Alright, I got a big note coming up. Be prepared. I waited a while for this to show up, and now that it has, I can upload this... thank you whoever made the fandom on here!

I have a lot to say, so I'm gonna rant here.

One- If you don't like OCs, stay away. You come in here and comment about your distaste, I'll just delete it, straight up. I don't have time to deal with a bias. I struggle to write with canon characters sometimes, and this is no exception. If you criticize me about it—with an actual reason—then it'll stay. (If it's about how my OCs will add to the story, I cannot say as this is only a test.) I had modified my OCs from my Speculation fic posted in June (on AO3) before the game was even released so of course I knew next to nothing about the characters. Their names are different, at least some of them are. Other names remained the same.

Two- The outfits my OCs will be wearing are based on the 'Honor White' outfits you unlock in-game at bond rank 3 or 4. I think in my Yuito save, they unlocked at 4 while in my Kasane save, they unlocked at 3.

Three- What my plans for this are. I don't have a solid plan. This was a muse redirection, but it dominated my attention. I don't want to follow canon, but I will use it as a point to keep the story flowing if I choose to extend it out, meaning original plotlines! If it doesn't, then I can do what I want and write subsequent one-shots about potential ships, because I'm an OCxCanon trash shipper (but I also see the Yuito x Hanabi ship happening) :) If you're like me, you saw Kasane gain a soft look when she was talking to Seto, so I imagine that will be a thing soon enough. So, I'd say ship it! It's fanfiction, we're allowed to have a little freedom, which leads me to my next point.

Four- The relationships. There are no solid relationships, aside from canon ones, whether they be platonic or romantic. I've leaned towards one aspect, but with how Scarlet Nexus handles aging with the anti-aging drugs, that is up in the air, which was something I brought up in this fic. And if I recall details from a bond episode with Kasane and Yuito correctly (I think Bond Ep four on either side) Kasane is older than Yuito by almost a decade. Correct me if I'm wrong because that can hamper my plans.

Five- I also want this fandom to expand. I did start this fandom on AO3—not the actual fandom, it sounds far too arrogant from me, but you get my point, right? Humbly speaking, this was because I was enraptured by the game. I've enjoyed my playthrough and my achievement hunting, and I turn to AO3 because I want to see what others have written. So, I'm hoping this can extend out. Even if you don't read this all, which I imagine some haven't out of spite, I want to know I appreciate your time if you clicked on this.

Six- Naming things. In my opinion, I have a terrible naming sense, which you might agree with upon reading (when you see the 'codenames' I came up with...) but with my OCs I tried to come up with actual names that had meaning, as Japanese names do. So, I apologize in advance if something doesn't sound or feel right. I won't be changing them for my own sanity.

Seven- Using honorifics. I know in Japanese culture that using honorifics like Sama, San, Kun, and Chan all have meaning and appropriate use, which I think I did right. Once again, call me out if I'm using it wrong. The last thing I want to do is commit a faux pas for using the wrong term.

Eight- Enjoy. If you liked this, let me know. I do genuinely want to hear your thoughts. If you're also going to comment with attitude, please make sure you check grammar. (Hypocritical from me lmao!)

Finally, apologies for this super long-ass note, but I had a lot to say.

Oh, I forgot. Text and how to discern what's what!

"Speaking"
"Sign Language"
{Brain Talk}
Personal Thoughts

...

"You know, there are many things I can appreciate about being in the Other Suppression Force (OSF), but this...this is not one of them," an officer said as they watched Others fall from the sky. It didn't seem to matter as to what was going on. New Himuka's forecast in Suoh had said that there weren't supposed to be Others, but even the forecasts can be wrong.

"Do you plan on standing there or moving to the shelter?" Another officer replied, dragging the first.

"Honestly, I feel like dying, but not to Others," the first replied.

Off in the distance, a figure sat perched on a roof, I left for three months and I came back to even more of this infestation. They certainly have had their fill on Others over the past three months, with missions and whatnot. Their hood remained over their face, but they kept a mouth guard on at all times. It was a preventative measure. On the bright side, the 567th class was graduating into the 'Scarlet Guardians.' It was only a nickname that the public came up with to 'ease their burdens.' It was a false sense of security; that's what it was.

