Chapter 3: Memories from a distant past
(1998) (Summer) (Kyoto) (Imperial Army Command Center)
Chaos has struck Tokyo as its buildings get toppled down to the ground, while its own citizens get eaten alive by the marching beasts whom makes their way forward.
"Sir!, This place is done for!, The remaining army has already left, where the only ones here whose still remaining!, Please sir! We must hurry!"
"Go, my time here has already been used up, take the remaining forces and follow the evacuation order which the Imperial Army has issued, I'll stay here and watch over this city for as long as I can"
(-!)
"Sir!, what are you talking about!, I cannot simply follow such a ridiculous order!, without your excellent judgment the rest of us would have long fallen along with Tokyo about a month and a half ago"
"Such things are attained through shear willpower and perfect team coordination, it was not I who have fought those beast out on the battlefield, it was you brave soldiers who did, I only gave you orders to follow, either you live or die was still on your own hands"
"But, sir!"
"Leave!,…..that's an order…don't make this harder for me…." The old General said it with both Vigor and honor on his tone, and in the end all the soldier can do was follow orders while shedding a tear for the General.
"Sir!...it was an honor serving under you!...may your journey be a good one!"
"Hmmp!,…yeah…in exchange you better reclaim this place later on and make grave for me,…..so until that day comes, ….don't you ever show your pitiful face at me in the afterlife!, you hear!"
"Sir!, Yes Sir!"
And with that the young soldier left the man all by himself in the command room, knowing full well what awaits him next.
"His gone,….you can come out now"
A black figure suddenly appeared from the shadows behind the walls as if he was a ghost.
"These secret passages sure are convenient to get around with"
"Of course, this whole facility was made to act as a support station during the olden days, in fact its actually connected to the Imperial palace as well"
"I see, this place will surely come in handy later on,…so….you ready to die?"
"Yes…I have no regrets left, and also without your help this whole place would have gone down a few weeks ago, so at the very least I should be thanking you, because of you we were able to buy two weeks more to prepare ourselves rather than just a whole month, and for that I' am willing to give up even my own life"
"I see…..very well then, I shall grant your wish, you shall not die by the enemies hands, instead you shall die an honorable death by your own friend's hand,….are you ready?"
"Yes….do it"
And within a split second the man's heart suddenly stopped beating as if it was a machine that has just been turned off. The old general died a peaceful death while looking at the screen where he can clearly see the sun rising over his beloved city.
"May your soul rest in peace, …..we may have known each other for only a month and a half but,…you were a great partner, so just leave everything to me, I will definitely stop them from doing the same thing again in this world."
And with those last words the dark figure quietly disappeared in the room, wherever he was headed, surely something big is going to happen.
(Yokohama base barracks) (Present) (Takeru's POV)
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(Sigh)
That was a relief...for a minute there I almost lost my cool...thank god I know Yuuko sensei better now than I used too.
Now then, it's almost afternoon so I guess I better-
(Augh!)
What?...did someone bump against me just now?
ah!
"Ouch!...sorry for bumping into you but I-...Ahh!" The moment the girl looked at the person she bump into tears suddenly started pouring down her eyes.
"Ta...Take...Takeru!" and with all her strength she immediately embraced the boy before he could even react.
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"Ehh...?"
What the hell!?, its Meiya!...but...she knows who I am!?
"Takeruu!...I wanted to see you again!" She cried while saying those words which I know that the past me who once had a relationship with her would definitely want to say as well.
"Takeru...you do still remember me...right?"
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"What the hell is going on here!?"
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"Ehh?...Takeru...could it be...that ...you forgot about me...?"
"A- A- Ah-...erm...etoo..." Shit!, What the hell is going on here!?, why does Meiya know who I am this early on?...wait I think the correct question here is, whose this Meiya exactly?, I mean is she this world's Meiya or is she like me that came from another branching world?...DAM!, all this mumbo jumbo Theory stuff is pissing me off!, right then...first I better confirm either shes really this world's Meiya or if shes from my Original world as well.
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"Umm...Meiya...is that really you?" I asked in a kind tone.
