42:- PatchingUp

Fumitan slowly opened her eyes, her vision blurry at first, and then it all came into focus. She saw Bladwin and Ichiro talking to each other as they patched her up. Her voice was soft and uncertain as she spoke, "Bladwin, is that you?" It was the first time she had seen his face without his helmet.

Both Bladwin and Ichiro turned towards her, and Bladwin's face lit up with relief. He replied, "Fumitan, you're okay. Thank God." He leaned in to hug her, but Ichiro quickly cautioned him to be gentle. Bladwin relaxed his grip but continued to hold her, not wanting to let go.

As Fumitan started to speak, her voice trembling with guilt and regret, she confessed to her betrayal, recounting the whole story of her actions. Bladwin's expression shifted from relief to confusion and disappointment. He felt torn between his affection for Fumitan and the knowledge of her betrayal.

Ichiro, on the other hand, listened calmly to her confession. When she finished, he replied in a measured tone, "Fumitan, we already knew of your betrayal." His words hung in the air for a moment before he continued. "I don't know what to do with you. Bladwin loves you, and he's my right hand. I can't let his love die like this, even if you are a betrayer."

The street was filled with a heavy silence as they all grappled with the complex emotions and difficult decisions ahead. Fumitan had betrayed them, but she was also a part of their team, and Bladwin's feelings for her ran deep.

Ichiro's voice carried a sense of forgiveness as he spoke to Fumitan, "Anyway, I forgive you, you had your own problem's but in the end you went against them. But for now, we need you to stay away from us for a while." He continued with his plan, "I have a friend who is about to go to Saturn, and you will go with him. Don't worry; I'll come to pick you up when we finish this little Mars movement."

Fumitan nodded, her eyes filled with gratitude and remorse. She understood the necessity of this separation, both for her own safety and for the sake of the team.

Just as they were finalizing the arrangements, James arrived, panting as he caught his breath. Ichiro instructed Bladwin and Fumitan to talk to each other, and their conversation quickly turned intimate as Fumitan kissed Bladwin passionately. Ichiro, ever the practical one, calmly reminded them, "Don't go further than kisses; you have limited time."

With that, Ichiro moved away from the couple, leaving them with their precious moments together. He turned to James, ready to finalize the plan for Fumitan's departure.

Ichiro's arm rested firmly on James' shoulder as they walked away from the street where Fumitan and Bladwin shared their final moments before parting ways. The weight of the situation and the responsibility ahead weighed heavily on Ichiro's mind, and he felt compelled to make this heartfelt request.

"James," Ichiro began, his voice carrying a tone of sincerity, "this is the first time I've asked you for something like this. That woman, Fumitan, she's like a big sister to me. Can you please keep her safe? I'll be back in about four to six months to pick her up."

James, understanding the gravity of the situation, nodded solemnly. "Ichiro, if she's your sister, then she's mine too. I'll do everything in my power to protect her, man."

Ichiro's eyes held a mixture of gratitude and trust as he replied, "Thanks, man. I really appreciate it."

James returned the sentiment with a pat on Ichiro's back. "It's nothing, man. No need for thank you."

They walked together for a few moments in companionable silence, knowing that their paths were about to diverge. Ichiro then turned to James, his tone sincere but laced with concern. "Keep in touch, alright? We need to stay connected during these times."

James nodded and extended his hand for a firm handshake. "You got it, Ichiro. We'll make sure Fumitan stays safe and sound until you return."

As the moment of departure drew near, Fumitan couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions welling up inside her. She knew that she was leaving behind the life she had known, but there was also a sense of relief and gratitude that overwhelmed her. She stepped closer to Ichiro and wrapped her arms around him in a warm, heartfelt embrace.

"Thank you," Fumitan whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. "Thank you for saving me, Ichiro. You've given me a second chance, and I won't forget it."

Ichiro returned her hug, holding her close for a moment. He could feel the sincerity in her words and the depth of her gratitude. He simply nodded and replied, "Take care of yourself, Fumitan. We'll be waiting for you when you return."

With those parting words, they released their embrace, and Fumitan turned to join James for her journey to Saturn, leaving behind the tumultuous events of Mars with hope for a better future.

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Ichiro and Bladwin moved swiftly through the chaotic streets of the Dort Colonies, their faces hidden behind masks as they navigated the turmoil. The sound of gunfire echoed around them as Gjallarhorn soldiers attempted to maintain control.

As they advanced, a group of Gjallarhorn soldiers spotted them and opened fire. Without hesitation, Ichiro and Bladwin returned fire with their powerful handguns. The crisp, thunderous shots rang out, and the soldiers fell one by one, unable to match the accuracy and firepower of the two skilled operatives.

The firefight was brief, and Ichiro and Bladwin emerged victorious. They continued on their mission, determined to find Orga and the others amidst the chaos and ensure the safety of their comrades in Tekkadan.

Ichiro and Bladwin finally found Orga, Mika, Kudelia, Atra, Shino, Eugene, and Biscuit amidst the chaos of the Dort Colonies. They approached the group, Ichiro took off his mask, and Ichiro inquired about Fumitan's whereabouts.

However, Biscuit pulled Ichiro aside for a private conversation and informed him that Fumitan was killed in the attack. Ichiro nodded, relieved to know that they didn't know about him but unable to disclose this information to the others just yet.

When Orga questioned where they had been, Ichiro replied, "I was just catching up with an old acquaintance," keeping their mission to save Fumitan a secret for the time being. The group remained focused on their current situation, knowing that they needed to navigate the volatile situation in the Dort Colonies and make their way back to the Isaribi safely.

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