Chapter 2:Teito in Chaos#2:
At an unknown location, Leiko was in her chambers meditating, and then the doors opened. A person with blue hair and wearing a samurai garb enters and knelt before her.
Leiko "Atoki-kun, how many times have I told you that, you do not need to kneel before me."
Atoki stood up "Lady Leiko, about the encounter earlier."
Leiko "I know...I also know that those useless Kaijin that I relived also failed their mission in the land that is called Paris."
Atoki "Two successive failures...I 'm ready to face any punishment."
Leiko " Atoki-kun?! Punishment?!! I can never ever hurt you! Besides you're not the one at fault."
Atoki ".. ... ... I beg to disagree. Everything that happen to you was my fault!"
Leiko "That was a long time ago and you where controlled by them. It was not your will."
Atoki "Even so, directly or indirectly. I bear that responsibility. I also want to report about Ogami, Ichiro."
Leiko annoyed expression "What about him?"
Atoki "As you already know he was the one that interfered with your plan to obtain Shinjuji, Sakura's Haja's abilities. I strongly suspect that he also responsible for our drawback in Paris ."
Leiko "He can't be two places at one time. That not possible..Are you telling me that.."
Atoki " I strongly believe, his entity has been split in two, maybe three if you include his core entity. I know it's very rare but not impossible."
Leiko was silent for a while "I see.This Ogami that we're dealing with, is a manifestation...A strong desire to protect his precious Hanagumi and molded parts of his entity into a being or beings..Very interesting."
Atoki "I would like to raise a concern, it's Zanma. I feel he's too violent. He way he acts, I sure that he thrust for blood .... He has blood lust."
Leiko "I know, I don't like that Zanma character also. I'm having second thoughts of reviving that man."
Atoki "What will you do?"
Leiko "As for now, he's still under my control. We can still use him."
Atoki ".. ... I understand."
Leiko "Atoki-kun .. I know that you're upset about this, but please.."
Atoki "Lady Leiko, I must take my leave." Leaves the room
Leiko " ... Atoki-kun."
At Tei-Geki, the rest of the Hanagumi was in the dining hall, just having finished breakfast. They were discussing about Ogami's statements about why he wanted to resign as their captain and also about he said that his decision making are being clouded by an emotional attraction to a team member.
Sumire "Maria-san, what do you think?"
Maria "It's impossible for me, to say anything about this matter."
Sakura "Just be because Ogami-san has fallen in love, it doesn't mean that he needs to resign." They all glared at her. She blushed "Why are you guys looking me like that?"
Sumire " Well, well, Sakura-san, it seem that your implying the lieutenant has fallen in love with you."
Sakura "It's .. It's not like that ... It's just he did choose me to be the co-pilot in the Soubu and.."
Orihime " With that, you're telling us . That he's in love with you?!"
Sakura "Yes .... I meant ... !! I just thought that he trusted me highly and.."
Sumire "Sakura-san, are telling me that lieutenant only trust me a little!!"
Iris " Please, calm down! You guys are beginning to sound like children."
Orihime " Oho.. Looks who's talking."
Maria " Everyone, I think it was a bad idea to eavesdropped on Taicho's meeting . It's not right."
Kanna " But, Maria didn't you also joined us in eavesdropping the conversation between Kayama & Taicho."
Maria "Eh?? It can't be helped, I was curious what everyone was doing and .... Things happen ..."
Reni " You're just us bad as we where."
Maria "Its not ....... We're getting loss with the real issue here. I think Taicho decided, he thought it was for the best."
Sakura " For the best? I don't agree with that."
Maria " Being a squad leader needs to be someone that has the trust of it members and also just as important, that person can lead."
Sumire " What that have to do with this ?"
Maria " Quite a lot. Being the leader of the group, he's the one to decide what tactic is best . Let say that we face a dangerous enemy and with him in the group was the person that he loves. I his mind he can't risk that life this person and also he got to think about the safety of the team."
Sumire "But that means, that he doesn't completely trust us?"
Reni " No, It mean that Taicho is having difficulty trusting his decisions and also the fact that he felt that he let us down or there can be another reason."
Kanna " But in the pervious battle he did quite good job, but I notice he over exerted himself a bit."
Sakura "Well that what I meant, He did protect me form ..Why is everyone looking at me like that .. I want to say that he did save everyone."
Ogami " Hey!! Everyone, Kaede-san wants us to go in to the training simulator." Everyone at the table was surprised. "What's the matter?"
Sakura " It nothing. We're just talking about something."
Sumire " That right! We're not talking about you, lieutenant."
Orihime " Baka !!! Well, everybody shall we go."
Everyone hurriedly left the Dining hall. Ogami was scratching his head.
At the training simulator.
Ogami "Kayama! Why did you disable my system?!"
Kayama "Your unit exceeded a damaged of 30%.Don 't blame me, you're one that made that protocol."
