Hey guys guess who is back!? Well your reading this, so you already know! I have listened to your requests, and made a new chapter! I just want to say thank you to everyone who faves, follows and reviews. You guys are awesome. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Now onto the reviews!
Ruby: Happy you like it, and I have continued the story.
Yusuke Yukishiro: I may consider that o-o
Evowizard25: Thanks, I try to keep it balanced. I hope this chapter shows more of Tye's healing progress. Yes I am sure that is a good image, I am glad you like it :D It has been updated!
Franciskanneh007: It is rather hard, to be... Though Tyler has some good reasons to be angry with her. Outside what she did to him in her lab.
Guest G: I am glad you think so :D Speaking of season 2 villains... They will be showing up soon.
Guest: Thank you very much, I am hoping that ship still goes as well.
Dalan777: Here it is :D Hey it could happen, let's see where it goes.
Cpt. Lynx: Thank you and boy do I feel embarrassed. Thank you for pointing that out to me, I will need to change that soon.
Anyway guys I will see you all in the next chapter!
"… Now Tyler, is it alright if I call you Tyler? I've been briefed about the situation, so your allowed to talk about it to me." Doctor Morris told me with a friendly smile. It's been a day or so since I told Chifuyu about my case of PTSD, and true to her word a psychologist showed up and began to evaluate us all. That is how I met the woman in front of me, Doctor Kate Morris. Doctor Morris is an older woman, around her mid to late forties of American descent. She kept her graying hair tied back in a neat bun, while a pair of glasses rested comfortably at the edge of her nose. The older woman also wore… Well she didn't dress like a professional. At least during sessions. Or maybe today is an off day. She is wearing a black leather jacket, with a red-cotton t-shirt, dark jeans and sneakers.
"You read the mission brief Doc, so you know what happened." Shrugging my shoulders, I leaned back in the soft leather chair.
"I rather hear what happened in your own words." She urged me as gently as she could.
Sighing I shook my head, I knew this is supposed to help but… I can barely talk about what happened with my friends, so it's a little hard to talk about it with a total stranger. "I don't know what to say."
"Let's try something else, why not tell me about what led up to the event." Gently tapping her knee, Doctor Morris keeps smiling.
Why is she constantly smiling? It's a little weird. "Okay… Well I woke up that morning in a good mood, it was my friend Houki's birthday and I got her a book-" Slowly I told her about the Gospel incident, minus what I discovered about Tabane. I rather keep that little tidbit to myself. Well that and no one would believe me if I told them. After finished retelling the fight, the good doctor asked me a few more questions. Most of them involved how I was sleeping, how I've been acting, among other things.
After an hour of just talking, Doctor Morris 'hmms' and finally looks up for her notepad. "Well Tyler. I can safely say from all of this, and from notes I gotten from your teachers and classmates. That you are suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, congrats." The older woman said that in a sarcastic tone, which made me crack a small smile. I am not sure why, but it did. "Now to deal with this, I am going to recommend a twelve-week treatment. Each session will last between sixty to ninety minutes."
"What about medication?" I asked, granted I didn't want to take meds unless I had to… But since I haven't been sleeping lately, I figured something to help me get some rest at night would be good.
"I don't think that would be a good idea, some of my colleagues would suggest otherwise. However, I rather try to treat this without it." Doctor Morris frowned, before shaking her head and clearing her throat. "Since you are having trouble sleeping, I would suggest taking a long and hot bath. Then a cup of tea to finish the job. I will also start teaching you some breathing, and meditation techniques. If that doesn't work, I will prescribe some medicine but otherwise try to do without. Okay?"
"Alright." If this is what she thinks is best, then I'll go with it. She is the professional after all.
"Good. Now your first session with me will begin, let's say a week from now." The older woman stood to her feet, and gestured I do the same. Walking over to the door, she opened it with a smile and pats my shoulder. "Oh one last thing, to help you sleep. I suggest a white noise machine or app. Something soothing, like rain or a waterfall."