"Ehh?...yes...but, what do you mean?"
"I'm asking if your this world's Meiya or are you like me who came from a Non Alien Invaded Earth"
"Huh?"
Oooookey~...that question was a complete mess, let me rephrase that.
"Umm...what I mean is... how do you know me? and also what do you remember of your past?" I once again asked in a kind tone as to not scare her if she really did came from my world.
"...ummm...we both studied together and is part of squad 207...".
I see, so she's the same Meiya that I was just with from my last loop...but...how did she get here? and also how is all this possible?
"...umm...and also ...the last thing that I remember was leaving the planet with the Migrant fleet"
"Oh...I see..." I said while thinking really hard as to what could have cause this phenomenon.
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"Wait, Wut!?"
Ok...now ...that was unexpected...
"Ummm when you said Migrant fleet...you do mean Alternative 5 ...right?"
"Yes..."
Dang!...shes not the Meiya from my last loop...shes the Meiya that I got into a relationship with in the past!
"Umm...Takeru...you have been asking all this questions but...do you still really remember me?" she asked me with a worried look in her eyes.
(Sigh) Guess I have no choice but to spill the beans, after all if she really does remember all that event then I guess its safe to assume that shes an irregular existence as well .
"Yes Meiya, I do remember you...but right now this isn't the right place for us to talk, for now lets go back to your room...I'll explain everything else there"
"...ok..."
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With that being said we quickly went to her room, while there I told Meiya about myself and some of the events that took place in the past...well almost, because after all I don't want to tell her some of the crucial details just yet, for now I'll only indulge her with the things that she will need to know in order to blend in with her current surroundings.
"I see...so that's what happened...you have been suffering all this time...while the rest of us simply did things over and over again...Takeru...Thank you...Thank you for everything which you have done for us...up until now" tears started falling down her eyes once again, tears which held both happiness and sadness all together.
"...Meiya..."
And with that, an uncontrollable feeling also started to swell up in me as well which drove me to embrace Meiya as hard as I can.
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(Yuuko's Office) (Yuuko's POV)
The Mad scientist let out a big sigh after doing the boy's paperwork for transferring in squad 207, all dow she may look tired the smile on her face which the boy has provided earlier still hasn't vanished, just thinking about those 9 pages which she will be receiving later on is already enough to make her grin like a maniac, but oddly dow something was preventing that from happening, and that something is non-other than her own logical mind, for she knows that as long as the boy possess the upper hand she will not be able to move freely as she have used too, and what's worse is the boy could defect any time once he finds her services to be useless, all dow Kasumi has already proven his worth and also his good intention, the mere thought of Kasumi betraying her as well is already enough to send shivers down her spine, since Kasumi was practically essential to her plans.
(Sigh)
Shirogane Takeru, just thinking about your existence is already enough to last me for a whole month...sadly dow I don't have the luxury to do soo, as the world and humanity as it is...it's just like practically playing chess...only this time, we have the whole world as our game board.
(Sigh)
"I guess pulling off an all-nighter this past week has already taken its toll on me...I guess I'll take a little shut eye for now"
(Barracks) (Meiya's Room) (Takeru's POV)
"Have you calm down now?"
"...yes..."
Both of us could only embrace one another as we sat beside the bed.
"Takeru...I'm scared...what if Alternative Five ends up being activated again?...what if-(Shhh...) "
I stopped her before she could continue and slowly I patted her head while slowly caressing it, if possible I would like to do this while Lying down together with her, but as I am right now I don't really want anything else to happen between us, honestly if it weren't for my years of experience I'd probably be getting a boner right now, sadly dow my innocence has long vanished already, so little things like this doesn't turn me on like it used too...well its either that or somethings wrong with me hehehee.
Either way I want her to feel safe, that's why I think I'll stay with her a little longer.
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(Yuuko's Office) (8:00 PM) (Takeru's POV)
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As I walk through the corridor towards Yuuko's laboratory I quickly remembered about how Kasumi reacted this afternoon.
Surely there must be a reason why shes acting like that, and also it doesn't seem like she was being controlled during that time as well since her eyes wasn't hallow looking like that time when she got manipulated by the Superior BETA, Sumika must have done something to her, I better visit them later on after I'm done handing this things out to Yuuko sensei.