Ogami scratching his head "I see, I thought there was none in my unit, next time I'll be more careful."
Kayama " I know it good to be in the offensive , but think also about defense."
Ogami "Yeah, I supposed, but I thought if I got the first strike at the enemy, that the team will have the advantage."
Kayama "To have the initiative is an advantage in fighting. But the question is if you have none, and are you forgetting that you're the captain."
Ogami " Yes, that why I'm the one that should do it."
Kayama "Ogami, I know that taking risk is part of the battle, but openly endangering yourself to attract the enemies attention is reckless."
Ogami " I know, but if it pays off, it will be decisive win."
Kanna " Yo!! Taicho!! Those are really gutsy moves you pull out there, but I won't suggest that you do that in actual combat."
Maria " Taicho, I think that you should have support with you if you're going to use that strategy."
Ogami " Yes, you have point , but I think the enemy will surround me and my back up if I did that. Also I think my unit is more suited for that task."
Kayama " Ogami, I think you know what I and Maria meant. Anyway the training is over."
At the bench, Ogami notice Iris was sleeping
Ogami " Kohran-san, I'll be bringing Iris to her room, could you please accompany me."
Kohran " Yes no problem, Ogami-han. Iris must be really exhausted. I think it's quite nice of you to carry her back in her room."
Ogami "I also know it's rude for me to enter girl's room, that why, Kohran when we reach her room will you be the one to put her in bed." He carried the small blonde girl on his arms and left the room with Kohran.
In the General Manager Office.
Kaede " Well, Kayama-kun how did the training go?"
Kayama " Everybody's spirit level has improved a great deal, and all performed very well, but I'm a bit concerned about Ogami."
Kaede " I see. I've seen the results, his unit was the one that received the most damage."
Kayama "But he's the one with the most enemies engaged , third in most damage caused and second only to Sakura with the enemy units destroyed. His attack plan always involves himself with fast hit and charge. Rushing in to the enemy formation. His defensive skills are below normal, but his attack skills are way up"
Kaede "How about his leadership skills?"
Kayama " A bit lower than usual, but still good. I also wanted to note he's lot more protective towards his team members, in that process he always gets hit by enemy fire."
Kaede "Ogami-kun is more hot blooded than his usual self. Form what I've seen and heard, I could assume he's pushing himself to the limit."
Kayama " I know, that's my concern."
After bringing Iris back to her room. Ogami wandered around the theater and eventually ended in stage. He looked around seeing there's if somebody was around. On the stage he finds himself comfortable place sit and took out a harmonica and plays a tune. (It's Geki! Teito-Kagegidan . The opening song of the series.) Then he heard someone clapping, startled, he stops, and looked. It was Sumire.
Sumire " Lieutenant, why did you stop playing? Just as you're playing a fine tune."
Ogami "Sumire-kun ... How long where you there?"
Sumire " Just as you started to enter the stage. Lieutenant I didn't know that you can play the harmonica very well."
Ogami " Thanks for the praise, Sumire-kun. But I think it's not as good as you say it this."
Sumire sit down beside him "Lieutenant, how along have you started playing the harmonica?"
Ogami "Quite a while, well if you're at the open sea and you're doing nothing , you will then to get some sort of hobby, just like Kayama has his guitar. By the way Sumire-kun what are you doing here?"
Sumire " I've just wanted to see the stage. I've been thinking if I'm going to retire."
Ogami " Retire? Hmm .. Surely Tei-Geki will lose her top star, but it all depends on you. Sumire-kun."
Sumire " Lieutenant, what do you think?."
Ogami "Hmm ... I really don't have the right to, but in my opinion it's not bad if you choose either way. If you retire I have a lot more chance to talk and see you. In a way just like the way we're doing right now ... "
Sumire " Lieutenant .."
Ogami " But, I think it's quite too early, especially like a person like you. I think that the Tei-Geki's top star has yet to show her true ability."
Sumire "You're right! This isn't the way the Tei-Geki's top star should act!" She blushes a bit " Lieutenant if you want to talk with me, we could meet here, just the two of us."
Ogami smiles a bit " Thanks, Sumire-kun. I'll keep that in mind. It been nice talking with you." he left the stage.
Ogami later goes in the Dojo, he sees on the table two Bo-kens (Wooden sword). He grabs it and made a stance. Making some of his trade mark moves.
Kanna " Yo!! Taicho!! Nice to see you here!"
Ogami " Kanna-san, doing your usual training exercises. As expected of the Kirishima Kas Shin Ryu master."
Kanna smiles a bit " Thanks!! Taicho! Do you want to spar with me?"
Ogami " Sorry, maybe next time. I've just wandered around and ended up here."
Kanna " Taicho, I know that I'm not a sword wielder , but your stance is little off on defense."
Ogami " I see.But if I attack my foe with rapid and continued assault, I think my attacks will severe as my defense."
