Pure Gold Pacificators Fanfiction by KittyOcean (July 2010_

-Diagram of Glennis and Kane
-Outfits of Glennis
-Kane & Glennis

Prologue

“Mommy, mommy! Look! I can make grandma’s old lamp glow!”
“Put that down, that’s a valuable heirloom.”
“But mommy, it glows!”
“Don’t make up such tall tales. This lamp hasn’t worked since the Second Dark Age started. Now, be a nice girl and go play in your room. Making this lamp glow, the imagination this child has!”

Chapter 1: A ninja for Christmas

20th of December, year XXXX
Pacificators Headquarters, Dutch Division.

“It seems the Revelin-family won’t give up.” The woman sighed, lifting up a piece of paper.
“Another request?” A man replied. “Do they honestly think we have time to babysit? There are more urgent matters!”
An older man spoke up. “I tend to disagree. The Revelin-family has played an important part in ending the Second Dark Age.”
“It’s not over yet.” The woman said back, placing the paper down uninterested.
“But without them, it would have been worse.” The older man smiled.
“That family thinks they can get whatever they want with their money.” A younger woman snarled. “So what that they hold 30% of the industries?”
“The more reason to do what they request.” A man with a small beard smiled. “We can’t have them against us!”
“I still say it’s a waste of resources.” The first man that had spoken said. “Our platoons have better things to do than babysit an arrogant brat.”
“Hold on!” The woman with the request suddenly jumped up, surprising the others in the room. She hurried to a cabinet and went through the files with an amazing speed. Clearly she knew what she was looking for, while the others were confused. “How about this one?” She then placed a thick folder onto the table.
For a moment, there was silence and people were looking at each other with doubting faces. “Excellent!” Was the united response. “Send a word to the Academy; surely they can’t wait to send her into the field!”

22nd of December, year XXXX
Revelin Industries, Utrecht, Netherlands

     She looked at the large glass doors, that were part of the tall building with ten floors. Never before had she seen such a large building, but according to the paper in her hand and the sign above the door, this was the place. However… the door seemed to be missing a handle.
She couldn’t find a doorbell, a handle; nothing! She did notice a box next to the door, but there were no buttons to push.
“Hold on, I’ll open the door for you.” The box suddenly spoke and the girl jumped back surprised. The voice was uninterested and monotone, surely it wasn’t human!
    To her surprise, the door opened with a rattle, sliding to the sides. Astounded, the girl walked inside, noticing the gears and leverage that were on the side. Never before had she seen an automatic door. Her grandmother had told her about it, but never before had she seen one. Not to mention the enormous lobby! People were walking all over the place, going from side to side. The business suits betrayed they were working here and she felt like a sheep amidst wolves. That feeling got underlined when people stopped and started to stare at her. Her thick black coat, her pale skin… not to mention her aqua coloured hair. Still, she had expected this. People always stared at her. Even if she would wear a business suit and not colour her hair, people would stare at her. She didn’t remember a day where people hadn’t stared at her.
“This way, please.” The same monotonous voice ordered her, but this time it came from the impressive desk that seemed to be the reception. “Your name, please?”
The girl looked at the woman before her, who didn’t share eye contact. The girl wondered if the woman was actually talking to her, until the woman repeated her question. “Ah, eh… Glenn.” She introduced herself. “Glennis Kendaleigha.”
“Who do you have an appointment with?” The woman took out a large book and flipped some pages.
“Kane Revelin.” The girl read from her paper.
For a moment, the receptionist looked up, raised an eyebrow, but then looked into her book. “Oh, the two o’clock.” The woman noticed. “Please, take a seat, mister Revelin will be here any moment… I hope…”
    Glenn was surprised by the words of the receptionist and got a feeling the woman had no desire in being there. Knowing the feeling, Glenn walked to some seats and put off her thick winter jacket. She never liked to wear a jacket, not to mention Dutch winters, but she couldn’t prance in her uniform all day long. Underneath the jacket, Glenn sported a Pacificators-inspired uniform with long stockings. The main colour was black, but some parts were blue; a slightly different shade from her hair. On her side was a rubber Katana; a Japanese sword. She didn’t have a license to wear an actual sword, plus she disliked hurting humans. After all, she was a Pacificator… even though this was her first mission. Glenn had graduated years ago and completed all her trainings… but never was part of a Platoon. Now, she was 25 years old and seriously had the feeling she was dumped into this mission.
    She took a magazine from the table and opened it. While she could read perfectly, the topics inside went way over her head. Economics, Business Management… she never cared for numbers or reports. She has a Pacificators-seal, like every Pacificator had, but… hold on… where did she put it? ‘Don’t tell me I forgot it.’ She worried, but was relieved when she found the seal in her pocket. It was a ‘stamp’ on a bracelet, almost looking like an upside-down watch and she never liked it. However, since she was on official business now, she should wear it and…
    Glenn looked up from putting on her ‘watch-seal’ and looked to the side, where a young man seemed to be hiding behind her seat. “Can I help you?” Glenn asked, more out of curiosity than having the intend to help looking for something.
“Sshh!” The man hissed, having his finger to his lips. “I’m trying to get out of here.”
Glenn looked up surprised. “…Why?” She finally managed to ask.
“If you distract that receptionist, I may make it to the door.” The man plotted. “I only have a few moments till some Pacificator-grandma comes babysitting.”
    The response from the man caused an instant reaction with Glenn. Anger boiled up in a split second and out of nowhere, lightning seemed to strike the man without mercy. The sound caused the people in the lobby to look up shocked, turning to a huffing Glenn and a twitching man on the floor.
“I see you are right in time for your appointment, for once.” The receptionist calmly walked at the man and kept on speaking, while the man on the floor tried to recover. “Mister Revelin, this is your two o’clock.”
The man got up slowly, having his hair to all sides. “You’re quite young to be a grandma.” He smiled, offering his hand, but Glenn refused it. “I like the vintage they have now.” He didn’t care Glenn still refused his offered hand. “Ah, miss Karida, looking dazzling as always.”
“It’s Mrs. Karida.” The woman allowed him to kiss her hand, but she wasn’t impressed. “I’ll be serving tea in your office in ten minutes.” She turned to Glenn. “What kind of flavour would you like?” Even now, the voice was still bored, uninterested and monotonous.
“Just water, please.” Despite the word ‘please’, the answer was still cold and rough.
“One water tea, coming up.” She turned around, misunderstanding Glenn, who only then remembered the Netherlands had popular tea-flavours: Earth, Water, Fire and Water. She herself was born in the Netherlands, but she went to the Pacificators Academy of London, giving her an unique accent in both languages.
“Shall we?” Kane Revelin kept on smiling, despite the shock he had just received. He didn’t seem to care much and led the way through the building that was his property.
    On the way to his office, Glenn noticed how Kane greeted all men quite familiar, yet treated all the women as if they were aristocratic ladies. Each and every one was given an equal amount of time and compliments, slowing down the way to the office. Most of the women liked his greetings, while it made most of the men jealous.
Glenn, on the other hand, had a feeling this would be one long mission.

