Chapter 8: Reborn
(2/19/02, Briefing room)
The Valkyries, bar the Captain, were called in for a very special announcement. Is it about their next mission? That's can't be, their job's already done. Is it about the new recruits, the one mentioned by the Base commander? Even so, what's there for others to take their place in? Again, the mission is complete, so there's no reason to continue as is.
Everyone was confused, and rightly so. For they didn't know the reason of this summon and gasp at the secrecy of it. The Captain wouldn't tell until all members reported for duty, so best guess involves Alternative IV. Then again, it always does.
Nevertheless, they all remain quiet in awaiting the arrival of Isumi. Not a single voice is heard nor a single word is spoken. No one questions why, except only in their mind. No one blurts out nor whispers amongst one another. Not a peep. None at all, just like the Captain ordered.
The door opens, a figure walking into the room. The Valkyries salute the person in question, with her gesturing "at ease". Speak of the devil, it was Isumi Michiru herself. Though, she doesn't look well. Not least because of the bandage on her right cheek. The girls remain silent, knowing to ask on private details.
"Good, everyone's here.", she said. "Listen up, girls. What I am about to tell you should not and cannot leave this room. This information is strictly between us, ordered specifically by the Professor as to name it such. Therefore, anyone caught disobeying these orders will be subject to charges of treason and insubordination. Is that clear? Repeat!" Each member was surprised at the announcement but repeated their orders to the Captain, nodding in response. "Thank you. That's all I need to hear." Thank you?
"Is this about Alternative IV, Captain?", Hayase inquired. "Cause if it is, then….."
"I know, Hayase. Our job at Alternative IV is over. In fact, that's exactly what it's about."
"...Eh?"
"Alternative IV is over. That much is true. But the war isn't, which is also why we're here." Hayase gulped for the coming storm. "Ladies, as of this moment on February 19, 2002, we are to be transferred to the U.N Orbital Expedition Force, which as the Professor explained, is a fleet in construction headed for the Moon and Mars."
DUH-DUH-DUH!
What a bombshell! Eyebrows rose through the roof, shocked at the Captain's words. Or rather, the words of Kouzuki. Who, for some reason, couldn't be here to see their reactions.
"What did you say?", Hayase asked.
"How can that be?", Kazama too inquired.
"What do you mean by transfer, Captain!?", Akane demanded to know.
"Exactly what I said, Suzumiya. Did you mishear me?", Isumi answered annoyingly.
"No, ma'am." Akane shook her head. "What I mean is-"
"-Why are we deploying to a force still incomplete? (Y-Yes, ma'am.) Haa… I understand your reaction. Hell, I don't believe it myself even now. But to make a long story short…", Michiru took a small breath to ease the tension inside. "Thanks to the contributions of Shirogane regarding Alternative IV, Humanity mass produced the XG-70 to further the capabilities of our forces. That concept was proven well during Operations 20th and Cherry Blossom, right?"
"Yes, it was Captain.", Haruka answered. "But if I may ask, what exactly does it have to do with us?"
"That concept is being tested right at this very moment, currently above us in the atmosphere. (...). Ergo, our fleet is equipping the latest prototypes on board, which will be tested against the BETA via a three-phase plan." The others were baffled, baffled at the thought of going into space once more. This time, much longer than an Orbital drop below.
She then explained the plan, titled Operation Holy Sword.
(Later….)
"...That's all for the details. Remember what I said about not letting anyone know this? Repeat once more!" The girls obeyed their orders once more, excited for the future in store. Morale was high, spirits were high, things looked good for the team. Their role of joining in Phase 2 of Holy Sword was certainly an act of disbelief, but no doubt brings ample opportunities for Humanity's cleansing of demons to come.
Then, with his back against the door looking straight at the Valkyries, stood a tall, yet gentle soul watching the happiness taking place. He smiled at them, wishing good luck in their endeavors. But…..
"First a barrage of lasers, then a trip into outer space? Boy, you girls are luckier than I'd ever was.", he remarked. The girls froze at the voice, turning towards its location. Who was it?
"Still, don't you think the fleet bombarding the Hives is a bit much? Who knows when the BETA will catch on. I believe we should remain cautious on this." That voice….
