Age of Strife

by Puratinamu Disuko

After an undetermined time after the Kashgar Hive assault, Takeru Shirogane died. However, his journey was still not finished...

2. Chapter 2 – Names and Memories

Arc 1 – A Very Long Prologue

Disclaimer: âge, Sega, and Games Workshop owns Muv-Luv, Sakura Taisen, and Warhammer 40k Franchises and their characters respectively.

Chapter 2 – Names and Memories

(Scarlet Twins – The Gemini) (Yukon Base Barracks) (2001/10/21)

In a quarters of the UN base where Project PROMINENCE was in its last months, there sleeping on a single bed were the infamous Scarlet Twins, both having silver hair, one short and the other long, though one has a more mature body than the other, resting after another grueling session of TSF test flights. They were facing each other when they opened their eyes at the same time.

"So he comes, sister," Inia said to her beloved sister.

"So he is… I hope he gets along with Yuuya," Cryska replied.

Both of them had small smiles in their faces.

-000-

(2001/10/23) (Yokohama Base Barracks)

"It's the same dreary room as always."

Takeru woke up on a familiar room: a single bed with a chair and a desk at the side, a bathroom at the corner for a nice touch of privacy, his duffel bag in a corner, and the Ultramarine, in all its glory, placed on the table. Overall, it was a simple bunker room, a bit lavish with the private bathroom for a cadet, but maybe it's just him.

"Maybe I should exercise a bit." Having no childhood friend or a cute psychic Russian loli to wake him up had made his first morning in Yokohama Base quite unexciting.

With that, Takeru did a little work out of a hundred pushups, a couple hundred stomach-crunches, and another hundred squats, finishing with some stretching, and he was ready for the day.

"I should just wait for Marimo-chan to come," he decided and waited.

Instructor Marimo Jinguuji, one of the people that influenced him most from the last loops with her gruesome death affecting him the most, the memory forever ingrained to his very soul. He still remembers his frantic cries as he tried to piece her mauled head, gathering the remains of what was left of her once beautiful face. She was the first of the series of deaths that almost made him give up on everything and escape. He should have blamed Yuuko, however, in the end; he could do nothing but wallow in despair. Well, not this time….

Still, remembering their deaths had made the festering guilt inside of him worsen as he covered his face with his hands.

"This time I'll save you Marimo-chan. I wouldn't let you or anyone die this time," he reassured himself.

He waited for Marimo to come, not that it took long, since after his depressing monologue, he heard a knock from the door.

He opened the door, and there, in front of him, was Marimo, still alive with a stern expression on her pretty face. With long brown hair curling uniquely reaching up to her waist, and with brown eyes on her cute but beautiful face, she stands there with her usual UN training uniform, blue cargo pants and a black sleeveless shirt inside her closed black UN vest.

A sudden rush of emotions then came to him, emotions of anguish, sadness, delight, affection, and love. He almost cried, then and there, but he quickly schooled his face into his usual everyday lazy look.

Still, she just stood there just staring at him, with surprise and a hint of blush clearly showing on her face. After several seconds, she shook her head and asked, "Are you Cadet Takeru Shirogane?"

-000-

(Marimo – The White Rose) (Yokohama Base Halls)

"What is wrong with Yuuko? Why a new cadet now? And to join that squad of all things." She said to herself as she walked towards her destination. "I really don't care how special this new cadet is, he's already late to the program and catching up is impossible at this point." She paused. "Regardless, she's my commanding officer. I'll just check later and just trust her for now."

After several moments of walking, she was now in front of the door of the new cadet's room. She knocked. As the door opened, she saw him. All of a sudden, several blurry images came flashing in her mind, with several strong emotions gushing from within her. She shook her head thinking it was due to some sleepless nights and the strange dreams she could not remember that she was having lately.

"Are you Cadet Takeru Shirogane?" Marimo asked to the young man in front of her for confirmation.

"Yes," the young man answered.

"I'm Instructor Marimo Jinguuji. I'll be introducing you to your assigned squad."

With that, she and the young man began heading to the area Squad 207 was training.

"Don't let your squad mates affect you if they give you surprised looks. New male conscripts are rare nowadays."

"Yes ma'am, thank you for your advice."

"But I'm, curious, the Vice-commander personally recommended you to the training regime. 'A young man who threw away his draft exemption to become a UN Eishi, he's a young man with childish ideals that gave up a life of peace,' is what she said. Honestly, I find it funny. She said you are someone special Shirogane," she said to him, with a hint of mirth, hoping to get answers to some of her questions.

"Hm? Yeah I did," he answered casually with a bit of annoyance in his tone. Either he was annoyed by her or by what Yuuko said, she will never know.

After several moments of walking in silence, with her mulling over his casual demeanor, while trying to figure out the enigma walking by her side, he suddenly walked ahead of her then turned around and said, "Then, I'll be in your care now Marimo-chan," saluting playfully at her.

She blinked at his sudden act. What is wrong with this guy?

"That's Sergeant Jinguuji to you, Cadet Shirogane," she said as she glared at the cadet.

"Sorry Mari—Sergeant Jinguuji."

"Hmm." She nodded at his reply.

"I'll be clear to you, Cadet Shirogane. I don't care about what kind of connection you have with the Vice-commander or any classified information you know. Just to let you know that she gave me orders to observe and report your activities."

"I know," he sternly replied, any sign of his casual and playful demeanor gone.

-000-

(Yokohama Base Training Fields)

"Squad, assemble!" Marimo called out.

There in front of him were the members of Squad 207, lining up wearing black shirts. Most were sleeveless, with blue cargo pants, the usual UN cadet training uniform.

Then images of their deaths flashed inside his mind without preamble, almost giving himself up to despair until he banished such thoughts for the joy he felt for seeing them alive and well once again though the blood that he could taste in his mouth from biting his tongue was a sign that he was barely restraining himself.

There was Miki Tamase, with her long pink hair in a dangerous hairstyle, a small girl for her age. With an almost nonexistent chest, she gives off a very strong loli presence with the lolicon inside him seriously considering doing what that guy in Lolita did. In addition, she has cute, cat-like, green eyes, which only increases her dangerous aura, a thought that banished the depression, for now. Ohhh, Tama-chan, I just want to take you home… Whoa there Shirogane… I'm really close at crossing over there. Dangerous… very dangerous. The resident sharpshooter, she could even hit a fly a kilometer away without killing it, a veritable prodigy. She was also the daughter of Genjousai Tamase, the UN Undersecretary-general, a very important man….

Right next to her was Chizuru Sakaki. The pigtailed, brown haired girl had a very serious look with her olive-green eyes. She has a very stern attitude that just shows her strong and stubborn personality, a stickler to the rules, he supposed, very much, like a class representative. With a height that was usual for most Japanese women, she has a nice body even with her somewhat homely looks due to her glasses. Still she was quite pretty, especially without the glasses and with her hair down. However, the glasses man inside him disagrees; favoring the intelligent and strict look the glasses gives her. Maybe a gift of a new pair of glasses would be nice in the future. I should definitely think about this later. The daughter of the current Japanese Prime Minister, which from what he could remember, she had a bad relationship with, a man that he needed to get in touch with.…

"Giiii…."

Urk… What is this feeling? It was like someone was staring right through his soul. He tried to pinpoint the source of such feeling.

It turned out to be Kei Ayamine, the resident demure oddball, a girl of few words. Tall with short black hair and dark-violet eyes, she is a CQC expert with her special attack, the Space Tornado Ayamine, a funny name in his opinion. She was also at odds with Class Rep with their conflicting personalities, almost similar to cats and dogs. Lastly, she is a girl with a disgraced Imperial Army General for a father, who had the leader for the upcoming coup d'état as a subordinate….

His gaze then fell unto her, Meiya Mitsurugi, a noble woman. With blue eyes and long, blue hair that was tied in a unique, and very long ponytail by a very long, white ribbon, she was reminiscent of those samurai of old Japan as she stood with a posture showing self-confidence. One could even say that she was the epitome of an ideal warrior woman, expert with the sword, specifically the katana that was a very fitting specialty for her image. The estrange twin sister of the Shogun… a political tool…. However, he would do his best for her not be one.

In addition, of an absent Mikoto, who was recuperating in a hospital due to some injuries, Yuuko, Marimo, Kasumi, and Sumika, they were the women that loved him and he loved from his past loops and other worlds, women that he will continue to love, regardless if they have feeling for him this time or not.

He will do anything to save them and give them their good endings.

"Everyone, I will now introduce to you the newest member of this squad," Marimo announced interrupting his thoughts. "This is Cadet Takeru Shirogane. He will be training with us starting tomorrow. We will test him later since that he is highly recommended by Vice-commander Yuuko Kouzuki. Be sure to get along with him, understood?"

"Yes, ma'am!" all of them chorused.

"Sakaki!"

"Ma'am!"

