"What... The hell... Are you doing...?"
"...!?"
The man didn't miss nor did the girl dodge. She got shot and yet she was able to stand up. Though the injury obviously wasn't critical, it was still severe enough to make her retaliation seem absurd.
"You shot me. You just shot me. You tried to kill me, so that means you're okay with being killed, right? I won't die or be killed. I'm not male or female. I can't give birth or impregnate — I end after just one generation. I'm complete! I mean, all lower species just keep pumping out children one after the other! And since I don't do that... I can't die! I'm immortal! There's no way you can kill me!"
The way she wailed and screamed — her broken logic was downright beastly. The workings of her mind were already far outside the realm of normality, and her bodily function was not too far behind.
"Eeeaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhh!"
"Wha—!? What the fuck are you?"
Seemingly ignorant of the fact that her opponent had a gun, she went straight towards him. Such an attitude could be processed as the berserk state of a deranged individual, but the whole affair definitely didn't seem that simple. She fanatically — with every bit of her soul — believed that she would never die. The stormlike pressure of her charge almost seemed to have a physical form.
"Ghh, guhh... Ghahhh!"
Two more bullets went straight into her body, but even they could do nothing to make her fanaticism waver. Almost as if it were the most obvious thing in the world, her wild zeal eventually gave way to a demonic miracle.
"Gwahh!"
She survived a total of four bullets before getting in range to deliver a kick that blew the man away. His weight was almost twice as great as hers — the attack was clear proof of her inhuman power. The girl's lips curled up into a crazy grin as blood escaped her body like a fountain.
The man glared at the madness before him as he pushed away the pile of rubble that almost crushed him in the aftermath of the attack, and stood up.
"What the fuck? Just how unhinged is this shitstain!? I shot and hit you! Why ain't you dropping dead? What the hell?"
"Ahahah... Ahahahahah... It hurts... It hurts and I'm bleeding. It's been so long since I got shot! Hey, Mister, you're pretty bad at this, aren't you? You have the guts, but your shooting's too weak. If you keep relying on that thing. I might just remove your head soon."
"..."
The mix of praise and ridicule made the man knit his brows and groan. From the previous exchange offenses, it was easy to say he suffered an embarrassing defeat, but that by no means that he was weak. In fact, he should have been praised for having survived that long. The girl's pressurizing was so great it could paralyze any normal human, rendering them susceptible to a very quick murder, much less allowing for strength to shoot guns.
The man had impressive grit and adaptability. Leaving the moral dilemma of him cold-heartedness for being able to shoot without hesitation aside, no one could deny her decisiveness. After all, the girl, whose tactics seemed downright suicidal, said it had been a while since she'd been shot. After all, the countless dead lying around the place were cut up without being able to fire a single bullet. However, the man himself wasn't the type to tolerate his previous blunder just because of the fact.
"Fine by me. Ya got some good jokes going on here, freak. Come closer and I'll kill ya real good."
He threw away the gun, stood up, and silently beckoned her. The man was clearly mad at himself for relying on something as cowardly as a gun... And pissed at the girl for making him look so pitiful. He couldn't stomach her and was fully intent on making her know that he was the stronger one — the true fanatical, inhuman beast.
"Eheh, eheheheh... This is good. You're pretty great, Mister. You get me going. Can I have your name? I want to remember this night's excitement and occasionally immerse myself in it. So come on, tell me your name! I want to know it!"
"Heh. You uppity little shit."
They both hated those line themselves and had already created a sense of rivalry between each other. No beast could ever itself to lose against another beast. That was a dignified law — a truth for all who strayed from the path of the virtuous. Both of them knew that defeat was equal to death.
"Wilhelm Ehrenburg. And you are...?"
"Wolfgang Schreiber... The one who gave me the name are long gone, but I guess you're the same in that regard."
"Yeah, I killed and burned them a long fucking time ago."
"Ahahahahahah! That's great!"
"Yeah, you're so much like me you make me sick."
"Eheh, eheheheheheh..."
"Ahah, ahahahahahah..."
They bared their fangs and cackled, which was a clear show of their intent to slaughter each other.
They couldn't share an existence under the canopy of heaven. The Reich's capital was too small for two humanoid beasts that claimed to be unmatched. Both of them knew that instinctually.
"I'll tear you to bits!"
"I'll remove your skin and stretch it out on my bed!"
"You shit. I'll skewer ya on a fucking cross."
"Let's do this!"
___________
_______
___
The year 1939. Germany, Berlin.
"At the beginning of the fated World War, the streets of the Reich of skulls were colored by the flames of fear, madness, mania and chaos. I do understand your intention of suppressing the scandals of General Dirlewanger and agree that it is the right thing to do in your position, but I question your decision to recklessly send your subordinates to certain death. I am fully aware you do not believe my prophecies, but I could not bear to see my greatly respected Lieutenant General get involved with something so trifling, so I took it upon myself to advise you through this letter. Greatly esteemed Reinhard Heydrich, I fervently believe in your glory and future. Thus, for the sake of securing the purify of your authority and name, I resolved to exert myself to catch the serial killer in question. I would be truly grateful if you tolerated this decision of mine."
