Muv-Luv Reversal

by Zuoriel

Takeru Shirogane has been leading a normal life until now. During the summer vacation of his second year in college he receives an invitation from his high school friends to meet up again, to which he agrees. Shirogane doesn't know that this decision would release the nightmares that have been haunting him for some time, nightmares that would be better left forgotten.

60. Visible yet Unseen

Chapter 60: Visible yet Unseen

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December 15th, 10:43 PM.

(Yuuko's Office.)

[Takeru]

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"Gulp… Phew… That was delicious. Thanks for going to get me some food, Kasumi." I smile at her as I put the glass down. That really hit the spot, I move my neck in circles for a while as I slowly lean back into the sofa.

"Takeru-san, are you really okay now?"

"Yeah… As well as I'll be for now." Sigh… I lick my lips, resting my back on the sofa.

…What the hell. Just… what the hell. I… didn't want to think about it, but we're more similar than I thought, you and me. The cold hands tickle my back, a feeling I would rather forget creeping back up.

I never thought I would say this… but I can understand him now.

I would have reacted in the same way, probably even worse, if put in his shoes. Clinging to a faint hope, doing everything and still coming up short. I suppose he might have disobeyed orders and remained in Yokohama to protect Sumika and his friends. But then, what happened after that? Yuuhi, why didn't you help him?

The cold hands suddenly lay against my back, loosely. This emptiness… Did she send him away when she became the Shogun? I mean, being her stepbrother and how she was during that birthday I saw, he should have been really close to her. I'm sure… some people didn't like the idea of a commoner, much less with the attitude we have, being so close to the Shogun. Maybe Yuuhi had to… become sterner with him, while he still saw her as family.

…The hands wrap around my stomach, feeling as if I had slugs traveling on my sides. Sigh… I bring a hand to my face, yawning the stiffness out of me. The back of my head begins to hurt, a slight twinge of pain just below my ears on my neck as well.

The screams return, making me send a hand to the back of my head. The explosions overlay themselves with my knees in my sight, I bite my lips. The tumbled down buildings, the ruins of the cities, the people that died in them, the people that I… that he didn't manage to save. I feel a knot on my stomach, I take one deep breath from it and then slowly let the air go, strongly enough to feel it on the hand I had resting on my leg.

But… I am sure it was nighttime. Even if what I saw and what the report say is different… I am sure that-

"Takeru-san…" Kasumi pulls my hand. "Don't think about that anymore. You shouldn't try to remember his memories."

"But I'm sure that-"

"It's just another mixed up piece, right? Calm down…" She rubs my cheek, I close my eyes and sigh.

"Thanks…"

"You really should stop seeing these memories." She says again, this time with some more firmness.

"…I have to, Kasumi. Sumika needs to recall her life through me. It's that, or ruining another world." And I am not doing that.

"But… But you're hurting. I don't like this." She narrowed her brows, holding my gaze.

"Thanks for worrying." I pat her head, she relaxes her expression. "But, if I want to stay with you two, I need to know more. I rather shoulder this burden myself rather than to simply give up and… screw another world. And…" I shiver, remembering how the pickles and Maya-san looked in the memory.

Distorted, their faces truly resembling wolves, or hyenas. It wasn't just anger, it was whatever comes after that. Silly comparison aside, they were in Super Shayan Two. Cold murderers, way past the breaking point of rage. I don't want to have anything to do with those Royal Guards, and yet…

And yet they're nothing like the pickles I met. Well, Mion was like that during our fight. But even then she… wasn't like that, she still had some light, some sort of restrain in herself. Mion didn't… She did show me some respect as a fighter back then, she could have killed me when I lost consciousness for a sec. But she didn't. It's the same since they arrived at the base. They're really stoic with everybody else, sure, but around me they're actually pretty nice. So… Which one are they? Are they really that hostile deep down? Was that just a reaction after a boiling point due to the war?

…I don't know. I hunch over, resting my both arms on my legs, and I close my eyes.

"Takeru-san, you shouldn't think about them anymore. I don't think it'll do you good."

Kasumi, I… I don't think that's a good idea.

"But you said you didn't want to have anything to do with them." I look at her, she lowers her bunny ears and arches her brows.

No, I don't want to have anything to do with the Royal Guards. But… at least for now, they're not like that. I… want to stay here, so I have to make peace with the pickles, somehow. I can't let my weakness turn them against us.

"We can just ignore them."

That won't work forever. And… it's not like I don't understand.

"How do you mean?"

I take a deep breath, running a hand over my forehead. Just bringing the thought into my mind is enough to make me sick to my stomach. Kasumi notices it and sits by my side, rubbing my shoulder.

"Thanks, Kasumi,"

"So, what's wrong?"

I take a deep, sharp breath. Scratching my head, I cross one leg over the other. I look at her again, deep into her cerulean crystals, and, enduring the ants on my back, I move my lips.

"There was one time… when I ran away. You know that already, right?" She nods slowly. "You see, back then… You told me I was a coward. That… hurt, a lot." You were right, though.

"That's wrong."

"Huh?"

"That wasn't me. It was another world."

"Still, that's what she said, and she was-"

"But it wasn't me. I would never say something like that to you." She moves her bunny ears, and despite her usual deadpan tone it was made obvious to me she got… super pissed off, since it's rare for the bunny to interrupt someone.

"Sorry… And thanks, Kasumi." I pat her head, she smiles. "So… The thing is…"

I close my eyes and take a deep breath, feeling the wood creak, the water leaking into the ship. I'm out in the sea, there's no island nearby. Just let it out… It's in the past. Kasumi is right, it's in another world.

"At the time, a lot of messed up stuff happened. And…" I bite my lip, tightening a fist. Kasumi leans on my shoulder, rubbing the back of my head. "…at one point, I was ready to give it all up. But Yuuko-sensei was there for me, and I could stand up and come back to finish it all."

"…I see. Did he… felt the same way in the memory?"

"Not yet. I'm sure something happened after Shura's Dance. Something he couldn't compute. Shura's Dance was just the opening, like the XM3's test was for me." I exhale, softly leaning onto Kasumi's hand. "At the time, I regretted running away. But it was thanks to that mistake that I found a new resolve to move forward. If I had stayed in that world, if I had been forced to live on after what happened to Marimo-chan… I don't know what I would have done, how I would have seen the rest."

And Shura's Dance… was his breaking point. And then, immediately after, the Fall of Yokohama happened. And Yuuhi became the Shogun, so…

I shiver at the implication, as the cold hands dive into me. Kasumi rubs the back of my head, I sigh and relax onto the sofa again.

"But you wouldn't have done anything cruel like he did. You're a good person, Takeru-san."

"Kasumi, I… I…" I take a sharp breath, clawing at my palms so hard it began to hurt for real, so hard I could see my knuckles forming hills on my hand. "…I almost raped Meiya back then."

"B-But… But she was insensitive towards-"

"No excuses. I'm not a white knight, I also get angry, I also want to send everything to hell every once in a while."

It's not like I haven't thought about flipping the pickles off when they were looking after me after that mock battle, it's not like there weren't times where I was tempted to insult Meiya and Chizuru before the CCSE. And I did want to run away again the first time I saw the memories of his pain.

But, unlike me, he was alone. And when I'm alone… I tend to do stupid shit. Hell, I was planning on leaving the city back then. If I hadn't met Sumika at the gate of the school and she hadn't called me Shirogane-kun… I would have ran away, she would have died, and… I would have disappeared from the world's memory, and that parallel world would have… maybe been screwed up, without me to tune the 00 Unit.

So… All things considered…

"I think something happened to his Captain. Since Masahide-san seemed to be looking after him… I don't think he would have let this world's me get to the point of getting so filled with hatred to end up killing civilians or despising the Royal Guard." And Sensei said she can't risk hacking into the Guard's database now, considering the state of affairs with Yuuhi she might take it the wrong way if she noticed Sensei's moves.

It does makes me wonder how the fuck his squadmates agreed to follow this world's me, or why Hikami seems to think so highly of him. Saki-san called him a savior… And I saw him trying to help once. But, why did he murder those civvies in that memory?

My stomach turns again, the back of my head hurts just below my ears. I let out a sigh, thinking about it too much will me no good.

"Maybe his captain died in the fall of Yokohama?" Kasumi asks, leaning on my arm. The cold hands stir within, making me tense my stomach and grimace.

"…No, the anger isn't towards the BETA. It's towards the Guard." Which makes no sense at all, since they all were working for Yuuhi and she then became the Shogun. But… Maya-san and the pickles didn't seem like themselves back then…

"But then, why do you want to keep remembering? Why do you want to talk with the Guards?"

"…Because they're different now. You can sense it, can't you? They truly do worry about me." Kasumi looks away, squinting her eyes.

"…But they want you to remember."

"But they like me how I am now, right?" She nods, after a while. "It's like there's two versions of the pickles, the menacing Guards in them and then there's the kindhearted side that is fond of me. If, deep down, they're still the same as what I saw in that memory then I don't want us to be anything other than squadmates. But they might have changed." She lowers her bunny ears, looking away.

And it's not like I don't know that Tsukuyomi-san is really stern in this world while also having some of the kindness she had in my world sealed within herself, even if it's only shown towards Meiya or people that Meiya likes. She did let me see that side of her when she and the Three Idiots came to visit me at the detention barracks after I crashed our Fubukis to save the old lady in my first loops. Tsukuyomi-san can also be kind in this world, it's all in how you act that makes people show different sides of them to you.

"So… even if I don't want to assume his position, I want to be on good terms with the pickles if they're being truthful. And for that, I need your help." I grab her hands softly, looking at Kasumi in the eye. "You're the only one who can tell how truthful they're being, or if they want me back in the Guard as he used to be."

"…Today they were very mean to you." She narrows her brows, plucking her lips.

"I know. And I don't like how they treated you either. But let's try one more time. I… I don't want to run away from this, I don't want to be forced to leave this world because we couldn't manage his situation carefully. Please Kasumi, can you lend me a hand?"

She returns the grip on my hands, giving me a nod as she moves her bunny ears. Thanks, my little angel.

