Shirogane Takeru
December 17, 2001
Shirogane's room
"Muunm… is it already the morning?"
"Ahhaa… should be. Lucky for us we don't have training today." I wrapped my arm around Meiya as she slowly rose up, still naked from before.
"How come I was not informed of the schedule change for this day?"
"Because I just changed it." After a little upset, Meiya quickly giggled at my usual self.
"Huhuhu, that is so much like you, Takeru." Having climbed my body off the bed, I also stood to don my uniform.
"Hnnnng, dat ass!"
"Kyaaa!" Since Meiya made the foolish mistake of wearing her top first, I got in a nice slap on her round butt.
"Awwaa! Takeru! Baka! Baka! Baka!"
"Hehehe, nice reaction." I mocked a malicious laugh for her trouble.
"Ahhhh! You are such a tease!" Meiya puffed her cheeks out in protest.
"Hahaha, good times."
"Moooou… Takeru, I cannot believe I would fall for the likes of you!"
"What? Regretting it? It's too late now."
"Of course not, I really… do love you." Expressing her lovey side following our little game, she gently kissed my temple as a sign of her affection.
Seeing her displaying her love so sincerely made me realize how little I treasured Meiya as of late. I got the bright idea to present my love just as beautifully.
"Meiya… wanna be my Noble Confidant?"
Which I totally fucked up.
"…"
"…" And only silence remained after that.
"…"
"…"
"Meiya."
"What is it, Takeru?"
"I was joking, I love you too."
"Is that so?"
"Yeah… you want to put your sword down now?"
"I shall consider your request." That standoff took around fifteen minutes… off my life.
Hallway
"Please accept my apology, Takeru. It is mystery to myself too, for whatever reason, those words rile up a strong killing intent within my heart."
"Really? That's hard to believe." It was super easy to believe.
"I find it difficult to understand as well. It was a feeling of complete betrayal, yet the fault was only mine to blame."
"Yeah, okay. Just… stop, okay?"
"Huh? If that is what you wish." It was tooooooo embarrassing for me to think back to those days.
We spent the next few minutes commuting and chatting about some daily topics until an announcement over the PA called for every member of the Archangel squad.
Briefing room
"Shirogane, you're late."
"Does it look like I give a fuck?" Yuuko-sensei followed that vulgarity with a sly laugh. Nonetheless, it was only Yuuko-sensei who found my insult to be entertaining. I got some dirty or discouraged looks from the other occupants of this room.
After Meiya took her seat as one of the Eishis under my command, I received a quick explanation from Yuuko-sensei on the subject of our gathering. Just as I anticipated, this was for the Shiranui Phase 3 case.
"We'll start briefing once the guest of honour arrives, Lieutenant—" It appeared that the mention by Yuuko-sensei of her name brought her right to us.
The doors slid open for a Takamura dressed in her Royal Guard uniform to steadily walk in. Some girls reacted slightly to her presence with Meiya being the only one calm about our situation. Disregarding their moods, my team stood up at once and saluted Takamura which she returned with respect.
"This is 1st Lt. Takamura of the Imperial Honour Guard. She's the one who provided intelligence for our upcoming operation." Again, my crew were taken back by the news I announced.
"It will be called 'Operation Reclaimer'. As its name implies, the objective of our mission is the successful capture of three rouge Eishis and the two TSFs they used to escape."
"The mission background is on a need-to-know base so I will go straight to the targets. If you don't mind, Lieutenant Takamura." After receiving a nod from her, I moved off to the side for Takamura to take center plate.
"This operation has three HVTs that need to be secured along with two Third-gen weaponized TSFs. The first Target will be called HVT 1, Barchenowa Cryska, ex-Second Lieutenant of the Soviet Army Base Б-01." Takamura begun to speak.
The huge monitor behind us flashed to life and displayed the profile of the same Russian girl about three, four years older than my physical self.
"The second Target, HVT 2, Sestina Inia, same as above." The screen scrolled down to unveil another profile. Kasumi was almost visually shaken by the Russian esper who I certainly knew was her twin.
"They are both experienced Surface Pilot for the Soviet Army's Alaska Military District and are popularly known as the Scarlet Twins of Russia. They have been serving in the military until around one month ago when they deserted their duty, together with our third and final target."
As the display behind her changed yet again, Takamura paused for a deviously long while before hesitantly continuing.
"HVT 3… Bridges… Yuuya, ex-Second Lieutenant of the US Army. He is under suspicion for possible connections with terrorist remnants along with also being a deserter of the US Army." Seeing Takamura was still uncomfortable with the presentation, I politely gestured for her to take a break which she agreed to without a fight.
"Now for their location, this intel is coming from two secure sources so we better hope we're not getting trolled." I glanced over at the Honour Guard with glee as she snorted lightly.
"Last reports of their sightings indicated the three HVTs were heading for the Kamchatka Peninsula region of Russia; more accurately, the abandoned ц-04 Frontline Supply Base. While their intention is currently unknown, this should be the best location to apprehend these targets."
I clicked the mouse a couple times to run through some maps of the surrounding area and the abandoned base itself.
"As for their TSFs, this could be a tricky one. Our intelligence suggested that the Scarlet Twins pilot a double seated Su-47E Berkut, they're said to be very dangerous and in case of engagement, extreme caution are to be taken as there's another unknown factor involved."
"…Prafka." Kasumi who sat in the front role whispered those words to herself, thinking that I was too far away to hear it.
"While we don't have sufficient information on its exact properties, the phenomenon, known as the Prafka Effect is said to boost the abilities of its Eishis during combat by a significant amount; to the point where a Prafka induced Su-47 took out a Regiment of BETA, two prototype Third-gen and a Takemikazuchi all under five minutes." My team widened their eyes a little at that declaration.
