Chapter Ten: Blooming Flowers
Mikako's last day on Akibastar before the new tour had been spent stretched on the rack of a dilemma. She sat on her bed in her sparse quarters and stared at Tomoka's message.
I booked a table at Saki's for six. If you're late, I won't forgive you. :(
Let's have fun. Love from your Tomo
Mikako had no idea what to think of a meeting like that, much less how to dress or to act. They'd traded text messages over the last week like they were still teenagers, without any regard for the usual reserve she'd show. It didn't make any sense to worry about looking too eager or coming on too hard. In the first place, she had no idea if they were still old friends, or something more. That ambiguity was fine just so long as they maintained a certain distance from each other, but Tomoka had cheerfully smashed that distance to pieces and left Mikako to guess blindly at her intentions. The younger woman's barbed tongue would stab her clean to death if she misunderstood one way or the other.
Mikako maddened herself with worrying, but in the end she had nothing to show for her burden but a headache. So she gave up on thinking and went out to buy smart new clothes for the occasion. In the end she wore androgynous, monochrome clothes with the sharpness of cut glass and tied her hair into a ponytail. She was fond of that kind of look, but more importantly, it would vividly contrast Tomoka's usual style. She couldn't do anything friendship and love, but she could at least make sure the young woman wasn't embarrassed to be seen with her.
Mikako arrived first and followed a severe waiter to their table on the terrace that jutted out over the river. Unlit lanterns perched on the tallest struts of the lacquered, blood-red wood that supported the whole structure. Painted screens half-separated the tables and left the other guests already eating so early in the evening as vague shadows in the corner of her eyes. Mikako drank ice-cold water and looked out over the city. The clear water that flowed twenty feet below her reflected the spotty lights of the towering buildings on the far bank. The wind whispered to her and tried to break her.
Tomoka arrived five minutes late and pursed her brightly rouged lips into a smile. "I'm sorry. Did I keep you waiting?"
"No, I just got here," Mikako said. She watched with a practised eye as Tomoka stripped off her coat and placed it over the back of her chair. Her pink skirt and lacy blouse had been chosen for their impact. For Tomoka, who spoke the language of fashion with the fluency of a native, this was a sartorial declaration of a war. She was here to conquer.
"That look suits you," Tomoka said. She sat down and rubbed the sleeve of Mikako's dress shirt. "This shirt's from Fortam's, isn't it? You have a good eye."
"Yeah," Mikako said. "I was worried this might be too much."
"It's fine. You have the kind of body that rewards boldness," Tomoka said.
"And you know you can be even bolder than me," Mikako said.
Tomoka giggled. "I wonder about that. What do you think?"
"You look beautiful. But you knew that already," Mikako said.
"It's fine for you to honestly compliment me," Tomoka said. She nodded to the waiter as he brought them menus and passed one to Mikako.
"Are we drinking?" Mikako asked.
"Don't be silly. Of course we are," Tomoka said. She ran an eye down the list of drinks at the back of the menu. "Shall we get sake?"
"That's fine. You can choose," Mikako said.
"Then I'll do just that," Tomoka said.
They ate and drank together as the river endlessly flowed beneath them. Tomoka waxed lyrical about the fashions of the day and asked for Mikako's opinions. Mikako was only interested in clothes insofar as women wore them, so she punished Tomoka by talking about photography. They traded glances as Tomoka filled her cup with sake and fussed over the food. Mikako leaned forwards despite herself, drawn in by Tomoka's bright eyes. She knew she was very much a moth to a flame, but that was fine. For all Mikako knew, there was no tomorrow to care about.
The spell was broken by her phone ringing. She waved apologetically to Tomoka and took the call with every intention of throwing her mobile into river, but Tsubasa's severe voice overruled her complaints. She pocketed her phone and pulled her headset from her handbag.
Tomoka stared at her and breathed out. "What's happened?"
"I gotta go. Someone's shooting at the kids," Mikako said.
"What? You're joking," Tomoka said.
"I wish," Mikako said. She stood and threw on her coat. "You should call your people and get home right away."
"No, I'll go with you," Tomoka said. She pulled a micsaber from under her short skirt and held it under her arm as she counted money to place next to their half-finished meal.
"You scare me sometimes," Mikako said. She pulled Tomoka's coat from her chair and draped it over the young woman's shoulders. "Then let's go."
Tomoka slid her arms through the sleeves of her coat and raised her micsaber. "Lead the way."
Mikako ran out into the street and looked around. The crowds were still moving normally, so the news hadn't spread yet. The only sign of danger was two LAS flying at combat speeds towards them. She turned and put a hand on her headset as they screamed overhead. "Tsubasa, talk to me. I'm happy to help but I shouldn't be flying right now."
"I see. Then get back to the bridge and help me with coordination," Tsubasa said.
"Will do," Mikako said. She turned and ran in the direction of the Flying Get. "I know you're raring to go, but Tsubasa wants me on the bridge."
"Have you heard anything?" Tomoka said.
"She wouldn't be that calm if anyone had died," Mikako said. Tsubasa would have to deal with two-dozen frantic idols asking what the hell was going on while she tried to coordinate a response. Even if the uncertainty gnawed at her guts, she wouldn't add to that pressure.
"I suppose so," Tomoka said. She raised an arm and hailed a taxi. "I guess the sake was a bad idea."
"I have no luck. It's the story of my life," Mikako said.
They spent the taxi ride in silence as the word spread and people fled the streets to take cover wherever they could. By the time Mikako reached the bridge, the tables had turned and 00 was hunting the assassins. Tsubasa glanced back at the two of them and sighed. "So you two were together, after all."
"Heya, Tsubasa," Tomoka said. She returned her micsaber to the sheath tied to her thigh and smiled. "If you're making conversation, I take it things are in hand?"
"More or less. They're still fighting, but Mayuyu and Sae can be counted on," Tsubasa said. She turned back to her console. "Mikako, take command of the understudies."
"Yes, ma'am," Mikako said. But for all those grand words, the battle was already winding down. The extent of her contribution was to relay Tsubasa's retreat order to Kanata and Megumi.
Tsubasa turned off her microphone and sat down for the first time since they'd arrived on the bridge. "Our girls are fine, but this is still an awful situation. How could this happen on our homeworld?"
"Perhaps they were commandos who went to ground when the invasion force was defeated. Or perhaps they infiltrated during the chaos of the reconstruction," Tomoka said. "Not that you haven't thought of all that, of course."
"I suppose so. But an assassination attempt on a teenage girl is outrageous," Tsubasa said. She took off her glasses and sighed. "If they're escalating this far, who knows what will happen in future?"
"Last I heard, Papa Sono was the fourth member of the Council of Seven keeping the hard-liners down," Mikako said. "If they decide to abandon all restraint, things will only get worse from here on out. And it's the kids who are on the front-line."
"Even then, 00 has to carry on. We have no choice," Tomoka said.
Tsubasa pinched the bridge of her nose. "Of course. I'll coordinate with WOTA to tighten our personal security. But for now, you two can stand down. I'll handle the rest."
"Are you sure? It's going to be manic around here," Mikako said.
"Just go," Tsubasa said. "I'm pretty sure you two didn't dress up just to hang around the bridge."
"Well, certainly." Tomoka took Mikako's arm. "I'll take you up on that kind offer, but do call us if you need us. I know I'm kidnapping your ace pilot."
Mikako wilted under Tsubasa's impassive stare. But she looked back for a moment as they walked away and studied Tsubasa's profile as she hunched over the bridge's command console and relayed orders to WOTA. It was her privilege as the older and more playful woman to give Tsubasa a hard time, but 00's manager bore the weight of the world.