"But your mind feels really tired, you shouldn't try to see any more memories for a while."

"I get it… I'll rest for tomorrow. It is my birthday after all, so I deserve a break." I chuckle, letting go of her hands. "I'm sure we'll get to see if they're honest or not tomorrow. So, please don't pick a fight with them."

"They might try to pick a fight with me."

"Then, you come to me or the Major. As much as I despise that version of them, judging the Pickle Cousins for what they did two years ago isn't fair." Though, if I had any doubts, they were cleared. I won't ever be assuming his role. Not if the Guard as a whole acts in such a way. Sensei might be harsh and cold, but you can still talk things out with her. "So, you help me stay cool tomorrow. Let's see if they apologize for how they treated you today, and how they approach me. Deal?" She nods.

"So, what will you be doing tomorrow?" Kasumi asks, again holding my arm, letting the calm, tingly feeling appear again on my head as she helps me relax.

"Cooking. I used to do that all the time when I was nervous back home. I'll make myself some pizza, and prep up some stuff for the rest. Then, I guess I'll try to make some apple pies for Sumika while I'm at it."

"Does Sumika-san like apple pies?"

"Oh no, her dad did. He loved apples, so they always had a ton of 'em in their house. So I learned to make apple pies for when we went to their house, since I knew they would always have some apples. All to get him to my side." I smile, chuckling as I remember those days while Kasumi squints her eyes at me. "It was one of the first things I learned to cook, so maybe Sumika can remember her family in this way. And since I'll make it with my own hands, I hope my feelings will reach her when she reads my mind about it." Like with the wooden santa rabbit I made for her last time. Though, it's been a long time since I've cooked. "Is there anything you'd like me to cook for you, Kasumi?"

"No… Not really. I'll treasure anything you make for me." Uuh… Sniff… You can't be this good, Kasumi.

"Is that so? Oh, now that I think about it… I don't know when your birthday is."

"My birthday? It's October 22nd."

"Huh?! For real?"

"Yes."

"Damn, talk about coincidences… If I knew I would have given you a present earlier. Sorry." I never asked her about her birthday, but for it to be on that date. Life is weird.

"It's okay. And, in a way, I already got my present." She smiled as I rose a brow.

"What do you mean?"

"Well… Ever since I met you, I've been feeling more useful." Snow melted, leaving nothing but sunshine in her words and eyes. "I've made many memories of my own, I've had much fun being with you. Not everything was nice…" She looks down, I grimace. But then, she clutched my hand again. I looked at her and saw her smiling as she leaned on my arm. "But for the first time, someone saw me as… a friend. Not as a weapon, not as an ESPer or a tool."

Like clouds moving just to leave a tiny halo of light through, Kasumi looked back at me. The calm sensation returned to the back of my head, and as if fireworks blossomed into the night sky, light spreading like a kaleidoscope, her voice reached me clearly.

"So, for me, meeting you was the best birthday present I could ever have received."

Uuh… T-Thanks, Kasumi. That means a lot right now. What would I do without your support…

I bring her closer and give her a soft hug, patting her head, ruffling her long hair. She moves her bunny ears as I do.

"D-Don't say that. It's embarrassing."

It's the truth. You're… one of the few that knows who I really am. Hearing that from you means a lot to me.

"You still have the Major and the rest. The Professor and Sumika-san too."

Yeah, but my squadmates… will never know everything. There's things I can only talk with you, things only you can know. And… considering all this business with him, some of them don't even treat me for who I am.

It is sad. I do like Meiya in this world, despite everything that happened between us, and when the pickles are calm they're fun to be around. But part of me is scared. Scared that they treat me like that due to who he was and not because of how I am towards them. I'm… legit scared, hands shaking for real, thinking that they might turn around and treat me like shit if I tell them I don't want to go to the Guard, that I want to leave 'my past' behind to be me.

Compared to that, I know I can trust in you. You're irreplaceable to me, Kasumi. Because I know your friendship is real.

"…Thanks." Her hands tighten onto my back for a moment. I ruffle her hair a bit more and let her go slowly. "But you have Sumika-san as well."

Until we can bring her back, I can't rely on her. So, you're my most trusted partner here as of now. Thanks again, really.

"No… Thank you for always being so nice with me. So, um…" She leans on my arm again, tapping it with her fingers. "What would you like me to do tomorrow?"

Come to the PX around 1500 hours. I know you and Sensei are busy, but let's give the pickles a test.

"Yes. Leave it to me."

I nod and ruffle her hair again, a smile softly floating into her face like a butterfly at dusk dancing under the stardust, the calm feeling resonating like the cheer of the cicadas as Kasumi rested her cheek on my arm again, slowly like a sleepy rabbit. I closed my eyes and relaxed onto the sofa with Kasumi hugging my arm as she again projected images of the fun times we had since I arrived.

We remained like that for a while, saying nothing as we rested.

Then, I heard the door opening. Sensei, who went to pick up my medicine and a new headband after Kasumi arrived with my food, came into the room, arms folded and a smile that could melt lava on her face. She seems to be chuckling for some reason.

"Oh, so you finished eating already?" She said as she came closer, carrying quite a few plastic bags on her. "So, feeling better?"

"Yeah… I'm calm again." She looks at me, scanning my face. I shift a bit, I'm not used to such long stares from her.

"That's good and all, but being too calm isn't good, Shirogane. Aren't you forgetting something?" She brought a hand to her chin, smirking.

"Now what? I stayed quiet as you asked me to, eating my dinner."

"Oh, yeah. But… you know, I thought you knew that is a crime."

"Crime? What are you talking about?"

"I mean… Look, I know you like Yashiro, but she's still a minor, you know?"

…

"SENSEI!"

"Heheh… What's up? You seemed really comfy, having her leaning on you."

"It's not like that, dammit! Kasumi is just looking after me."

"Huh…" She smirks again, squinting her eyes at me.

"Professor, don't tease us please." Kasumi said, brows narrowed, as she slowly lets go of my arm and we put a tiny bit of space between us in the sofa.

"Ah, Yashiro got angry at me. Shucks, I better stop now."

"God, you're such a piece of work sometimes, Sensei." She did the same one time before last loop. How dare she suggest I would do that to my snow angel.

"Well, if you can react like that, I guess you really are alright." She chuckles, going to make herself some coffee, again without anything to- "And I brought some food, before you complain." Sensei then folded her arms as the machine poured coffee onto our mugs, looking my way with her eyes slightly narrowed.

"…I wasn't going to say anything."

"…Yashiro, is he telling the truth?"

"No."

Kasumi! Her shoulders grow narrow, she gives me an apologetic nod while her bunny ears fall. I sigh, leaning back onto the sofa.

"Well, here. I'm sure both of you need something sweet in your systems after all this." Sensei passes us some muffins and other pastries.

As we ate them, Sensei passed us our mugs, Kasumi's one had cocoa instead of coffee. Sensei then went to her seat, and after a sip began to fumble with the bags she had brought.

"Shirogane, here." She passed me a new headband. This one has two little horns on it's sides and it's slimmer than the last one. "This one won't stop the memories from resurfacing, but it will make the pain more bearable, I hope. Here's the new medicine too, remember to inject yourself one shot after you wake up."

"Got it. What's the chance of something going wrong?"

"Fifty and fifty. It's all on your attitude."

"Roger. Anything else I should know?"

"Yes, the package you ordered arrived safely. Though, why did you order so much food?"

"Because I assumed you would use some of the expensive stuff."

"…Smart move." She smirks, nodding. "Though, I have to ask you something."

"What is it?"

"Is there any meaning behind the vodka you ordered?" She smirked again, running a finger over her chin.

"N-No! I just…" I felt my heartbeat on my neck for a sec, something tickling my sides slowly as I returned her gaze. "Look, I just wanted some alcohol, something good. I remembered you told me good stuff was hard to find so I just went for the best I found in the PX's catalog."

"Huh… Well, you made a good choice, from what was available." I nod at her, drinking some more coffee.

"Takeru-san, why did you get nervous just now?"

I don't know what you're talking about.

…

"…Pervert."

"Cough!" I think some coffee just went into my lungs. "…K-Kasumi, it's not like that." She gives me a side glance, lips tensed.

"Oh, so you're now corrupting our pure Yashiro…" Sensei chuckled. "I might have to call the MP on you for this."

"Oh, come on! This is all your fault, Sensei."

"Didn't you say you didn't want to push your problems into my shoulders? I certainly didn't force you to think anything… perverted."

"…Gah, forget it. I can never win against you." I'm too tired to try, to boot. "Just don't tease me, I'm real tired now."

"I see… Well, I'll let you off the hook for today." She smiles, leaning back and drinking more coffee. Sigh… What was the need to stir me up like that? "There's also the other thing you bought… but we'll talk about that later with the rest of your inventions."

"Oh, now that you remind me. I sent you a mail with some new ideas and what I remembered of the Sadogashima mission from my office this afternoon. I don't think I'll be able to do much the next few days, so I sent the orders to the Hangar 90 crew through a mail already." That was a good call, now that I'm spent after seeing those memories I don't think I'll be in any mood to help for a few days, so I'm glad I wrote that down and sent it when I did.

"Oh, good to hear." She finishes her coffee in one last gulp, sighing after. "Now, you two. Come with me, I want to show you something before you leave Shirogane."

"Hm? What is it?"

"Well, I'm sure you know." I raise a brow, she chuckles.

I look at Kasumi, who shakes her head in the same confusion that I am in now. I slowly stand up and follow Sensei with Kasumi, we end up in Hangar 90. And there… stood the two machines that will decide the fate of our missions.

"So they're already here… Both XGs." I smile, seeing them being worked on by all the crew of the hangar.

The XG-70B was already mounted in place and seemed ready to go, while the D variant had part of it's outer armor removed as well as it's particle cannon missing. I suppose we're gonna have to assemble this one, since the XGs' project got scrapped in favor of the G-Bombs if I remember correctly. Sensei takes a few steps forward, her voice relaxed for once and showing real glee at the sight. I also took a step closer, breathing in as I look at both of them. They're truly a work of art.