"After all…. This ain't the first time shit went up so badly we retreated. Any of you remember Yerevan? Dear god, the numbers were crazy. Those bastards ambushed us from all corners." Those golden eyes and long brown hair… it can't be.
"Ah! Could it be that I made a mistake? Sorry if I got the wrong room. I…..", he tried to explain, but the squad slowly approached the stranger, prompting him to stand straighter towards their eye level. The Valkyries…..were bewildered by this man. Bewildered by the fact….
"...Shirogane?", Chizuru inquired the man, who bores a massive resemblance to Shirogane Takeru. Initially shocked by her question, he smiled in return.
"Class Rep?", he replied, taking her aghast. There was only one person who christened the term. Only one man to call her that. "It's me, alright. The one and only, Class Rep." Holy crap, it is Shirogane Takeru! His voice is the same, his face is the same, everything about him is the fricking same! But how!? He died in Kashgar! He shouldn't even be alive.
"But….how?", Akane asked, just as puzzled as her comrades.
"Much as I'd want to explain why there's only so much time one can take. Besides… this world is a dream, isn't it?", he said.
"...What?"
"Right now, the only reason I'm here is due to accessing your memories from all of your subconsciouses. And from what I can tell, those cryo chambers did more than cure the disease. (Shiorgane, cut the crap! What the hell are you talking about?)", Hayase wasn't having this nonsense.
"At this very moment, you're connected to a psychic network accessible only to Espers. In other words…..you've all become Espers!" He puts his hands in an appulse stance with a cheeky smile. "And I think it's time to wake up, isn't it?"
(CLAP!)
[-]
(Isumi's POV)
…..
….
Ugh….
…..
Suddenly, it's so warm in here. Not so cold as before.
There's a sound of running water near me, clashing against a metal surface of sorts. My ears hear some squeaking/polishing. Cleaning his/her tools, I guess. But….. I also hear a kinda twisting and turning. It's like…..pieces splitting apart into smaller pieces, then collide together into a recognizable object. Then gears, bolts, and screws hold everything together. Wait, where'd this come from? I don't remember knowing anything like this.
My head rolls toward the side of a very soft pillow. Soon, my body follows suit, turning in the direction of the noise. I hear a slight cough, judging by the tone, from a man's voice. My eyes slowly, very slowly open to see the man.
I can see now. The man is in front of me. He's wearing a red t-shirt, blue jeans, and has an arm missing. He's washing a metal object, alright. A…..gauntlet, I think? I don't know. It's got this weird black gem in front, and these two spikes sticking out both sides. Plus, it's so…..shiny.
Huh? Oh, he stopped. Now he's putting the gauntlet back on. (CLICK!) Wow. That thing just clicked onto his arm. It must be one of those prosthetics. And he's….looking this way. I feel my body start to climb outta bed, my bones cracking the stillness away. My narrow, straight-laced pupils look straight into the man before me, standing over me looking down. He smiles a little, sitting down to see me eye to eye. He's….beautiful. His long, flowing brown hair topped with golden eyes is so hard not to stare at. A large horizontal scar across his face is visible, a burn mark shaped as a slash mark. Though, he looks really familiar.
"I see you are awake. How are you feeling now?", he asks. His voice is so deep and gentle.
"I-I'm fine, thank you. Were you the one…..who saved my life?"
"Yeah. I found you trapped inside a cryo chamber, along with your friends. Seems like you were put there for strange reasons. (My friends? How do you….). As I said, I found them with you, each trapped in a mini freezer. Of course, when I did some testing, I found bits and pieces of a disease similar to cancer. Thankfully, I managed to remove the bacteria. (So my friends are safe then.). Yep. (Oh, thank goodness.). You know anything about it?" It's a disease similar to cancer? I gasped, recalling exactly why I was frozen. I knew what he was talking about.
"We were infected with a disease left behind by the BETA. (The BETA. They did this?). Word has it they harbored eggs filled with a toxic gas, which we'd call Razuium. It's a toxin capable of melting the insides of an organism in a matter of five days. (Five days?) Yes. (Wow. That's crazy. I've never heard of the BETA engaging in such activities.)." He hasn't? What does that mean? Everyone should've known about it. The whole of major cities was infected. (Tell me. What were the places most commonly infected?)."
