As the soldiers armed took time to arm themselves, Little White and Light finally returned to Aida's side. Using Little White's ability to hide and travel instantaneously, they were able to get around fairly easily.
Aida's eyes twinkled as she saw Light and Little White, giving them both an uncharacteristic hug. She tapped her chin in thought before asking Light, "Take off your clothes and give them to me."
Light didn't know why she wanted the clothes but listened to her request nevertheless. Donning the clothes, Aida looked exactly like a soldier from City M's walls. She looked extremely heroic.
"Prepare for battle," shouted Three and Seven. They could see the gates opening, and soldiers in heaving armored gear were coming out.
Seeing targets, the rash and irascible Green Base troops immediately launched themselves towards the soldiers, tearing them apart like monsters. They were venting all their anger and feelings of abandonment on these poor soldiers.
As more soldiers came out, the scene got progressively crazier. Bullets were flying everywhere and people were beginning to get injured. Aida didn't allow the others to move towards the battle on the premise that they had to find the right time to break in.
The more hot-blooded Rin and Little White were watching the scene with envy. They also wanted to join in on the fun. Light had to physically restrain Rin in order to keep him from running off. It was then that he suddenly felt an odd twinge of emotions coming from Aida.
Aida turned towards Light, the twins, Little White and Rose and flashed them a bittersweet smile. Before they could comprehend the meaning of her smile, she gently tapped each one of them on the shoulder, numbing them with electricity. "I'm sorry everyone, I can't let you take this risk with me. This is goodbye for now. I'll meet you all back at Green Base when this is over."
Turning to the kids, she said with a slight smile, "Be good and listen to your brother."
Shock, anger and sorrow crossed each of their faces as they realized that Aida was doing. Light, who half suspected this would happen, gave Aida a sad look as well. He understood that she was doing it for their own safety and that they weren't strong enough.
She turned to Lackey 1 and the elite troops from Green Base, "I leave them in your hands. If there is even a scratch on them or my RV when I return, you all will pay."
"Yes Boss!" They all responded loyally and in unison.
Nodding in approval, she dashed off towards the fight, leaving her companions behind. Xiao Ai who remained inside Aida's bulletproof vest for protection sniffled quietly. She whispered sadly, "I'll see you guys again soon."
Aida silently patted Xiao Ai through her bulletproof vest, echoing her thoughts. This was for the best, for everyone.
Rose, who was the strongest and most resilient to any sort of attack, recovered the soonest and began to chase after Aida. Lackey 1 saw this and immediately launched himself at her feet, keeping her from pursuing Aida.
"Please, young miss, please don't make things difficult for me," Lackey 1 began to ice up as Rose continued to exert her power. Fortunately, Lackey 1 could really take a beating so he continued to hug Rose despite the freezing cold temperatures.
Rose watched helplessly as she saw her Mama disappear into the distance. She was angry and heartbroken as a silent scream lingered at her still broken vocal cords. Right then, Little White who had been spectating, flashed over and quietly held Rose's hand in comfort. His hand also began icing up, but he obstinately held on.
Feeling the warmth from Little White's hand, Rose slowly began to recover her senses and stared ferociously at Lackey 1 who had practically turned into a human popsicle.
Lackey 1 slowly thawed and explained, "Boss was worried about the two of you entering the city and the dangers involved, so she ordered me to bring you back to Green Base to wait for her. She wanted me to tell you that she wasn't abandoning you and would come back as soon as she could."
Rose glared at Lackey 1 with burning anger in her eyes completely contrasting the cold air before turning and walking away. Lackey 1 sighed in relief as he quickly stumbled after her. He could tell that she had conceded and would obediently follow her back to Green Base.
He ordered the elite troops to protect and carry Aida's companions into the car and drive away. Turning to the troops, his eyes turned serious. "Retreat. I repeat, all troops retreat."
***
After Aida left the others, she immediately went into her nothingness state and weaved through the vehicles and fought, purposely blending in with the masses. She would occasionally pop in and help one or two of the people from Green Base if they looked like they were in trouble, which left the Variants endlessly confused. 'Why was a person with City M's soldier uniform helping them?'
Before long, Lackey 1's orders to retreat propagated to them and they began to move back. The commander at the back was red with excitement, "Ha! Chase those scumbags and put them in their place."
Luckily for the soldiers, a General appeared at that time and ordered everyone to stop. "Return to the base."
"Who dares question my authority?!" The commander was infuriated by the gall of the person who dared to counter his order. However, as he turned around, he felt as though he had been doused with a bucket of cold water.
Snapping out of his enraged state, he stood at attention. "G-general Mills! Sir, it's an honor."
General Mills sent a glare towards the commander before continuing to manage the situation. The commander was now shaking in his boots and almost couldn't remain standing. He was so screwed, he made several bad calls and even dared to scold a General. He would be demoted if not fired for sure.
END OF VOLUME 1