Chapter 1: Do You Resign as Human?
The teenager sighed in relief as the mech finally came to a stop. His hands were tight on the controls, his eyes locked on the burning wreckage of the enemy machines he'd just taken down. It had only been a matter of minutes, and his mind had practically been running on autopilot for half of it, but none of them lasted more than a few seconds against the machine he was piloting. His neck was still throbbing from the injection he'd gotten from the very machine.
"Good job, Kanata," The boy looked down at the console as it pinged, the familiar face of his father appearing on the screen. "All enemy units are down. Did you see where the 01 landed?"
"Just over a hill nearby," Kanata answered, pulling the bangs of his black hair back for a moment. "What should I do? Meet up with him?"
"No," His father replied. "I'm sending coordinates for where you should take the Valvrave. Someone was streaming that battle, so now everyone knows who was in 01. It'll be troublesome if they find out who you are too. Make sure your IFF is off as well."
"… alright," Kanata felt a bit of reluctance as he looked off. He then glanced down. The panoramic view of the cockpit gave him a perfect view of the machine as he lifted off over the lake. It's armor jet black and silver, standing out from it all were the gleaming green antenna and wings it bore. The machine called a Valvrave. One that, right up until that evening, Kanata wouldn't have ever thought of himself being inside of.
The morning had been like any other. The alarm from his phone blaring as the sign for him to wake up, almost falling out of his bed trying to turn it off in his still half-asleep state. His mother calling him to make sure he was up, and lazily throwing on his uniform as he responded. The general mess he left the uniform in matched with his persistent bedhead, the jet-black strands framing sharp grey eyes on his pale face. If it weren't for that scruffy look of his, he'd always been told he'd be more popular, but that wasn't something he cared for.
His phone pinged as he was heading downstairs. Also routine. Pretty much every student he knew was part of a social network called WIRED, and Kanata was no different in that regard. He didn't use it for much else than keeping up with school news, but a particular incident at some point earlier in the year had caused him to actually use it more often.
RAINBOW: You up?
Asakana: About fell out of my bed turning off my alarm.
RAINBOW: XD
Asakana: Funny. Still in your little hole in the wall?
RAINBOW: I never leave. And I won't.
Asakana: I implied nothing of the sort. I'll bring some of my mom's cooking by, how's that sound?
RAINBOW: I prefer snacks, but I do like her food. Just slide it through. Do. Not. Come. In.
Asakana: NP. I am gonna talk to you though.
RAINBOW: No.
Asakana: Yes. And you can't stop me!
RAINBOW: I'll lock your account!
Asakana: And I'll just unlock it.
RAINBOW: XP Make sure my brother doesn't find out you know, or I'll seriously do it.
"She's being immature," Kanata chuckled as the IM window closed on him.
"Kanata, no phones at the table," The teenager set it down at his mother's scolding, the woman sighing as she folded her arms. Then she glanced the other way as Kanata did, to the father of the house, who was all too busy at a tablet computer to where his breakfast hadn't even been touched. And she wonders who I get it from. Thought Kanata, holding back a chuckle. "Darling, if you don't put your work down for a moment your food will get cold."
"Hm? Oh, s-sorry," The man cleared his throat as he hurriedly set the tablet aside. If Kanata was scruffy than he would certainly say his father, Reiji, was a complete mess. "It's just our current project at work is at an important point in development. Slowing down is hard to do."
"That big 'wonder' project?" His mother, Aoi, playfully teased. "It must be important if you're spending so much time up late. You put Kanata to shame there."
"I'm not up late that much," Kanata objected, shoving some toast into his mouth. "Dad's definitely worse since he's always working."
"Now that's not fair," Kanata dodged the playful swipe his father gave. "Who are you always messaging anyway? Girlfriend?"
"Nope. Just a school friend who doesn't talk to anyone else. Figured they could use a friend," Kanata pocketed his phone, his father giving a hum as they resumed eating and chatting. It wasn't like there was much to it. The Asamas were a simple family. Kanata was a student, his father worked for a research foundation, and his mother was a simple housewife. All in all, a normal family with normal lives and normal routines.
And following that routine, Kanata and Reiji would leave their home at the same time. Kanata always drew his eyes upwards as they walked. It looked real, but he knew the blue color and even the clouds were, in a sense, artificial. Because they didn't live on Earth. Most of humanity didn't. The Dyson Sphere Space Colonies, mankind's crowning jewels and now the residence of most of the human population. Kanata and Reiji were just two of the residents in one of the four that currently existed, the Dyson Sphere of the nation JIOR, living within Module 77 of the still in progress structure. Otherwise, the city that made up the module wouldn't have made anyone think different about where they were. At least if they didn't pay attention to the obvious cutoff between the dome and its lower wall.
"And we stop here," Reiji stopped first as he and Kanata reached the tram line. "I'm probably going to end up working late again today, so tell Aoi to save some dinner for me yeah?"
"You've been working late all the time," Kanata said, his father chuckling. "What's so big about this mystery project of yours that you're always gone until it's already the next day?"