Kanna " Good answer, Taicho!"
He left the Dojo and at the one of the window facing the garden. He see a white dog, it was Hund. He went in the garden then the dog came near him with a Frisbee.
Ogami "Hund! I see, you want to play fetch." Got the Frisbee and throws it. After a few round of playing he over shoots the disk, the dog couldn't reach it, then in out of nowhere someone grab hold of the Frisbee. It was Reni.
Reni " Taicho, I see your playing with Hund."
Ogami " Reni, what brings you here?"
Reni " Taicho, I would like to discuss about the training that we have earlier. Taicho, I know that you're pushing yourself to the limit of your capabilities. I'm .. We're worried, if you keep on going like this, you will injure yourself."
Ogami " Reni ... I as the Captain of the Hanagumi, my first priority is safety each team member, for because I feel that everyone in the Hanagumi is like family to me. Its my duty to protect and ensure everybody's safety ."
Reni " Taicho, you're also a team member of the Hanagumi, as you said your priority is the safety of the team, you should think about your safety also."
Ogami laughs a little " You got me! You have a point. Reni, you're steadily showing your true self. You're truly a caring person."
Reni blushes a bit " It's because that everyone here in Tei-Geki showed kindness and care to me. Everyone changed me for the better."
Ogami "I can also say that meeting you also changed everyone."
Reni " I changed everyone? Even Taicho?"
Ogami " Reni, you're a very talented person, not only that. You're also strong and caring. That why I can truly say you also changed us."
Reni blushes " Hearing it those words, make me feel warm inside. I feel happy especially hearing those words coming form you. I must take my leave, Hund! Let's go!"
Ogami in his thoughts " Reni, I'm sure many good things will happen to you."
At Recreational room.
Ogami " Maria-kun, I see your playing a game of billiards." Maria "Taicho, what brings you here?"
Ogami " I felt I wanted to play game of Darts."
Maria " Mind if I join you? Taicho?"
Ogami " Sure, I'll be delighted."
After a few rounds. Maria always hit the bull's eye, while Ogami quite dismayed by his performance."
Ogami " Yare yare, I feel that I am totally outclassed, by you Maria-kun."
Maria " Taicho, Err .. You did quite well.."
Ogami scratching his head " Nope, I admit that I'm been beaten by a wide margin."
Maria " Taicho, could I ask you a personal question?"
Ogami " Sure what is it?"
Maria blushes a bit " What do you think about me?"
Ogami was silent for a while " I think you're a dependable, beautiful and charming young woman. You're tall also."
Maria " Taicho .. Do you dislike taller women than you?"
Ogami " Huh? It's nothing like that. I told you what I thought, and why did you bring up this question?"
Maria "Err ... Nothing. Taicho, I must take my leave."
She left the room in his thought Ogami " Looks like she's quite moody again. There's must be something that I've said that made her moody." His stomach rumbles and looks at a clock it was nearing lunch time.
At the Kitchen he was looking for something to eat , but unluckily there was none. He went out and in the hall way and someone called him.
Sakura holding a small square box warp in pink cloth " Ogami-san! So that where you've been." She hands over the box .
Ogami " Bento (Packed meal)? For me?! Thanks !! You're a lifesaver, Sakura- kun! But Are you sure it's okay?"
Sakura " It's just fine, please take it." Both of them goes to the dining hall. He finishes the meal.
Ogami " It was delicious! I should have known that Sakura-kun can cook like this!"
Sakura blushes a little " You praise me too much , Ogami-kun. I did nothing special to the way I've prepared it."
Ogami " If that was normal, I would only imagine how good it will taste if you did something special on your dishes. Not only that you could cook well. Your also strong and beautiful form the inside and out. I was fortunate I've met someone like you." In his mind "I think I said too much."
Sakura blushes " O-Ogami-san, do you mean it?"
Ogami " Err .. Yes, I just told you what I feel about you."
Sakura blushes "Ogami-san, I would like to tell you that I also feel the same way, I .. .. No, I meant I would like to make lunch for you."
Ogami "As much as would like to eat your dishes, but I think it's not right, I don't like to impose on you. It's quite unfair ."
Sakura " But, I insist! ... I meant, please let me cook for you."
Ogami "Hmmm ... Okay, I think ..." He sees the time " Sakura-kun, I have matters to attend to. By the way thanks for the lunch, Later." Leave the dining hall.
Moments later Sakura meet Kaede in the hall.
Kaede "Ara, ara it seem s you're in a good mood. Sakura-kun. Did something good happen between you and Ogami-kun?"
Sakura surprised " Kaede-san ?!! How did you ?"
Kaede " Well I was going to get some lunch then I've seen you gave Ogami- kun a bento. Well as a saying goes the fastest way to a man heart is though his stomach. Right? Sakura-kun?"