"I'm coming in..." I said before opening the door.
"Now then I better hurry up and gi-"
But before I could finish what I was saying, a sleeping Yuuko suddenly came to view in my eyes.
I shouldn't probably wake her up seeing as how tired she must have been working on Alternative 4, but even so the longer I look at her sleeping face the longer I end up delaying my stay.
"...hoo...I didn't know Sensei could make that kind of sleeping face"
Hmmm...well she seems happy, I wonder what shes dreaming about? ...oh well, I better just leave this documents here on her table then.
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"Well you sure took your time getting here..." says Yuuko while she slowly opens her eyes.
"AHH..!" Dam she startled me!
"Huhuhuu...my,my...what a cute scream you have..." Yuuko says with a childish look on her face.
"Hey!...for your information!, anyone would be also startled if you suddenly say things like that while they think your asleep!"
"Huhuhuu...sorry about that then, but seeing as you are late and all, I decided to play a little punishment prank on you..."
"Punishment prank?...why can't you just call it childish prank?" I countered with an annoyed look on my face.
"Huhuhuu...your no fun, Shirogane kun"
(Shiver)
The moment she added kun to my last name a sudden cold shiver run up my spine.
"Stop that!"
"Stop what...?"
"Stop adding kun to my last name...honestly its freaking me out...not to mention you remind me of Yoroi's dad"
"Hoo...so it seems that the both of you meet already..."
"Just how many loops do you think I have been looping...?" I said with a skeptical face.
"Well then, I guess I don't need to warn you to be wary whenever his around...right?"
"Yeah...I already know how that guy operates so don't worry about me..., well then if there is anything else you need just call me up, I'll be on my room"
"I see...very well then, ...you may leave"
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(Outside The Office)
(Sigh)
Well...now that that's settled, I guess I should do a fast drop by in Sumika's room.
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(Brain Room)
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This place is still as gloomy as ever, wonder why its always dark dow...I mean some increase in lights wouldn't hurt right?, not to mention I highly doubt that Sumika's brain would be blinded by it since she doesn't have any eyes...wait what am I thinking about...silly me...shes psychic!, ...anyhow Kasumi should be right about here...
"..."
Oookey~...where is she?
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The boy tried looking around but since it was too dark in the room and only the lights of the machines and the brain was present, he didn't really see anyone else there.
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"Odd...she should still be here...I mean its only 8 in the evening, and knowing her she usually hang out here for as long as 10..."
(Glub)(Glub)
"Hmm...?"
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Oh...Sumika's Brain Tank is Bubbling, is she conscious of my presence here?
"Umm...Hello there...Sumika...Its been awhile ..Huh..."
[Brain] "..."
"Sumika...can you hear me?"
[Brain] "..., ..."
Hmmm...shes not reacting to my question...is she asleep? ...wait what am I thinking...brains don't sleep...do they?
[Brain] "..." (Glub)
(-!?)
"...don't tell me...you heard what I was thinking?"
[Brain] "..."
"...hmmm..."
Well this sure is interesting...wonder what I can do to make her react more?
...Ahh!, I know! ...I'll think about Sumika wearing that Sexy Morrigan suit that Marumi chan was wearing back in our world!
(Glub, Glub!)
"Ahaah!" I reacted to the sound of the bubbles while pointing my finger directly at Sumika's brain.
Wait...if a normal person suddenly went in and saw me doing this...they will probably think I'm crazy...or retarded,
But if Yuuko was the one who sees me...No, no, no, no!...Don't think...knowing her it's gonna be one hell of a teasing..."
(Glub)
"I'll take that as an agreement ..."
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(Sigh)
"For some odd reason talking to you like this seems kinda lonesome...Sumika...I promise...I will make Alternative 4 succeed...so be strong in there...cause Yuuko sensei will surely give you a new body..."
(Glub)
"Hmmp...I'll take that last bubble as a yes...well then...I still need to wake up early tomorrow so I gotta go now...See you later...Sumika..."
