Chapter 49: The First Blow
(Tokyo Royal Palace) (Shogun's Room)
Yuuhi's blinked open to the sunlight that morning. Her visions were blurry but she remembered her surroundings well enough to know that she was in her room in the royal palace. She could see her caretaker, the Grand Chamberlain by the table, pouring herself a cup of tea which sent the aroma to her nose. It was only when she got that smell did she realize that she was thirsty.
"Oba… san…?"
The old caretaker quickly jerked her head back with widened eyes to see Her Highness awake. In a quick motion she returned to her side. "Your Highness. Please… return to your bed. You need your rest…"
"Wh… what happened?"
"Please try not to worry too much. (…?) Excuse me" The Chamberlain then gently placed her hand over the girl's forehead and judged the temperature with her mind. It was warm. "Thank goodness. It seems like your fever has gone down a bit. I was worried that it may have gotten worse. (…) I shall fetch you your tea" The cup reached the Shogun's mouth where she slowly ingested into her dry throat.
The soreness from her mind slowly began to disappear but at least now her body was not in a critical state.
After regaining some of her strength, Yuuhi rose from her bed against her caretaker's wish. She scanned her surroundings, taking the color of the room into her head. Slowly she began to remember what occurred the other night. The pain seeped into her mind like a nail being struck on the head. She remember… the explosion… the screams… the soldiers on Shikoku Island.
"I remember…"
The old caretaker looked back at the poor girl who recalled the explosion. The lives of so many people are now weighing on her shoulder. It was a burden too much to bear even for a child her age. Why the country had to place such a burden on her was beyond her understanding. It was not society that wronged her… but her faith and birthright. To be born under the star of the royal family meant that she to survive the ordeal beset upon her. No matter how much she wished for it… a life of normality would simply be beyond her reach.
"Please do not think too much, child. You would only burn yourself. Drink this and you will feel better, I guarantee it"
Yuuhi could only follow her instructions and drink. She felt so weak and so demoralized that if she stood she would probably faint from all the pressure gravity was making.
"Oba san…"
"No more talking, child. Rest now and conserve your strength" She placed a wet towel over the head of the Shogun and made it that it wouldn't fall off. "You will need it for what you are about to face…"
"… Ta…keru…"
(Takeru's POV) (Kyoto outskirts) (December 30, 2001 Sunday) (01:25 PM)
Hmm? That's odd. I was pretty sure I heard Meiya calling my name just a few seconds ago. The channel to her com is closed and out of range. I guess I must be hearing things again. Maybe I really do need more sleep.
"Shirogane, do you read me?" Marimo appeared on my screen. "There's some debris blocking the main road leading towards the city. Can you clear it out?"
"Roger. I'll get to it" A few hours after we got our rest, we were ordered to help with the post-war reconstruction of Kyoto by getting the relief supplies to the outskirts of the city. I think this place is called Arashiyama. I hear that the cherry blossoms here are really beautiful in the seasons. There are some abandoned cars and rubble on the road. Possibly a crash of some sort took place here and the drivers decided to continue on foot. I hope they make it back home soon. (Whirrr…) "This is Valkyrie 2B. The road to Togetsukyo Bridge is clear. Moving on…"
"This is Valhalla, copy that. All roads to the outskirts have been cleared. C Platoon is handling the central area. Your mission is complete. Return to base. Good work, Shirogane"
"Roger. Heading back to base"
We've been here for almost 14 hours now since the battle and still we can't seem to organize ourselves. They're getting everyone to work, even the cadets from the camp. The U.N. Army aren't allowed in the city itself but they can help with the area outside the city. For the last hour I've been sweeping roads, lifting debris that clogged the water and lifting torn building from town to town. It's amazing how TSFs can also be used for manual labor like this rather than military weapons.
The weather hasn't improved at all since the battle ended. The only way I can tell the time was looking at the screen on my headset. The clouds above us were so thick that it looks like the whole country was covered in it. We're partly to blame for it I guess. Humanity has grown so desperate that they were forced to use weapons that would have long term effect on lands like this. The G-Bombs, the SD-11… and even heavy metal clouds caused by anti-laser shells which pollute the air for a long period of time.
It should be considered a miracle that we've been able to survive this long at all. I just hope that humanity can endure once we drive the BETA off our world.
"This is Valhalla to Valkyrie 3B, we have you on sight. Land on the platform and disengage thrusters"
"Roger…"
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Ahhh… it's nice to finally get some stretching. After being cooped up in a cockpit for so long you begin to feel your body go numb. Only your hands and feet can get a decent exercise in there. It's almost the same feeling you get when you play Valgernon for too long. Your body tends to get stiff. I remember one weekend, Mikoto and I played that thing for a whole hour to achieve the top score for the dual pilot for a single mech. We got 3rd place… but only because we ran out of time. Hehehe… what I wouldn't give to get that experience again.
Oh…? There's Marimo chan. I wonder if it's alright if I took a break now.
"Marimo sensei! (Hmm?) Ah… sorry… I didn't know there's someone else"
"It's alright, we were just finishing. What is it, Shirogane?"
"I was wondering if it's ok if I took a quick break"
"I understand that you're exhausted but you have to understand that we're also very understaffed at the moment. There's a good chance you might be needed in another area for repairs. But I guess a quick 10 minute lunch wouldn't hurt anyone. Your TSF should be ready by then. (Yes ma'am) Keep up the good work. I still have to deliver a message to the next camp for their orders" I guess even the staff officers must be having it rough too considering our communications are still in a glitch.
