3.16 – Sayonara Apex

A somber hush had settled over the Kitchen’s central plaza, a stark contrast to the chaos and battles that had unfolded there just days before. Rows of Sentinels—both full-fledged members and trainees alike—stood in silent formation as the ceremony began. The sun hung low, casting long shadows over the proceedings. A simple, sleek metal casket stood in the center, draped with the emblem of the Society of Sentinels, its silver and blue crest glinting under the daylight.

Aurora stood beside Asami and Akari, her uniform pristine, though her heart felt anything but. She had been to funerals before, but this was different. Apex was not just a fallen comrade—she had been their enemy, ultimately a traitor, and yet… she hadn’t been. She had been manipulated, forced into choices that weren’t her own. But in the end, she had chosen to do the right thing as best she could. That was what mattered.

Vanguard mentioned how her parent company would send for her body later to evaluate what could be salvaged. Aurora was frustrated at the thought that her body might be treated as parts for some other project. Apex was a person. Deep down, she yearned for friendship. She wanted to form bonds with others, despite how awkward she had sometimes felt.

Dragonmage stood at the head of the gathering, flanked by Midnight Avenger and Bombshell. His normally long-winded speeches were absent today. Instead, he spoke briefly, his voice steady.

"Apex was not human in the way that many of us define humanity. And yet, she was human in the ways that mattered. She made a choice, a final choice, to protect rather than destroy. That choice she made in the end will not be forgotten. The holographic program that she tried to protect despite the chaos unleashed will be treated with great care and dignity."

He stepped aside, allowing others to speak. A few of the senior Sentinels took turns offering words—Bulwark, the sentient machine who understood better than most the struggle for autonomy; Bombshell, who acknowledged that while Apex had been compromised, she had done everything she could in the end; and finally, Vanguard, his towering presence commanding silent respect.

He looked over the gathered heroes, his expression unreadable, then spoke. "We lost a life in this tragedy. But due to the actions of those standing before me today, we did not lose more. You have all proven yourselves in the face of overwhelming odds, and for that, you have my respect. But now, we must ensure that the world understands what happened here."

Vanguard gave the signal, and the casket was lowered into the earth beneath the plaza, although Apex's body wasn’t actually inside it. This was a ceremony held to honor her memory. It was a quiet affair, no pomp or grand gestures. Apex had no family to grieve for her, just a cold company backing her. Only those who had fought by her side—or against her—stood witness to her passing.

The press conference was held outside the Kitchen’s compound. Details beyond the facility being used for superhero training were not widely spread. Vanguard himself stood before a sea of mostly Japanese reporters with a smattering of others, cameras flashing, microphones clustered toward him like an endless tide. The Japanese government had, of course, demanded answers. The sight of a towering kaiju attacking the base from what had appeared to be thin air had sent the public into a frenzy, with some speculating that the formerly fictional Gotjiro had finally revealed itself.

Vanguard’s voice carried authority as he addressed the crowd.

"The incident that occurred was the result of a malfunctioning holographic projection system. While it did cause unnecessary alarm, let me be clear—Gotjiro does not exist… at least as far as I am aware. This world still holds mysteries that even I have yet to uncover.” He laughed. “There is no giant prehistoric beast rising from the depths to destroy Nippon, and if one ever does, I will defend your proud nation. Nothing more than the usual phenomena has occurred today than the country usually experiences. The only threat that occurred was one of our own making, and it was swiftly dealt with."

Reporters bombarded him with questions, but he kept his answers concise, directing the conversation toward the heroes who had resolved the crisis.

"Through the bravery and skill of some of our newest recruits, order was restored. The Society of Sentinels would like to recognize Aurora, Asami Hyacinth von Strachwitz, and The Pyrodancer for their decisive actions in preventing further damage and bringing the situation under control."

Aurora’s breath caught in her throat when she heard her name. Asami, standing at her side with arms crossed, smirked slightly but said nothing. Akari, flustered, fidgeted with the hem of her sleeve.