"Thanks Doc." Giving her a grateful look, I left and made my way to my room. Once there, I found that Laura waiting for me outside my door…. That's sweet and pretty creepy, then again… At least she isn't in my room and sleeping in my bed. Naked. Don't get me wrong, Laura is hot. Beautiful even, but… She would most likely break me in half, if I tried anything. Plus I have no idea what to do about it all. The attention she gives me is… Nice but I have no idea what to do, same with Cecilia and Charlotte… Who has been a little, clingy lately. No idea why…. Women are confusing.
The silver-haired German took my arm. "Ah good, you are done yah?" When I nodded, she smiled brightly. "We must plan for summer, you are to come home with me."
Wait what did she say? "Uh… I can't… I have to stay here, wait why would I come with you?" Even if I didn't have to stay, I would just end up going home. I miss my parents and little sister. Seriously you have no idea, my sister and I are close… Speaking of… Her birthday is coming up soon, I need to get her something… But what? Eh I will figure it out later. I still have some time before her birthday.
"You are my bride, we travel together." Laura said turning her head, like it was the simplest thing in the world. "However, since you are staying. Then I will stay as well."
Blinking in confusion, I raised an eyebrow at the small girl. "Laura, I think it's time we talk about this whole… Bride thing-" Before I could finish my sentence, Ichika came into view and waved to get my attention.
"Hey man, I've been looking for you." The Japanese teen smiled at me, and placed a hand on his hip. "My sister wanted to talk to you, it's about your plans this summer."
I wonder… What could she-Oh wait our date. She lost that bet to me. Guess she wanted to get the details out of the way, still weird she wants to talk about it at school. Oh well I can deal with that, maybe I can tease her about it, and she'll hit me with her clipboard… Damn it Chifuyu, you gave me a freaking complex! "Right, she in the teacher's lounge?"
"Yeah, she should still be there. Hey, you two going on a date or something?" Ichika grinned playfully as he pointed at Laura and me.
"Ah-A-A da-date!?" Flushing brightly, Laura drifted off into La-La land. Mumbling rather cutely to herself, the silver-haired teen turned bright red.
Pulling my arm free, I waved my hand in front of her face. "Hello? Earth to Laura? Huh, I've learned a new trick. Can you tell her, I'll be back?" I asked jerking my thumb at Laura.
"Uh… Sure man." Ichika agreed, albeit reluctantly. "I was going to meet Charl-"
"Take Laura with you." Without another word I walked away, from my fellow teenagers and headed for the teacher's lounge. Once I got there, I found Chifuyu waiting for me. Looking around, I saw it was just the two of us in here. Walking over to the teacher I waved slightly. "Hey Miss Orimura, you wanted to see me?"
"You're late Kane." Chifuyu said with her arms crossed.
"But you never said… Oh forget it." Grumbling I shook my head, and raised an eyebrow. "What did you need to talk to me about, Miss Orimura?" I stressed the last part with a small grin. "Is this about our little wager?" I am not sure if I am imagining it or not, but I swear Chifuyu bean to blush. Oh, I am sure I will pay for this later. Maybe she'll hit me on the head with her clipboard… Damn it! This woman did give me a complex… And I am not sure… If that is a problem or not.
Clearing her throat the older woman stood up. "Brat, and no. This involves your summer plans, Doctor Morris told me what she plans for you and the others." Oh right, the others all had their evaluation sessions with her today. I wonder if they are as screwed up as me? Who knows. "Because of that, you will be staying here for the time being."
"Tell me something I don't know." The moment I said it, I instantly regretted it.
My hot teacher sent me the meanest glare, which made me stand at attention. "Shut up moron. I am talking about your living arrangements. You'll be staying with Ichika and I over the summer."
"Huh?" My jaw almost hit the floor, I'm staying with Ichika over the summer?
"Would you rather stay here, locked up in the school?" Chifuyu asked with a wry smile, as crossed her arms. "All alone with all those female students, who will be focused completely on you since my brother won't be here."
Locked up in school, with these crazy women? Or being able to move around town? "I'll go and pack my toothbrush."
"Good, oh and if you bring up that wager again while we are on school grounds." Chifuyu gripped me by my jacket, and pulled me in close. "They will never find your body."