Sakura blushes " Kaede-san .. I don' know what're talking about ... Please excuse me.." leaves
Kaede " Just as Kayama said . It will be an interesting time in Tei-Geki."
In Teito at a public library. Ogami was researching on any information about Leiko, but pages after pages and through book after book he didn't find any. Disappointed that he didn't find any useful clue, he goes out of the library. For some reason a person, a man was dashing on to his path, slightly bumping him. After this incident, on the ground he saw a small red box; he grabs it and looked if the owner of this small box was in the area. Seeing he couldn't find the person that he's looking for, he wonder what's inside this small red box.
Ogami " I better find this thing owner, it looks important." He accidentally opens it and saw a diamond ring inside and in his mind " A diamond ring!? This must important. I better find the owner of this ring." He notices a small inscription but he couldn't make it out. His first thought was to go to a jewelry smith, so that he could get some clue. He finds and enters a jewelry store, outside of the jewelry shop .
Ogata " Orihime-kun, isn't that young fellow, Ogami-kun " points at the window of the shop."
Orihime " Papa?" She see Ogami in the shop he was talking to the jeweler. She saw the jeweler handing him a diamond ring " Your right, that's the lieutenant. Why is he there."
Ogata " I see, He must have bought an engagement ring. By the way , do you know who is his fiancé ?"
Orihime " I don't know, I have no idea ."
At the café, Ogami finds his friend , Kayama taking a coffee break.
Kayama " Yooo!! OGAMI! Care to join me?"
Ogami "Kayama, well okay." He sits down and put the red small box beside him. Kayama saw it.
Kayama " Hey! Ogami, is there a ring in there?"
Ogami " Yes, why?"
Kayama surprise " I didn't expect you to know this western custom. You must have picked this up while your stay in Paris."
Ogami " ?????? Huh?? I don't understand?? "
Kayama " Come on, Ogami quit playing dumb, Tell me who's the one, I promise I will not tell a living soul!"
Ogami "???? ... Tell what?? Kayama do you have any information on enemy?"
Kayama "Man , you're a spoil sport. We've are still investigating this matter . We have a few bits of information , but nothing solid that could help."
Ogami " ... Have you heard a priestess name Leiko?"
Kayama " Leiko, hmm ... I see want I can get. Ogami is this connected with the incident that you where missing?"
Ogami " I suppose so ... The name Leiko always pops up .. My memory can't still place it." Drinks a cup of coffee
Kayama " ..... Okay, but Ogami, I don't know what your reason. I know your hiding something .... I won't force you if .... Tell me what's your opinion about courtship and love?"
Ogami chokes on his coffee " *Cough!!* *Cough!!!* Kayama! Love you say ??! I .. I"
Kayama " Hahaha, got you really good, didn't I ! Don't worry, I'm just pulling your leg!" Seeing Ogami made a serious face, and was silent for a while.
Ogami " .... I think that love is a lot like courage, it needs hope for it to grow ... I think ..??"
Kayama grins " It seems there still hope you ! Well then, Adios, Amigo!"
Ogami with a puzzled expression and thought " What's with that guy?"
Late afternoon at Tei-Geki. At the dining hall the most of the Hanagumi was gathered there.
Sumire " Orihime? Are you sure about what are saying?"
Orihime " I saw the lieutenant, he brought a ring. A ring!"
Sakura " A ring? Is it important?"
Sumire " Sakura don't tell me you don't know, well it can't be help after all you're a country bumpkin."
Sakura annoyed " Sumire-san, COULD YOU PLEASE TELL WHAT IT IS!"
Sumire "Well, it's a western custom, when a man gives a ring to a woman, it means he want to live his live his life with her."
Sakura " Does it mean, they're already married by just doing that? No reading of rites or ceremonies?"
Maria " No, it no like that, it's more like an engagement. An engagement ring. To become his fiancé."
Kanna " Orihime are you sure? In my opinion I think it better that we ask him directly."
Maria " Don't look at me."
Sumire " I think it not proper ."
Sakura " To ask about that ... I can't .."
Reni " ... .... ......"
Orihime " I don't know."
Then Ogami arrives " Hi! Everyone! It looks if there something important you girls are talking about."
Most of them were kind of startled.
Maria " Were just talking about our next play. Right everybody?"
Sumire " Of course,
Sakura " Yes .. Of course! Everyone I think aren't we going to the stage."
Sumire " That's right , by the way lieutenant, what's brought you here?"
Ogami " I went to the post office and got everyone mail." He hands over the mail namely to Sakura, Sumire, and Kanna. They notice a two more envelops with him.
Maria " And those are for?"
Ogami "Iris's and Kohran's mail, Maria-kun could you be the one to give these to them." After that was over he went to the G.M.'s office and talk to Kaede asking if the Kimetron is useable. She told him it's still being fixed and cannot be used, He left. In his room he put the small red box on his table pondering what he will do next.