Vanguard’s eyes settled on Aurora. "Due to her leadership and unwavering adherence to the Society’s values, Aurora has hereby been promoted to a Recognized Member of the Society of Sentinels. Her actions exemplify what we stand for, and she will receive all the assistance and resources afforded to those who have earned that rank."

Applause followed, though Aurora barely heard it. It wasn’t about rank or recognition. It was about doing the right thing. Still, she straightened her back, nodding once.

Vanguard turned toward Akari. "Pyrodancer has shown immense growth and resilience. Despite overwhelming odds, she never faltered. She has also earned the title of Recognized Member."

Akari’s eyes widened, her lips parting in disbelief. She looked at Aurora, then at Asami, as if unsure whether she had heard correctly. Then she beamed, dipping her head in gratitude.

Then Vanguard turned to Asami, his expression unreadable. "Asami Hyacinth von Strachwitz."

Asami’s smirk remained, but her fingers tapped impatiently against her forearm.

"You have demonstrated remarkable skill in the face of adversity. However, despite your contributions, your conduct has left much to be desired."

“...” Aurora narrowed her eyes, annoyed, but not enough to cause a scene. At least not now.

"You failed to uphold the core values of the Society," Vanguard continued. "While you are skilled, skill alone is not enough to earn a place among the Sentinels. You will remain an Associate Member—for now."

Asami’s expression didn’t falter, though there was a brief flicker of something in her eyes. Not anger, but a sense of being slighted–.

Vanguard’s voice remained firm. "You will have opportunities to prove yourself again in the future."

Asami deferred, her voice polite yet devoid of enthusiasm. "I will await my opportunity."

Aurora frowned. She knew Asami well enough by now to know that beneath the surface she was irritated at not only Vanguard but all of them. She pretended not to care, but she did. 

In the aftermath of the incident, their training ended up being cut short. Everyone would be returned home for the time being. Each participant would certainly be asked to do some sort of training again, but that was something that would be decided once things settled down. 

As the interview concluded, the trainees began to part ways. The reporters were rushed off site by the core members and the trainees were left alone until Dragonmage returned.

Rook, standing off to the side with his arms crossed, gave Aurora a two-fingered salute. "Try not to miss me, angel girl," he said, trying to sound nonchalant. As though she cared. Sweat drops.

Dragonmage went to his side, already preparing to teleport him back to Florida. "Good work, soldier." Dragonmage said simply. “Are you ready to return?”

Rook grinned, nodded and saluted. "I AM, SIR!"

Then, with a flicker of green energy, Rook was gone.

Aurora turned to Asami, who stretched her arms above her head and sighed. "I guess it’s our turn next. What will you both do now?" Aurora asked.

Asami clicked her tongue. "Tsk, I will leave this cursed place. The Sentinels have made it abundantly clear that they do not appreciate my methods. I had thought them wiser in terms of judgement, but apparently I was severely mistaken." She turned toward Aurora. "And you, angel girl? I would not mind seeing you again one day. If you should ever require my assistance, you know where to find me."

Aurora barked a short laugh. "Same to you, Asami. You know where to find me. Somewhere in San Isidro… but message me first if you visit."

Akari, still overwhelmed, stood beside them. "I don’t even know what to say. I never thought… I mean, I didn’t expect this kind of a thing to happen. I really hate sad partings, anyway."

Aurora placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "I know what you mean, Akari. Anyway you earned your promotion. You did a wonderful job too, Asami, even if your methods were questionable." Even though Asami didn’t hesitate to finish off dangerous opponents, her actions had contributed to their surviving.

Akari smiled, her eyes glistening. "I guess… this is goodbye for now?"

"For now," Aurora agreed. "But something tells me we’ll see each other again."