"Ye-Yes ma'am." Gulping nervously, I bit my lip… I really should learn not to push this woman, otherwise it will end badly for me. Or it will end really well… Only time will tell.
Summer break began, and it has been… Relaxing. I think getting away from the academy, is exactly what I needed But it did add in a host of other issues for me. I had too much time on my hands. Which meant…. I thought on the Gospel Incident a little too much. Sure I had Ichika around, but he liked hanging out with his friend Dan. He's a nice enough guy, pretty laidback. Though his sister is extremely up tight, especially around Ichika. Though that's probably because of her crush on him, too bad Ichika is denser then a brick and will never notice her that way. However, I felt a little weird hanging with Dan. Mostly because he is Ichika's friend, and I felt like a third wheel around them. So I decided to just to hang out at the house, and since Chifuyu had things she had to do… I was left alone… With my thoughts, and I had no idea how to deal with this. Sure I have Vic, but… I needed something more than my friendly AI could give me… I guess I need human interaction. When I told Doctor Morris this after one of our sessions, she gave me some good advice.
'Get a job'
Which… Isn't a bad idea, it would give help me pass the time and give me some extra cash. Which could be used in buying a present for my sister, and paying for that future date I have with Chifuyu. So time for me to get a job. Which is easier said then done. Even with places doing summer hiring, I still had a tough time finding a job. Some places didn't want to hire me, mostly because I was an IS student. Other places didn't want me specifically. I did have one successful interview, but that was with a host club… And it ended when they found out I am seventeen, though they did say I could try to apply after I turned eighteen. So… Silver lining? After a full day of job searching, I decided to stop off at a café for some coffee. After placing my order, I pulled out my phone and began to play with some of the apps.
"Tye?"
Staring down at my bracer, I smiled slightly. Despite my problems with the IS, I had no problems in talking with the AI or wearing the bracer of my IS. Good thing to, otherwise I would have some serious problems. "Hey Vic, you doing okay buddy?"
"Yeah, just worried about you." The A.I program stated. "If you can't find a job, what will you do?"
"Not sure, but I'll figure something out. Maybe we can work on a side project, maybe the one we started before leaving the lab?" When I said that, the little AI appeared in his hologram form. He looked quite panicked.
"For real? Are you sure about that? What makes you think-"
"Hold on bud. Thank you, ma'am." The waitress who took my order came back with my drink. Taking the cup with a smile, I sipped at my coffee. "Anyway, it's all just theory right now. We can worry about it later. Plus it's only been a day, let's give it some time. I'm sure I can find a job-"
"Excuse me, I heard you were looking for a job?"
Huh? Looking up I raised an eyebrow, standing in front of me a woman a little older then me. Her short magenta hair hung just above her shoulders, and it framed her face perfectly. Though she wasn't as tall as me, she is still taller than average. She is dressed similarly to Chifuyu, wearing a black suit with a skirt. She is kind of cute, especially with her grey/green eyes. Just from the way she is smiling at me, it made me feel a little uncomfortable. "Umm… Yes, why do you ask?"
Smiling brightly, the woman winked at me. "I think I can help you, as long as you don't mind wearing a uniform."
I have a bad feeling about this.
"I'm a butler?" Pulling at my 'uniform' I stared at my new boss with a exasperated look.
"Is that a problem?" The magenta haired woman turned her head in confusion, now dressed as a maid she smiled the same smile she had in the café. Now I know why it made me uncomfortable, this is the same look the girl's at school gave me. Like I am a piece of meat. I didn't recognize it because it's on the face of an older woman. "You said you didn't mind wearing a uniform."
Groaning I shook my head. "Never mind, so… Aside from acting like a butler, I am just a theme waiter?"
"Basically, don't worry you'll get a handle on the job. Now get to work." Winking the boss lady walked away from me, and when about her business.
"… Well... A job is a job."