"Every capital city, a major metropolis, or any other city featuring important politicians and government employees were attacked. (So it was sabotage.). My guess is that the BETA could've studied more on us than we've realized, but by that point, it was already too late. Infections spread all the world, mainly due to 'accidental entry into the pipelines and sewer systems, the latter concealing the smell long enough for people to start dying." I didn't want to sound grim, but that is the whole truth here. So many things went so wrong.
"Hmm. I see." He's not taking this well. His heart-rending expression showing me how much he missed out. That face….. I… I don't know. It just…..rings a bell…. Like…. The man from my dream. No….. The man from the Valkyries. Shirogane Takeru. Can it be….. really him?
"Sir? (Hmm?) If I may ask, what's your name? You haven't told me yet, have you? (Eh? Oh, right. I forgot. I was so into our conversation I didn't even introduce myself. My name is Shirogane Takeru.) ….Eh? (It's nice to meet you. What's yours?)." Shiro…..gane? Ta-ke-ru?
Suddenly, memories of my past start flowing in my head, reminding me of who he was. He was…..he was…...he was…...
…
…..
"Miss? Miss, you're crying. Here, let me grab a tissue and…", I stop him before he gets up. I never noticed the tears falling down my face. I don't understand why I'm crying. I don't even know why I'm crying. I never knew him like I knew Masaki. He wasn't there for my whole life. And yet…..and yet….and yet….
…
"Miss?", I can't look at him. I look down to hide my streaming eyes. I know by doing this it'd hurt him too, but what choice do I have? I can't bear to even glance at him, let alone be reminded of a failure I am. In all the years after the war, I'd always think back to the moment he died, and how much everyone missed him. And still…... I never said a word. I sat back in the sidelines watching everyone fall apart after he kicked the bucket. I didn't know what to do. For the first time in my service as a Captain, I didn't know what to do. I just…..i just…don't know anymore.
A soft touch I feel on my cheek, caressing it so tenderly. His arm's pure metal, yet his hand's so warm. It's such a contradictory feeling, no more than the hatred inside me. But I can't help it.
It's… indescribable.
"You remember me don't you, Michiru?" My name. He called me by name. Suddenly, my face is staring at him again. His mournful, grief-filled face. "I'm sorry…..that I left you alone all those years ago. That I caused you…..this much pain."
…
He wipes the tears off my face with his thumb, pulling me closer towards him. "But I'm here now. And I'm not going anywhere. Not this time, not ever." No, this isn't right. This isn't Shirogane. He'd never do this.
"Please. I have someone I like.", I say to distract him. "Besides, how do I even know it's you at all? You died all those years ago." Looking away from him, his hands drop to my shoulders.
"Achieve our mission with all your might." What? That can't be.
"Despair not till your last breath." That's the motto of the Valkyries.
"Make your death count.", we said together.
Oh my god…..it was true after all. He really is alive. Shirogane is alive! "But how? (How what, Michiru?) How are you alive? Me and everyone else saw you die-", he puts a finger to my lips, possibly to keep the others asleep.
"True, I died. I remember laying in that casket after we escaped. (Then…). I was reborn. (...what?). Yes. Every time I die, I come back from the dead. And I get to start over what that happens. I've done so many times I lost count." His hands trail down to mine, griping on them lightly. "I've seen carnage….surpassing what you're used to. Beyond our world….is a place far more dangerous than the whole invasion in 30 years. There's….. There's….. Hell far worse than ours. And I've seen that." He moves closer towards me, our lips barely a meter apart. My whole face is red from the heat, emitting from his touch. He's serious. There's not a hint of lying anywhere.
"Shirogane, what are you….", now he's closing in on my lips. Those dry, moist lips are coming to me. "Please, don't." I try to push him away.
"I'm sorry…..for everything." His arms wrapped around my waist. "And…..thank you." Eh? Thank you? What does he- Mmmph!?
…...
He's…..kissing me. For real, he's kissing me.