The city was still in chaos, so Tomoka gatecrashed Mikako's room with her usual irreverence. "Isn't this smaller than when you were a Successor?"
"Well, yeah. But I am technically an understudy right now," Mikako said. She sat down on her bed and watched Tomoka poke around her desk. "There's nothing to see. I live out of a suitcase, you know."
"So do I, but I still have a place to call home," Tomoka said. She perched on the desk and crossed her legs. "I wonder what your parents are like."
"They're earnest and dull," Mikako said. "And before you ask, they cleared my stuff out of my room."
"Well, you always did lack filial piety," Tomoka said.
Mikako laughed. "You sound like someone's grandmother."
"I'm just worried about you, in my own way," Tomoka said.
"I'm fine. I'm used to a nomadic lifestyle by now," Mikako said.
"I know what you mean. But we can't live that way forever," Tomoka said.
"Says who? Your parents?" Mikako asked. She twisted her neck when Tomoka look at her, a dog spooked by the echo of its own bark. "Well, I know what you mean, but this kind of suits me."
"If you don't have a home, just create one," Tomoka said. "No one says you have to live there every day, but you should have something to come back to."
"Well, yeah." Mikako threw herself back onto her bed and looked up at the ceiling as her feet rested just above the steel floor. They were close in that small room and this was the only place to hide. "Sometimes I think this place is my home. It's the wrong kind of cliche. 00 raised me, really, made me who I am, the good stuff, the bad stuff, everything in-between. Even when I hate it, I can't escape it. It's always with me. And even if it pains me, there's this nostalgia that keeps me coming back. I don't think anyone in 00 wants to think of me as family, though."
"You'd be surprised," Tomoka said. She slid off the desk and stood up. "Even if you're our prodigial son, 00 can't disown you. I think Tsubasa knows that all too well. You were too important to us."
"Because I was the Centre Nova?" Mikako said.
"Nothing so trivial. We just liked you," Tomoka said. She leaned forwards and met Mikako's gaze. "I'm still here, aren't I?"
"Yeah. You always were patient with me." Mikako sat up and searched for somewhere to look. Tomoka's lips were too close and anything lower than that wasn't to be contemplated.
The moment was shattered when Tomoka's phone rang. She turned away and answered it. "Hi… yes, I'm fine. I'm with Mikako on the Flying Get." The conversation ran on for another minute before she turned to Mikako. "My family are showing up in force at the theatre to show solidarity with the girls. Of course, that's assuming there's a show, but either way, shall we go too?"
"I don't mind either way," Mikako said. "But if it's with your folks, it's fine if you go without me."
"Not tonight. Don't worry, I'll call Tomoyo when everything has settled down," Tomoka said. She poked Mikako in the cheek with a long finger as she said good-bye to her mother, then returned her phone to her clutch handbag. "We can't catch a break. But let's go do something outside."
"You're crazy. It's dangerous, so nothing will be open," Mikako said.
Tomoka took her wrist and coaxed Mikako to her feet. "Still, let's try to have fun. I'm not going to lose to these people."
"This is beyond winning and losing," Mikako began. But her pleas dropped like stones into a lake and left barely a ripple behind.
Tomoka dragged Mikako here and there across Akibastar, but almost everything was shut and there were more police and WOTA in evidence than tourists or locals. Their city of lights had been shocked into silence by the sudden outbreak of violence. Brightly coloured LAS criss-crossed the sky above as WOTA's pilots searched tirelessly for nothing at all. They ended up at 00's theatre dome, the last place where a semblance of normal live still stirred. Chieri, Atsuko, Yuko and Takamina's flickering holographic image bloomed across the tower above them, with bright smiles and relaxed postures. Beneath them, red text scrolled across a black screen and assured the world that 00's idols were still alive. The fact something like that was even necessary only intensified Mikako's sensation of being awake in an ethereal world. A small crowd of people slipped into the threatre while journalists looked on and a wall of armed WOTA members stood guard.
"I suppose this will do," Tomoka said.
"After all this trouble, we still end up with your parents," Mikako said.
"Not necessarily. Maybe there will be unused seats left over," Tomoka said. "Let's give that a try."
"We don't even have Cancel Waiting tickets, you know." Mikako sighed when Tomoka shrugged. "You're being stubborn about this, aren't you?"
Tomoka took a pair of sunglasses from her hand-bag and put them on. "I know. But you'll humour me."
"Maybe. But only because you're cute," Mikako said.
"Of course," Tomoka said. She took Mikako's arm. A staccato bombardment of camera flashes assailed them as they slipped past the assembled journalists and stepped into the theatre's lobby. Normally, the theatre was packed to bursting and trying to secure tickets at the last minute was a futile endeavour, but only a minority of ticket-holders had turned up. The staff member in charge of managing the Cancellation tickets waved through everyone indiscriminately. Mikako attempted to look inconspicuous while she guided Tomoka to an empty seat near the back of the theatre.
"This is the first time I've been in the ground floor seating," Tomoka said. She took off her sunglasses and smiled at the empty stage. "It doesn't seem so far away from here."
"Just don't get us thrown out. That's all I ask," Mikako said.
"I wish I'd had time to get that drunk tonight," Tomoka said. She looked across at Mikako. "What about you? Have you done this before?"
"When I wasn't on-stage, I was with the press," Mikako said. "But it's the same concert wherever you watch it."
"I wonder about that," Tomoka said.
The Itano family were seated higher up, surrounded by a smattering of the ordinary fans who had dared to show up. At first glance, they looked the same to Mikako as everyone else. But when she put her mind to it, they'd always sat there, above the fray. She doubted they'd applied for tickets even once in three generations. Of course, it'd be the same for her if she cared to ask. After their contributions, no one would criticise them for that, and yet that tiny detail isolated them from everyone else around them. Every 00 member had been a fan before they were an idol, but you could never quite go back. There was an innocence to watching 00 perform that was lost when you'd put the shattering weeks and months and years of practice into preparing for the same stage.
Chieri and Atsuko breezed on-stage to a thunderous reception. Mikako released a tight breath she hadn't realised she was holding. Uncertainty was predatory but their bright eyes and calm voices put those fears to flight. No one could be more defiantly alive than those two girls as they sang side by side.
Tomoka and Mikako watched and did their best to start the chants and stir a dull crowd back to life as the Understudies struggled through their performance. But it took the arrival of the Successors to rekindle the passion the sparse audience felt for the idols. Mikako relaxed and smiled as they tore through their playlist. Smaller people might have sulked and struggled, but the precocious intrusion of Chieri and Atsuko had only made the Successors stronger. Even Yuko was shining as brightly as ever.
Mikako smiled as the girls bowed and ran off-stage. "I don't know about Akibastar's most sophisticated show, but I don't get tired of this."
"Wish you were up there?" Tomoka asked. "That's how I feel every time."
"Maybe just a little," Mikako admitted.
The call for an encore echoed through the hall. Tomoka joined in with a smile. Her cheeks were flushed bright red with a child's excitement. In answer to the crowd's pleas, Chieri ran on-stage at the head of the Successors. Their red dresses were points of colour amongst the darkened stage. "Thank you so much for all your support. When I see all the people who are here to cheer for us at a time like this, it gives me so much courage. All we can do to return that kindness is sing, so please listen!"
Mikako blinked as the music began. 'Utsukushiki mono' was another new song.
Chieri stepped forwards. "Sharpen your nails, don't hesitate." Her kirara's light turned the beads of sweat dripping from her face into so many glittering diamonds.
"Leave traces on my soft skin," Atusko sang.
Yuko grinned as she flanked Chieri and raised her arms. "I want to feel the pain of being loved."