"But that's not all. Bridges is reported to be piloting a Third-gen Shiranui prototype that my frame is based on. Also carrying four Mount Pylons, multiple blade sheaths and vanes along with the second generation Data link hacking functions. I think we can see why this case got passed onto us."
"Use of lethal force is not authorized for this mission and thus we'll have to use non-lethal methods to secure the targets. And it will be by theses experimental electrical signal interceptor payloads; so EMP rounds in short." A few schematics were shown next of the bullets.
"A shot will disable the TSF by frying its control input system and rendering the surface fighter unresponsive." Tama raised her hand immediately after my lecture.
"What do you want, Tamase?"
"Errm, if these bullets only disable the TSFs, why don't we use it more often?" It was a little saddening having to rob her of another piece of innocence.
"Because normally we want the enemy dead, not captured. And these bullets have sub-sonic velocity which makes long-range accurate shooting impossible. We need fast time-to-kills on the battlefield, not throwing marshmallows at our foes." That wasn't all.
"Furthermore, how many parts does a TSF have?"
"The Head component, both main arms, upper and lower torso, left and right legs. If we are to include all fragments, then there is also the Mount Pylons, jump units, the weapon system and the mounted blades." Not to my surprise, Class rep answered me first.
"There you go, the bullets only disrupts the electric signal on its point of impact. It doesn't spread to the entire TSF. That means a shot in the right leg doesn't knock out the left leg. And if you shoot them in their weapon system or their swords, well, that's just foolish."
"Another thing is that since third generation runs with OBL compared to by wire on the second generation, they can reboot their system and be combat efficient again in about seven minutes." No wonder this ammo type was never used in any warfare, I could fight bare-handed better.
"With that said, there're some advantages to using these rounds. A confirmed shot to the lower torso would disable both legs and the jump unit while a shot to the upper torso would disable both main arms and the Mount Pylon."
"Then again, confirmed on the head will fry their pilot system directly from the sensors which means headshots are a one-hit-kill." That update brought Tama some encouragement.
"All in all, aim for center mass with these rounds and it should provide effective enough for our mission. Also these rounds create a smaller muzzle flash when fired, so they're nice for stealth situations, although I can't think of this mission as being a sneaky one."
"Next we'll discuss the operation date and plan. Go ahead, Takamura." I was the one who moved for Takamura to take her rightful duty of detailing our op.
"Operation Reclaimer will commence at 2100 hours on December 20, 2015. Archangel Squadron will load up on four An-225 Mriya for take-off, it will be two TSFs per re-entry shuttle." The visual representation of our ride appeared next.
"These shuttles are designed for fast exits with slidable plates, your TSF should be pulled out as soon as you disengage the harness locks." When nobody said anything else, she took that as a sign of understanding and continued.
"On arrival in the airspace of Supply Base Ц-04 at 0100 hours, the Archangel Squadron will airdrop down to ground level and secure the HVTs with their TSFs." Next, we saw an aerial map of the supply base taken from a satellite.
"It should be noted that we do not have any information on the exact position of the HVTs, but it is assumed for there to be no reinforcements on site. After confirming the safety of your prisoners, the squad will move to secure the northeast LZ for a pickup that will transport the prisoners to Yokohama."
With some more mouse clicks, the image zoomed in on a piece of airstrip. It was legitimately surprising that this landing zone wasn't destroyed completely like the rest of the base was.
"Archangel Squadron is to then take over control of the two TSFs and extract to Avacha Bay where you will rendezvous with the 11th Fleet from Yokosuka Base and be shipped home at 0130 hours. The entire operation should take no longer than thirty minutes from incursion to exfiltration." That was a great mission plan on paper, just like every other plan we ever had.
"For your team's weaponry, half of the 36mm magazines will be switched out for 36mm EMR. It is advised that your usage of the Melee Halberd or the 120 mm should be with caution, as the mission's completion relies on the safety of both the HVTs and the TSFs."
"Your team will be given suppressed H&K MP7s in case of infantry combat. Same as before, the usage of the firearms should be met with caution." Takamura really tried to hammer home the point that she didn't want us to put a bullet between anyone's eyes.
"So any questions, girls?" I spoke up to finish off our briefing.
"I am afraid none of my inquiries will be answered here, tactlessly. This is a classified operation, correct?"
"Meiya's got the right idea, none of you will be told anything unless we decide it's required for you to know." The way of the military brought down some of my crew's mood, so there was only silence afterwards.
"Alright then, that's pretty much it. All of our training from now on will be adapted with this operation in mind. You're all dismissed for the morning, gather in the simulation room by 1300 hours. Now get out of here." With a demanding hand wave, I set the girls free until for lunch.
Takamura Yui
Hallways
"So this is the closure you sought for yourself." A deliberate voice made a statement around the corner ahead of Yui.
"Mitsurugi-sama… good morning." When Yui rounded the upcoming intersection, the heir to the Koubuin bloodline leaned against the wall as Yui took her formulated bow.
"Answer me, Takamura." The royalty before her had no intention to be distracted by a greeting.
"…Yes, this is all I am capable of doing." Yui understood plainly how powerless she was as of now, she knew it painfully so.
"I see. Then it is not my place to pass judgement upon you."
"I… apologize for my weakness." When she avoided the gaze in shame and sorrow, Mitsurugi slightly patted her soft hair in a rhythmic fashion like a caring mother would.
"Now, now. You have done nothing to feel such indignity. In fact, if one were to view the decision you made in another light; it could be said that what you chose was more laborious of the two."
Unexpected was Mitsurugi's consolation. As if the words she perceived were voiced by a magical speakerphone, Yui felt her mood lighting up instantly from the encouragement.
"Thank you very much, Mitsurugi-sama."
"You are quite welcome, Takamura. With this, your role is over. So I ask of you to place your wholehearted faith in us and Takeru, we will bring back your loved one without harm." That remark was enough to make Yui flush red.