"Yeah, they're finally here." Sensei says, folding her arms while gazing at them. "Hehe, looks like Christmas came early this year." And so did I.

Chop!

"Takeru-san!"

S-Sorry, it was just a joke!

Sensei looked back at us, first raising a brow in confusion, only to then chuckle as Kasumi chopped my shoulder again.

"Well, let me tell you that we also got some more founding, so I think I'll be able to have the railgun in top condition for the Sadogashima mission as well. We'll only have one, and only two backpacks mind you." Sensei says, a hand on her chin.

"That's still a hell of a lot more than nothing. It's good to see our work is finally bearing fruits."

"So… I trust you'll manage this situation tactfully? I can send you on a 'special mission' if you don't feel well around the Tsukuyomis."

"…Give me one day. I'll try to get a clear answer out of the pickles tomorrow."

"…Can I trust you won't screw this up?"

"Of course. Trust in me and Kasumi, Yuuko. I… Sigh… I won't run away. I know I was shaken after seeing this but… I'll have to rise up and deal with it."

…

"Good answer. But, if you feel anything going wrong in your head, you return to my office and you go on a special mission. Got it?"

"Yes. Don't worry, I won't place more stuff on your shoulders." My stomach is still turning, I'd be lying if I said I'm confident… But I gotta do it.

I want to believe that caring act of the pickles wasn't a lie, I want to believe I can talk them into being welcoming towards Kasumi and the rest. Because if they don't, and they act like how they were in that memory… I don't know how I'll react, especially if they try to threaten my snow angel again.

"So…" Sensei begins slowly, folding her arms. "You can go on and rest for the day. I'll have Yashiro tag along with you tomorrow, just in case. And don't think of doing anything troublesome, if you feel anything-"

"I'll retreat. I know reacting badly would be a hell of a lot worse for us. I… only hope they are willing to listen."

"I see. Well, that is all. You may leave."

"…You're going to stay overnight again?"

"Of course!" Sensei smiles, pumping her fist. "Now that the XGs are here, there is no way I'll simply go to sleep without getting a good look at their engines and OS. Gravity-bending force fields, Shirogane. Do you comprehend how impressive that is?! It's the dream of every physics researcher, to give the middle finger to that force!" She gets close in a flash and begins to slowly shake me, sparks of joy coming of her very being. "Do you know how many times gravity and it's rules screwed up my experiments? Do you?!"

"I know how awesome the Rutherford Field is. I showed you that memory, didn't I?"

"And precisely because of that, I want to see how it works with my own eyes." She releases me and spins in place, doing a little classical dance with the air. "It's just not the same to receive second-hand reports than to see the real deal. Now, off you go to sleep. Yashiro, come along." And there she goes, without waiting a second. She really is like a little kid when she finds something new to research… Despite everything, she still has some adorable traits.

"Good night, Takeru-san." Kasumi says, waving my way.

"Yeah, good night to you too. Look over Sensei, please." She nods and follows after Sensei.

I can't really help here, less now that I'm this tired. My feet feel like jelly, and the middle of my back is killing me. Sigh…

I take the elevator back to B5F and go to my room, thinking on what I saw. On the frustration, the blind rage, the weight on my chest… even to the point of having someone 'scold' us when we were down, even if you didn't try to rape her as I did.

As I tried to recall what he felt then, the cold hands tickled my sides again.

"We really are similar… you and me." But that's just it.

After that point, we walked different roads. That's why I can't take your place. So, I can only hope Yuuhi and the pickles don't take that too badly.

---

Next Day. Near 8 AM.

(Takeru's Room.)

---

Wiggle Wiggle

Zzz… Mmgh…

"Takeru-san…"

Ugh… Heard you, Kasumi. Good morning.

"Morning." She says in her usual tone.

I open my eyes and stretch under the sheets. I yawn for a long while, then I tense up my back. I sit down, rubbing my eyes. Kasumi pats my head.

"Did you sleep well?"

"That's my question. Didn't you stay working with Sensei?"

"Yes… I just woke up some time ago." Her bunny ears drop. "…I missed my alarm."

"Hey, don't be so down. You must have done a lot of things."

"Yes…"

"You do look really tired. Is it really alright for you to look after me today?"

"Don't worry, I left the PCs compiling all the data the Professor asked me, so I don't even have a computer to use for now."

"Oh… Just thinking on how much stuff you're doing is making my head hurt." If she left it on when she went to sleep, and it's still not finished now… Ouch. "So, how's Sumika?"

"The Professor is going to have her train with the XG's data in the sim, and she has her ribbon blocking everything aboveground. Don't worry, for today she'll be busy and there's no risk of her coming towards you." She says, giving me a nod.

"That's good to hear. I can still visit her at night, right?"

"Of course. The Professor told me she wants a report on how you felt through the day with the headband for when we go to her office."

"Got it. Well, I'll get ready so you wait for me outside." She nods and goes her way.

…Now that I think about it, she hasn't hit her head with any doors in this world. Kasumi has finally surpassed her nemesis.

Or maybe the doors are just bidding for the right time.

I get out of bed and brush my teeth, then go into the shower and quickly wash myself. I didn't have a dream today, not a normal one, not a memory one. It feels good, to be able to wake up normally. Would be good if things could remain peaceful until the mission.

After getting out, I grab the box with the medicine and inject myself as Kasumi taught me to so long ago. Then, I got into my regular attire and put on the new headband.

Looking at me in the mirror, there's a small spike of my hair that's curving outwards over the headband, my fringe is still falling onto my forehead, but at least now it isn't right by my brows. The two horns of the headband, where the emergency buttons are placed, make me look like those half-demon guys in anime.

"No, it's… I look like the Gandum Epyon now that I think about it." Yeah… God, now I can't take the image off my head. But if that is the case, then I should wake up at the sound of the beeps of the opening…

"I just feel rhythm emotion!" I do a pose that the Epyon used to always do in the anime, seeing my reflection in the mirror I can't help but to smile.

Ahaha… How stupid I am. Well, I'm already fixed up so let's get-

"Why are you always like this?!" Huh? Was that… Oh, for fuck's sake!

I slowly open the door, and see Kasumi right in front of it like an unmovable story-tied obstacle of an RPG. And in front of her, there was Meiya folding her arms real tight. She seemed startled when I opened the door, quickly loosening her posture.

"Hey, good morning Meiya."

"Oh, good morning Takeru. You… have another headband." She remarked, a brow raised.

"Yeah… Hair being wack, yo."

"Huh… So anyways, I came to ask you a question…" She then gazed at Kasumi, who took my right as I stepped out of my room.

Kasumi, what happened?

"She wants you to train with them. You're tired today, so I told her you were busy. She insisted again on asking you herself, I told her you had trained too much already. She then told me I had no right to send her away, so I told her she was being too pushy. Then she got angry."

Sigh… You really don't like Meiya for some reason.

"I don't like forceful people. She won't listen to reason. She's too stubborn."

That she is, sadly.

"Well, why don't we talk on the way to the PX?" I suggest, giving her a thumbs up towards the hallway.

"Oh, I suppose we should."

We then begin walking there, with Kasumi still on my right and Meiya on my left.

"So, what did you want to ask me, Meiya?" She looks at Kasumi, who isn't even looking at her, then Meiya folds her arms and looks at me.

"Well, you see, me and the other four wanted to know if you were willing to have a practice run today. We have been improving, but there's some hurdles we cannot seem to be able to overcome. We were wanting to compare our progress with yours, and see how we hold up now against you in a fight."

"Oh… I can see how important that is, but I'm not going to be able to help you guys today."

"Huh?! Why?" She then, for just a second, sent a gaze towards Kasumi before looking at a wall, twisting the edge of her lips. "…Do you have another special mission, perchance?"

"No, I'm busted today. I don't think I could give you a good fight."

"Hm? Oh, you do seem rather tired. I don't think I've ever seen you with such eyebags." She says as she scans my face. I usually took care of myself with the cream, but I was too tired to care yesterday. "Did something happen?"

"…No, nothing. I'm just tired."

"Takeru, you can confide in me, you know?" Meiya's brows lowered, her arms tensed onto her sides. "If something is troubling you, I can-"

"Takeru-san was made to spar against the Viking yesterday." Kasumi said, sending a glance to me. "That's why he's exhausted."

"Huh? Is that so, Takeru?"

"Ah… Yeah, that's right. It's supposed to be a secret, but that's why I'm beat." Thanks for the save, Kasumi.

"You're welcome."

"I see… So, you had a practice match against the Viking, you and her alone?" She now folded her arms, plucking her lips. Jealousy, a bit of curiosity… and… Anger?

"Yeah, it wasn't a fight though. It was a… comparison run using the JIVES. Like a Time Trial competition."

"Time trial? What are you talking about?"

"You know, that mode of F-Mega where you try to complete a race in the fastest time possible."

"Oh, I see. That is… a good idea, actually. I didn't think to turn that into a way to train with our TSFs. To force us to run a course like the ones in that program in the shortest time possible must be an interesting way to polish our flying habits indeed."

"Yeah, it is."

…Wait a sec.

Doing a time trial run… using the courses of F-Mega… through the JIVES?

…

That's a genius idea! Why didn't I think about it?! I can even hide it as 'the Viking's' training courses! I can practically design one of those races for our TSFs to teach everyone to fly like I do. Let's see if you can drift through five hairpins in a row without colliding with the walls, you noobs!

"Takeru-san, you're scaring me."

Oh right, you don't like F-Mega. Well my snow angel, it is time to prove to everyone else how good you've gotten so far under my teachings.

"…But I don't like those races."

Oh, are you saying you rather eat carrots instead of practicing with me?

…

"You suck."

I chuckle at her pout, while thinking on how to design the races.

"Ahem…" I twitch, feeling an overbearing aura of hostility behind my neck. "Is there any reason why you two are laughing? Please, do let me in on the joke."

"No, I… just remembered something funny, Meiya." She groans, arms folded.

"So, I suppose you won't be able to train with us today?"

"No, sorry. I can go watch you train and give you some advice if you want, but I'm not feeling good enough to pilot."