Civilians in Suoh, Seiran, and other minor villages outside New Himuka all praise them, but no one knows what the government is really doing. Still, the National Defense Forces (NDF) of Suoh had rolled out the welcome mat. Multiple missiles were fired into the air, some even brushing by him. The explosions were pretty at the very least.

Turning over their shoulder, there was another figure, feminine by the shape. A hood hid her features, but a glint of seafoam green could be seen. "You're eager, aren't you?" The first gave a shrug, then turned sharply back around to see a group of four going after Others when they should be heading for a shelter. The second figure laid a hand on the first's shoulder, "Go intervene. If they're cadets, they might be in bigger danger from the Others, rather, the brass."

Sure, just leave me with the grunt work.

"Don't give me that look, just go. We'll deal with them later. The rest of the platoon is en route," the female said to the male. "If you do well, I'll make it worth your while~"

That made the first figure leap off the building with gusto. Anything but me and her alone. It's bad enough that people already think we're dating, and I don't need to add gas to an already present fire.

Getting down was simple, using his ability of Sonokinesis, he landed on the road with a slight bend of his knees. Manipulating sound is his power through SAS but there was one drawback…

Multiple Vase Paws leaped down in front of him. Their upper half looked exactly like a vase, full of flowers, their bottom half were long legs with heels, like women's wear. It was confusing that first time, but that was over fifteen years ago.

So in lieu of bringing out his weapon, he instead spoke, "Halt."

It was spoken so softly that it was basically inaudible, but the Others writhed on the ground in agony. Smirking, he rushed them and immediately bludgeoned them to death, using the power of sound. They disappeared into a shower of ashen sparks.

With that taken care of, he rushed down the road to see a Wither Sabbet, a goat-looking creature rushing after two people. He was about to rush in when he saw them working together and then throwing objects at it. Psychokinesis, both of them. Not uncommon to have, but odd enough that there are two. They aren't using the Struggle Arms System (SAS) either, so I can confirm it's not a fluke.

Opening up his port, he stealthy hacked into theirs, and found their IDs. Kasane Randall and Yuito Sumeragi. Two high-profile family names in the OSF. I wonder if the Chairman or OSF Commander knows about this. Perhaps they do…

Just as they killed the damn thing, did he make his entrance. There was one problem, he couldn't speak. At all. When he did, those Vase Paws learned what happened. Just as he approached, two more did.

The one named Yuito called out, "Nagi!"

"Hey Yuito, Naomi saved me, man I feel so useless."

As he was going to introduce himself, a transport gate opened, and out stepped one Captain Arashi Spring. The girl immediately called them out, "So it was you causing all that trouble."

Then to add to the already growing shitstorm, the Crows showed up. I did not miss these clowns while we were away. As soon as they got close, he used his power on them, breaking them instantly, which garnered all the attention.

Arashi was the first to regain her composure, "If you're here, then that means the rest of you will be here soon. Did you come to gloat?"

A head tilt, before he brought up his hands, "Bold of you to assume that I cause trouble. If you want, I can make you deaf?"

"Same old with you, huh?" Arashi said flippantly. "Anyway, get these Cadets out of here and have them avoid the press."

"They know better than to try and film any of us… unlike you Miss PR," he replied, and Arashi could feel the grin he sported.

"Just get moving."

The four Cadets stared with various faces at this new person. "First things first, can any of you understand me?"

The white-haired girl nodded while he was asking the question, the blonde next to her nodded after the question was asked. Matching hairpieces too, siblings… one of them's adopted. The black-haired boy nodded with a little hesitancy. The last one was still staring blankly. Three outta four ain't bad.

"Show me your ports for the sake of confirming your identities, translate for me please." The four of them allowed him access. Naomi Randall and Nagi Karmen. All four of them are 567th class…. What were they thinking?