“Please, be seated.” Kane offered Glenn a chair and took her coat. While Glenn seated, he hung the jacket on a hat stand, took a glance backwards and quickly opened the door.
“Nice try.” Mrs. Karida said from the other side, pushing herself in with a tray with tea.
“I knew you were coming!” Kane tried, but Mrs. Karida didn’t buy it.
“I’ve raised four sons.” She informed him. “None of them ever outsmarted me and they pulled quite some tricks. I doubt you can come up with anything new.” She handed the hot water too Glenn. “Here’s your tea, dear.”
Kane realised it was futile and took the chair behind his large desk. “Miss, this is Alima Karida, my secretary.”
“Hello.” Was the only response of the secretary.
“Glennis Kendaleigha.” Glenn repeated.
“I know, dear.” There was a smile coming from that face, but the voice kept on being monotonous. “I let you in.”
“Miss Karida…”
“Mrs. Karida.” Mrs. Karida corrected him.
“But Mrs. makes you sound so old!” Kane smiled. “Such a young flower like you…”
“Mrs. Karida.” Mrs. Karida only said.
Kane decided to let it go and continued anyway. “Miss Karida is the only one who knows the real reason you are here.” Kane revealed. “Everyone else thinks the Pacificators will help me get contacts outside Europe, so we can all work together to end the Second Dark Age. Personally, I rather had ninja’s, but they are so hard to contact.” Now Glenn knew for sure: this was going to be one long mission. “What do you know about my family, Miss Kendaleigha? Wonderful name, by the way. Indian?”
“American.” Glenn informed him. “My grandfather was an American.” She didn’t really like this man. “As for your other question: the Revelin-family dates back from before the Second Dark Age. The company holds several divisions; each child of the current family is responsible for one division.”
Kane nodded. “My sister is in charge of the Invention Division, my older brothers are in charge of Electronic Reverse Engineering, Medicine and Trans-European Transportation. I myself am in charge of the, what I like to call, Dirt Division.” He smiled his dazzling smile, but it only made Glenn dislike him more. “My responsibility is to keep an eye on the Netherlands’ natural resources. Did you know that ever since the Second Dark Age started, the agriculture covered twice as much ground as before that time? Fascinating!”
While he was leaning on his desk, Glenn only had to look at him once more time to know what he was thinking. “Liar.” She blurted out. (Was that a smile on Mrs. Karida’s face?)
“Nice.” Kane admitted, sitting down on his desk, losing his businessman attitude. “I like you.”
“I don’t have to like you.” Glenn replied. “My only duty is to protect you.”
“Because of my family’s wealth and connections to the Pacificators, some other companies don’t really like us.” Kane revealed.
‘I can imagine.’ Glenn imagined his siblings, all being equally arrogant.
“I’m the youngest.” Kane said, quickly adding he was 27 years old. “And somehow they think that I will be scared into handing over the company. Without me, the Revelin-family would lose an important division and thus part of their status.” Kane turned to the window. “I’ll be honest with you.” He smiled. “I don’t like my job. In fact, it bores the hell out of me. I’d rather be an geologist; digging in dirt and looking for pretty stones.”
“Then quit.” Glenn chose the easy way out.
“You never met my parents, have you?” Kane grinned. “They don’t know the meaning of ‘No’. In fact, they send 237 letters to the Pacificators before they assigned you.” He then looked back. “So, that’s a bit about your ‘damsel in distress’. How about sharing a bit about my ‘knight in shining armour’?”
“Glenn.” Glenn only said. “T-Pacificator of Lightning.”
Silence fell. “And?” Kane asked a bit uneasy.
“That’s all you need to know.” Glenn ended the introduction. “The Academy said you needed protection 24/7 and that you would arrange accommodations.”
“Ah, about that.” Kane sweated. “There was a bit of a misunderstanding. They said I would get an experienced T-Pacificator, so I assumed a lady… twice your age.” When he saw Glenn steaming up again, he flinched a bit. “But don’t worry! Your room will be ready in an hour! Miss Karida?”
“Do you like flower wallpaper?” The secretary calmly asked, but the eyes of Glenn said all. “How about skulls?”
“I think plain white might be best.” Kane hurried at his secretary. “In the mean time, how about the two of us grabbing some ice cream?”
“Miss Kendaleigha,” Mrs. Karida ignored her boss. “Mister Revelin has to finish his paperwork before four o’clock. I trust you can keep him here?”
“Whatever.” Glenn mumbled back, watching Mrs. Karida leave.
“Is she gone?” Kane peeked outside the door. “Okay, ice cream it is! I heard about this wonderful place in Italy that sells the best ice cream!”
“Italy?!” Glenn gasped. “You want to go to Italy?!”
“Sure, why not?” Kane smiled.
“Italy?!” Glenn repeated.
“Oh, you’re worried about that paperwork?” Kane walked to his desk and put a large stack of paperwork on the table. He took out a stamp from his drawer and within five minutes, the entire stack of paperwork had been done. “Well, let’s go!”
“Did you even read anything of that?” Glenn gasped.
“Miss Karida only gives me the things that need to be signed.” Kane grinned. “If it’s not good, she won’t give it to me.”
“You signed without reading what you were signing?!” Glenn realised she was indeed send on a babysitting mission… with one big child in an adults body!
“Are you coming?” Kane offered her jacket.
Realising Glenn couldn’t stop him, even if she tried, she knew she had to follow him. After all, this was her mission. After all these years, she was finally a true Pacificator.
“I should’ve hit him harder.” Glenn grumbled, putting on her jacket. “Just a tiny bit… just enough to paralyze him!”

Chapter 2: Pacificator in action!

27th of December, year XXXX
City of Utrecht, Netherlands

    Glenn looked at the snow that got crushed under her heavy boots. They were tall and till her knees, but had a flat sole made out of thick rubber. As a Pacificator of Lightning, it was easy to fry herself, so in order to prevent such an act, she wore shoes with thick rubber soles. Even if she stepped in a puddle of water, the rubber would give her some sort of protection. People always wondered when she would go crazy and thus treated her as such. As a result, Glenn never had any friends on the Academy and became the most anti-social Pacificator anyone knew.
    Nobody wanted her in her team and none of the commanders could have an interview with her that didn’t result in a screaming-fest. She obeyed all rules, even followed all orders… but she never did it without talking back to the one giving the order.
“Are you certain you don’t want some?” A large ice cream was shoved underneath her nose.
“No.” Glenn said back cold. She looked to the side, where a tall, brown haired young man happily ate from his ice cream. Why did she ever accept this mission? Oh yeah, it was because of her dream to become a Pacificator. What a disappointment that had been! “It’s the middle of the winter.” Glenn snarled. “No one in the right mind eats ice cream now!”
“They didn’t mind making me some.” Kane smiled.
“No one minds if they get offered the money you threw at them.” Glenn mumbled, remembering how Kane offered the store an insane amount of money if they would make him some ice cream.
    In the past few days, Glenn had started to know her protégé. Kane, a self-centred, arrogant child in adult’s body, who flirted with every woman he came across, no matter the age. Twice Glenn had to save his stupid butt from angry husbands, but showing her bracelet with seal was enough to let them step back, shouting insults. Or perhaps it was her rubber Katana and aqua coloured hair that scared them off…
    Kane had plenty of money and his motto was that he had to share it with the world. He often asked if Glenn wanted something and if her room suited her needs. If not, he would have it changed, no matter the costs and no matter the time. Sometimes, he even called her ‘his little Pacificator’, which caused Glenn to use her powers on him.
    The shocks she gave to him were always weak; strong enough to strike him down but weak enough to let him stand up on his own again. More than once she thought about upping the force, but her Pacificator-schooling wouldn’t allow her. Now, she followed this rich boy all around town, where he more than once hid from his duties. When he would be back, there would be a mountain of paperwork, that’s for sure!
    Glenn liked Utrecht; it had been a while since she had been there. It was one of the oldest towns of the Netherlands, or so she thought, and having spend years on the London Academy made her realised how much she loved being here. The canals, the bridges, the Dom Tower, the small shops, the small streets… hold on.
Maybe it was because of her electric nature, but Glenn could’ve sworn she felt something behind them. Only a second later, Glenn pushed Kane into the snow, giving a firm order: “Stay down!”
    Kane crushed his ice cream with his face, while biting snow as well. He didn’t see the trouble… while Glenn did. Five men, in black trench coats and with sunglasses, like in the magazines she once read about, Glenn knew these five were up to no good. The fact they stormed at her only confirmed that feeling and Glenn readied herself for battle. Making certain there was a distance between the attackers and Kane, Glenn threw out her jacket, giving her more freedom of movement. “Stand back!” Glenn ordered. “I am the Pacificator of Lightning and I won’t hesitate to use force to complete my mission!”
“A little girl?” One man laughed. “And lightning won’t do you much good, amidst all that water!”
“Don’t worry.” Glenn smiled. “That’s why I also have this.” She drew her rubber katana.
The men first looked surprised, laughed and pointed, but then readied themselves as well. “Mother told me to never hit a girl…” One grinned. “…but she never said anything about crushing them!”
“Suit it yourselves.” Glenn wasn’t impressed and watched the men jumping at her.
“Excuse me?” Kane interrupted. “Do any of you have a wipe or something like that? I’ve got ice cream up my nose.”
“Kane, get back!” Glenn hissed.
“No, seriously, it’s right up here.” Kane pointed. “And it’s pretty annoying.”
“Kane!”
“But it’s cold!”
    If it wasn’t for the scream before her, the distraction would have been enough to let her lose this battle. However, she snapped back in the nick of time. Raising her left leg, Glenn did a spin kick against the stomach of the first guy. Letting him slide through the snow stopped the other four men for a moment, but then they charged at the same time. Glenn used her katana to hit the one closest to her; even though it was made of rubber, the speed and the material was enough to cause some serious pain. With her hand, she smacked another attacker in the face, backing him off as well.
    The third seemed to have used the moment to study her, as he grabbed her katana with both his hands. “Got you know!” He laughed, but stopped laughing when he saw Glenn smile. Her eyes started glowing for a short moment and an electric shock suddenly went through the man’s body.
He sank through his knees and towards the ground, letting go of the katana. Letting her eyes glow once again, Glenn filled the air with static electricity. Even though static electricity would never hurt the attackers, it distracted them whenever they touched something metal… and Utrecht has plenty of metal! The potholes, the street lanterns, the window ornaments… to the men it felt like she was attacking them from all sides at once!
    Using this moment of panic, Glenn jumped into the air and amidst the men, swinging her katana around and hitting them all with grand force. However, even though she seemed to win, Glenn was not stupid. Five men, one girl (and a tag-along-big-baby); those were not fair odds. The moment the men were down, Glenn turned around and rushed to Kane.
“Let’s go!” She ordered him, pulling him along.
“What about your jacket?” Kane asked, grabbing it just in time.
“Forget about the jacket!” Glenn hissed; wasn’t his life more important?! However, then she heard a sound like a nose being blown and horrified Glenn looked back. “My jacket!” She called out, seeing how Kane used it to clean his nose.
In those few moments Glenn and Kane had managed to hide in one of the little streets of Utrecht, but the screams of Glenn were almost enough to raise the dead. “What?” Kane asked innocently. “I thought you said…”
At that moment, lightning seemed to strike down on him, without giving a warning. Huffing and angry, Glenn looked down to the twitching man, who barely held on to the dirty fabrics of her coat.