"I see. Then, by all means, do come to watch us train. Of course, Yashiro can come too if she likes." Meiya placed a hand on her pocket, sending a gaze towards Kasumi while slowing down her tone.

"…If Takeru-san wants me to go, then I'll go too." I give her a nod, brows lowered. She returns the nod.

"I see… That's good to hear." Meiya seems to have relaxed a bit. "So, we five were planning to train at 930 hours in the sim room. Did you have any plans for today, Takeru?"

"Cooking." I say with a smile.

"Cooking? Ah, did you ask for permission already?"

"Sensei gave me the paper yesterday, so I'm all clear. I have the kitchen for me starting the 1500 hours."

"Oh… Is there any reason you wish to cook today?"

"Well, it is my birthday." I say, placing a hand on my waist and puffing my chest.

Though… How old should I say I am? Does this birthday count? I mean… How old am I? Physically-wise, I'd say… twenty. But, with all the loops and time jumps… Damn, I won't complicate myself. Burrowing your age, this world's me.

"Huh?! Truly?" Meiya seemed taken aback for some… Oh, right. Today is her birthday too.

…And Yuuhi's.

A small twinge of pain appeared again just below my right ear, on my neck. A cold trembling went down my spine when I looked at Meiya, but I tightly coiled a thumb in my hand as I pressed hard and remembered our times together, clearly dividing who is in front of me from the one who is far away.

"…Yeah, funny isn't it."

"W-What would be funny?" She looks away, curving one of lips.

"Well, that we share our birthday."

"…Eh? You… knew?" Paleness shines like a full moon in the night.

"Yeah, I gave your profiles a read over back when you were all being pricks to me, to avoid saying anything that would worsen stuff. I didn't see much, but I could see your birthdays."

She then looks into my eyes, arms folded. They then relax on her sides with her hands still coiled, her eyes veering away from mine as her lips are tightly folded into a line.

"I see…" She says, like every time she can't find a proper retort.

"So, would you like me to cook you something as a present of sorts? I am confident in my cooking skills, if I might boast a bit."

"Huh? No… It's alright, don't worry about me."

"For real?" She nods, looking away. "Man… It sure is sad to be turned down like that." I was getting my hopes up, to have Meiya taste my cooking is something I didn't get to see back home. "Well, I'll settle with eating with Kasumi."

"Yes, I'm looking forward to it." The bunny says with a smile that I return.

"Maybe I should make you a carrot pie?"

"…Don't be mean, Takeru-san." She chops my shoulder softly.

"Ahaha, sorry. Well, think about what you'd like me to cook you." She nods, a small smile flourishing in her face as we continue to walk. "Otherwise, carrot pie it is." She pouted slightly again while I chuckled.

"…Um, Takeru?" Meiya asks, looking the other way while she plays with her tags.

"What's up?"

"I wouldn't… be a bother if I asked to try your cooking?" She steals a glance towards me before looking at the wall again.

"Of course not! I'm not Kyouzuka-san, but I want to think I'm decent at least. I'm looking forward to your opinion, Meiya." She nods, a small smile on her face that I return. Though, why did she refuse just a…

She got jealous of Kasumi?

"Yes, she was glaring at me just now."

Glaring seems a bit too much… But she's jelly.

"She's like the Shogun, always staring at you. I don't like her."

Sigh… Kasumi, please. She looks down, her bunny ears also fall down.

"I shall be looking forward to it. So… Ahem." She returns to her usual form, arms folded. "Could you perhaps tell me how it was to train against the Viking?"

"Well… That is…"

"It's classified." Kasumi answers, looking straight at Meiya.

"Why? Isn't the XFJ Project's footage something we of the Valkyries can also consult?"

"This wasn't a run with the Shin Kagerou, therefore it is classified." Kasumi answers in her usual tone.

"However, both Takeru and the Viking are our comrades. Is there any way I could request to see said footage?"

"Forceful, overbearing. I said it's classified already."

"What did you-"

"Alright, that's it!" I place my hands in front of their faces slowly. "Meiya, everything related to the Viking is classified. XO's orders, so please don't poke about the matter." She nods slowly, looking down. "And you Kasumi, there's no need to be so cold."

"…She's too stubborn."

"I was merely-"

"Stop!" Meiya's lips clamp shut, Kasumi lowers her head. "This is just the way it is, no need to start quarreling over that."

"…Sorry, Mitsurugi-san." Kasumi gives her a bow, Meiya nods at her.

"No, your words do have some truth to them. Forgive me for being so insistent." Kasumi nods and looks away, a sign that she's clearly mad at Meiya despite her poker face. "So Takeru, you're… not overburdened by these special missions, I hope?" She seemed to have changed her words midway, now arms folded she returned my gaze.

"No, I'm just a little tired today. Which is why we'll be using the JIVES from now on instead of piloting. Our first mock battle in the Shin is getting closer, so look forward to that." She nods, finally giving me a smile.

We made it to the PX shortly after, we got in line as some of our squadmates greeted us when they saw us.

Chizuru, Takamura, Hayase and the Captain were on the table. Takamura, Hayase and Cpt. Isumi sitting in front of us, while we gave our backs to the wall Kasumi took my right again while Meiya sat down between me and Chizuru. As we began to eat, the Captain told us that she had seen Tama, Kei and Mikoto when she arrived, and that they seemed to be looking for me, to ask me about the battle they wanted to do. She told me she would authorize me to do it, since we belong to different squads technically, but I told her I was too tired today and would just go to watch. Which… caused someone to grin.

"Oho, so the hotshot ran out of steam already? What a premature peak." Hayase teased me with a smirk.

"I get exhausted after too much piloting, too. Everybody needs a day of rest." Takamura nods in agreement, Hayase seems to be narrowing her brows at her.

"Still, I thought you would have some more resilience, after what you did on the incident. Damn, men these days. You're all lacking in stamina." She again smirked my way, moving her fork in a certain patter over her synth steak.

I wanna retort… but I know that I'd be only digging my grave. Too tired to care, so let's at least reply lightly.

"Yeah, sorry to disappoint you, honey. I'll make sure to be well rested for our one on one."

"Cough!" Meiya and Chizuru started choking real bad, Takamura seemed to almost gag on her drink.

Really? Over something so light? Man, if I used all the teasing Sensei did over in my world, you'd be left red as a sunset.

"Who would say you'd have the balls to call me like that…" Hayase smiles, chuckling. "But you're mistaken if you thought I'd pleased with your usual performance. You're gonna have to screw the cork a bit tighter with me, darlin'." She made that gesture, winking my way. The Captain sighed, smiling while shaking her head.

"You're one tough mistress to please, Hayase."

"You bet I am!" She snarled, smirking again while bringing some food to her mouth. "I sincerely hope you're not all bark."

"Well, you're gonna have to get close and find out yourself if I am or not." I raise a brow, she and Cpt. Isumi chuckle, while Takamura shakes her head with her lips tightly plucked.

"Takeru-san, please stop."

Come on, now. Some teasing is fine, Kasumi.

"No, it's not about that. They're… angry."

They?

"Takeru…" Meiya looked… glared at me, Chizuru as well. Snake-hair, return to normal. Meiya, drop that imaginary Minaru Kamui. "Whatever is the meaning of this?" She asked coyly, despite that twitching brow.

"…Of what? It's just banter." I raise a brow, bringing some mackerel to my lips.

"Huh… Shirogane-kun, I don't recall you ever speaking like that to us, though." Chizuru's voice creaked like a cage being ripped from within.

"Well… You know, with how stuff was between us…" Their faces immediately fell to the bottom of Kashgar. "Look, I just like to fool around. Not to the point where Munakata seems to take the conversations, but some light teasing isn't that bad." They didn't return my gaze, seeming to still be bitter going by those pursed lips. Even Kasumi is giving me a side glance now.

"Yeah, you should chill a bit." Hayase said. "I wasn't being serious, I'm frankly just seeing how you all react. In a way, this is also training." She puffed her chest, nodding as she kept eating.

"Huh? I do not comprehend how such a thing could be a training for us, 1st Lt. Hayase." Meiya tilted her head, sending me a narrowed gaze.

"Sigh… Mitsurugi, don't make sound like a broken boombox. I told you a thousand times that Hayase is fine."

"…Would it truly be alright?"

"Yeah, don't sweat the small stuff. We've got the hotshot for that." She smirked my way, moving her pinky up and down. Chizuru blushed, while Meiya just tilted her head.

"Takeru, what does that mean?"

"That she's wrong."

"Oh… Someone sure is confident…" Hayase said in a cocky, teasing tone as always.

"Again, you're gonna have to get close to find out."

"Shirogane-kun, you… you should not speak like that to a superior officer!"

"Oh, come on. It's just some teasing."

"…I still do not understand what she meant by small stuff nor how this could be of any use to us." Meiya narrowed her brows, I shrugged and got back to eating.

"It's a simple matter, actually." The Captain said. "There will be times where we will be sent to the frontlines on a mission. When that time comes, we will all be sleeping together and sharing the same bathrooms. If you get this riled up over some teasing, you won't be able to enter the showers or sleep soundly if your bunk happens to be near a man's." She said calmly, to what Hayase and Takamura nodded.

"That is true." Takamura said. "When you're in the frontlines, you'll be blessed to be allowed to have a personal room. While I do not agree on voicing such words so casually, it would do you good to at least learn to not react to them." She gave them a smile, nodding.

"I see… I suppose we have found another area where we're lacking." Meiya nodded, dejectedly. Chizuru sighs and continues to eat, this time more slowly.

"Well, don't take it so hard." Hayase tells her fellow blue haired pilot. "I'm not telling you to imitate me, but you'd do well in not reacting to the teasing. Especially over the hotshot, you can do better than him." She smirked my way, resting an elbow on the table.

"Oh, what do we mean by that, Hayase?"

"I mean, if you get exhausted so easily, you're all show."

"You just wait until our fight, I'll pound you into the ground so hard you're not gonna have any more retorts." She smirks again, her eyes flaring up at the mention of our challenge.