"Show him around the base so he'll become familiar with the place."

"Understood ma'am!"

For a second there, Chizuru eyed him suspiciously… same with the rest of the girls.

"Now! We will continue our training. Shirogane, you just watch for now," Marimo ordered.

"Yes, ma'am." He saluted, while watching the girls pass him by as they continued with their training. From what he could observe, the training methodology used had a lot holes, and the efficiency leaves a lot to be desired, which in turn lags the development of their martial skills, another thing that he had to fix in the future. To ensure their survival, he has to make them stronger, exceed their own limitations, and maybe make them superhuman if needed be. Still, watching them train as cadets gave him a small hint of happiness, happy for the short and peaceful days.

With such thoughts and feelings, he reaffirmed himself with his goals.

-000-

(Yokohama Base PX)

At lunch, he made his way to the local cafeteria with Class Rep, his nickname for Chizuru, to meet and socialize with the rest of Squad 207: Meiya, Ayamine, Class Rep, Tama, his nickname for Miki, and Mikoto, who wasn't present yet due to her being hospitalized.

"Ah, Shirogane-san, over here!"

Hmm, Tama?

There they were, Squad 207, with Miki calling him, waving her hands as she tried to get his attention. He sat beside her with Kei on her other side while in front of him was Chizuru and Meiya. They were already half-finished with their meals except for Chizuru since she just gave him a tour around the base.

"Finished the tour already?" Meiya asked as she noticed them.

"This guy didn't even need my help in the first place. I bet he could even walk and navigate this base with his eyes closed," Chizuru replied for the both of them.

"Nah, I don't think I could do that. I'm just prepared before coming here, Class Rep…"

"Class Rep?" The rest of the squad gave him questioning looks.

Chizuru sighed. "He kept calling me that during our tour. I tried to stop him but he just won't listen. He's just… ugh… I give up." She slumped on the table, glaring at him.

"Why call her Class Rep, Shirogane-san? Why not Platoon Commander?" Miki cutely asked.

"Well, just look at her; she gives off an aura of a Class Representative. Strict with the rules and would get angry for breaking them. She also wears glasses and has her hair in a pigtail. Definitely a Class Rep." Takeru answered confidently while Miki nodded like a child discovering something new.

"… Scary Class Rep," Kei added while nodding.

The rest of the squad followed suit, nodding at the realization, except for Chizuru, who was now fuming with red puffed up cheeks.

Whoa, she's cute like this. His heartbeat stopped for a moment from the sheer cuteness that the glasses girl was radiating.

Very dangerous.

"I'm your Platoon Commander, not a Class Rep!"

Damn, tsundere power levels over nine thousand.

"Also, I think Tama is perfect for her," Takeru pointed at Miki, trying his hardest to ignore the fuming Chizuru.

"Tama? Uguu… Shirogane-san, why did you name me like a cat?" Miki asked as she glared at him with beady eyes.

"Tamase, Tama. Perfect right? And you also give off this cute, kitten-like atmosphere that people just want to just cuddle you," he reasoned, with the rest of the squad agreeing with a nod, except for Miki, who could only blush. "Mah mah. It's just a nickname. My old friends say that I have a penchant for giving others names. Now that I think about it, let's all make an agreement with each other. You can all call me Takeru or any nickname you could think off and I will do the same. Deal?"

"Why, Shirogane-san?" Meiya asked, curious. Doubt on her face, mirrored by the rest of the squad.

"Well, with this we can be closer to each other. In the future, the bond that we will share with each other will boost group dynamics and teamwork, which will in turn be increasing our chances on completing a mission and the all-important survival rate."

They lowered their heads after they realized his point.

"And more importantly…"

They gulped, waiting for his next tirade.

However, Takeru only smiled and said, "I want to be closer to each of you, to get to know you. I want all of us to be friends."

Each of them stared at him wide-eyed, with mouths slightly hung open. After several moments, they blushed, trying not to look at him directly.

Man, they're so cute. I think I now know how I'll die in the future, if not from G-bomb attacks or BETA, then from a cuteness induced heart attack.

"Well with that finished, for now, each of you can ask me questions. I'll try to answer them the best of my abilities."

They looked at each other, nodding, and then Chizuru started the interview.

"I'll be blunt, Shirogane-san."

"Takeru."

Chizuru coughed then continued, "I'll be blunt, Takeru-san… Can we expect something from you? Instructor Jinguuji—"

"Of course you can," he interrupted. "You can all rely on me."

"Well, we hope so…" Meiya replied after his bragging. "Given that the instructor said that you are a special person with high recommendations from the Vice-commander, we wish to know more of your skills."

"And with the Comprehensive Combat Skills Exam in a couple of weeks, all the more reason to know," Chizuru added.

"You'll find out sooner or later. Oh, and by the way, the exams might not be the same anymore."

"What!?" They gave him disbelieving looks; even Ayamine was surprised.

"Well… I heard from Yuuko-sensei that this time, a lot of things would be changed to give cadets more challenge. She thinks that the exams are being a bit redundant and might make TSF pilot's survival rate lower or something." He lied with a straight face. However, it would not be lie for long.

They nodded, believing his reasoning again.

"So what kind of exam is it this time?" Chizuru asked, clearly hoping that he knows the answer.

Takeru gestured for them to lean closer for him to whisper.

"Well, it's a…"

"It's a…?" They leaned more.

"It's a…" he drawled.

"It's a…" They leaned closer, again, now invading his personal space.

Takeru then beamed a smile at them as he placed a finger near his lips as he said, "It's a secret," making the girls face-fault on the table.

He snickered as they glared at him, trying to burn his existence with their gazes. Even Miki glared cutely at him.

"Mou… Takeru-san, you're mean," Miki said with a cute pout.

"That was inappropriate, Takeru." Meiya scolded.

"Meanie…," Kei said as she continued to stare at him with a seemingly emotionless face.

"What an idiot," Chizuru added, giving him another glare.

"Ha ha… sorry…. Still, half of what I said is true, so don't label me as a liar yet. We shouldn't expect the exam to remain the same, you never know, there might be a surprise waiting for you… Moreover, given that you guys already failed last time, even more so. In short, just go with the flow."

"Go with the flow?" they asked.

"Umm, it means to cope with adversity." In all his newly gained smarts, Takeru forgot about the culture-gap between the war torn world that he was in now, and his home world. "Don't worry, just train like you always do. This time, we'll surely pass because you have me, Takeru Shirogane."

They only smiled and shook their heads at his incredulous declaration.

"Takeru."

"Class Rep?"

"Don't forget the oath-taking tomorrow morning."

Oath-taking? Oh, the UN Enlistment Oath! Again, he completely forgot, and it seemed that they knew basing from the look in their faces. They could only shake their heads again at his blunder.

"Really, what an idiot."

-000-

(Meiya – The Lily) (Yokohama Base Halls)

"A strange man, that Takeru Shirogane is," Meiya said, after Takeru left them to get ready for the oath taking, her mind full of thoughts about him. The squad was now heading back to the training area as they began their discussion with their latest, enigmatic squad member.

"Why, Mitsurugi-san?" Miki asked.

"Well, at the strange way he acts and speaks…. How should I say this? ….It was unusual.…"

"Instructor said that he was living in America for some time now, so maybe that's the reason." Chizuru reasoned.

"Maybe you are right. Still, with the way he interacts with us, it was as if we were his old acquaintances and know each of us intimately."

"Presence…" Kei added.

"Yes, he also gives off a strong aura of power, a powerful presence just like Ayamine said. Basing from the stories I heard from, and my interactions with, some people in the past, that kind of aura can only be exuded by bloodied warriors that faced and survived a thousand of battles. However, his was different. His was… pure, just, and kind, a trait of strong and charismatic leaders told in legends, where the path that they walked must be worshiped and the mere sight of them demands respect, awe, and praise. The same, no, he was even more intimidating than that man." More intimidating than the Emperor, a ridiculous and blasphemous thought, but she could not help it.

"…. Hiding...?"

"No, he is probably not aware of his effect on people, or maybe not. It is hard to read him, especially if he does not want to. He is only letting out a miniscule amount of it so he might be passively containing it. At that, we should be thankful, because we might just prostrate before him every time we meet him. Still, I shudder at the thought of what he will become in the future."

"Hmmph. Regardless, even if he was the second coming of Jesus, Buddha or whatever God out there, he's still just a new cadet," Chizuru said in annoyance.

"Umm… everyone…"

"What is it Tamase-san?" Meiya asked Miki.

"Umm… did anyone of you… umm… had flashing images at the first sight of… Takeru-san?" Miki asked as she fidgeted, obviously nervous about the question given how crazy it sounds.

Meiya flinched, remembering her own first encounter with Takeru Shirogane, remembering the sudden rush of emotions after the flashing of blurry images. It scared her, but, at the same time, excited her, as though her long lost love had finally come back to her. She never thought that she could experience such myriad of emotions, especially with her being an Eishi. Moreover, from the looks of it, the same thing happened to the others, with their blushing faces and uncomfortable postures.

