Chapter 35: Pier 16 (Part 1)

"Net force equals mass and acceleration…conversion from pounds to kilograms, mph to kmh…"

Having one of her origami birds pull open her reference notes to the correct page Mai fought back a brief sigh of irritation, something unbefitting an honor student.

"Having to constantly convert USF units is annoying. Stop being stubborn."

Despite the complaints she diligently completed her assignments, all the while brushing her hair free of the snarls that had accumulated during sleep and directing a paper Capuchin monkey to write out her answers. It would have been easier to do things electronically but she hated typing out the answers on her tiny phone screen and Gosha Academy had only now sent out the delivery of a school laptop for her use, so paper it was.

Not that she had anything against paper, obviously.

"Mari better deliver my books along with the laptop…"

Mai frowned as she carefully maneuvered her brush to do away with a particularly stubborn knot, hoping her friend had gotten her text in time. While there had been plenty to keep her busy over the past couple days she missed having a good book to keep her company before going to sleep, not to mention she had been in the middle of a compelling thriller before getting assigned her mission.

"There, all done."

Setting down her brush and running her hands through the pale white strands the Taimanin nodded in satisfaction, taking to heart Mari's words that her hair was her best feature alongside her eyes. Which apparently it was since she had noticed Cayman watching it on more than a few occasions and she fully intended to look her best for him.

A train of thought that instantly caused the girl to frown and gain a tinge of pink on her pale skin, embarrassed at the fact that after only a few days in the company of the man she was already acting like one of the heroines she had thought of as silly in various action novels, meeting their partner and quickly becoming enamored after a daring rescue or tense mission.

But she supposed she couldn't help it, not when one considered her circumstances. Despite being a member of an organization that operated on what she would assume was a harsh and uncompromising basis Cayman had been nothing but charming and comforting, the Surveyor acting as if everyone he worked with was a friend rather than a resource. More especially…he'd been practically saint-like in his understanding and acceptance of her failures, encouraging her to move past them in such a supportive manner that she could only respond in a way so as to not disappoint, to prove his conviction that she was worth something correct.

It was both nerve-wracking and exciting in equal parts.

"...Is my hair better than the Valkyrie's?"

Rossweisse didn't wear hers as long but it was a pretty shade of silver rather than white, cared for if the luster was anything to go by. Not to mention she was more 'mature' in certain aspects.

"Am…am I too young for him?"

Now that was a disquieting thought, the Taimanin quickly folding a piece of origami to do away with the brief swell of nervousness. While Cayman didn't look any older than his mid-twenties telling someone's age just by physical appearance alone was always a doomed to fail prospect.

"...I need to stop-"

Her phone abruptly rang, startling the girl from her thoughts as she grimaced at how warm her face had gotten, inwardly reflecting that she needed to stop acting like some lovestruck maiden…which was going to be difficult since she had never actually dated anyone before.

"Nanase speaking."

Having recognized the number as that of Gosha Academy she brought the device to her ear-

[Principal Igawa here, how are you doing, Mai?]

-and almost dropped it as none other than Asagi herself showed up on the screen, features set in a reassuring smile that didn't lose a trace of its authority.

"P-principal?! I apologize for my appearance, I-"

[It's fine, this is a spur of the moment call, if I hadn't been able to reach you now I simply would have sent a message later.]

Relaxing slightly at that admission - although she kept her back straight and posture attentive even if it wasn't visible through the tiny phone screen - Mai asked, "Do you require my assistance with anything, principal?"

[We received confirmation that you decided to work alongside Lute for the foreseeable future.]

Now feeling a slight bit of nervousness the pale-haired girl asked, "Was that presumptuous of me? I can-"

[No, I expected that you might take it and to operate alongside a Surveyor and all that they encounter will be an invaluable learning experience. That's not even taking into account all the varied people they work with either.]

Briefly thinking to the motley group of people Cayman had already collected Mai found herself agreeing with that assessment wholeheartedly…and the mission itself hadn't even really started yet.

[As a matter of fact you're going to be receiving additional reinforcements in just a couple of days, this mission being deemed important enough to warrant more of our forces on station. You're familiar with Mizuki Yukikaze and Su Jinglei?]

Mai nodded, having had class with the duo but no actual field missions.

They were…a bit loud for her tastes. But no one had ever accused them of being unskilled and at the end of the day that's what mattered.

[They also have previous experience working with Lute and will hopefully be able to provide additional support.]

A more amused smile tilted Asagi's lips.

[Mari was quite sad to hear that she wouldn't be the backup sent your way.]