"I am looking forward to that… but I think you'll be the one being pounded hard into the ground." She makes a gun with her hand and 'shoots' it at me.

"Oh, really? Didn't know you were into that. It would be a first, since I'm usually the one doing the pounding." I raise a brow, tensing some of my fingers while I sway my hands sideways. Hayase chuckles at the gesture.

And again, Meiya and Chizuru seem to be choking.

"2nd Lt. Shirogane, please keep your manners. 1st Lt. Hayase, you as well." Takamura scolded us. "Banter aside, I am sure no one wants to hear such… confessions at this time." Chizuru gave her agreement with a nod. What is she talking about, though?

"Huh? What are you on about?" Hayase also seems to be lost.

"I certainly do not need to know that you… ahem, prefer to be the one doing the pounding." Takamura said, closing her eyes and drinking some water.

I could hear the Captain snickering. Hayase's eyes shot wide open, her mouth hanging open. I can see she is both embarrassed and shocked, so… she isn't into that stuff, right? She was just kidding, right?

"I-It's not like that! We're just fooling around, right Shirogane?" I nod. "You shouldn't take everything so literally, Takamura."

"Well, you'll have to forgive me for I take such matters seriously. I do not think it proper for a woman to speak of such things so loosely, especially with a comrade."

"Listen here…" Hayase sighed, scratching her head. "It's just banter. There's no harm in just joking around with your squadmates."

"Even so, please remember to keep your poise. It would be bad if some people overheard you and started spreading rumors about you… wanting to pound Shirogane."

I couldn't help but to snicker with Cpt. Isumi at Hayase's face, while Kasumi chopped my shoulder again.

She's shocked for real so she must be at a loss of words to explain herself. She might not have thought anyone other than Munakata would ever say such things to her. Much less the formal Takamura. Reminder to self: Do not upset her.

"Also, the same goes for you 2nd Lt. Shirogane."

"Huh?" Now I'm on the receiving end of the word barrage? I didn't do anything!

"I'd advise you to not boast about your… courting experiences. Less now that most of your squadmates will be females. Please, do keep your manners."

"Ah, yes… Sorry, didn't mean to sound like that."

"…So you don't deny it, huh?" Cpt. Isumi said, making a small smirk.

"Deny what?"

"Well, I had thought that you were merely following the skit with Hayase, but your words now seem to imply that… you really have experience. Must be tough being popular, hotshot." She chuckles at my shock.

"Eh… Ah, well…" Why must you do this to me, Captain?!

"Oho, so the hotshot already got to fire his first bullet?" Hayase, recovering from her shock, seemed to want to use me to escape from her embarrassment.

"Shirogane-kun… Is that true?" Chizuru looked straight at me, Meiya was like a deer in the headlights as she also gazed my way.

"Of course not… It's just that I'm not embarrassed to speak of love."

"Man, and here I was thinking that you had some steel in you." Hayase chuckled, leaning back a bit. "Maybe it's the other way around, and you're super unpopular with women?"

"Sigh… I wasn't exactly a ladies' man where I was before."

Besides two or three invitations to one-night stands, no one really paid me much attention back home. Over there, the girls didn't really love me, besides Sumika and Meiya. And… I was so conflicted about that at the time, between staying with the one who was by my side or chasing after the one that had left.

"To be completely honest… I was a coward when it came to love." Not wanting to choose, I just moved on without answering.

God, I was such an idiot. Remembering that is making me mad, but it was because I didn't remember… that I got another chance.

"And I don't wanna be like that anymore. So if you tease me, I'll bite back. Just because I'm green doesn't mean I'll take it." I smirked back at Hayase and Cpt. Isumi, who chuckled then.

"Well, it is good to see we've got someone who'll return Munakata's aggression." Cpt. Isumi said, sending me a small smile. Though, I don't see myself exchanging teases with Munakata any time soon.

"Yeah, it's nice to know the kid got some backbone, at least. But don't worry, I'll be nice and slow during our bout since you're still green." Hayase smiles, lowering her eyelids and changing her tone to a slow and sweet one, as if she were reading someone a book at night.

"Thanks for being so sweet, honey." I return the smirk and tone.

"Takeru!"

Chop!

Yeah, double team on me. Meiya's eyes were narrowed really tightly, her mouth was small and tensed. Kasumi was also giving me a hard stare. Takamura and Hayase chuckled at their synchronization, while the Captain simply smiled. Chizuru seemed to regret not being closer, but she was still giving me a strong glare.

"Stop addressing a superior officer in such a way, it is not proper of a Japanese pilot." Meiya said, to which Chizuru agreed.

"Indeed. Even if you're just joking, you should be careful on which words you use, Shirogane-kun."

You're both just jelly because I'm calling Hayase honey, aren't you?

"Takeru-san, Mitsurugi-san's and Sakaki-san's feelings are becoming upset. Please stop before they get truly angry."

Sorry, I just kinda replied automatically.

"I know, but she's right. You should not say those words so easily."

Well, I get it. I'll try to be more tactful.

"Sorry, but it's just banter, really." I scratch my head, smiling at Meiya and Chizuru.

"Even so, you'd be well served in remembering to keep your manners." And there goes her finger, doing circles in the air like when she always scolded me back home. "If you got used to it, you might even say it in the battlefield or in the common channel while we practice."

"Yeah… That would be a pain in the ass." Hayase says, laughing a bit. "If Munakata hears this she's never gonna let us live it down. So, not a word to her about this, we clear?" She narrowed her eyes at us, we nodded.

"Sigh… It's always the same with you." Cpt. Isumi laughs at the girls' tension. "Well, while being always formal isn't a rule for our teams, don't go overboard with it. Also, while it might be fun, don't get too used to teasing the men, Hayase." This time, however, the look in the Cpt.'s eyes was firmer, her brows lowered.

…Like when we talked on the ship. Right, Maejima is the one she's in love with. Imagine the chaos that would ensue if someone teased him like Hayase just did to me.

"Yes, Ma'am!" Hayase, who must know, immediately straightened up and gave her a nod.

"Good. Well, I'm sure this is only an issue for us. Takamura, I believe there is no teasing going on in the Gleipnir?"

"No, of course not. The Major would never say anything of the sort, your sister and Maejima are very respectful towards us, and both Tsukuyomis are very serious when it comes to our duties." She then takes a pause and looks at me. "Except for when Shion is near Shirogane." Yeah, single me out. Everything is my fault here.

"Could you elaborate, Takamura?" Meiya asked. Arms? Folded. Eyes? Ablaze.

"She simply loosens up her lexicon when in his presence, and more of often than not is leaning onto his arm. Even Shirogane has reprimanded her at times."

"Yeah, she's got no respect for my personal space." Kasumi nods in agreement.

"Well… You might think it's that?" Hayase says, moving her brows up and down.

"Hm? What are you talking about?"

"You know… Think she's got the hots for you?"

Guh… That's… I don't know how to feel about that. Meiya's hand seemed to twitch, Chizuru was again giving me a firm stare.

"As much as I dislike speaking of others behind their backs, I would have to agree." Takamura added, caressing a strand of her hair. "It is rare for someone of such high station to display such closeness towards someone."

"Oho, are we talking from experience, Takamura?" Hayase asks while grinning.

"W-What are you saying? That is merely my opinion as a fellow Guard." She then goes for her glass and drinks, while Hayase smiles and lets out a satisfied hum.

"In any case, it is true that she seems to display clear interest in you, Shirogane?" Cpt. Isumi asks, and… well, I nod. From their eyes, that's how it will seem. "So, I'm sure you don't need me telling you this, but you should be careful around her. Both due to her station and her position as a liaison, but for her temper as well. She won't remain nice towards you if you reject her."

…

"…I know, Ma'am." I already saw… how cruel Shion can truly be. I heard enough.

"I…" Meiya began slowly. "I do not think Shion harbors such feelings. I believe she merely finds Takeru amusing."

"Come on, Mitsurugi." Chizuru said, arching her brows while softly hitting the table with her palm. "Then, why is she constantly getting so close to him?"

"I merely believe she finds his reactions to that entertaining, much like how Hayase finds it to tease him with words instead."

"Well… I think you might be right." Meiya nods, seeming to be satisfied with my agreement.

"In any case, we're late for the training. Mitsurugi, Shirogane-kun, Yashiro, we should be going." We all nodded to her words.

"Yeah, I think we should also be on our way." Cpt. Isumi said, to which Takamura and Hayase agreed.

It seems Takamura is going back to the XFJ Project's offices, and Hayase is going to go for a swim with Akane and Tsukiji to an underground pool we apparently have on the base. I never knew we had something like that. Cpt. Isumi said she's going to spend some time with NotMarimo-chan, both to loosen up and discuss our trainings going forward, since I'm sure they must know that Operation 21st is peering above the horizon right now.

…Just a bit over a week, huh. I have a week to tune Sumika.

And to have the peace of mind for that, to at least manage to create a place where she can begin to be part of the team…

"Oh, are you coming from the PX?" Mion said as we took a turn. "Good morning, you four." She said followed immediately by Shion's greeting.

…I need to make peace with you two. Otherwise, Sumika won't be able to ever leave the underground even if she's stable.

"Good morning, Mion, Shion." Meiya said, giving them a salute along Chizuru. Me and Kasumi simply gave them a 'good morning'.

"Please, there is no need for such formalities. Did you already have breakfast?" Mion caressed a strand of hair, looking at us. And sobering her expression when she saw me. My headband, if I had to guess.

"Yes, we already ate." Meiya said, now giving Shion a look. She's still bothered by what Hayase said?

"Yes. She seems to be denying it, but she's also worried and confused."

Well, I can't blame her. Who knows what they told them about me.

"I see… Shirogane, might I ask if you're busy for the moment?" Mion spoke slowly, yet her voice… doesn't sound as she had been until yesterday.

"Sorry, but I'm going to watch them train."

"But you yourself are not going to train?"

"Well… No."

"Then, could we borrow you for a moment? We were wishing to have a talk with you." She sent a hand to her ponytail while giving me a look straight in the eye.

Kasumi, what do you feel?

"I don't know."