“Welcome back, Mister Revelin.” Mrs. Karida greeted them without looking up from her work. Her voice was still monotonous and bored, despite the cheerful decorations around her. “Your paperwork is due in thirty minutes.”
“Ah, Miss Karida!” Kane greeted her, still recovering from the shock Glenn had given him. “Aren’t you looking cheerful! Do you already have a date for the New Year’s Ball?”
“Yes.” Mrs. Karida stated. “My husband.”
“Such a pity.” Kane smiled. “Such a charming young lady on my arm…” A short, weak electric shock went through his body.
“Nice.” Mrs. Karida nodded approving at Glenn. “Where were you three years ago?”
    Glenn didn’t give a response and grabbed Kane’s shoe, dragging him through the lobby and on the stairs. Halfway Kane carefully requested if Glenn would mind letting him walk on his own and since carrying such a dead-weight along was kind of tiring, she agreed. However, soon she realised it also meant that this dead-weight would also be flirting with every woman in the office again, not carrying if they were married or not. It took three more shocks from Glenn (much to the approval of the men in the office), but then he followed her like a sad puppy. Inside his office, Kane reluctantly went to work. His stamping went half-hearted, but still he didn’t read whatever was shoved underneath his nose. Glenn didn’t care, it was not her business his business was going down the drain. She decided to work on her own report; nothing would happen inside this office anyway.
    Glenn took a few papers and resided into a large chair, putting off her boots and pulling up her feet. Snuggling into the chair, Glenn took a thick magazine, put it behind the papers, clicked on her pen and started writing. Her handwriting was awful, but she wasn’t surprised by that. Her mother always claimed it was because of her electric powers, so she didn’t have to practise on her writings.
    A sudden noise made her look up and Glenn snapped aside, feeling disturbed. She felt even more disturbed when she saw a sleeping man, his head between papers and onto the desk. The snoring he made was enough to raise the dead and carefully Glenn raised her rubber katana, pointing it to Kane. The tip of it carefully touched his hand and even though Glenn didn’t look at him or even seemed to be doing anything, he suddenly snapped up.
“I’m up, I’m up!” He called out.
Glenn pulled back her katana, putting it next to her. Kane yawned a bit and stamped a few more pages, uninterested, but then his eyes got drawn to Glenn once more. “What?” She snapped when she noticed his eyes.
“Nothing!” Kane tried.
“If it was nothing, you wouldn’t be staring at me.”
“I wasn’t staring at you.”
“Yes, you were.”
“I was staring at your sword.” Kane admitted.
“It’s a katana.”
“It’s from rubber.”
“Very perceptive.”
“Rubber doesn’t conduct.”
“Oh my, finished elementary school?”
“Yours does.”
“No, it doesn’t.”
“Yes, it does.”
“No, it doesn’t.” However, a sudden rumble surprised her and within a few seconds, Kane was in front of Glenn, on his knees, having his hands folded.
“Please, tell me your secret!”
“Back off!” Glenn hissed, slapping him with the magazine.
However, Kane wasn’t ready to let go just yet. “Come on, it has to be a super awesome secret.” Even though Glenn kept hitting him with the magazine and papers, he wouldn’t drop it. “Come on!”
    At that moment, Mrs. Karida walked in with some tea. Seeing Kane kneeled before Glenn didn’t even raise an eyebrow. “Shall I send out the wedding invitations?” She said without a hint if she was joking or not. Mrs. Karida ignored protests from both youngsters as she placed the tea on the table and handled Kane some more files. “These are due in two hours.” She mentioned, seeing him turning as white as a sheet. “Is the sun still bothering you?”
Glenn looked up surprised, she couldn’t really say there was much sun today. However, Kane nodded. “Yes, but I think I found a nice sunscreen.”
Mrs. Karida glanced at Glenn. “I see.” She only said.
“No,” He took out a magazine. “I highlighted the one I want to have.” He smiled, charming like an angel.
Mrs. Karida looked at the magazine and even though Glenn tried to see it, she couldn’t figure out the title. “I see.” Was Mrs. Karida’s only response. “Any particular shade?”
“Do you think they’ll make it in gold?” Kane grinned.
“No.” Mrs. Karida didn’t look up.
“Miss Karida, can I say Miss Karida?”
“No.”
“Miss Karida, do you already have a date for the New Year’s Ball?” Kane repeated his question.
“I’d be lying if I said I’d love you to meet my husband.” Mrs. Karida replied. “Anything else I can do for you?”
“Ah, yes, a dress for Miss Kendaleigha.” Kane ignored the sounds behind him.
“No way!” Glenn waved with her hands. “Absolutely, freaking, no way!”
“Make it a blue one.” Kane decided.
“I said no!” Glenn yelled.
“Dear, you’re his nanny.” Mrs. Karida didn’t look up from her notepad. “You can’t be at the New Years Ball without a dress.”
“Same shade as her hair.” Kane turned to Glenn. “Though you might want to brush your hair a bit more.”
“If I shock him to death, I don’t have to be at that party, right?” Glenn asked.
“Mind the carpet, dear.” Mrs. Karida instructed her.

Chapter 3: New Year Drama

31st of December, year XXXX
Villa ‘Revelin-Gold’- nearby Utrecht, Netherlands

    She stared at the horrific image before her. Blue, silk, calm, beautiful… and her size. She stood in a room so big, she got lost twice that day already. She wondered about leaving breadcrumbs, when she stumbled upon this… thing.
Glenn was not against dresses, especially not one this beautiful. It was just… it just could never fit her. That dress was so beautiful, so divine… and she was Glenn. She didn’t know what to do with this thing. Sure, she knew how to get in it, but what then? What about her hair? What about make-up? She didn’t have a single thing!
“Are you done gasping for air?” Mrs. Karida walked into the room, surprising Glenn.
“What are you doing here?!” Glenn replied astounded.
“I’m practically his mother, dear.” Mrs. Karida revealed. “The day he got that company, I got another son.” She turned around. “One still in diapers. What size are your shoes, dear?”
“I… I…” Glenn didn’t know what to say.
“Your bath is ready, dear.” Mrs. Karida said. “You may give me an answer when you return.” She looked at Glenn. “I don’t mind having a daughter as well.”

