A/N: I'm getting bored... and i'm tired... i slept for five hours, only to wake up and do editing... a friend volunteered to do that for me... don't want to.. maybe i should just post unedited crap, then nobody would read it.
Earth
Karin had not been in a luxurious home in a long time. The last room she stayed in that could compare to this, was in the Kirin's mountain house. But that was a different style of living. A comfortable bed, with its own toilet and wardrobe.
But she doesn't have that much clothings. Two sets of normal clothes, one of which is actually the dress she wore to the party for the assassination. The large part of her wardrobe is actually made of uniforms.
Three sets of the same uniforms, coats, boots, beret and such. Her last set of normal clothings?... actually, they're physical training uniforms. A loose singlet with army regulation fatigues. So in all, she doesn't have ANY normal clothing.
It did not bother her initially, but somehow, putting all that in a wardrobe that just screams 'rich and stylish', isn't very brightening. A knock from the door caused her to stand up straight.
"Can i come in?"
Fayt asked, but he was already poking his face inside the room. So far, after the event in the office, Fayt and Karin did not talk much. They left in a car back to the Leingod's residence, where she unpacked and sat in her room for sometime, before contemplating on her sense of fashion.
"What do you need, master?"
Karin asked, going down to one knee.
"... First off, can you cut the 'master' crap? It makes me uncomfortable."
"It is part of my code."
"But you aren't bound by your code, are you? I read it up just now on your file."
Karin dared to lift her head to see Fayt eye to eye. This boy perked her interest. She wouldn't think he was resourceful enough to research up on her.
Most of her files are top secret, and even Fayt's mother did not allow him a copy. So he must have hacked into the system, which is tough, but possible. She did it once before.
"I may not be bound by my family, but i feel it to be necessary. I serve you as a servant, nothing more."
"... Well anyway, I'm going shopping. I was wondering if there was anything you would like-"
"I will accompany you."
She quickly said, getting up, and walking over to the desk in the room, where her equipment was laid out neatly. She picked up two side arms, a magnum, and a laser pistol. She pulled the catch of the magnum pistol, checking the chamber, before slotting it in a holster by her hip. Her laser pistol, since larger, slotted in the holster on her back.
"... There is no need for weapons."
Fayt said, eyeing her array of weaponry. Not only is she pocketing two pistols, but two knives. A dagger in her boot, and large knife, which can be described as a jungle survival knife, below her laser pistol.
"Anything could happen. It would be in your interest to shop in relative ease."
"You bringing those would be the cause of my uneasiness."
Fayt sighed.
"... Okay, you can bring a pistol and a knife, but that's all."
"As you wish."
Karin said, taking her laser pistol and jungle knife out, placing them neatly back on the table. She grabbed her communicator, pocketing it, before facing Fayt.
"We may leave at your word."
"... Are you going out dressed like that?"
Fayt asked. Karin being still in her uniform, really stood out.
"It allows mobility and flexibility. It also is required whenever i am performing my duties."
"But you stand out too much. Don't you think that if you walk around dressed like that, other people would get uneasy?"
"My primary concern is of your safety. What others feel is of no concern."
Karin replied flatly, making Fayt sigh. Well, Karin didn't like being in her uniform all the time either, but she had no choice.
"... You... don't have any other clothes?"
"...no."
"I see. Well, let's go."
Fayt led the way, while Karin followed closely behind. They stepped into the garage, where a great number of cars sat.
"Erm... i don't mean to be disrespectful, but master Fayt, can you drive?"
Karin asked, slightly worried of a fourteen year old driving.
"Hmm? No, but i sure want to. Oh, your worried of me driving? Don't worry, I'm looking for... ah! There! Tyler!"
Fayt called out to a crouched figure, who actually turned out to a middle aged man, and one of the Leingod's drivers. He had a fit body, tanned and well shaped. Standing quite tall, he gave the impression of an ex-military man, besides his childish smile and care-free nature.
"Yo, Fayt. Going for a drive with your new girlfriend?"
Tyler asked, making Fayt blush.
"I-it's nothing like that! She's-"
"I am Karin Loid, as of today, i am master Fayt's personal bodyguard."
Karin said, cutting Fayt off. Tyler eyed Karin for awhile, before smiling.
"Well, excuse me for mistaking your identity. A Loid, huh? Not heard about them in a long time. Aren't you still young to be a bodyguard, though?"
"I am well aware that my lack of experience may be dangerous, but i have confidence in my dedication to my mission."
"'Mission', huh? You're military, judging from your uniform. Part of the secret service. What section?"
"That is classified under jurisdiction level 'SSS'."
"That much, huh? Well, it doesn't matter. Just curious. Anyway, Fayt, where do you want to go?"
Tyler turned his attention back to Fayt.
"Hmm... Kodentar shopping complex. This girl needs to get some new clothes, and i need to get that new CD."
"Oh? The 'dip-rocketers' have a new album?"
Tyler asked, his eyes brightening up.
"Yup!"
"Cool! Get a copy for me, will ya?"
"No problem. That, and a few more things. A sequel for 'Battle Fronters', and a new cartridge system for the console."