"Sadly, I can't talk about that," Kanata playfully pouted, his father laughing as the tram pulled up. "Now get going. And hey, maybe make some more friends, eh?"
"I have enough as it is!" Kanata gave a wave as he stepped onto the tram, Reiji waving him off as the door closed and the student filled vehicle pulled away. Kanata conveniently found a seat in the back. He preferred to stay out of crowds, so he liked it more. His eyes drifted past the yammering students and past the line. As the tram moved out of the city, it started going over the artificial sea that made up the center of the module, also a core part of its working features. Multiple other rail lines and bridges made their way to a central island, atop of which was the school Kanata and everyone else aboard attended, Sakimori Academy.
A school that had only been open for three years since Module 77's completion, Kanata had been attending since it's opening. It was home to a few hundred students, many of which lived on campus at the dorms, though some like Kanata lived in the city with their parents. Just another ordinary day with the ordinary routine. Same as ever. Kanata didn't hate it as he thought so. It may not have been the most exciting life, but he felt satisfied with it.
He just wished he'd known how much longer he could keep saying that.
"What are they up too down there?" Kanata peered down from the walkway, below him on the grounds being a gaggle of other students shouting and cheering. From what he could tell amid the crowd, two of them were in the middle of what looked like an eating contest. A boy and a girl, wolfing down sandwiches as fast as they could. And the girl was winning by a decent span. The presence of the swimming and tennis clubs just made him wonder what it was even for to begin with.
"Apparently they're trying to decide whether the boys' or girls' clubs get to use the field today," Kanata lurched when an arm was tossed over his shoulders. He glanced over, being met by the tooth grin of another boy with bleached blonde hair and green eyes. One of his few friends at school, Suzuki Gin. "Of course, it's those two second years Inuzuka is friendly with… what were their names again?"
"Tokishima Haruto and Sashinami Shoko," Kanata said, opening some pages on his phone. "The girl's the prime minister's daughter, remember?"
"Oh yeah she is," Gin hummed, and Kanata growled as more weight was just put on him. It didn't help Gin was taller than him by a decent margin, and Kanata was far from short himself.
"By the way Gin… get your heavy ass off me!" Kanata threw his arms up, Gin laughing as he was sent lurching to the side. "Seriously, muscle bound freak. Those things weigh a ton."
"And they hit just as hard!" Gin proudly flexed his arms, the pulled back sleeves of his shirt showing the well-built and toned muscles. "Not that a pretty-faced pole like you would get it, Kana."
"I like being slim thank you very much," Kanata bit, smirking as he fiddled with his hair. "Besides, I'm better looking than that rugged mug of yours."
"The face ain't everything you snot!" The passing students around the two had various reactions of amusement as Gin got Kanata into a headlock, something the less athletic boy had no hope of getting out of as Gin held him tight.
"Uncle, uncle!" Kanata tapped Gin's arm and breathed a sigh when he was released. "I'll at least admit you're stronger than me any day. Yeesh."
"And don't forget it," Gin clapped Kanata on the back, making him lurch forward again.
"Ow."
"Ah I barely tapped you."
"A tap from you is more like a hard slap," Kanata rubbed the now sore spot on his back. Gin just gave his own smirk and Kanata pulled an eyelid down and stuck out his tongue. "I'll see you in class, I've got an errand to run."
"Ehh? An errand during school?" Kanata nodded as he trotted past. "You're not keeping a secret are you, eh? Don't go telling me you got a girlfriend without me knowing!"
"Like hell!" Kanata teased. "If I did, I know for a fact you'd be the first to know! Just personal business!"
As Gin sent him off, Kanata's destination was a quick one. A little room nestled away in the lower levels of the school where there was almost no traffic coming to or through it. Inside of it was a single, small structure made of some rails, cardboard boxes, and blankets with a single small crawlspace leading into it.
"Oi, Ms. Rainbow?" Shutting the door behind him, Kanata leaned down near the entrance, pulling a lunch box out of his bag. "I brought that food I said I'd give you. You up?" Then his phone pinged. "Of course that's how you do it."
"Just slide it in like usual," The message read, Kanata doing as it said and then sitting down.
"So, any interesting news on WIRED?" Kanata snickered at the annoyed growl he heard come out of it. "C'mon, I said I was gonna chat with you. If I can't go in there, the least I can do is talk with you for a bit."
"I really don't care so long as you just bring food and keep quiet," Was the reply. "Some of them are talking about the Dorssia Mil-Fed coming near our territory again."
"And like last time they'll just pay off the fine and try again later," Kanata sighed and ran a hand through his bangs. "They're way too persistent. It's like they seriously do want a war. What'd be the point in this day and age?"
"Dorssia's always been aggressive," RAINBOW replied. "It might just be a matter of time, who knows?" And then the now empty lunch box slid out. "Done. Now go."
"Ehhh? Come on, we were on a good topic."
"Go. If you don't go now, you'll get found out."
