Chapter 18 - The Eleven Squ- Err- Twelve Squads. AKA Welcome to the Enforcers (1/2)

Age 1990

Ken let out a slight sigh as she walked over to where Hero and Kitsune stood. She simply folded her arms as she closed her eyes. She stood there silently as the two boys glanced at her.

”So...” Hero said awkwardly. ”How'd you do in the test...” He asked.

Ken let out a huff as she turned away from the two boys.

”She got zero... Same as me.” The three turned finding Cloud walking towards them as he also folded his arms. The blind teen let out a heavy sigh as he slid a hand through his brown hair. ”We were both so busy fighting each other we totally forgot to attack anyone else. By the end of it, we wasted the whole ten minutes trying to kill each other rather than anyone else...”

”Well if you hadn't been so stubborn and just let me beat you, then we wouldn't be in this mess now would we!” Ken yelled out in annoyance as she tried to punch the blind teen only for him to simply side step it easily.

”It seems like Kitsune and I dodged a bullet then...” The four turned finding Irene was now standing next to them.

”Ahh? Geez, North... We need to put a bell on you or something...” Kitsune said jumping slightly.

”Well, it's all out of our hands now.” Hero said giving a half-hearted shrug. ”From this point on it will be decided by fate...”

”Well... I don't like fate...” Ken said stubbornly, as she kicked at the ground. ”How many people did you beat anyways Hero?”

”Ahh... Only like twenty?”

”What!”

There was a loud clang sound that echoed out in the room. Everyone looked up to find that the ceiling itself was rising up suddenly. The ceiling began to fold back and slide back as a massive balcony suddenly slid out.

Everyone began to whisper slightly when they saw the balcony. Or more correctly they began to whisper when they saw who was on the balcony.

There was twelve thrones all labeled with numbers ranging from 12 all the way down to 1. Up on the balcony, twenty-three people could be seen either standing or sitting.

It seemed like it was finally time to meet the Captains...

”Good evening!” A loud cheerful voice announced out as a girl suddenly appeared up above everyone. She had massive white wings that flapped in the air causing her to float above everyone else. Long blond hair flowed behind her as she placed her hands on her h.i.p.s.

”Wait a minute...” Cloud, Kitsune, and Ken all said in shock.

”I've seen her before!” Ken, and Kitsune said in shock.

”I've heard that voice!” Cloud said also in shock.

”That was that weird blond girl that was always in every town I went to!” Ken said stepping back slightly. ”I just thought she was some kind of stalker...”

”She was the girl who gave me my letter!” Cloud said nodding his head. ”I recognize her voice.”

”And I know her from the Enforcers 'Five Hottest Enforcers' magazine!” Kitsune said in shock. Everyone stopped suddenly as they turned to look at the Noble teen. ”I- I mean... She was on the roof of my school...”

”Can I borrow those magazines?” Hero questioned.

”Hello everyone!” The girl yelled out loudly. ”How is everyone doing?” She asked.

”That asshole lava guy gave me terrible burns!” A voice yelled out in the crowd.

”And some unstylish loser punched me in the stomach!” Another voice yelled out.

”And I want your autograph!” Kitsune yelled out.

”Sounds like everyone had a wonderful time!” The girl announced. ”Well, you can all finally rest easy now as it is finally time for the Captains to pick their new recruits. If you look above me you will find the twelve Captains and their vice-captains!” The girl announced. She floated up as she pointed at each of them.

In the number twelve seat, a young woman sat. She had long pink hair and blue eyes. A smile seemed to be permanently on her face. Next to her, a giant of a man stood with crossed arms and narrow eyes. 'Squad Twelve. The Clean Up Squad lead by the beautiful Captain Athena aka the Heavenly Mind, and her Vice-Captain Gregor aka the walking mountain!'

The next seat was labeled with eleven. A slightly strong slightly lean man sat in the chair. A young girl stood next to him. She had a frown on her face and looked extremely bored. 'Squad Eleven. The Perimeter Guard Squad lead by the trapper Captain Solomon aka the Trapper, and his Vice-Captain Kodama aka the Huntress.'