"Fool."
Reinhard Heydrich crumpled the letter and stood up from his chair. Though his heart was full of displeasure, his face didn't show a single hint of it. As he hastily walked out of his office, the subordinate at his side hurriedly tried to catch up with him.
"Your Excellency. What is wrong? What could be happening at this hour?"
"I am leaving. Prepare the car."
"Certainly, but where will we head?"
"To see Minister Goebbels. I have to teach him a thing or two about how to take care of subordinates."
"...P-Please wait. The Minister is accompanying our Führer in watching an opera performance of..."
"... Nibelung again, I am sure. How trifling. It does not seem like they are capable of getting tired of it. I cannot begin to relate."
"Your Excellency, please wait! Your Excellency!"
Unable to understand why he felt so vexed, Reinhard continued down the corridor. He couldn't even hear the voice of his subordinate as he got into the car in front of the building and sank down in the seat. Though thoroughly ignored, the subordinate loyally complied with his superior's orders. He did what he was told, regardless of how he felt about it. In fact, that was all he could do. Reinhard humorously considered the man to be a perfect subordinate for the likes of him.
"Drive."
"Where to, Sir?"
"The National Opera House... No... Where are the fools who plan to capture the rebels we discussed?"
"They would be in the vicinity of Berlin's Cathedral."
"Drive there, then."
"B-But Your Excellency..."
"But what?"
"I-it's nothing. Understood."
"Make it quick."
"Sir, yes, Sir!"
The short exchange left no room for comment. The chauffeur did as he was ordered while Reinhard sat in the moving car and watched the flowing scenery of the Reich's capital.
"...That fool. What is he thinking?"
Karl Kraft — the strange swindler-magician he met about a month ago. An insolent man who vexed Reinhard with his ever-present grin and know-it-all attitude. Meddling with the man made Reinhard feel as though he were losing himself. Though the feeling was akin to fear, that definitely wasn't it. He vaguely knew it was something else entirely, but he couldn't put it into words.
It was a state of mind unknown to Reinhard. He couldn't even tell whether he wished to understand it better or merely confirm that it was just a delusion and call it a day. Troubling himself with that question did nothing to alleviate his irritation. That was why he placed his immediate duties on hold and went to deal with something that seemed nothing but a trifle. It wasn't like him, but, at this point, he began to question what actually would have been.
Reinhard was akin to a child who couldn't find and pinpoint the clear connection between the world and himself. He considered the thrill he would feel if he could just hold his sides and loudly laugh at his current self, but his mimetic muscles were as stiff as steel. In fact, Reinhard didn't feel like he ever had a hearty laugh. His eyes wandered downwards, towards the crumpled letter in his hand. He opened it once more and ran his eyes through the text. The pristine print made him feel as though he could hear the man's voice.
"Since hostilities increased with the invasion of Poland, ominous astrology began surrounding the capital. An Orient culture calls it 'Rahu-Ketu' — the disastrous stars that summon an eclipse and consume both the moon and the sun. If even one of the stronger stars are involved in the current events, no common man could do anything to take care of it. Your Excellency's star is that of Monarch, so it is your nature to lead those below. However, you must not mistake the people you use. Wicked opponents require the appropriate subordinates. The women who have Alkaid as their star are bound to be involved in this case, so you would be wise to use them."
"..."
The contents made Reinhard raised an eyebrow.
"Women? But I have none under my command."
"Also, it appears that Antares of the Scorpio and Gemini both have a link to them, as well. The latter one, being the star of your shadow, is especially important to you, so take care not to let her slip by. Dearly respected Lieutenant General — Your Excellency — I pray that you become aware of the hunger torturing your being as soon as possible. I also hope for that awakening to be my blessing. Very yours truly, Karl Ernst Kraft. *P.S. You only read the first part of this letter and let your indignation take you to your vehicle, no? Worry not. I will be hiding in the shadows right until you come. Facing wicked stars is far too terrifying for me."
"Khh..."
Upon realizing that he was fooled, Reinhard crushed the letter once again. This was not a display befitting of The Hangman.
"What a silly man. When will he tire of playing games with me?"
"Huh? Did you say something, Your Excellency?"
"It is nothing of importance. A certain impudent swindler did something quite amusing is all. In all honesty, he should just become a Jester."
"I see...?"
"Look straight when driving. I need to be there as soon as possible."
"M-My apologies!"
"Heh..."
Reinhard thought that perhaps he was the true Jester in the end. At the very least, he was doing a good job at making that man laugh, so maybe he had the markings for it. He didn't intend such an outcome, nor did he like it in the slightest, but it nonetheless seemed like he would always end up the Fool whenever Karl Kraft was involved.