What do you mean?

"I… think they have hyper ceramic on them. I can't read their thoughts clearly."

Well, damn. At least this shows they… don't trust in you much, if they have it now, on a Sunday, when they didn't have it on yesterday during training.

"What did you want to talk about? You can come to the sim room after eating, and we can talk there."

"…I would welcome some privacy. Could we perhaps talk here? It won't take long." Mion insisted without dropping her smile.

…Shion hasn't said a word yet, and that's creeping me out. She's still looking at me, her brows a tiny bit narrowed.

"Um…" Chizuru was grabbing her tags, still as a statue while she tried to hold the Guards' gaze. "Shirogane-kun isn't in trouble, right?"

"…No, of course not." Mion replied, courtly and coldly.

"Sakaki, Yashiro, let us go. Takeru, simply take a moment to speak with them."

"Huh? Wait a sec, I haven't-"

"They're your squadmates, aren't they? You should hear them out if they wish to talk with you." She folded her arms, speaking as firmly as always. And yet…

Her reaction was too fast. I know they're part of the Tsukuyomi family, but… Meiya didn't set me up, right? She wouldn't have… done such a thing.

"Takeru-san, should I stay?"

…I don't think that would be good. If they have hyper ceramic, then having you here would not be of much use, and they'll probably target you. Go with Meiya, and keep an eye on her.

"Do you think… she's on their side?"

"There's no sides here, or so I'd like to believe. But she reacted too smoothly. I think she should have at least been a bit surprised. So, go along and watch her. I'll handle the pickles.

"But if something happens, you'll be-"

I have a headband now. Worst case, I press the emergency button, though I'd like to avoid that outcome. Trust in me, my little angel. I've got this.

"…Understood. Please be careful."

"Fine, I'll stay. Sakaki, tell the rest I'm sorry for being late. I'll try to be there before the first run ends."

"I got it. See you later, Shirogane-kun." I nodded at her, who is still stiff as rock around the pickles.

They give Meiya and the other two a small nod as they left, without even looking at Kasumi. Now that reminds me, they owe her an apology.

"So… What can I do for you two?"

"First, we'd like to apologize for our behavior yesterday. It was unsightly and inappropriate." Both of them gave me a small bow.

"I think you've got something wrong. Kasumi is the one you should be apologizing to."

"…Is that so?" Mion said slowly as they returned themselves upright.

"Yeah, since you two were real nasty to her. Make sure to also go and apologize to her later. She's your squadmate too."

"…You like her a lot, don't you." Shion said, a slight layer of poison on her words.

"Yeah, she's a friend. And I'd like to ask you two to never be like that again to her." I return her square gaze, Shion's brows narrow.

"We will not." Mion says. "The Major already gave us a talk yesterday. Sadly, we cannot approach Yashiro for the time being. Which is why we're relaying our apology through you, please do let her know we are sorry for our actions yesterday." She remained talking in a business tone, still and with a small smile on her face. Fake, as dinner made by Meiya.

"Good to hear. So, you'll get along with her from now on?"

"…We'll act as one would expect of a squadmate." Nice way of saying no.

"I see… Well, I'll tell Kasumi you said sorry. Is that all?"

"Actually… We were wanting to ask you some questions, if you didn't mind." Shion said, folding her arms slowly.

"Sigh… Again? I thought this was over."

"It's not about your past." She immediately said. "We just… wanted to ask you some things." She is also terribly stiff, which is not like her.

But, despite everything, nothing is coming up. I am mad for what they did yesterday… but that's all. Guess the medicine is doing it's job well now.

"Alright, but only if I can also ask you guys some questions. Seems fair?" They looked at each other, their brows arching. Shion nodded first, then Mion also gave me her affirmation. "Then, deal. What did you wanna ask?"

"Well… Why do you have a headband again, Takeru?" The turquoise pickle asked, narrowing her eyes at my forehead.

"Hair be wack, yo."

"Huh?" Both of them opened their eyes, not getting what I said.

"My hair is really long, and frankly it's pissing me off. But I'm too lazy to go get it cut… So, I just wear this thing instead."

"But… it doesn't look like a normal headband." Shion insisted, a hand on her waist. "Why does it… have those horns?" Because the Epyon looks metal as fuck, obviously.

"Your guess is as good as mine. I have no clue what the current fashion trends are."

"So, you ordered it from somewhere?" Mion asked. "Might I ask from which store?" …Dammit.

"I just went to our storehouse in the underground and asked for a headband. No idea where it's from. So, think it looks good on me?" I place a hand on my chin and wink at them, giving them a grin.

They seem to be caught off guard by my sudden change in tone, Mion in particular.

"I do think… you look fine." She couldn't even look at me as she said it.

"Well, it's not like you look bad…" Shion pursed her lips. "But you'd be better without it, in my opinion."

"Well, can't please everybody." I shrug. "So, now's my time to ask a question." I clear my throat, leaning against a wall. "Say Tsukuyomis, why are you so nice to me?"

"Huh? What do you mean?" Mion asked, Shion grasped her hair as she looked at me, or in my feet's direction to be precise.

"Well, you're awfully nice to me. To the rest, you're polite and proper, but to me you're really nice and warm. I don't mind it, but it is kinda weird."

"Do you dislike our attitude, perhaps?" Shion replied in that same slow and cold tone Maya-sensei sometimes used.

"No, not really. I just want to know why you're so friendly to someone you tried to kill when we first met." Both of them look to the ground, Mion tightening her fists, Shion softly biting her lips. So they do regret that, deeply.

"My apologies." Mion bowed to me. "I… I thought you were a spy, and that is why I reacted in such an aggressive way."

"I get it, you don't have to explain that again. I can tell Meiya is really important, just by looking at her. What I want to know… is why are you two so nice to me now, after you've cleared that misunderstanding of the mock battle." I leave the wall and approach the pickles, looking at them in the eye.

They treated him like shit back then. Shion even… kicked him when he was down, she tore his heart apart. They might regret doing that… or they might be lying to make me fond of them… only to then tell me of 'who I was' and ask me to return to Yuuhi. Which one is the truth… Let me see what lurks behind your eyes.

"As we said before, we are sorry for the misunderstandings created due to the problem in the databases." Mion said, taking a step back, placing a hand on her chest. "And we… find your personality entertaining. We would like to be good fellows to you." Fellows, huh. Not squadmates, not comrades in arms.

"…You see, there's something that doesn't add up. The Royal Guards are very prideful, and you must have been raised well. You must hate the guts of Americans, or people that 'abandoned' the Empire." They both look down. "Someone like me, who is always being casual and lived abroad for two years… I don't see what could make you wish to be my friend. Hell, even Meiya hated my guts at one point."

"We… We are…" Shion began, at first not able to look me in the eye, but then tensing her brows, she returned my gaze. "We are wary of foreigners, that is true. However, you are Japanese. Now that we confirmed you are not an enemy, we have no reason to be hostile to you. And all this time we kept watch over you, we could see you were an honest person. We find you funny to be around, and so, it is only natural for us to return your friendliness." She said, pointing a finger upwards.

"Huh… So, you want to be my friends?"

"Yes, I believe we already said as much." Mion nodded, making a small smile.

"Despite me being a Japanese that's part of the UN?" I poke the wound, and their brows seemed to want to move for a moment there.

"You… are placed in the UN, that is true. However, you are just loaned-"

"No, I'm actually planning to remain here. You know, since I've got no family to speak of."

I know this isn't what Sensei meant when she said 'tactfully', but it's my way of doing things. I need to 'poke' them and see their reaction. Sure, I know they'll be mad, but one thing is being angry because they care and another is being angry because they want me to return to be a bloody murderer. Their words should be different.

"…Might I ask how are you certain that you've no acquaintances waiting for news of your return?" Mion asked, slowly and tensely grasping a strand of hair.

"Well, remember the fight at Komoro? My name got out in TV, but nobody sent me a letter or anything. So, I'm sure nobody that knew me is alive now. Which is why I'll just stay here."

"However, what if you did have some people looking for you?" Shion asked, looking at me in the eye.

"No point in pondering hypothetical scenarios. And don't dodge the question. Are you being friendly for real?"

"I believe we had been getting along, Takeru." She took a step forward. "What has got you so defensive towards us?"

"I dunno, the fact that you acted like you were during the CCSE to a good friend?"

"…She was at fault as well." Shion rose her finger again, plucking her lips. "I was just worried about you."

"…I see. Thanks, really." She seems to relax, loosening her shoulders down. "But please don't treat Kasumi badly. Next time, I won't forgive you."

"I'll not be as hostile like that again. I promise you that." She said, giving me a firm look.

"So, I suppose we're cool now?"

"We never had any ill intentions towards you, Shirogane." Mion said, with a shooting star of slight irritation passing over her words. "We simply find you funny to be around. I suppose, you also wish to be on good terms with us?"

"Of course." Both of them smile, genuine smiles. "So, I have your word you won't be mean to Kasumi?" They doubt for a moment, but they nod. I don't know if they were completely honest, but they gave their word. That means a lot for the Guards, so I'll take it. "Got it. Well, let's get along from now on then."

"Now…" Shion began, lowering her brows. "What happened yesterday?"

"…What are you talking about?"

"Why did you not come for dinner to the PX? You also look very tired today, and your head was hurting yesterday. Are you truly alright?" Her eyelids descend, her lips twist a bit.

"Yeah, I'm a bit tired but it's nothing I can't handle. I had to do a special mission yesterday night, so I'm busted today."

"…A special mission?" Mion asked, a hand on her chin. "I did not know you were asked such things." Shion nods, folding her arms.

"Eh… It's just that I am in charge of stuff for the consoles, so certain trainings are left to me. By the way, look forward to our next training session. It's gonna be wild." I smirk at them, they raise a brow in unison.

"Are we doing something like our last exercise?" Mion asks.

"Hehehe… That is kindergarten compared to what we've got cooked up." All of the hairpins. Maybe even with fog of war… No, that would be radar distortion due to high HM levels… That's gonna be so much fun.

"I see… But, why are you in charge of that, Takeru?" Shion again looked straight at me, folding her arms.