"Oh, so you're just being thoughtful?" Kanata picked the box up and stowed it. "Look… actually, never mind. Satomi would just get pissed at me. At least maybe use WIRED to chat with more people than just me. I mean I only found this place by accident," there wasn't a reply. "At least take care of yourself, Akira."
"I'll think about it."
"Good enough for me. Text me if anything interesting comes up!" Kanata peered out of the room to make sure it was clear before leaving. Though as he was making his way up, he ended up running into the one person he wasn't hoping to. A young man with natural blonde hair and blue eyes, who's well-kept appearance gave him a much more refined air than Kanata could ever hope to muster himself. He was the student council president of Sakimori Academy, Renbokouji Satomi.
"Asama?" Satomi had a couple shopping bags in his hands. Kanata didn't simply assume the assortment of food and snacks was for Satomi himself. "What are you doing all the way over here?"
"I was just wandering around a bit before class," True to what was requested of him, despite disliking having to lie, Kanata hoped that wouldn't look suspicious. Satomi doesn't know that anyone else knows about Akira. Kanata thought. And I know he'd prefer it stays that way for her safety. "Anyway, I was just on my way back. What's with all the food huh? I thought you kept a balanced diet?"
"It's not for me," I obviously knew that. Kanata played off his mood with a hum. "Look, it's personal business alright? Be sure not to be late. Also, don't doze off like you have been lately, got it? You and I have been students here for three years, I at least expect my fellow senior to have the proper decorum at times."
"Yeah yeah, understood Prez," Kanata playfully saluted, Satomi sighing. "It's not bad to loosen up every now and again y'know?"
"Just as there is such a thing as being too loose," Satomi countered, Kanata chuckling. "At least do what I asked. As at least a close acquaintance and not as president to student."
"I can play by that one," As he passed, Kanata tapped Satomi on the shoulder. It was meant to be an encouraging gesture, even if he knew Satomi wouldn't get why. You'll get through to Akira one of these days, I'm sure of it. The least he could do was that much right now.
"So hey, wanna hit up the arcade? I doubt you're doing anything."
"I don't see a reason not to. Though I was thinking of dropping by my dad's work to see how he's doing."
"Hasn't he been super late to get home for like, the past few months?"
"Yeah."
Kanata appreciated the normal banter he and Gin got up to on their way out for the day. With evening rolling around the module's artificial time rolled over to reflect it, paining the artificial sky amber. By now most of the students were either headed back to the dorms or off campus to do errands or mess around for a bit. Nothing out of the ordinary as far as Kanata saw it. At least until they came across a group that piqued Kanata as odd. Made up of five boys, he didn't recognize a single one of them, and not for lack of just not being familiar with every student. Transfer students maybe? He thought.
One with two-toned brown and blonde hair and notable earrings. A much more serious looking boy in glasses with neat dark hair. A short boy with red hair and a bandana. Two of them had silvery white hair, one wearing it longer the other shorter. The first three were talking to each other, near them one of Kanata and Gin's other classmates Inuzuka Kyuma, and a second year he was friendly with Sakurai Aina. Kanata's eyes though were drawn to the second silver-haired boy, whose eyes stayed forward as he moved ahead of his companions.
"The sprinklers…" as they passed each other, Kanata heard the boy with the short silver hair muttering. "The sprinklers are spaced out every thirteen meters, but they shift to every twelve point five meters in front of that structure. There are forty desks in each classroom visible from the windows. Student body, 480. However, the structure was built using common layered construction," He's sizing up the school? Kanata had to wonder just what kind of transfer student made a day out of figuring that out. "From a load bearing standpoint, there's no room for extra facility personnel. I must therefore conclude that it…"
"Uhm, is there anything I could help you with?" Kanata stepped in front of the boy, who gave him a neutral look. Whatever he'd been rattling off, he clearly wasn't pleased about being interrupted. "If you guys are looking for any teachers to talk about, most of them are already off campus."
"Oh really now?" The boy with earrings said. "That's a real shame. You got any idea who might be left? Any cute ladies?"
"Uh… well maybe Ms. Nanami, but she also supervises the swimming club," Kanata glanced at Gin when his friend bumped him with an elbow. "What?"
"Kanata, maybe we should just keep moving," Gin whispered, Kanata glancing back at the boy he'd interrupted. "These guys give me a bad vibe."
"We thank you for the hint," The boy with longer silver hair spoke. "We'll find our own way, however," Something about this doesn't seem normal. Kanata watched as the group moved on, the short-haired boy shooting him one more look before continuing himself.
"Ah sheesh that got weirdly tense!" Gin breathed a sigh of relief, Kanata just shrugging. "Oi, Kyuma, what was that about?"
"You could tell me," Kyuma approached the two, Aina staying near him. "They asked us for directions and all but then the one with earrings started flirting with Aina. Kinda wanted to hit the guy."
"Hmmhmm, yeah he gave off that kind of vibe," Gin agreed. "The guy who knows he gets chicks easy. Anyway, Kanata you pick up what that one guy was muttering about? I barely heard a thing from him."
