Episode 3: A Glimpse of Daily Life

-The day after-

Kazumi yawned as he slowly woke up from his slumber. He stretched his body before jumping out of his bed. His hair is still a little disheveled after just waking up. He look around a little and wonder why he is in an unfamiliar room until he remembers that he'd just moved in to Ragna, or to be more specific, to the home of Walkure's lead singer.

His room is still bare having only a single bed, a desk, chair, terminal, and a wardrobe. He hadn't unpacked yet. It's not like he carry much with him with how frequently he moved around throughout his career and even if his post in Ragna is somewhat more permanent this is just his temporary accommodation.

Kazumi look at his watch and it shows that it's five in the morning. That means he didn't oversleep. Kazumi throw his bag onto his bed and began rummaging through it to find his sportswear. He quickly change and head down to the first floor, eager to start his morning run as well as getting to know Ragna more. To his surprise, he's not alone.

"Ara, Kazumi, going for a morning run?"

"Mikumo? Yeah, I am. You too?"

"Walkure always need to keep their stamina up. We are not a normal idol group. We don't just sing on stage but also in the middle of the battlefield."

Kazumi nodded in understanding. He had seen a few records of Walkure's concerts, the Waccines live or something. He has to admit it is something else. They literally go around the battlefield while singing. It's very dangerous. He knew he won't find any idol group more daring than Walkure. It takes a lot to sing when under fire from berserk valkyries and Zentran. Of course, the Walkure needs to be in top physical condition. You need a lot of stamina to pull off what Walkure does.

Currently Mikumo is wearing a blue and white track jersey and a black track pants. Kazumi thought that Mikumo is someone who would look good wearing any kind of clothes. Then again, she's a beautiful idol so it is natural for her to look good. She put on a pair of white track shoes which Kazumi followed by wearing his own and the two head out jogging.

"So you do this every morning?"

Kazumi ask, wanting to know a little more about his supposed partner.

"Yes. I need to keep my stamina up. Avoiding gunshots can be tiring especially if you frequently run with high-heeled shoes."

Kazumi chuckled. He had tried that once when he was younger while wearing his mother's heels. The things kids do out of curiosity. It hurts quite a lot if you're not used to it.

"I know what you mean. I tried putting one on once. How you girls manage to wear that all day almost everyday still puzzles me."

Mikumo chuckled but said nothing more. Kazumi decided to just follow Mikumo who already has a set route for her morning jog. To his disappointment, they didn't talk after that. Kazumi doesn't know what to talk about and Mikumo, as he had come to realize, does not talk very much. She's not socially inept per se. She just doesn't talk when there's nothing to talk about.

The two of them jog for more than an hour before returning back to their home. Kazumi got a good view of Ragna along the way and even passed through the female dorm where Kaname, Freyja, and Mirage lived, Ragnyannyan where Hayate and Chuck lived, and even Reina and Makina's home. Of course, none of them had gotten up yet or someone would've noticed him and Mikumo passing by.

As soon as they got back home, the two of them took a bath and get changed. Of course as someone who enjoys her bath, Mikumo took longer than Kazumi to finish. While waiting for her, Kazumi decided to make breakfast for the two of them. That being said, it's just heating the leftover from last night. Kazumi made too much on purpose so he doesn't have to cook again in the morning. He really need to fill the fridge with something. What Mikumo has is just… sad for someone who cooks.

Thinking if this is what his daily life is going to be, Kazumi felt that his life on Ragna won't be so bad.

"So you're cooking again?"

Kazumi heard Mikumo's voice coming from behind him. She had changed into the same Chaos custom uniform for Walkure that she wore yesterday. Kazumi could smell her shampoo from his spot in the kitchen.

"I'm just heating the leftovers from last night. Remind me to get the grocery sometimes today."

"I will."

The following breakfast is again filled with silence apart from Mikumo praising his good work. He's not the best but he's still good and Mikumo will give him credit where it's due. After cleaning the dishes which Mikumo helps in to his surprise the two of them prepare to head to Macross Elysion. It's time for Kazumi to meet the rest of the team.


"I'm serious, I saw them when I woke up this morning!"

"But this is Mikumo-san we're talking about. Are you sure?"

"Maybe you're still sleepy and you just think that she's jogging with someone?"

"Mou! Why don't you believe me?!"

""Well, we're talking about Mikumo-san, right?""

The usual triangle trio of Hayate Immelman, Mirage Farina Jenius and Freyja Wion can be seen together heading to the briefing room in Elysion. This conversation started when Freyja claimed that she saw Mikumo that morning jogging with a man with raven hair. Hayate and Mirage doesn't believe her, mostly because they can't believe that Mikumo would be jogging with someone.