To the left of that set the tenth chair. In it a buff man sat. The man held a smirk on his face as he crossed his arms. His eyes seemed to shine with excitement. A calm looking man stood next to him as he leaned back slightly rolling his eyes. 'The tenth Squad also known as the Construction Squad lead by the talented Leoh Ming aka The Terraformer, and his Vice-Captain Zaha aka The Rumble.'

Next was the ninth seat where a man in a large lab coat sat. A girl showing no emotion stood next to him. 'The ninth squad and their Captain. Also called the Research Squad lead by Professor Newt aka The Vortex, and his assistant Automata aka The Plome.'

The next one was Squad Eight. A man sat with a large smirk on his face as he flipped a hat into the air. Next to him a man stood messing with jars of weird liquids. 'Squad Eight, the Exploration Squad lead by Alexander aka The Traveler, and his Vice-Captain Nicholas aka The Alchemist.'

Across from them the seventh throne sat. A young man laid across the throne with his eyes closed as he seemingly slept. A man stood next to him fanning the sleeping man off and brushing his hair. 'Squad Seven the Support Squad lead by Stark aka The Dark, and his Vice-Captain Nick aka The Living Steel.'

Next to them sat the sixth throne where a young woman with blue hair sat. Next to her stood two people. The first was Jackson, and the second was Dawson. The two of them stood on either side of the throne next to their Captain. 'Squad Sixth the Special Task Force Squad lead by the powerful Katrina aka The Hurricane, and her Vice-Captain Jackson aka The Blue Crow. No one knows why Dawson was there...'

To the right of them was the fifth, throne and Captain. A man sat smirking as his brother stood next to him. 'Squad five the Elementalist Squad lead by Kaen aka The Whisp and his brother and Vice-Captain Feng aka The Howling Fang.'

Next was Squad four. A woman wearing a suit of armor sat in the chair, next to her a large man holding a massive gun stood. 'Squad Four the Artillery Squad lead by Neil aka The Master Of Arms, and her Vice-Captain Miyamoto Mushai aka The Rain Of Hot Metal.'

The next one was squad three. A man so clean he sparkled sat in the throne. He wore a pair of loose-fitting white robes and hiS feet was in a bucket of soapy water. Next to him, a man stood with a large smoke pipe, however instead of smoke, bubbles came out of his. 'Squad Three, the Raid Squad lead by Kong aka The Leader of a Billion soldiers, and his Vice-Captain Lave aka The Cleansing Wave.'

Next to them was the second throne squad two. A gruff looking man sat in it, and a shy looking girl stood next to him. 'Squad two The Slayer Squad who excel at dealing with the Bestia Macht's. They are lead by Roi aka The Human Beast and his Vice-Captain Mary aka The Nightmare.'

And finally there was one last throne. In it nobody sat leaving it empty. A single piece of paper could be seen with the words 'Don't wanna be here, so I'm not.' written on it. Next to the throne a girl wearing a wooden mask stood. 'The Number One Squad also known as The Nukes, The Last Line of defense, the heavy hitters, the Strongest Squad. lead by the unknown Captain aka The Enigma, (Some say he doesn't exist) and his Vice-Captain Tomoe aka The Laijutsu Master. Some say she's the one that runs squad one since the Captain is never around.'

Hero folded his arms as he raised an eyebrow. ”Yo Fox teen. You're smart. What Captain is which?”

Kitsune rolled his eyes slightly as he looked up at the Captains. ”Everyone of the Captains are strong... Each of them has their own jobs and purposes... However, the strongest one would definitely be the number one Captain...”

”You mean the one who didn't show up?” Hero asked as he stared at the empty number one seat.

”Yeah... The Number One Captain this time is a bit of a mystery... Even still though that position is only held by the absolute strongest individual in the Enforcers. Someone even stronger than the Master's Four Sacred Beasts...”

”This all sounds kind of complicated...” Hero said sheepishly.

”Its really not,” Kitsune said shrugging. ”Basically you have twelve squads in total and each squad does something different. Squads 12 to 7 are the support role squads. They aren't sent out on massive missions often and usually do little side missions or go with another squad to back them up. 6 to 1 is focused on the battle squads. Those square are the ones sent on solo missions. Each squad focuses on something else that they do that makes them stand out. Then you have 3 to 1. Those three squads are the absolute strongest squads. They are the ones you want to shoot for...”