"Oh, fried your old one again? You need to take care of your games, man."
"It wasn't my fault! Mom took Karin's pistol and shot at it."
Fayt protested, and Tyler simply laughed.
"Well, i think you got what you deserved."
"Shut up. Let's go."
"Alright."
The three got into a car, and Tyler started it up, letting the car auto-drive itself out of the Leingod mansion, and out onto the road, where Tyler took back control. In the back of the car, Karin simply stared out of the window, watching the tall buildings pass by.
'Peace, huh? Can i ever get used to it? My bloodline is used for fighting, for war. Is it really alright for me to enjoy this?'
She wondered.
"What's wrong?"
Fayt asked. Karin turned back to Fayt, and sat up straight, keeping her composure.
"Nothing, master."
"Can you drop that?"
"I explained it to you already that-"
"Then as your master, i command you to just call me 'Fayt'."
Fayt suddenly cut her off, which took her by surprise. Certainly, this boy really interested her.
"... As you wish, Fayt."
"Much better. Anyway, do you have any preference for clothes?"
"I am comfortable in these clothes."
"But you can't be wearing them all the time. What do you wear to sleep?"
Fayt asked. Karin normally would not answer, but since he is her master, she should answer a direct question.
"... I normally wear my shirt, or singlet to sleep."
"Your uniform? Doesn't your body get hot? Or uncomfortable."
"I sleep without pants."
"... WHAT?!"
Fayt exclaimed, causing Tyler to swerve a little. Karin knew that such a reaction would come from him. Onboard the Balasfronter, such a dressing would not garner so much... reaction.
"I see no problem with that."
"But i do!"
"No one would normally intrude while i sleep, and since i never fall completely asleep under most circumstances, i can assure you, that nothing will happen."
"It is called decency!"
"It is cheap."
"Lazy!"
"Same thing."
"No it isn't! That's it, I'm calling Sophia."
Fayt sighed, taking out his communicator, quickly dialling a number. Who picked up, was a young girl with shoulder length hair.
'"Fayt! Hi! It's so rare that you call. Is your business with aunt Ryoko done?"'
"Yeah. Hey, listen, can you meet me at Kodentar mall? It's kind of a fashion emergency."
'"Oho? Fayt... YOU, are asking ME? This is rare, what's the occasion?"'
"I'll explain it to you when we meet. So, can you?"
'"Of course! I'll be there. See ya!"'
The screen blinked out, and Fayt sighed, leaning back in his seat.
"Fayt, i believe that it is better to let me choose my own-"
"Knowing you, you'll choose some cheap, inappropriate clothes."
"What?! First off, you don't know me. We met only today! Secondly, i do have a sense of fashion! I may be a soldier, but i am still a girl!"
Karin shouted, before she could stop herself. When she realized what she had done, she immediately covered her mouth with her hands. Fayt, looked surprised, before bursting out in laughter. Karin's face turned red from embarrassment.
"Well, this is rich. I thought you were a thoroughly trained military person, but it looks like your more normal than you first appeared to be after all!"
Fayt laughed, while Karin lowered her head.
"I... i apologize for my rudeness."
"No, no, it's fine. I prefer it like that. It would be better if you could talk to me like that from now on."
"No, I've disrespected you enough, i shouldn't continue."
"Ah, there we go again. Come on, i command you to-"
"This is one thing i will not go back on. I beseech you... please."
"... Alright. But i would prefer it if you could relax more. I won't force you."
"Thank you..."
They arrived at the mall, and got off the car. As expected, people were looking at Karin and her uniform. Some people began to whisper amongst themselves. Thanks to Karin's ability and training, she could hear them very well.
Some were wondering if Fayt was someone important, or if she just has a fetish for wearing uniforms. Some people ever wondered if she really was an officer.
A couple of people seem to recognize the uniform as part of the federation's secret service uniform. No doubt there are some military, or ex-military personnels here.
"As i thought, we're attracting quite the crowd."
Fayt sighed.
"I'm sorry."
"It's alright."
Fayt smiled, before bumping into someone.
"Ouch! Sorry."
Fayt apologized to the person, who happened to be a very large man, with a very rough looking face.
"Eh? Watch it, kid."
"Sorry."
"Hmph."
The man turned away. Karin did not like that man's attitude, but as long as he did not do anything brash, she wouldn't have to resort to violence. But he still acted in a way that Karin did not like, she really wanted to beat him up, but Fayt stopped her.
"You shouldn't cause a larger commotion than you already have."
He warned. She nodded in reply. She knew what he meant.
"Hey kid, you made me drop my drink."
The man suddenly said, pointing at a spilt drink on the floor. That was when Karin noted that the man was not alone. At least four other rough looking men were with this guy.
"I'm afraid i cannot do anything about that."
Fayt replied.
"You can, how about paying up for this drink?"
"It was an accident, so i don't see why i should pay you for it."
"What did you say?!"
The man suddenly got violent. This was Karin's cue. The man raised a fist, a large one given his size, and swung it at Fayt, but it was stopped, by Karin, with just one hand. The size of the man's fist was about half her height. The crowd around suddenly became more interested. As for the man, he was surprised by Karin's sudden intervention.