"Let me know I am yours." Takamina struck a pose as her gaze swept the crowd.
They sang of the savagery and narcissism of love. Tomoka took Mikako's hand without saying a word and sang with a silken voice that shimmered at the edge of Mikako's hearing. "A cruel morning will come for the most beautiful person in this kingdom…"
Mikako gripped Tomoka's hand tightly and watched the performance with far away eyes. Could any of the idols understand the insatiable passion they were singing about? Perhaps not, but it still whispered to her. She'd known, even as an idol. There were emotions so intense they were indistinguishable from self-destruction, but she'd never been able to live this song. She'd never been able to throw away her pride and accept them.
Tomoka echoed Chieri's lead in the final verse. "Who but I is the most beautiful woman in the kingdom? Come, those who know, step forwards. I will reward you by taking your head."
Mikako breathed out as the music faded away. "When you say that, it's real."
Tomoka stifled her giggle as the crowd cheered and applauded.
For a few more precious minutes they were no one, two shadows among the crowd. But when they stepped out of the theatre and into the darkness of the sleepy city beyond, they turned to face each other. There was a logic to their parting beyond Mikako's wit to refute. "Tsubasa will be getting ready to move, so I'd better head back."
"I know. And I need to head home and pick up my luggage," Tomoka said.
"Yeah, I know." Mikako smiled. "Thanks, Tomo. For everything."
"I'm the one who should be thanking you," Tomoka said. They stared into each other's eyes for a moment longer, then Tomoka stepped forwards and kissed Mikako on the lips. Her breath was warm and her perfume smelled of peaches. She stepped back a moment later. "Good night." Her mouth was quirked into a slender frown as she turned away.
Mikako stared at her. "Good night."
If she'd had the courage, she would have wrapped her arms around Tomoka, kissed her, spoken from the heart, begged her to stay. But that was an idle fantasy. Mikako as she was could only blush with shame and watch Tomoka walk away.
Susumu's eyes snapped open and she sat up in bed. She'd been placed in a private room in the Drake's infirmary and dressed in the formless white pyjamas used for patients. Her bare left hand was blotched with vivid burn scars.
Izumi Fujimoto waited by her side and worked on her tablet. She nodded at Susumu. "Good morning. How are you feeling?"
"I still have a slight headache," Susumu said. She glanced at Izumi. "Glove, please."
Izumi pulled a black glove from her back pocket and passed it to Susumu. The skin below her eyes was wrinkled. "The doctors say there should be no permanent consequences, but your brain chemistry was completely abnormal last night."
Susumu pulled the glove over her left hand and nodded. "I went through a backlash when using the Void System on Evestar, but the intensity this time was completely different."
"It's likely you'll take that much damage every time you counteract Chieri Sono's radiance," Izumi said. She put her tablet aside and leaned forwards. "The Void Gemini is a prototype weapon. No one knows the consequences of using it, so we should assume the worst."
Susumu smiled. "Please, Izumi. I've never been afraid of taking risks. On the battlefield-"
"Before, you may have been correct to take those risks," Izumi said. She glared at Susumu with a fervour that brooked no interruption. "But now you're an admiral in command of a fleet. Your life has strategic value, so it's irresponsible to risk it for the sake of tactical expediency."
Susumu sighed. "I've always led from the front. You know that. And without the Void System, it's hard to see how we can oppose Chieri Sono."
"Then you should choose another operator," Izumi said. "It's more appropriate for a career pilot to take that risk."
"Kamiko was the only other person who could even activate the system on Evestar, but she's no pilot. Nakatomi has the skills, but he's still too immature," Susumu said. Her gloved left hand balled into a fist. "I'm the only one who can use it."
"Then don't use it until someone else is ready," Izumi said.
"I understand what you're saying, but as I've said before, 00 is too dangerous for us to be able to hold back," Susumu said. She smiled when Izumi pouted at her. "Still, we have some leeway before they reach Sagittariusstar. Our frontal assault failed either way, so I'll explore other options and only use the Void System as a last resort."
Izumi deflated herself and nodded. "I think that would be wise. If we're lucky, spacing out usage will minimise the damage."
"What's the situation on Summerstar?" Susumu said.
Izumi picked up her tablet again and projected several windows. "Not good. Media coverage of 00's visit has been largely favourable and network analysis suggests popular opinion on the planet is moving against DES. Ayako Kuroki's presence was particularly inflammatory. I haven't run a full analysis, but my suspicion is that it's developing into a situation where sudden developments could severely compromise DGTO authority."
"The seeds of revolution, then. It's a heavy price to pay for a single defeat," Susumu said. "What about Zodiac? Are they taking action?"
"I haven't heard anything. My suspicion is the planetary authorities are being left to their own devices," Izumi said.
"This damned succession crisis is doing more harm than anyone on Sagittariusstar realises," Susumu said. She clambered out of bed and stretched her arms. "How about Akihiko's work?"
"It's finished. We can arrange the debriefing at your leisure," Izumi said.
"In an hour, then. Make the arrangements," Susumu said. "After that, you can take it easy."
"Yes, ma'am," Izumi said.
Susumu showered in the expansive admiral's quarters and changed into her uniform with a severity of a pious knight preparing for battle. Once she was dressed, she sat at her desk and stripped down her large-calibre revolver for maintenance with a practised hand. She had any number of better firearms, of course. In a life shorn of indulgent things, this ritual was the only sentimentality she allowed herself. Once she finished cleaning the gun, she reassembled it and loaded six bullets into the revolving chamber. She turned and fired six shots across the ten meter span of her quarters in as many seconds. The bullets clustered affectionately in the dead centre of the target she'd mounted on the wall. Susumu reloaded and holstered her revolver with a flourish. At least her divine aim had recovered with a night's sleep.
Her people had already gathered in the operations room when she arrived. Susumu took her seat at the head of the table and folded her hands together. "I have one question, Akihiko. Who was the pilot who hit me twice?"
"I can see how that would bother you. Fortunately, my spy drones took some good footage," Akihiko Akamine said. His hands darted across the virtual keyboard as he projected a fuzzy still from the room's console. Orine reached down from the cockpit of her LAS and clasped the hand of a woman dressed in plain clothes. "Nakatomi says he knows her. This is Mikako Minamino, aka the 5th Minami Minegishi. She was once an idol and 00's Centre Nova until she disappeared."
Susumu leaned forwards and studied the hazy image. "Wasn't she spying for Zodiac?"
"Just as you say, ma'am, but they lost contact with her after the invasion of Akibastar," Akihiko said.
"00 are surprisingly relaxed about being betrayed if someone like that is still flying for them," Kamiko said.
"But she's strong. Let's not forget she took two points from the boss," Nakatomi said. He leaned back in his chair and waved away Kamiko's glare. "Well, it's the same reason I'm flying with you guys, isn't it? She's just that good."
"She really is. I hadn't accounted for her presence in my planning, and she made me regret that," Susumu said. She tapped her fingers on the arm-rest of her chair. "Putting that aside, Nakatomi, why did you break away from the pack at the end of the concert?"
"Well, Yukirin was the one who was actually singing, so I called down some drones and went after her," Nakatomi said. He grinned. "I'll admit it didn't really work out so well."
"That's what happens when you break formation without a plan," Akihiko said.
"I don't mind. It wasn't a bad idea," Susumu said. She paused for a moment and studied the images Akihiko projected. "Just as we'd feared, 00 are far stronger now than they were before the invasion. They've become aware of the Void Gemini as well. We'll need to approach this campaign with care."
"There's no need for us to fight them when they're at their strongest. If they have an ace pilot who can take you on, that just makes our odds worse," Kamiko said. She leaned forwards and met the Admiral's gaze. "Leave this to my people, Susumu. Bazaarstar is a fine stage for infantry warfare."