My new job… Well it wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be, turns out I am not the only guy that works here. Which means I am not the only piece of eye candy around. Thank goodness for that, I get enough of it at school. Anyway, the job is just waiting tables, taking/delivering orders, and acting charming. Easy enough to do. With this new this job, I started to earn a nice bit of money. Sure it's minimum wage but any money is good at this point. The money that I had saved up before I activated an IS was starting to dwindle… I wonder if my old co-workers at the theater are doing alright? I should email them… Speaking of contacting… I should call my family… We may have exchanged emails and a couple of calls here or there, but I haven't talked to them in a… What? A month? It's about time I talked to them.
I'll call them on Kairi's birthday. Which is coming up soon.
Good, I have a plan… That reminds me, my next session with Doctor Morris is coming up. She said she had a surprise planned for me, I wonder what it could be? Most of our sessions took place on campus, and this one is no exception. Though when I arrived at the office that the school provided her, the good doctor led me away from her office. Which is confusing, but I guess this is supposed to help me. So, I won't question the good doctor. At least as long as she doesn't try pulling some kind of Hannibal Lector shit on me, I think I will be fine following and trusting her.
"Did you bring your work out clothing?" She asked as we walked down the hallway.
Holding up the bag which contained my shorts, shoes and t-shirt for confirmation, I shrugged my shoulders. "Yeah, but why do I need them? Am I running laps or something?" I am rather curious about what I am doing. If it's working out… Well I don't mind doing that.
"Or something. You see one of your fellow students, well they need help. So, today we are doing a joint therapy session. I booked you both together for the hour, I hope that is alright." Doctor Morris stopped for a moment to see if this bothered me.
"No, if my friends need help… Then I'll help." I really did wanted to help if I could, plus maybe this session will help me as well. Though who could it be? Ichika as far as I've seen is unaffected by the Gospel Incident. Same with Laura, both of them seemed to take the issue in stride. Rin and Charlotte suffered a little, but were managing just fine. However, Houki, Cecilia and I… Well it seems like we suffered the brunt of it all. How do I know all of this? Well we all get together and talk, it's one of the things Doctor Morris has us all do when we can. It wasn't easy at first, but we slowly we managed to speak about what happened and how we are doing. So, it's either Houki or Cecilia that is waiting for me. Though… Rin and Charlotte, maybe it's them that I am going to, who knows… Maybe they are lying about how well they are really doing… Or it could be Laura or Ichika… No wait Ichika is hanging out with Dan right now, so it can't be him…What would I give to be like Ichika right now. The guy is so dense at times, that it's sad… This however is not one of those times, his unusually dense nature protected him from things.
"That's good Tyler." Doctor Morris told me. Smiling the doctor nodded in approval, and we went back to walking. Doctor Morris led us both outside, and at first, I was worried that we were going to the IS training field. Sure I've made good progress, but… I don't think I am ready for using the IS… Just yet… In fact I don't know if I'll ever be ready to use it again, maybe I'm just over thinking things. Doctor Morris took a strange turn and led us to the… Kendo Dojo? Okay, only two people I know use that place. Other then the kendo club, I know only two people that use this place and one of them is hanging out with his best friend in town. Stepping inside the dojo, I found Houki waiting for us. She is dressed in a white keikogi and navy blue hakama, at her side is… Holy crap is that a katana!? Seeing us Houki's eyes widen slightly in confusion.
"Tye!? What are you doing here? I thought Ichika would be-"
Doctor Morris clears her throat to get her to focus. "Forgive me Houki, but your partner will be Tyler. I hope you don't mind."
"Oh no… It's just…" Flushing brightly, Houki shakes her head. "Well Tye doesn't understand or know kendo."
"That's a good point, so unless you plan on letting her wail on me-" When I said that Doctor Morris laughed.
"No, no. Tyler get changed in the changing room, and I will explain what is going on."
Shrugging my shoulders, I looked at Houki who pointed me in the direction of the changing room. Nodding my thanks, I walked into the locker room and quickly took off my streets and put on my workout clothes. Which consisted of a blue tank top, gray/black gym shorts and red sneakers. Taking my streets, I placed them in my bag and joined my therapist and friend on the dojo floor. Setting my bag aside, I joined Houki on the training mat.