The reason why they were able to understand him was because of USL. Universal Sign Language. His only form of communication that wasn't Brain Talk. He can use it, but out of his own fear he chooses not to speak in it. While they confirmed that he can use it freely, he severely doubts it. The times he has, they were fine. It was just his superstition.

Just as he finished confirming their identities, he reached up and plucked a knife out of the air heading for his neck. "Damn, one of these days that will hit you." Landing next to him was the same female from the rooftop. Putting an arm on his shoulder, "So, I took a chance and went for it while you were talking to these Cadets. Not to mention, three of you are high profile and the fourth isn't anyone to scoff at."

"Who are you?" The white-haired girl asked, her voice taking an edge.

"Oh, feisty!" The girl said, with perhaps a little too much glee. He then elbow-checked her in the gut. She didn't react, but the slight tense of her arm on his shoulder was the only indicator that she did.

"Kasane! Don't be rude!" The blonde girl, Naomi, chided her sister.

"Our names are need to know and right now, you are nowhere close to knowing. You're lucky Arashi came in before I did because I would have dragged you all back to HQ for a scolding," he said, his words were frustrated in tone, but his face was impassive.

"It'd be wise if you just follow along because while he may look docile, he's one step away from making sure you can't hear. I'm inclined to agree as he is my squadmate," she said. "Plus, I've been on the receiving end of it and it's not pretty."

"Sonokinesis then," Kasane identified his power.

"Well done, but just knowing isn't going to help you. Start walking," he pointed down Suoh's main drag to OSF HQ. They don't even know the condition that made me like this.

"Well, is there a nickname we can call you? So that way we don't have to call you 'this guy, this girl' just for our sakes?" Yuito diplomatically asked. Naomi agreed. Nagi was still in a state of shock. Kasane was observing with a much more critical look.

"Call him 'Banshee', call me… is there a good name for me?"

The newly named Banshee replied, "Flirty. It describes you to a T."

"Hey!" she complained, "I'm not that bad!" The look she received was proving the opposite.

"You have literally said you've wanted to sleep with me and that was after I turned you down…" he said bluntly, much to the embarrassment of the cadets and to her.

"TMI," Yuito muttered off to the side, clearing his throat afterward.

"Banshee…" the name felt foreign on her lips, "I understand, but I guess we'll have to think of one next time we meet," Naomi said as the group of six walked along the road.

If there is a next time, Banshee thought.

The walk was short, but Banshee could feel eyes boring into him. "Is there something you want to say, Cadet Randall?" He turned to see Kasane looking him in the eye. Even while walking, he never broke his stride. The girl next to him was purposefully avoiding this conversation.

The hood only allowed Kasane to look into a deep ocean blue set of eyes, and the stare was so intense, she was the one who stopped staring first. A sign of submission "N-No, sir." She missed the way his eyes gave her an ignorant once over. He missed it himself, of course, but the girl next to him didn't.

"Good, report in and await your next orders, and for one, congrats on being official members of the OSF. With the potential you all possess, you can go far. Don't squander this chance. To whoever becomes your platoon leaders, I pray for them."

As they arrived at the OSF Headquarters, the Crows were all waiting. The girl, Flirty—her name for now—cleared the way, "No cameras, or I have the authorization to smash them to bits."

"Wait, how?" That was Nagi who asked the question.

"Need to know," was all Banshee said. Thankfully, the Crows were smart and avoided having their cameras smashed. Banshee pulled his hood even further. "Honestly, Arashi better be thankful the next time I'm around her."

There were murmurs from the Crows, and the actual physical press about 'those white outfits' and 'only a few in the OSF even have them' and finally, 'Not even the Septentrions have them…'

That was certainly a red flag to the cadets, but surprisingly, they kept their individual reactions under wraps.

Flirty came back, "I thought of a name for myself that you can call me!" She was a little too cheerful. "Just call me Lilly! At least until you're able to learn my actual name!"

But that's what your name means… Banshee thought to himself. Rolling his eyes, he entered past the gates and a conglomerate of people was there. Most skipped over them, but one with glasses immediately snapped his eyes to Lilly and Banshee. Oh, so he probably knows.