    Kane stood in the study of his room. He owned a villa which was fit for a king, but he did nothing to earn it. All he had to do, was being born. And now, now he was owner of a multinational company and target of various rival companies that would do anything to get his division. Yet, he felt at ease. He was in his own safe home and a T-Pacificator within arms’ reach. Nothing could harm him, he was king.
    A knock on the door let him snap up from his thoughts, allowing the one who knocked to enter. “Ah, did you get it?” He happily wished to know. The man that entered left a large parcel on the table. “Wonderful, just wonderful!” The man left without words, as Kane unwrapped the parcel.
Inside the parcel was a thick, bound book, clearly several centuries old. On the cover was a painted image of a geisha, hiding partly behind a large fan. His fingers touched the thick leather till the lock.
    From a small box on his desk, Kane took a golden key, which had been in his care for several years already. Placing the golden key in the lock, turning it… but nothing happened. Kane took out the key, looked at it, but then smiled. Going back to the box, he took out a simple, rusted key, which ironically did open the lock with a snap. Opening the book, Kane looked at the pages of kanji, going up and down, right to left. “Interesting…” Kane smiled, flipping the pages carefully. “This is fascinating…” He did a step back. “I wonder how much a translation of this would cost…” A second knock made him rush to the door. “Miss Karida!” As if he knew who was on the other side, he pulled her in. “Look at this, isn’t this wonderful?!”
“Ah yes, another book for the collection.” Mrs. Karida wasn’t impressed. “Number 44?”
“47.” Kane didn’t catch her opinion. “Why haven’t you found a translator yet? I’ve been dying to read these books! The knowledge, the traditions… why doesn’t the Netherlands have traditions like this?”
“There are traditions.” Mrs. Karida mentioned. “You never bothered to learn about them. All you care about are traditions far away.”
“Look at this kimono!” Kane ignored her. “Or is it a yukata? I so need an interpreter.”
“Mister Revelin, Miss Kendaleigha is waiting.” Mrs. Karida tried to snap him up from his fantasies.
“Who?” Kane replied without thinking.
“The Pacificator your parents hired for you?” Mrs. Karida never lost her monotonous voice.
“Oh, right!” Kane looked up. “Let’s go!”
“Are you certain you want to leave?” Mrs. Karida asked.
“You can never let a lady wait!” Kane waved with his finger.
“That’s nice.” Mrs. Karida mentioned. “Might want to put on some pants, though.”
    Only then Kane noticed the boxers he was still wearing. A bit embarrassed he hurried to his room to finish his dressing. Why did he actually stop halfway? What had distracted him this time? He honestly couldn’t remember. He couldn’t remember putting a shirt on either. Did he even sleep last night?
Moments later, Kane was ready to leave, but Mrs. Karida reminded him of his escort. Kane disagreed Glenn was escorting him; a woman should always be escorted by a man! However, when Mrs. Karida said she could also call Glenn his nanny, Kane tried to change the subject. Changing the subject was not that hard, as a dazzling beauty walked down the stairs. A calm blue dress, matching her aqua coloured hair, Glenn looked like a true lady. She seemed to be walking uneasy and didn’t know what to do when Kane took her hand and kissed it.
“My fair lady,” He started, “how wonderful that you enlighten us with your radiant appearance.” Glenn couldn’t help but blush at that comment. “However, I am tied to someone else. You may have met her on your way here, but perhaps we can flee from my cranky babysitter together…”
That last comment caused Glenn’s eyes to glow and zap Kane with her powers once more. “Don’t pretend you don’t recognise me!” Glenn warned him, having her fist balled. “How dare you mock me!”
“I was actually giving a compliment.” Kane smiled, still being on the floor, but with his finger held high. This calm smiling response caught Glenn off guard, but she couldn’t let her armour down yet. Instead, she grabbed his collar, dragging him over the floor.
“Mind the carpet, dear.” Mrs. Karida followed them.