This feels so wrong. This was my first kiss, and now he took it away. He shouldn't have done this at all.
At the same time…. I don't feel bad.
In fact, I feel cozy. I feel warmness inside me. It's like the butterflies from long ago have resurrected in me. A feeling of absolute bliss.
Slowly, he lies me in bed, removing himself from my lips. Red in the face, and breathing a bit quicker, he comes in for another round. It was then that memories of my past show up at random as if trying to tell me not to do this. I know I shouldn't be doing this, I know I shouldn't.
But…
At least this once…..at least for this one moment…...give me…..what I've wanted in all of these years.
I wrapped my arms around his neck, fully embracing him.
[-]
Oh…..my.
…
….
Ahem. After their lovely moment together, Shirogane showed that the room she was in contained all the other girls trapped in cryo chambers. He explained that this was the best way to treat them without going back and forth between rooms. As such, he'd proceeded to wake up the other girls, conveniently in the same room as Michiru.
The room in question was the infirmary, designed in an oval shape with five windows, five sinks, and 20 beds. Big enough to hold a squad.
The girls wake up, surprised as well to see Takeru in good health. They remember seeing him in their dreams, which were somehow connected. Like a psychic transferring visions to others, revealing their future or anything notable. In fact, medical records show drastic alterations to their DNA structure, including G-elements in red and white blood cells.
In laymen's terms, he's got a pack of fish outta water for a potential crew. Or a potential harem in the making. Whatever the choices, it doesn't matter now…..not yet.
Seeing him embracing his friends once more, alive and well after 368 years of combat, hardship, and misery, he can finally rest.
To once again see their faces, filled with tears of joy and hope, smiles of beatitude and delight, and most of all hope is more than enough to revitalize the drive to push on through hell.
No, they don't look the same. Hayase has shorter hair, with small bangs at her cheeks, Mikoto's slightly taller with more bust to her. She measures at 34D. Miki too has shorter hair, though it frails about on the side, with her cat ear tops completely gone, and her height being the same size as Mikoto if a little shorter. Sumika has a hairband, replacing the ribbon, and twin tails. Chizuru has a braided bun alongside no glasses on her. Kei's is a large ponytail. Meiya lost the samurai look, instead opting for more traditional long hair as well as a tiny increase in bust-size. Count in Miki too. Kazama has modern glasses, Misae's face is scarred on her left cheek with a knife cut ending at her neck, Haruko's right eye is artificial, Haruka's legs are flesh again, and Kasumi is the oldest looking of them, with Heterochromia. Holy….crap.
However…..such is to be expected for the future. Time, after all, is a wonderful process of aging unyielding in evolution or devolution.
Except, Takeru only imagined the changes be small. He did not expect this level of difference. That wasn't to say no changes were allowed, but merely height or style was in mind.
Ah, well. What could he do anyway, huh?
[-]
(Hallways)
"Here leads to the mess hall, pass that is the Hanger.", Takeru explained to the girls, following him on the tour on his underwater 'base', wearing U.N uniforms and combat boots found at Yokohama. It wasn't theirs, but the clothes were needed. Course, it wasn't a base, but he wanted to surprise them. They were generally awed by the futuristic architecture, some so much, but were confused by the lines stretched across wall after wall. Takeru said it kept things lively, knowing full well of the dullness in military bases. Besides, who wouldn't want some color?
"Wow.", Kei said dryly. "What a place you have. Are you rich?", Takeru scoffed at her question.
"No, Ayamine. I'm not rich. If I was, I'd own a company, not some base out in the ocean. (Liar. You'd do more than that, would you?) Ha…. Yeah, you're probably right.", he replied defeated. He could never lie about his wishes for wealth, even if it wasn't true.
"Ayamine poses an interesting subject, however. Clearly, you managed to construct a site large as this. Therefore, it would not fall out the realm of possibility to assume your great wealth.", Meiya responded.
"Well Meiya, what you're about to witness may just confirm your hypothesis, or confuse you even further. (And what does that mean, Takeru?). You're about to find out. We're here.", they arrived at the bridge door, the others gazing at the wolf logo.
"Hee….. I don't suppose that'd be your company mascot, hmm?", Hayase cheekily asked. Takeru smiled in response.