"I am the one who made the consoles, so, despite not having the patent, I'm still involved in making them better."

"Now that you mention it, could you tell us why you lost the patent to your inventions?" Mion asked, smiling my way as Shion nodded again at me.

"Well, you know… I did kill those soldiers. I got lucky the UN was willing to even hear me out." I really got lucky to have been interrogated by Zoe-san and Secretary Mooroka, because I could recognize some of their tells and knew how they did things.

"I believe you were justified, all things considered." Shion said, again with that finger pointing up. "Furthermore, those soldiers were not-"

"Look, it's how it is. I did something wrong, I got punished for it. Thanks for understanding, but please leave that in the past." They both narrow their eyes at me. "I chose to take the blame, to avoid that mess from ruining stuff. So, do me a favor and don't bring it up again." I fold my arms, trying to talk as imposing as Maya-sensei did.

And then, I remembered something. I put a finger in between my brows, as Hikami said you used to do. I leaned my head back, and looked at them. They seemed to have been petrified on the spot.

"If you ever spill that Meiya was harmed… I'm gonna get real pissed with you for making all that I endured in the cell pointless. You're gonna keep that as a secret… won't you, Tsukuyomis?"

"…Y-Yes." They stood upright, tense. Now their lips were twisting their edges, and their arms were as tense as suspension cables. Now they're making me feel like a villain… Well, the Epyon was an antagonist, so…

"Cool, nice to see we're in agreement." I smile, their tension drops like my grades in history. "So, do you have any other questions?"

"Yes, actually. I heard today was your birthday, right?" Shion smiled, leaning a bit forward.

"Yeah… How did you know?"

"Well, don't worry about that." I narrow my brows, they giggle. "So we were wondering if you had made some plans for the day."

"Yeah, I'm gonna be cooking later today."

"Oh, truly?" Mion smiled too. "What will you be making?"

"Well, pizza, some stew maybe… Some yakisoba for my squadmates… And maybe some apple pies."

"Huh?" Shion's eyes were wide. "You're gonna make apple pies?"

"Yeah, why?" Oh, did he also… know how to cook? "Would you like some, then?" Maybe I can pacify them with food. Full belly, happy heart as they say.

"Eh, well… It is your birthday, so we should be the ones giving you a present…" Shion hesitated for a moment as she looked down, then Mion bumped her elbow onto her side, which made Shion flinch and return my gaze again. "Actually, we have a present for you."

"For real? You really shouldn't have bothered. I mean, I'm just a UN soldier. You should have a present for Meiya instead." She really needs some warmth, more in this world.

"So… You know today is her birthday?" Mion asked slowly, again ruffling her hair.

"Yeah, saw it in her profile once. Funny, isn't it?"

"Indeed… Funny." She then remained staring at me for a sec too long in silence. "So, in any case, we have a present for you, as a final apology for all the troubles we gave you, and a sign of friendship. We'll be there at the PX later."

"Good. I hope you can enjoy my cooking."

"We will." Shion said, a small smile floating like the moon over the horizon.

"Well, I'll do my best so look forward to it. So, was that all?"

"Actually… I was wanting to ask you something more." She looks at Mion, who gives her a nod with a sober expression. Shion then takes a step forward, her face now filling my vision. She hesitates for a moment, her eyes veering away from mine.

Then, the coldness returned to my sides. Those screams began slowly fading in, what was in front of me was getting overlaid with another Shion, a furious one. I took a deep breath, softly biting down my tongue to drive the visions away, feeling my headband softly begin to vibrate.

"…What are you gonna do, confess to me?" I raise a brow while smiling, leaning on the wall to give me some more space, to hide the stiffness I had on me.

"Huh?! W-What… No! I'm not… That's not it!" I could practically hear their gears screeching and see the smoke coming out of their ears.

"Haha, sorry. You two seem too tense around me. I'm just a pilot, there's no need to be stiff around me." I shrug, finally getting rid of that awful sensation, but they again seem to grow tense, brows low.

"Well… I believe you shouldn't put yourself down in such a way." Mion said, sounding like Tsukuyomi-san whenever she scolded the Three Idiots, right before snapping.

"Yeah, your worth isn't what the UN says you are, Takeru." Shion said, her eyes back to that hawkish tint.

"Okay, I'm just not used to brag." Because when I did, stuff went so wrong it was mad. "So, what did you wanna ask?"

"Ahem… Well, I simply wanted to know…" Shion began, but then looked away from me, her hands diving into her pant's pockets. "…Are you not being overburdened as of now?"

"No? I mean, I am tired but I'm holding up fine with the training."

"Not just the training…" Shion took a deep breath and then looked back at me. "I heard you were… tasked with helping someone called Sumika Kagami, is that not what has you this exhausted?"

…

"What was that?"

"Huh? I asked you if aiding Sumika Kagami isn't taking a toll on-"

"What the fuck was that?" I left the wall, looking straight at her. Without realizing it I had placed a finger in between my brows, that I quickly put away.

"Eh… I… I am merely-"

"Where did you hear… No, why did Meiya tell you about her? What did she tell you?" I get closer, placing myself just a few centimeters away from Shion's face.

"…Why are you this upset, Takeru?" Shion returned my gaze, still as a glacier. Despite that, I could see a very minuscule shiver in her frame. I could see the unnatural stiffness of her posture.

"Because Sumika's situation is very delicate. I don't want anyone spreading rumors about her."

"We won't do anything of the sort." Mion says, placing a hand in front of Shion and putting space between us. "Might I ask why are you getting so riled up at the mere mention of her name?"

"…Look, Sumika is someone really important here." I inhale… Calm down… "She's been helping me with the consoles since a long time ago. But, she has… scars that go deep into her heart. I'm helping her with that. Her position is a secret, so do yourselves a favor and don't talk about her."

"…Why, it seems that everything around you is a secret." Shion smirks, showing me her teeth. "You're like a box full of mysteries."

"I'm not in any mood for jokes, Shion." I frown at her, she sobers up. "Sumika doesn't need people spreading rumors, or telling her she's burdening me. She needs support, and I am helping her with that. So, not a word to anyone else about her."

"However, might I ask why have you been tasked with-"

"I said: no more words." Mion flinches back. "I asked Meiya to keep this a secret for a reason… Sigh, it seems I can't place my trust in her."

I told her as much as I could, I practically begged her to keep it a secret.

And she broke her promise.

She took the Guards' side. She told them about Sumika. And…

No, I knew that since the General came to the base she was told something. I already knew that for Meiya… I am not me, I am him in her eyes.

I just believed she… was like the other Meiyas, that I could trust in her word. I was an idiot, I should just have said it was a secret and kept Sumika's identity to myself.

I feel a knife twisted in my gut. I tense my hands, letting out a heavy sigh. I shake my head, and lean against the wall with a loud sound.

"Um… We were… No, I was the one who insisted." Shion then gave me a bow. "Please don't be upset towards Meiya-sama."

"…Say, why did you ask Meiya about her?"

"I… I was curious if something was wrong with your health, so I approached her to see if there was anything I should know of, to not bother you if you were pained." Shion said, looking down again.

"You could just have come to me."

"…You didn't direct a word to us yesterday." She slightly puffs a cheek, her tone sour as lemons.

"Sigh… So, you both keep this a secret. I'm going to get in real trouble for this otherwise. Got it?" They nod, then Mion again looks at me and takes a step forward.

"Why would you get in trouble, if I might ask?"

"Because this is supposed to be a secret task. That's all." I should leave, the headband has a mic if I recall correctly so I should contact Sensei right away. "Well, I'll trust in you two to not say a word. I'll be going now."

"Wait… Um…" Mion took a few steps towards me, Shion was left frozen in place. "My apologies, we did not meant to upset you or pry too much into your private matters." Both of them give me another small bow.

"Look, you really shouldn't do that. You're the liaisons of the Royal Guard, and I'm just a 2nd Lieutenant. Keeping your word is enough of an apology." But, considering Sumika is gone from their memories… What the hell will they do? We'll have to bind their actions…

All because they think I'm someone else… I knew this would come to bite us in the ass.

"Even so, you're our squadmate." Shion said. "And as we said before, we would like to get along with you. Forgive us."

"…Stop. Just keep your word. That will be enough."

"No, we do not wish to upset you further. The Major did make a point about how we should not act as we would in the Guard, and we do not wish this matter to worsen our relationship." Mion kept talking in her business tone, but with a slightly higher pace for some reason. "What we know of you has showed us you're a good person, and that is rare to find nowadays. Which is why we desire to foster fellowship with you, and our other squadmates of course. Please, forgive our inconsideration." Both of them gave me a small bow again. I guess that's because of their honor, if they made a wrong they're just going to keep apologizing.

…

But… I haven't feel so alone, so distant to someone I have in front of me in such a long time. Fellowship… What you know of me? You… You don't even see 'me'. It's hilarious… I mean, from their point of view it's only logical. I'm the only 'Takeru' that could exist. The alternative is far worse, them assuming I'm a faker. But…

It's so depressing.

A twinge of pain below my right ear, I looked away. I sighed, scratching my neck. Closing my eyes, I lick over and click my lips.

"You don't have to be like this. It's cool, just forget about Sumika."

"…It certainly doesn't seem to be 'cool'." Shion said, arching her brows.

"Sigh… What do you want me to say to the liaisons of the Guard? Just let it go, or I'll get in trouble. Is it that hard to understand?"

"No, it's… If that is what you wish, we shall keep it a secret." Shion said, to which Mion gave a nod. They… don't seem to be lying. "However, it is obvious we would apologize to clear the air after what had happened before between us. We simply wish to avoid further misunderstandings."

…

"…Hehehe…. Ahaha."

"Um… What is so funny, Shirogane?"

"No, it's just… Sigh…" Am I gonna do it? Do I go through with this? …Sensei said they're my retainers. Which means, they should technically obey my orders. "Look pickles, do you really think I'm that dumb?" I cross my arms, frowning.

"We said no such insults towards you, Takeru." She rose a finger again, returning a displeased stare my way.