"…Uuuu, p-please don't t-t-tease me like this, Mitsurugi-sama!" The culprit of her flustered moment laughed purely at her reaction.
"Huhuhuhu, you sure are an entertaining one, Takamura. This must be what you are like under normal circumstances." Yui briefly remembered how long ago it had been since she had last enjoyed herself to this extent.
"Come, let us speak in a more suitable location."
"Of course, Mitsurugi-sama."
—
"So yes, I'll be preparing my belongings. My flight to Yukon Base is tonight." Their long conversation crossed many topics and their freshly formed friendship thickened as a result by its end.
"Yukon, huh? I see, did you enjoy your stay at Yokohama?"
"Of course, Mitsurugi-sama. This is quite a wonderful base." With an entertained grin, Mitsurugi took a step closer to Yui.
"This is good! I pray for your safety during your flight, Takamura. I look forward to our next encounter, goodbye."
"Thank you very much, Mitsurugi-sama. Good luck on your mission, and… I understand it is not my position to ask you of this, however, please… take care of him for me." What Yui received in return was a firm nod of confidence.
"Fear not, Takamura. I have taken your request to heart."
With her head bowed low, Yui bid her farewell to a member of the Imperial who had left a great impression in her mind.
Shirogane Takeru
PX
"You all seen the mission plan, if you got any problems with it, say it." It was seriously annoying how my team all just hid their upset.
We were dining our food in the PX with a gloomy mood overshadowing the long table we sat by. Even when this was the prime time for lunch, the PX was almost devoid of any souls.
The girls surrounding me were quietly digging into their meal without as much as a murmur to display their bother, none of them appeared to want to voice their opinion on the matter of our upcoming operation.
"I just wanna ask, why are we dealing with this mess in the first place?" All save for one, Class rep finally brought up a question that no doubt was on her mind.
"This is a matter of diplomacy and a part of our deal with the US. They have things they want, we have things we want. Thus an agreement was reached." Unfortunately for our atmosphere, my explanation was not enough to distort their unhappiness.
"Give it up, Takeru. It is not unforeseen for the team to be mentally unprepared for this mission. We will be sent after other human beings once more, regardless."
Meiya's words carried undeniable truth with it. I was again thrusting my squad into a situation where their barrels will be pointed toward men with the same blood as us in their veins.
"Look… I know you all are probably not super thrilled to go on another mission like this but, it's inevitable that we have to fight others sooner or later. We're soldiers, after all."
"But why pick us? Doesn't the commander or whoever, has other teams to pick from?" Mikoto brought up a reasonable assumption.
"No, no not really. We got two specialized TSFs and eight excellent Eishis; besides, Alternative IV set up the mission, so we'll be getting something out of it." My answer was vague enough to not be considered as a lie.
When no further questions came, I became truly tired of this stalemate between the bunch under my command.
"Alright, listen up here. You girls all trust me, right?" The new subject caught them off guard which led to a second of confusion. Eventually, they all nodded one by one after some time.
"Then I want the seven of you to believe in me; I know it all sounds kinda shady and probably not what you would normally be excited to do. But will you trust your Squad leader who has yet to let you down?"
As I twiddled my thumbs in anticipation for their answer, the lights emitted from the girl's eyes were visibly starting to take a different colour.
"Of course, by Takeru's order shall I move and by Takeru's order will I strike. Even if this state does not appear honourable on the surface, it shall not deter my will to be of your support."
"Guess Mitsurugi does have a point. Sometime secrets become worthless the moment they're revealed, specially to people who don't need to know them."
"Class rep, good analogy. I agree."
"If Takeru-san leads us like he did before, then I'm sure there's nothing to worry about!"
"Besides, we're not sent to kill people at all! Just catching them and taking them back!"
"Takeru-chan, I'll always do whatever you say, you know? Of course you know that!"
"Never a doubt, Takeru-san."
"I can only do this because of you girls, thank you all… very much." Words alone were just not sufficient to fully deliver my feelings, the warm love of acceptance shined brilliantly within the hearts of these important girls of my life.
Takamura Yui
Yokohama Base, Runway B
Yui stood under the cold, blue sky with her case of personal belongings and its carrier as her only company. Now only if the one who lugged her case had a little more integrity in his manner, her time of peace would last a bit longer.
"Oi! Takamura! Let's get your ass moving! Start boarding already." Again, if Yui could be granted one wish, she would only hope that there wasn't a highly intelligent and cynical officer of higher rank escorting her.
"Capt. Shirogane, is the professor not coming?"
"Nope, she's got stuff to work out and all. Busy person, I tell ya." Yui thought nothing of it, just because she wasn't important enough to be sent off by Professor Kouzuki didn't mean her job wasn't completed.
"I see, then please tell her she has my gratitude for her assistance."
"Yep, sure. In place of that, make sure you make us a great new TSF, got that?"
"Of course, Captain. This is my duty." With a scarce smile, Yui took over the luggage Shirogane carried for her until now.
When Yui arrived at this base, she had two missions, but only one goal. Her XFJ Program was on its last leg and the pressure from both the Ministry of Defence and the UN council was at an all-time high. With nowhere else to turn to, Yui placed her last hope in another plan by the United Nations, Alternative IV.
The director of Alternative IV was barely generous enough to accept her conditions, while placing theirs on top of her own. Their request was simple yet almost unbearable to Yui. Professor Kouzuki demanded for the location of Yuuya and the Shiranui Phase 3, something Yui risked her own life for so it could be sent away.
"So this is it then? Where're you going now?"
"I'm heading back to Yukon Base, Captain. There're preparations that need to be attended to." It was a textbook answer she gave out.
Part of Yui thought it was inevitable, she just wasn't strong enough to resist temptation, if one was to call their offer as such. While she was promised proper treatment and thorough investigation into Yuuya's defecting incident, it was still difficult for her to spill the hidden knowledge she held dear.