”I don't really care where I end up.” Hero said letting out a bit of a laugh. ”Just as long as it's fun and I can get stronger!”

Kitsune let out a huff as he turned away. ”Well, you should care. You should care a lot. This is an important-”

”Shh!” Irene hissed. ”It's starting...”

The flying woman lifted her arms up as she pulled out a massive scroll. ”Alright, everyone. It's time for you all to be sorted into your squad she announced out. We have a very special way of doing this! If you look behind you, you will see the exit door. If you look to your right, and left you will see six doors on each side!” The girl said cheerfully. Twelve doors could be seen now on the left and right hand side. Six on each side. Each door had a number on it. Left had one through six. The right had seven through twelve.

The flying girl reached up placing two fingers in her mouth as she let out a loud whistle. A loud click could be heard as the roof to the building unfolded opening up.

Everyone looked up now seeing the grey and blackened sky of their world. Many let out a loud gasp when they saw something flying down from the sky.

”A Bestia Macht!” A random recruit yelled out in fright.

A massive Bestia Macht came crashing down as it landed in front of the recruits. Everyone one of the recruits froze up as they stared at it. Its body was large but lean. It was around the size of a car. It walked on all fours and its two front legs had two powerful wings coming out of them that were molded into its body. White fur covered its body as sapphire blue eyes stared back at the recruits. Its mouth was like a beak as it folded open slightly. A large spiked tail flicked back moving left and right. White electricity sparked off of the thing flying around the room causing several people to panic.

”Th-The Enfrocers really do use Bestia Macht's!” Irene said in horror as she stepped back.

”Told you...” Hero said. ”Should have listened to me man...”

”This is Raiju! He will be performing a few exams on you...” The woman announced as she floated down and now stood on the beasts back. She reached out patting him. ”He is Master Storm's friend, and partner.” She stated. ”Every new Age when we have these test we use him to judge where a new recruit should go... Each of the Captain's have had a chance to talk to Raiju already and tell them who they want. They also have buttons they can push at any time to tell Raiju that they want you. If someone has claimed you Raiju will send you to them. If someone hasn't claimed you he will figure out if there is any squad you should go to. When I call your name please step up!” She said. ”Raiju will look into your mind and soul and figure out the best squad for you... Of course if he feels like you aren't worthy to join the Enforcers he'll show you... If that happens then please leave the building through the exit door which is now unsealed! Please step up when I call your name!” The girl said proudly.

Ken and Cloud gulped slightly as they shifted nervously. ”I... I don't like this...” Ken hissed out slightly. ”Being judged by a Bestia Macht... This isn't fair...”

”Relax.” Hero said patting the small girl on the head. ”I'm sure it's fine. She said if we are claimed than we are already in. That Jackson guy seemed to like you so he probably asked his Captain to claim you. I'm sure you'll get in just fine.”

”But what about me?” Cloud asked.

”Oh.. Umm. Ahh it's starting!” Hero said turning away from the two as the girl began to call names out.

”Chase Sturm!” The flying girl called out. A young boy nervously walked up. All twelve Captains peered down at him as the boy flinched nervously.

Slowly the boy reached out and placed his hand on the monster's head. A few seconds passed as the monster stared at him. Then its eyes flashed red.

”Sorry, Chase! You are disqualified. Please turn around and walk to the exit where you will be kicked out of our building never to be seen here again!” The girl announced cheerfully.

”What just like that!” Ken said horrified. ”We can just lose like that...”

The girl continued to call on names none of which were picked until finally... ”Lucy Case!” A tall blond girl walked up. There was a brief silence as the monster stared at her. Then its eyes turned green.

”I-I saw the number seven...” The girl said quietly. ”Do-Does that mean I'm on squad seven?” She questioned.

”I suppose you could have some talent...” Stark the seventh squad Captain said quietly. Despite that though his voice echoed down. ”Welcome to Squad Seven...”

”T-Thank you!” The girl said bowing slightly.

”Congratulations!” The flying girl announced. ”You are one of the first to get in. If you turn to your right you will find a door. Please walk through it and head to hall seven!”

The girl nodded before quickly running off.