"Ah… don't worry about that Jinguuji san. We can do that for you. (Eh?)" The two female staff officers that she was talking to smiled in assurance her. "The camp is just right next door. Besides, it's not every day you get to spend some time alone with your sweetheart" Huh? Wait… what? Sweetheart?
"Indeed. You're the lucky one to get a real man to fall for you"
"Didn't I tell you two to stop it with those rumors!-?" Marimo lashed back at them with her face beet red. "It's bad enough as it is without you two spreading it around!"
"Ahh… isn't she cute? She's actually embarrassed about it"
"Ahaha… you don't need to hide it, Jinguuji san. Everybody knows about you and 1st Lt. Shirogane already" The other girl added with a teasing tone. "You two would look great on a picture for sure. (Oi!) Ahaha. Well we'd better take our leave. Don't swell about the small stuff and take as much time as you want. We'll make sure to cover for you if the captain asks"
"That's right. Please take as much time as you want to do… whatever it is you want, Jinguuji san~"
"Ahh… AHHHH! Just what are you implying with that last sentence!-?"
"Ahahaha. Oh… 1st Lt. Shirogane. (Huh?) Please take good care of Jinguuji san for us. She can be quite stubborn when she sets her eyes on something"
"Huh? Ah… yeah… sure" I answered unconsciously.
"Don't go answering them like that!" Eeeeep! Now she's mad at me. "And you two—ah! Damn it! They're gone!" The two officers that were with her were already long gone from this place. "Goodness. These girls are insufferable. They're acting like they're acting on a school gossip"
"Well in truth they're in that age"
"This is partly your fault too, you know!"
"Wahh! I'm sorry!" She's really angry at me.
"Haaa… forget it. It's not like I can do anything to convince them otherwise. (Eh?) The more I deny it the more they try to make it look like I'm hiding it. (Ahehe…) This is no laughing matter! (Geh!) It's all because of the events you brought upon me that made me look like this"
"But… isn't it partly your fault too? You kept avoiding me back in Yokohama Base which made it look like we were having a fight"
"Hoooo? Are you really going to start talking back at me?" Geh…! What's with this creepy atmosphere she's emanating? "Are you saying that I have a part to be blamed for this? (…ah?) Shirogane~~Do you know want to know what I do to students who starts talking back to me?"
"N… no! I'm sorry! It's completely my fault ma'am!" I bowed deeply with all my might. Even in this world I can't stand up against Marimo chan. "Please don't do anything I will regret!"
"Ahuhu… (…?) Ahuhuhu" She's… laughing? "I'm just kidding. There's no need for you to apologize so seriously. (Huh…?) Let's just agree that we're both at fault in creating that silly rumor, alright? (Ah… ok…) Well then. Shall we go? I'm sure they're serving lunch by the command post already"
"Ah… yeah sure…"
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The meal they served at the mobile kitchen was staggering. It was pretty much the same thing I had for breakfast. I guess we still can't expect help from the Imperial Army at this point. They lost a lot of people in Shikoku Island and no one knows what set off that G-Bomb there.
"Shirogane? Are you alright? (Huh?) I've been calling you for awhile now and you haven't responded at all"
"Ah… sorry. I was… thinking about something"
"Are you still worried about 2nd Lt. Kashiwagi? (…) They already said that she's passed the danger line. She'll recover after a few days of rest"
"Well… that… and some other things. With nothing to do, you just want to… reflect on things. But it's not bothering as much as it did before"
"That's good. As long as you can set your priorities straight then I won't coddle you. Here…" She handed me a tray of the rations they were serving. "Eat while you still can. We're going to need the best pilot in his best shape in case we have another emergency. (…) What's wrong? Aren't you hungry?"
"Huh? Oh… no. It's just that having you give me my food reminds me of that time I had your homemade lunch. (…!) It was really tasty"
"There you go again. Saying something embarrassing out loud. (Geh!) And you wonder why people keep making strange rumors about us. (Sorry) Heh… but if you really like it then maybe I can make another one just for you. (Really?) It'll be my thanks for saving me all those times. We can have it during our New Year feast. It'll be something you can look forward to, neh?"
"Yes ma'am!"
"Ahuhuhu. And this time I'll show you the full extent of my cooking skills. I'll make sure you drool just by looking at it"
"Hooo! I definitely can't wait!"
"Ahuhu. It's a date then" Hehe… this is exactly what I expected from Marimo chan. She knows exactly how to cheer me up. She's probably just doing this to get my spirit back but I don't care. A treat from Marimo's excellent homemade cooking is worth every bite.
"Oya oya… why don't you two go somewhere quiet before you go all mushy in front of everyone. (…?) Goodness, if you wanted Jinguuji san's cooking then maybe I should just starve you myself"
"Ah! Oba san/Kyozuka san?" Marimo and I noticed the old lady from the PX. She was wearing a thick light blue winter jacket which covered her from head to stomach.
"Going all lovey like that. Are you trying to make the people around here jealous or something? Goodness…"
"What are you doing all the way out here?" I asked out loud. "I thought you were still at Yokohama Base"
"I'm the cook of course. They were asking for volunteers in the base to help out so I joined up with them. (Oh…) But here I thought to make some good food for the soldiers. But with what they're giving me, I'm surprised I can make anything tasty at all" It's true. What we have here are pretty much scrap. If we don't receive supplies soon we'll probably be digging at the bottom of the barrel for more. "I wanted to find you two to say my piece and here I found two lovebirds picking a date for the New Years. Goodness. If you were in the PX, I wouldn't be surprised if someone tossed a bowl of soup on top of you"
"Wha? No no! It's not like that! We were just… umm…"
"This isn't what it sounds like!"