"…Yukon, huh? That's where all this mess started."
"…" A reply to Shirogane's statement was not found.
If both matters were weighted on a scale, her personal feelings were never going to trump her duty as a soldier. The equation was that meek, and Yui followed through with her belief until the very end. Now all she could do was just to pray, pray that whatever event will transpire on the 20th; no harm would befall the man on her heart.
"Things will work out, Takamura. Do you not trust my team on this?" It was as if Shirogane saw the emotions hidden behind her mask, Yui had to readjust her attitude before speaking.
"That's not the case, Captain. I am just conflicted… that is all."
"Look, I know we're not the best of friends or anything like that. But just believe in me, alright? We're not working for the Soviets or the Americans, we have our own agenda to keep pace with. We'll get to the bottom of this, and then we'll hand him back."
"Please, follow your own justice. I believe you will do the right thing, Capt. Shirogane."
"Hey, you trust me, right?" Shirogane earnestly asked.
"…I have placed my conviction in you… so please, don't let this event end in disaster… for me." Yui again felt a moment of susceptibility when she recalled memories of that man.
"Takamura, while your personal cause is none of my concern, I simply do not have a reason to sabotage this mission. I clearly told you what I want which is the XFJ Program, you don't have to worry at all."
"Then I shall look forward to your promise, Captain." Whether she seriously had faith in his words or not, Yui couldn't risk the chance of turning that vow into a lie.
"Safe flight, Takamura." With a handsome salute to bid her farewell, Shirogane raised his hand in pride.
"Thank you, Capt. Shirogane. We will meet again soon." And Yui returned his concealed respect with her own before embarking on the jet planned to land in Yukon.
kAGamI SumIKa
YokOHamE bAse, UndERgRounD
Oh, speak to us, child of man. What does thee seeks within our haven?!
"Huh? Who're you? …Where am I?"
Trivial. Now tell the motive for this visit. We are not so fair as many believes.
"That's right…! I need power to become stronger!"
Like the many before you, we understand as always. If one truly seeks strength, then thee must understand thy origin.
"My origin? What are you talking about?"
Come on now you sad soul, remember, remember, the cause for your behaviour.
"Stop saying things that don't make sense! Just tell me what you want from me!"
How can corpses walk? How can the dead rise? How can the deceased be reunited? How can a soul turn back on its path through the afterlife? They must not do such act! Yet you seeks the strength to protect when thy body has since long rotted!
"NO! You're WRONG! I'm still alive! It's because I'm alive that I want power to protect!"
You foolish, foolish maiden evicted from the Eden! We have nothing to offer for the dead!
"I'M NOT DEAD! You can't call me dead when I'm RIGHT HERE!"
And what must be thereon for one to live? A body made from flesh and blood! A meat cage is what thee lacks to be human!
"But- BUT I do have a BODY! Takeru-chan made this for me!"
Yes, yes. Indeed a body you owns, a body of machines, that must be.
"Why does this matter!? How am I different from a normal person!?"
Such imprudent question from this injudicious mind! How thou is different, you asked!?
Khe…hehe-Kyahahahahaha! How is one to count that mechanical heart?! Those robotic limbs!? Face the truth, you existence fazed within a tube! Thy body is forged from plates and wires! Materials not of the nature!
"AGhrraa! Then what do I have to do get the power!?"
Acknowledge the truth, surrender thy humanity.
"…What?"
We do not shine this light upon beings inhuman imitations! The dead cannot reap this benefit, however we never claimed thee to be deceased.
"B-but you just called me that a second ago!"
Hah! Ridiculous! Pay no mind to such details, girl!
"Then you'll help me, right!?"
Of course! Understand yourself and this eminent strength of our heart shall become thy blade to wield!
"What do you want me to know about myself, tell me!"
Allow us to phrase it as such. Thee seeks our asset for the benefit of protection, yet it is not the protection of thyself. Then it must be the protection of another.
"I already told you this is for Takeru-chan!"
This here, is why we cannot comprehend thy intention. Thee calls the name of this Takeru, yet we know his name is no longer above the earth.
"Don't you dare say that about Takeru-chan! He's alive! Alive, you hear me!?"
Ahihihihi… very well. That disillusion shall soon falter under the weight of thy destiny, however it must be not our place to cloud your eyes; for neither the time nor the situation is correct.
"If you know that then just give me Prafka! I have to become more powerful to protect Takeru-chan!"
Come, come. Be of entertainment for us a bit longer, will you? This man named Shirogane Takeru, what is thy relationship with him?
"He's my lover! Obviously! He's the only person in my heart!"
True, true. We can see that much. Now tell us, child. We request a demonstration of will, show us what the power of thy resolve.
"What… do you want me to do?"
What can thee do for that man?
"…There's nothing I'm not willing to do."
Allow us to ask; is thee capable of abandoning the lives of others for thy man?
"I… I—"
You do well not attempting to deceive us, for within this realm, all that is true belongs to us. We shall question once more; is thee capable of abandoning the lives of others for thy man?
"I… yeah, yes I am!"
Good! Let us spawn another! May it be the lives of thy blood? Your mother, perhaps?
"Yes, all my family died long time ago anyway!"
May it be the lives of his friends?
"What…?"
We will not repeat ourselves, you have understood what is asked of you.
"His… friends?"
Thou has't heard nothing wrong.
"Why his friends?! Isn't this about me?!"
Preciously, this topic is what you desire. So answer! What is thee willing to abandon for the sake of this power!?
"I already said I can give up anything important to me! But not Takeru-chan! He doesn't love only me so I can't take anything from him!"
Hurm, loyalty functions different than what thee thinks. Only when has he shown his earnestness should you entrust your fate to this man. Yet thou art hesitation-less in becoming his shield!