"Dreams…" Kei murmured, but Meiya, and everyone, heard her.

"Are you having strange dreams too, Ayamine-san?" Miki asked.

Kei gave a single minute nod as a reply.

"I'm also having strange dreams, but, I can't really remember them. The only thing I know is that I always cry after them…." Miki added lowering her head a bit.

Meiya and the rest could only look solemnly at her, knowing full well what she's experiencing.

"Really… Strong presences, flashing images, sudden rush of emotions and now strange dreams. What's next, us becoming a singing group and becoming famous?" Chizuru said, annoyed.

-000-

(Vice-commander's Office)

"Yo, Yuuko-sensei," Takeru greeted the stunning woman in front of him as the door to her office closed behind.

"Yo to you too, whatever that means," she replied giving him a glare, looking up after writing some stuff on her desk.

"Are you still angry about what happened yesterday, Yuuko-sensei?"

She only intensified her glare.

"Can't you forgive me yet? You already have your revenge, talking to Marimo-chan about my so-called 'Childish Ideals'," he said while he gestured his hands with a quote and quote action.

"Hmph. A petty revenge. Not enough." She scoffed at him, clearly demanding more compensation for what he did. "So why are you here? To finish what you started? To demand more conditions? Blackmail me to have sex with you?"

"No. Yuuko-sensei, I just want to talk to Kasumi and Sumika."

"Sumika?"

"The brain…. Furthermore, I already got what I wanted, well except for your willing cooperation."

His reply was a condescending look.

"What are you talking about?"

Takeru then gave her a pleading look. "How about I'll help you with the equations after my talk with the girls in the other room?" Before she opened her mouth, he raised one of his hands to stop her and continued, "But even if you complete 00 Unit, you will still fail, given that 00 Unit will be unstable and useless after her awakening. You need me to stabilize her. Without me, you will fail." He gave her a piece of the truth while giving her a piercing look with his threat.

She just eyed him for several seconds then gave him a devilish grin as she said, "You're really good at this, Shirogane."

"Call me Takeru, sensei." He corrected her. "And I aim to please. Don't worry, sensei, I don't break my promises."

As he stepped through the door of Sumika and Kasumi's room, he heard her whisper, "I know."

-000-

(00 Unit's Room)

After the door closed behind, he saw Kasumi beside a large enclosure holding Sumika's brain. She has her long white hair tied in twin ponytails with bunny-ear-like-clips, having the same color scheme as her uniform, making her look like she has rabbit ears. With slate-blue eyes on her cute face, and small stature, she gives off an aura that just compels you to spoil her and smother her with affection. She was wearing a unique UN officer's uniform, a long black skirt and a black blouse with green trimmings with ruffled ends flayed from side-to-side and a green tie.

Kasumi was silently staring at Sumika, most likely having a telepathic conversation.

"Hello, Sumika, Kasumi."

Ta…ke…ru…-chan?

Hmm.

Huh? Takeru suddenly heard voices in his head, making him wary of his current deposition as he spun to look for the source. Am I going crazy?

Takeru-chan?! Takeru-chan! You came back! You really came back!

Welcome back, Takeru.

"Wait. Is that you Sumika? Kasumi?"

Yup!

Yes.

Takeru's right eye twitched at the sudden bizarre situation. Am I turning psychic?

Yup, it's nice isn't it…?

Nice.

He could do nothing but sigh as he neared them. Then he patted Kasumi's head and ruffled her hair while he gazed upon the temporary state of Sumika. Even though it was weird, he had come to accept the sudden revelation that he had become similar to Sumika and Kasumi, and thinking deeply into it, he decided that it was a good thing since with it; he could now talk to Sumika.

Mou, I really want to hug you right now Takeru-chan.

Don't worry Sumika, Yuuko-sensei and me will give you a body soon. I'm sure I can find a way. And this time, you will not need this vile liquid from the BETA to survive. Still, talking with just their thoughts was just weird for Takeru. However, with this current development, a solution for his childhood friend's problem began forming in his mind.

I know you can do it Takeru-chan. Because this time….

His heart lightened at such praise, such confidence, such trust, towards him, from her.

A ha… ha ha, yup, I'm the great Shirogane Takeru. I can do anything. After you get your body back and we have some free time, we will definitely have a picnic beside that tree on the hill behind the base with everyone…. You, Kasumi, Meiya, Class-Rep, Ayamine, Tama, Mikoto, Marimo-chan and Yuuko-sensei, heck, even Yuuhi, Tsukuyomi-san, the three idiots and the rest of the members of the Valkyries. It's going to be a fun celebration!

And he would do anything to make it come true.

I know it would be, Takeru-chan.

But… you and Kasumi might hate me in the future Sumika…

I can never hate you, Takeru-chan!

Never.

Kasumi was shaking her head as she entered the mental discussion.

With I have now in mind, I'm planning to revive you as soon as possible to make you and Kasumi join Squad 207 and undergo the same training I will give them at the Tropical Island. I need you all to be ready for my plans. Sorry.

I'm willing to help you, Takeru-chan in any way that I can.

Me too.

Thank you. He couldn't help but smile from their show of support. I'm doing this so that you could protect yourselves in the future. I can't be always be there at your side, especially with the ensuing conflicts in the future. However, this time, I'll make sure that we will all have a good end.

Right Takeru-chan, a good end!

A good end.

A good end, such a beautiful thought.

You, Kasumi, and the rest of Squad 207 will help me give hope to humankind.

How, Takeru-chan?

How.

A good end for everyone, seemingly impossible to achieve, but Takeru would make sure to make it come true.

Aha ha ha, that would be telling. Don't worry it's going to be fun. For now, I'm going to help Yuuko-sensei. Look after Sumika for me, Kasumi.

Mou, I'm not a child Takeru-chan!

Kasumi nodded.

Well then, see you, Kasumi, Sumika.

See you Takeru-chan.

"See you."

With his regained will, he began the first steps of his plan.

-000-

(Yuuhi – The Oleander) (2001/10/23) (Imperial Royal Palace, Tokyo – The Shogun's private quarters)

Yuuhi, a girl of violet hair tied in a ponytail and violet eyes, was sweating in her futon as she woke up from her sleep. She could not remember the dream, but strangely, she felt complete. She felt reassurance as though everything will be fine in the future, that soon, everyone will be happy. She wasn't sure what it was, maybe it was some fleeting dream of a more peaceful Japan, or maybe she's just slowly becoming crazy with all the stress of being the Shogun.

"Are you fine little one?" an old woman asked her, rushing to her side. She was the Grand Chamberlain, the woman that had been by her side since childhood.

"Nothing is wrong with me, obasan."

"You should take care of yourself, with the state of Japan now, your guidance is much needed. A good leader must have a good health."

"Ah… You are right. I should take care of myself more"

The old woman kindly smiled, reassured. Still, something inside her was telling her to prepare.

"Obasan? Do you know where Nihongo is?"

"Why do you need such a weapon? Do you not feel safe with the Imperial Guards?" the Great Chamberlain asked, worry etched on her face.

"No obasan, I just got a feeling that I will be needing it in the future."

-000-

(Yuuko – The Black Rose) (2001/10/23) (Vice-commanders' Office)

This is outstanding! He said that I'm the one who made this…? Ho ho ho, I really am a genius! Yuuko thought as she studied the first fifty pages of the all-important equation, as she sat on her comfortable chair behind her desk. "Hooh, your memory is pretty good for someone who blackmails and gives threats to a beautiful woman."

"I can't deny that Yuuko-sensei, you are truly a beautiful woman," the young man in front of her said as he continued to write the rest.

He's also good at complementing women eh… Nevertheless, most of this is useless, well that's just like me to hide things…, she thought as she asked, "Why write all this nonsense when you could easily just give the equation. You are a Causality Conductor, right? You must be pretty smart, especially with all those loops."

"Isn't it much safer to write the equation like this? We really don't want this to be stolen aren't we?" He then gave her the last fifty pages.

"Right right… Hmm? I thought the other version of me only gave you a hundred pages, so why are you still writing?"

"This is for the improvements… I want Sumika's revival to be as smooth a possible, sensei."

"You really care for this Sumika, eh."

"Of course."

She stared at him for several seconds and then continued studying the rest of the pages.

"Can I ask you for another favor, sensei?"

"Eh? Well there's nothing I could really do to deny you anyway so ask away, oh great savior of mankind," Yuuko said with flourish, not hiding the insulting tone as she waved the hand that was holding the stack of papers containing the equation.

Takeru, though, never showed any signs of being offended. "Could you give me a clearance to go out of the base anytime for the next few days?"

"A what?"

"A clearance."

"What for? Are you going to become a vigilante on black at night to fight crime?" she asked, probing him.

