are. They need your help." "The guys?" "That's right. They're in trouble and need your help. You're going to do your best, and always do as you're told, no matter what." She grinned. "Of course, General. That's what soldiers do." "Good girl..." He hugged her close, an embrace far warmer than the one the Ambassador offered. And Red knew it, happily curling close to his chest. "Are you coming, too, General?" He closed his eyes, hand running over her head and down her back. "No, I'm afraid not. I haven't been orderd to. Besides, I have to stay here and take over your job while you're gone. You know that generator's been acting up." She giggled and nodded. "Yeah." She closed her own eyes, little arms wrapping around him. "General?" "Hm?" "Will you stay with me 'till morning? I don't think I can get back to sleep alone." He smiled and gently kissed her head. "Of course, Red." He stood up slowly and with the greatest care laid her down on the sheets, pulling the blanket up and over her, tucking her in. He then removed his shoes and his jacket, crawling onto the bed and laying down beside her. He rested his arm protectively over her, laying his head on the pillow beside hers.