"Maybe. Can't tell ya yet, but you'll see in a moment.", he walked towards the door, receiving an open welcome in return. As he enters the room, the others follow suit, one by one setting foot into the lit-up bridge. Or a command center, as they saw it. And who wouldn't? Takeru never told them it's a ship. He stood by the wheel covered by a long coat accompanied by his saber danging at the collar, while the others strolled to the stations utterly baffled at everything.
"Amazing.", Kazama remarked, astonished by the radar/sonar station. "This is unbelievable beyond any imagination. Do you see this, Misae-san?", she turned to Munakata.
"Good grief. Someone actually designed a holographic keyboard. And here I thought it was a joke.", Munakata shared her sentiments.
"Ha! First time I've heard you say that, Munakata. I'm gonna quote you on that.", said an amused Hayase by the gunnery station next to Akane and Haruka. Munakata shrugged in response.
"Quote me on what, Hayase? You're just as shocked as I am, aren't you? (Course I am. You said it yourself, we joked about this shit. And now…..suddenly we got holographic technology.) Last time I checked, you were the one proposing such a silly idea. (But, it ain't silly now. So take your medicine already, would you?) Oh dear, I've been burned. Can someone cool me down~?", she responded mockingly, Hayase chuckling silently.
"But you know….sometimes we joke about crazy ideas, then sooner than later, it becomes reality.", Mikoto chimed in.
"Hee….really? My dad always say things happen at random without preparing for it.", Miki acknowledged. The two of them were near the engine station, alongside Haruko, and Sumika.
"If it were up to me, I'd let things be. I wouldn't cross that line if it ain't worth the risk.", Chizuru retorted, channeling her experience as a squad leader. Her and Ayamine were at the tactical overlay, along with Meiya, Kasumi, and Michiru.
"Oh no. Turning scaredy cat on us? Not a good sign.", Kei countered, Chizuru waving it off with disinterest in her expression. "...No comment?"
"No comment, Ayamine.", Chizuru sighing in discontent.
"So what do you think? Pretty nifty, ain't it?", Takeru wondered about their reactions.
"It is certainly a marvel to the eye. I could gaze upon the interior all day. But that only revives my question: How on earth did you manage to build this base?", Meiya replied.
"Screw that, I have a thousand questions. Like where'd the technology come from?", Hayase's turn.
"Why is there a station for engines and radar? You never told us this was a ship.", Haruko's turn.
"And what are you doing hanging a coat without a rack? That is not how you treat your clothes.", Kazama inquired, only met by faces of confusion. "What? Am I wrong to ask that?"
"Alright, I understand. You're all wondering about what's going on. And I get that. Which is why….", he grabbed the coat off the wheel, his sword high in the air. The sheathed blade spun around 8 times till his hand caught it by the top, his jacket on the floor. The uncovering revealed the wheel to the girls, surprised at its appearance. The wheel with an empty handle.
"No…..way.", Kei uttered at the unexpected.
"Is that a….helm's wheel?", Meiya queried. "Takeru….are we on-", he unsheathed his blade, jerking the others back. He raised his sword blade pointing down and inserted it into the hole, powering up the ship. He grabbed his coat, and with style, puts it on. The coat was blue with the logo in red on his back.
"Alright, ladies. What you're about to witness is the birth of an adventure, so buckle up everyone. It's gonna be a bumpy ride!"
[-]
At last the gang reunites.
But still, they require answers pertaining to their current situation.
With the emperor by their side,
Maybe now things could turn in their favor.
The only question is what is the threat?
And what will be in store for their future?
Will they finally discover the truth about Yokohama?
Or will they face an enemy previously unknown now under the spotlight?
There can only be so many questions.
(to be continued)
[-]
Author's note
Alright, confession time. I felt this was something really needed in Alternative.
Takeru and Michiru not as lieutenant and Captain, but as previous lovers reunited under new circumstances.
Hell, there's barely anything about these two privately other than a throwaway line from Obento's fic about a golden shower. If you don't know what I mean, check out world salvation chapter 21. It's uh….quite a read.
Anyway, have a nice day everyone. Peace!