The mysterious venus is a lone wolf, something that Mirage is very aware about with how frequently she ditched her during undercover missions. Mikumo might not be anti-social but she is not buddy-buddy with anyone outside Walkure. The closest she has to friends outside Walkure is the Delta platoon.

"Maybe it's him."

""Him?""

Both Mirage and Hayate look at Freyja who looks as if she had come to a realization.

"The new pilot!"

The trio paused at Freyja's conclusion. Mirage and Hayate gave the Walkure member a deadpan look as if saying 'seriously?' which is understandable considering what they knew of Mikumo.

"That's impossible. We're talking about that Mikumo here. She barely talks to us and you're saying that she went jogging with the new pilot?"

Mirage nodded, agreeing with Hayate's conclusion. It's unthinkable. Though maybe not so much since the new pilot will be partnered with Mikumo but from how Freyja put it they appear to be friendly enough to run at the same pace which made Mirage doubt this possibility. Mikumo still ditches her wherever they went on missions so there's no way Mikumo could suddenly be friendly with a newcomer.

Which is why what they saw when they entered the briefing room is enough to shock them.

Standing beside Mikumo is a man with medium length raven hair with pale skin that makes him seem like he's used to cold climate. He has blue eyes with a scar over his right eye and is roughly as tall as Messer. He is also well built like the former Delta 2. He wore his uniform without zipping his jacket just like Hayate and Arad.

All in all, precisely the kind of man that Freyja described and he's standing right next to Mikumo.

"Ahh, you guys finally arrived. Guess we can start with the introduction. This is Captain Kazumi Shinomiya."

"Yo."

The newly introduced Kazumi casually greeted them with a simple raised hand and a small grin.

"See, I told you that he's real!"

Freyja grinned with satisfaction at Hayate and Mirage's surprised expression.


The following briefing is just a simple review of the partnership plan between Walkure and Delta platoon covered the day before this time with everyone participating. Each pilot's assignment is clear. They each will become full time bodyguard of their respective Walkure member.

It might seem that things will change in the dynamic between Walkure and the Delta platoon but they realize that nothing will actually change. Makina, Reina, and Freyja spent most of their down time in Ragnyannyan with Hayate, Mirage, and Chuck and both Arad and Kaname are almost always found together inside Elysion and even outside.

If there is one thing that changes is that Mikumo won't be alone from now on with Kazumi assigned to her.

"Now, with that covered, do you have anything you want to say to your new squadmates Captain?"

"Nothing in particular, no. Although…"

Kazumi turn to Mirage and Hayate. There's a small smirk adorning him.

"Hayate Immelmann, Mirage Jenius, I looked forward to meeting you two since I first read about you. The son of Wright Immelman and the granddaughter of Max and Millia Jenius, a more interesting pair cannot be found in all of galaxy."

"What do you want?"

Hayate growled. He's still not happy with the idea of replacing Messer, funny thing since he never got along with the man when he was still alive.

"Like I said, the two of you are interesting. I just want to say that. I look forward to working with you."

Kazumi offered Hayate a handshake but the blue haired boy did not take it.

"I still haven't acknowledged you as part of the Delta flight."

"…I see, I guess you see me as a replacement for Messer Ihlefeldt."

Hayate glared at him for that comment. It is true though. Although Hayate could see the need for a new pilot, he can't just readily accept someone to replace Messer. Kazumi understand his sentiment. After all, he wasn't the most friendly people around after losing the entire Virgo squadron in that battle against Galaxy. It's only because of his skill that he was kept in the military back then. That and his commanding officer at that time were rather nice. He could've been charged with insubordination by anyone else.

He felt bitter being the sole survivor of his squadron and being reassigned did not improve his mood at that time. Fortunately, he had grown since that time.

"Well, you just have to deal with it."

Hayate would like very much to say a few things to Kazumi but he just grit his teeth and held back. He realized that he wasn't being mature. Plus it's not like anyone is forcing him to be friends with the new pilot.

"…fine."

Kazumi smiled. It will be a while until Hayate would open up to him and they can truly become comrades but things like this do take time. At least Hayate is not acting like him after he lost his squadron and is willing to work together to a degree. He had thought that he would throw a tantrum but he acted more mature than expected for someone his age, or at least more mature than what he expected.

"That's great. I'm not telling you to just suddenly act all buddy-buddy with me so as long as we keep things professional then there will be no problem, right?"

Hayate nodded.

"Great. Now that that's settled, I have something to propose. Since captain Shinomiya had just transferred and will be working with us from now on, how about a mock battle tomorrow?"