"So… What are doing here Doc? It can't be sword practice can it?"
Doctor Morris smiles, the same smile that she always wore. "It is. You both need this, it will help bridge some gaps for you." The older woman points at Houki. "For you Ms. Shinonono, you still blame yourself for what happened. You have to work through your anger, grief, and realize you can't blame yourself. Only one person can help you get through that." Doctor Morris gestures at me. "Tyler is one of the few people that, physically can handle it."
"Wait… I am a giant punching bag?" My jaw dropped slightly, I can't believe this…
"No Tyler, you won't be her punching bag. This is important for your therapy as well." My therapist walks to the far wall and picks up a wrapped package, she then tossed the package to me.
Catching it, I let out a small grunt at the feel of the weight. This thing is a little heavy, and it feels like… No, this can't be right… Can it? Unwrapping the package my eyes went wide, in my hands is a… Well a longsword. "You want us to fight with real swords!?"
"What? No, what you both have are practice blades." The older woman blinked in confusion. "Why would I give you a real sword?"
Houki slowly nods. "Yes, this is an Iaito Tye. Your wielding a western version, but Iatio's are not meant for contact with another blade."
"Typically yes, but you the one you are using is Houki." Doctor Morris explained with a smile. "Your teacher Ms. Orimura arranged for these blades to be made for you both."
Both Houki and I looked at one another in surprise, Chifuyu did this for us both? Why? I get she is our teacher, and we're friends with her brother but… "Doc, you mentioned how this is to help Houki, but how does this help me?"
"It's meant to help you slowly but surely work your way back to using an IS. We can't do exposure therapy, not yet at least. This is the best way to do it, well have you two spar for an hour. Every day, until your both comfortable. After that we'll slowly work our way up to using your IS weapons, and then continue from there. Until we can get you to use to being around a IS once more."
So… She wants me to learn to use the IS again… I… I am not sure how I feel about that. While I am comfortable enough with wearing the bracer, and having Vic around… I don't know if I can pilot the Victory Dragon again. Doctor Morris knows that, in fact it's one of the few things we've talked about. "Doctor Morris, I am not sure if…"
"No one is saying you have to pilot one again Tyler, this is just all to help you overcome your issues." Placing a friendly hand on my shoulder, the older woman smiles. "It is also to help your other friends."
Right… This isn't just about me, this is for my friends as well. Taking a breath and turning to the Japanese teen, I smiled slightly. "Houki… If this can help you, I am willing to do it."
"Same Tye." The teen drew her blade, and made her way to the other side of the room. A small smile appeared on her face. "Oh and you may want to be on some padding. I don't want to beat you up, too badly."
Grinning slightly, I drew the longsword from it's scabbard and tossed it onto the ground. "I believe that is my line Shinonono." Preforming a quick flourish with the sword, I turned to Doctor Morris. "Any rules we need to be aware of?"
"You will go until you tag the other person. That will end the match, ready?" When we nodded, the therapist walked off to the side. "Begin!"
Rushing the Japanese girl, I swung the sword in my hand in a over head strike. Houki blocked my attack, our two blades locked together. "Not bad, but your form is off." Pushing me back, the brown-haired teen advanced on me. Swinging her Iaito at me Houki, aimed for my shoulder. Jumping out of the way, I lifted the sword up and charged toward Houki. Spinning around I brought the sword down toward Houki's waist. "Nice try Tye, but you'll have to do better." Slapping my blade down, Houki kneed me in the stomach.
Grunting in pain, I stumbled back and raised my practice blade in time to block an overhead strike. "So… That's how we're playing huh?" Pushing her back, I headbutted her. "Then, let's have some fun." Without another word, both Houki and I charged at one another.
"Tye what happened to you? It looks like someone beat you with a metal bat." Ichika asked me later that night.
Smiling despite the slight amount pain I was in, I looked over at my friend. "You wouldn't be wrong, but… I haven't felt this good in a long time." Seriously the sparing match with Houki was…. Liberating to say the least, I think the two of us may even continue this after therapy is done and over with.
"Okay… So, you want to help me make dinner?" The teen grinned.