From there a few more names were called out. Hero basically blanked most out as they were just random nobodies. One got picked by squad eight, one got picked by squad nine, and one by eleven. Hero honestly didn't care though. Not until a particular name was called out.

”Emma Vibes!”

Hero's eyes widened slightly as he turned finding Emma. 'I feel kind of bad for knocking her out... She probably won't get in because of me...'

Emma placed her hand on the monster. Its eyes flashed green almost instantly. ”Umm.. Seven...” The girl said sheepishly.

Stark let out another loud yawn. ”Looks like I got two this year...” The sleepy man stated.

”Oh yeah! In your face Hero.” Emma announced as the quickly ran off.

”Good for her...” Hero said nodding.

”Sera Azure!” The winged lady announced.

Hero sighed when he saw the smug Noble girl walk up. ”An Azure...” Kitsune said slightly confused. ”Man... And I thought I was gonna be the only Noble this year...”

”Don't worry.” Hero said shrugging. ”I saw that girl in action... She probably won't get in-”

The monster's eye's flashed green. ”Squad seven?” Sera said blinking slightly.

Up with Jackson and his Captain they gave a shrug. ”What's up with squad seven this year?” Jackson asked.

”Well, you know Stark...” Dawson said. ”He's a miracle worker... He turns normal everyday people into amazing Enforcers...”

”Cloud, No last name!” The flying girl announced.

Cloud let out a nervous nod as he stepped up. Everyone waited for a few moments.

Up in the balcony, Jackson tapped at the balcony. ”What do you think?” His Captain questioned. She stared down at the young teen. ”He got a zero on the written test as his handwriting was just scribbled... And he didn't get a single knock out...”

”Take him...” Dawson said quietly. ”He has skill.”

The Captain simply smirked as she shrugged. ”It's not about what I think... Its all up to that beast...”

The monster's eye's flashed a bright green for a moment. ”Squad... Six?” Cloud said shaking his head. ”That's really weird...”

”Congratulations!” Everyone looked up to see Katrina the sixth squad Captain. The woman crossed her arms as she smirked. ”Welcome to hell kid! You better not let me down...”

”Thank you, Ma'am...” Cloud said a bit shocked at having been picked. ”I won't let you down.”

”Way to go Cloud.” Hero said patting the boy on the shoulder.

”Kitsune Nine!” The woman announced.

Kitsune walked up instantly getting the creature to flash green. ”Six!” He said instantly.

”No!” Jackson whined out falling to his knees. ”Now I'm stuck with him...”

”What?” His Captain asked.

”Ahh, it's nothing. It's just I don't like that kid. He's way too clingy.”

”Oh? You don't like him?”

”Yeah- Wait a minute... Katrina, you better not!”

The woman stood up as she pointed down at Kitsune. ”From this day on while you are a part of the Enforcers Jackson will personally be training you!”

”Really! That's terrific!” Kitsune said happily with stars in his eyes.

”Why Katrina!” Jackson yelled out throwing his arms into the air

”This is for flirting with those girl!” She announced smacking him on the head.

”I wasn't flirting with anyone! One just said hi to me!”

Kitsune quickly left before a scene could break out. Once again the room went silent. Nothing of to much interest really happened. By now at least each squad had taking on one new recruit. All except for the first squad which continued to not raise any hands. Mostly because the Captain wasn't there.

Everyone all began to get bored until a name that caught Hero's eye was called up.

”Shiki Gold...”

The teen in question walked up. The teen in question was a young c.o.c.ky looking boy. He had an aura of power about him as he crossed his arms. The monster looked at him for a moment then its eyes turned golden. Its tail came up as it placed it at Shiki's neck. Everyone went quiet as they stared in surprise. Then. The monster pulled its tail back. Shiki smiled slightly as he reached out patting the monster.

”Squad one...” Shiki stated shocking everyone in the room.

Hero frowned slightly. ”Why didn't I notice that guy in the fighting arena...”

”Better question...” Ken stated. ”Why the hell did that thing almost attack him?”

”Alice Wonder!”

A girl nervously walked up as she shivered slightly. ”H-Hello...” The monster c.o.c.ked its head at her as its eyes flashed green. ”E-Eight?” The girl stated.