"I cannot allow you to disrespect my master any longer."
She glared fiercely at the man, who staggered back. The sheer pressure from her glare made him sweat.
"G-get them!"
The man shouted, and the four other rough men rushed forward. Karin closed her eyes for the moment. Her breathing slowed, her hearing became sharpened. Her mind was focused.
Loid secret skill, Valkyrie's tears
She opened her eyes once more. Her pupils flashed a deep blue. She dodged her first attacker's fist, and within the same smooth movement, used two fingers, and hit five pressure points within that split second.
Immediately, she leaped back, gliding over the second attacker's kick, and landing her boot on the collarbone of her third attacker. Twisting her foot, she struck the third attacker's face with the same boot used to crush his collarbone.
Using the third attacker's shoulder as a platform, she shot forward towards the forth, elbowing his abdomen, landing on her feet, sweeping her leg across his, making him trip. The next moment, she was behind the second attacker, and hit two pressure points on his spine, paralysing him completely.
Finally, she drew her pistol, and pointed it at the final man, the large one. All that, within two seconds flat. Everyone was shocked at what happened. Even Fayt, who had his jaw slacked open.
"I believe that you are next."
Karin said to the large man, who was pissing in his pants. That was when security suddenly came in.
"You, drop your weapon!"
The man in security clothings said, pointing a gun at Karin. Karin was pissed at that large man, but since security was here, she could let him handle this. She sighed, holstering her pistol.
"Security, arrest that man."
Karin said, pointing to the large man. The security looked confused, since he told 'her' to drop her weapon. Karin raised an eyebrow at the security.
"What are you waiting for?"
"Who are you to give me orders?!"
The security demanded, keeping his gun pointed at Karin. Karin took out her ID from her pocket, and presented it to the security.
"Lieutenant Karin Loid of the Federation secret service military. That man had obstructed my mission from being carried out. Now, are you going to wait? Or should i arrest you as well?"
Karin asked. The security snapped to a salute the moment she said that.
"No ma'am!"
He turned to the large man, and proceeded to arrest him. With that out of the way, Karin turned back to Fayt, who was still slightly shocked. Karin closed her eyes, and opening them once more, her eyes went back to being normal.
"Fayt, i believe we should get going."
"Ah... huh? O-oh, yeah... Wait, can military command mall security?"
"The secret service has one of the highest level of authority there is in the federation. Only the highest of the federation can command us."
Karin replied. Where she walked, people now moved away like a wave, clearing a path for her and Fayt to walk.
"What was that movement? That wasn't normal."
"That is the Loid bloodline. The reason why we are chosen as special bodyguards for special people."
"Ha... I see."
Fayt said. But what Karin did not say, was that her mind now wrecked with a lot of pain. Her muscles felt strained to the point of almost snapping. The only thing that kept her from falling over now, was her determination to be at her very best in her mission. She can relax back at the mansion.
"Ah, Sophia!"
Fayt called out. Karin looked up, to see a small girl running up to them. She really is young, and in fact, Karin wondered if she should really be walking around like this without guidance.
"Fayt! It's been so long. You never play with me any more."
The girl sulked, and puffed out her cheeks.
"Sorry, I've got a lot of things to do."
Fayt apologized. Karin's thoughts when she heard that, went onto the scene where Fayt was playing games. A lot of things to do. Sure.
"Hmm? Who is that officer?"
The girl asked, pointing at Karin. Karin did not think that this girl was too bright, but since she recognized the uniform as an officer type, she had to be of some status. A friend of Fayt's also meant someone to be respected, Karin guessed.
"I am Lieutenant Karin Loid, personal bodyguard of Fayt Leingod. Please to make your acquaintance."
"Oh? A bodyguard? You look pretty young."
"I hear that a lot. And you are?"
Karin did not recognize this girl anywhere. A classmate of Fayt? It couldn't be. She's too young.
"Me? I'm Sophia Esteed, Fayt's childhood friend, and future wife."
"Hey, Sophia, don't joke around."
Fayt said, face burning red. Karin's thinking ran through the files she read. Esteed. It was a name associated with the Leingods. Karin went down to one knee after remembering.
"I'm sorry i spoke with such informalities."
"Karin, she's joking when she said that she's my future wife."
Fayt said, which made Sophia hit him on the back of the head.
"I didn't realize that you are professor Esteed's daughter."
"It's okay, i don't really want to associate myself with my parent's work. So? Why did you call me here?"
Sophia turned back Fayt, who rubbed his sore spot on the head.
"Well, Karin just got transferred, and she doesn't have a lot of clothings. So i thought that it-"
"No need to say any more. I, Sophia Esteed, will transform this officer into a beauty queen!"
Sophia declared out loud, causing people to look and stare.
"Erm... i don't need to be a beauty queen. Just normal clothes-"
"No complaints! Let's go!"
With that, Sophia dragged an unwilling Karin away. Fayt could only sigh, and wonder what was going to happen.
A/N: I... don't really like how Sophia turned out... argh! I want to get this over with already!