"If we bog 00 down in that kind of running gunfight, the corporate black-ops unit might make a move," Akihiko said. "If they take out Chieri Sono, we've lost the Admiral's primary objective."
"And don't forget 00 have Mayuyu," Nakatomi said. "She gave us hell in frame combat, never mind letting her go wild against you guys."
Shin stood up and curled his lips into a toothy grin. "I've been doing this a long time, boys. One cyborg idol isn't an issue. And I wrote the manual on Wellspring's black-ops, too. I can deal with them using my standard methods, but if my hands are tied-"
Susumu raised a hand to cut him off. "This is a battle between DES and 00. If unknown elements interfere, control the risk by eliminating them."
"Yes, ma'am," Shin said. He crouched slightly to avoid the low ceiling that hemmed in his monstrous frame. "It'll be my pleasure."
"I'll call my contacts in Zodiac and set the stage," Susumu said. "They're under pressure as well, so they should favour this kind of discretion rather than our usual shock and awe tactics."
Executive Officer Sone nodded. "If it's clean and fast, infantry will work well. But if the battle runs long, the risk of collateral damage rises exponentially. A tactical withdrawal will still run better in the press than a bloodbath."
"My team are professionals," Kamiko said. "With all due respect, sir, it won't come to that."
"I don't doubt your team, Colonel. But the fact of the matter is DES's marines don't have the same experience," Sone said.
"I'll make the call to press on or withdraw depending on the situation on the ground," Susumu said. As ever, her word was the final judgement that brooked no further debate. "Kamiko, take the lead on planning for our next operation. Izumi, the rest is details. You should get some sleep now."
Izumi blinked and shook her head. "I'm fine."
"I'll need you down the stretch, so don't force yourself," Susumu said.
"Yes, ma'am," Izumi said. She saluted and left.
Of course, no one in the room was getting enough sleep. But Susumu could tell Izumi had been awake the entire time she'd been sleeping in the infirmary.
Mikako sat on her bed with her legs crossed, a disreputable buddha with red-ringed eyes. Her phone hummed as she called Sebustar more in hope than expectation. Tomoka's image flourished in the middle of the room as she answered. "Hello, Mikako."
"Hi, Tomo. Sorry to call you at a time like this, but we're in transit," Mikako said.
"Don't worry." Tomoka had dressed in a brightly patterned kimono, but she hadn't had time to apply her usual make-up. She rested her chin on her hands and forced a smile. "I saw the news about Summerstar. You all did well."
"The kids did all the work. I was just watching over them," Mikako said. She looked into Tomoka's eyes and wondered why she'd called. Like a kid picking at a scab, she couldn't leave well enough alone.
"You were flying, weren't you? I know what you're like," Tomoka said.
"Yeah. Susumu shot me down once," Mikako said.
"The admiral? She flies a warframe?" Tomoka asked.
"Apparently. She's pretty good," Mikako said.
"I'd think so, if she defeated you," Tomoka said. "I hope you weren't hurt."
"Don't worry. I'm fine," Mikako said. She slid a hand behind her back and tried to think of something else to say. "How have things been your end?"
"They've been less interesting than 00's tour, I'm sure," Tomoka said. "I had a magazine shoot yesterday. Business as usual, I suppose."
"How did it go?" Mikako asked.
"Fine. It was fun, but nothing special." Tomoka scratched her cheek. "When I was Tomoyo's age, every shoot felt like the most important thing in the world. Now it's just work."
"That's the proof you've really made it," Mikako said.
"Maybe. But nothing lasts forever," Tomoka said. She ran a hand through her loose hair. "I saw AKBing00, by the way. You were hilarious."
"Now you're flattering me," Mikako said. "I was just about getting by."
"No, I mean it. Mom praised you as well," Tomoka said. Her left hand gripped the arm of her chair tightly. "You've always had talent, so I wasn't surprised."
"It's all useless if I can't hold it together," Mikako said. She sighed and looked away before Tomoka could reply. "What else? Have you met anyone?"
Tomoka blinked. "Who, exactly?"
"The guys who look like Tomochin," Mikako said. She looked at Tomoka and hated herself, but she couldn't back out now. "You know, I'm just wondering how that's going."
"Does it bother you?" Tomoka asked.
Mikako aimed for careless insouciance and missed spectacularly. "I'm just trying to look out for you. I mean, if you need advice, I'm always ready to listen."
Tomoka shrugged. "I'm meeting someone today. Apparently his name is Shoichi Hamasaki. I'm told he's handsome, intelligent, and adventurous," she said. She enumerated his qualities as if counting sheep. "He's rich, too, of course. The first son of Kaguya's CEO. You know, the fashion house."
"I know. I am a professional photographer, you know," Mikako said. She folded her hands together tightly. "What'll you do?"
"What do you think? For now I'll dress up and see how things go," Tomoka said.
"Just don't drink too much, okay?" Mikako said. She blanched the moment the words left her lips.
Tomoka flushed. "Don't patronise me. You know I can look after myself. Well, better than you can, at any rate."
"I didn't mean it in a bad way," Mikako said.
"Then just what did you mean?" Tomoka broke off and looked down at her feet. "Never mind. Maybe I am a little nervous."
"I'm sorry. I know I'm not helping," Mikako said.
Tomoka stifled an unladylike snort. "You could say that. Honestly, why did you even call?"
"I don't know. I think I just wanted to see your face," Mikako said.
Tomoka blushed red and folded her arms over her chest. "You're really unfair, you know."
"I know," Mikako said. She paused for a moment and tried to think of something smart to say, but she was interrupted by an announcement from the bridge as the ship prepared to jump. "Sorry, gotta go for now. I'll talk to you later."
"Okay, good-bye," Tomoka said. She waved.
"Bye." Mikako cut the call and threw herself onto her narrow bunk. Until Tsubasa called for her, there was nothing for her to do but lounge around. She fiddled with her phone and loaded Tomoka's solo album. The familiar music put her at ease as she lay back and tried to make sense of herself. So many years had passed, but in a way, she was still trapped by the emotions she'd felt when she'd last lived on the Flying Get. Both 00 and Tomoka were exquisite and painful.
She'd been given enough chances and frittered them away. She was nothing if not consistent about these things.
After a few minutes of sulking, Mikako took a call from Tsubasa over the internal network and answered on the second ring. "Hey, boss."
"You're actually awake? I'm surprised," Tsubasa said.
"Well, yeah. What do you need?" Mikako said.
"Can you give Chieri another check-up in the infirmary? I'm hoping a night's sleep will have cleared everything up, but we need to monitor her closely just in case," Tsubasa said.
"Sure thing. Just remember I'm no doctor," Mikako said.
"I know. We'll make arrangements if necessary," Tsubasa said. "One way or another, we'll be briefing the girls after breakfast. I want you to lead some lessons on LAS combat after that."
"Okay. Then the show after lunch, I take it?" Mikako said. "No rest for the wicked."
"You know how hard the girls work. We can hardly do less," Tsubasa said.
"I know that much," Mikako said. "Give me a break here."
Mikako arrived at the infirmary and found Chieri was already shivering on one of the beds. 00's young ace was still in her pyjamas and hugged her loose white jacket as she stared at Mikako. "Go' morning," she managed. Her long hair was a frazzled mess.
Mikako whistled. "You don't look so good."
"She's always like this in the morning," Atsuko said.
"I resent that," Chieri said. She yawned. "But I'm fine. Tsubasa's just being fussy…"
"I'll be the judge of that," Mikako said. She took Chieri's temperature and listened to her heartbeat while she made trivial conversation. The young girl was lucid if sleepy. Once she was finished, she put the thermometer away. "How do you feel? Do you still have a headache?"