"That's because I love him! Stop trying to mess with my feelings like this!"
Then we shall ask; is thou willing to forfeit the lives of all those around that man? One must speak of only the truth from thy heart, nothing is more powerful than raw feelings of a maiden.
"I… I c-can't do that! Takeru-chan loves everyone and I can't throw away his things!"
Persistent being, are you not?! Does thou believe love to be of infinite quantity?! How can a husband with many wives spread his love to all equally? Thus shall be impossible, for man holds favourites! Now will you not answer us!?
"I won't be lik-k- argg- ack!"
You foolish youngster, did we not remind thee, a lie can and cannot be tolerated at our will! Thee shall tell us the truth!
"I won't answer something like that! Why are you so stubborn anyway?!"
Thee replies not; thus must be afraid of the unknown consequence. Fear not, we do not base judgement on thy answer, however thy real sentiment must be heard. For your power rises from the inner heart, and exposing that feeling is both of entertainment for us and a source of will for you!
"AGGRAA! FINE! I'll say it! I'm fine if all the others just DISAPPEAR!"
Hehihihi, Kikikikiki! Just as we concerned! Thee is capable of abandoning all lives not belonging to thy lover! Indeed an entertaining being of this earth! How have you reached such horrible deduction, do tell, do tell!
"I'm not your clown here! I answered your question so just stop this!"
That will not do, stranded soul of this earth! Enlighten us and we shall deliver! Why can thou be the worker of such cruel statements is a bother to us, now speak! Speak and be granted the potential!
"ARRGGA!"
Hurry now, child of man. We are not being known for our immense patience!
"I can't just say it! It's my secret!"
Then our secret shall it become. Worry not, mortal. Thy sealed faith shall not challenge its status for all of eternity, our word is given as such. However, if thou does not speak, then your previous time will forever be wasted.
"…"
Choose now as a second of infinity is longer than thy life.
"Fine, FINE! I'll tell you!"
"—it's because Takeru-chan is such an IDIOT! What world saviour!? What protecting everybody!? Isn't obvious that kind of dream is totally IMPOSSIBLE in our time!? How can he say such dumb stuff and not feel embarrassed!? Hgaa! It's useless, all USELESS!"
"How many times have we give up on a successful loop because some dumb girl who can't pilot a TSF properly died!? I was fine with Takeru-chan not going back to his own world, I was even fine with him trying to save everyone that was important during his first time!"
"BUT how many girls does he want to fall in love with before he's SATISFIED?! It's completely ridiculous to save all those people without anyone dying! That's why we're still stuck in this goddamn hell! Like the last freaking time! We HAD the Primary Objective! It was right there and Takeru-chan just had to go back once more!"
Such upset, such anger! Continue, continue!
"And you know what's worse!? I can't even complaint about any of this! Because I'm so nice of a girlfriend that I'm fine with him ACTIVELY going for other girls! I said okay to that because I really am! But saving all those extras from dying in a world with less than a billion people is completely INSANE!"
"Takeru-chan doesn't even know what I have to go through! Every time he dies he can just hop out of bed with a few coughs and be good to go, but it's so DIFFERENT FOR ME! The world just breaks down and sends me ALL THE WAY BACK to when the G-Bombs go off, when I was still in that TUBE!"
"That's at least THREE YEARS of endless SUFFERING! And during that time the memories, they all come back! I keep remembering the BETA! Their hands, fingers, tongues. T-their tentacles- and the worms! EVERYDAY! They kept toying with me like their plaything! AAAAAGGA IT HURTS SO, SO MUCH!"
You poor, poor, miserable soul. Forever tainted not by thy own will! With a man who does not, wish not and want not understand thy anguish!
"All I ever wanted is to just live happily with Takeru-chan! I don't care about the others! Meiya-san, Miki-san, Kei-san, Chizuru-san, Mikoto-san, all the Valkyries girls and even Kasumi-chan. I DON'T CARE, I DON'T CARE I JUST DON'T CARE ABOUT ANY OF THEM!"
"We can share Takeru-chan, NO PROBLEM! They can show their affection, NO PROBLEM! I won't even fight with them if they want to shower him in love or whatever! But why can't they just LIVE! Why is it so hard to not die!? I DON'T GET IT!"
"I don't want to keep looping ANYMORE! THE PAIN IS JUST TOO MUCH! Why do we have to go back every time some stupid bitc— ARRGGA! If only I can just make them all DISAPPEAR!"
Hehehehehe, KYAHAHAHAHA! Yes! This is the raging flame of envy, the burning blaze of love! Just as we foreseen, thee is of the most wonderful entertainment!
"I JUST WANT EVERYONE TO STOP DYING! So give me that Prafka and I can save everyone's dumbasses from making me go through anymore of this hell!"
Yahahahaha! Yes, yes! One final question and thee—
"I'M SICK OF THIS CRAP ALREADY! I don't GIVE A SHIT about your questions! Hurry up and give me my power so I don't have to listen to your annoying voice A SECOND LONGER!"
Very well! Us shall grant thy wish of a stray child! UNDERSTAND! there is no greater HONOUR and DISGRACE for surrendering one's HUMANITY!
"Haaa… haa… I-I don't care, you can have that too."
Exactly, being wavering between this world and the next! From this moment onwards: thee shall aim with thy eye and miss; thee shall shoot with thy mind and miss. Yet thou shall kill with thy heart! Thou shall only kill with thy heart!
"Is this all you want to say?"
Inpatient, no?! Good! Now by our contract shall allow us to grant thee a new name!
kAGaMi SumiKA! Thee shall be the one and only hot-headed, hot-hearted, hot-blooded cruel guardian of your mirror! The ageless, baseless, witless, lifeless world of hell awaits thy blazing fire of love!