"Not a word, buddy," Banshee shut him down. That seemed to get the experienced OSF members' attention. Lilly grinned for all to see. She was testing them. It wasn't often these two come around, but when they do, the rest aren't far behind.

"As for you four, while I can't discipline you, I can say that you four are either very brave or very stupid, and it's one or the other, not both, and no mixing in between," Banshee honestly didn't know what drove them to act, but the OSF needs people like them. "Lilly, let's go, we have to wait for Big Brother."

"So, he's finally making an appearance?" She asked as the two walked off before literally leaping to the roof.

Everyone in the plaza was stunned, "Oh, did I just miss them?" A woman with blue hair and red eyes asked. A broach rested above her ears, and her smile was motherly. Kyoka Eden, Major in the OSF and she's the one who treats her platoon like family. "I heard their missions were successful and that they were coming back to Suoh for a 'break'."

Next to her was a man that many knew in the OSF. Septentrion Seventh Class Captain Seto Narukami. Yuito and Kasane straightened up, both for different reasons. Nagi and Naomi looked ready to tease their respective companions about it. "Probably, but that's for later, Kyoka," he turned to the cadets, "Good, you aren't injured. The Chief is going to want to speak to you four." The man's eyes went to Yuito, "You know how your brother is."

"I do," even though they were against me joining the OSF. Even so, he couldn't contain the eye roll he let off. "I can lead the conversation if that's alright…" he trailed off looking to the other three cadets with him. They seemed content letting Yuito talk to Kaito Sumeragi, the Commander-in-Chief of the OSF.

Kasane seemed to take this information with renewed interest, if only for Naomi's sake. Her older sister was smitten with him, but Kasane is the protective younger sister type. No one's allowed to harm her or talk to her because they'll take advantage of her kind nature. That's what Kasane thinks anyway.

"Kasane Randall, was it?" Seto addressed her.

"Y-Yes, sir?"

He chuckled once, "Don't be so tightly strung, the OSF is a family. Anyway, congrats on being the top cadet of the 567th class. Naomi, you made it to the top five. Impressive." Kasane's cheeks turned a slight red, and many noticed, except Seto. "Yuito, Nagi, you two were in the top twenty, commendable. Now, head inside, the Chief is waiting."

"Hold on a moment," a new voice said.

"Septentrion First Class Major General Karen Travers?" Nagi exclaimed the man's full title with copious amounts of shock. Everyone else was dumbfounded.

"Good job today, the four of you," he said before heading out. "Despite what the Chief says, you acted with good intentions."

"Yuito," Seto called, "The Major General has his own expectations set for you. He's hoping you'll live up to it."

"That's...great?" Yuito scratched his head. "I honestly hope it's not because I'm a Sumeragi."

Seto laughed, "No no, it's because he believes that you have great potential."

Yet, the question that lingered on everyone's mind was about those two mystery people, except for the higher-ups. They knew that if they were back, it was for a very important reason.

"Alright, are we clear?" Banshee asked once they made it to the side roof of the OSF Headquarters. This was considered a Safe Zone. A Safe Zone was a place that wasn't being monitored by the government, where one could talk freely. It's pretty messed up how no matter how safe you think you are, you really aren't in New Himuka.

"Yeah, we're clear, Hiroki," Lilly said, using Banshee's real name.

"Good, because I hate the fact we have to have nicknames for this shit. Also, Kohana, could you not flirt with me or try to tease me at every waking moment with a good time?" Banshee—actually, Hiroki—asked.

Kohana threw down her hood, revealing the seafoam green eyes and matching hair. Her smile was beautiful. One look and you'd think she was twenty-two. She was much older because of the drugs that made aging negligible. The drugs from the OSF are about the only good thing that came out of it. Hiroki himself was twenty-one when he was scouted—meaning he was drafted into service—because he had high traces of a psionic hormone in his brain. Kohana was in the same boat too. She was scouted into the OSF when she had just turned twenty-two, and she was still in her prime. That's how she's been for the past twenty years. Hiroki was also attractive for a man his age, and with the vigorous amounts of work and fighting he does, he's a prime candidate for women's eye candy. With his short dark navy hair and matching eyes, some would say he's a lady killer.