"Tempting, but no, I'm going to meet people and gather some allies."

"So you're going to enter someone else's place without preamble, then ask, 'Can you save the world with me?' and hope that they'll prostrate in front of you?" she said, mimicking his voice, and giving him an evil grin.

He gave her a glance then continued on his work. "Believe me sensei, I can make anyone prostrate before me if I want to, even the Emperor of Japan." He stopped writing as he clenched his fists. "But that's just—"

"Mind control? Getting rid of peoples' free will? Denying them of the very reason they are human? Ha ha ha! I never thought you would be… he he… so pure, Shirogane." She laughed as she wiped a tear from her eyes from too much laughing.

He blushed at her remark.

"I thought we were the same, Shirogane, but… he he... you're just too good of a person." She then gave the young man one of her rare smiles. "That's why I'll trust you."

And maybe…, she added in her thoughts.

"So… can you give me the clearance?"

"Sure," she assured him with a wave of her hand. "I'll also fund your travels if needed, just tell me where you go beforehand."

He smiled, nodded, and continued writing. Sheesh, why is he always smiling?

"By the way, Yuuko-sensei"

"Hmm?"

"Can you let Kasumi and Sumika join Squad 207?"

"Another favor? Moreover, aren't they already late, notwithstanding them being somewhat frail with the other just being a brain, especially with the nearing Comprehensive Combat Skills Evaluations? I don't think the 00 Unit and Kasumi can take the training."

"Well, with these equations," he waved the single piece of paper he was writing on, "Sumika will revive within this week, and with what I planned, well, let's just say they will become something to be feared by their enemies."

"If you say so… but why those girls? And here I thought you have a high moral ground. They might die you know."

He looked at her in the eyes and said, "Humans are on the brink of extinction, sensei. Every bit of help would be needed. In addition, I trust those girls with my life. That is why I am giving them their duty… their roles. I care for all of them, sensei. I am doing all of this to make them stronger, so this time they won't die… and with what I planned for them in the future, they never will," he spoke with such conviction, with such confidence and surety, and with hope, that it took Yuuko by surprise.

A sudden flash then came to her mind of a memory she knew she had, a memory with a young man in a lab coat and her crying on his chest in what looks like a laboratory. "I will never let you fail, Yuuko."

After that sudden flash of memory, she realized she was one of the women he.… Yuuko could only blush.

After several moments of silence, with Yuuko still on a blushing daze, Takeru finished with the equations. "Hope you could finish the preparations for her revival as early as possible, sensei." He stood up and then walked towards the entrance of her office.

"Goodnight," she said, with a hint of affection on her voice.

"Goodnight, Yuuko-sensei."

-000-

(Yokohama Base Barracks)

The sudden discovery that he had become telepathic made him think through things again, specifically the effects of the merging and its cause. He really should have thought about it the day before, but the soothing, confident, and calm feeling that he had, made him forgo such thinking, even though he had just experienced a grueling change. The sudden influx of personalities, memories, skills, and knowledge, he had just thought of such a momentous event as something normal, taking it for granted.

He was stupid.

The Ultramarine, a figure that he hid and had forgotten for many years, Takeru Shirogane was sure that the seeming figure was the trigger for the merging.

He was sitting on his bed, staring at it, probing it, thinking as to the significance of such a toy. As far as he could tell, the toy was just a…. toy, no crazy spirit possessing it or some other supernatural stuff, though if it did, he would not be surprised. Still, due to the figure, he ended up thinking of the game, the franchise that it had belong to.

"Warhammer 40k."

Back in his original world, Warhammer 40k, formally known as Warhammer 40,000, is a tabletop miniature war-game set in a dystopian science-fantasy universe, not something one should introduce to a seven year-old child like his father did given its harsh nature.

That memory with his father, the memory of him wanting to become the Emperor of Mankind, somehow it tugged strange impulses inside him. Again, delving his thought in such direction, he couldn't help but draw parallels with his current situation with those the Emperor of Mankind's origin, the merging and the world being torn in an apocalyptic war.

"Age of Strife was it."

Age of Strife, from his knowledge of the game's world and history, it was the span of time the Emperor of Mankind united Terra into one entity. Takeru couldn't help but chuckle at the thought the he would do the same with the BETA infested Earth. Still, the XM3 was developed due to his experience with a mecha game and fighting games, so maybe making parallels with a grim-dark tabletop game was not so farfetched.

However, the question of the significance of the Ultramarine miniature figure, and how it became a trigger, was still looming in his mind, wracking his brain, which contained all the knowledge of humanity. The only thing that he could conclude was that it had somehow become a mental switch, coincidentally, which made his condition as a Causality Conductor go into hyperdrive, which had led to the Merging. It being a figure of a tabletop game and the parallels were just coincidences his over thinking brain just came up.

"Just a coincidence," he murmured to himself, unsure.

Still, the thought of using the technologies and concepts in the game was a good idea and can be possibly made into reality with his newly gained knowledge. He just hopes that such an action doesn't lead to a future similar to the game, but then again, humanity would not have a future if he wouldn't otherwise.

There was also that dream.

The twelve female giant figures, Gods, that awe inspiring space, the golden throne, the figure sitting on it, the planet Earth in front of him. Was there a significance? Does it have a meaning? There was also that voice that talked to him before he died…. Was it connected? It was all just too confusing, far too confusing even with his enhanced library of knowledge.

With such thoughts, he lay done on his bed, thinking of plans and their effects until sleep came to him.

-000-

(Chizuru – The Narcissus) (2001/10/24) (Yokohama Base Training Fields – Track Field)

Squad 207 began their daily training that morning after Takeru Shirogane finished his oath taking in the auditorium. The rest of the squad were now resting after ten laps around the track while the newest member was still running, something that interested and annoyed Chizuru at the same time.

"He even had the gall asking to run full gear. He even said, 'This isn't even making me sweat Marimo-chan. Can I run on full gear?' Ha! Talk about being arrogant." Chizuru complained, mockingly mimicking what Shirogane said.

"Bipolar…"

"What was that Ayamine!?"

There she is again, trying to get on my nerves! As usual, Kei had begun her usual tirade against her. Even if Chizuru tried not getting angry, the apathetic girl just keeps coming back, gnawing down upon her patience.

"Calm down guys, he's just enthusiastic, that's all…" Miki said trying to pacify the arguing girls.

"Well, he did say the truth about the given training being too easy on him. Look, even now, as he runs, it is as though he does not feel the extra load of the full gear, neither laboring breaths nor even a drop of sweat on his face." Meiya reasoned, helping Miki on her quest on making the two girls calm down.

Taking a god look at him again, Chizuru noticed what Meiya described, though she could not help but blush at the sight of him.

"He's amazing!" Miki said, obviously excited by the performance of the new cadet which had become more apparent as the days passed by.

"Hmph, I admit he's strong, very strong…" Chizuru gave Kei a glare, still angry with the stoic girl, and then turned to watch Takeru with his run.

"In denial…" Kei said, observing Takeru while he was running with a hint of red on her stoic face.

Chizuru scoffed, the red in her cheek increasing from black-haired girl's comment.

As the resting members of Squad 207 continued to watch Shirogane Takeru, they saw him suddenly trip near Instructor Jinguuji, accidentally touching her rear.

Why that pervert!?

"Eeeek!" the offended women yelled as the young man began to realize his transgression, horror now in Takeru's face. He suddenly bolted up and ran as far as he can, away from the rampaging woman.

"Shirogane! Stop now and face my wrath!" Chizuru heard Instructor Jinguuji yell at the new recruit.

"But you're angry, Marimo-chan!" Takeru shouted back.

"You! You touched my butt!" The now angry woman, aptly nicknamed Mad Dog, yelled back, absolute murder on her face.

"It was an accident! I suddenly tripped"

"Out of nothing!"

Chizuru and rest of the girls can only watch at the ridiculous scene, twitching at how the supposedly serious training turned comedic.

"He's funny…" Kei commented.

What is wrong with her? Chizuru thought as she said,"What an idiot." Still, she felt a small grin forming on her face.

After some rest and a severe, but comical, beating for Takeru's case, in courtesy of the Mad Dog, the squad began their close quarter's combat training. Sergeant Jinguuji decided to partner Takeru with both Meiya and Ayamine, the squad's resident experts in CQC, with the reason of Mikoto being absent. They couldn't really reason her out because of their unsuited number for pairings. Still, with the talents the young man Chizuru had seen so far, she could only assume that he was also good with hand-to-hand combat, an assumption that was further complimented with his smiling face, apparent lazy demeanor, and quick recovery from the beating he experienced.

Currently, the new recruit was just standing there, in front of both talented fighters.

Miki and her were now resting after their own session and were now watching Takeru, Meiya, and Kei begin their turn under the supervision of Instructor Jinguuji.