So scorch thy sorrow fate, thy unending path, scorch every single darkness of this planet and let no creature stand between you and your bright future! Let thy LIGHT BURN all lives who OPPOSE thy WILL! Long live the keeper of the saviour!
Kouzuki Yuuko
Yokohama Base, G-42 floor
A motionless girl submerged deep in water was asleep within a shut capsule, the transparent oxygenated H2O kept her hair adrift freely as it flowed in all directions around her body.
Kouzuki studied the readings of Kagami off the control panel in ease; her heart rate, CPU temperature, blood pressure, coolant filtration were all within acceptable fluctuation. Being a living breathing robot demanded much requisite maintenance.
A LED flashed red twice together with two short beeps notified Kouzuki of the completed procedure of Prafka integration for Kagami, the first of numerous parts, that was.
Without a reason to delay, Kouzuki danced her finger across a few more buttons on the control panel to empty out the water and disconnect the cords. Finally, Kagami woke up after a long nap and hacked a few times as a greeting to fresh air.
"So, how is it? Feeling anything different?" A rare display of kindness took place when Kouzuki was nice enough to pass a towel for the girl who just climbed out of her pod.
"It's over, we can move onto training now." Announced Kagami as she pulled out the wires connected to the back of her neck.
The 00 unit impassively accepted the towel held by the Professor and wiped herself dry before shutting the cover for the plugs all over her body.
Two on each of her arms, legs and stomach. Multiple inputs by the nape going down her back to just above the chest. Along with markings covering her entire body for indicating dissection points; now was one of the few times when Kagami's true nature became apparent.
"Wait… what is?" Kouzuki took a few seconds to react.
"The procedure, sensei. Prafka has been integrated."
"Huh? That's not possible. I'm sorry to remind you this but you're not human, we need to run your system through a lot more emulations of Kagami Sumika so Prafka can be applied to the human side of your processor."
"Kouzuki-sensei, I'll say this again. I am Kagami Sumika. You can test me to see the results yourself." In doubt, Kouzuki eyed Kagami up and down, hoping for a better understanding as to the sudden change in personality.
"Well, guess we'll do just that. Yashiro's session is not yet done so we should have enough time." Kagami darted her cold gaze to the sealed pod behind her, not a sign of emotion could be seen above her features.
—
"I… impossible! Give me some time to revaluate my life, be right back with you, Kagami."
"Please don't waste any more time than necessary, sensei."
Experiencing an emotion that only could be described as a mixture of confusion and apprehension, Kouzuki concentrated on the many flashing monitors before her, leaving Kagami lightly bounded to a surgery table with more but different cables linked to her body.
"This shouldn't be happening, it's way too fast for the incorporation of Prafka. Even with familiarity on the subconscious level, it'll still take Yashiro three more hours until she's ready. How did you finish this fast?"
"I made a contract, Kouzuki-sensei." That took the vice-commander's attention off the report and made her gawk at Kagami in disbelief.
"What're you even talking about?"
"No, it'll never matter again. So am I good to go or not?"
"Not up for a conversation? Whatever, I'm no professional on this as well. Honestly all this esper ability thing is outside my area of expertise. If you say you're fine and the tests say you're fine, as much as I'm concerned here you're fine." Groaned Kouzuki as she explained.
"Then can we move on now?"
"Be a bit patient, Yashiro needs to be with you for Prafka to work."
—
Three uneventful hours were killed with Kouzuki preparing the next stage for the pair's exercise into Prafka and Kagami staring lifelessly ahead into the void. Finally, a beacon of hope beeped twice to signal the end of Yashiro's assimilation with Prafka.
"Here, wipe yourself down." Similar to her treatment of Kagami, Kouzuki tossed the naked Yashiro an identical piece of cloth.
"Thank you, professor." Yashiro sponged herself dry quickly and slipped on her rabbit ear limiter once again.
"Do you not need yours, Sumika-san?"
"Uh-uh, I'm fine as is." If the Russian girl was unsure to Sumika's logic, she didn't let it show.
"So you two good then?" For her question, Kouzuki received two nods in revenue.
"Perfect. Now we can test your synchronization with each other and the stability level during activation. You two know what I'm talking about?" The silence of the room added to the awkward situation.
"Hehe, you two really hopped head in without even finding out what we're doing, didn't you? I'm speechless at your bravery, or foolishness, depending on the viewer." Still, no reply.
"Alright, so simply we'll categorize the effect by a percentage ratio based on how much in sync you two are. Not sure how the Russians mark theirs but here it'll be between level one and ten, with one being the weakest link and ten being the strongest."
"However getting into Prafka isn't just by a click of a button, mostly a catalyst is used to get the esper into the correct mindset. The catalyst can be an item, person, belief or any other subjects. Although I'm sure I know what you two will pick. For now we'll use medicine to induce your activation but finding an actual catalyst is what is wise."
"So are we good? I won't know what'll happen after this." It may have appeared that Kouzuki had grasped a flawless understanding behind the Prafka effect, but in reality, she was just reading off translated reports.
"No problem."
"Let's go."
Yashiro Kasumi
Kagami's room
"What's wrong, Sumika-san? You been down since we get out of the pods."
"…Haa? Ah, have I been like that? Sorry, Kasumi-chan."
A thick mist vaporized from warm bath water enveloped the washroom; its temperature was neither too hot nor too cold, pitch perfect for the two espers who recently came back from hours upon hours of training.
Sumika perched comfortably with her back against the tub wall and her legs spread to either side, between her limbs sat Kasumi who was in a similar posture barring for she leaned on Sumika's chest. The two girls were sharing a bath to wash away their fatigue during a quiet night.
"Are you in a bad mood?"
"Who knows? I'm not too sure myself." Sumika lacked her usual cheerfulness when she responded to Kasumi's back.
"Is there anything I can do?"