Feeling a twinge of guilt that she hadn't had a chance to sit down and give her friend a complete retelling of events the girl was instantly reassured by the older Taimanin as she knowingly said, [While the schedule is undoubtedly busy and work hectic Surveyors and those that work under them operate under their own timetables. If you were to ask for time off to come visit he may very well offer it, should the situation allow.]

"Yes, that's…much of what the past few days have been, actually."

Lots and lots of 'downtime'. They had kept busy, certainly, but aside from helping and befriending Yumi or running the occasional escort for Cayman that didn't last for more than an hour not much had happened.

"Is there anything else I should be made aware of, principal?"

For a moment Asagi frowned, appearing deep in thought before slowly responding, [What's your opinion of Cayman Lute thus far?]

"Well…"

Caught somewhat flat-footed the girl felt her ears briefly redden as Asagi sighed, wryly commenting, [That's what I feared.]

"M-my apologies, if I've already been compromised-"

[Nothing of the sort. Here, I'm sending you the dossier we have on Lute thus far.]

Her phone chiming as she received a couple of attachments Mai quickly skimmed through them, brow furrowing at what she found.

"He is from another reality?"

[Most likely, although the Kaleidoscope was evasive in relaying just how that came about. But considering the fact that Lute emerged alive from a face-to-face meeting and was given permission to proceed as he would it seems the Wizard Marshal was suitably reassured.]

Unsure of where this was leading Mai slowly replied, "If someone as powerful and skilled as the Kaleidoscope could not find fault with him I don't see how I could."

[There's more than one way to see a measure of someone's trustworthiness. Yukikaze and Jinglei also know this and I'll be relying on the three of you to provide me with a firsthand account of Lute's methods and actions.]

"Not trustworthiness?"

[Trust is a hard commodity to come by, one that can only be earned with time or truly extenuating circumstances. One mission will be a hard sample size to judge from. And I would advise against trying to examine Lute's motives, the Kaleidoscope is already sending over an additional Surveyor to keep an eye on things.]

Asagi folded her hands before her, stating, [Simply carry out the mission to the best of your abilities and use it as a learning experience. Watch and listen to what is said and done, forming your own opinions and conclusions as you go.]

"Understood, principal."

[Then best of luck to you, Mai.]

The call ended as Mai leaned back in her chair, absently folding a piece of paper as she fought back a sigh.

"Things are never simple…"

Quickly shaking off that thought she set down the half-folded origami and changed out of her nightgown into gym clothing, a simple set of tight-fitting pants, sneakers and tanktop before binding her hair into a pair of simple buns. Being a Taimanin meant maintaining peak physical fitness and since Cayman had dedicated a decent portion of the place to workout equipment she may as well make use of it.

"...Maybe a bit of decorating is needed?"

Glancing at her so far sparse room before exiting the girl decided that if this was going to be a permanent arrangement she could afford a little bit of personalization. All that was present was a bed, desk and dresser with attached bathroom. Plenty of space for living in - her dorm back in Gosha had been more cramped by a longshot - but at least a simple bookshelf would make it seem less dreary.

"Good morning, Mai."

"Ah, good morning, Yumi."

Breaking away from her thoughts as her other blonde friend left her room - similarly dressed for a workout - Mai left it at that until Yumi hesitantly asked, "If you don't mind…do you want to have a spar with me, Mai?"

"Do you want to?"

Tilting her head at the abrupt inquiry the Sacred Gear wielder nodded in response, explaining, "I'm going to be learning under a proper instructor soon but I've been a bit out of practice and want to brush up on my skills. I figured that a Taimanin like yourself would be a good partner in order to do so."

Thinking on that for only a moment Mai nodded in agreement, replying, "Okay, let's go."

She wasn't about to turn down a friend's request and thus far the blonde fit that bill quite nicely. She didn't mind her taciturn nature and was perfectly at ease with stretches of silence that accompanied said nature…the least she could do is aid her in kind.

"I've seen you use that paper to fight before, is that your Taimanin art?"

"Yes. Don't worry, I can make them strong enough to withstand hits from a sword."

"That's…not what I was asking but good to know anyway."

Inwardly grimacing at failing yet another bit of social interaction Mai was saved further awkwardness as they arrived at the gym, each taking up positions on the sparring mat while the rest of the varied equipment remained untouched at this early hour.

Not that Mai had expected it to be otherise. Everyone else in the building seemed to be the type to wake up late or hold irregular hours.

"So are there any rules or guidelines we should follow?"

"Clean blow to the arms, legs or chest count as a point, everything else is off limits."

"Agreed."