To be continued
At an unknown location, Leiko was in her chambers meditating, and then the doors opened. A person with blue hair and wearing a samurai garb enters and knelt before her.
Leiko "Atoki-kun, how many times have I told you that, you do not need to kneel before me."
Atoki stood up "Lady Leiko, about the encounter earlier."
Leiko "I know...I also know that those useless Kaijin that I relived also failed their mission in the land that is called Paris."
Atoki "Two successive failures...I 'm ready to face any punishment."
Leiko " Atoki-kun?! Punishment?!! I can never ever hurt you! Besides you're not the one at fault."
Atoki ".. ... ... I beg to disagree. Everything that happen to you was my fault!"
Leiko "That was a long time ago and you where controlled by them. It was not your will."
Atoki "Even so, directly or indirectly. I bear that responsibility. I also want to report about Ogami, Ichiro."
Leiko annoyed expression "What about him?"
Atoki "As you already know he was the one that interfered with your plan to obtain Shinjuji, Sakura's Haja's abilities. I strongly suspect that he also responsible for our drawback in Paris ."
Leiko "He can't be two places at one time. That not possible..Are you telling me that.."
Atoki " I strongly believe, his entity has been split in two, maybe three if you include his core entity. I know it's very rare but not impossible."
Leiko was silent for a while "I see.This Ogami that we're dealing with, is a manifestation...A strong desire to protect his precious Hanagumi and molded parts of his entity into a being or beings..Very interesting."
Atoki "I would like to raise a concern, it's Zanma. I feel he's too violent. He way he acts, I sure that he thrust for blood .... He has blood lust."
Leiko "I know, I don't like that Zanma character also. I'm having second thoughts of reviving that man."
Atoki "What will you do?"
Leiko "As for now, he's still under my control. We can still use him."
Atoki ".. ... I understand."
Leiko "Atoki-kun .. I know that you're upset about this, but please.."
Atoki "Lady Leiko, I must take my leave." Leaves the room
Leiko " ... Atoki-kun."
At Tei-Geki, the rest of the Hanagumi was in the dining hall, just having finished breakfast. They were discussing about Ogami's statements about why he wanted to resign as their captain and also about he said that his decision making are being clouded by an emotional attraction to a team member.
Sumire "Maria-san, what do you think?"
Maria "It's impossible for me, to say anything about this matter."
Sakura "Just be because Ogami-san has fallen in love, it doesn't mean that he needs to resign." They all glared at her. She blushed "Why are you guys looking me like that?"
Sumire " Well, well, Sakura-san, it seem that your implying the lieutenant has fallen in love with you."
Sakura "It's .. It's not like that ... It's just he did choose me to be the co-pilot in the Soubu and.."
Orihime " With that, you're telling us . That he's in love with you?!"
Sakura "Yes .... I meant ... !! I just thought that he trusted me highly and.."
Sumire "Sakura-san, are telling me that lieutenant only trust me a little!!"
Iris " Please, calm down! You guys are beginning to sound like children."
Orihime " Oho.. Looks who's talking."
Maria " Everyone, I think it was a bad idea to eavesdropped on Taicho's meeting . It's not right."
Kanna " But, Maria didn't you also joined us in eavesdropping the conversation between Kayama & Taicho."
Maria "Eh?? It can't be helped, I was curious what everyone was doing and .... Things happen ..."
Reni " You're just us bad as we where."
Maria "Its not ....... We're getting loss with the real issue here. I think Taicho decided, he thought it was for the best."
Sakura " For the best? I don't agree with that."
Maria " Being a squad leader needs to be someone that has the trust of it members and also just as important, that person can lead."
Sumire " What that have to do with this ?"
Maria " Quite a lot. Being the leader of the group, he's the one to decide what tactic is best . Let say that we face a dangerous enemy and with him in the group was the person that he loves. I his mind he can't risk that life this person and also he got to think about the safety of the team."
Sumire "But that means, that he doesn't completely trust us?"
Reni " No, It mean that Taicho is having difficulty trusting his decisions and also the fact that he felt that he let us down or there can be another reason."
Kanna " But in the pervious battle he did quite good job, but I notice he over exerted himself a bit."
Sakura "Well that what I meant, He did protect me form ..Why is everyone looking at me like that .. I want to say that he did save everyone."
Ogami " Hey!! Everyone, Kaede-san wants us to go in to the training simulator." Everyone at the table was surprised. "What's the matter?"
Sakura " It nothing. We're just talking about something."
Sumire " That right! We're not talking about you, lieutenant."
Orihime " Baka !!! Well, everybody shall we go."
Everyone hurriedly left the Dining hall. Ogami was scratching his head.
At the training simulator.
Ogami "Kayama! Why did you disable my system?!"
Kayama "Your unit exceeded a damaged of 30%.Don 't blame me, you're one that made that protocol."