"Hai hai… don't go using the same old excuse. Here…" She handed me a small box casing.
"What's this?"
"Bancha tealeaves" Was her healthy smiling answer. "I was able to get my hands on a new batch yesterday so I thought I'd share some with you, Mr. Legendary Rookie. (Oh…) So keep up the good work and try not to do anything that would make Jinguuji san cry, ok? What kind of a man would you be if you made your girlfriend sad?"
"Wait! What? No!" I barked out. "It's not like that at all! We were just talking about our… plans… for the… New Year" Wait… now that I think about it, it does sound like something a couple would say.
"And Jinguuji san. (Y… yes?) My kitchen is open for you any time. Just try not to make too much of a mess when you're making your homemade cooking. (Eh!) Ah… but this weather isn't the time for such a moment. You'd better wait for a better day when you want to go all lovey dovey on one another. (Hey! Listen!) Alright. I'd better get back to work. You lovebirds enjoy yourself now. Good luck! Hahahaha…"
"Ah! K… Kyozuka san…!" Marimo and I couldn't help but turn beet red at her comment. I guess there was really no helping it. Even if we were just being normal to one another, others can't help but think that we were a couple. I guess this is partly our fault now. "…" Uuuu… I don't like that stare of hers.
"You do know that this is also partly your fault, right? (Guuuu) H… hey come on now. Don't give me that look. You know I had no control over what she said about us, right, Marimo chan?"
"STOP CALLING ME THAT!"
(Tokyo) (Royal Palace) (Shogun's room)
After a brief rest, the Shogun was finally able to get back on her feet. Despite the Chamberlain's advice, Yuuhi could not help but look upon the city at peace. There was a grave state of confusion lingering in the air. It was heavy and yet the people try their best to maintain an ordinary day through it all.
It's a strange thought really. There were people and soldiers out there… walking by and patrolling the streets without a single care in the world… not even knowing that there was a princess being imprisoned in the residence of her own home right in the tallest building in the whole city. She began to wonder if she screamed right here for help, would someone come to her aid? It was a childish dream.
One of the servants came by earlier to deliver a well prepared meal for the Shogun but she would not touch it. Anything delivered here at this point are to be considered tainted at best. Only what the chamberlain offered could be trusted.
The plants by the balcony were not blooming but that was only because the sun refused to shine today. There was no sound of thunder, or lightning flashes in the distance… not a single trance of rain. Whatever was blocking the city from the skies… was something… rotten.
For awhile now, Yuuhi never felt more powerless than ever before. She was a hostage. A prisoner of her own country. She could see the world… but despite everything that she has gone through… freedom seemed like a fleeting dream. Yes… that was the only thing she could do.
Dream…
The Shogun felt a warm blanket covering her shoulder. She looked back to see her caretaker by her side with a sad smile forcing from her lips.
"You'll get a cold if you go out with such loose clothing, Your Highness. (Oba… san…) You still haven't recovered from the fever yet you still persist on staying out on such a gloomy weather"
"Oba san…" Yuuhi turned to face her, eyes pleading for answers. "I am… lost… (…?) I… I do not know what it is I must do. What should I do to resist them? Why must I stay in this room while others fight in my name? Should I not be fighting with them out on the field along with everyone else?"
"Don't speak of such things, Your Highness. If you were to disappear, what would become of this nation? This country needs you… now more than ever. I do not know what the future has in store… but the least you can do is accept it with a smile. (…) In truth… there are times when I wish such fate did not befall upon you. (…?) To see you standing here… and looking down on the world. What I despise more than that man is to see you saddened. (Oba san…) Heh… perhaps it is just the parenting in me. I have seen you grow from a child, raised you as if you were my own… so it is only natural that I want you to see the world before I pass. There is so many things here that I wished you to see… wish you to experience… wish you to learn. Had I only had the strength to see it through. Kuh… and to see you cry… will be a mark of failure in my life…"
"Please… say no more" Yuuhi raised her hand in objection. "Your thoughts alone are more than enough. Though I have been denied many things. This life of mine has been kind enough to allow me to have a wonderful caretaker to see me through. (Your Highness…) It is not the life I asked for but it is the life I must bear with. Forgive me for losing myself earlier. I have only made unnecessary worries to you. We cannot live our lives on 'what ifs' and actions of the past. We can only march on… believing that what we do will benefit the world and leave this life without regrets. (…) May I ask a favor from you, oba san?"
"Name it…"
"Will you be at my side, no matter what?"
The Grand Chamberlain could only cough a smile as tears began to roll down her eyes. She did not see Yuuhi as others did to her. In her eyes, she was not the almighty Shogun that this country worshiped, not the dedicated leader or diplomat this country desires. In her eyes… she was like the daughter she raised since birth. Like a mother who groomed and taught her child everything she knew. The only regret she had—was to see the child live this tortured life.
"For the rest of my life, Your Highness…"
Yuuhi returned to her normal self and showed a comforting smile back. "Then I have little regret in this life… oba san…"
"Such a touching moment…" But their moment to peace was rudely interrupted by an uninvited visitor. "… it almost saddens me to interrupt" The Grand Chamberlain moved back, surprised to see the man come in without even announcing himself. "Good afternoon, Your Highness…"
"You!" The caretaker barked out. "How dare you enter Her Highness's chambers without announcing yourself!-? It matters not whether you are a member of the royal family, you cannot—" But she stopped when Yuuhi raised her hand.