"Ah, well… nothing," Kanata said. "Just some observations about the school. Guess he was taking the sights in or something."
"You sure? You seemed kinda bothered by something he said," Gin said, Kanata shaking his head. It's probably nothing at all. If we don't need to worry about it, no reason to bother, right? "Well if you say so. So anyway, Kyuma, Sakurai, we were thinking about hitting up the arcade, wanna come with?"
"Actually, we're gonna be a bit busy," Kyuma said.
"We're going to help Haruto and Shoko clean up the shrine," Aina added. "They're getting brooms right now."
"Ah… wait you mean that shrine everybody says you're supposed to always succeed at if you confess to someone there?" Kanata rolled his eyes as Gin rattled off. It was a silly urban legend the students had come up with in the three years Sakimori Academy had been around. And Kanata wasn't really one for superstitions. "Wait… didn't you mention that Tokishima likes Sashinami."
"Indeed, he does," Kyuma chuckled. "Wanna make a bet he confesses to her there? I'm taking draws!"
"Money grubbing bastard," Gin chuckled. "Unfortunately, Kyuma, I'm not the betting type."
"Don't go and look at me," Kanata answered right on cue even while he was checking his phone, Kyuma sighing in defeat, Aina giggling. "Anyway, I guess we'll be going. See you in class tomorrow."
"Tell us what happens at the shrine, I bet it'll be hilarious!" Gin waved the other two off as they left. Kanata couldn't help but spare a look back towards the school, and at the boys headed towards it. What that guy was saying… sizing up the school in one look like that. What was going through his head? He wondered just why there was so many of them to boot. It was just an odd and out of the ordinary situation. Well… I guess those are fine every now and again too.
The arcade was a surprisingly bustling place to be even on a school day. Students and workers alike were packed in to blow off some steam messing around before heading home, and thankfully they had a pretty decent one. A lower floor with classic games like crane machines and other prize pullers, and an upper floor with games from all over, especially the most recent fighting games that always drew a crowd when two people were going at them.
But what was drawing the crowd today were the machines Kanata and Gin had taken up. Two games with their seats and controls styled like the cockpit for some kind of mech, the array of screens mimicking a forward view array. What helped for the crowd was the extra-large screen between the two machines that showed the ongoings of the game from an observer's perspective.
Flares of red and blue light flashed across the virtual space, glancing flashes of weapons making the watching crowd cheer as the flares collided. Two machines, both with primarily white bodies, one marked in red and the other blue, differentiated by the shapes of the green antenna on their heads and forming structures elsewhere on the bodies. The red one was armed with a sword and rifle, while the blue one shields on its shoulders and arm mounted bows.
And the red one was moving far faster as it darted around, leaving a trail of red light behind it.
"Ahhh come on Kana! Slow down so I can hit you!" Gin grimaced as his screen was covered in red, yelping when a solid hit from behind knocked down his meter. "Dammit!"
"Not my fault you chose the defensive one," Kanata teased. He clicked his tongue when his sword was stopped by a timely block from Gin's shield, following through by bringing his machine to flip over Gin and fire into its back with a rapid volley from his rifle, darting away before he could retaliate. "Besides, you know I'm good at this game."
"And I swore I'd beat you at it one of these days!" Gin swore, growling as his weapons fired everything he could off at Kanata. "You move like a freakin' fly!"
"Raven more like it. It's more accurate to use a bird."
"Shove it!"
Kanata chuckled at Gin's indignation. His friend had always been a sore loser and a part of him had fun picking at that. It was all just fun and games for them after all. So, Kanata didn't feel particularly bad about rushing in close to blind Gin with another flare of light. And when Gin was trying to get his bearings again, he wheeled around, the red light gathered around his sword as he drove it forward, right through the cockpit block for an instant kill.
"Victory yet again!" Kanata put his arms behind his head as he leaned back, giving a cocky grin as Gin threw his arms up. "Asakana's undefeated streak continues!"
"Dammit!" Gin faux whined as Kanata slapped a few high fives with other students, then giving the muscular boy a peace sign. "Man, you are too good at this one."
"Blame it on lots of practice," Kanata dropped back into the seat, mugging at Gin all the while. "How about another round? This time with your main instead?"
"You're on!"
It was somewhere else in the Module, well and away from prying eyes. The facility was filled with the sounds of working computers and men busy toiling away at the data being processed, variables being accounted for and tweaked with new entries. And strolling among the rows was Reiji. He leaned past tucked heads to check the inputs, making sure everything was in check and in order.
"Captain Asama," One of the scientists beckoned him over. "We're getting some new data from the simulator. Want to take a look?"
"Which kids are on it this time?" Reiji leaned over the man's seat, his brow raising when he saw the data. The computer's feed was tapped into the same one as the arcade, and one screen displayed the data of the participants: Kanata and Gin. "Kanata and his friend again?"
"They spend a lot of time in it, your son especially," The scientist, a neatly ordered man who kept himself in far better looks than Reiji, named Yanagi, mused. "Kanata's data is some of the best we have from the kids that play this game. His skill at using Hard Afterglow is especially notable."