Dragonmage stepped forward, his green magical energy swirling around his fingers as he prepared the first portal. Asami adjusted the strap of her sniper rifle over her shoulder and reached up to settle her doll more securely on her shoulder. Her doll smiled warmly and graced them with a Japanese bow. She looked back at Aurora and Akari, her expression unreadable for a long moment. Then, as the portal stabilized, she smirked and offered them a small, genuine smile—one of the rare times she had let her guard down.

"Try not to get yourselves killed before we meet again," she said, her voice carrying its usual dry amusement. "And don't let the Sentinels addle your mind with their nonsense, Aurora."

Aurora chuckled, shaking her head. "You take care too, Asami. Don't cause too much trouble."

"No promises," Asami quipped, stepping through the shimmering portal. With a final glance back, she disappeared into the swirling green energy, leaving only the faint hum of residual magic in her wake.

Dragonmage wasted no time, moving on to the next. He turned to Akari. "Are you ready to return to Kyoto, Pyrodancer?" he asked, already beginning the incantation.

Akari hesitated for a second before nodding. She turned to Aurora, smiling warmly. "You should come visit me sometime if you can find a way to cross the Pacific. I’d love to show you around Kyoto."

Aurora’s lips curled into a grin. "I’d like that. But what about you? Ever thought about coming to America?"

Akari giggled. "Maybe someday! I’d love to see San Isidro… if I ever figure out how to get there. I don’t exactly have your address, though."

"We have our ID cards," Aurora reminded her. "At least, when I get mine back from the Sentinels. We can always stay in touch that way."

Akari brightened. "That’s true! If I ever manage to get to America, I’ll meet you somewhere in your hometown. Though… I’ve heard it’s a pretty rough city."

Aurora smirked. "Oh, it is. A dirty old city, but it’s got its charm. It’s filled with interesting things too… but you’d have to be careful. We have types like we met in the subway where I live too. Jokes on Asami."

Akari puffed up her chest, grinning playfully. "I’ll be fine! My pyromancy is more than enough to keep me safe."

Aurora laughed. "Yeah, but you’d probably set half the city on fire in the process and I’d need to clean up after you."

Akari immediately panicked, flailing her arms. "I would NOT!" she protested, her face turning pink. "I’m not that clumsy!"

Aurora grinned and, before Akari could react, pulled her into a tight hug. She wished she had hugged Asami too, but it had felt too out of place at the time. Now, she didn’t want to let Akari go without showing how much she appreciated her.

Akari squeaked in surprise, her entire body stiffening, but then she slowly melted into the embrace, her arms wrapping hesitantly around Aurora. When Aurora pulled away, she saw that Akari’s face was practically steaming.

"I-I’ll see you again!" Akari stammered, bowing deeply, her hands clenched into tiny fists.

Aurora chuckled, watching as Akari turned to Dragonmage, flustered but determined. With a final wave, she stepped through the portal and vanished, leaving only Aurora behind with the rest of the Sentinels who had returned. They were smiling and talking among themselves.

Dragonmage glanced at her. "Ready?"

Aurora turned to the main team, who had gathered to see her off. The Midnight Avenger gave her a nod of approval, Bombshell smirked at her, and Dragonmage himself regarded her with a rare look of approval.

"You’ve done well, Aurora," Vanguard said, his deep voice full of quiet respect. "You handled yourself admirably in the Kitchen, even though it didn’t last the full two weeks. Under the circumstances, there was nothing more we could ask of you. You have proven yourself."

Aurora’s heart swelled at the praise, though she didn’t let it show too much. "Thank you," she said simply.

Vanguard smiled. "If you ever need assistance, any of us would be pleased to help—should we be available. Just call."

Hmph, Black Angel scoffed in the back of her mind. You’re such a goodie two-shoes, Leona. And Vanguard is a real pest. I hate just being around him. They make my skin crawl, I’ll even take that hovel you call a home over being forced to listen to their drivel. Anywhere is better than here.

As if on queue Vanguard took a half-step forward and raised a hand in a pausing motion, “Oh, before I forget. Do you have a moment to speak privately, young lady?”

Okay, I will retract that. Anywhere is better than with this lummox in particular.