"What is the purpose of your visit?" She got straight to the point with no funny business aside. "If you come to ask for my support then you already know of my answer"
"Yes. You made it clear on my last visit, Your Highenss. But I am not here to discuss the terms of politics or our ideals, today. In truth… I actually came here to talk about… you… Your Highness"
"Cease with your playful words. I have no time for such tomfoolery"
Ikaruga noted her impatience and decided to come clean. "Very well. I shall keep it brief. I've heard from a… 'reliable' source that Your Highness has been conducting a private meeting with the United Nation. (…?) It has come to my attention that this meeting took place outside of the royal palace very recently and has not been recorded in any archives. Not only was this unannounced but you also risk going to another faction without a single guard to escort you. (…!) So I wish to know… why the Shogun herself… would take such a risk. What was it you discussed in that brief moment? (…) Have you traded this country without us knowing… or… was it because of something… personal?"
"…" Yuuhi's heart skipped a beat in that moment but she refused to show any signs of weakness to the man.
"You speak of nothings!" The Chamberlain spoke out in turn. "Her Highness would not do such a thing. You have no proof of such accusations"
"Indeed. This meeting took place in such great secrecy that only a selected few know of it. Even the members of the Imperial Ministry of Intelligence were unaware of such rendezvous. Such a feat would require a man with many talents to hide such important figures. I never expected him of all people. (You…!) Her Highness doesn't seem to be denying it"
The caretaker then noticed it too. Yuuhi had remained silent. She didn't acknowledge it but she didn't deny it either.
"Your Highness…"
"I thought such a meeting would change something within our political regime… but I saw nothing happened since that meeting. So… it must be something else. (…) And so the question is why? Why, your highness? Why would the mightiest figure of all Japan go through all that length to meet with one person? What does the name, Shirogane Takeru… mean to you?"
"…!" Yuuhi's feelings wavered.
(Takeru's POV) (U.N. camp)
Haaa… what a day. It's barely past noon and already I feel exhausted. I haven't been sent out on another mission but just doing absolutely nothing is stressful enough already. Not only that, but Marimo refuses to speak to me, again. The moment someone teases us about being a couple she immediately goes back to her shell. I know she doesn't want a rumor like that to go on but keeping silent about it will only makes it worse. It's not that I don't like her. I'm pretty sure Marimo chan would make a terrific girlfriend for someone and maybe even an awesome wife but I'm with Sumika. Right now she means more to me than anyone so I can't be in another relationship altogether.
Maybe if I showed her to everyone, it'll silence all these rumors at once. Yeah… it'll also be nice for her to get out of that gloomy room. Some air with Kasumi and visiting the tree behind the school would be nice. It'll make her feel a lot more human than just sitting there in that dark place.
Maybe when we get back to base I'll ask Yuuko sensei if she can get some time out of the base. We can also have that picnic with Mikoto and the others. It'll be like a reunion with the whole gang back in the other world.
…
Heh… the other world. Since when did my world become the 'other world'? Maybe I've been here for so long that I'm beginning to consider it home. Heh… maybe I'm just a little homesick. In any case, I just hope we get relieved soon. I don't want to be stuck around Kyoto forever.
"Ah! Takeru!"
"Hmm? Mikoto? When did you get back?"
"Just a few minutes ago. Kei san is still helping out with Akane san so I decided to take a quick break. I'm starving. Speaking of which… have you eaten yet?"
"Hmm? Oh yeah. I came back about an hour ago so I went ahead and ate"
"Heeeeh? That was fast. You had a whole area all to yourself while the rest of us were in pairs. You sure work fast" It's not that I work faster than you guys, it's just that I pilot my TSF differently. While they stick with routine procedure I just mix things up using all the limbs to create a major sweeping tool. I brush the road like I was sweeping. I had plenty of handiwork like that when I was in school when Class rep forces me to clean. "Well I guess that's to be expected from you, Takeru. With your skills, you can handle anything easily"
"Thanks but don't compliment me too much or I'll get full of myself"
"Hai hai. But a compliment or two doesn't hurt anyone now, does it?"
"Good point" I rub the back of my neck, embarrassed. "Oh by the way. I saw Kyozuka san cooking by the supply truck"
"Heh? Oba san is here?"
"Yup. She volunteered to help out the soldiers around here. She's probably still there cooking something up"
"Wahh! I wonder if I can ask her to make something for me. I'd better tell Kei san. Later Takeru!"
"Ah… later…" And like that… she was gone. She's still as active as ever that Mikoto. She's a living ball of energy. I wonder where she gets all that energy from.
"I'm pretty sure she's getting it from you"
"Hmm? Ah! Captain Isumi!"