"Like I said, I'm fine," Chieri said. "I feel much better."
"You still have a temperature, so take it easy today," Mikako said. "If anything feels off, drop what you're doing and talk to Tsubasa."
"I'll be okay. I don't want to cause trouble," Chieri said.
Mikako pulled Chieri's cheek. "Trouble us. We'll be more troubled if you're not 100% on Bazaarstar. Atsuko, keep an eye on her, okay?"
"No problem," Atsuko said. "I won't let her be stubborn."
"Everyone's being too fussy," Chieri said. She fingered her silver pendant. "It's like I'm at home again."
Mikako ruffled her long hair and smiled when Chieri pouted at her. "Just enjoy it. You'll miss it when you're older."
"How about you, Mikako?" Atsuko asked. "Are you feeling okay?"
Mikako waved her off. "I'm always eerfulchay. Don't worry about me."
Atsuko sat up in her seat and frowned. "Well, if you say so. But if you're ever worried about something, don't be afraid to talk to us."
"I'll take that into consideration," Mikako said. Atsuko had become annoyingly sharp recently. "Anyway, take it easy this morning. I'll see you both at the briefing."
Chieri called her back just before she left the infirmary. She still looked tired but her eyes had focused with her usual intensity. "I was happy with the concert on Summerstar, but I need to improve. Do you have any advice for me?"
"As a Centre Nova, I assume?" Mikako said. She shrugged when Chieri nodded. "The advice I gave Yuko didn't do a lick of good, you know."
"You're still the only person I can ask about this," Chieri said.
"Are you worried? Even if Susumu has that weird weapon, we'll all help you deal with it," Atsuko said.
"I know. But we all have our battles to fight," Chieri said. She extended an arm and let her kirara settle on her finger. "Susumu is in my way, so I won't be able to reach the pinnacle until I've overcome her. That's a scary thought, since she has real conviction."
"No one can tell you how to do what you're expected to do, but I'm still glad you asked," Mikako said. She studied Chieri's troubled expression with affectionate eyes. Even if she'd regret it later, she didn't want to disappoint her. "Just keep doing what you're doing and leave Susumu to me. I'll clear the way for you."
"Really?" Chieri said.
"Of course. I am our flying ace, you know," Mikako said.
"That's good to know," Atsuko said. "Didn't you force her to run away at Summerstar? Sae was raving about it."
"Well, yeah," Mikako said. "She was wrong to turn her back on me."
"If you're handling her, that makes my life a lot easier," Chieri said. "Thank you."
"No problem," Mikako said. She waved and walked out, then slumped against the wall and pressed her forehead against the cold steel of the Flying Get. If she got to fix one problem she had, she'd start with how much she hated to disappoint pretty girls.
Once she'd composed herself, she walked through the winding corridors of the Flying Get. It was still early enough in the morning that the girls would be in the canteen, leaving the rest of the ship in easy silence as it drifted through the void. She stepped out into the hangar and waved at the chief engineer, Junichi Ishida. "Morning, boss. How are repairs?"
"We're running out of parts, but we're doing everything we can," Junichi said. "Cut me some slack here, ace. Your bird was chewed up and spat out."
"Sorry, my man. I had a tough time out there," Mikako said. She put a hand on her hip and looked across the array of half-repaired LAS surrounded by swarming repair drones and a dozen other engineers. "Do you have an intact frame I can borrow? Just want to take a few runs in the simulator."
"Later we'll be tuning them for Bazaarstar's atmospheric conditions. But for an hour or so, it should be fine," Junichi said. He pulled out his tablet and opened a list. "Number 5 and Number 12 are in standby mode right now."
"Thanks," Mikako said. She blinked as her kirara took off and drifted upwards. Her eyes caught a splash of pink amongst the cold silver metal that crowded the hangar. Orine perched on the shoulder of a damaged LAS with her hair tied back by a white handkerchief and worked away at the back of the machine's head with her tools. "Just what is she doing here?"
"She turned up about an hour ago and offered to help with the repairs. I tried to turn her down, but she insisted," Junichi said. He wilted under Mikako's glare. "I've been keeping tags on her with the drones, but she's surprisingly good at minor repairs."
"I know you're short-handed, but don't make a habit out of borrowing the talent," Mikako said. "You need to be firm with them."
"I'm sorry," Junichi said.
"Don't worry about it," Mikako said. She waved Junichi away and clambered up onto the gantries above the steel cradles holding the LAS. She approached Orine with a bird's grace and looked down at the girl from behind. "Good morning."
"Good morning. Sorry, I just need to take care of this," Orine said. She pried off a damaged panel with her wrench and placed the twisted metal aside.
"Sure. I'm not in a rush," Mikako said. She sat down on the edge of the gantry and dangled her legs from the cold steel.
Orine took a moment to catch her breath and wipe the sweat from her brow. Her face was already stained with oil and grease. She navigated the maze of shredded circuitry with gloved hands and isolated a joint that had been sheared through by a jagged blade. She clicked her fingers to call a drone down. "I need a replacement part." She smiled as the drone drifted away and worked steadily at easing the two halves of the shorn joint away from the frame's neck. After a few more minutes work, she placed the broken parts aside and eased a replacement into place.
Mikako folded her arms. "Being helpful is commendable, but don't forget why you're here. If you want to make it as an idol, you need to stay focused."
"I know. But I don't have it in me to work every hour of every day," Orine said. She smiled. "It helps me relax, if that makes sense."
"I know what you mean." Mikako offered the young girl her hand. "Let's get some breakfast. You have another long day ahead of you."
"They're all long days, you know," Orine said.
Orine washed her face and hands with warm water and soap. With a little work, she transformed from a waif of a mechanic back to 00's fluffiest member. The canteen was still fairly empty when they arrived, though Sayaka was holding court with Sae and Kanata. Mikako waved at them and made for the buffet. Chef Papa was busy cooking, while Yuka had thrown an apron over her usual dress and made up bowls of rice the two of them. "You'd better not be harassing Orine," Yuka said.
"Tempting, but I only bully you girls when I have a camera to hand," Mikako said. "More importantly, what are you doing here?"
"Just lending a hand," Yuka said.
"We have a briefing in half an hour, you know. Have you eaten?" Mikako asked. She smiled when Yuka shrugged and leaned on the counter. "Papa, I'll take her back for now."
"Yeah, that's fine," Papa said. "Extra pickles?"
"You know it," Mikako said.
Yuka shrugged off her apron and walked out from behind the counter. "The girls who sleep in don't get pestered by you," she groused.
"What would you say if I started wandering into your room?" Mikako said.
"Please don't do that," Yuka said. They took trays laden with a hearty breakfast and sat down at a table at the far side of the room.
"How are you kids feeling? Summerstar was tough," Mikako said.
"Well, we're hanging in there," Yuka said. "Of course, you didn't have easy either."
Mikako winced. "Yeah, I'd have been in trouble if Orine didn't bail me out. Thanks again."
"Not at all. Like I said, I'm an awful pilot anyway," Orine said. "Is Chieri okay? Have you seen her?"
"I gave her a quick check-up earlier. She's just fine," Mikako said.
Orine put a hand on her chest and sighed. "That's a relief. I was so worried."
Yuka smiled and buried her face in her rice.
They traded war stories about the concert while they ate. Yuka had exchanged fire with the manned units and done her best to buy time, while Orine had hauled supplies and tended to the wounds of WOTA members. Mikako unwillingly described her messy running battle with Susumu while Yuka teased out the smallest details. Eventually, Orine lost interest in her technical discussion of warframe combat and Mikako cast around for another topic of conversation.