    At the party, Mrs. Karida was reunited with her husband. Unlike her, his eyes seemed to be filled with life. Kane wanted to meet Mr. Karida and shook his hand. “I apologise, kind sir.” Kane bowed. “If I had been many years younger, I would have fought for the hand of this fair maiden.” He bowed before Mrs. Karida as well. “But alas, such a strong warrior can never be defeated. I shall retreat, with my honour intact, but I shall always defend this beautiful woman’s honour.”
With those words, he left the couple. Mr. Karida took a sip from his drink. “Wow, you weren’t overreacting when you told me about him.” He casually mentioned.
“I never overreact.” Mrs. Karida only replied.
With Glenn tagging behind him, Kane welcomed all his guests. While all the women were flattered by his compliments, Kane easily noticed Glenn was not at ease. The way she stood, trying to avoid any contact with humans, showed anyone she never had been at a party like this and didn’t know how to behave.
After all the guests were welcomed, Kane took a few snacks from the passing trays. “Do you want some too?” He asked, but already handed it over. Glenn had no choice but to take it, though wondered if she should put the whole thing into her mouth at once, or nibble from it, hoping that was a lady’s way to go.
“Ah, such wonderful music.” Kane seemed to ignore how out of place his bodyguard felt. “Mind if I dance?”
“Whatever.” Glenn didn’t really care. The security of this reception was so tight, she probably didn’t have to do a single thing. However, Kane grabbed Glenn without warning and swooped her along to the dance floor. “Not with me!” She hissed scared.
“It would be rude to share the first dance with someone else than the lady I came with.” Kane ignored her protests.
“But I can’t dance!” Glenn tried.
“That’s why one of the two leads.” Kane didn’t mind her clumsiness. “Well, how about you telling me a bit about you?”
To Glenn, it felt like she was riding on a rollercoaster; left, right, back, forth. “There’s nothing to tell.” She snapped.
Kane didn’t mind she didn’t want to share. “Ah, a mystery lady.” He accepted. “You won’t lose your shoe at midnight and turn in a pumpkin, right?” A short, weak shock went through his body. Glenn avoided any further eye contact; this was so humiliating to her! “Well, how about I tell a little bit about me, then?”
“No, thank you.” Glenn growled.
“Well, I’m Kane, youngest of my family…” He started. “I collect Japanese books from before the Second Dark Age; especially the ones from the Feudal time.”
“Oh, goody.” Glenn mumbled.
“Feudal Japan is so interesting!” Kane suddenly swooped to the side. “Please get us Miss Kendaleigha’s katana.” He instructed a man. “I bet you will look wonderful in a kimono! A blue one… with yellow flowers!”
“Why did you order for my katana?” Glenn commented to what happened before his compliment.
“Because I saw some people I didn’t invite.” Kane casually mentioned. “I should have a word with my security.”
“I am your security.” Glenn hissed.
“Well, then I should talk to the people who are in charge of keeping unwanted people away.” Kane shrugged, swooping back to the side and taking the rubber katana that was handed to him. “Oh, so that is the secret!” He noticed, looking at the katana. Observing the solid rubber weapon, he saw a thin piece of metal; clearly a wire that went from the back to the front. “I didn’t expect that.”
“That’s the point!” Glenn growled, pulling the katana from his hand. “And where should I leave this thing now? Well?”
“Don’t worry, you will find a use for it soon.” Kane smiled. He then bend closer to her, whispering in her ear. “Don’t worry about the dress.” He assured her.
    Glenn kicked off her shoes, turned around and with a big slam she hit the man that had lunged to them. Quickly she assessed the situation: three men, but with skills that should not be underestimated. Due to the masses, security couldn’t reach the men that easily, while they were already in the centre with Glenn and Kane.
Kane knew he only stood a chance if he would remain near Glenn; if the masses would come between her and him… Being the polite man he was, he excused himself whenever someone accidentally stepped between him and his protector.
    From the sidelines, he could see how Glenn’s dress had ripped, as he expected. The slit was high and gave Glenn enough freedom of movement. A battle had ensued and Glenn managed to use her katana a few times, but never did she get the chance to hit her opponents with anything else but the rubber. She realised these three men before her were fast and skilled; probably more skilled than she was! Even though Kane tried not to show it, he did worry about the battle. Not about what would happen if Glenn lost, but what was happening to Glenn! He had a strong urge to go and help her,  but he also realised he would endanger her mission if he did that.
“Please, follow me.” A woman said into Kane’s ear, but the tone of voice was not warm nor familiar.
Kane, however, felt something sharp pointing in his side. “I must admit,” He smiled, “they did send a beautiful one this time.”
“Perhaps you care to continue your flattery outside?” The woman threatened him.
“Nah, I’m good.” Kane tried to bluff. “Can’t leave my own ball, now can I?”
“I think I must insist.” The woman was polite, Kane had to admit that.
“I think I must decline.” Kane threw back. “Don’t you people want me alive?”
The woman smiled. “Do you see that man over there, with the black hair?” She mentioned one of Glenn’s opponents. “He comes from a long line of assassins. He will kill your little Pacificator, if you won’t follow me.”
With his hand, Kane quickly grabbed the knife, surprising the woman and the audience around them. While screams filled the air, Kane looked directly into her eyes. “Do reconsider that option.” He hissed at her. “I insist.”
For a split second, Glenn noticed how Kane had grabbed that woman’s wrist and how the knife clattered onto the ground. The screams that followed because of that confused and distracted her, giving her opponents a split second.
 Using that split second, two of the men heaved a large bowl of punch, splashing the aqua coloured haired girl. Red was dripping all over and drenched, Glenn didn’t move for a moment. Slowly, her eyes moved towards the men against her, having thunder written all over her face. She did a step forward, her feet into a puddle. “I wouldn’t use your powers, if I were you.” One of the men grinned. “Unless you wish to fry yourself.”
Glenn looked down, seeing her wet bare foot. Then, she followed the punch that covered the floor, seeing the men standing into that same puddle. They laughed, they grinned, ready to attack her and knowing she was powerless as long as she was wet.
    Carefully, they came closer, step by step, ready to finish her off. Glenn stretched her katana forward and allowed the first man to reach out for it. He touched it, holding it tight, laughing. However, his laughing soon vanished, as the serious face of Glenn remained… and her eyes started to glow.
The light her powers created was amazing, as lightning shot through the liquid and into the men. Their agonizing scream seemed to take minutes, while in fact the entire shock only lasted a few seconds.
“Glenn!” Kane called out worried, knowing what the results of her actions were. The woman used that opportunity to retreat, vanishing in the masses. Kane didn’t notice it, as he rushed forward to the girl that leaned onto the floor.
The three men lay defeated on the floor, but Glenn was only barely standing. Lightning seemed to crackle around her, holding her into its grasp. “Don’t come closer!” Glenn suddenly snapped, stopping Kane the second before his shoe would touch the punch. Surprised, Kane obeyed the order, seeing her stand up. Using her katana as a cane, Glenn rested on it for a second, before walking away wobbling, leaving the puddle of punch. Carefully, some security guards came closer, but as soon as their realised there was no more electricity flowing through it, they arrested the men.
Kane walked around the puddle, towards his bodyguard, but it seemed as if she know he was coming. “Don’t touch me!” Glenn screamed, having a glint of panic in her voice.
“Glenn, please…” He requested. “Let me help you.”
“I don’t need help!” Glenn snapped. “I need a shower…”
“Why did you use your powers?!” Kane got upset with her. “Don’t you know it’s dangerous for a Lightning User to use their powers when they are wet?!”
“I had to save you.” Glenn only replied, heading towards the balcony. “That is my job.” On the balcony, away from the guests, Glenn suddenly sank to the ground, but refused any assistance from Kane. “Don’t touch me!” Glenn repeated and a little crackle of lightning showed Kane she was still trying to get her powers back under control.
Sadness filled the eyes of Kane and he put off his jacket, carefully placing it on the shoulders of Glenn. Since his jacket was not made of material that could conduct, the shock he got was alike static electricity. Considering the shocks Glenn had given him, this was nothing than a slight pin of a needle.
“Let’s go home.” He suggested. “I’ve had enough action for today.”
    Glenn allowed him to help her up, only because of the jacket that was around her. She didn’t want to hurt him, not at a moment like this. At the same time, Glenn felt like she had failed in her mission; she only had eyes for the men and not that one woman. How could he be so kind to her, while he almost got hurt today?
In the back, the Dom Tower started ringing its bells, announcing midnight. Slowly, the clock headed towards twelve, ending a turbulent year. However, it also meant a new year would start soon. A new year, with hope for the future and with hope for change. Maybe next year, the Second Dark Age would finally end…

Chapter 4: The failure of the mission

16th of January, year XXXX
IJsselmeer; an extremely large artificial lake that was once part of the North Sea.

