Shift

Shift

A lone stranger strolled through the wreckage of what he assumed was once a town. The rubble crunched under his heavy boots as he trudged steadily through the carnage, turning his head left and right.

"It seems that they got here first; I suppose that would explain the damage." He frowned, slowly digging through a pile of rock, wood and other items no longer distinguishable.

"Major..." A soft voice pulled him from his thoughts, although it was unnecessary for him to face her.

"I understand your concern, but please keep watching a little longer... please."

The girl frowned slightly at his pleading tone; her commander had always faced things with the same lack of emotions. She turned around scanning the horizon, in case a former passerby still lingered.

A few minutes later the man stood straight, held close to his chest was the bruised corpse of a young woman, an emerald ring matching the Major's around her pale neck. "Damn them. Damn them all to hell." The Major clutched the body desperately.

His companion stepped closer, "Major... what is... was she to you? We're not supposed to interfere with humans."

"You think I don't know that?!" The Major glared at her.

Shirking back slightly she continued, "But, isn't there a way to bring her back...?"

"Life can be brought back... but not memories." He shook his head sorrowfully.

"Then what will we do now?"

Sighing the man looked into his subordinates eyes, "Only one thing we can..." he looked up, casting his gaze over their celestial home, "Wait, just like we've always done... until these humans can learn to live a life without fighting..."

"...But what if they never learn...?" the girl asked cautiously.

He leaned back, "Then we'll wait some more..."

© Kitsuyurei Jokyoku