Yuka fiddled with her chopsticks for a moment, then broke the silence before she could. "You're around Na- Atsuko and Chieri a lot, right?"
"Well, yeah. If they're doing a photo-shoot, I'll probably be holding the camera," Mikako said.
"Then putting your wild delusions aside, just what's going on with those two?" Yuka said. She blushed as Mikako smirked at her. "You people fake them going out so hard even I don't know what's going on."
Orine looked away and became engrossed in her miso soup.
Mikako rested her chin on her hands. "What would you do if I told you I'm not as delusional as you think?"
Yuka leaned forwards and stared at her. "So they're really-"
Mikako flicked her on the cheek and laughed as Yuka recoiled and glared at her. "I wouldn't know something like that. They have a strong bond, of course, but that's all I can say."
Yuka put a hand on her cheek and sighed. "You're no use at all."
"Would you tell me if you were going out with someone? Somehow I doubt it," Mikako said. She leaned back in her seat. "So if you want to know, you'll have to ask them."
"I would if I could. It's too embarrassing," Yuka said. She hunched over and looked away with burning cheeks.
"Then don't worry about it," Mikako said. "Life's too short-"
Orine stood up abruptly and waved. "Good morning."
"Morning, everyone," Atsuko said. She sat down opposite Yuka and began to eat.
"Good morning." Chieri sat down by her side. She'd completed her transformation from a rumpled girl to an idol with not a hair out of place. Her bright eyes were alive as she took in Yuka's flushed cheeks and Mikako's bemused expression. "Has Mikako been bothering you two? You have to be firm with her."
"I haven't done anything! I'm as pure as an adorable rabbit," Mikako said.
"She's just been making conversation," Orine said. "How are you feeling?"
"I'm doing fine, don't worry," Chieri said. She glanced at Mikako. "Do you know our schedule on Bazaarstar?"
"Not yet. Tsubasa's still busy negotiating," Mikako said. "Hoping for some free time?"
Chieri nodded. "Bazaarstar's the fashion capital of Zodiac space, after all. I've always wanted to go there."
"Then I'll see what I can do for you. Just don't expect anything much," Mikako said. She picked up her tray and walked away as the girls muttered their thanks. She didn't mind giving them advice, but an adult had to give children space to breathe, even if she was lonely.
Atsuko crossed the docking coupling to the Katyusha and arrived at the briefing room five minutes early with her friends by her side. Mikako and Tsubasa were deep in a discussion when they arrived, but the two older women broke off to greet them. Atsuko sat down between Chieri and Yuka and played with her phone while they waited for the other members to arrive.
Tsubasa stood up when the final members of the 76th Generation arrived. "So without further ado, our next destination is Bazaarstar. They have given us permission to land, so long as we dock the Flying Get at the main spaceport. As on Summerstar, we will be conducting a variety of activities prior to the concert itself. I've sent you all the schedule along with the song list. The most important aspect is the handshake event."
Takamina raised a hand. "What kind of equipment can we bring down? Security is difficult for handshake events at the best of times."
"Our LAS will be kept at the spaceport, but we will retain our small arms and WOTA guards," Tsubasa said. "The Katyusha will be on stand-by in orbit in case DES's fleet makes a move. And we'll be taking special measures as well."
"You can buy anything on Bazaarstar," Mikako said. "So I'm hoping to cheat a little."
"That's an idea I can get behind," Yuko said. "We do need to look after Chieri."
"Don't worry about me. As long as we can talk to our fans, that's the important thing," Chieri said.
"We also need to look ahead to the concert. As we experienced on Summerstar, DES has reinforced their mobile fleet by bringing in ships and soldiers from other sections of the DGTO's armed forces," Tsubasa said.
"Susumu Hashimoto's one of them, isn't she?" Chieri said.
Mikako stiffened and pushed her glasses up her nose.
"Regardless of our enemy, we only perform for our fans. But according to the Tsukuba Foundation's analysis, her winged machine was a Zodiac-made prototype warframe uses dualium resonance to disrupt your radiance," Tsubasa said. "That's what requires real caution."
Chieri looked down at the polished surface of the table and pressed a hand against her chest. "So that thing really is a toy my father created. It's a strange way to reward me for becoming the Centre Nova."
"Zodiac's a huge company, so he didn't have direct oversight of everything in the organisation," Mikako said. It was an excuse without the art of disguise.
"I suppose so," Chieri said.
Atsuko rested her chin on her hands and gazed at Chieri. "We're going to Sagittarriusstar either way. Perhaps you'll find out why that machine was created there, along with all the rest."
Chieri closed her eyes and nodded. "You're right. I'll go with that."
Tsubasa coughed. "In any case, the first priority of members on combat duty from now on will be to hold back or disable that machine."
"Even if it's a prototype, it's a next generation warframe," Mikako said. "And the pilot's skilled. I'll take the lead, so only go after her if you're confident you can hold your own against a superior enemy."
Takamina smiled. "It's been a while since I saw you this motivated, flying ace."
"Tsubasa was riding me to earn my paycheck," Mikako said. "So I guess I'll have to show you kids what I can do when I'm serious."
"Given the enemy's power, we can only make a stand in concerts," Tsubasa said. "Our first priority remains excellence in performance, but from now on we need every member of 00 to be able to hold their own as LAS pilots. In the light of that, Mikako will be leading additional training on LAS operation and battle tactics. Takamina, Kanata and Sae will be assisting her. The Successors can choose to attend if they so wish, but this training is compulsory for the Understudies. Further details are on your schedules, so consult them at your leisure and prepare. Chieri, Atsuko, remain behind for now. Everyone else is dismissed."
Atsuko waved at Yuka and Orine as they filed out along with the other understudies. She'd hoped for another chance to talk to her friends, but things always ended up like this.
Tsubasa waited until the other members had left before speaking up. "How are you feeling, Chieri? Mikako tells me you've largely recovered."
Chieri nodded. "I feel much better now, thank you."
"If that changes, talk to us. It's too late to slow down when you're already sick," Tsubasa said. "But for now, you two have more work scheduled on Bazaarstar. Chieri, a major talk show wants to interview you. I think accepting would be good for your profile and for 00, but there are security risks involved. They're also likely to ask difficult questions and they're particularly interested in your father."
Chieri gripped her arms tightly with her fingers and sighed. "It always comes to that around here."
"Whether you accept or refuse, it's your decision to make," Tsubasa said. "I'd recommend talking to Kana about it."
"I'll do just that," Chieri said.
"What about me?" Atsuko asked. "Anything fun?"
"A popular police procedural wants you to cameo," Tsubasa said. "It's a tiny part with one or two lines, of course, but it should still a worthwhile experience."
"You're playing the victim, apparently," Mikako said.
Atsuko giggled. "I see. Well, I'll think about it."
"That's all for now," Tsubasa said. "Come to me if anything comes up. I'm aware we're putting you both under a lot of pressure right now."
"We'll be okay. The others are always helping us," Atsuko said.
Chieri nodded. "Putting that aside, I've been meaning to ask something. Do we know if the winged machine's dualium system has any impact on the pilot? It was bad enough for me, but Susumu was closer to the point of origin."
Tsubasa blinked. "I'm not sure. We hadn't considered that option. But if it's a weapon, I'd imagine it doesn't damage her."
"I wonder," Mikako said. She rested her chin on her hands. "I did think she was more vulnerable the second time I engaged her, but at the time I assumed I'd just taken her by surprise."
"I see. Then I'll have to ask her if I have the chance," Chieri said.