Ogami scratching his head "I see, I thought there was none in my unit, next time I'll be more careful."
Kayama " I know it good to be in the offensive , but think also about defense."
Ogami "Yeah, I supposed, but I thought if I got the first strike at the enemy, that the team will have the advantage."
Kayama "To have the initiative is an advantage in fighting. But the question is if you have none, and are you forgetting that you're the captain."
Ogami " Yes, that why I'm the one that should do it."
Kayama "Ogami, I know that taking risk is part of the battle, but openly endangering yourself to attract the enemies attention is reckless."
Ogami " I know, but if it pays off, it will be decisive win."
Kanna " Yo!! Taicho!! Those are really gutsy moves you pull out there, but I won't suggest that you do that in actual combat."
Maria " Taicho, I think that you should have support with you if you're going to use that strategy."
Ogami " Yes, you have point , but I think the enemy will surround me and my back up if I did that. Also I think my unit is more suited for that task."
Kayama " Ogami, I think you know what I and Maria meant. Anyway the training is over."
At the bench, Ogami notice Iris was sleeping
Ogami " Kohran-san, I'll be bringing Iris to her room, could you please accompany me."
Kohran " Yes no problem, Ogami-han. Iris must be really exhausted. I think it's quite nice of you to carry her back in her room."
Ogami "I also know it's rude for me to enter girl's room, that why, Kohran when we reach her room will you be the one to put her in bed." He carried the small blonde girl on his arms and left the room with Kohran.
In the General Manager Office.
Kaede " Well, Kayama-kun how did the training go?"
Kayama " Everybody's spirit level has improved a great deal, and all performed very well, but I'm a bit concerned about Ogami."
Kaede " I see. I've seen the results, his unit was the one that received the most damage."
Kayama "But he's the one with the most enemies engaged , third in most damage caused and second only to Sakura with the enemy units destroyed. His attack plan always involves himself with fast hit and charge. Rushing in to the enemy formation. His defensive skills are below normal, but his attack skills are way up"
Kaede "How about his leadership skills?"
Kayama " A bit lower than usual, but still good. I also wanted to note he's lot more protective towards his team members, in that process he always gets hit by enemy fire."
Kaede "Ogami-kun is more hot blooded than his usual self. Form what I've seen and heard, I could assume he's pushing himself to the limit."
Kayama " I know, that's my concern."
After bringing Iris back to her room. Ogami wandered around the theater and eventually ended in stage. He looked around seeing there's if somebody was around. On the stage he finds himself comfortable place sit and took out a harmonica and plays a tune. (It's Geki! Teito-Kagegidan . The opening song of the series.) Then he heard someone clapping, startled, he stops, and looked. It was Sumire.
Sumire " Lieutenant, why did you stop playing? Just as you're playing a fine tune."
Ogami "Sumire-kun ... How long where you there?"
Sumire " Just as you started to enter the stage. Lieutenant I didn't know that you can play the harmonica very well."
Ogami " Thanks for the praise, Sumire-kun. But I think it's not as good as you say it this."
Sumire sit down beside him "Lieutenant, how along have you started playing the harmonica?"
Ogami "Quite a while, well if you're at the open sea and you're doing nothing , you will then to get some sort of hobby, just like Kayama has his guitar. By the way Sumire-kun what are you doing here?"
Sumire " I've just wanted to see the stage. I've been thinking if I'm going to retire."
Ogami " Retire? Hmm .. Surely Tei-Geki will lose her top star, but it all depends on you. Sumire-kun."
Sumire " Lieutenant, what do you think?."
Ogami "Hmm ... I really don't have the right to, but in my opinion it's not bad if you choose either way. If you retire I have a lot more chance to talk and see you. In a way just like the way we're doing right now ... "
Sumire " Lieutenant .."
Ogami " But, I think it's quite too early, especially like a person like you. I think that the Tei-Geki's top star has yet to show her true ability."
Sumire "You're right! This isn't the way the Tei-Geki's top star should act!" She blushes a bit " Lieutenant if you want to talk with me, we could meet here, just the two of us."
Ogami smiles a bit " Thanks, Sumire-kun. I'll keep that in mind. It been nice talking with you." he left the stage.
Ogami later goes in the Dojo, he sees on the table two Bo-kens (Wooden sword). He grabs it and made a stance. Making some of his trade mark moves.
Kanna " Yo!! Taicho!! Nice to see you here!"
Ogami " Kanna-san, doing your usual training exercises. As expected of the Kirishima Kas Shin Ryu master."
Kanna smiles a bit " Thanks!! Taicho! Do you want to spar with me?"
Ogami " Sorry, maybe next time. I've just wandered around and ended up here."
Kanna " Taicho, I know that I'm not a sword wielder , but your stance is little off on defense."
Ogami " I see.But if I attack my foe with rapid and continued assault, I think my attacks will severe as my defense."