Don't know where they get that from though…

Getting back to Kohana's main point, "One day, I'll get you in my bed for more than cuddling." She, of course, braided her to keep it out of the way, but it was surprising to see her relax, "Man, these missions are rough. Like twelve Major Others, a horde of the normies, and then a rouge OSF agent? Makes me wonder what happens when we're not here…"

"With that kind of talk, that would be grounds to have you executed," a new voice said. Both Hiroki and Kohana turned to see a man, around six feet in height, toned body, a mask fixated to his lower jaw, but it gave way to a smirking face with a light scruff. His hair was down to his neck, all loose. He was only twenty-eight when scouted, considered an 'Adult' in the OSF, but that's another explanation that we don't have time for. His hands were on his hips, looking like a parent scolding their children.

"Big Brother!" Kohana cheered, throwing herself onto him. He caught her easily, before pinning her to the ground. "Right… forgot how you don't like hugs."

With an easy-going smile, "Only from you, since you will screw anything with a pulse."

Kohana giggled, "Okay, that's true."

"Big Brother," Hiroki spoke. "Glad to see you alive. It's been what, a year since I've last seen you?"

"Hiroki, you can use Brain Talk you know? We've proven it's safe for you," Big Brother said, returning the very brief greeting before immediately scolding him.

"Shiro, it's not that simple. What if it leaks in and then I damage your brains? I don't want that weight on my shoulders. We already have enough as is," Hiroki said, looking away.

A hand settled on his shoulder, and his fighting instincts reacted, but a second hand caught his, "Relax, for one. Two, you need to get by this, otherwise, you'll die one day. Is that what you want?" Deep ocean blue met a set of fiery orange irises, the hold tightened for a moment before breaking off. Kohana wisely said nothing.

"Where's everyone-"

"Brain Talk or I'll beat you where you stand," Shiro Jin, leader of the Shiro Platoon threatened, and from the way he was positioning himself, he was prepared to go through with it.

{Okay okay, stop working yourself up, Shiro. I'll be a good boy,} Hiroki said, his words hesitant, waiting for any backlash from the members.

{Holy hell Batman, you got Hirochi to use Brain Talk?!} a higher-pitched voice said back. Clearly, she was excited, since they don't hear his voice often.

Shiro took over, {Yeah, after I threatened to kick his ass.}

{Why do you have to out me like that?} Hiroki pouted a little, his fear is totally valid!

"Because it's funny, Hiroki," Kohana said, wrapping herself playfully around him. She's really affectionate, and it's really only to him. He doesn't see her that way, mostly because he finds women confusing.

More footsteps took residence within the Safe Zone. One of them was a little girl, no older than ten. Her hair was bright pink, and of course, eyes to match. Her baby face had a smile that threatened to split it wide open. "Seki, glad you could make it."

"Aw, it's nice to see you too, onii-sama!" The young girl, Seki, said. Her codename was Echo, and despite not being the one fighting, she was very enthusiastic about killing Others. Shiro scooped her up and plopped her on his shoulder. "Wee!" She still acts like the child she is, which made Hiroki's shoulders loosen.

Maybe that was her intention, Hiroki thought as the look Seki shot him confirmed it. {Hello, imouto.}

"Hello, onii-san!" Seki reached her arms out like a child wanting hugs and affection. Hiroki rolled his eyes before plucking the 'young' girl off Shiro's shoulder and hugging her. She nuzzled her cheek against his since his hood—and a portion of his mask—was down, but most of the mask remained in place. That didn't matter to her though.

"Oh, so you'll hug her, but not me?" Kohana complained, but there was no bite to it.

{Absolutely, she's not trying to sleep with me.}

"So you think…"

{That is an image I wish to purge in the deepest pits of the Extinction Belt,} Hiroki said as the girl climbed on his shoulders and sat with her elbows on her thighs.