Atsuko nodded. "Well, that's just another reason for us to stop her before she gets to you."
"I suppose so," Chieri said.
They excused themselves and drifted back towards the Flying Get. Atsuko peered over Chieri's shoulder as she studied their schedule. "Are you going to the LAS lesson?"
"Probably not," Chieri said. "I feel like I'll never beat Mikako as a pilot, so I'd rather focus on my role."
"Mm. That sounds sensible," Atsuko said. "Susumu will probably only come out when you're performing, right?"
Chieri nodded. "Exactly. But her warframe is just a machine. If I can exceed its limits, I can stop her."
"You were shining on Summerstar and that thing still nearly captured you," Atsuko said. "Maybe we really should leave this to Mikako."
"I suppose. But it's Mikako," Chieri said.
Atsuko laughed. "I know what you mean. But I still don't want you going anywhere near Susumu's machine if you don't have to."
"I'll be careful, but I won't run away. I have to keep moving forwards," Chieri said. She stopped in front of the lift linking the two ships and placed a hand against the wall. The ship's cold steel was fragile compared to the sea of fire that surrounded them. "I'll practice. That's all I can do. What about you?"
"I'll study with Mikako," Atsuko said. "I want to be able to protect you and the others."
Chieri nodded. "I understand. Oh, and congratulations on your first role as an actress."
Atsuko smiled and rubbed the back of her neck. "I was really surprised. I assumed you'd be offered something like that far before I was."
"We'll have to thank Kana and Reiji," Chieri said. "They've been working hard."
Atsuko nodded. "That's true. But I'm really glad there's people in DGTO space who are willing to give us a chance."
"Definitely. I was really surprised," Chieri said. They lingered for a moment longer, searching for an excuse to stay together.
Atsuko put a hand on Chieri's cheek. "Okay, I'll see you later. Don't over-do it, okay?"
Chieri touched her hand for a moment and returned Atsuko's radiant smile. "The same goes for you, you know. Bye."
Atsuko stepped into the lift and studied her reflection in the mirrored walls for a moment as the doors closed behind her. Before, she would have gone with Chieri. That's what she wanted to do, body and soul. But they each had their own roles to play. She wouldn't run away from that.
The hangar was already crowded with 00 members by the time Atsuko arrived. The mechanics and their drones scrambled to finish the repairs in time to make room for them. Atsuko joined her friends in the 77th generation and stretched her arms.
"Chieri's not joining us?" Kanata asked.
"Mm, yeah. She wants to practice her dancing," Atsuko said.
"Talk about a one-track mind," Yuka said.
"I'm not surprised. It's common for the Centre Nova to take a limited role in fighting during concerts so they can focus on excellence in performance," Suzuko said. "The 13th Acchan conformed to that pattern, though Mii-chan was an exception."
Makoto buried her head in her hands. "Can I skip this training and focus on mediocrity in performance? I need all the dance lessons I can get, and I'm no good with LAS either."
"You'll be fine. Just think positively," Kanata said.
"I'm just being realistic," Makoto said.
Sonata pounced on her from behind and wrapped her arms and legs around Makoto's upper body. "Enough grumbling. Flying robots is fun too, you know."
Makoto staggered and nearly fell over. "Get off, already! Kanata, do something about this!"
"So what did Tsubasa want with you and Chieri?" Kanata asked Atsuko.
"Just a few jobs on Bazaarstar. She's doing a televised interview, and I have a bit part in a one of those crime shows," Atsuko said.
"That's great. Congratulations," Kanata said.
"It's nothing big. I'm just playing the victim of the week," Atsuko said.
"Hey, don't ignore me!" Makoto said. She yelped in pain when Sonata bit her ear, then tried to grab the younger girl in a fit of rage. Sonata jumped off her and fled with feral grace as Makoto charged impotently after her. "Get back here, you maniac."
"It's still great news." Kanata put a hand on her hip and laughed. "As you can see, we're as lively as ever."
They were still chatting when Mikako arrived and clapped her hands. "Oodgay orningmay, girls. You've all learned the fundamentals of moving a Guardian Angel, but you lack experience, so we'll be using the cockpit simulators in a mock battle. Once you can react and fly these kids as if they're part of your body, we can think about calling you pilots."
"Well, in other words, it's all about practice," Takamina said. "Do your best, everyone."
The simulation training was unrelenting and one-sided. Mikako, Takamina, Kanata and Sae were outnumbered even with a handful of AI drones assigned to their team, but they still won every round and often never lost anyone at all. The three younger women were skilled but Mikako was instantly recognisable. She could take shots at greater distances than anyone else and hit them nine times of ten. Her lightning movements were impossible to pin down. More than once, she dodged Atsuko's rifle until it ran dry then closed to point-blank range before firing. But she also provided them with advice and encouragement after each battle and gradually they improved. It was useless to think of winning, but over time, they began to stretch out the battles longer and even score clean hits every now and again. It wasn't much, but it was meaningful. Yuka and Megumi were usually the last understudies to fall and the two of them fought like tigers to cover their friends. Atsuko watched them after she was eliminated from a simulation and did her best to imitate their style. They fought with a brazen confidence that even Mikako had to respect, which riddled her with jealousy. Flying an LAS didn't come as easily to her.
Several hours later, they finally finished. Atsuko flopped forwards onto her Guardian Angel's flight instruments and closed her eyes. "Why is this so tiring? We're barely moving our bodies."
"You're mentally exhausted. Dancing means to execute the same moves correctly over and over," Mikako said. "But fighting in one of these kids is difficult in a different way."
"Kanata, join our team next time," Yuka said. "Then we'd at least have a fair fight."
"I wish I could, but these are the rules," Kanata said.
"If you're tired of losing, you'll just have to get better," Mikako said. "In any case, you're all dismissed."
"I want to practice for a little longer," Yuka said. "Is it fine if I stay behind?"
Atsuko sat up. "That's a good idea. I'll do that too."
"I don't mind, but you're eating into your precious lunch-break here," Mikako said. "I'll be hanging around as well, but I have my own things to deal with."
Atsuko watched as the others dismounted and left, then turned back to her machine. Mikako had disconnected from their communications network, so Yuka was the only one left.
"Guess we can fight one-on-one," Yuka said. "Why are you still here, anyway?"
"You saw what the last battle was like," Atsuko said.
"True, that," Yuka said. "But you're a Successor. You have better things to be doing, just like Chieri."
"We're both doing our best in our own way," Atsuko said. She accepted Yuka's invitation and gripped the joysticks of her LAS as the simulation began. Their Guardian Angels faced each other across a formless void.
After a second's stillness, Yuka made the first move. She flew forwards using Mikako's typical spiralling advance and opened fire at the very edge of her effective range. The shots fell short of Atsuko's frame and Atsuko held her fire as she tried to close on Yuka. They circled each other and traded fire at mid-range while dodging frantically. Sweat dripped down Atsuko's brow as shots slammed into her LAS's arms and legs. She managed to land her own hits on Yuka's dancing frame but she was over-matched by her friend's blistering speed. It was she could do to avoid hits to her core area. Just as her ammo count ran low and she began to look for an opening to reload, Yuka broke the delicate balance and surged headlong towards her. Atsuko fired on reflex and missed then caught herself and tracked the dancing warframe as it darted left and right. This was Mikako's combat style and for a moment Atsuko reeled as her second volley of shots missed. But she bit her lip and squeezed off one final burst. Yuka tried to roll out of the line of fire but she'd reacted too slowly and her cockpit crumpled from the force of their impacts. Atsuko blinked in shock and collapsed back in her seat as the simulation ended.
"Damn. How many bullets did you have left when I went in?" Yuka asked.
"Nine," Atsuko said.