"Umm, you can both attack now…" he said, but his opponents just stared at him, waiting for him to get ready. Having no stance, the only conclusion was that he was not ready, at which Chizuru was annoyed with. Takeru then scratched the back of his head, seemingly nonchalant, but then, his demeanor shifted. "Come at me, both of you!" he suddenly ordered, which surprised Chizuru and the rest, a serious expression now on his face. "What are you waiting for, are you afraid, or are you just that weak!" he taunted which spurned the other combatants from inaction. Kei and Meiya then began to circle him.

With him outnumbered, Chizuru was sure of Takeru's defeat, as she saw Kei and Meiya launch a leg sweep and a punch respectively. However, surprise and pain were now on both female combatants' faces as Takeru caught Meiya's arm with a grip while not even flinching from Ayamine's attack. "Good, attacking at opposite sides of the enemy can divide his attention, but!" Meiya and Ayamine then widened their eyes in surprise as Takeru threw them a meter away without much effort. "The enemies are the BETA! They are inhuman monsters! Tactics can only hurt them so far, and most of the time, with overwhelming sacrifices. In a conflict, only absolute strength can triumph!"

Chizuru was speechless, her mind blank from such a declaration.

The downed fighters and those that were watching can only stare at him, intimidated with his overbearing presence.

His tone then turned gentle, belying his earlier overbearing presence, as he said, "It is the only way we can be sure that there will be little to no sacrifices. It is not that tactics are insufficient given its effectiveness as noted by history, repeatedly. Still, a true victory is a victory without losses, and it can only be achieved by an overwhelming show of power that the enemy, if they are human, will surrender without battle or win with next to none deaths on our side. And if they are BETA, then we can crush them under our glorious armies' marching feet!" He became more excited near the end, as though declaring his goals to his subjects as he marches on towards his armies' victory.

Chizuru shook her head in such an idea. Takeru's army? That's ridiculous.

Then he paused, as if realizing something then relaxed his body. "Sorry everyone, I got a bit carried away there," he apologized, scratching the back of his head. He then stood straight again, back to his lazy demeanor. "But, what I said goes to all of you, Ayamine, Meiya, Tama, Class Rep, and Marimo-chan."

They nodded, understanding what he said.

"Ayamine, Meiya, let's continue."

Both of the downed fighters stood up with new fervor and began attacking with a series of combinations of punches, throws, grappling techniques, and kicks against Takeru, who only evaded and blocked some of them with fluid movements of a seasoned fighter, seemingly at ease, grinning.

"Wow…" Miki continued to stare, with a blush on her face and sparkles on her eyes, an obvious admiration to the young man in front of her.

"Hmph!" Chizuru scoffs, "He's still an idiot… a talented, amazing and…" her face was as red as a tomato. What is wrong with me?

Chizuru also saw Instructor Jinguuji smiling with a hint of a blush on her cheeks, as she continued to supervise the training. In the end, she decided a rotation on CQC training pairings for the girls with Takeru as the battle partner, which continued until lunch.

-000-

(Meiya – The Lily) (2001/10/24) (Yokohama Base Training Fields – Track Field)

Meiya was running laps on the track field under the night sky, with the moon as her only witness, when she saw the figure of a person walking towards the gates of Yokohama Base. Suspicious, she thought as she neared the shadowy figure.

"Takeru?" she called at the figure, recognizing him as the young man that was suddenly becoming a huge part on her life.

"Meiya? Ah it is you," he replied with his hands inside his training jacket.

"What are you doing here at night?"

"Well, I decided to walk around for some fresh air. It's really boring to just stay in my room you know."

"Ah, right."

"So, why are you running laps, Meiya? Are you being punished?"

"No, of course not, I am training, a part of my daily routine. You see, I wish to become an Eishi as soon as possible."

"Oh? Can I ask why?"

Can I answer him? Nevertheless, it is just too easy to trust him. Maybe I should just say it. There is nothing wrong with talking about one's reasons and dreams, she thought.

"It is but a simple reason of protecting something." Meiya's gaze turned towards to the empty hill overlooking the base, looking at the recognizable old Cherry tree. "This planet" she murmured, "The people of this country and Japan as a nation." She then turned and asked the young man in front of her, looking at his eyes, "What about you Takeru? Do you have something to protect?"

He laughed.

He laughed after she revealed her dreams, her goals, herself.

Such a boorish man! And here I was thinking I could trust him. Now he laughs at me and my reason for existence! she thought as she gave him a very intense glare. "Are you insulting me, Shirogane?"

"Ah, no... he he… Meiya, it is not you that I am laughing at. You see, compared to your reasons, mine is bit childish and may seem to be somewhat selfish. Most people actually don't take me seriously when I say it."

She continued to glare at him.

He sighed and said, "As I child, I dreamed of protecting everyone, and I mean protecting all of mankind. Along the way, I have forgotten about it, but recently something happened and now this thought drives me now. Still, what I really want is to protect those that I really care about. You see, they are the reason that I continue to exist right now and I will give anything for them to continue smiling and enjoy life as long as possible, even my own life. Those are the reasons of my existence, the very core of the person named Takeru Shirogane."

She felt his grief, guilt, conviction, and hope for the future as she heard him.

It was humbling.

What happened to him? Childish? What was so childish of his reasons? They were from his heart and even I could not deny that, and here I was, angry at him at a misunderstanding, when I was the one who cannot even be honest with herself….

She gave him a gentle smile, forgiving the young man from his earlier transgression.

Takeru blushed then said with a stutter, "A-a-anyways, I think I'm gonna do some laps, want to join me?"

"No, I have just finished with my own, perhaps some other nights. Goodnight, Takeru."

"Goodnight, Meiya."

Meiya then turned her back from him and left for her quarters, a smile still on her face.

See you… Takeru, she added to her thoughts as she remembered a memory she was sure she never had.

-000-

(Yokohama Base Training Fields – Track Field)

As Takeru saw Meiya walking away, a headache and a flash of her last moment moments came to him. "At the very least, I wish for the man I love to be the one to send me to my grave…"

Traumatizing, despairing, cursing on his own stupidity, Takeru ground his teeth in frustration. Why am I so blind!? So stupid!?

"Sorry, Meiya…."

However, it was not the time think of such thoughts; for he must finish the agenda he had tasked himself for the night, a step that must be done so that such a tragic thing would not happen, again.

Never again.

After some time, making sure Meiya was out of sight, he began to proceed to his destination. While showing to the guards the clearance, which he got from Yuuko, he tried to banish his depressing thoughts. As he waited for verification, he thought of the new TSF OS, the XM3, specifically the simulations that he must undergo the next day to complete it. Yuuko-sensei was really surprised when I said that the idea came from a commercial video game.

The guard then gave him back the clearance after checking its validity. He nodded at him and then continued his short journey. Outside the gates, he began to circle the perimeter of Yokohama Base, hoping to find the man he was looking for. A couple of hours of walking around, he noticed some noise in the nearby ruins.

"You can come out now, Sakon Yoroi!" he called out to the hiding figure.

Takeru then heard footsteps from the darkness of the ruins, as a man with blue hair and a smug look in his face appeared. It was Mikoto's dad, Sakon Yoroi, who was in his usual suit and fur fedora hat. "Hooh, you're pretty good, young man. And such patience too."

"Meh, I'm just talented." Takeru shrugged. "So, why are you skulking around the perimeters?"

"Well, you see, young man, I was walking around the ruins just minding my own business when I heard someone humming Beethoven's Ode to Joy, which by the way is one of my most favorite classical pieces of all time. I then tried to follow the sound, which then lead me to here. But before that, there was this black cat the crossed in front of me. So to avoid bad luck, I took a detour. Black cats are bad you know, though they are pretty cute as kittens. After that, a girl suddenly came around the corner saying 'I'm late! I'm late!' who ended up bumping into me. We both fell on the concrete road, and you know what, I saw her panties. Good fortune I must say. After all that, I then heard a young man walking around, who ended up calling my name, how he knows it was quite a mystery, so here I am."

It was the usual nonsense from.… Wait a moment; is that a reference on several anime cliché's back in the old world? Takeru shook his head from bewilderment. Nah, just a coincidence…. Right?

"So, who are you, young man?"

"Shirogane, Takeru Shirogane"

"Hmm… Takeru Shirogane eh…. Why does a young man like you in a place like this?"

"Just like you, walking around, minding my own business."

"Of course, but why are you in a place like this?" He asked again, this time with an edge in his voice.

"Okay, let's just cut the meaningless chit-chat, I want to ask you a favor, Yoroi-san."

"Suddenly asking favors the first time we meet, curious, very curious. So what it is that you ask, Takeru Shirogane?"

"I want the location and daily schedules and appointments of the Japanese Prime Minister, Kurechika Sakaki, the UN-secretary General, Genjousai Tamase, the head of the Takatsugu Household, Ikaruga Takatsugu, The Yokohama Base Commander, General Paul Radhabinod, and Takahashi Ichimonji."