"Sure thing man." Climbing to my feet, I followed Ichika into the kitchen. I was about to help Ichika with the cooking, only to be stopped by Chifuyu. "What's up teach?" I asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Yeah, sis what's going on?" Ichika turned his head in confusion.
"Sorry Ichika, but your eating alone tonight. Kane and I have some business." When she said that, the older woman gave me a pointed stare.
Oh… I guess it's time for our date.
"Tell me Kane, why did you want to have a date with me?" Chifuyu asked over a glass of wine.
Shrugging my shoulders, I gave the older woman a smile. "Why wouldn't I want one? Your beautiful, intelligent, and I enjoy your company." I also enjoy being hit by you, but I will never say it out loud. That is my little secret.
"Uh huh." Sipping her wine Chifuyu raised an eyebrow. "What about your little girlfriends? Have you taken them out yet?"
Flushing slightly, I shook my head thinking over her words. I knew that Laura, and Cecilia liked me, and then there is Tatenashi… And Charlotte… No idea what's going on with her. However I am not sure how to deal with them. Sure I liked the attention, but… In all honesty? I have no idea on how to handle them, do I date one of them? I don't know, given what happened between me and Tabane? I am not sure if I can date someone. "No, but then again I am friends with them."
"Sure you are kid." Rolling her eyes, Chifuyu sipped her drink. "Just like we're not date, oh wait." A smirk graced Chifuyu's lips as she eyed me.
Rolling my eyes, I just crossed my arms. "Well what would you call us then?"
"I would say you have a little harem, you should just pick a girl and get over it." Chifuyu pointed at me.
Deciding to do something a little stupid, I leaned back in my chair. "What if I picked you?"
To her credit Chifuyu didn't spit out her drink, or even gag. Though she did flush slightly. Ha! I got her. "You're a moron then. I am older than you, and your teacher"
"I'll never deny that, plus if your worried about the age difference… Well I'll be eighteen in a couple of months." Grinning I crossed my arms, and leaned back in my chair. "As for the teacher thing? Well that won't be an issue… If I can't use the IS again, then I have to leave the academy."
Huffing the older woman shook her head. "You'll get through this issue, you're not the first pilot to suffer from PTSD and you won't be the last."
"I know that but… Just the thought of using the IS-" Closing my eyes, I slowly shook as the Silver Gospel came back to my mind. "-It frightens me, we could have died… Ichika could have died…"
Chifuyu slowly stands to her feet, walking around our small table she touched my shoulder. "I know. It isn't easy to deal with, but that is the reality of this world. None of you should have gone through that." Giving my shoulder a squeeze, she looked over me for a moment before nodding. "You'll be fine Tyler, just give it time."
"You called me by my name, you never call me by my name." Paling slightly, I stared up at the Japanese woman in horror. "I'm dying, that's why your being so nice to me."
Frowning Chifuyu smacked my head…. Yeah that's better. "Idiot." Sighing she walked back to her seat. I am not sure if I am imaging it… But she said it in a… Nice way? Yeah, I must be imagining it. "There was an almost pleasant moment, and much like my brother… You ruin it."
Snorting I began to laugh at her words, a smile appearing on my face. "I guess he rubbed off on me."
"Yes he did." Chifuyu smiles at me for a moment, then shakes her head.
Unknown Location:
"How is his progress?"
"He is doing well, and he should recover faster than expected."
"Good. What do you make of him? Do you think we can get him to join us?"
"He is a fool, but his skills with the IS are quite interesting. The armor change during the Gospel Incident, provides him with great versatility. I do not think he will join us willingly, but… We could manipulate him, if we provide the right bait."
"What bait do you suggest?"
"He has a slight White Knight complex, as seen with the incident involving Bodewig. He also has an attraction to his teacher, Orimura. I suggest we send THAT agent to test him, and entice him to us."
"I know just the agent you are speaking of, she'll not be easy to convince. However I'll get her to do it. I also know the perfect way draw him in. You are to keep an eye on him, is that understood?"
"Yes, I do. Anything for Phantom Task."