Arad suddenly proposed. This got the attention of the Delta platoon.

"A mock battle?"

Mirage questioned.

"The captain will be our comrade from now on. It's better if you know how he flies, right?"

"Hee, that sounds interesting."

And Hayate seems to be all for it. Kazumi doesn't mind though. It's true that they need to know how they each fly so they can work together as a team. Plus it's a chance for Kazumi to see how good the fabled Delta flight is.

"I'm good. Plus it'll nice to test my new unit."

"Then it's settled. But since we have an odd number here, one of us can't participate to leave things even."

"Then I have an idea for that."

Kazumi grinned.


"Are you sure about fighting all three of them?"

Kazumi and Mikumo left Macross Elysion with Kazumi sporting a satisfied smile. He had just challenged the whole Delta platoon sans Arad to a mock battle. Hayate seems unsatisfied, probably thinking that he's looking down on them, but this is what Kazumi needed.

There's nothing like flying together or against each other for pilots to get to know each other. Arad seem to understand this and allowed him to fight alone. Plus Arad knows his history. Not to sound arrogant but Kazumi knew he is one of the best pilot around. Maybe not at the level of Max and Millia Jenius at their prime but he is sure he could give them a good fight in their current level in a one-on-one dogfight.

"I've faced worse… maybe. I want to see how good they are anyway. The Delta flight is currently revered as the Skull squadron of this generation. I want to see if they're as good as rumor say."

The Skull squadron, a legendary squadron from the first space war led by the legendary ace pilot Roy Focker and then by Maximillian Jenius. The legendary squadron was revered as the best of the best consisting of aces including the famous Ichijou Hikaru. The last time a squad bears the name Skull Squadron, one of their own can be said to end the Vajra War before going missing, eerily similar to what happened to Ichijou Hikaru.

Now Delta platoon is revered to be on the same level as the previous Skull squadrons. Having fought together with Frontier SMS' Skull squadron, Kazumi wants to personally see if the Delta pilots are on the same level.

"I can guarantee that they're good enough, captain."

"But if you still want to test them then it's fine with me."

Kazumi and Mikumo stopped when they were greeted by Arad and Kaname together in a sports car. Kazumi chuckled. Those two reminds him of Ozma Lee and Catherine Glass. Arad and Kaname looks like a more easy-going version of the pair. In that manner, Hayate reminded him of Saotome Alto with rather similar temperament while on duty but that's just his first impression of the boy. Meanwhile he's had no impression of Mirage Farina Jenius and Chuck Mustang yet but… he did notice something.

"Hey Mikumo…"

Kazumi was about to ask Mikumo something but she had suddenly disappeared. Kazumi look around but he can't find her anywhere. She had suddenly disappeared.

"…she's gone."

Kazumi turn back to Arad and Kaname who had just stopped nearby and they knew what he's worried about.

"So Mikumo left?"

Kaname guessed. Kazumi nodded.

"Hmm, I'm surprised that she didn't ditch you earlier."

"Earlier? Is this something usual?"

Kazumi asked.

"Mikumo has a tendency to ditch her partner during missions and act alone. Not only in mission but she also disappear after each practice session if we don't have anything planned."

"Geh… so she's the loner type. Well, I should've already guessed that. Any idea where she might ran off to?"

Arad and Kaname shook their head. Kazumi sighs.

"I guess I've been lucky she hadn't ditched me earlier. I should go look for her."

"Now just wait a minute Shinomiya."

Arad stopped him before he could run off to look for Mikumo. Although they should've let him go, Arad is sure that Mikumo would be fine. She's capable of self defense and Ragna is relatively safe for now. He's sure that Kazumi could leave her be for now.

"She'll just be around Ragna so you should come with us for a drink."

Arad put his hand around Kazumi's neck and drag the new pilot with him with Kaname following behind. Since it's already their off time the pair planned to go for a drink or two. Although Arad loves jellyfish and would eat them almost everyday, a bottle of scotch or two is also good once in a while. And there's no better time to drink than when welcoming a new pilot.

Kazumi just gave up and go with Arad. Maybe he should ask Kaname a few things about Mikumo. The file he got is clearly not enough to get a good read on her. There's nothing like a direct source when he wants to get to know someone.


-Night-

Mikumo ditched Kazumi around four. After that, the idol went around Ragna until she finally went to the cliffside by the sea she frequents when she wants to be alone. There are three things she does when she's there. Singing, swimming, or thinking. Being alone makes her mind clearer as she enjoy her own song.

She had taken off all her clothes when she entered the sea like usual and just float around. She wants silence to think and what she's thinking about is the new pilot assigned as her bodyguard, Kazumi Shinomiya.