"Most of these people you asked for are high profiled, young man, well except for this Ichimonji guy. Hmm, what is your aim?"

Takeru shrugged. "Let's just say my aim is to save mankind."

Sakon Yoroi grinned. "Pretty noble are we."

"It's necessary. I want to gather funds and allies for what I'm planning in the future."

"And very trusting too."

"You're the father of Mikoto; of course I'll trust you."

Whether Sakon was affected by the mention of Mikoto, he didn't' show it.

"I want your help to save this world."

"Ambitious are we, what's in it for me?"

"You're going to see the rise of a new age for mankind."

"People are not moved by just promises, Takeru Shirogane."

A fact that was true in Takeru's old world and in the current one that he's trying to save. So with no other choice, he said, "Then I'll leak classified information that will destroy this country." It was a lie actually, though the dangerous information truly existed, and Takeru was familiar with its every gritty detail, and would never think twice on using it.

"You offer peace in one hand, and you blackmail in the other, quite laughable."

"I know, but the same could be said to everyone who holds power and those with ambitions."

"True…. But you should be careful with what you say or you would be dead before you now it." Sakon suddenly pulled out a gun and pointed it at him, his eyes cold, showing how used he was with the practice.

"…."

"…."

They stared at each other for several minutes, unflinching and unmoving. I don't care if you kill me. I'll come back again, I'll try again, no one will stop me!

"…."

"…."

Until Sakon laughed as he brought down his gun and placed it back into his suit. "A ha ha! Interesting young man you are, Takeru Shirogane."

Takeru took a breath in relief. However, just to be sure, "And you're going to see Mikoto doing something unique," he sweetened the deal as he rubbed his hands like a sleazy dealer.

"Alright! I'll do it," he said with anticipation on his face. After nodding to himself several times, he turned around without saying goodbye and began to walk away.

"Wait!"

"Hooh, want to ask more favors?"

"It's about the graduation; I want you to attend it."

"Why, Takeru Shirogane?"

"It's for Mikoto," he said, not being able to mask the hint of affection on his voice as he said her name.

Sakon turned around and raised his eyebrows at his last statement. He then grinned.

"Of course, young man. But isn't that event still far off?"

"Don't worry, it will happen much earlier. I'll make sure of it."

Sakon gave him a questioning look and then shrugged as he continued walking way.

"Meet me here tomorrow, Takeru Shirogane," he said before disappearing into the ruins under the darkness of the night.

-000-

(Chizuru – The Narcissus) (2001/10/25) (Yokohama Base – One of the Lecture Rooms)

Chizuru and the rest of the members of Squad 207 were now having lecture training with their instructor, Sgt. Marimo Jinguuji, who was explaining the use of explosives in a fictional scenario on how to disable an enemy's rear guard. They were listening intently to the instructor's lecture, but sometimes Chizuru couldn't help but steal glances—which she noticed were also being done by her squad mates—at the young man sitting on the back, who was slumped on his table, sleeping. Chizuru could only curse on his audacity, while Instructor Jinguuji was rapidly losing her temper at Takeru's blatant inattention.

"Shirogane!" the Instructor yelled.

"Five more minutes, Sumika… Don't shake me…. It's Sunday… Why are you sitting on my stomach...? No… not the Drill Milky Way Punch...," the sleeping cadet only mumbled as a reply.

Sumika? Chizuru thought, somewhat feeling jealous and annoyed. It was strange for she doesn't know anyone named Sumika. And why do I even care? However, from what she could observe from her squad mates, they were most likely thinking of the same. What is happening to us?

The instructor was now fuming with rage, full of righteous anger, as she threw the book she was using for the lecture. However, to her further ire, the young man only slapped the dangerous projectile away; still, it made Takeru wake up.

"Huh? Marimo-chan is it lunch yet?"

"No!"

"Ah, okay." Then he got himself comfortable again on the table, sleep clearly his primary agenda.

"Shirogane!"

"Huh? Marimo-chan?"

"It's Instructor Jinguuji to you Shirogane!"

"Instructor?" he asked, confusion marring face. Then he looked around, "Ohhh…" he muttered as if in sudden realization.

"Shirogane! Repeat what I just said right now! If you know well enough to stop listening and sleep in my class, then it should be no problem right?"

"Ah… he he he… Sorry, Marimo-chan."

"It's Instructor Jinguuji! Geez… and we went out of our way to alter the curriculum just for you, and for what, when you just sleep in class!" Instructor Jinguuji said while shaking her head.

They were now worried about the young man. Chizuru would have raised her hand and answered for him, if not for him standing up to answer the question. "You were giving a what-if scenario where a support unit disrupts the enemy's rear guard facilities just before the actual operation." The instructor was surprised then schooled her expression back to neutral, showing that Takeru was in the right direction of his answer. Chizuru and the other members of Squad 207 were also surprised, given that he was sleeping before during the lecture. "So it will be ideal to blow apart a high-voltage cable leading out of their facility."

"Oh? Why is that?" the instructor asked, the rest of the squad now in full attention to the young man's explanation.

"In this given scenario, disabling the radar would be perfect so as to leave the facility intact. With that, our forces will be able to use it later. It would also be less risky than attacking the enemy's base itself and one would not use as much explosives. This way, not only you accomplish the given mission, you will also increase the survivability of your comrades, which for me, is the most important part of the mission. That's all."

The instructor only gave an approving nod and said, "You may be seated. You're pretty good, for someone who sleeps in my class that is. Try to stay awake and pay attention next time, understood?"

"Yes ma'am!" He then sat on his chair, still sleepy, sometimes shaking his head to stay awake.

"Okay Squad 207, we will now have a 10 minute break!" Sgt. Jinguuji then announced, spurning Chizuru and the other members of Squad 207 to approach Takeru's seat.

"That was amazing, Takeru-san." Miki was the first to praise the young man. "You were a genius!" she added with sparkles on her cat-like, green eyes.

"Indeed. I too am impressed." Meiya followed, nodding, with Chizuru behind her. "You are quite clever for using their facility for our own use. I would have opted to sneak into the base and destroy the radar."

"Hmph, that was pretty obvious. At least you are smart enough. It's nice to know that I have a member like you as a part of my squad," Chizuru said with a bit of flair and arrogance as she tried to mask the growing emotion inside of her.

"Ingenious plan…" Kei further added as she stared, seemingly emotionless, at the young man.

"Umm… Thank you…." Takeru gave lackluster reply while scratching the back of his head.

"Takeru is certainly dedicated, that much I am sure," Meiya added folding her arms. "I have witnessed some of his independent studies the other night. Maybe that is why he was sleeping. Regardless, we will be having field stripping for our next class."

Somehow, Chizuru couldn't help but be excited at the prospect.

-000-

(Meiya – The Lily) (Yokohama Base Training Fields)

An hour later, the cadets of Squad 207 were now field stripping with Instructor Jinguuji's guidance. She first showed them how it was done, of which they followed after. Meiya was not really fond of firearms, but in this time of crisis, any advantage she could have with humanity's common enemy must not be taken for granted. She and her comrades were concentrating on their own rifle assembling exercise when they heard someone announce, "I'm finished."

They paused on their rifle assembling and stared at Takeru and his handiwork.

"Eh? Already?" the instructor said with surprise again evident of her face due to the sheer talent the young man was showing in front of her. "One minute and forty-eight seconds…"

"No way!" Chizuru said in disbelief.

"Cheater…" Kei said in a table next to the new cadet.

"Hey! I didn't cheat. I'm just that awesome." Takeru defended himself.

"No two hands can do it that fast," Meiya said with a critical look on her eyes as she gazed at the weapon the only male of their group assembled. What are you Takeru? No normal human can do that.

On the other hand, Miki was now jumping excitedly at the spectacle. "Awesome, Takeru-san!"

"Quiet. I'll check it." Sgt. Jinguuji said as he picked up the assembled rifle, checking the parts meticulously. "Hmm… I don't see anything wrong with it. But that was quick, too quick for a normal human, if I must say."

"Takeru isn't human…."

"Oy! I'm as human as one can get, Ayamine," Takeru responded, a tick mark now on his head at Kei's comment.

"Have you done this before, Shirogane?" the instructor asked.

"Well…."

"Well?"

Somehow, Meiya was getting a sense of déjà vu at such a scene.

"Well…"

"Well?"

"It's a secret!"

Sgt. Jinguuji suddenly face-faulted on the ground, however, after the comedic reaction, the downed woman was releasing a dark aura, slowly rising from her prone position, as absolute fear crept up on Takeru's face. He suddenly stiffened and then ran as far as he can from the rampaging woman.

"You come back here, Shirogane!" she yelled as she gave chase.

"I don't want to die, Marimo-chan!" he yelled back

"And call me Instructor Jinguuji!"

