I'm Not Afraid When I Have You Here

It was funny. Realizing my feelings regarding Hyuga. I could have liked anyone. But I chose to like the guy who flirts with females, under the cover of Holy Light's will.

Don't get me wrong. It wasn't the type of love in which I wanted to spend my life with him.

But I know it was more than friendly.

Accepting that was easy. The hard part was deciding should I let him know. We're friends. I don't want to risk that at all. And then there's the possibility that the feelings might be one-sided. The matter would have to wait however, for Lou needed me.

I made my way back to Headquarters. Giving my card to Mina. She looked surprised.

"The President would like to see you."

What? President Dallgun wanted to see me? The matter had to be important if the president was briefing me. I was extremely nervous as I took the elevator to the highest floor, the president's office. I gave two knocks, signaling my arrival. Once I got inside, I was quiet.

Lou was to the president's left, while Headmaster Nav was to his right.

To have them both here...it must be something of dire importance.

"Satomora, how good it is to see you again."

"Y-y-yes sir."

He smiled at me. It's weird, having your boss smile at you.

"No need to be nervous, you aren't in any trouble."

"Right. I'll try not to be sir."

"I'm sure you know of what's been going on with the Illuminus."

"Bits and pieces."

"Well, we've suspected that there's another hand in it. But we need to start gathering evidence."

"I see. And I assume that you want me to help sir?"

"That's correct Satomora."

"If I may ask, why ask a rookie Guardian from Mobile Defense? I'm sure that there are more qualified people than me."

It was Lou who answered that question.

"The data your team has sent us has lead us to suspect GRM. There's been enough consistencies to not completely rule them out."

Whoa.

Suspecting GRM is a pretty bold step.

"What does that have to do with me?"

"We are aware that you are Shion Tusakanova's child. His name shows up in GRM's employee list from nearly nineteen years ago."

I was surprised. At that time, I didn't know that Dad had worked with GRM. I knew he worked with a lot of companies on development of photon applications. But not with GRM.

I panicked. If their suspicions are right, Dad might be still working for GRM, who might be in connection with Illuminus

There are things I have to talk with Dad about soon.

"But why me? I think if you'd ask, my father would help."

"That has crossed our minds. But there's a chance if we tip them off, Illuminus would try to silence him."

What he really meant is that Illuminus would try to kill Dad.

I wouldn't let that happen.

"I understand."

"Thank you Satomora. I understand it's a difficult request, but I appreciate it."

"Yes sir. But may I make a request?"

"Lets hear it."

"That we keep my relations to my father a secret. It's just that I'm not ready for the world to know I'm his child."

"I see. I do notice that you aren't going by his last name. I can agree to your terms."

I noticed that Lou looked away for a second.

"Something wrong Lou?"

"No sir. There's another matter I must look into. I would like for Satomora to look with me."

"Yeah, sure Lou."

Walking with Lou was quiet. I still didn't know how to react to Lou. Seeing that there are more than one of her. We arrived at a large computer room. Multiple screens with various information filled the walls. It was an overwhelming experience. I stood in silence as I saw Lou look at the screens, no doubt processing them to the other units.

I think I heard Lou emit a sigh.

"Satomora, I'm sending you with Leo to pick up the others."

"Others?"

"It seems that Shidow, Martinez and De'Motove found Ryght."

I let out a breath of relief.

"Do not let them know about this request."

"I won't."

After a quick change of clothing in G-mode, I met up with Leo near the G-Flyer base in Holtes City. He seemed genuinely surprised at seeing me there.

"Lou sent me to accompany you."

"Well the more the merrier."

"Right."

I felt a little at ease, riding with Leo. He's really nice, like an older brother sort of sense. We had a small chat. Just about how I was feeling about becoming a Guardian.

Though, that didn't help the nervousness I was feeling.

I knew, the moment I would look at Hyuga again it would be in a different way.

We arrived at the GRM research facility. Lou had already cleared us to go in, for we were picking up our comrades. When we got to where the signals were. Laia was looking furious.

"How about I prove how strong by snapping your neck."

"Laia!"

Laia and Maya seemed surprised at seeing me with Leo. After all, I was supposed to be taking the day off. Hilde on the other hand...she smirked a knowing look at me.

I couldn't help the blush spreading across my face.

"Ami? What are you doing here?"

"It doesn't matter why she's here. Get over here. We all going home."

I remember Tonnio had said that Leo was a father. He was certainly showing those traits now.

One factor I've noticed:

For a Guardian, Hyuga knew a lot about business practices.

At first, I just brushed it off as maybe he was aiming to be a business major before become a Guardian.

The ride back to Holtes was tension-induced silence. Even though it was for the sake of a friend, they did break a couple protocols. Had the researchers there been so lenient, the Guardians would have quite the scandal. We all decided to stop at the café near GRMs building.

We had to assess what we know now.

We all took a private table. With a round of coffees. I sat between Maya and Laia. I wanted to sit by Hyuga, to be honest. But Laia gave me a look. I couldn't quite figure it out though.

Hilde politely declined.

"Someone has to make a report."

"Alright, it was nice seeing you again Hilde."

"I'll certainly miss your unique eyes Hildegarde."

"Hyuga you kid. You know I'm married."

It took great composure to not act disappointed.

I think Hilde noticed that look.

"It was good seeing you too Ami. I hope we can work together."

With the coffees set, we discussed the events. It was without a doubt that GRM had helped Illuminus. It was too much of a coincidence for GRM terminals to show up at Illuminus bases. What we couldn't figure out, if their help was direct or indirect. I had learned that Magashi appeared on the train after Laia and Hilde had fought through the cars. With Magashi being part of the Illuminus, it complicated matters.

Hyuga looked to be in deep thought about this.

"I need to investigate something."

"What?"

"This information about GRM. I had suspected it to be true."

"You're better off asking the President."

That's right. He was starting up an investigation too.

They reached the same conclusion.

"Alright. I'll ask him."

"Don't get reckless."

"I won't."

"I'll walk with you."

I couldn't help but blush, since everyone's eyes are on me. It wasn't as if I wanted to just be near him.

...well, not entirely.

"Just to make sure you're alright. Besides, don't you still need to go through examinations?"

"Don't remind me..."

Just because you know how important examinations are, doesn't mean you have to like them.

As in case, Hyuga.

We took the PPT shuttle back to G-Colony. We didn't say much. The day's events too much to try to shake off. When we did arrive, I called out to him.

"Hmm?"

This was it. Had to say something

"I'm glad you're safe."

And I completely failed it.

Saying something to someone you like is harder than it looks.

But he surprised me.

He kissed me

...on my hand.

"Thank you dear Ami. Your concern means a lot to me."

I had felt something on my hand, other than the tingling sensation that his lips was on. When I turned over, I noticed that it was a card. His partner card.

A note: I didn't get his card during orientation, it was just a practice card to learn about partner cards.

"Contact me anytime you want to talk, or free missions."

"I will."

I stared at the partner card for a while. I was happy. He trusted me enough to give his card. This simple action, it made me unbelievably happy. Even after he left, that feeling stayed with me.

In that moment, I found someone worth protecting.

I probably should have put it in the beginning, but there will be some ship teasing. Not too overboard I hope.

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