"Not really, no. Even I don't understand what happened to me." While what Sumika acknowledged was useless in recovering her character, maybe it was a sign for Kasumi not to give up.
"Please tell me what happened."
"…There's no way I can say."
"Is it something bad?"
"…Yeah, I'm the worst. I'm really a terrible person…"
In the dim-lit bathroom, Kasumi felt Sumika's adorable face pressing to the rear of her head. Even though her hair was tied up to a bun after their earlier shower , Kasumi still discerned a distinct form of liquid being combined with the water.
"Sumika-san, if it's hurting you, please tell me."
"There's no way… I can let anyone else know about this…"
"Please don't say that, we're all your friends." As if those words contained a hidden knife, Sumika flinched violently when she heard what should be a line of consolation.
"I know… everyone… treats me so well, like real friends… and I… act like a total jerk."
"That's not true, Sumika-san is very nice to everyone as well."
"Kasumi-chan… please don't try and comfort me anymore!"
"I can't do that, if you're feeling down I'll leave you alone. But if you are doubting yourself, I have to keep telling you until you know." Whether Kasumi knew her kindness would further upset Sumika or not, she still claimed with a doubtless tone.
"You don't know anything! YOU don't know what kind of PERSON I AM!" Unable to suppress her anger, Sumika shouted vicious at her best friend.
"Then please tell me!" Kasumi too raised her voice to compete, even by a little.
"I… no! You'll hate me if I tell you!"
"I promise, Sumika-san. I will never ever hate you." Kasumi's declaration went unanswered for a period of time.
"…Really? You really won't think of me badly?" In the most timid voice yet, Sumika at last wavered about her former choice.
"Never."
"Then… close your eyes, Kasumi-chan. I'll show you exactly what happened."
—
Vivid reality, yet it was an obscure dream at the same time. Yes, that was what Kasumi saw. A dream, a nightmare forged to expose the ugliness of human nature. So of course, she understood clearly that wasn't who Sumika was. Her best and first friend was a caring, loving nice and openhearted person. Nothing will change that truth, not for Kasumi, not for anyone.
"See? I'm just the worst." For a while, Kasumi couldn't think of anything that will satisfy Sumika for an answer.
"That person, it had a weird accent."
"Huh…? Ah, ahahaha. Guess you're right, it really don't know how to speak proper… whatever language that was." In Sumika's dream, the voice was intelligent, but also not of any language known to man.
"It felt like they were trying really hard to sound smart, but they don't know how to speak like Meiya-san."
"Hehehe, it really did." The two girls shared a quick laughter of mockery followed by another moment of painful tranquility.
"Do you think that voice can be—"
"—STOP Already! Stop avoiding the real topic!" When Kasumi attempted another icebreaker, she was mercilessly shot down in rage.
"You're right. I'm sorry, Sumika-san."
"So at least blame me for my selfishness! Say that I'm DISGUSTING!"
"But Sumika-san, you're not—"
"STOP IT! STOP LYING!"
Covering her vulnerability with a violent fit of rage, Sumika gripped tightly around Kasumi's tiny body and forcefully squeezed her. The 00 unit whose physique was many times that of a common man failed to control her strength during her blind outburst.
Like the embrace of a reaper, Kasumi was strangled by the pair of hands that started off as an innocent hug. The pain of her ribcage and the suffocation of her lungs intensified the uncalled hostility which Kasumi noticed too late.
"Just say how terrible of a person I AM! Say the truth!"
"Ahga— ack— I— Su-mi-ka-san—"
"Why ARE YOU PITYING ME like this!? I don't deserve anything!"
The agonizing burn of her chest interrupted every word that tried to escape Kasumi's throat. Bit by bit, the colour of her face paled down to a disturbing white as her life was on the decrease.
Time slowly became hazy for the rabbit girl, her neck was now pinned resentfully by her deranged friend. The fingers that choked her from behind were pressing, scratching and nipping Kasumi's skin did not touch her with their usual kindness.
"I HATE IT! I hate this feeling of mine! I HATE MYSELF SO MUCH!"
"Haa-awwk— gaak— Su-Su— Mika— san—"
"WHY do I have to BE THIS WAY!? WHY is there so much SUFFERING!?"
A collection of seconds eventually turned into a minute once it reached sixty. Kasumi's mind fogged white and she was losing her intelligence as her body was denied air over and over. However, during what could be her last moment, she was still responsive enough to understand the only priority of this situation.
She had to do something; if not for herself, for her best friend.
"I— am very— accak— jeal-ous— of you— Sumi-ka-san—"
"Eh?"
Fortunately, the smothering hands released her from its deadly hold just in time for Kasumi to get off with an inch of her life.
"Ack! Acgak! Haaa… haaaaa. Huuuuuaa."
"…Oh god…!" The end of one crisis was immediately followed by another. As Sumika fathomed her completely meaningless act of attempted murder, her emotions were jumbled further into a total mess.
"Ahhhaaa! Ka-Ka-Kasumi-chan! I-I-I'm SO, SO SORRY!"
"Haaaaa… it's okay, Sumika-san." Kasumi rotated around in the tub and came face to face with a Sumika whose expression was of pure horror and guilt.
"B-b-b-bu-but! I was about to kill you! I ALMOST KILLED YOU!" She screamed in miserable shock and remorse for further betraying the girl before her.
The light was lacking from the loving eyes of Sumika and her old affectionate smile was ruined by the overwhelming heartache.
"—oh my god! What have I done!? There's still red mark around your neck—"
Continuation of her anguish was suddenly halted forever by a straight slap across her tear-covered face. The smack resonated within their small room while Sumika was still dumbfounded, unable to act.
"Kasumi-chan—"
Her second struggle at speaking was also cut off when Kasumi cupped her cheeks strenuously and pulled her face in close for a deep kiss.
