Lyra flinched, jumping awake, as an irritated Reina angrily assaulted the vending machine.

"..ate my coins, this stupid piece of shit!" She growled, once more.

Once she paused, Lyra stepped forward, "now, now. It wasn't even that much," she said dully, placing a hand on the latter's shoulder.

The situation was bizarre; this hadn't been the first time Reina had such ill fortune, however this time Reina wasn't having it and it was quite shocking to many to see her in such a state.

This was a side very few had ever seen.

Exacting a frown, Reina growled, "I just want my drink."

"You're making a scene," Lyra interjected, reminding her exactly where they were.

Reina turned. It was during that time that a group of girls had passed. All of them seem to giggle at Reina.

They were in one of the lecture halls both heading to their respective class. Normally Lyra would be having a break at this point, but due to an exam, the schedule was changed thus her and

Reina walking together.

Realizing she had forgotten her drink back in their dorm, Reina had stopped to get one from the vending machine, thus leading to their current situation.

Reina's shoulders slumped and she turned to head down the hall, only to stop in her tracks. Lyra raised a brow and looked past Reina to see that it was a woman with long, beautiful, blonde hair, flowing past her waist in spiral curls.

"Who's that?" Lyra asked. She had seen her numerous times and judging from her uniform Lyra realized she was in the Military Arts Program.

"That's the trump card of the tenth platoon. Her name is Dalsienna," Reina whispered to Lyra, while watching her walk by.

The trump card? Nina did mention there were two main ones they would have to be concerned about. Dalsienna was one of them. Lyra realized she didn't recognize the second in command to the tenth platoon due to having only seen her on screen at the dojo.

"She's so gorgeous," Reina stared in awe, bringing Lyra back.

She watched as Dalsienna walked by and studying her. There was a strange aura emitted from her. As if she knew her status was high, which irked Lyra. Even so, Lyra had to admit that she was very pretty. However, there was one thing she could not understand.

"How does she maintain all that hair while in the military arts?" Lyra wondered.

Reina looked over at Lyra and let out a laugh, "aww is Lyra jealous?"

Lyra shook her head, "I'm being serious! It's difficult as it is, taking care of this much. How does she do it?"

Lyra was talking about her own hair. While it was wavy and medium length, stopping a little past her shoulder, Lyra still felt it was so much. She would normally end up tying it up halfway through training.

It was as if Dalsienna stepping out of view broke the trance. Reina's mood instantly returned and her shoulders slumped.

"I still can't believe I don't have my drink," Reina frowned, as she continued on.

Lyra shook her head.

"It'll fade," Lyra chuckled, reassuring the older female as she followed her. "Let's grab a bite after classes, maybe?" she suggested.

Reina shrugged, "as long as you're not late to work."

Lyra rolled her eyes. Of course that was Reina's concerned. She then glanced up at the clock along the hall. "I gotta get going. My exam is going to start soon. But don't worry I won't be late."

"Okay then! Good luck!" Reina called after Lyra, as she headed off to her exam room.

The exam was an interesting one for Lyra. She felt she did well in it, but at the same time she was nervous. After all, what if she felt confident only to completely screw up?

The only reason Lyra felt that way was because she felt distracted the last few days due to the incident with Minerva and the way Nina had been talking about the tenth platoon. Even Sharnid was serious about this match, which definitely made Lyra nervous, but she felt he was hiding something from her. Her plan was to get Layfon to tell her if he knew anything, but she barely saw him unless it was training.

After the exam, Lyra headed straight to her martial arts class. She was a few minutes late due to being held up while turning in her exam, but luckily the instructor didn't mind. Too much, that is. She could tell that he didn't like to repeat himself. Lyra didn't bother asking him what she missed. Luckily she had Nina.

As soon as they had their lesson and it came to spar, Nina came straight for Lyra, going all out. The only reason Lyra was lucky was because this was a spar in which no kei was allowed thus allowing her attack to be weaker than what she was used to.

However, Lyra did protest with the initial attack.

"Always, be prepared when the match starts, Lyra," Nina replied, as she aimed another attack.

Lyra dodged it, but frowned, "well, yeah but I feel in this situation I could relax a little," she protested.

"Nope," Nina sent a low kick and Lyra jumped, "with time at the essence, we gotta use any chance we can get to train together to keep our attacks in check."