Remembering that there were more than one set of footsteps, he turned to see the last three members of the squad. First was Ryo Lin, forest green hair and eyes, a big burly man. A light beard on his face, a bald spot on his crown, and one hundred percent gay as hell. A scar rested on his cheek under his left eye, a reminder to not get too comfortable with Others. They're vicious. While he doesn't flirt with anyone in the squad—much to Kohana's chagrin and pouting—he does dole out compliments to men he sees and likes. His codename is The Rock or Rocky. This will make sense in a moment.

Next was Miya Imamura. She was a woman of few words, but she certainly was no slouch. She was buff; maybe not as much as Ryo, but she was—as they say—built differently. One long braid of purple hair descended down to her mid-back, her violet eyes could pierce an Other's shell with utmost ease. She only spoke when directly spoken to or when orders were given out. There are rare occasions to this though, and her voice is surprisingly soft for her looks. She have Hiroki and Kohana a curt nod, which they returned, before scanning her surroundings again. Her codename was unoriginal and didn't fit with her, but she was called Hard Place.

Rock and Hard Place… let that sink in for a moment before making any rash decisions.

Lastly, there was Yori Fujiwara. An exuberant man, who acted like Seki, but his mind worked harder than anyone else, due to his ability. With bronze hair in a bun and heterochromatic eyes, one bronze and one silver, and a plethora of scars littered about his body, he acted much more carefree but that was to lure his 'prey' into a false sense of security. They would think he was an easy target. His codename was Battery.

To recap, Shiro Jin was Big Brother and the leader. Seki Okimoto was Echo and the platoon operator. Ryo Lin was Rocky, the tank. Kohana Salazar was Lilly, the team scout. Miya Imamura was Hard Place, heavy artillery/second tank for lack of a better term. Yori Fujiwara was Battery, the team's charger. Lastly was Hiroki Kuno, the second scout; codename Banshee.

Their psionic powers complemented one another in a variety of ways. While it would be fun to divulge them, they had more pressing matters to attend to. Hiroki gave a report on what happened just before they arrived. The group had to talk to the Chief for their next assignment.

"Wow, I didn't know the Randalls had two daughters," Ryo said, his hand running through his beard.

"One, most likely Kasane, is adopted. Even looking up her profile, she has no record from before 2006. We all know by the time people graduate from the Academy, recruits are sixteen, sometimes seventeen," Hiroki said, using Sign Language was like a default. Shiro didn't mind because he did get him to use Brain Talk.

Scouted people are found at random, so they could be over the age of graduation. Prime examples are the seven people present. They were already over seventeen, except for Seki. Seki was only ten when scouted, and graduated in three years, whereas normal cadets finish in four to five years. She's the youngest member to ever graduate from the Academy.

The anti-aging drugs mentioned prior are given to all members of the OSF and are an everyday constant. They are slipped into their food, water, and literally anything they eat. Technology has come a long way over the last few centuries.

"So, a Sumeragi and two Randalls?" Yori asked, in a rare moment of composure.

Using Brain Talk, so Shiro doesn't actually beat him, Hiroki replied, {Yeah, both him and Kasane possess Psychokinesis. Not rare, but uncommon. The most we see is Pyro or Aerokinesis. Electrokinesis is rarer than that, but still, two in the same year?}

"We'll take it up with the Chairmen, but I have more unsettling news," Shiro said. Just like that, all eyes were on the Platoon leader. "There have been whispers of a rebellion brewing in Suoh, and for all I know, it's happening soon."

The way Shiro was looking at them all was one of distrust as if he expects everyone to turn on him. No one dared speak, even Miya had her full attention on Shiro.

Knowing he had their full attention, "So, are you with me?" His hand fell to a holster that contained a very powerful weapon, the only one of its kind. "Or are you against me?" His eyes landed on Hiroki first.

{Did you forget who we are, Shiro?} Faint traces of a grin could be seen under his mask. {We're a black ops OSF squad. We look after our own, our ties are only to each other. You're the one who taught me that, and I'd like to think the lesson stuck.}

Shiro's grip on his weapon loosened, but it didn't disappear. Seki was the next to say, "You know my loyalty lies with onii-sama and onii-san! Plus, you need an operator like me!"