"And Suzuki?" Reiji inquired. "Hmm… still using Unit 03."
"He was using 05 before, though he has better synergy with 03," Yanagi said. "He'd be more on the average end if it wasn't for him and Kanata regularly dueling each other. With that regular clashing in mind… I'd rate him above the average end of the potential pilots," The researcher glanced to Reiji, spotting the concern in the man's face. "And I know you don't like the idea of it… but Kanata has some of the highest ratings we've gotten. Plus, from recent checks, he's certainly compatible with the Valvrave."
"Let a father be concerned for his son, will you?" Reiji said, patting Yanagi on the shoulder, the man rolling his eyes. Reiji turned to another part of the research base, facing something at the other end of it. A machine, just like the ones in the simulator, it's colored portions silver and highlight in dark blue. It was somewhat identical to the red machine, but with a back piece that appeared like extra plumes of metallic feathers alongside the wings, and blade-like attachments on the heels. "Even if I will eventually have to pay the sin of helping create these machines… the least I can assure is that I help the children who may be forced to pilot them… even if one ends up being my own son."
"Maaaan, you were just on a streak today! Even when I switched to the one I'm good with your whipped my ass!"
"Come on Gin, you got some good hits in today. Plus, when you went up against some other guys you whipped them just as hard."
"Well, no duh. I fight you all the time. Of course I'm gonna look good against other people."
Kanata and Gin's jovial chatter after their arcade trip was just a small bit among the late evening bustle going through town. It was a usual situation once they left school. Neither of the boys lived on the campus dorms so it was a simple walk home once they'd left the station. The inane topics of a pair of schoolboys kept up as they walked, things like Gin bragging about his training, or Kanata frequently checking his phone.
"You've been checking that a lot recently," Gin spoke up while the two were stopped at an intersection, Kanata humming as he typed away.
"I talk to a lot of people on Wired. I like to keep up with news around the Dyson Spheres and back in JIOR," Kanata said, Gin nodding along. "Also turns out those matches of ours were being live streamed."
"What?!" Gin yelped.
"Yeap. You know that user called RAINBOW nobody knows a thing about? They were streaming the spectators view through Wired."
"You're kidding? Isn't that the person who runs the site?" As the chatter was continuing while they crossed, the casual mood ground to a halt as the ground suddenly shook. And with it, the artificial sky above also suddenly darkened. "What the hell?! It's still evening!"
"I don't think that was the Module changing hours…" Kanata muttered. And his suspicion was proven to be right when something flew overhead. Nine machines that were more like flying torsos with arms and large shields, though six of them had a different top end. "What the… those are Dorssian Waffes!"
"Wait… what?!" Gin yelped. "But that'd mean Dorssia is attacking, isn't it?!" The boys watched as the Waffes flew past the city and in the direction of the school. Even when they vanished, very soon the sounds of combat carried over the buildings and too the people, who began to panic almost immediately. "Why the hell is Dorssia attacking us?!"
"A shelter, let's go!" Kanata yelled, Gin nodding as they took off. The darkened sky of the module began filling with the stray bullets and energy shots of ongoing combat, other people quickly realizing the situation and being just as quick to join the boys in making for a nearby shelter. "Do you think the other Modules are being attacked?!"
"Again, why is Dorssia attacking us!?" Gin shouted. "JIOR is a neutral nation, so what the hell?!"
"Not the first time they tried!" Kanata said, quickly dialing his phone to his father's number. "Come on, pick up, Dad!"
"What the hell is going on out there?!" Reiji stormed to a central table in the center as alarms went off. To his shock, the map of the Module was lighting up with confirmations of active military units and defensive systems, as well as messages from JIOR forces outside of the colony. "Dorssia is attacking us?"
"What the hell prompted that?!" Yanagi shouted. "They've moved past the exclusion zone before, but this? What could have prompted it?"
"Dammit… someone contact the team at the Sakimori Academy center!" Reiji ordered, one of the other scientists quickly following through.
"I… I can't! Any attempts I send aren't being answered!" The acting scientist said.
"Do you think Dorssia knows about the Valvraves?" Yanagi asked, Reiji gritting his teeth. "There's no way they could have found out! The VVV Project is top secret."
"It is, but that doesn't mean they couldn't have heard rumors." Reiji muttered. "There's a chance… there's a chance the Sakimori team is already dead. Dammit, that's also where Unit 01 is!"
"If it was Dorssia… if they get their hands on a Valvrave it's done!" Yanagi shouted.
"All we can do here is hope for the best. Not like they could activate it anyway," Reiji turned to the Valvrave as the rest of the team scrambled across their equipment. "Will it really happen? Will we really be forced to use them?"
"Dammit, I can't get ahold of him!" Kanata cursed as he failed to get through, he and Gin stopped outside of the entrance for the district's shelter. "What's even going on?"