"At ease. There's no one around. (Sorry ma'am) It's fine. But if you're going to hide your thoughts, you might as well not say them out loud"
I was saying it out loud? Man… I really need to watch what I think and say. "Ah… sorry about that"
"No need to apologize. I don't really mind idle chatter. (Ahehe) But if it was top secret information then maybe I would turn you in for interrogation" Guuu… that sounds like a very viable threat coming from her. "But I can see that you're doing a lot better now. Your face is getting its color back"
"Well… like you said: I just needed some time to get myself straight. I can't be depressed forever, now, can I? Besides, if I stayed like that, Yuuko sensei would probably just slap me again"
"Yuuko? You mean… Vice Command Kouzuki? (Yeah) Oh that's right. She's your guardian and personal commanding officer. I keep forgetting that you work directly under her supervision. (Huh?) I never imagined her to physically harm someone"
"Well… it happened a long time ago. I was pretty much the one at fault at the time so I can't blame her for it"
"I see. I guess even Professor Kouzuki has a limit to her tolerance. You must've done something really bad to get her to slap you"
"Ahehe…" You'd be surprise, Isumi san. "Oh by the way, have you finished with you assignment? The cafeteria is open"
"I'd love to but I still have to make a report to the command post. I'll wait until they refit my TSF before departing for HQ. Until then, I'm stuck here with you" Hey… you make that sound like a bad thing. "Ahuhu… it's just a joke. Lighten up. Oh… and just for the record, I was able to get permission for Kashiwagi to be transferred to the Kyoto. (Eh?) She's being cared for in the First Red Cross Hospital with some of the best medical attention they can offer. Apparently the Imperial Army is now accepting our wounded in as well. This can relieve us of many injured"
"Eh? But I thought they were prioritizing their own first"
"They were, but apparently, the General and the Prime Minister were able to work something out"
"Eh? The Prime Minister? You mean the Prime Minister of Japan?" Class rep's old man? I haven't heard anything about him since Sadogashima but then again, I haven't much time to watch TV in the PX.
"That's right. Hopefully with her in intensive care, she might get back on her feet in a few days at best" That's good. The medical equipments we have here are only for temporary measures and minor injuries. We can treat serious injuries too but not as effective as those in the hospitals. "For the mean time I have some contacts in the city that might be able to keep her comfortable"
"Thanks captain"
"It's my responsibility to get my team back to full fighting strength whenever possible. Ahehe… hey, if you're still feeling lax, you can have this"
"Ah… thank—geh!" Oh no… it's that horrible drink again. Just what is this stuff anyway? It's definitely not an energy drink and it's definitely not some kind of fruit I know of. They say that it's healthy—like medicine but considering the taste I'd prefer one of oba san's cooking. I had to force down the first one she gave me and threw the contents of another in a plant somewhere in the staff office.
"Don't worry. I have plenty more back in my office in Yokohama Base. There are surprisingly a lot of them to spare in the PX. I always worry that they might not have enough for everyone" I think the only reason why there are a lot is because you're only one of the few people who actually buy them. "Hmm? What's wrong, Shirogane?"
"Uh… no it's nothing. Th… thank you… (Slirrrrp…)" Ugh… it's still as bad as I remember it. The captain… and everyone here really do have strange taste.
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I spent some time with the captain taking a walk around the hill overlooking the old road. I can see rows of trucks and civilian cars moving up towards the city. On the sidewalk you can see rows of Cherry Trees all withered for the season. Kyoto is famous for these Sakura trees. I just hope we'll have time to see them bloom next year. Oh… that also reminds me. It's almost time for New Year. I wonder if we can visit one of the shrines and offer prayer or something.
I'm not a very pious person but I'd like to keep one memory of myself alive before the end of this year. It'd be a celebration for surviving this long without screwing up things too badly.
"Wahh… this is a nice view" The Captain said out loud. "If the Sakura trees were blooming this would've made a perfect place for a postcard picture. I wish I had brought my camera"
"I didn't know you take pictures, Isumi san"
"Normally I don't. I'm actually doing them as a favor to an old friend of mine. (A favor?) Yeah. He's a wiz behind the camera and can spot the perfect view before he even sees it. He doesn't get a lot of opportunities to get out of the city so he gave me his camera to take good pictures for him. He usually likes sceneries, animals or natural objects so I send him a few every year. (Every year?) Yeah… but because of my mission, I'm not really allowed to bring a camera with me so getting him a good view can be quite hard. (Oh…)" She turned back to look at the dead trees with a longing face.
"He must've been a great photographer"
"The best I know. They called him a prodigy in that art. It was his dream to finally become a renowned photographer and he studied hard for it. He was even offered a full scholarship by a famous photographer which would make him famous"
"Wow… you don't get that kind of opportunity every day. Did he take it? (…) Captain?"
"No… he didn't"
"Eh? Why not? Wasn't it his dream to become a famous photographer?"
"It was. But… he couldn't take the offer" Why wouldn't he? If there was a rare opportunity to get me closer to my dreams, I would take it. "You could say that there was… something that stopped him from taking it. (…?) Sometimes… I wonder if he still regrets it"
"What stopped him?"
The captain just gave me a laugh in reply. "There are times when he had to make a decision in life. He pondered which path would lead him to happiness. (…?) Shirogane. What would you choose? (Eh?) Me or your dream? (Ha?) Ah… wait… that didn't come out right. I meant to say which do you think would lead to happiness? Love… or your dreams?"
"Huh? What kind of a question is—(Just answer!) Ah! Ok! Um… ah well…" Why is she getting all snippy all of a sudden? Ummm… let's see… my dream… or love? What the hell does that even mean? Dream, love, dream, love, dream, love. "Well!-?"
"Ahhh! I'm sorry! I don't know! (…?) I'm sorry. I just don't understand what you're trying to say, Isumi san. I can't decide which is which. (…) I mean… wouldn't that really depend on the person itself? I mean… it all depends on the circumstances on what they'll prioritize first. If I prioritize my dreams then that's the route I'll follow, but if you're talking about love as in love with another person… then it's the same thing as the dream of that person. Everything will depend on the person. You can't judge a human action based on logic. Sometimes their emotions will conflict with one another but I guess that's one of the few ways we can make our decisions"
…
"I see…"
"I'm sorry if I wasn't able to give you a clear answer"
"No… that's alright. I pushed this question to you without thinking. But… I guess he would say the same thing too. (…) It all depends on the player, wouldn't it? (Player?) Never mind. But you're right. You can't base everyone's answer on a single piece of paper. In the end there will be others who choose the opposite. Some will follow their dreams and some will follow love. Heh… I'm such a fool. (Captain?) Sorry about that, Shirogane. (…) Ahuhu… I guess you remind me a little about that idiot. (…?) I bet if you two had met, you'd definitely be great friends. (Eh?) You're so identical that I feel like hitting you a few times. (EHHH!-?) That's a joke"
"Geez… please don't scare me like that"
"Ahuhu…" She turned back again to the Sakura Trees with a small smile up her lip. "… he would've loved to see this place… in full bloom" (Flash) Huh? What was—(Flash!) Argh! No… not again. "Shirogane? What's wrong?"