Kanna " Good answer, Taicho!"
He left the Dojo and at the one of the window facing the garden. He see a white dog, it was Hund. He went in the garden then the dog came near him with a Frisbee.
Ogami "Hund! I see, you want to play fetch." Got the Frisbee and throws it. After a few round of playing he over shoots the disk, the dog couldn't reach it, then in out of nowhere someone grab hold of the Frisbee. It was Reni.
Reni " Taicho, I see your playing with Hund."
Ogami " Reni, what brings you here?"
Reni " Taicho, I would like to discuss about the training that we have earlier. Taicho, I know that you're pushing yourself to the limit of your capabilities. I'm .. We're worried, if you keep on going like this, you will injure yourself."
Ogami " Reni ... I as the Captain of the Hanagumi, my first priority is safety each team member, for because I feel that everyone in the Hanagumi is like family to me. Its my duty to protect and ensure everybody's safety ."
Reni " Taicho, you're also a team member of the Hanagumi, as you said your priority is the safety of the team, you should think about your safety also."
Ogami laughs a little " You got me! You have a point. Reni, you're steadily showing your true self. You're truly a caring person."
Reni blushes a bit " It's because that everyone here in Tei-Geki showed kindness and care to me. Everyone changed me for the better."
Ogami "I can also say that meeting you also changed everyone."
Reni " I changed everyone? Even Taicho?"
Ogami " Reni, you're a very talented person, not only that. You're also strong and caring. That why I can truly say you also changed us."
Reni blushes " Hearing it those words, make me feel warm inside. I feel happy especially hearing those words coming form you. I must take my leave, Hund! Let's go!"
Ogami in his thoughts " Reni, I'm sure many good things will happen to you."
At Recreational room.
Ogami " Maria-kun, I see your playing a game of billiards." Maria "Taicho, what brings you here?"
Ogami " I felt I wanted to play game of Darts."
Maria " Mind if I join you? Taicho?"
Ogami " Sure, I'll be delighted."
After a few rounds. Maria always hit the bull's eye, while Ogami quite dismayed by his performance."
Ogami " Yare yare, I feel that I am totally outclassed, by you Maria-kun."
Maria " Taicho, Err .. You did quite well.."
Ogami scratching his head " Nope, I admit that I'm been beaten by a wide margin."
Maria " Taicho, could I ask you a personal question?"
Ogami " Sure what is it?"
Maria blushes a bit " What do you think about me?"
Ogami was silent for a while " I think you're a dependable, beautiful and charming young woman. You're tall also."
Maria " Taicho .. Do you dislike taller women than you?"
Ogami " Huh? It's nothing like that. I told you what I thought, and why did you bring up this question?"
Maria "Err ... Nothing. Taicho, I must take my leave."
She left the room in his thought Ogami " Looks like she's quite moody again. There's must be something that I've said that made her moody." His stomach rumbles and looks at a clock it was nearing lunch time.
At the Kitchen he was looking for something to eat , but unluckily there was none. He went out and in the hall way and someone called him.
Sakura holding a small square box warp in pink cloth " Ogami-san! So that where you've been." She hands over the box .
Ogami " Bento (Packed meal)? For me?! Thanks !! You're a lifesaver, Sakura- kun! But Are you sure it's okay?"
Sakura " It's just fine, please take it." Both of them goes to the dining hall. He finishes the meal.
Ogami " It was delicious! I should have known that Sakura-kun can cook like this!"
Sakura blushes a little " You praise me too much , Ogami-kun. I did nothing special to the way I've prepared it."
Ogami " If that was normal, I would only imagine how good it will taste if you did something special on your dishes. Not only that you could cook well. Your also strong and beautiful form the inside and out. I was fortunate I've met someone like you." In his mind "I think I said too much."
Sakura blushes " O-Ogami-san, do you mean it?"
Ogami " Err .. Yes, I just told you what I feel about you."
Sakura blushes "Ogami-san, I would like to tell you that I also feel the same way, I .. .. No, I meant I would like to make lunch for you."
Ogami "As much as would like to eat your dishes, but I think it's not right, I don't like to impose on you. It's quite unfair ."
Sakura " But, I insist! ... I meant, please let me cook for you."
Ogami "Hmmm ... Okay, I think ..." He sees the time " Sakura-kun, I have matters to attend to. By the way thanks for the lunch, Later." Leave the dining hall.
Moments later Sakura meet Kaede in the hall.
Kaede "Ara, ara it seem s you're in a good mood. Sakura-kun. Did something good happen between you and Ogami-kun?"
Sakura surprised " Kaede-san ?!! How did you ?"
Kaede " Well I was going to get some lunch then I've seen you gave Ogami- kun a bento. Well as a saying goes the fastest way to a man heart is though his stomach. Right? Sakura-kun?"