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[Brain] "..."
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(Outside The Brain Lab)
(Sigh)
That was rather...weird...yet at the same time...refreshing...its like I haven't seen her for ages yet we where actually just together in my past loop...oh well, for now I should probably sleep early tonight, there is still so much things to do tomorrow that I'll probably need all the energy I can get.
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(Brain Room) (Kasumi's POV)
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(Glub)
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"Are you sure this is what you really want...?"
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"..."
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.(Glub)
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"...very well...if that is what you wish..."
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(October 23, 2001 Tuesday) (Yokohama base barracks)
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(Yawn)
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"Hmmm...?"
"Is it morning already?"
I looked at the watch to confirm my question.
"..hmmm...so its already six in the morning ...well, might as well get ready"
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(Knock,Knock,Knock)
"Hmm..?"
Who could that be this early in the morning?
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(Knock,Knock,Knock)
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"Haii...I'm coming, I'm coming..." I said as I hurriedly wear my uniform.
(Knock,Knock-, Door Opens)
"Yes...?"
"Ah...Mari-...erm, I mean Jinguuji Sensei...good morning" I said while putting up a smile.
"Yes...good morning" she says with a rather surprised look on her face, I guess she wasn't expecting me to be up and ready yet.
After our introduction we then proceeded to the PX to grab some breakfast.
" "I'll be introducing you to your assigned squad later on" she says before drinking her morning coffee.
""Yes, thank you for having me instructor Jinguuji"
"But even so I have to admit (Hm..?), I was surprised that the Vice Commander herself, highly recommended you to the training regime, especially as a late entry..."
"Heheheheee well...I had my own special case to follow, so pretty much I didn't really had a choice but to enroll late."
"I see,...but for you to actually throw away your draft exemption rights, that was actually what made me much more surprised...anybody would want an opportunity to have that right"
"Hehehee, ...well... let's just say that I wanted my time to be spent wisely this time around in my life" Yuuko must have made some bizarre out of this world story again about my origin in this world.
"I see...but let me tell you this in advance dow, ...even if you are new here I'll still be extra hard on you like the others...got it?"
"Yes, Ma'am...!"
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Upon arriving at the training field I saw my old squad running out on the open track field, while other squads accompany them in their daily marathon.
I used to do the same back in my past loops as well, but man it was really embarrassing during my first time, I can't believe I was that weak compared to them, if we were ranked by levels then there probably already somewhere around level 20 while I on the other hand is still running my way up to level 10.
Well, seeing as my body is still perfectly fit just like in my last loop, I guess I will once again have a very very huge advantage, I just hope I don't stand out much while still new here, that would be very bad at some cases.
"Squad, assemble!" Marimo called out.
My heart skipped a few beats for a moment there, even though I have already seen this event countless times already, well times that I remember that is, I still can't help but feel sad and happy at the same time, I guess both my body and soul just can't take the emotional DeJa vu over this particular scene.
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Within seconds the whole squad quickly assembled in front of us, counting along with Meiya who already knows about me and my origin.
I stand in attention as to not look like a newbie in front of them.
"Alright, everyone. I will now introduce to you the newest member of your squad, This is Cadet Shirogane Takeru, newly assigned member of squad 207. He will be training with us starting today. also he was highly recommended to us by the Vice Commander, so we will be testing him later on. Get along with him now everyone , understood? (Yes, Ma'am!) I've already given him the tour around the barracks so Sakaki (Yes!) give him a tour around the rest of the base, so he'll become familiar with- (Umm...Mari- erm, I mean Jinguuji Sensei, I kind of have something urgent to say to Cadet Mitsurugi later on regarding The Vice Commander, so can I have her accompany me instead later on for the tour?)"
"Eeh!?" Meiya was surprised for a little at my statement .
"...if it concerns the vice commander ...then you has my permission (Thank you, ma'am) ...We'll train for ten more minutes. Shirogane, you watch for now"
"Yes!"
I saluted and followed her orders while standing on the side of the field, my squad mates continued on with their training for a little longer while I watch them from the side line.