"Your dad works for some research place, doesn't he? They should have an onsite shelter, they'll be fine!" Gin said. "We should get in while we can before they come over here too! Who knows how much damage will…"
The module shaking again made everyone around them shriek. Kanata looked up, spotting the Waffes dart over while JIORan Splicer class space fighters zoomed after them. It definitely isn't just Module 77 that's seeing fighting… but what's so specific about this one they deployed a Waffe team into it? Kanata grit his teeth as his mind raced. He was too worried about his parents. He at least figured he wouldn't have to worry about his mother. But… there was a chance he didn't want to take. Damn it to hell! And so, he took off.
"Huh?! Kanata wait, don't go running off!" Gin shouted.
"Dad's workplace is nearby! I'm going to see if I can find him!" Kanat yelled back. "Just get in the shelter! I'll be fine, don't worry!"
"Of course I'm gonna worry you knucklehead!" Gin yelled, protesting as some of the adults began to pull him into the shelter. "Kanata if we make it out of this, I'm breaking your nose, got it!"
Kanata flashed a thumbs up as he ran. He got lucky that it seemed whatever fighting was going on, now it was avoiding the area he was headed for. Passing through the business district was normally part of his route home, but now it was far more urgent. Remember it… dad works at a place called Munin Research… it's around here, I know it! He was cursing his less physical nature as his lungs started to heave from the strain from his running. Kanata's eyes darted looking for the building, but it didn't seem close. Come on! I know it's around here, where is it?! He came to a stop near an alley, doubling back as he scanned past it. A sign was just above him, "Munin Research".
"Finally!" Kanata shouldered in the doorway, quickly noting the lack of anyone at the entrance. "Dad?! Anyone?! Is anyone here!? I'm looking for Asama Reiji!" And as he moved further into the building, it was just as empty as the foyer. Looking into locked rooms, passing windowed off research areas. There wasn't a person in sight. "Please tell me they already got to the nearest shelter… man I'm an idiot!" Kanata grabbed a nearby railing as everything shook again, doubling back the path he'd taken inside. Only to find the entrance had been ruined, the smoldering remains of a Splicer combat plane blocking it. "Come on!"
Doubling back again, he went to try and find the side entrance. As he was, something else made him stop. A door had been revealed from the crash in one of the hallways. An elevator? Are there basement floors too? Curiosity brought him to see if it was working, the door sliding open no problem. The building shook again, Kanata moving to duck into the elevator, though as he was some of the falling rubble struck him in the shoulder. He yelped in pain as he fell in, grabbing the wound and finding his hand came back red. And perhaps making his situation worse, the elevator had started moving on its own.
"What the… did it short out?" Kanata pulled himself up as he watched the floor number tick down. He felt himself growing tenser the longer the ride went on for. When the elevator jolted to a stop, he slowly peered out. He'd been brought down to a corridor, not much to it besides the passage forward. "Hello?" Cradling his injured arm, Kanata slowly made his way down the path until he found a door. He pressed his hand to it, gently pushing it open… only for the door to open and for something to barrel into him, slamming the teen into the wall and causing pain to shoot up his shoulder. "GAGH! What the hell?!"
"Stop right there you… wait… the hell?!" Kanata opened an eye to see he had been pinned to the wall by a man in a lab coat, and more worryingly, the man was armed with a handgun aimed right at him. "A kid? No… you're Captain Asama's son!"
"You know dad? And what do you mean by captain?!" Kanata demanded, the man easing up on him.
"More importantly, what are you doing here?"
"Looking for my dad obviously! The Module is under attack by Dorssia for crying out loud!"
"We're aware of that," Kanata had a dumbfounded look as the man holstered his weapon. "Come inside with me. We can patch up that injury of yours and… perhaps explain some things. My name's Yanagi, I'm your father's second in command here."
"Second in command for what?!" Kanata snapped.
"You'll see," Yanagi guided him into the room past the door, and Kanata's eyes went wide. The researchers all buzzing around as they worked around a tactical table, some of them were even armed. And, most shocking of all, his father was overseeing all of it. "Captain! That intruder wasn't a Dorssian, rather… it was your son."
"What?!" Reiji snapped around as Yanagi announced himself, rushing over to Kanata first thing. "Kanata?! How did you find this place? The elevator shouldn't… no, no there's no reason to ponder on it. Just… what are you doing here?"
"Looking for you obviously!" Kanata said. "But… what the hell is all of this? You said you're part of a research group but… that guy called you Captain, and you all look ready to fight if something happens! What the hell is this?"
"Let's sit you down first off." Yanagi pulled up a rolling chair and about pushed Kanata into it, pulling out a medical kit. "Could you take off the blazer and move your shirt please?"
"Fine. But I want an explanation, now." As he moved the cloth side, Kanata look to Reiji with a demanding glare. "Dad, what's really going on? Why is Dorssia attacking us?"
"That's… complicated," Reiji let out a deep sigh, leaning back against the command table. "I wasn't outright lying when I said we are a research team. That's certainly what we do… however, what we're researching isn't something… typical. I assume you thought I was perhaps helping develop medical technology or the like, yes?"