"Come on, now. You can do better than that." I ruffle my hair, poking the horns. "Look, you of the Royal Guard have been really odd around me. From that day where 1st Lt. Maya Tsukuyomi came to speak with me, despite she not being part of the base, I thought something was weird."

"…I believe she might have done so to not have my sister be the one to approach you." Mion said, slowly and calmly while returning a stone gaze my way.

"Sigh… Even so, your sister has also been very weird around me. She called me a fellow and didn't seem to mind me having a sword, but later got all angry about it. Surprisingly enough, she seemed even more upset at me calling you pickles back then." They look down, Shion softly tensing her lips while Mion is trying to remain composed while folding her arms. "Then, during our meeting, you both were very aggressive, but when we met back at the base… You were actually kinda nice to me."

"Well… There was a possibility that we were mistaken, after all." Shion nods, trying to regain her cheer.

"Yeah. But during the mock battle, you again were really cold towards me." Both of them look down. "Meiya also began to act weirdly from time to time since you and the General came here. Then, after that accident on the mock battle you've been… too friendly towards me."

"Excuse me, but we were only trying to mend our mistake." Mion says, imposing as Tsukuyomi-san. "It was our apology to the UN for harming both you and your craft."

"You said as much back then. But, to openly give me hugs? To be so loose and friendly towards a UN Cadet?"

"I believe we made ourselves clear." Shion narrows her brows, her voice taking a certain uncomfortable, complaining tone. "Are you… bothered by our presence, perhaps?"

"No, and that's not the point." I sigh… I can't drag this on. I can only hope they hear 'me' and don't begin assuming things. If I want to stay here, they will need to understand my position and wishes.

And if they don't… I'll deal with that when the time comes.

"Do you know who was the person I spoke to for the matter of the databases?" They tense up, lips pursed, brows lowering, arms slightly moving. They look at each other, then they nod. "Don't you think that's odd? For her to come meet me in person… So, I think it's safe to say the Guard hasn't left me entirely out of their sights. Can't blame you, me being near Meiya." I shrug, watching their reactions.

"That's… not true." Shion said, holding one of her elbows and further furrowing her brows. "Her Highness only went to speak with you due to how a severe problem it is to have data missing from our databases. There is no reason for us to monitor you, or do anything ill-willed towards your person. We have been honest towards you, Takeru." She narrowed her brows again, Mion did the same. "As we said before, we think you're a good person, so that is why we show you such gentleness. You are not 'on our sights'."

"…For real?" They nod, not letting any cracks show. Heh, what did I expect from people from the Tsukuyomi family?

"…Why do you doubt us so, Shirogane?"

"Sigh… Sorry. It's… just too odd, how you all have been towards me. It makes no sense."

"Well, we simply chose to act in a friendly way towards you." Mion tapped her arm with a few fingers. "Might I ask why you harbor such… doubts towards the Royal Guard?"

"Heh… Between being found at the verge of death, having my data erased, and how you treated me at first, anyone would get suspicious." Both of them again look down.

Shion seemed to be tightly holding her fists, Mion again bumped elbow to her sides. Shion then exhaled loudly, folded her arms tightly and looked away. Mion then looked at me, a small smile on her face.

"Those were nothing but a string of unfortunate events." Her breathing seems to be a bit upset now, though. "I believe our actions have proved you have nothing to fear. This was all nothing but a misunderstanding caused by an error in the system. And now that this error has been cleared, it has been made obvious that you are a good fellow of us. So, please rest assured. We hold no ill will towards you, Shirogane." Mion smiled, as kindly as Tsukuyomi-san used to do back in my world. Shion did the same.

And yet, those smiles are not for me.

So, they won't even doubt. But, this just proves to me that… they care about him a lot, since their eyes are still fiercely looking at me, like a cat carrying a little one in her mouth back to the nest.

They never saw 'me'. 'I' don't exist in their minds. So, it's clear they want me to take his place, one way or the other. They don't seem to be overly hostile… so I suppose I can just make peace with them. I'll just drop the subject and move on. Like Meiya said, time to start anew.

"I see…" I sigh, putting my hands on my pockets. "Well, if really do think I'm funny, and this all was just you being careful after my data was lost, then let's get along from now on. I gotta go to see the trainings, but feel free to drop by the PX when I'm cooking. Later." I wave at them and turn around. I sigh once they can't see my face. Never have I felt more isolated than now.

"Wait, Takeru." Not even three steps, huh?

"What is it, Shion?"

"Well… You seem to be burdened by your past much. We could accompany you to the Capital to search for any traces of your family's data, where you lived, to which school you went, things like that. Something there should help you in recovering your memories." She said cheerily and pointing a finger upwards, as always.

"…No, thanks. It's fine." I'm just doing this for Sumika. I only care about her interactions with him, and any possible enemies who might come after me. That's all.

"Why? It's your own life, isn't it?"

No. It isn't my life. Nighttime or afternoon, it makes no difference. I don't want to take his role openly.

"…I have too much to deal with as of now. I rather focus on my duties for the time being." I again turn around and begin walking away.

I heard them arguing. Mion was trying to grab Shion's shoulder, but she released herself and took some steps towards me, her brows tense and curved, her lips plucked and her hands coiled.

"But don't you want to know? Why you had to leave, what was of your life… You could finally clear this up, and see for yourself the Royal Guard isn't after you or anything."

"Sigh… Look, it's my own business, okay? I'll deal with it in my own way."

"Shion… we shouldn't insist so much." Mion softly pulled Shion's hand, her eyes almost closing as her gaze laid on the ground. Her tone was but a whimper, a soft exhalation of the moment when what was once warm becomes stone cold.

"…Takeru, if you're this doubtful about it, why not clear the fog?" Shion, however, was brimming with embers, not letting go of the branch she had found.

"…Because, maybe, I would like to start anew."

"…Huh?"

"Look… I have nothing against you two, and I appreciate how nice you are to me. I really do." They seem to relax a bit, some shine and warmth back in their faces. "But… I want to start over." I gulp and exhale. "I want to leave the past where it belongs. That's all. What, is the current me so bad in your eyes?" I close my eyes as I shrug, it doesn't take long for their voices to make me open them again.

"What good will it do you to ignore this, Takeru?" Shion was almost frowning.

"While I do agree it is your own business, due to our position, we could aid you in your search so that it doesn't take too much time." Mion suggested, her hands together by her stomach. "You could also use it as a break from your duties, to take a small rest in the Capital. I believe you haven't had the chance yet to visit the rest of the Empire?"

"…Thanks, but I'll pass. I've got things to do, and I… just want to focus on the now."

"Wha… Hey, Takeru. Wait up…" Shion walked after me as I left, Mion too I suppose, going by the sounds. "Why are you so against this? It's your life!"

"…Because maybe I want to move on? Don't worry about me, I'll be fine."

"…Are you suffering from nightmares, perhaps?" Mion asked, a slow and piercing tone.

"…No."

"Then, has someone said anything hurtful about your past? Or insinuated anything odd towards us of the Royal Guard?" I shake my head, sighing yet again. "I see…" She looked away, clearly not believing me.

"But it's your own life, Takeru." No, it isn't. "Maybe then, you'll be able to see the sky in the same way you used to, there might still be someone waiting for you. And as protectors of the people, we cannot simply turn a blind eye to a fellow's woes." Shion said, nodding to herself.

…Protector? You? The one who was in favor of leaving the IJA to their luck? Don't make me laugh. I bite the inner side of my lower lip, slowly inhaling through my nose.

"I do agree with Shion." Mion said as she folded her arms. "What good will it do to simply ignore this? It won't take more than a day for us to go to the Capital."

They're not even listening. I don't exist for them. All they care is having their Takeru back… Which I guess is understandable, since they're family. But… this pressure, this insistence…

…It's the same as when they argued with him. It's just like when Meiya stops listening and talks on her own.

My neck begins to hurt, my stomach turns slightly. I lick the outer side of my teeth, lips closed. I take a deep breath, feeling an empty hole in my stomach as if I hadn't eaten in hours.

I said my piece. I can't spark a conflict by snapping. I can't go with them, I don't want to take his role. I am not him. Now, I cleared up my side and offered them to be on good terms with the current me. The ball is on their court.

"I said I'm fine." I look back at them, giving them a small smile. "Don't worry about me, it's fine, really. Well, I'll be going. See you later, pickles." I turn around, only to hear Shion call out for me again.

This time I don't stop. I make a peace sign at them, without turning around.

"This Takeru is gonna be waiting for you at the PX. See you then!" I then turn around and give them a cheeky grin, before putting my hands in my pockets and continue onwards.

Shion was frowning, biting her lips. Mion was again with those lightless eyes, but now instead of anger… they were looking down, her body seemed to be without any energy besides her hands that kept Shion's shoulders in place. She looked like a puppet with its strings barely hanging on. Shion was tense, her hands would be left red as a crab by the time she chills down.

I did what I could. If they don't accept me, that's on them. Because I can't grant their wish.

I am not you. I wouldn't be able to look at Yuuhi in the face and… accept her love so openly.

The cold hands tickle my sides, the pain in my neck appears again. I sigh, looking up, ruffling my fringe. I make my way to the sim room, without paying much mind to what was around me.

I can understand the pain. I was also wrecked after Iceberg. I know what it is to lose hope and blame yourself for everything, just like I did when I ran away.

But that's it. I… can't go any further than that. Because I am not you, as much as people here can't understand that.

…I guess that means I should get used to the pickles being cold towards me again. Maybe even Meiya… I mean, she did break her promise.

I stop, letting out a heavy sigh. I place both of my hands on the back of my head, squinting my eyes. The coldness covers my whole back, but doesn't pierce me. It's just there, reminding me… that I'm not welcome here.

"…I never felt so alone as I do right now."

That was the plan. Deceive them and stop them from attacking me. That… should be enough. That is my goal, to be able to stay with those two without making more problem for Sensei. That… should be enough. But then…

Why are my eyes watering? Why do I feel so empty inside?

I bite my lips, rub my eyes, and shake my head to get out of myself. Come on, the training is going to be over if I don't hurry.