"I misjudged that. Mikako makes it look so easy, but it's really hard when I try to do what she does," Yuka said.
"You were still overpowering me. I just got lucky, that's all," Atsuko said.
"If you say so." Yuka fell silent for a moment. "Nagisa, I've wanted to ask for a while, but are you dating Chieri?"
Blood rushed through Atsuko's cheeks as her friend's blunt question smashed into her chest. She was exquisitely glad she was sitting alone in the cockpit of her Guardian Angel and didn't have to work out where to hide her face. She slumped back in her chair and caught her breath for a second or two. "That's right, more or less." When she said it out loud, her tired limbs were a little less heavy.
"Since when? I know you've always been chasing after her, but I thought that was just a friends thing," Yuka said.
"Well, I kind of confessed on the day of the assassination attempt, and things progressed from there," Atsuko said. "That's why-" She broke off and coughed. "Never mind."
"In the LAS. Right," Yuka said. She laughed to herself. "What the hell? I'd built this up as a huge thing in my head, but when you put it like that, I'm not even surprised. Well, I am a little surprised you're the one who confessed."
"Chieri's useless at stuff like that, you know. She's happy to hug me and kiss me, but she gets really bashful when we're talking about our feelings," Atsuko said. "It was really hard. I was so embarrassed."
"Actually, that sounds like her," Yuka said. "But seriously, you've matured so fast."
"I could say the same thing about you," Atsuko said.
"Yeah. I guess we're both failures as idols," Yuka said.
Atsuko watched her warm kirara bounce around the cockpit. "I don't think it's wrong for us to fall in love. Perhaps there are lines we shouldn't cross, but I'm sure these feelings are good for us. They let me see our songs- no, the whole world- in a new light."
"Honestly, you're always so sentimental," Yuka complained.
"Is that so wrong?" Atsuko asked.
"Not really. I should be more honest with myself," Yuka said. "Anyway, you have to tell me everything."
"If you can beat me. Let's say best two out of three," Atsuko said.
"Sure thing. That won't take long," Yuka said.
Despite Atsuko's best efforts, Yuka was as good as her word.
Mikako was still alone in the cockpit of her LAS when Atsuko and Yuka clambered down and headed for lunch. Yuka stopped for a moment at the entrance to the hangar and looked back at the still giant. "She's already really strong. Just what is she trying to achieve?"
"Well, she was the Centre Nova. For someone like that, 'perfect' isn't good enough," Atsuko said.
"Someone like you, you mean?" Yuka said.
Atsuko blushed and scratched her cheek. "I hope so. I'm trying my best."
Atsuko and Chieri showered late at the end of a long day. The lukewarm water washed over Atsuko's sore limbs with the gentleness of a lover's caress. It was heaven to be able to draw a line under the day's exertions, even if tomorrow haunted her thoughts. For a few precious hours, she could be herself without interruptions. They dried themselves off in the changing room and dressed into their pyjamas side-by-side. Atsuko smiled as she took a moment to study Chieri's profile.
"What?" Chieri asked.
"Nothing. I was just thinking clothes really do change how you're perceived," Atsuko said.
"I know they're childish, but these are all I have," Chieri said. She folded her arms. "Besides, you look silly too."
"I know. I wasn't criticising you," Atsuko said. "Let's dry your hair."
"Sorry. I make you do this all the time," Chieri said. She sat down on her usual bench and pulled her damp hair back over her shoulders.
"It's fine. I enjoy it," Atsuko said. She plugged in the hair-dryer.
"I wish there was something I could do for you," Chieri said.
"Mm. Well, if it bothers you, help me pick out clothes on Bazaarstar, just like you did before," Atsuko said. She slid her fingers through a strand of Chieri's long hair and moved her mouth close to Chieri's ear. "That was fun."
"Kojiharu and Tomochin know so much more than me," Chieri said. "They're the ones-"
She broke off when Atsuko gripped her shoulder. Atsuko giggled. "Don't be silly. You're the only one I want to impress."
"Your fans would cry if they heard that," Chieri said. But she still moved her hands restlessly as Atsuko hovered behind her.
"I'd better get on with this." Atsuko turned on the hair-dryer and doted on Chieri. When she was a child, she'd played at dressing dolls and combing their long hair. But this more urgent, more physical. She just wanted to touch Chieri.
Chieri took Atsuko's hand as they walked back to her room. "You spoil me."
"I know," Atsuko said. "That reminds me, actually. Yuka talked to me earlier. She asked me about us, so I told her we're going out."
Chieri sighed. "I see. I was worried she knew. What did she say?"
"Nothing, really. She just wanted to know," Atsuko said.
"She gave me a hard time," Chieri said. She looked away. "I want to say we're friends, but it's tough for us to get along sometimes."
"I think that's normal for friends. You two are just too like each other," Atsuko said.
Chieri laughed. "Do you think so? I'm not sure about that."
"I do think so." Atsuko squeezed her hand. Chieri's long fingers were cool and firm with calluses.
Chieri smiled as they slipped into her room. "You should make more time for her and Orine. I'm pretty sure she's just jealous of me monopolising you."
Atsuko kicked off her shoes and sat down on Chieri's bed. "I know, but I'm not being malicious. Recently I haven't even had time to be with you."
"I know. I'm sorry," Chieri said.
"It's not your fault. It's just one of those things, given everything that's happened," Atsuko said.
"Tonight, we have a little time, at least," Chieri said. She sat next to Atsuko.
They watched Acchan's drama together. Chieri was close and still. After gathering her courage, Atsuko put an arm round Chieri's shoulders. Chieri slid closer without a word and leaned against her.
Their peaceful reverie was swept away by a knock on the door. Chieri groaned and clicked her fingers to pause the drama. "Come in."
Takamina stuck her head through the door. "We've had some more offers come in, so Tsubasa's trying to nail down a schedule." She broke off and folded her arms as she saw Atsuko. "Sorry, am I interrupting?"
"Not at all. What does she need?" Chieri asked.
Atsuko scooted a little away from Chieri and rested her hands on her lap.
"If you two could head to her room in ten, that would be great," Takamina said. "If we're lucky, it won't take long. Sorry about this."
"Okay. Thanks for telling us," Atsuko said.
"I'll see you in a minute, then. I don't suppose you know where Yuko is?" Takamina asked.
Chieri shook her head. "I'm afraid not."
"Too bad. Guess I'll call her," Takamina said. She waved and left.
Atsuko sighed as Chieri closed the door. "Things are always going to be like this, aren't they?"
"Probably. I'm sorry," Chieri said.
"It's not your fault. We are idols, after all," Atsuko said. She forced a smile. "Being busy's still better than having too much free time."
"You're right." Chieri sat down next to Atsuko and touched her hand. "When we are free again, let's do something fun."
Atsuko kissed her on the cheek. "I'll hold you to that," she whispered.
Author's Notes
Apologies for the delay. I've been busier before and this was a tricky 'bridging' chapter.
I always thought Chieri's father was an interesting character because his actions are almost contradictory. He's 00's greatest enemy and a closet fan, he tried to stop his daughter when he thinks she'll fail in 00, then comes round to backing her and demanding she becomes the Centre Nova while pursuing an undisclosed plot using her. It's fun to expand that aspect even after his death and leave poor Chieri confused at just what he was doing, but all the mysteries will have to come to an end eventually. It just won't be easy to get there.
Given Mikako's gimmick is failing, she really should have been Sashihara, not Mii-chan. But she always meant well and did her best in the anime, even when things didn't work out. There's something charming about someone who clambers back up after screwing up that badly. Perhaps that's why there are Makoto fans in the setting. (Are there any outside it?)