“No way, no way!” Glenn hung on to a pole. “I’m not going!”
Kane was a bit surprised by this reaction. “Hey, we don’t have much time.” He only said. “Miss Karida probably send out her minions to get me back.”
Glenn didn’t let the pole go. “You shouldn’t neglect your duties.” She hissed.
“But doing paperwork is so boring!” Kane complained. Then he walked to Glenn and pulled her. “Come on!”
“Not going!” Glenn said determined.
“But you are my bodyguard.” Kane tried. “You should go where I go!”
“Then go to your office!” Glenn ordered. “I will follow!”
Kane sighed. “What’s the big deal?” He wondered. “Are you scared of this thing?” He pointed to a large boat behind him. “I know it’s a prototype from my sister, but I used it before and it works fine!”
“I don’t care.” Glenn mumbled.
“You should see the steam engine she created.” Kane tried to persuade her. “It’s so small but so powerful.”
“Not. Going.” Glenn stated.
“Suit it yourself.” Kane gave up and walked to his boat. He loosened the ropes and threw them aboard.
“You can’t leave all alone!” Glenn screamed. “That’s insane!”
“Don’t worry!” Kane waved. “I saw some girls back there and… wow, you are fast.” Kane pointed at Glenn, who suddenly stood next to him, catching her breath.
“We are going home!” Glenn ordered, but when she turned around, she saw the distance between the peer and the boat.
“Alas, too far to jump.” Kane smiled. “Guess I must use the engine. However, by the time it’s working, we’ll have left this port.”
“I don’t mind waiting.” Glenn mumbled and sat down inside, with her arms crossed.
Kane didn’t care and happily he opened a small door. With matches he lit the mix of wood and coal inside and carefully warmth was showing through. It took a while, but then the engine started sputtering and the boat was under control.
“Ah, the wind, the water, the air…” Kane started poetic. “Isn’t freedom wonderful?” When he looked back, he saw Glenn’s cold, angry stare. “So, where shall we go?”
“Back.”
“Awe, come on.” Kane tried to make this trip fun. “Where’s your sense of adventure?”
“I left it at home.” Glenn immediately said back. “If you want me to pick it up, you must turn around.”
A sudden wave disrupted the moment and let the boat act on its own. Shocked, Glenn grabbed the table she was near with both hands and after she finally let go, Kane noticed Glenn could not be at ease. “Don’t worry.” He assured her. “My sister would never give me something she wouldn’t consider perfectly safe.”
“I’m not worried this thing will blow up.” Glenn grumbled. “I might even prefer that.”
“Then what are you afraid of?” Kane sounded sincere. “Attacks? Who else has a boat like this?”
“I’m not worried about an attack!” Glenn shouted. “Will you stop nagging?!” She saw how Kane turned around, letting the steering wheel go with a hand. “Both hands on the wheel!” Glenn called out, grabbing the table again. “Look in front of you!”
“For crying out loud, what is your problem?!” Kane was fed up with it.
“I can’t swim, okay?!” Glenn finally admitted, startling Kane. “I never learned how to swim!”
“Isn’t swimming part of the curriculum at the Academy?” Kane gasped.
“Not for Lightning Pacificators like me.” Glenn mumbled. “They thought it was too dangerous for me and that I would leave an electrified pool behind.”
“That’s stupid.” Kane disagreed and let go of the steering wheel entirely.
“Both hands on the wheel, both hands on the wheel!” Glenn ordered and Kane hurried back to the steering wheel. “Don’t you dare letting this boat sink!”
“You should have told me!” Kane got angry with her. “I wouldn’t have taken the boat then.” He turned back. “Trains are perfect for escaping work as well, you know?” The silence of Glenn betrayed she was ashamed of the fact she couldn’t swim. The simple silence turned into an awkward silence and Kane decided to head back. No matter how much he wanted to escape his paperwork, there was no need for being irresponsible. “Eh? What’s that?” Kane then noticed.
Surprised, Glenn looked up, wondering what Kane had seen. “I don’t see anything.” She mentioned.
“Not in front of us,” Kane pointed at a mirror. “behind us! What is that?!”
Glenn hurried to the back of the boat, holding tight to the rail. “It’s a boat!” She easily concluded and hurried back, never letting go of the boat.
“Boats don’t go this fast.” Kane gritted his teeth. “This is the fastest boat there is!”
“Well, why don’t you go and tell them that?” Glenn hissed. “I think they missed that memo!”
“Is that a red dot on the bow?” Kane asked Glenn.
“Does it matter?!” Glenn called out.
“Yes, it does!” Kane cursed. “Why did you ever let me go?!”
“You’re 27 years old; how on earth could I have stopped you?!”
“You could have used your lightning!” Kane noticed how the boat got closer and closer. The speed was immense and Kane wondered if this was one of those legendary ‘speed boats’, which ran on the rumoured substance called ‘gasoline’. He had heard his sister talking about such boats, but never believed they could be built again.
“Oh, like that helped before!” Glenn saw how the boat went along the starboard side, causing a large wave, rocking the boat. “What’s with those idiots?!” Glenn hissed.
“Setting Sun Corporation.” Kane tried to get away, but knew it was futile. “They want to get a hand on my division.”
“And you thought that information wasn’t important for me to know?!” Glenn yelled.
“Setting Sun Corporation has managed to stay away from the Pacificators grasp for ages.” Kane told his reasons. “You can’t accuse a multinational without facts and proof.”
“How long have you known about this?” Glenn demanded to know.
“Two months, give or take.” Kane informed her as he noticed the turned boat. “Mrs. Karida was the only one who knew. Damn it, I was so close!”
“Close to what?” Glenn asked, but at that moment the boat passed Kane and Glenn on port side.
    The waves rocked the boat once more and Kane knew this was hopeless. The only option they had, was that Glenn would use her powers, but such a thing was insane! Her powers would easily hit both ships and Kane knew enough stories about exploding boats to not take the gamble.
In the mean time the fast boat had turned around, but this time they were a lot slower. When the boat passed Kane and Glenn, men jumped aboard, heading for their target. Glenn jumped up, trying to protect Kane, but one of the crooks kicked her away.
    She could have sworn he had called out her name, but Glenn didn’t have much time to think about it. One step backwards too many… and she tipped overboard. With a strength unknown to Kane, he pulled himself loose and ran towards the side his bodyguard had just vanished. It took him five seconds, but then he saw how the boat moved away from a struggling girl. A hand onto his shoulder told him the men had gained upon him, but Kane didn’t care about them any more. When Glenn’s face disappeared underwater, Kane pushed away whoever tried to hold him back… and jumped into the freezing water. Ignoring the stings of the cold water, Kane hurried towards the slowly drowning girl. Like most panicking victims, she managed to push herself above the water a bit, but the gasp of air was accompanied by a gulp of water.
    When Glenn went under water once more, Kane grabbed the thing that was closest to him: her blue hair. Pulling her up quickly, he grabbed her arm as soon as he could, making certain her face was above water level. Glenn gasped for air, coughing to try and get the water out, but she didn’t calm down. Like any drowning victim, Glenn tried to hold on to whatever she could find, even though it meant she was almost pushing Kane back under with her.
“I’ve got you!” Kane tried to calm her down, but it was hard getting through to her. He had to be careful she wouldn’t turn around and grab him; their only chance at survival was that he made certain to stay behind her.
As expected, the boat with the red dot appeared next to them and Kane realised there was no escape. The water was freezing and nobody was near to help them. However, he still turned away from the offered hand. “No!” He called out.
“Don’t be an idiot.” A woman on the boat said; the same woman that had threatened him on New Year’s eve. “You won’t last ten more minutes in this water.”
“No!” Kane shook his head. “Not before you promise me you won’t hurt her.”
“She’s a Pacificator…” The woman started.
“She remains unharmed or I’ll drown myself right here, right now!” Kane threatened.
    A moment of silence followed. “Agreed.” The woman then said, realising this was the only way to avoid an unnecessary drama. Also, the death of either would have immense consequences: the Revelin-family would get the hold of his company, or the Setting Sun Corporation would be held responsible for the death of a Pacificator. Both consequences weren’t appealing and with a snap of her fingers, men got ready to help two people aboard. Glenn was helped first, but was still lost in panic because of her near-drowning. Kane followed quickly, but when he got aboard, he saw how Glenn was struggling to get out of a firm grasp.
“Hey, stop that!” Kane called out, but he himself was held back by a pair of strong arms. “Let me go! Glenn!” He saw how a man held a tube against Glenn’s arm and how she suddenly seemed to pass out. “What are you doing to her?!”
The woman stepped before Kane, blocking his view. “You don’t know anything about Lightning Pacificators, do you?” She said firm. “Didn’t you even feel the shocks she gave you?” Only then Kane noticed the little sparkles that came from her limp body. “If T-Pacificators panic, they lose control over their powers and a panicking Lightning Pacificator is more lethal than a lion in a room with sheep!” The woman looked away and only then Kane started to feel the cold on his wet body. “She’d kill everyone… no matter who they are.” She then looked back up, holding an equal tube up. “You gave us more than enough trouble.” She placed the tube against his arm and Kane felt a sting of a needle going through the fabric. “Now be a nice boy and get some sleep…”

    When Kane woke up, it was late in the evening. He crawled up, not knowing where he was, but too groggy to make a determination. Feeling as if he had partied for three days straight, Kane wondered if the storm in his head would ever die down.Getting up, Kane noticed he had been lying on a chaise longue, a long chair. Moving towards the window, Kane looked upon a beautiful wide garden, but not like any he had seen before. For a moment, he wondered if he was still in the Netherlands, but the little moist in the clothes betrayed he couldn’t have been out of the water for longer than two hours.
Without a knock, a door opened and the woman that had sedated him sternly walked inside. When he looked at her, anger filled his face. “You shouldn’t frown.” The woman smiled. “It takes away your charm.”
“Where is Glenn?” Kane only wanted to know.
“After business.”
“Before business.” Kane disagreed.
“After business.” The woman repeated. “I gave you my word, but her recovery does not depend on me. Time is ticking away, don’t you agree?”
“Where is she?” Kane growled.
“Why do you care about that failure anyway?” The woman wasn’t fazed. “She failed at her mission to protect you… and now you protect her? Your parents will be awfully pleased about that! So much money…”
“State your demands.” Kane didn’t want to hear that woman any longer.
“Your division, your signature.” The woman handed over a piece of paper. “Setting Sun Corporation has been dying to get their hands onto the Dutch resources.”
Kane looked at the paper. “You fool.” He smiled. “Do you think a judge will ever consider this contract binding? No one will ever believe I gave up my company for nothing!”
Insulted, the woman flipped her hair back. “It is what we offer.” She replied.
Kane sat down on a chair. “How about we make this a legal transaction?” He asked. “You let me and Glenn go and you will never harm either again… families and friends included!”
“We do not care about that little brat or your family.” The woman wasn’t impressed. “How is that a legal transaction?”
“If there’s one thing I learned from my parents,” Kane looked at the woman, “is that nothing comes for free.” The woman looked up. “One million.” He stated his price.
“You fool.” The woman laughed. “You state demands? We are the ones who are in charge here!”
“If I die, you get nothing.” Kane was confident. “If Glenn dies, I won’t sign a single thing either.”
“There are worse fates than dying.” The woman threw back, but knew Kane had a point. “A quarter million.”
“Three quarter.” Kane didn’t agree.
“Half a million.” The woman made her offer.
“Done.” Kane smiled. “Half a million and the company is yours. A legal transaction, no judge will go against that.”
The woman smiled. Half a million… that was like pocket change to her! Especially for a company the size of this boy’s! “I’ll have a new contract within thirty minutes.” She excused herself.
“And Glenn?”
“After business.” The woman repeated.