Lyra nodded her head. It was like she had been thinking. They really were worried about this platoon match. "I'm thinking of having you bait the second in command," Nina remarked, as she aimed another punch. Lyra pivoted to the side as the punch came. She watched it move past her and grabbed Nina's arm and paused.

"Is it smart to be discussing this here?"

"Of course not!" Nina replied, twirling in to elbow Lyra, "I'm only saying this much so you have an idea. We won't be able to train much this week and so I need you to focus on your own as well- ack!"

Lyra had taken advantage of the fact that Nina was only partially focused on their match and aimed a punch right in the center of her back. Due to the lack of focus, Nina went falling face first and Lyra crouched before her.

"Technically, this means I won this spar," she smiled.

Nina was frowning when she turned over, "this doesn't count. You took advantage of me while I was explaining the situation."

"But captain, I was trying to see my schedule the rest of the week to see when I could fit my own training in while focusing on what you were saying. I was in the same situation as you. So you can't put the full blame on me now," Lyra insisted. She flinched, seeing Nina's glare.

Lyra then laughed nervously, "don't worry, Captain. I understand. Though just curiously wondering, is there a reason why we won't be able to train together much?" She offered a hand to help Nina up and Nina took it.

"Well it's exam week. Not just that, I've been asked to help with an investigation," she explained.

Lyra nodded her head. While she was curious to know more, it was probably not best to ask in the middle of the class, especially when the instructor appeared before them.

"You two have been talking for quite a bit. You may be in the same platoon, but here it doesn't matter. This is a martial arts class and your grade is based on your participation not standing around talking," he scolded.

"Yes sir!" both replied quickly, straightening up. He was the captain of the second platoon. Lyra had only discovered that the week prior and wondered if it was wise that he was the instructor, considering that there were members of other platoons. Not only that, considering they qualified to be part of a platoon, Lyra wondered if it was really necessary to have to take this class.

Nina had heard her rants many times regarding that class. A look from her prevented Lyra from actually saying anything at the time. After that, they resumed their sparring. Once it was time to leave, the two packed up separately and headed out. Nina was heading to shower and then grabbing food to take to class. Lyra was going to head out to meet with Reina, but found the fourth year student outside the class.

"Lyra! Thank goodness I didn't miss you!" she cheered, seeing her exit the classroom.

"Is something wrong?" Lyra asked, but realized how stupid of a question that was considering her excitement.

"Of course not. I just got word that I was needed at the engineering lab. Some students would like to run a test and they need a supervisor to watch them so we won't be able to get lunch together," she explained.

Lyra nodded her head, "it's okay. There's always a next time. You better hurry then. I'm sure if they're first years, they will not like waiting."

Reina rolled her eyes, knowing what Lyra meant. The first year students she had ranted about a few times now. After that, Reina was off and Lyra was by herself on her way towards the machineries.

It was chilly, as Lyra had noted before. This was a sign they were changing regions. Many students were now dressed to accommodate the cooler weather.

Lyra was most likely halfway to the machineries. She decided to take the route through the city so that she could grab some food while on her way. She turned down the road to take a shortcut towards one of the small shops. However, it was then she noticed a group of students at the other end. Lyra tensed. She wouldn't have recognized who they were had she not noticed the long blonde curls. It was Dalsienna. From the looks of it, Lyra assumed that was the entire tenth platoon. They must have been training or something. Lyra then thought of what Gorneo had mentioned the other day.

There was something strange about them. Lyra wondered what it may have been. From the looks of it, they just seemed to be out together. It didn't seem suspicious, but this was her first time seeing the group together. Well, it wasn't her first time seeing them, but now she knew who they were.

"Hey."

She then tensed, realizing she had been spotted and now Dinn Dee was coming her way. There was no point in trying to leave. Way to go, genius!

"You're the newbie to the seventeenth platoon," he started. It wasn't a question. It was a statement. "You know it's not proper to being spying on other teams, especially when it's the team that you're up against in the next platoon rounds." His voice was intimidating. Lyra knew what he was trying to do. Considering she's the "newbie" as he called her, he was trying to intimidate her and work her nerves. "If I were you, I would do what's best and turn around and head back to your dorm," he remarked.

Lyra smirked, "funny you should say that. I was actually heading to work. It just happens to be in this direction."