Sakura blushes " Kaede-san .. I don' know what're talking about ... Please excuse me.." leaves
Kaede " Just as Kayama said . It will be an interesting time in Tei-Geki."
In Teito at a public library. Ogami was researching on any information about Leiko, but pages after pages and through book after book he didn't find any. Disappointed that he didn't find any useful clue, he goes out of the library. For some reason a person, a man was dashing on to his path, slightly bumping him. After this incident, on the ground he saw a small red box; he grabs it and looked if the owner of this small box was in the area. Seeing he couldn't find the person that he's looking for, he wonder what's inside this small red box.
Ogami " I better find this thing owner, it looks important." He accidentally opens it and saw a diamond ring inside and in his mind " A diamond ring!? This must important. I better find the owner of this ring." He notices a small inscription but he couldn't make it out. His first thought was to go to a jewelry smith, so that he could get some clue. He finds and enters a jewelry store, outside of the jewelry shop .
Ogata " Orihime-kun, isn't that young fellow, Ogami-kun " points at the window of the shop."
Orihime " Papa?" She see Ogami in the shop he was talking to the jeweler. She saw the jeweler handing him a diamond ring " Your right, that's the lieutenant. Why is he there."
Ogata " I see, He must have bought an engagement ring. By the way , do you know who is his fiancé ?"
Orihime " I don't know, I have no idea ."
At the café, Ogami finds his friend , Kayama taking a coffee break.
Kayama " Yooo!! OGAMI! Care to join me?"
Ogami "Kayama, well okay." He sits down and put the red small box beside him. Kayama saw it.
Kayama " Hey! Ogami, is there a ring in there?"
Ogami " Yes, why?"
Kayama surprise " I didn't expect you to know this western custom. You must have picked this up while your stay in Paris."
Ogami " ?????? Huh?? I don't understand?? "
Kayama " Come on, Ogami quit playing dumb, Tell me who's the one, I promise I will not tell a living soul!"
Ogami "???? ... Tell what?? Kayama do you have any information on enemy?"
Kayama "Man , you're a spoil sport. We've are still investigating this matter . We have a few bits of information , but nothing solid that could help."
Ogami " ... Have you heard a priestess name Leiko?"
Kayama " Leiko, hmm ... I see want I can get. Ogami is this connected with the incident that you where missing?"
Ogami " I suppose so ... The name Leiko always pops up .. My memory can't still place it." Drinks a cup of coffee
Kayama " ..... Okay, but Ogami, I don't know what your reason. I know your hiding something .... I won't force you if .... Tell me what's your opinion about courtship and love?"
Ogami chokes on his coffee " *Cough!!* *Cough!!!* Kayama! Love you say ??! I .. I"
Kayama " Hahaha, got you really good, didn't I ! Don't worry, I'm just pulling your leg!" Seeing Ogami made a serious face, and was silent for a while.
Ogami " .... I think that love is a lot like courage, it needs hope for it to grow ... I think ..??"
Kayama grins " It seems there still hope you ! Well then, Adios, Amigo!"
Ogami with a puzzled expression and thought " What's with that guy?"
Late afternoon at Tei-Geki. At the dining hall the most of the Hanagumi was gathered there.
Sumire " Orihime? Are you sure about what are saying?"
Orihime " I saw the lieutenant, he brought a ring. A ring!"
Sakura " A ring? Is it important?"
Sumire " Sakura don't tell me you don't know, well it can't be help after all you're a country bumpkin."
Sakura annoyed " Sumire-san, COULD YOU PLEASE TELL WHAT IT IS!"
Sumire "Well, it's a western custom, when a man gives a ring to a woman, it means he want to live his live his life with her."
Sakura " Does it mean, they're already married by just doing that? No reading of rites or ceremonies?"
Maria " No, it no like that, it's more like an engagement. An engagement ring. To become his fiancé."
Kanna " Orihime are you sure? In my opinion I think it better that we ask him directly."
Maria " Don't look at me."
Sumire " I think it not proper ."
Sakura " To ask about that ... I can't .."
Reni " ... .... ......"
Orihime " I don't know."
Then Ogami arrives " Hi! Everyone! It looks if there something important you girls are talking about."
Most of them were kind of startled.
Maria " Were just talking about our next play. Right everybody?"
Sumire " Of course,
Sakura " Yes .. Of course! Everyone I think aren't we going to the stage."
Sumire " That's right , by the way lieutenant, what's brought you here?"
Ogami " I went to the post office and got everyone mail." He hands over the mail namely to Sakura, Sumire, and Kanna. They notice a two more envelops with him.
Maria " And those are for?"
Ogami "Iris's and Kohran's mail, Maria-kun could you be the one to give these to them." After that was over he went to the G.M.'s office and talk to Kaede asking if the Kimetron is useable. She told him it's still being fixed and cannot be used, He left. In his room he put the small red box on his table pondering what he will do next.
To be continued