Retrieving a bit of prefolded origami from her top the Taimanin channeled her power through them, the paper briefly flaring with with blue and pink energy before snapping into the rough shape of a shield and blade, attaching them to her arms as she hunkered down behind the construct, watching as Yumi manifested a plan broadsword with blunted edges to her grasp, shifting into a long stance with her leg and sword forward to take advantage of the increased reach.

"I don't know much about swordfighting…best keep her at a distance."

Mai had spent much of her training learning a variety of different martial arts and weapon disciplines rather than focusing on any one of them, her ninja arts and adaptability with paper meaning she performed better as a jack of all trades rather than master of one combatant.

The girl carefully began to circle Yumi, watching her like a hawk as the blonde replied in kind-

-and Mai almost missed the sudden charge, blade held low and tip aimed to strike her on the thigh. But she was used to fighting fast opponents and immediately wrapped a piece of paper around her leg, angling the limb so that the dulled tip merely scraped to the side instead of bruising it, Mai's own arm blade brushing against Yumi's throat.

For a moment the two stared at each other, Mai belatedly wondering if her friend didn't like to lose so cleanly even during training…and breathed an internal sigh of relief as the other girl merely offered a wry grin.

"Guess I shouldn't have charged in like that?"

"It's by no means a bad strategy, so long as you are confident in your own and your opponent's speed. Many of my comrades are extremely quick on their feet and I have experience dealing with such assaults."

Considering a fair few ninja arts were extremely lethal at close range a great deal of Gosha Academy's physical curriculum was focused on swift terrain traversal and other similar disciplines in lieu of more standard tactics.

"Although…"

Both girls relaxed for a moment, Mai asking, "You already have impressive skills. There was almost no visible contraction or tensing of your muscles before the charge and you're faster than a baseline Human. Did you receive training and adjustments somewhere?"

To the Taimanin's surprise a momentary look of bitterness appeared on the blonde's expression before she shook it off, responding, "I was a member of the Supernatural Church until Cayman…found me."

No further information was forthcoming and Mai was confident enough in her meager social skills to drop the subject, instead reflecting that while she wasn't quite as naturally fast as a Taimanin it was close. Further education and practice would no doubt continue to close the gap, as well as learning how to make better use of her Sacred Gear.

"Again?"

A small smile appeared on Yumi's lips, the friendly gesture lifting Mai's spirits in kind.

"Again."


"She learns quick."

A duck underneath a swift swing allowed Mai to push forward, shoving her makeshift shield into Yumi's chest and making use of her smaller stature and greater strength to unbalance her, sword out of position-

-except the blonde merely created a new one in her free hand, a curved scimitar that could reach around the Taimanin's protection if she hadn't immediately formed another paper shield to deflect it, jabbing forward with her own arm blade as the blonde avoided the strike by dropping flat on her back, kicking Mai over her head as both combatants swiftly regained their feat, instinctively lashing out with their weapons before pausing once again, breathing heavily after a solid forty minutes of intense dueling.

Yumi had managed to make her sword connect with Mai's gut tip first while the Taimanin had extended her paper blade to connect with the Sacred Gear wielder's neck, a clear disparity in the exchanged wounds. While a stab wound through flesh that nicked her pancreas and spleen wasn't exactly a fun time neither was it immediately lethal or debilitating, especially with the bevy of healing techniques, medicines and magics that existed.

A half severed neck was far more dangerous.

"Not that she seems to mind."

Rather than frustration at her many losses with only scattered wins to show for her efforts Yumi seemed to thrive on the challenge, a broad smile on her lips as blonde hair matted on her skull thanks to a heavy sheen of sweat.

"You're getting better."

"Not good enough, though. Not yet."

Despite the humble words Mai's opponent seemed content, already opening her mouth to doubtlessly ask for another challenge-

-and a slow clap drew their eyes to the entrance to the gym, the Taimanin stiffening as none other than Kuroka herself was standing there, dressed only in a simple t-shirt and sweatpants that she guessed fit Cayman, judging by how loose they were.

"...Why does she have those clothes?"

"Well a good morning to the pair of you~! Already going hot and sweaty so early in the day? Nya, I wish this old lady had as much passion and energy as you two do."

"Aren't you just a few years older than us?"

Yumi's genuinely curious question seemed to take the wind out of Kuroka's teasing sails which Mai was grateful for, since she had been at a loss of how to respond.

"Yeah, she just likes to pretend she's old. Sup?"

Shirone's soft yet ruthlessly blunt words coincided with the duo peeking around Kuroka, the smaller Yokai munching on a bowl of cereal and dressed similarly to her sister, albeit having borrowed a jacket that was big enough to double as a dress.