Once again, I have returned to being an ordinary cadet, even nor Yuuko sensei said that I was special to the others, that still doesn't give me the power that I want to achieve in this world, if I really want to save this world then i must first save it from its own inhabitants, for Humanity itself is what's causing its own destruction.
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xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxx
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A few minutes later Meiya and I tour around the base even no'r I didn't really needed it anymore.
"So, what exactly did you mean when you said that you wanted to talk to me about something urgent?"
"Nothing really, I just wanted to walk around the base with you, since after all I'm worried that you might not be adjusting yet to this new situation"
"I see...to tell you the truth...even now it still feels weird, ...I mean it's like all of this is just a dream, ...the last thing that I remember was departing away from Earth...but now I'm suddenly back here again, enjoying what precious time I have left with the others...it just seems surreal somehow."
"Hehehee, I know what you mean...I've been there myself"
We both shared a laugh with each other, if other people where to see us they would probably think that where a couple.
All dow I don't see Meiya as that anymore, some part of me still yearns for her affection, ….well it's not really a surprise since I was practically the one who once had a relationship with her, that I cannot erase no matter what I do or who I may love in this loop.
Sumika, I loved you from my previous loop and even now I still do love you…..but with all this new information that I have gotten along with these hidden emotions attached to them, I think my other feelings for the rest of the squad are also starting to affect my feelings for you, if this keeps on I might end up with one of them again.
(Few Minutes Later) (PX)
A few minutes later Meiya and I made our way to the cafeteria to meet up with the rest of the squad. All I can do was sigh at them, they haven't changed a bit since I last saw them in my previous loop.
"Shirogane san, over here!" I heard Tama's voice calling out to me. Meiya and I gladly joined the group.
"Arah, Mitsurugi san…..done already?" Class rep said with a smile.
"Yes, Take- erm…Shirogane san already knew the base beforehand so he just wanted to talk to me in private." Meiya replied while taking her seat next to Class Rep, while I took my own next to Ayamine.
"You don't need to be so formal with his name Mitsurugi san, don't you two already have a relationship with one another?"
Ayamine says while giving Meiya a grin, which Meiya took in too deep to the point that her chicks are starting to turn red.
"Mitsurugi San is Blushing…c-co-could it be true?" followed up by Tama.
"Ayamine!, your being rude to Cadet Shirogane!" Chizuru says with a small blush on her face as well.
"No I'm not, I was just curios since Mitsurugi san hasn't been herself lately since sensei said that we will be getting a new squad mate, and to top it all off it's a man"
"Even so it's none of our business to ask such a thing from them!"
"Says the one who first brought up the topic ten minutes ago"
"Ugh!" class rep was hit by Ayamine's direct attack, while Ayamine herself simply gave a grin.
(Sigh)
For god's sakes was this all caused because I invited Meiya for a walk?
Dam!, I completely ruined it all in my first day, hope this whole relationship stuff doesn't go out of control like the last time Marimo and I got misunderstood…..wait….that did happened right?
(Flash)
Ah!, I can see Marimo hiding behind the canteen counter right besides Oba Chan, while I'm running around like an idiot looking for her?
(Flash)
The hell?...what was that?, a flash back?
Instead of pictures I can actually see them like a movie.
First Meiya, then this?
What is this phenomenon now?
"Take-..I mean Shirogane, are you alright?" Meiya asked with a worried face.
"I'm fine, I just remembered some old memories of mine from back then "
"I see" Meiya nodded as if she understands what I'm talking about, most likely she's probably thinking that I too am getting nostalgic from all this events since we both practically went back in time to where it all started between all of us.
"Why don't you just call him by his first name Mitsurugi san, you almost did it twice already since he got here you know" Ayamine said with another grin on her face.
Okay seriously Ayamine is throwing out a lot of sucker punches today, so far she's already gotten both Meiya and Class rep, and most likely she will be aiming at me next seeing as Tama is already out of the question being neutral to her and all.
"Anyways leaving the annoyance aside"
Ohh, nice one class rep, that counter left Ayamine stunned for a few second, now that's a real sucker punch!.
"Shirogane…"
"Hmm..?"