"Oh? Is that so?" He smirked, glancing down the other end. The others had headed off and only Dalsienna stood waiting. Her look was a stern one as well.

Lyra just shrugged, "I don't see why it's a concern to you. Unless you are hiding something..."

As she said that, Dinn just scoffed. "You're not a very good detective... getting spotted while following; giving away your reason while you're at it."

Lyra raised a brow, "that would be true if I were actually following you."

Dinn stayed quiet for a bit, thinking, "how's your captain? And that sniper? I hope he's enjoying his time in his new platoon."

Now Lyra was definitely confused and Dinn noticed, "Sad. He doesn't even consider mentioning his old comrades huh? Well, not that I would consider that. Maybe I should have you deliver a message to him."

Lyra wasn't sure what to say to that. It sounded like a threat, but she wasn't sure if she should take a defensive stance or not. She didn't want Dinn to see that his words were bothering her. Already she left herself vulnerable, not knowing something had happened between her captain, Sharnid, and Dinn.

Dinn Dee just looked down at her smirking. He seemed to be about to say more, but then looked up and frowned, staring down the direction of where Lyra had just come from.

Lyra turned around as well to see that it was Gorneo! She was actually very grateful that he appeared.

"What's going on here?" he asked, glancing from Dinn to Lyra, then back to Dinn, who continued to frown at him.

"None of your business," he replied.

Gorneo didn't flinch, "it is my business when it's members of two opposing teams. Especially when I see one looming over the other and don't even try to tell me it's friendly. It obviously wasn't." Lyra was actually surprised by the harshness in his response.

Dinn just shrugged, "think whatever you like. I have to go now anyways. See you around," he waved walking off. It seemed that with Gorneo arriving, Dinn didn't want to speak anymore, which she was fine with.

"Seriously, what's up with that guy?" Lyra asked, watching him leave.

"That's just how he is. I figured I should step in before he says too much," he remarked, watching as well. Dinn had met up with Dalsienna and one last glare towards Lyra and she was off.

"I appreciate that. But, what do you mean says too much?"

"Well, you now know that he doesn't like your platoon for certain reasons. Considering the fact that you don't know the reason, he may try to grow some distance and that can easily happen, especially to the rookies."

"Hmph, I'm not that naive. But I am curious," Lyra huffed, crossing her arms.

Gorneo smirked. It was quiet for a bit. Lyra was about to thank him and head off, but then he suddenly spoke up. "Would you like to grab something to drink? Better than just awkwardly standing around," Gorneo suddenly offered.

The offer surprised Lyra. It was much unexpected, especially considering what just happened, but Lyra shrugged. "Sure thing, though I have work very soon," she remembered.

Gorneo nodded, "that's fine. There's a place close by to the machineries. It will be on the way."

Lyra nodded, "alrighty, lead the way then! Please?" She added. It was still strange that he would offer coffee, but then again, considering their conversations so far, he didn't seem like he did this often hence the awkwardness. Even so, Lyra tried with the small talk. Not only that, she couldn't help but wonder, did she actually ever tell him what her job was, or maybe it was just a coincidence when she wasn't paying attention and he was passing by.

"I didn't realize that there was a coffee shop close by to the machineries," she started.

Gorneo nodded, "there wasn't. This just opened at the beginning of the year. Businesses change often here considering the business students shut down once the graduate."

Lyra nodded her head. That made so much sense, "and here I thought it was just because this school was finally developing."

Gorneo smirked, "it's not that pathetic of a school. I would think of it as an opportunity for those to learn more about themselves."

"That, I have learned very quickly," Lyra agreed. They soon arrived at the coffee shop. Lyra was impressed by the size and the activity. It looked very successful. Though, how did she never notice?

"Shante and I usually stop here for a bite before heading back," he explained, "she loves this place."

"Speaking of her, where is she? I'm sorry, but I was expecting her to jump out from somewhere," Lyra remarked, half joking.

Gorneo smirked, "she's with her other teammates training at the moment. I had some work with the president so I couldn't go."

Lyra nodded her head, "makes sense. I'll be honest, I'm still expecting a sudden attack from her."

"I'm sorry. She's been like this ever since the filth monster attack," he explained.

Lyra blinked, confused. What did that have to do with the sudden ambush? Unless...

Suddenly her eyes widened.