Meiya and the rest of the girls could only watch as the seemingly comedic duo ran around the field

-000-

(Yokohama Base PX)

Man…. Marimo-chan really did a number on me, Takeru thought as he rubbed his swollen cheeks from the beating that he got from Marimo. Thankfully, I heal fast. Brrr…. She's really scary when she's mad. Still, it's really fun to tease her, especially with her puppy-like expression.

"You're super amazing, Takeru-san!" Miki praised him excitedly with sparkles on her eyes. Damn, must... contain... inner lolicon…

"He he he, I do my best."

"Do not sell yourself short Takeru. You were really impressive," Meiya further added.

"Have you been conscripted before Shiro—Takeru?" Chizuru asked.

"That is true. You are far from a normal cadet."

Suddenly, there was a cluttering sound heard on one side of the cafeteria table they were dining on. There, he saw a needle, a magnet, a bulky mobile phone, and several other objects of unknown purposes.

"We need to test…" Kei said as she picked up a magnet and proceeded to wave it around Takeru's head.

"The hell are you doing, woman!?" he asked in astonishment. Seriously, who wouldn't, when someone suddenly pokes your face with magnet?

"Test…" she stoically replied as she replaced the magnet with a large, bulky mobile telephone.

"Um... okay…." I really don't get you, Ayamine.

"You see… we thought you're some kind of a new breed of a super soldier or maybe a cyborg!" Miki sheepishly confessed, though she got excited at the end of her statement.

"Okay…" he replied then flinched as Kei began to poke the skin on his one arm with a needle.

"Red blood… Disappointing…."

"Of course it's red! What do you expect!?" Man, this woman is really getting on my nerves.

However, Kei just ignored him and continued with her so-called tests.

"Umm… hello guys…"

That voice… Mikoto? Takeru's heart suddenly went overdrive, beating so fast that his breathing labored.

He turned to the direction the voice came from, and there she was, with her blue hair and brown eyes, and a small stature and flat as a board chest. No doubt about it, it was Mikoto Yoroi. Well… I'm sure she's a girl this time….

"Oh, Yoroi-san, are you already well?" Meiya asked the androgynous blue-haired girl.

Please be a girl…

"A ha ha, of course! But something strange happened to me you see, the doctor said that I would be staying for a week or two more but for some reason I got an early discharge. And you know something?" Mikoto began her nonsensical monologue. "The television there was great, so many channels, and I don't even have to do anything. I just lied on my bed and watched many shows! It was awesome, there was even a show about a girl and boy, who went through an awesome adventure, though sometimes it felt forced, still it had a good ending. Sometimes I wish I could stay there forever. Aha ha ha, but that would be impossible." Ah, good ol' Mikoto. "Also, I was having these strange dreams that I could not even remember. I always ended up crying when I wake up..."

Hmm, strange dreams?

Suddenly Mikoto paused on her usual nonsense as her gaze landed on him, her eyes seemingly in a daze with a hint of red on her cheeks. Maybe she's still not well…

"Ah… ah… Umm…. W-who are you?" she asked, stuttering as she stared at him.

"Hello there. I'm the newest member of the squad, Takeru Shirogane, but you can call me Takeru. And you?" Takeru feigned ignorance.

"Ah… Mikoto Yoroi, same…."

"Umm… are you fine, Mikoto?"

"… I'm alright, Takeru-san…"

Somehow, he saw some veins on the temples of some members of the squad, confusing him. Are they angry? Maybe they feel left out from our conversation.

"Umm… Yoroi-san…" Miki called out the dazed Mikoto.

"Ah… Miki-san? It's been a long time! Hooo! Chizuru-san, Meiya-san, and even Kei-chan!" Mikoto replied, recovering from her glassy-eyed state. Seriously, you almost forgot about them? "I really missed you all. Yay! It's like one of those reunions!"

She then turned to look at him.

"Hey! Are you the guy Miki-san always talks about? You know, about how you were really cool, strong, and dreamy. She even said that you were like an emperor with your powerful presence and overwhelming talents. Whaaa! Are you really that awesome?" she asked him excitedly, with him twitching at her ridiculous claims.

"Yoroi-san!"

"Aha ha ha, sorry, Miki-san. Well, see you guys."

"Hey, wait!"

"Oh, hello again, Takeru-san."

"You haven't even left yet!"

"Aha ha ha, details, details."

She really was similar to her dad. Thinking about Sakon, Takeru hoped that he already had the information that he asked for.

"What are you saying about what Tama told you?" he asked the odd blue-haired girl.

"Tama? Ahh, Miki-san…. Oh, on how awesome you are?"

"Not that, the emperor bit. Isn't it a bit too much, it might insult the real emperor you know…"

Meiya nodded on what he said, agreeing.

"Well… it's just that, that's what I think is the most appropriate to describe you, Takeru-san," Miki defended.

"How about we use the English, The Emperor, to call Takeru instead of the Japanese, Tennō, and with that, we won't be insulting anyone. Still, it is just a name, even if it's a bit lavish." Meiya said offering a solution to Miki's dilemma.

The rest nodded, while Miki beamed a smile.

"Heee…. The Emperor, eh… A bit lavish like Meiya said, but I take what I can have. Then how about I also give you guys monikers too, you know, just to be fair. It's going to be fun."

"Names? Monikers? Well… it would only be fair," Chizuru commented at his suggestion as the rest agreed.

"Yup, well, let's start with Mikoto here." He pointed at the blue-haired girl.

"Eh, me?"

"Well, how about, The Coreopsis. By the way, Coreopsis is a flower that looks like a smaller version of a sunflower."

"Why, The Coreopsis?" Mikoto asked.

"You see, even if we only met, I feel that you're the type of girl that will always be cheerful, even when things around you say otherwise. You are like a small sun, a source of light, on a world full of darkness."

The rest of the squad nodded, agreeing with his observation on Mikoto's character. An expected outcome since he had known her for almost forever, same as the rest of the girls. Takeru already knew them all too well, that was why….

"Hee, you're good at this Takeru," Chizuru commented again as Mikoto blushed.

"Thank you. Next would be Tama." He pointed at the pink-haired girl.

"Yay!" she exclaimed, excited for her turn.

"I think, The Saintpaulia, would be perfect for you, due to your small stature and delicate looks, which has its own charm by the way. But even with those attributes, you have the fortitude and strength to face and endure any hardships and challenges that would come in your way, just like the flower."

"Yay! My favorite flower! Did you know that I'm growing some Saintpaulia in my room?"

"Nope, not a clue…" Takeru, again, feigned ignorance.

"I think I notice a pattern here, Takeru. Why name us from flowers?" Chizuru asked.

"Right you are, Class Rep. Well, I decided to name you from flowers because I think that it would be the most appropriate for each of you, especially basing from your personalities. In addition, it's only right for lovely young girls such as yourselves to be named from such beautiful creations."

They all blushed at his reasoning. It seemed that somehow the rest of the squad was excited of the prospect of being given monikers.

"Continuing on, Ayamine here would be, The Edelweiss, with your daring attitude usually hidden on how you usually acts stoically, a girl full of noble courage and will face on any enemy even with only her bare hands."

"Hmm, The Edelweiss…"

"Class Rep, you would be, The Narcissus, since I think you're a hard working girl with a lot of hidden talents and a strong belief on yourself. You don't doubt you actions and will push forward at any obstacles that you may cross in your path."

"The Narcissus?"

"Lastly, Meiya. The Lily would be perfect for you. You see, I noticed the majestic demeanor you always have when doing things. You also exude beauty and purity that would leave any normal man speechless. Still, even with all these traits, you have humility, which makes people respect you."

"Lily…."

"You're not just good at this naming thing, Takeru. You're really good," Chizuru commented with a blush after he finished.

"It is as if you already know each of us intimately," Meiya added with Ayamine nodding, both had reddened cheeks.

"Nah, this was just a spur of a moment. Still, I really think those names suit you guys."

"Wow! You really are awesome just like Miki-san said, Takeru-san," Mikoto enthusiastically said with Miki by her side, pure admiration in their eyes.

Names and monikers, seemingly insignificant in a first glance, but I'm sure they will be remembered… for a long time.

-000-

(Yuuko – The Black Rose) (TSF Simulator Room)

"Why are you rushing things, Shirogane?" Yuuko said as she monitored the young man's simulation. "You haven't even done the Comprehensive Combat Skill Evaluation yet."

"You already know the answer to that question, Yuuko-sensei. Trust me on this. We will need the new OS as soon as possible, and with what I planned, the evaluations will be replaced with something more productive. Well, with the help from some influential people that is, like you, sensei," he replied while destroying his enemies on the simulator.

"Hee, but if you change a lot of things, wouldn't it affect the time-line. Your knowledge of the future would be useless…."

"It was already useless when I first arrived. We can only hasten our preparations for the coming storm." He cleared another wave as he said that last statement, with the third wave of Training Course B swarming in.

"Really?"