"Take this, have that memorized by tomorrow, You have to recite the oath in order to enlist."
"Oh, the enlistment oath, sorry but I already memorized that thing a long time ago"
"Eh?" Class rep was rather surprised by my reply, guess she wasn't expecting that.
"Oh …you know it?" Ayamine asked from my side.
"Yeah, an old friend of mine gave me one of these a long time ago" And by friend I mean Meiya.
"I see…well, good luck tomorrow " Tama followed up with a smile.
"Yeah…."
"By the way, Shirogane.." class rep continued on with the conversation with a serious look on her face.
"Hm? What is it?"
"There is something I want to ask you."
"What?"
"I'll be blunt, …Can we…..expect much out from you?"
Oh, this conversation again, no matter how many times I loop back in time this scene never changes, as expected from Class rep, she is always looking out for her team.
Oh well, might as well follow up.
"What do you mean?"
"Instructor Jinguuji told us you were a 'Special Person' "
"Aaah, that's what you meant"
"Is that 'Special' compared to us?, …no, out of everyone in the Country? Or even the Planet?"
"….good question, …well…..I think it is at least."
"That is good to hear.." Meiya followed up with full confidence on her face.
Well, seeing as she knows who I really am and what I can do to save this world, she must be really proud for me, as expected from my girl-.. erm…I mean Noble confidant…..(Sigh) sorry Meiya but Save the world now, Girls later.
I must stay focus no matter what.
"Let's train hard, Shirogane san." Tama followed up on Meiya as well with full determination coming out of her eyes.
"Yeah, let's. "
Aww…no matter how many times I see her like that, I just can't help but say how cute she is…
Wait!, I said Focus Dam it!, World first, Girls later!
Dam, what is wrong with me today, Am I feeling attracted to them because I was fully aware of their feelings for me back then? ….or does it have something else to do with my Memories suddenly popping back up with Yuko sensei's Equation?.
(Sigh)
Whatever the case something is definitely up, for now I should probably speed things up and mention the Comprehensive Combat Skill Evaluation, since Class rep is probably going to mention it again for god knows how many times already.
"Anyways, let's all do our best this coming Comprehensive Combat Skill Evaluation"
"Eh?, Shirogane….you know of it already?"
"Well…an old friend of mine once told me about it" And by old friend I mean you Class rep.
"I see…..well, we have over a week, so Yoroi should return in time to join us.
We will need squad 207 to be as strong as it is, before we start the test."
"I see, so Yoroi is coming back"
"Eh?, Shirogane…..don't tell me you even know who Yoroi is?"
"Umm…yeah…..kinda, Hi – erm… I mean Her father and I are friends" Somehow that is.
"That's why I already know what happened last time when you guys first took on the test"
"I see…, well then I guess you already know that Yoroi's skill when it comes to survivability is second to no one …right?"
"Yeah, …all dow I highly doubt He- erm…, She knows me since we haven't really meet yet in person."
"I see…..well then you should probability meet her as soon as possible, once she comes back."
"Yeah, I'll do just that."
"Yes…anyway!, We're expecting a lot out from you, Shirogane!"
"Yeah!, just go easy on me Class rep!"
"….Class rep?" Ayamine asked with a puzzled look on her face.
Crap, mouth slipped again.
"Sorry about that, but Sakaki san just reminds me of my old friend back in Highschool, I always end up calling her Class rep out of reflix"
"Huhuhuu"
"Hmm…?, what's so funny Mei- erm….Mitsurugi san?"
"Nothing…it's just this scene reminds me of some I used to know back in the old days, that person was always calling our Class representative as Class rep even when we all graduated already"
Ugh!, Now even Meiya is hitting me, Curses!.
I'm in a major disadvantage if someone other than me knows about the future…..well at least she only knows what happened in her own timeline that is.
But even so, of all the Meiyas out there it just had to be the Meiya who knows me back then when I was still a Whiny Brat who was so weak that even tama could easily out run me.
(Sigh)
I give up, can't beat someone who knows all of your bad traits from the past.
Dear lord, if you're listening in on us right now, please….just please…
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Spare me the embarrassment!
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