"Wait... this has to do with the recent filth monster attack? Because I never did properly thank you for that and I'm really sorry. I didn't thank you for the help in Minerva! Is that why she doesn't like me?" She started apologizing.

Gorneo blink, obviously not expecting that, "I could care less about that. I mean, I didn't even know that was you until Shante said something and she knew because she recognized your scent," he explained.

Lyra nodded. She figured it wasn't necessary, but realizing made her feel guilty and she needed to clear her conscience.

"The truth is, she learned about my curiosity in your fighting style and has been trying to figure it out. Which, I wanted to apologize for my sudden questioning the other day," he started, after the two bought their drinks.

Lyra blinked and then shook her head, "while it was a little sudden, it's completely understandable. I assumed that Shante was just trying to help you confirm," she replied.

Gorneo nodded, "she's not the best when it comes to human interactions."

Lyra would have questioned that had she not already been explained where Shante came from. It would also explain her animal like actions.

"Though she was only trying to help. I find it very strange to me that my brother didn't demand anything in return," he remarked.

Lyra shrugged, "you know your brother best, but that's the honest truth. He told me he wanted answers and the only way he would learn is by monitoring my abilities himself," she explained again.

"I believe you," Gorneo replied, "it's just very strange considering him and his quest for power."

The way he said it, Lyra could tell Gorneo was not close with his brother at all. Even so, what he said was true. From what she observed Savaris didn't train her for her benefit. It was his and when he felt she wasn't getting what he told her to do right away, he gave up on it, leaving Lyra to figure it out on her own.

Lyra's eye then caught the time from one of the clocks displayed in the passing building. "Oh shoot. I'm going to be late to work."

"Not necessarily," Gorneo replied, "The machinery is a few blocks down from here," he explained, pointing ahead.

Lyra blinked, "really? Wow, when did we get here?"

Gorneo raised a brow, "you really didn't realize we were walking this way?"

Lyra let out a nervous laugh, "well, I'm still in the process of learning this place."

"It's been some time now..." he muttered, shaking his head.

Lyra just gave a nervous laugh, "I'm... not the best when it comes to directions," she admitted.

He just smirked, "that's better," he then sighed, shaking his head, "I'm heading this way to begin with so might as well help you out."

"Geez, don't sound too excited now," Lyra laughed.

"Sorry, it's been a long and strange day," he apologized.

Lyra nodded her head, "you and me, both."

"Don't let what Dinn said, get to you. It's just the history your platoon hold with his and that is not my place to share," he replied.

Lyra nodded her head. She would have to ask about that, but he was right. She didn't like how Dinn made that comment. It sounded threatening. It probably was a threat. After all, they were about to fight one another. Of course he would try to irritate her, but Lyra was now even more determined.

Also, what he said about Sharnid. There was a lot of hate when he was mentioned. Lyra didn't know that Sharnid had been part of that platoon. It would explain how his mood had changed when mentioned that this was the platoon they would be fighting.

However, Lyra was very curious to understand what happened exactly.

There was tapping on her head. She jumped, seeing Gorneo had poked her head, "I just said, stop thinking about all that. It's not going to help you. Besides, here's the machinery and you're probably going to be late."

"I'm sorry! Thank you very much for the walk! I shall have this route memorized now!" she announced, determined.

Gorneo was frowning, "you were barely paying attention as it is. There's no way, you have this down."

Damn... he was right there.

"Well, here's hoping I run into you again. This was fun and I'm sorry it wasn't that long, but we should hangout more often," she remarked.

Gorneo shrugged, "well if our schedules allow, then sure."

With that, Lyra headed into the machineries where she quickly set her items in her locker and quickly changed before starting work. She was very grateful Gorneo came when he did. It also gave them a chance to clear up the awkwardness that was initially there.

He was a lot different from Savaris. Here with the older brother she would have been harassed for so many 'issues' in his mind like not taking note of where they were heading, not having routes memorized yet. He would not have let that go. He would have also brought up her previous incident of being late when they were heading out for Minerva.

Gorneo was a lot different from his older brother and it made her wonder why. In fact, now she hoped to run into him more often when the schedule wasn't that crazy.

-x-

The next day Lyra arrived to training hall half asleep. She had unfortunately overslept and only remembered that she had training due to her roommates knocking on her door out of curiosity. She wasn't sure why she was so tired. It didn't help that she had to work extra hours due to one of the students not showing up to their shift. That made Lyra bitter.