"Changing the future is one of my priorities, Yuuko-sensei. And from what I've seen and experienced, you would've also want it changed." Ten enemy TSF's were then destroyed from a single wave of his TSF's gun, as though he was not having a conversation with her.

"Sure… at least I could use the XM3 as a bargaining chip in the future."

"Of course, sensei, that's one of its major uses. With the XM3, we could acquire more influence and funds in the future to develop more technologies for fighting the BETA."

"Heee… so what's next?" The simulator indicated the coming of the fourth wave, the last wave already gone in the screen. He really is an amazing pilot, and he is not even wearing a TSF suit, Yuuko thought while watching Takeru inside the simulator, still in his cadet uniform.

"Well, I wanted to ask your permission to go to America alone this coming Saturday, maybe after the daily training. I need to talk to some people who could help us in the weapons development department."

"Sure, just let me rip the vinyl wrap of the new TSFs that would be made in the future."

"Absolutely, Yuuko-sensei."

Even though he's discussing things with Yuuko, obviously not concentrating on the simulation, he still breezes through the simulation. Most squads could not even make it after the third or fourth waves. Still, he was receiving some damage indicated by the sometimes-decreasing HP bar, proving he is fallible. But his skills, the way he pilots, the way he fights, it's just not normal, she mused in her thoughts, staring at the young man and the simulation.

As the time limit reached zero, Takeru opened the simulator's door.

"You really are one of a kind, Shirogane," Yuuko said as she clapped.

"Meh, I manage," The young man said with a grin on his face as he shrugged, but then he tripped on the simulator's entrance, clumsily waving his hands to maintain balance. However, he accidentally touched her forehead with a finger.

A single touch, just a single touch, and then a surge of memories came to Yuuko, memories she never had: memories of another world, of another place, and of another time, memories of a peaceful life with him by her side. Emotion came gushing from within, surging more than she had experienced that fist time she met him. Such strong emotions that she had to give her all not to break down and cry. Still, her body stiffened, forcing herself not to embrace him, as he managed to maintain his balance, now looking at her with a worried face. She could only do one thing to maintain her composure as she remembered what he did.

Yuuko punched him in the face.

"Why did you punch me!?" He said, rubbing his reddened nose.

Yuuko forced herself to give him her patented devilish grin.

"Eh? It's payback for blackmailing me."

"You didn't have to do that."

"Your point?"

"Y-yeah…"

"Say, this world is really fucked, isn't it?"

"Huh?"

"I remember, Shirogane."

"W-what? Wait, you mean!?"

"It seems that you being Causality Conductor have given you something troublesome, though I think it would be useful in some instances."

"So you're saying that I can give other people their memories from alternate worlds."

"Heeh, you're still the naïve boy that I know, Shirogane."

"A-ah….."

"Anyway, I think you could use this with that business of yours in America."

"Y-yeah."

"Heh, where's your smug attitude now, Shirogane?"

"…."

Takeru was speechless, which fanned Yuuko's ego, in turn, helping her curb her own overflowing emotions. Still, she decided to change topic, giving mercy to the young man in front of her.

"So, this people that you're going to meet… can they really be trusted?" Yuuko asked, concerned.

"Y-yeah, you see, they were my most trusted aides on a world where I was the young owner of an international company."

"World? Perfect! Though I advise you to wear gloves, Shirogane."

"You say so, but why didn't the same thing happened with the others?"

"Hmm, did you touch their forehead? Or their head?"

"Well, there's Kasumi."

"Irrelevant, I think she already remembers."

"So… when I touch other people in the head, they gain memories of their alternate selves."

"Right. Still, I think there are more conditions to this… new ability of yours, Shirogane."

"T-this is just surreal."

"Why are you still surprised, when you had already experienced a lot?"

"It's just that…."

"Keep an open mind, Shirogane, it will do you good. Still, I advise you to take up wearing gloves from now on to avoid accidents like this."

"I'll try…. By the way, sensei, about the preparations for Sumika's revival..."

"Ready for tomorrow," she assured the young man.

"Thanks… Well, I'll go talk to her and Kasumi now. Good luck, Yuuko-sensei," Takeru said as he left for 00 Unit's room.

"Yeah, yeah," Yuuko replied as she gazed at his leaving back, fighting the urge to reach out to him, to call out his name.

The moment that he left, Yuuko fell down to her knees, hugging herself: weeping, murmuring his name, crying tears of joy. "Takeru…."

-000-

(00 Unit's Room)

"Hey girls, I'm here again," Takeru greeted Kasumi and Sumika, as he entered the room.

Ah, Takeru-chan!

"Hello."

Sumika and Kasumi greeted him back respectively in their own ways.

Good news Sumika, tomorrow you will have your new body. He began to talk to Sumika telepathically as he neared them.

Really, Takeru-chan?

Yup, and this time, you won't need the reactor to purify yourself anymore….

How, Takeru-chan?

Well, this time with the help of the improved equations and the revelation that I am also psychic, I will have you make a psychic link with me. With that, we could circumvent your need for purification just by being near me several times. You could continue functioning even if the BETA superior dies.

Are you sure, this is going to work? You might get hurt...

Don't worry about me, Sumika, I already reviewed the equation several times, and with my unique condition, the linking would be just fine.

Thank you, Takeru-chan.

Thank you. Kasumi suddenly hugged him, further showing her thanks.

Don't mention it girls… By the way, I gave monikers to the present members of Squad 207. I named them from flowers.

Hee, that's nice for them.

Nice.

Well, I could also give you two names from flowers too, you know.

Really, Takeru-chan?

Un.

Kasumi looked up to him, excitement showing on her usually emotionless face.

Of course, let's start with Kasumi. I think, The Lotus, would be perfect for you, given your mysterious aura and your apparent honesty that I know you have. Takeru smiled at Kasumi, who blushed.

The Lotus.

Of course, now for you, Sumika, well how about, The Carnation, for what reason, he he he, let's just say it's due to you being cute and spunky.

Mou…. But I like it, Takeru-chan!

Marimo-sensei and Yuuko-sensei.

Right, Takeru-chan, what about Marimo-sensei and Yuuko-sensei?

Well, since they're best friends and somewhat polar opposites of each other…. How about I name Marimo-chan as, The White Rose, and Yuuko-sensei as, The Black Rose, as for the reason, maybe it would be for next time, is that fine?

Well done, Takeru-chan!

Well done.

A ha ha, thanks, hope you're ready for tomorrow Sumika since Yuuko-sensei just gave the green light for you to have your body.

Of course, Takeru-chan!

I'll make sure. Kasumi gave him a single nod.

Thanks Kasumi, well that's all I have to report to you girls today. He then saluted playfully.

Aha ha ha, Takeru-chan, you're funny.

Kasumi smiled at his antics.

Well, see you, Kasumi, Sumika.

See you Takeru-chan.

See you.

-000-

(Outside the Perimeters of Yokohama Base)

Under the darkness of the night, Takeru waited for Mikoto's dad for about two hours until he heard the telltale signs of a person walking towards him. He was now wearing s pair of white cotton gloves just like what Yuuko advised.

"Man, you're late."

"A ha ha, sorry for that, Takeru Shirogane. You see, I saw this old woman having a hard time crossing the street and as an upstanding Japanese citizen, I was compelled to help her. She told me she had leg problems and osteoporosis. Now that I think about it, I'm already getting on the age myself. You know, milk is good for your developing bones—"

"Stop! Okay, okay, I get it. So, you have what I asked for?"

"Sure."

He then gave Takeru an envelope.

"So what are you going to do with those, young man?"

"I just want to talk to these men in secret, much faster and lesser hassle than asking for their audience one by one."

"Ah right, I for one agree to that, Takeru Shirogane, though it would be hard. You would most likely be gunned down you know."

Takeru just nodded gratefully at Sakon said, ignoring the fact that he could die with his current path, and began to walk away to start making his plans a reality.

"Shirogane, what is your goal? Why do you risk everything?" Sakon asked.

Takeru stopped walking and said, "I already told you, Yoroi-san. I want to save mankind and protect those that are dear to me."

"Is Mikoto-chan one of these precious people that you talk about?"

He turned his head to look at Sakon and grinned. "Absolutely!" He then turned back and continued his journey to accomplish his goal for the night.

"Then good luck, son-in-law."

Takeru could imagine a grin forming on Sakon's face as he heard him whisper.

-000-

Author's Notes

To those that are familiar with the original, yes, I have discarded the idea of the Ultramarine talking. Now it would be just a trinket, though a point of mystery that Takeru would mull over in the span of this story, a plot device to be exact. In addition, Takeru will not become a pseudo-Accelerator, since if he did like the original, he wouldn't need a TSF to pawn BETA…. And yeah… moe emotional Yuuko!

I think that's all for now. Thank you for the reviews, the favs, and the follows. I'll gladly take any criticisms and reviews for this story. Thank you for reading and good day.