    Kane seemed to be hesitating when he signed the papers, but the woman pulled it away from under his nose, before he could change his mind or mess up the signature. Ecstatic she held the papers close, cheering how proud her manager would be of her. Finally, the rich resources of the Netherlands were part of the Setting Sun Corporation; completely legal as well.
“And Glenn?” Kane demanded.
The woman, who had never introduced herself, looked back bored and snapped with her fingers. Two strong looking men simply pulled Kane away and threw him into a black carriage outside. Inside, he noticed Glenn… unconscious and bound with rubber ropes! “Glenn!” He called out worried, barely being able to see a thing. “What did you do to her?!”
“She’s your problem now, kid.” A man grinned while closing the door. “I hope you can run fast when she wakes up!”
When the door closed, Kane didn’t know what to do until the carriage started moving. The windows were black from both sides, preventing him from seeing anything from the outside world. He startled when the carriage started moving over a bumpy road, but soon he got used to it.
Sitting against a side, he held the limp body against his. He saw the little sparks that came from her body… but he didn’t feel them. She had hit him so often with her energy that such a small spark had no effect on him.
The little sparks enlightened the area a tiny bit, but all Kane could do, was look at her young face, on which pain could easily be read. He held her tight, removing her bounds, whispering softly as her body lay against his. “Please, let it be on time…” He whispered.
Outside, the rain started pouring and Kane had no idea where he was. He could hear the sound of the rain, as well as the wheels going over a country road.
The stopping of the carriage was abrupt and Kane worried for a moment the woman would not uphold her promise and kill both anyway. The door opened without warning and Kane saw the ominous presence of a man in a flash of thunder.
“Out.” He only said. Carefully, Kane obeyed the order, carrying Glenn outside the carriage. Looking around him, Kane could see nothing but darkness and rain. “Good luck getting home!” The man jumped back onto the carriage and left the two in the middle of nowhere.
    Relieved they were still alive, but also realising they were far from safe, Kane watched the man leave in a hurry. He waited for a moment, but then started walking. Having nothing more than his luck, Kane hoped the direction he had picked led to some sort of civilisation. Tired, but too stubborn to give up, he climbed a grassy hill… from which nothing could be seen. A flash of light reminded him of the danger they were still in and hurried down the hill, looking or a shelter. He knew the safest place was a gutter, or even flat on the ground, but he was surrounded by trees all over. Eventually, he found a small shelter in which a few sheep resided. Kane knew it meant civilisation was somewhere close, but the storm reminded him to take shelter first. The sheep didn’t seem to be too happy about the invaders, but let them be. Kane looked outside, holding Glenn close, hoping to stay warm because of her body warmth, and that he could warm her up using his body warmth. Relieved, he saw she was coming by again, moaning softly in his arms.
    He didn’t remember the words the woman or even the man that had closed the door of the carriage. Maybe he should have. With a warm smile on his face, he waited till she opened her eyes… but the moment they did, his heart skipped a beat. Her eyes… there was nothing inside them but panic and fear. “Glenn?” Kane asked worried, seeing her look around wildly. He tried to hold her close, hoping to calm her down, but it was as if she didn’t recognise him! She screamed; tried to push him away or even scratch him in the face, but Kane didn’t want to let go that easily, even if he didn’t know why she was acting so erratically.
“Glenn, stop it!” Kane ordered her. “It’s me, Kane!”
Glenn didn’t listen, or she couldn’t hear him. Violently she pushed Kane backwards, releasing a stream of lightning at the same time. The lightning inside the shelter scared away the sheep, letting them run into the darkness. Kane was forced to let go because of the sudden shock and was too stunned to move when he saw Glenn jumping up and running into the night.
    He called out her name several times, but then went into pursuit. Worried she would hurt herself or that she would be struck by lightning, Kane did her best to find her He would never forgive himself if she would get hurt; it was his stupid idea to get on that stupid boat!
Eventually he found Glenn, looking around in panic, but obviously not knowing which way to go. He saw her grabbing her head and heard her cry; what was going on inside her? “Glenn…” He whispered again, carefully reaching out for her.
“Don’t touch me!” Glenn suddenly called out, taking a few steps again. “I can’t hold on any more!”
“Glenn, let me help you!” Kane tried to sound above the howling thunder. “What’s going on?”
“Stay away, please!” Glenn begged. “Please, please! I don’t want to hurt you!” More and more lightning formed around her body. “Run…” She whispered. “Please, run away…”
Scared of the lightning that was taking over, Kane did a step back. However, then he changed his mind. “You can do this!” He ordered her, taking her body into his hands and ignoring the shocks that went through his body. “Do it!”
“No!” Glenn cried. “Get back!”
“Let it go, Glenn, let it go!”
“I don’t want to hurt you!”
“You won’t hurt me!” Kane was convinced. “Let it go, now!”
    Even though she didn’t want to, Glenn couldn’t hold it back any longer. The fear and knowledge of what was about to happen made her cry her heart out. Releasing the energy that was inside her, returning it to the earth below, Glenn let go of her deadly lightning powers. The light could be seen for miles, lasting for several seconds… before it died out. Sobbing, Glenn sat on her knees, not daring to look back. Regret filled her heart, knowing what the result of her actions would be. Because of the release, she did manage to get back the control, but for what price? How could she ever explain this on the Academy… to her own heart?
A sudden shiver went over her back as a cold hand touched it. With a snap, she turned around, seeing a young man onto his knees as well. “How about getting some ice cream…” Kane tried to smile. “… in Italy?”
    Seeing he was still alive made her act by heart alone. She dove forward, grabbing him with all her might and pushing him to the ground, sinking her face into his chest, making his wet clothes even more wet with her salty tears. Even though he still twitched from her electricity that had gone through his body, Kane didn’t seem to realise how close he had been to death himself. All he did… was putting his arms around her.