A loud laughter, allowed her to wake a little.

"You look so happy to be here," Sharnid remarked, seeing Lyra enter. That woke Lyra up. Sharnid was already there?

"This is shocking," Harley remarked, "normally Lyra and Layfon are the ones on time while Sharnid-senpai is the one running late."

"You got that right," Nina replied, "What's up Lyra. Why are you so out of it?" she asked.

Lyra shook her head, "no, it's okay. I had to work late due to," she tried to explained only to be interrupted by Sharnid who was instantly next to her, pulling her into a side hug, "that's what you say, but I know the real reason."

"H-hey!" Lyra tried to protest.

Sharnid just chuckled, "our little Lyra must have been out on a date with our white haired..." Lyra cut him off, by slamming her foot down on his, causing him to let go.

"You really are a stalker."

"Am not! We live in the same direction, genius!" Sharnid grumbled, sitting down to check his foot.

Meanwhile Nina was trying to process what Sharnid said.

Nina blinked, "a date with white haired...?"

Lyra saw the gears turning in her captain's head. Any minute now... At the same time, the doors opened and Felli and Layfon entered in their training uniform. Nina looked up at them, still thinking. Suddenly it clicked and she spun towards Lyra, "it can't be the Student Council President!"

"Ga-"

As Sharnid moved away, laughing, Lyra fell back. She wasn't able to say anything else, utterly shocked by the conclusion. That was the last thing she ever expected.

Nina's eyes widened, "don't tell me it's true!"

Instantly Lyra was protesting, "of course not! Where the hell did that come from, captain?"

Nina narrowed her eyes, "are you sure? I feel like you're lying."

Lyra nodded and then shook her head, "I'm not lying. I swear!"

Nina looked up at Sharnid, who only shrugged and chuckled.

"What's going on?" Layfon asked, as he and Felli came over.

Instantly Nina turned towards her, "Felli, have you noticed how often Lyra goes to your brother's office?"

Felli blinked. While her expression showed nothing, it was obvious she was curious as to why this was being asked. Felli just looked at Lyra.

"She has been in there quite a lot recently and every time the secretaries would step out."

"It hasn't been that often now! I swear, it's all school and work related!"

"Then why do the secretaries step out?" Felli asked, now curious as well.

Lyra thought about how to answer it. "I...I'm not too sure...Honest!" She noticed herself, but never thought to ask. Now it made it even worse.

"Well... You're not really helping yourself out here you know? According to your face, it seems like there is," Sharnid laughed.

Lyra lifted a hand to her face. She could feel how warm it was and it was probably bright red too, out of embarrassment that the platoon would come to that type of conclusion. Lyra just stood there, internally crying. How did this happen? It was so ridiculous. She then glared at Sharnid, who was laughing away.

"Can my kei organ just act up now and kill me..."

"Whoa, whoa. Don't say that," Sharnid interrupted her, "the president will miss you."

Lyra frowned, "let's just get started with training. I'm going to beat you all," she grumbled.

"Not when we have Layfon on our side," Sharnid teased.

"Ah, please don't involve me in this," Layfon started nervously.

"Well, whatever it is, it better not affect us," Nina concluded, "now let's get outside. We're going to be doing a simulation and I really want to see how this will work out."

"Oh, have some faith. This is perfect," Sharnid remarked, which confused Lyra. She missed something.

Everyone nodded and followed. Outside, Lyra noticed that the field was set up to be similar to how the match field would be. At Nina's orders everyone was situated in their positions.

What surprised Lyra was that Sharnid was on the field with them.

"Ah, you weren't here when I made my special announcement," he realized as he restored one of the two black dites in his hands.

Lyra's eyes widened, "those are close range pistols?" They had to be considering the dark material they were made from. The material would make it difficult to fire long range attacks.

"That's right," Sharnid nodded.

"Sharnid will be assisting us on the field rather than sniping. This will be a surprise for the tenth platoon, as they will most likely plan based on a sniper in the area," Nina explained, "now let's get into position. Harley will activate the simulation."

The Droids were set to act as close as possible to how the tenth platoon would coordinate. They would be attacking and the seventeenth platoon would be defending.