The girl was sitting on Hiroki's shoulders, and she playfully pulled on Hiroki's cheek. He allowed it because there's no way he'll be able to pull her off.

"Shiro, I'd sooner die than turn traitor," Miya said, her eyes deadly serious and her voice soft-spoken. The elegance of a woman, really.

"Who else would I flirt with? They'll either take me up on my offer or avoid me altogether," Kohana said with a pout. "It's more fun when they're playing hard to get."

Yori just nodded his head up and down relentlessly. Ryo added in, "Well, I'd lose eye candy if I left you, and I've grown fond of all you."

"You big softie!" Seki cried out, giggling.

Shiro's hand finally let go of his weapon, making a very audible sigh of relief known. The seven of them all shared a moment to relax. Seki idly played with Hiroki's hair in the meantime.

"So, what's the plan now? Are we reporting to Chief Sumeragi?"

Kohana grinned, "We will, but first, you're going to fess up~"

Most looked at Kohana in confusion, Hiroki especially.

"Look, I know when a man is checking out a girl, and you Mister Banshee, were eyeing Kasane. Even if you deny it, you may not have noticed your eyes dropping to her legs, especially her thighs" Kohana explained, making a show by dragging her hands down her own body. She has absolutely no shame.

Hiroki swears that in another life, Kohana was a showgirl. "Yeah… no."

"Bull to the shit~!" Kohana immediately refuted.

Shiro noticed his hood fly up and it disturbed Seki, but she allowed it. Hiroki wasn't denying it. Every member of the squad was eyeing him with knowing grins, but none were wider than Kohana. She had that 'cat ate the canary' grin. "You like her!"

"Okay, I admit, she's cute, but she shouldn't get involved with me at all. Isn't that a rule?"

Shiro chuckled once, "It's a rule to not date within the squad, outside it… that's fair game, so long as you both agree to the potential ramifications. So, why don't you talk to her?" He was smiling all happy like he didn't just threaten them with death not even five minutes ago.

Hiroki was positive that his face was bright red. Using his hands to hide his face he spoke in Brain Talk, {She seems like one who detests small talk and would be more worried about her sister!}

"Use that as your in!" Kohana suggested.

Seki was actually the one to refute her, "That's not a good idea. It will give off the wrong message. That, and it's scummy."

Hiroki peered through his hands and gave Shiro a pleading look. Snickering once more, he decided to spare him, "Alright, let's go see the Chief. We'll meet at rally point Hotel at 2300, clear?"

"{Yes, sir!}" Everyone saluted him, and even Yori's voice was mixed in.

Hiroki let Seki down so she could cling and annoy Miya, who also had a soft spot for the pinkette. Most everyone did. She was too damn adorable.

Hiroki stayed back, and so did Shiro. There was a reason he was called Big Brother, and while he runs a tight ship, he does indeed care about his squad. "Are you even going to attempt to approach her?"

"Why does everyone assume that I'm going after her?" Hiroki asked, a little peeved.

Shiro gave him a look, "Be honest with me, did you think she was attractive?"

"Obviously. I was trying not to stare," Hiroki admitted. "I think she's a tsundere. Also, the age gap is a reason I haven't bothered."

"You know I'm right here?" Kohana said, having stopped to hear this, cocking her hip out to the side.

Yori chimed in with a zinger, not even looking at her, "We know, but you don't count."

After a short laugh shared with all the members, "Age gaps are insignificant in the OSF, and you still look twenty-one, so there's not much of a 'gap' to speak of. You certainly know how to pick 'em," Shiro said before walking away.

Hiroki paused for a second before immediately shooting back, "What's that supposed to mean?" I do care about the gap though… I've been in the OSF for fourteen years… but have I even thought about romance?

He was left with far more questions than answers. Thankfully, with this Safe Zone, the Chief's office was close by, so he followed the rest of his team. While he was doing so, he was recalling who joined the squad and how long they've been there. Shiro was there first, then Yori, then Miya, then Ryo, then Seki, then Hiroki, and finally Kohana. Well, Hiroki and Kohana entered the squad at the same time. Oftentimes, she's paired with Hiroki; mostly because their powers in SAS synergize extremely well.