Chapter 5: The loss of a company, the loss of a friend

17th of January, year XXXX
Revelin Industries, Utrecht, Netherlands

    Even though they were still wet, Kane had insisted they first headed to the office. The farmer that had found them wanted to give them dry clothes first, but Kane ignored all his offers and managed to get someone from his office pick them up within half an hour. Only an hour later, Kane stormed into his office, still having a blanket around him. Glenn followed from a distance, though silent, understanding how terrible he must feel. The loss of his company, his fortune…
“Where is Mrs. Karida?” Kane demanded to know when he saw the people who had left their beds because of his order.
“Here, dear.” Mrs. Karida calmly walked closer, not too thrilled about being called from bed.
“Please tell me we were in time!” While everyone else in the office seemed to be confused, Mrs. Karida kept her calm.
“They were signed this morning.” She assured him. “Unlike you, your siblings don’t slack off when signing papers.”
“Yes!” Kane suddenly cheered, surprising all. “Woohoo! I just made half a million!” He turned to his employees. “Everybody’s fired!” He happily proclaimed.
“What?!” Glenn gasped alongside the employees. “How can you be so happy about that?!”
Kane kept on laughing, picked Glenn up and twirled her around. “I just lost my company!”
“Since when is that a good thing?!” Glenn demanded to know.
“Since this morning.” Kane grinned and put her down. “You see, I already lost this division this morning!”
“Excuse me?” Glenn was confused and angry; why couldn’t he just say what was going on?
“Allow me.” Mrs. Karida walked closer, while Kane happily announced everybody was hired again. “Mr. Revelin found out a few months ago Setting Sun Corporation wanted to have his division. Because he’s a goody free loather,” These words made Kane sweat. “he knew he was a weak target. Because of that he requested extra protection from his parents.”
“They didn’t want to get me ninja’s, so I got the second best thing.” Kane smiled. “I needed time to find a solution. Mrs. Karida and I have been speaking in code for weeks now, but in fact, we arranged I lost the company.”
“Lost it to who?” Glenn wondered.
“To us.” A voice sounded behind them. When they turned around, Glenn saw a wealthy looking woman and three men. “Hello there, dear brother.” A woman smiled. “Did you party too long again?”
“Ah, Crystal!” Kane walked at the woman. “Dazzling as always.”
“It took a while before you finally grew a brain.” One of Kane’s brothers greeted his little brother. “But alas, you were too late for one thing.”
Kane looked worried, but another brother put his arm around him. “We didn’t have the time to convert the Veluwse Mine into the new concept… so that one is still yours.”
“The Veluwse Mine?!” Kane gasped. “YES!”
“Explanation!” Glenn demanded distressed.
Mrs. Karida continued. “Mr. Revelin, the youngest one, proposed that the Revelin divisions would no longer be directed by a single head, but by a board of directors, consisting out of Miss Crystal Revelin, Mr. Ginjiro Revelin, Mr. Aes Revelin, Mr. Bakir Revelin…”
“And me, Kane Revelin!” Kane pointed at himself proud. “The old company closed this morning, so everyone’s out of a job. But in this new company, everybody is hired again! After all, we do need new staff; why not hire the best? It’s a paperwork thing.”
“Hold on…” Glenn started.
“I can’t sell anything without the permission of the other directors.” Kane clarified, smiling. “Setting Sun Corporation bought everything I owned for half a million… which was the Veluwse Mine.”
“And that is?”
“A mine that would be closed because of it only cost me money.” Kane smiled. “Setting Sun Corporation paid me half a million for a division with only losses.”
“They won’t like that, when they find out…” Mrs. Karida mumbled.
“It’s a legal transaction.” Kane smiled. “Nothing there can be done about that. They wanted to buy all I had and the Veluwse Mine was all I had full rights too.”
“I must admit, little brother…” Bakir complimented his brother. “For once you didn’t neglect your duties.”
“You think?” Aes grinned. “Personally, I think it was his way of dumping his responsibilities onto us!”
Ginjiro seemed to be the wisest of the brothers. “Brothers, dear sister, how selfish we are!” He stopped them. “Can you not think about what our little brother has gone through? Let him rest! Let him have his sleep.” A smile appeared on his face. “After all, paperwork has to be done. And five companies merged…”
“Means five times the paperwork!” Crystal cheered, seeing her little brother faint.
“Oh, goody.” Mrs. Karida walked away. “Is it too late to switch from tea to coffee?”

14th of February, year XXXX
Revelin Corporation, Utrecht division, Netherlands.

“Nice try, dear.” Mrs. Karida put tea on a desk, while Glenn dragged Kane back into his office. “The paperwork is due within the hour.”
Glenn placed Kane into his chair. “Come on!” She encouraged him. “If you only put in one percentage of the energy you put into avoiding the paperwork…”
Kane stuck out his tongue. “You are so mean!”
Glenn didn’t reply, but leaned onto his chair, watching him going to work. Ever since ‘the incident’ with the Setting Sun Corporation, Kane started to take his responsibilities a little more serious… but only a little bit. The Setting Sun Corporation wasn’t the slightest bit happy about the money-losing-mine they bought, but it did mean they left him alone for a while. Kane, however, had insisted Glenn would remain his bodyguard, though half the time he dragged her to other places but his office. Glenn herself had accepted the situation and had decided to stop dying her hair. The blue had almost grown out of her hair, revealing her natural white-blond hair. Kane had offered her to buy some more hair dye, but Glenn said it was time she started acting as a true Pacificator.
“Done!” Kane proclaimed and jumped up, handing over the papers to Mrs. Karida. “Party now, please!”
“Have fun at the Valentine Ball, kids.” Mrs. Karida left the room. “Must be nice, having the time to dance around…”
“Dress up time!” Kane grabbed Glenn’s hand and dragged her along to an other office. “I finally get to wear my kimono!”
Glenn sighed. “You only arranged that costumed party because you wanted to wear your latest addition, didn’t you?”
“What better reason to arrange a party than my first kimono?” Kane hugged the kimono close.
“Oh, goody.” Glenn sighed.
“This is yours!” Kane opened a large closet.
Glenn was uninterested at first, but when she got closer, her mouth dropped open. It was sparkly, it was glittery… it was a good-to-honest princess gown! The silky layers, the transparent details… Glenn didn’t know what to say.
“Was I wrong?” Kane wondered. “Don’t you like princess stories?” Blushing, Glenn snapped at him. “Ah, so I did see it right!” He teased her. “Already wondered who had a subscription to ‘Princess Magazine’.” He turned away from her. “We leave in thirty minutes,” He started, “but try to do something about your hair.”
He stepped away, eyes started to glow and lightning appeared from nothing. A boy on the floor, a girl with her arms crossed.

    At the party, Kane pranced around in his kimono, having Glenn tagging behind him. She felt embarrassed at first, but after she received a few compliments, she started to be at ease. Once, without realising it, she accidentally took the arm of Kane, but let go as soon as she realised her mistake.
On the party, Kane met his siblings again. “Wonderful party, brother.” Crystal smiled. “Next week my place?”
“Not again!” Bakir disagreed. “You always get to host parties! Next party will be at my place.”
“May I all invite you to my new yacht?” Aes sipped from his drink. “Kane, do bring a date this time.”
Kane wanted to speak back, bit Ginjiro beat him to it. “He can’t, Aes.” Ginjiro smiled. “He’s dating his Pacificator!”
Both Kane and Glenn were red within an instant. “Kane, when will you finally get some sense!” Crystal sighed. “Dating your bodyguard… the idea! You might as well marry an unemployed woman then!”
“Hey!” Kane stood up for himself. “I date who I want to date!”
“Sweetheart, you know nothing about the real world.” Crystal laughed. “People like us can’t just date whoever we want! No, we can only date people who are refined as we are!”
“Oh yes, that drinking match last time was so refined!” Bakir grinned. “Though I do agree with sis on one point, bro. You simply can’t date your bodyguard. It’s not done.”
“Yeah.” Aes agreed. “You can’t mix pleasure and business. What would the investors say?”
“Ex-excuse me…”Glenn tried. “We… we’re not…”
“I heard the daughter of the Intan family is still available.” Aes ignored her. “She has a nice division underneath her wings.”
“Quite the profitable one.” Bakir added. “She would be a wonderful asset for our family.”
“The Intan have quite the influence in Germany.” Crystal nodded approving. “I’ll call them tomorrow and arrange their daughter to come here.”
“Do show up in time, please.” Aes ordered Kane.
“Fine.” Kane only said, allowing his siblings to happily chatter on. “Glenn, you’re fired!”
“Excuse me?!” Glenn gasped, while the siblings stared at their youngest brother astounded.
“You can’t fire a Pacificator!” Aes laughed. “Not until their mission is over!”
“Then I hereby declare the mission has been a success; I am safe!” Kane stated.
“Well then.” Crystal smiled. “That has been arranged. Dear, no need to hang around here any more. You can go and write your report.” She turned to her siblings, ignoring the astounded and shaken Glenn completely. “Now, about the Intan family…”
Kane opened his mouth one more time, letting words flow over his tongue. “Glenn, will you marry me?”

Epilogue

19th of February, year XXXX
Pacificators Headquarters, Dutch Division.

    The commander opened the envelope. “Hey, everyone, I think we got Glenn’s final report!” He announced, sounding a bit surprised.
“Really?” A commander peeked around the corner, followed by others. “Are you certain it’s not a letter of resignation?”
“It could be.” The commander observed the contents of the envelope. “I think we’ve just got invited for a wedding…”

-Comic strip: How to get Kane to Sign Something without letting him knowing.