"Masaki… (…?)" That name. Why do I feel like I know it somehow? "Maejima… Masaki… (…!)"
"Eh? How did you…?"
Whirrrrr!
…!
That noise. The emergency alarm?
Beep beep!
"Valkyrie Mum to Valkyrie 1A!" Suzumiya's face appeared on my screen.
The captain changed her tone almost instantly before replying. "What is it Suzumiya?"
"Emergency summons to all units. All squad leaders are to report to HQ immediately! Priority 1 emergency"
"Understood. I'm heading back now. (Beep) Hayase, Munakata! (Yes ma'am!)" The other two platoon leaders appeared next. "Gather the team. Have the squad refit for combat and remain on standby at the command post by the old highway ruins. (Roger!) Shirogane, go!"
"Yes ma'am!"
(Tokyo) (Royal Palace) (Shogun's room)
Yuuhi tried her best to get her stilled face back but in that short fraction of a second Ikaruga saw it all. Her eyes widened slightly and the air in her lunges paused. A normal man would not notice it but he did. It was enough to let him know that the name meant something.
A sly grin slowly began to creep up Ikaruga's lips as he circled around the Shogun like a predator shadowing its prey. His eyes were analyzing everything about her. Her reaction, her expression, even the slightest hint of a heartbeat can tell a story.
"You're wavering, Your Highness. (…)" The man began his interrogation as if he was playing with his food. "Why does this name bother you so? Why does your heart race when you hear it? Why do your eyes flicker as if you dream at the mere mention of it? What thoughts race through your mind when you think of him?"
But Yuuhi would not budge. Her face remained stern and yet she would not answer. Her words forever locked in her throat.
"Enough of this!" The Chamberlain warned. "Her Highness knows not of such a person. I have been with her at all times. She would not affiliate herself with the U.N. to jeopardize her people"
"True… I myself found it hard to believe that Her Highness would go somewhere without anyone knowing. But even so… the evidence I've gathered has been very… convincing"
"Why do you ask something when you already know the answer?" Yuuhi demanded, his voice still as commanding as ever. "I'm not inclined to play your games so do not mock me"
But her words only made the man's grin even wider if that was even physically possible. "I would simply like to know the affairs of our sovereign nation, nothing more. Should the country know that our Shogun has been conspiring with foreign dignitaries… it would break what is left of our people. As a member of the Royal Family and as a Japanese… it is only my right to know the truth. If you say that you are not daunting with the other then why go through all that trouble? Why risk so much to gain nothing in return? Or… is it because… affections?"
"…!"
(Takeru's POV) (Valkyrie Squad standby area near the old Meishin Expressway ruins)
The whole squad had already gathered by the time I arrived at the rendezvous point. The mechanics were busy rearming our TSFs with fresh loads of ammunitions. Everyone seems uneasy about this. We've just been through the fight of our lives and only had a few hours of rest in between. Maybe it's just a drill. No… Suzumiya wouldn't put such an act just because of a simple drill. But if so… then what could it be? Why are we mobilizing everyone?"
"…" Tama, Mikoto and Ayamine are huddled in one corner by the fireplace trying to warm up from this cold. Meiya and Class rep seems to be looking over their TSFs and the rest of the squad are gathered together like a camping trip.
"Hayase san. I'm back" I called out to my platoon leader.
"Oh… welcome back… Shirogane. What took you so long?"
"I had my TSF refitted back in headquarters so they wouldn't have to do it here. But anyway, do you know what this emergency summon is all about?"
"I was just asking Munakata the same thing. No one seems to know what it's all about. We were just ordered to be on standby until something happens. (…)"
"Could it be another BETA attack?" I asked fearing the worst. It's true that we were able to defeat the BETA here but we've often see small brigades of them poking out after each major battle. It's possible that some may have scattered away from the main group when the Carrier was defeated.
"That's probably the most likely theory" Touko agreed to my statement. "Another battle group could've broken through during the chaos of the battle. They may have slipped through our defenses and are attacking deeper in the mainland"
"But the patrols haven't reported any sightings of them" Munakata added.
"True. But remember that we were extremely low on manpower at the time. We couldn't watch every area all at the same time. Though it is highly unlikely for a group of BETA to have gone unnoticed, it is not impossible"
"Our radars haven't been working properly either since the bombing in Shikoku" Hayase san finished only to earn more sighs from the rest of the group. "The only thing we can do now is wait for the captain to return. She'll clear things up for us"
…
Hmm? Oh… speak of the devil. It's the captain. She came by car with Haruka and Marimo chan.
"Squad! Form up!" Hayase ordered out which we quickly complied. We all filed in line like regular soldiers. "Salute!"