"Why do both of them have Cayman's clothes?"

"You're not bad, but you're still not great."

Those words snapped Mai out of her more petulant thoughts, blinking at the tiny girl's words as Kuroka sauntered forward, tails waving as she said, "How about giving a run in the big leagues a shot? If you're gonna be working alongside a Surveyor then you need to be able to walk the walk…and no offense, but you kinda look like you still have baby legs."

A surge of irritation at the cat's casual dismissal caused the Taimanin's brow to twitch, Yumi also frowning slightly as Kuroka came to a stop just a few paces away from them, folding her arms underneath her significant bust in a blatantly challenging manner before musing, "And I don't think any of us will benefit if you drag him down, right?"

Unable to help but think back to her failings with Natsume and the terrible end that had befallen her senior Mai's hands curled into fists, Yumi calmly asking, "So you're here to see how good we are, I take it?"

"Got it in one, blondy. C'mon, show me what you've got."

The Taimanin was more than ready to display her prowess against the Yokai, standing alongside Yumi as she whispered, "Do you have anything that might work against her?"

"I can create a sword that emanates a bright light tinged with Holy energy. It's not very powerful but against her it should be somewhat effective, since she's part Devil."

"Uhh, ladies?"

Kuroka pointed to her ears, the appendages twitching slightly.

"Can kinda hear everything you're saying-NYA?!"

A blinding light filled the room and drew a pained cry from the Yokai, Mai and Yumi dashing at the woman from opposing angles as the sword wielder aimed high and the Taimanin low, intending to capture her in a pincer maneuver while she was stunned.

Except the pale-haired girl felt a titanic impact against her forehead and a sudden loss of balance, lips crashing against hers in a disorienting blow as pink eyes met wide ones of bright blue.

"Oh hoh~? Forbidden love between the knight and assassin? Saucy."

Both girls leapt to their feet, glaring at a smirking Kuroka as she stood nearby, completely unharmed and unconcerned with their surprise attack turned headlong collision and bruising liplock.

"That was an illusion, wasn't it?"

"Sharp eye, blondy!"

Regaining her cool and pursing her bruised mouth Mai commented, "More specifically Youjutsu, a brand of mental tampering and misdirection techniques used by those particularly talented in the field of Senjutsu."

Pink eyes narrowed as they bore into amused golden.

"And Kuroka is reputed to be one of the best."

"Aww, you're being so nice, whitey~!"

Yumi frowned, staring at her blade before murmuring, "Shouldn't this have revealed it then? It's a plain room with no places to hide, we would have seen her shadow."

"Unless I was never here to begin with, nya~!"

Scowling in annoyance Mai flicked out a piece of paper, channeling a steady stream of Taima particles into it before releasing the energy in inconsistent waves of force and light scatter, the image of Kuroka wavering briefly before a more solid version of the cat snapped into existence behind the doppleganger, the duo immediately rushing into action without a second's hesitation as they made to catch her off guard for real this time-

-and what they had thought was the fake Kuroka suddenly reached out and effortlessly folded Yumi in half, tossing her into Mai as the pair found themselves once again crashing to the floor, faces in each other's crotches as the Yokai laughed her ass off.

"Now I'm not one to tell people what they should or shouldn't do for meals but eating each other out before breakfast doesn't seem too healthy, now doesn't it?"

Unable to hide their flushes of embarrassment this time around both girls leapt to their feet, a smirking Kuroka trilling, "I've sent guys and gals alike to cloud nine or primal hells without so much as lifting a finger, simply because I'm that good with illusions. That amateur hour stuff ain't gonna cut it, ladies."

Mai and Yumi traded brief glances…and charged forward yet again, a series of bright lights and sharp pops ringing out as the Taimanin launched her equivalent of flash bangs in the hope of startling and stunning their foe.

It didn't work.

The next few minutes were a study in embarrassment for the pair, Kuroka seemingly always a step ahead of whatever they tried as she tangled the two together in increasingly embarrassing positions, cracking jokes the entire while as Mai felt an increasingly foreign swell of petulant anger rise within her chest.

She really, really wanted to wipe that smug expression off the Yokai's face. And it wasn't as if she was faster than they were, it was just that the Nekoshou always had an illusion or bit of trickery at the ready that they missed or weren't expecting, or made use of admittedly impressive close combat techniques to overpower them.

She was honestly beginning to consider busting out the more lethal techniques, something Yumi's increasingly annoyed and flushed expression suggested she was contemplating as well.

Thrown off balance by a playful shove from Kuroka Yumi fired off a blunted sword with a sweep of her leg - something Mai hadn't thought she could do since she had always created the weapons in her hand - that Kuroka easily ducked under, lips parting to no doubt deliver another sarcastic remark…

THONK!