I remember the day I joined his platoon. It was certainly an odd day. Then again, my life did a tailspin for the third time… and I'm positive that there are more to come.

"Yo, Hiroki!" Shiro's voice called out, "Hurry up or I'll come back and beat ya!"

No other motivation was needed.

Down with the four Cadets, they were all having a serious conversation. Nagi was the first to ask, "So, do we know anything about those two?" They were on the way to the Chief's office. Naomi was walking with Kasane. Nagi was walking beside Naomi while Yuito was bringing up the rear.

"I've been looking in the OSF registry, because once we had finished our aptitude tests, we were given full access, at least, as much as we're able. Their outfits were the first thing I searched for, and I found nothing."

The two people they saw had white outfits. Most, if not all, members of the OSF wear black and light coloring of red. Some members even have some extra attachments, like the experimental BIAS. Those two had white and red outfits, with BIAS wrapping around them. Even Banshee's mask had them on it.

"As in like nothing on the outfits?" Yuito asked.

"Nothing as in nothing at all, they're ghosts. So, how can I trust them if they aren't in the system?" Kasane retorted calmly, but it came off as irritation. Yuito winced at that, realizing how truly difficult it was to converse with her.

"Kasane…" Naomi said in that 'older sister' tone.

"Maybe there's a logical explanation," Nagi interjected. "I mean, what you translated for me was that we aren't meant to know, and if we start digging in places we shouldn't, that will reflect on us poorly."

A voice came from beyond the door, "At least one of you has some sense." Apparently, they arrived at the Chief's door while they were talking.

Yuito froze slightly, which did not go unnoticed by Naomi, who looked at Yuito in worry. The girl was interested in him, it can't be called a crush yet. Kasane still has to scope him out, make sure he's fit to protect her.

The door opened and the sight that greeted the four cadets was nothing short of weird. There were seven figures scattered throughout the room and the Chief sat in his chair. Kaito Sumeragi was a tall man, but only two out of the seven were taller. Their hoods obscured their faces. Only one of them didn't have their hood all the way up, and it was the one they met earlier. Banshee. The mask covered most of his jaw and neck, extending to just under his eyes. It did cover his ears, but that only brought more questions.

"Are your orders clear?" Kaito asked one of them.

The leader of which responded, "Yeah, sure. Whatever. You called us back because you thought it was an emergency, if it's not, then leave us be."

{Cover your ears, now.} A Brain Talk message came through Naomi's, Nagi's, Yuito's, and Kasane's heads all at once. {Don't question, just follow the instruction.}

"Are you using us?" It was spoken so softly, it sounded like a murmur. A ringing noise made the four cadets buckle before going to their knees. Only the Chief remained unaffected or was attempting to look that way.

"You and I both know that if I was, you'd lay waste to the entire Suoh OSF facility," Kaito said, having recovered.

"Well, now we know why he's called Banshee," Yuito quipped.

Kaito switched his focus on his brother and fellow cadets, "You know why you're here?"

"Violation of Code 56, section C, phrase two: Cadets are not permitted, under any circumstance, to fight Others. Doing so may result in death," Kasane rattled off. To the surprise of the room, the smallest one cheered.

"Look at you, showing off your smarts like that! No wonder why-" the girl was cut off with a hand over her mouth.

{She talks too much,} was all the response they were given. With a free hand, Banshee pulled his hood up to hide his returning blush. Multiple snickers were heard.

"Correct," Kaito said, clearly miffed about the interruption. "While I should be punishing you, your actions had saved civilian lives. I cannot rationally overlook that fact, however, do not expect this kind of treatment. Especially you, Yuito. This can be seen as special treatment and I know you don't want it. When you receive your platoon assignments, follow their orders explicitly, am I clear?"

The four responded in unison before being dismissed. Kasane took note that the one with blue eyes was watching her. She returned the stare and this time, he was the one who looked away first.

What could that possibly mean?

...

I'll answer any questions you have.