"That's what you always implied to be the case," Kanata grumbled, wincing as Yanagi applied salve to his wound.
"Sorry about that," Yanagi apologized as he wrapped up the injury. "Lucky you this isn't that bad. It'll heal up fine after a few days."
"Thanks," Kanata bowed his head as he put his shirt back on, then turning back to his father. "So if it isn't pharmaceuticals, what are you researching here? Does it have to do with why Dorssia attacked?"
"It's a likely case. And… showing you will be better than telling. Kobayashi, open the bulkhead." Kanata stood as his father stepped towards the sealed off area next to the consoles. The massive bulkhead loudly moved down, and as what was in it was revealed, the boy's eyes widened at seeing the mech stored within.
"What in the… that thing… it looks like the mechs from the game I play!" Kanata gasped. "What… what's going on?"
"That, Kanata, is a Valvrave," Reiji answered. "Valvrave Unit 02, designation Tekka. And the reason it's like the ones in that game… well, it's because that game is actually a simulator for the Valvraves."
"S-Sir, I don't mean to but…" the researcher Kanata assumed to be Kobayashi spoke up. "Is it really okay for us to tell him this? I know he's your son but…"
"He's already here, and we're in a dire situation. Telling him that much is fine."
"Could I use it to drive off Dorssia?" Kanata's sudden question caught everyone in the room off guard. "If it's like that game, then I would know how to use it. So… if I pilot this Valvrave, I could drive off Dorssia and protect the Module, right?"
"It's a possibility," Yanagi said. "But using that thing isn't as simple as jumping into the cockpit and pressing go."
"Kanata, piloting the Valvrave would demand… something," Reiji said, gently putting his hands on the teen's shoulders. "Yes, you could pilot it. We've… we've been running tests on you and the other students of Sakimori. Each of you… each of you have the potential to use a Valvrave. However…"
"If I can use it, then why not?" Kanata's bluntness made Reiji flinch. "After this, honestly, I think I'll accept just about anything. Sakimori is some testing ground? Makes some sense, Module 77 is dedicated to it after all. That's kind of unusual already. So, the idea of it being this testing ground for mech pilots isn't surprising, especially now that I know that game is a simulator."
"You're kid's surprisingly quick on the uptake, Captain," Kobayashi commented.
"You don't…" Reiji grimaced. "Kanata, all of us involved in the Valvrave… we've committed a grave sin. Each of us… what we've made is both necessary, but also terrible."
"Can the adults use them?" Kanata asked. "If not… then I'm fine using it in your place."
"Kanata!" Reiji was firmer in tone. "This isn't something you can be so flippant about! Yes, you could use it. To be totally honest, you're one of the students with the highest compatibility rating… but I would rather avoid burdening you and the other students with such a thing. We can find other means. The forces stationed here can drive Dorssia off."
"I don't think they can," Kanata countered, Reiji flinching. "You know they're attacking the entire colony, not just this Module. It wouldn't just be here specifically… which means you need something more than the normal military. Dorssia has a way stronger army than we do. That's why these Valvraves exist, right? To even the gap without making our military too large?"
"You're… why are you so calm about this?" Reiji lowered his arms as Kanata turned to the Valvrave, the boy putting a hand behind his head.
"Honestly dad… I dunno. I think I'm actually scared, but there's so much going on I'm just keeping calm so at least someone has their head on straight," Kanata then looked at his hand, and it was shaking as he closed it into a fist. "But… I'm also sure tons of people out there are scared. Mom doesn't know where we are… and then there's everyone at school. My friends, few as they are… so if I can use this thing to protect them, that's what I'm going to do!"
"Kanata, wait!" Reiji failed to grab Kanata as he dashed over to the Valvrave, the boy climbing into the cockpit. As he sat down in it, he found the seat and controls were akin to the game, if with a few more switches and control sticks than he was used to, the difference in the center console that moved up as he settled in. "Hold on!"
"It'll be fine," Kanata assured as Reiji climbed into the cockpit himself, Kanata already turning the machine on as he found the activation switch.
"No, it won't…" Kanata looked at Reiji as the Valvrave powered on, the cockpit closing and changing to a panoramic view. "Just… look at the console."
Kanata did so, looking at the screen. Aside from feeling his brow quirk as what looked like a guide wizard with the appearance of a white-haired girl appeared on screen, it was the window that popped open that kept his gaze. All it asked was a simple question, answer yes or no: Do you resign as Human?
"That's why this isn't that simple," Reiji said. "To pilot a Valvrave… to do so you would have to give up your humanity. You would become something else. That's why we've committed a sin creating these things."
"Resign being human, huh?" Kanata hummed. "I'm fine with that."
"WHAT?!" Reiji gasped, Kanata giving him a reassuring, gentle grin.
"I mean, it's not like I'd stop being myself, wouldn't I? My body could change, and I'd be fine with it. As long as I can keep being myself… I'd say that's a simple price to pay if I can use this thing to protect the people I care about."