"At ease" Isumi waved it off. "I'm sure you're all wondering what the emergency summon was about. (…) Since we don't have a lot of time I'll make this brief. Earlier today prior to our battle against the BETA force, an unknown military faction of the Japanese Army have declared a coup. (…!)" A coup? Another one? "Apparently this group took advantage of the chaos caused by the BETA invasion and successfully captured the capital. At the moment we do not know who they are or what their intentions may be but it is known that this takeover was participated with members of the Imperial Army and foreign military soldiers" Foreign military? The Americans? No… we settled our deal with them during the Sadogashima campaign. "The United Nations Security Council has agreed to intervene by the request of Prime Minister Sakaki Kurechika. (…!)" We're going to intervene? So soon? Could it be…Sagiri? I haven't heard a peep about the rebel leader since the coup ended a few weeks ago. It's hard to believe that another one is taking place so fast.
"Cpt. Isumi…" Marimo called out to Isumi. "I've established direct wire-link to HQ. They'll be relaying orders to you soon"
"Alright. Suzumiya, continue briefing them on the situation"
"Understood ma'am" The captain walked off with Marimo leaving Haruka to explain the rest of the situation. "Then I shall resume. As the captain explained before, an unknown faction of the Imperial Army have taken hold of the capital of Tokyo"
"Are these the same group as the last one we fought the other week?" Hayase asked. It seems like everyone was wondering that as well.
Suzumiya shook her head in reply. "We do not know. Much of the capital garrison was changed since the 12/5 incident. However we do believe that many of the original members of the garrison remained in their station. As far as we know, the invading force took the capital with almost no resistance. The Imperial Army that caught wind of this rebellion launched an operation to take back the capital, but they were all defeated. No negotiation or terms has been made so far. The most recent information we've been given is that the cabinet members of the government have all been killed. We also know that ambassadors from the U.N. Consulate have been taken hostage by the rebel army, though of course, this is still unconfirmed" The rebel army went as far as killing government and U.N. officials? Just what are they up to?
"What about the Shogun?" I opened up unconsciously to everyone's surprise. "Is she alright?"
"We do not know. There has been no information regarding the current situation of the royal family. (…) But we do know that members of the Honor Guards are standing by the royal palace in full force so we can only assume that Her Highness is safe within the confines of the compound. (…)" Damn it. My body is suddenly feeling restless from all of this. I should be calm. "Roughly 2 hours ago, it's been announced that joint operation will now be carried out between the U.N. Armed Force and the Imperial Army in retaking the capital. (…!)" Wait we're going to charge straight into the capital, guns blazing? We didn't even do that during the coup. We fought against the rebels but never in a place so populated as Tokyo. If we attack… civilian casualties will be astronomical.
"Are we going to be deployed soon?" Hayase inquired.
"Yes. Thanks to the proximity of Yokohama Base, the 11th Army will be deployed in full force around the city outskirts. The Navy and the Imperial Army will also be joining us"
"Alright, that's good enough, Suzumiya" the captain stopped her. "I've just been given orders by high command. All units that are capable of fighting are to join with the remainder of the 11th army gathering around Tokyo. We will be briefed from there with General Radhabinod. I know that everyone of you are having conflicting feelings about this but I ask that you keep it to yourself until we get better understanding of the situation"
"A… umm…" Tama spoke up. "Are we really going to fight with the rebels?"
"Our negotiators are still trying to open communications with the rebel army. Attacking the city itself is the last solution. If all goes well… we might not have to shoot at each other. (…) But seeing the situation as it is… I don't think the U.N. will have much of a choice. This mission is of the utmost. I'll explain the details along the way, get to your units and—"
"Captain Isumi Michiru…" Hmm? Who's that? I've never seen him around here before but he's wearing a U.N. uniform. His patch indicates that he's a captain. Behind him were three MP officers standing at attention.
"Yes?" The captain replied before saluting to the officer. "What is it, sir?"
The man showed her a piece of paper with the approval seal stamped on the bottom. "I have orders from high command to hold and relocate 1st Lt. Shirogane Takeru and 1st Lt. Jinguuji Marimo. (…!)" What? Me and Marimo chan? What did we do?
"May I ask what the charges are?" The captain inquired.
"This isn't an arrest, captain. We simply need their presence for the moment. Though I cannot say where or why they're going. (…?) These are general orders, captain. I'm simply following them"
"Oi, Shirogane…" Hayase called out to me. "… what's this about?"
"I'd like to know that myself" I haven't done anything to get myself arrested now, have I? I sure hope not. All I've been doing for the last few hours was helping out the relief aid in Kyoto.
"I understand. Shirogane, Marimo…" Captain Isumi called out to us which we quickly stepped up front. "… go with them"
"Yes ma'am" We complied nonetheless.
The guy wasn't physically built so I guess he must just be a staff officer—a desk job kind of guy. We followed the officer away from the rest of the group with the MPs guarding our backs. Even if they're just walking with us I feel like they have their guns pointing at me. They say that it wasn't an arrest but I'm still uneasy about this. I hope nothing bad happens…
(Tokyo) (Royal Palace) (Shogun's room)
"Affection… such a subtle little word yet its meaning hold so much more" Ikaruga was enjoying every minute of this moment. The reaction that he saw brought him such untold joy that he wished he could experience it again. He can see Yuuhi's mouth forming a frown, her eyes wavering at every word. She felt violated…
Every word that came out of his mouth felt like it was taken from her throat and formed into a perversion kind of language.
"…" But still the Shogun continued to struggle, continued to put on a brave face against a man who can kill her with but a thought.