"NYA?!"

And she instead held her hands to her head with comical timing, blatantly false tears springing to life as Mai and Yumi exchanged looks of pure vindication, uncaring if the blow caused by an Origami hand snatching the sword midair and swinging it down was completely and utterly superficial as identical grins curved their lips upwards.

At least until applause broke out in the gym, their gazes landing on the sight of Cayman sitting next to Shirone as he wore a smirk, the Demon trio peeking from around the corner with wary expressions while Till perched atop the male's head.

"That was a good showing, you two."

"Yeah, it was pretty tight."

Emotions briefly swelling at the man's words Mai was quick to look away, mumbling, "It took a long time and many tries."

"It did. But Kuroka is also an incredibly skilled and powerful person."

"Kinda made her look like a dunce. Which was pretty cool."

"Real fool of the classroom stuff."

The Surveyor and younger Nekoshou shared a fist bump as Kuroka protested, "Hey, why are you ganging up on me, nya?!"

"Ego check, big sis."

"Yeah. Cats can get pretty full of themselves."

Before the interplay could continue Yumi abruptly asked, "Cayman? What are you, umm…what are you doing to your tea?"

All eyes landed on the man's beverage of choice, or more specifically on the bottle of Nyquil he was emptying into it.

"I'm still tired as shit. A midday nap is just what the doctor ordered and this is the prescription. By the way I was incredibly heartbroken to find the pair of you missing from my bed this morning, I was looking forward to waking up to that."

Mai felt her eye twitch so violently that it almost hurt, hand clenching as Kuroka naturally caught sight of the reaction, grinning as if christmas had come early.

"Oh? Does whitey have a bit of a crush on her boss~?"

Heat swiftly gathered in the Taimanin's cheeks before she could compose herself, Cayman only making things worse as he gave her an openly teasing look, remarking, "Why, Mai, I never knew. If you wanted to share the same bed you just had to ask. After all, tons of people would kill to be in that position."

The girl reflected that she would have made an extremely bad operative if Asagi had wanted her to spy on Cayman, seeing as how she felt like she was about to burst into flames at any moment.

"Stop teasing her, Cayman. Didn't you have a bunch of tasks for everyone?"

Eternally grateful for the Fairy's intervention Mai watched as the male took a swig of his 'tea', stating, "Fair enough. Kuroka, Shirone, Lilim, Minasaki and Hatsukaze? You five are going to head to where the terrific trio heard about that facility or whatever, see what you can find."

Open terror decorated aforementioned trio, Kuroka and Shirone seemingly positively gleeful at the order until Cayman interjected with, "Keep the sexual harassment and non-consensual touching to a minimum, if you would. This'll be a good test to see if all of you can work together without murdering anyone or blowing something up."

"No promises~!"

The raven-haired Nekoshou sauntered up to the Demons as their expressions suggested an execution date had been heavily advanced, teasing, "Now let's all get along, hmm? Follow me, please~!"

The Demons filed after the Yokai like surly school children, an amused Shirone in tow as Cayman tossed the Yokai a set of car keys, stating, "If you need it feel free to take it, tank's full. Thing's a piece of shit but it'll get the job done."

He paused for a moment before adding, "Also if you let any of the Demons drive you're fired."

"Hey, I know how to drive!"

Lilim's protest was ignored as Kuroka merely chirped, "Much appreciated! This will be fun, after all I never earned my driver's license!"

And with that they were gone, the sounds of a brewing argument already on the horizon as Cayman took another long sip of his tea.

"...What's the worst that could happen?"

Neither Mai, Till or Yumi decided to grace that with an answer, the Taimanin regaining her composure before asking, "Is there anything you would have us do, Cayman?"

"For now do what you want, once I wake up from my crash I'll figure out a concrete plan for us."

Rising to his feet with a tremendous yawn the Surveyor sleepily said, "Feel free to hang out with them, Till. Also make sure Rin doesn't try to murder anyone, she's going to be in a pissed off mood and the guys are finishing up the last bit of construction on the place."

Leaving the room the three offered each other confused looks, Yumi asking, "Why would Rin be upset? Sure, she doesn't seem all that friendly but-"

The door Cayman had just closed slammed open, causing all of them to jump as a bedraggled and half-awake Magus screamed, "WHAT THE HELL IS ALL OF THIS NOISE?! DON'T YOU KNOW HOW EARLY IT IS?!"

"...I guess she isn't much of a morning person, is she?"

"He pawned that responsibility off pretty quickly, after all."