He tilted his head to the side in a pensive manner and looked outside towards the starry sky shining down on the nighty silence of the Reich's capital. The man claimed that wicked, ominous, and other stars were gathering. Reinhard didn't know whether the words had truth or substance to them, but he thought it could at least alleviate his boredom. If he really harbored a hunger he was not aware of... He was fully open to witness it with his own eyes.
___________
_______
___
"But, Lieutenant, can we really do something so far outside our jurisdiction? This is the Gestapo's job. We aren't supposed to have anything to do with it."
"Don't give me that nonsense, Kircheisen. Apart from being a justification for laziness, your comments completely miss the mark."
The subordinate's idle grumble got nothing but a cold glare from her commanding officer. The woman's eyes, combined with a height that easily placed her above the average man, gave her an aura of sharp strictness.
Her visage was, without a doubt, within the range of "Beautiful", although there wasn't a hint of gentleness or tenderness in her expression. Most people facing her would surely be rendered meek by a single glance. However, the younger subordinate was clearly too carefree to react like that. The superior's chilling gaze only made her look puzzled in a slightly silly manner. The way she rolled her wide-open eyes combined with her dainty figure made her give off a somewhat squirrel-like impression.
"Well, I admit I like to take things easy, but what do you mean by 'miss the mark'?"
"A man who has an important role in national security almost died while seeking depraved pleasures. That alone is pitiful enough to have him shot on the spot. You learned the workings of the army in the Jugend, didn't you? A failure of a comrade is...?"
"...Collective responsibility."
"And that is exactly why claiming that it's not related to us is absolute nonsense. As ones blessed with a place in the army, we cannot ignore this. It's also not an exaggeration to say that our inability to warn the General about doing something this foolish is a show of our incompetence."
"But we're not in the same division as him. How could we warn someone we never even met...?"
"What? Speak so I can hear you."
"Oh, it's nothing. Nothing at all. You look so pretty today, Lieutenant. If you were to show yourself at an elite event, I'm sure most gentlemen wouldn't be able to stop looking at you."
"..."
"...That aside, as you just said, this event disgraces the army, so I'm quite sure the higher-ups are taking measures to suppress it. So, is it really a good idea for us to get involved here? From what I hear, the chief of the Gestapo is basically a man made from iron and ice."
"I've heard that as well."
"Then—"
"I've also heard that he's wise and pragmatic. Thus, I'm sure he'll fully relate to us."
"I-I see... Where is that baseless confidence coming from? Well, I'll come along if you insist, but how about you finally tell me where we're going?"
"Lebensborn."
The superior resumed her walk while the girl tilted her head in confusion.
"Hmm, Lebensborn is... The thing they created during the Olympics three years ago, isn't it?"
"It's a farm, basically. A Babylon for all the shameless she-dogs who want the seed of capable men. In a way, it's just a brothel with the roles reversed."
"Umm... You seem to hate it quite a bit, but I think there's proper meaning to it. One of the Negative effects of war is that it's easy for foreign blood to mix with ours. I don't care about it all that much, but we're both familiar with the idea of treasuring our lineage, right? Both our Households are like that, after all. I'm sure they also hammered all that stuff about: 'Don't defile our proud blood or honor of our family' into your head when you were little."
"I have absolutely nothing against protecting and preserving noble blood. What I don't like is the wretchedness involved in trying to buy it. Kircheisen, pride is something you inherit and pass on — definitely not something you take from someone or trade for. I can't stomach such shamelessness. These filth are making the country rot."
"Hmm, I see. You have a point. Most women hate the concept of political marriages, yet when they're able to choose the men who have riches and social status, they instantly drool and wag their tails. Truly shameful. It's such a double standard. Seriously."
"Don't drag it out."
"Apologies. Anyway, it just happens that gentlemen seem to find such behavior endearing, so the world keeps on spinning. Honestly, with things as they are, I don't think we'll ever get married. Don't you think, Lieutenant?"
"..."
"Why are we going to Lebensborn, anyway?"
The superior responded with a sigh. She knew full well that telling the subordinate off was a complete waste of breath. However, for some reason, be it her character or an unexpected amount of trust for the girl, she still treated her integrity.
"I know someone there. Send a thief to catch a thief."
"Huh..."
"What?"
"So basically, Lieutenant, you're frustrated that a friend of yours is getting married before yo— Gyahh!"
The woman punished the impudent girl with a fist to the head. Though she did hold back, the difference in their builds made the blow quite painful. She looked down on the teary-eyed subordinate, menacing her with a low voice.
"What a dreadful assumption. She's not my friend."
"I-I thought as much. I'm about the only person who can get friendly with you."
"Silence, fool. You're just a dog running around my backyard without a leash. Don't get conceited."
"Woof!"
"..."
"Let's hurry up."
The girl walked forwards with a joyous smile on her face, paying no mind to her superior's awful grimace. The woman wanted to say something, but all that came out was another sigh. They were like sisters who, despite being completely different, had a fine balance between them. And so...