"Despite everything my father claimed you to be, there is certainly one thing that hasn't changed. Japan thinks of the royal family as a height above them, thinking that we were… demigods… prime examples of a Japanese by honoring our old traditions in every way. (…) But they are wrong. Despite what we've been told, what our children have been taught, there is still one viable error they cannot erase. In the end… Your Highness… you're still a girl. (…!) A human—no different to the animals you see prowling on the streets every day. We feel, we think just like everyone else. (…) But such feelings are denied to us"
"…"
Ikaruga's face drew closer as if he was trying to corner the girl on the balcony. "Tell me. What did it feel like to be beside him? What manner of deed did he do to earn your affection? What kind of man was he to make you show… such expressions? How did you feel when the peasant came to you face?"
Yuuhi didn't want to imagine it but she could not help herself from thinking of the boy. Every tinge of her body was wavering. Her feelings, followed by the fear of this man was becoming close to breaking her face apart. She bit her lip sharply trying to suppress her growl but she was failing.
"Ahahaha!" The man in blue burst a laugh. "This is magnificent. Simply magnificent. It sounds like something out of a fairy tale. A princess falling for a dog unmatched of her status. Of all the men in the world…you chose a brat whose standing is of no value to you or your country. It's like comparing a bird to a mere rat that breeds in droves in the sewers! I cannot even begin to understand you. AHAHAHA!"
In that split of a second, a switch was flipped from Yuuhi's mind. A dam burst from her deep subconscious pouring all the rage that she had been holding back. Like a tsunami it swept over her body drowning all the logic she had built to keep herself from acting. All sense of reason faded from it and acting primarily on those lesser instincts, her hand moved up against the man's face, causing a sound that silenced everyone else's thoughts in the room.
Slap!
Ikaruga didn't even see the blow coming when he felt the pain seeping across his cheek. It was so fast that he couldn't even find time to dodge. It was the same slap that Yuuhi delivered to Takeru during the coup but this time… she meant every sense of the action.
"That's enough!" The guards felt a chill run down their spine at the yell of her voice. Even Ikaruga who seemed so composed earlier could not help but be still, a horrified look replacing his face.
"Y… your highness…" The Grand Chamberlain who has been with her all her life never once saw so much anger and hatred burning from the girl. It radiated so much that it may have killed a small animal.
"I said… that is enough" Yuuhi continued not taking her eyes off her mark. "I will not allow you to insult him anymore…" The killing intent she was resonating could be felt around the entire room, choking the very air that they breathed.
"…" Ikaruga darted his eyes back to the girl but now his confidence was shattered and everything that remained was the fear of death lunging close at hand. It was even more horrifying than a dagger being pointed at his throat.
"Who are you to place judgment on him? Who are you to say what he is or where he belongs? You believe yourself higher than him yet you cannot even begin to compare to his height! (…) He is someone who lives his life on his own terms, someone who cherishes everything dearly, someone who continues to live despite all the hardship thrown at him!"
"… tch!"
"Even though the world has taken so much he continues to endure. Always trying his best to smile, comforting others around him. I saw in his eyes a soul that has been torn so many times but despite everything he has gone through he moves forward, regretting his actions but continue to play his part. (…) He may not be born of noble standings nor anyone worth noticing but I will not stand idle and watch as another man speak ill of his name!
"…"
"He has taught me things far more than all my teachers combined. Though I agree… he is naïve and foolhardy… but regardless of what others may think of him… he remains true to his words. He believes of a world with his own ideals, a world not for himself but for everyone! That is why a selfish man like you… will never be able to understand him!"
Ikaruga finally regained some composure from her barrage of words and smiled. "Is that trust you are referring… or is it love?" He expected the girl to pause in her words. After all, love is something that she isn't granted. But his words only seemed to fuel the fire burning within the Shogun's eyes. It burned brightly that it glued the man's feet to the floor.
Yuuhi took a deep breath, preparing for the consequences on what she had to say. But there was no used denying it now. For the second time that year… she opened her heart and let her feelings pour out into the open. "Were it not for these chains I am bounded with… were it my choice… were it ought in my power to do so… I would gladly cast away this crown and my status if it means spending one lifetime with him!"
"Your Highness!…" The Grand Chamberlain covered her mouth in shock coming from the Shogun's words.
"How you define my words is your own doing. Spit on my lineage, my name, my standing in this country if you must… but do not dare mock his name in front of me ever again. (…) If so… it will be my sword that will take your life"
"…" Ikaruga could not counter. None of his men could. It was not until they realized that who was standing before them wasn't just the true Shogun of Japan but a woman who was now honest with her heart. They simply could not compare.
"Hell hath no fury like a woman's scorn"
-The Mourning Bride by William Congreve-
"Be gone from my sight…"
And with that final gesture, Ikaruga took his leave along with his men, the icy fingers of fear gripping their hearts.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
When the door finally closed behind him, Ikaruga let out the air that he had been holding. He was humiliated, taken down a notch by a woman who he underestimated and paid for it with a mark that won't be leaving his face for a long time.
He gritted his teeth. Anger building inside of him like boiling cauldron just waiting to spill.
"My lord?" His bodyguard garbed in red noticed him immediately and rushed to his side. "Is something wrong sire?"
"Be quiet Makabe"
"Sir? What's wrong? Do you require medical attention or—"
"SHUT UP! (…!)" Ikaruga roared with his face twisted in humiliation and anger. He silenced the man instantly. "That wench… she… (…?)" He tightened the grip on his face trying his best to hide the shame. "Keh! I underestimated her. (…) She… geh! (…?)" It took the man awhile before he was able to recompose himself from the anger that burned in him. "Makabe…"
"Yes, your Excellency…?"
"Send for the Ministry of Intelligence. I have a task for them"