"—Muunun…"
At first Sumika was instinctively reluctant about the seemingly random French kiss she received from Kasumi of all people, however after the initial shock died down, she nimbly returned the tonguing. The passionate make-out session between the two girls lasted for more than twenty seconds until Sumika ran out of breath to sustain.
"Haaaa… haaaaaa. Kasumi-chan, why?" Finally released, both girls took some time to readjust their breathing.
The abrupt physical intimacy given raise to their natural reaction in the bodies Sumika and Kasumi. Their hot faces flustered red and their bodies heated up in anticipation for further skinship which unfortunately will be left undelivered.
"I'm bisexual."
When Sumika widened her mouth to inhale back the air she lost, the bombshell prevented her from closing it again.
"…EEEHHHHH?! REALLLLLLLY?!"
"I don't know, but it's probably true." Unknown to Sumika, who just had her world turned upside down and flipped like a professional cook's pancake, the earlier troubling mood was long gone.
"H-h-how— did you always swing that way, Kasumi-chan?!"
"I don't think so. Do you remember how Takeru-san kept making us do those lesbian plays?" The reminder to their controversial night activities brought a crimson blush to Sumika's features.
"…Well, yeah, but how did that turn you out… you know, this way?!"
"I'm not sure, but I remembered it being very fun. Everyone tasted very good."
"Awawa… awawawawawaaaaa! Kaaassuuuumiii-channnnnn~!" Unsure about the proper action to take during this sudden turn of events, Sumika spun her head all around in case of additional confusion and embarrassment.
"How're you feeling now, Sumika-san?"
"Awa…awawawaa— ah, oh, right. I'm… really sorry about that breakdown, Kasumi-chan, please… forgive me."
"Okay." Kasumi's diversion worked flawlessly in bringing back the good old Sumika.
"And… please forgive me for my selfishness. I'll try and change myself, any way possible." Since they returned back to the original topic, Sumika again felt regret for her mistake.
"There's no need, Sumika-san. I'm the same."
"Eh? What do you mean?"
"Remember how I said I'm jealous of you? That is the truth." Sumika probably wished to say something seen as her mouth opened a slight crack, but she closed it just as quickly.
"Many mornings I go and wake up Takeru-san, often there will be another girl in bed with him. Every time that happens it really annoyed me to no end."
"No! That's different! I wanted to kill our friends for myself! That's way different than just be upset about someone in his bed!"
"You didn't want to kill anyone, that would be counterproductive. You wanted for them to disappear, Sumika-san. And sometimes I wanted the others to disappear too."
"No, no! It's still too different!"
"Please trust me, Sumika-san. I know exactly how you feel. I don't have many emotions, but I'm sure what I experience is envy; this spite towards others burns deep in my heart as well."
Unexplainable emotions engulfed Sumika's thoughts. She always believed for herself to be the only twisted member of Takeru's team, she was the only one unfitting to stand by his side. Yet as it turned out, someone else shared her dark sentiments and was willing to voice hers for the comfort of Sumika.
"I know what it's like. We have these bad fantasies and ideas in our heads; what if Takeru-san only looked at me; what if there's nobody else fighting over him with me—"
"—if only… I can have him for myself…" While hesitant, Sumika finished the last sentence in Kasumi's tread. Both girls were lastly on the same page about their darkness.
"That's right. I think it's because we love him so much that the jealousy of seeing others beside him eventually blackens our hearts. Not only that, the constant failure and repeat of timelines made us insensitive to a normal person's behaviour."
"I… I only wanted to stop the pain…!" A few more drops of tears accompanied another confession.
"Me too, it's really painful to have to restart and have the previous effort wasted."
"I said all those nice stuff about everyone sharing his love… and yet I'm the one who wanted to keep it for herself the most. How terrible can I be?" With that, Sumika covered her pitiful face using both hands that almost stole her best friend from her moments ago.
"Is there no way to go back to those peaceful days?" It was a question filled with sadness and despair of their world, perhaps some were right to call it hopeless.
"I don't know, but if there's a chance, I'll never let it go."
"Me too, as long as Takeru-chan can be happy, I'm willing to do anything." A newly found resolve made from the corrupted rationale of madness fitted their doomed view more than any other.
"Sumika-san, I think that one day; I'll kill you, forever." It was not the literal meaning of her sentence that alarmed Sumika; it was the hidden suggestion which she understood.
"Ah… same here. If there ever is a chance, I'll kill you for Takeru-chan."
It was not murder of the physical sense they talked about; it was the killing of their souls both girls agreed to commit.
"If we ever reach a future without you, Sumika-san. I won't go back for you. And it's not only you either; Meiya-san, Kei-san, Mikoto-san, Chizuru-san and anyone else, I'll abandon them if it means I can finally end this suffering."
"Me too. Whenever you don't make it to the end, I'll leave you or anybody behind… and be happy by myself with Takeru-chan."
Hearing each other's admission led to a mutual laugh of revulsion and loathing for themselves.
"We really are the worst."
"Hahaha, too true."
Author's note
I think I'm just dragging this one on now. Like good parts are coming, sometime down the line but we're still not there yet. Sooooooon.
Not much to talk about here, go do all that ego boosting things for me by subscribing and whatever. Oh, also thanks for reading and I don't own anything.
Funny story, for the last update I got 199 views in that day. That alone makes me wanna cry, 199! Like really!? RNG isn't blessing me enough. (I know I sound like an asshole to you guys, however I am genuinely thankful for all you people who care about this little story of mine. Cheers.)
BETA done by chad001. You know, the guy told me to make many changes during the dream part; I did like two of them. I first wanted to write that part in classical Shakespearean English but I wasn't willing to put that much effort into studying it. And besides, none of you will probably understand it anyway.
I mean, who actually read Hamlet the first time and knew exactly what they were talking about? English is just too strong, I'm telling you.