She first met him the day before not far from where she is now actually. She noticed him staring and recognized him as the new pilot. Out of goodwill she offered to show him the way to the command room.

Then she heard about the new arrangement. Mikumo will not deny that she thought it to be troublesome but said yes anyway. She was captured once and there's no guarantee that it won't happen again so she agreed to take a bodyguard which is Kazumi. But what she didn't expect is that Kazumi was also sent to live with her. Sending a male pilot to live with her, she doesn't know what the HQ is thinking but since Arad and Kaname seems okay that means that Kazumi can be trusted… to a degree.

Mikumo's impression of Kazumi so far is rather simple. He's someone she can get along with him. She doesn't dislike his presence and he's not annoyingly chatty when he talks to her. He can also cook which is a plus for her. All in all, she can do much worse for a bodyguard. Plus he is interesting.

Mikumo is actually looking forward to see how he flies. He's not bad as a person and now she wants to see his skill. He must be good if he got assigned to Delta but… she can't help but feel excited even if she doesn't show it. A pilot shows their true self when they fly just like a singer does when they sing.

Hayate is wild and energetic and it shows in how he flies. When he flew with Mirage he is calm and confident, showing his trust and perfectly synchronized with her and Mirage is the same way in contrast to her usual rigid flying when she flew alone. If you add Freyja's singing to the equation, the three makes it like they own the stage with how the two pilots move with harmony to the beat. It is interesting to watch.

Messer too shows his love of flying when he's in the sky and he looked as if he's dancing. But his last flight showed his feeling beautifully and brought out the best out of both Kaname and Messer.

So how will Kazumi fly? Mikumo is looking forward to find out.

It was around midnight when Mikumo finally got back. The lights are out and the whole house was silent. Again, Mikumo forgot to eat dinner after she swam and she really can't sleep on an empty stomach so she had to get something but not the military ration she usually eat. She quit eating that since Windermere.

When was about to enter her home though, she noticed that it's not locked. Someone broke in? Or maybe Kazumi forgot to lock the door? She carefully open the door, prepared for anything. But when she switched on the light, she can't help but sigh and smile at what she saw.

Kazumi sleeping on the dining table with a plate of food across him covered with a plastic and a note. He prepared dinner for her and even waited for her to come back but fell asleep on the table instead.

"You're not a bad man, Kazumi."

Mikumo had never had anyone waiting for her when she came home. A house for her is just a place to sleep and nothing more. That's why there are even times where she didn't even come home and spent the whole night in her private cliff. Seeing someone waiting for her until he fell asleep is certainly a new experience.

She also noticed that tonight's dinner is not fried rice so that means Kazumi had bought grocery. It looks good and having tasted Kazumi's cooking the day before she's sure that the taste won't be bad. Mikumo immediately rip off the plastic cover and eat her dinner. It tastes even better than she expected. Yesterday's dinner taste good but today's tastes even better somehow even if it's only grilled fish with a sauce she doesn't recognize. There's also fried egg that tastes sweet and a small bowl of soup. By far, it is the best dinner she had ever had in this house, it's even better than Kaname's cooking even if it's simpler.

Mikumo kept watching the sleeping pilot as she eat her dinner. After she's finished, she put the plates in the sink and went back to the table. She thought about going upstairs and leaving Kazumi here but that would be rude of her. He had prepared her dinner and even waited for her. The idol thought about what to do with the sleeping man. She finally decided to carry him to his room. It's the least she could do since he did wait for her and even made her dinner. Fortunately Mikumo is strong enough to carry him up the stairs. Being part of Walkure is not like being a normal idol. They must always be in peak physical condition and combat-ready just in case. If she were a normal idol, she wouldn't be strong enough to carry Kazumi.

She gently lay him down onto his bed. As she look around the room, she noticed that it's still bare with two sizable boxes sitting in a corner waiting to be opened. It seems he hadn't unpacked yet. Mikumo yawned. She's also tired and it's about time she went to sleep. She stood up and went to the door, giving Kazumi one last glance before leaving his room.

"Aimo aimo neder rushe noina miria ender prodea… fotomi.

Koko wa attaka na umi da yo"

Mikumo began singing in a slow and tender voice as she walk towards her room.

"Ru~rei… rureia… sora wo mau hibari wa nami da

Ru~rei… rureia… omae wa yasashii midori no ko"

Mikumo felt her eyelids getting heavier and drop down onto her bed, taking off all her clothes.

"Aimo aimo neder rushe

Noina miria ender prodea

Fotomi

Koko wa attaka na umi da yo…"

By the time she finished singing, Mikumo had fallen asleep.