"You don't have to do that!" Reiji objected. "Someone else… what you would become, you wouldn't be able to go back from it. And the results could…"
"Then that means you've thought it out," Kanata answered. "Which means I shouldn't have much to worry about."
"Kanata… if you decide not to do this, none of us here will blame you," Reiji opened the cockpit, Kanata looking back to the console. "There won't be any shame in it if you don't. If you say yes… you'll cross a point of no return. That will be it after that. If you do… please, I'm asking you this as your father, not a man who made this machine. If you really, honestly desire to do this… do it because you really want to, not because you're being rash in a hectic situation."
"I don't really feel like I'm being rash… I could be," Kanata let out a sigh. "But I do mean it when I say I want to protect this Module. I like it here. I have friends I get to hang out with, and I spend plenty of time with my family too. Even if this will make that change, then it's a change I'm willing to accept. So, Dad, let me do this."
"… alright," He was clearly reluctant, but Reiji complied. He climbed out of the cockpit, Kanata nodding as it closed and restored the panoramic view. "When you get back, I'll explain everything to you. That's the least we can do in support of you, Kanata."
"Got it," Kanata nodded, his finger hovering over the yes button. "No going back huh? Fine by me!" And so, he pressed it.
Portions of the head rest shifted out, panels sliding out near Kanata's neck. As they rested into place, Kanata flinched as he felt needles prick into him, something being injected in. Something immediately felt like it had changed, the lingering pain in his shoulder fading away and his senses sharpening. And outside of the cockpit, the white armor of the Valvrave shifted to a deep black as the green formations glowed.
"He did it… he really activated it," Reiji stumbled back as the machine whirred to life, the green glow from its back fading as panels closed shut over the now brought to life engine. Memories flashed through Reiji's mind of Kanata as a child… and he realized as of now, those days were behind him and his son. So, he would have to have the same resolve. "Send the Valvrave up! Monitor the situation as combat begins!"
"Yes sir!"
Kanata settled himself as the Valvrave jolted. He watched the windows that flashed around as the startup sequence continued, the passageway he was ascending flashing by quickly, finally breaking away as he saw a portion above him open, sending him out onto the streets above the facility.
"Alright, Valvrave, let's go!" With a push, segments of the Valvrave began to glow. It blasted off into the air with a trail of white light following it, Kanata aiming for the school as the machine's sensors picked up on the ongoing combat.
"Kanata," Reiji appearing in a window to his side caught his attention. "Once you're in combat, it might be hectic but… no, I'm sure you'll be fine. The 02 was something of a rush job for equipment, so your armaments are somewhat light. You only have Z-Edges and Fold Sickles right now."
"I'm used to the swords, I'll be fine. But… what about this other equipment?" Kanata looked at the windows he'd cued up. "The… Ardor Grip and Prismatic Gam?"
"I'll explain that once you return, for now…" Reiji stalled when he saw Kanata's confused expression. "What is it?"
"I just saw something… a flash of red," Kanata murmured. He increased his speed, and as he streaked past the school, he saw it: The exact same Valvrave he tended to use in the simulator, but like the one he was in now its armor was black rather than white. And one of its hands was clamping down on a Waffe stuck to its front. "The red one?!"
"Someone's in Unit 01?!" Reiji gasped. "No, that's fine. It at least means Dorssia didn't get their hands on it."
"Least it means I'm not on my own," Kanata dodged past an attack from the rear from the other two Waffe squads. As the Unit 01 crushed the cockpit of the one in its hands, Kanata caught two of the unmanned units crash into each other and explode over the water.
As the remaining Waffes struck, the two Valvraves dashed after them, the unmanned ones at the front as the two machines charged. Bursts of red and white light guarded the machines from the gun fire, the 01 dashing forward as it drew a sickle from one part, Kanata following after it with two swords drawn. The unmanned Waffes couldn't keep a bead on the machines as they darted around, cutting into the four drones and streaking out from the explosions that followed.
"Whoever that is, they know what they're doing… or maybe it's the machine helping," Kanata commented, dodging to the side as one of the manned Waffes fired at him with its beam cannon. He could leave the other one for the other Valvrave.
Streaks of white followed Kanata as he dashed through the air, swirling past the Waffe as its pilot failed to get a lock on him. Any shots that strayed too close from behind were blocked by quick flares of that light from the extensions on the heels. The swords in his unit's hands flashed as Kanata coated them in that same light, rolling past a point-blank beam shot and cutting into the Waffe, severing its shields and arms. He followed through with a drop of the heel, the light from its emitter forming a blade that gouged through the cockpit.
"It's different than the simulator for sure." Kanata let out a long breath, shielding his eyes as the Waffe exploded. At the same time, he caught the explosion from the other one that the 01 had been fighting, though the unit took off in a different direction than him. Kanata sighed in relief as the mech finally came to a stop. His hands were tight on the controls, his eyes locked on the burning wreckage of the enemy machines he'd just taken down…
A/N
Well this is a thing I'd had sitting around for who knows how long in things I'd started but didn't publish... so what the heck, let's see how this goes eh?