From her position in the trees, Lyra couldn't help but think how last time they did a simulation, it didn't go as well, as Lyra and Layfon had made their own decision. However, this time was more organized and they had a set plan. The first time, it was new for all of them.

Lyra glanced at Layfon — at least in the area where he was hidden.

According to Nina this was what they should expect from the tenth platoon. Dalsienna was the trump card, meaning she would be plowing through while the others defended her.

When she comes through their areas, Lyra would jump out to stop her followed by Nina and Sharnid to stop them. Felli's job would be to track down Dinn Dee and send the location to Layfon who would wait to move until Dalsienna and the others were occupied.

"You have twenty seconds until the enemy is in position." The pink petal had appeared by Lyra's ear. Lyra still felt that was much slower than she should have been. After all, twenty seconds wasn't exactly enough time to prepare, but it wasn't like Lyra wasn't. This wasn't the time to be distracted.

As Felli predicted, the Droid appeared and Lyra and the others went launching out. With the three droids occupied, Layfon was allowed to go back. However, these were just droids, meaning the way they were programmed, limiting the different scenarios that could happen.

Even so, training was successful. Everyone cooperated very well, even Sharnid, who surprised Lyra with his skills in the dual pistol. She watched as he easily dodged the attack by the droid and made his way around, striking the weak spots with two bullets each.

It was actually very interesting to watch, especially since there were no faults in his movements.

It was also then, that Lyra realized she needed to focus more on her part and quickly sped forwards to attack.

Afterwards, the group showered up, with Lyra making sure her glasses were in their case in her bag and not hidden anywhere. Once everyone was cleaned up, they all headed out.

Today was a lighter day for Lyra. She didn't have work, meaning she could go home and relax. However, that would most likely wait, as Sharnid had tagged along with her afterwards.

"I'm impressed, I didn't think that you would be good in close range combat," Lyra remarked, as the two headed out.

"Aw, come on Lyra. You should have a little more faith in your comrades," Sharnid whined.

Lyra shook her head, "no. I thought your skill set lied in sneaking around and sniping," she tried to explain.

Sharnid chuckled, "well, can't reveal everything right away. Gotta keep some surprises. I think you would understand that very well," he teased.

Lyra's cheeks reddened. That was true. She hadn't been completely honest with her skill set when she came. She then shook her head, "well one thing for sure is that it'll be easier to keep an eye out for Dinn who seems to have it out for you and captain."

"It's nice to know that Lyra-chan is actually concerned for me," Sharnid remarked.

Lyra shrugged, "but seriously, why so much hate?" She asked, looking up at the sniper. She was very curious, but she made sure her tone didn't sound nosy, but more so concerned. After all, what if Dinn used this match to just attack him? That would make things quite difficult.

Sharnid shrugged staring ahead, lost in thoughts, "how would you feel if Layfon were to suddenly leave the team saying it was pointless trying to work together to defend the city - in the middle of a platoon match?"

Lyra blinked looking back that's what happened. Well, it makes sense then, but she knew he had to have done it that way for some reason.

Sharnid sighed, "Sometimes some promises can't be kept. Especially when the intentions change. And Nina got involved because she recruited me right after I left."

Lyra nodded her head. It was a complicated situation. The two walked in silence for a bit, though Lyra soon began to feel awkward. She glanced at Sharnid. He was in deep thoughts. To be honest, it was very strange seeing him so serious.

Lyra shook her head, "hey! I'm hungry. Can we grab something to eat?"

The sudden excitement surprised Sharnid, though he instantly recovered, "is Lyra-chan really offering to grab lunch together? I didn't even have to try," he remarked.

Lyra shrugged, "don't get too used to it. I feel like being generous today."

"Very well, with that the case, I shall let you chose for once. Though, you don't know anywhere, do you?" He instantly remarked seeing her brows furrow as she tried to think of a place.

Lyra realized just how little she had actually explored the place.

"Wait! I do know one place and I think it's really good!" She remembers the place her and Nina went to eat.

Sharnid nodded, "well now I'm curious. Lead the way," he gestured, "let's see if you can get there without getting lost. The fact that more than one person had noticed now was a problem. Lyra needed to fix this.

"Just you see!" Lyra challenged. That was better. It felt weird seeing him so serious. Though, now she had to make sure she knew the way or else she would regret changing his mood.