Chapter 24: Chronos's Date
Xi'san and her bodyguard, Guldo, rushed to Loris's condo. Loris had called earlier and expressed that she had something important to say. Once Rose let them in, Xi'san told Guldo to stand outside while she went to speak with Loris, who sat on the living room couch.
"What is the matter?" Xi'san asked, standing before her.
"One moment," her now yellow-eyed sister said. She called out "Slyphe?"
Her bodyguard walked out of her room and nodded. "It's clear."
"What is going on?" Xi'san demanded.
"He was checking for recording devices," Loris said. Then, she patted the cushion next to her. "Please, Xi, have a seat." Xi'san did as she was told and awaited an explanation.
"Xi'san, I…" Suddenly, the phone began to ring, stopping her in mid-sentence. "…Hello, this is Loris speaking."
The holographic projector in the ceiling emitted a black image with the words Image Not Available. A voice that was familiar to them began to speak. "Is Yami there with you? When I called her home, I was told she was here."
"I am here," Xi'san spoke. "What is it?"
"Several hunters have explored the Caves and encountered a super mutant somewhat resembling the legendary Guardian of Rough Wave."
"De Rol Le?" Xi'san asked, not believing her ears.
"Yes," the voice replied. "For now, it will be known by that very name. A third transport will be launched into an area that reaches into No Man's Mines, which shall henceforth simply be known as the Mines. The Caves have been fully mapped and are nearly ready to act as an auxiliary base of operations, particularly for business deals. Your orders are to secure designated areas for operations in the Caves. This is to be done as quickly as possible."
"I understand," Xi'san nodded.
"And as for you," the voice said.
"Yes?" Loris answered, not looking particularly happy.
"We do not approve of the bargain prices that you have set. These new deals you have proposed create too large of a profit loss."
"They attract paying customers," Loris argued. "A survey clearly showed that more people would pay for services if there were special discounts to accommodate frequenters."
"You do not have a say in the matter!" the voice said harshly. "Our decision has been made and you are to carry out the majority's wishes immediately. Is that clear?"
"Crystal," Loris said, scowling. The screen disappeared and all was silent.
"Loris?" Xi'san asked, laying a hand on her shoulder.
"It can wait," she answered. "We both have our orders." Xi'san looked at her for a moment and took her leave. "Rose, are you there?"
"Yes, Loris," her android maid answered.
"Put Tameenda on the phone for me, please. Slyphe, monitor the phone line."
Mina readied herself for her date with Chronos, who was patiently waiting outside her room. She was dressed in a tubetop, a choker, and a long skirt, all of which were in black. While she brushed her loose hair in the mirror, Galactica stood nearby, looking puzzled.
"Mother…I thought you said it was going to be casual."
"Just because it's casual doesn't mean I can't look good. Besides, he's wearing that stunning blue robe."
"He always wears a blue robe."
"I said stunning," Mina emphasized.
"At least omit the makeup," Galactica pleaded. "You know how bashful he is."
"Oh, fine!" Mina sighed, putting everything away. She clamped a miniature, bracelet-like ISL onto her wrist and stood up. "How do I look?"
"Over-dressed," Galactica replied.
Mina rolled her eyes with a smirk and exited her room. "I'm ready." Chronos and T-65 had been talking until she came out. T-65 seemed to have a similar expression to Galactica's while Chronos's face turned red. His outfit consisted of his usual non-Force blue robes and fingerless gloves.
"Mina…" he said awkwardly. "You're looking…nice, today. Am I underdressed?"
"Of course not," Mina said, knowing that Galactica was giving her a look behind her back.
"T-65 tells me that you were going to build new weapons until I called," Chronos said, suppressing his blushing. "I hope I'm not being a bother."
"You aren't," Mina said, glaring at the RAcast. "He knows very well that I asked a friend to come over for that very purpose. She knows how to use the materials he and Galactica gathered." There was a ring at the doorbell. Mina checked the camera. "It looks like I'll get to introduce you to her." She opened the door, and there stood Claire in a small t-shirt and baggy green jeans.
"Thanks again, Mina," she said, grinning. "You have no idea how much extra credit my professor is gonna' give me for doing one of your projects."
"Don't mention it," Mina bowed slightly, letting her enter. "Anyway, I want you to meet…"
"Chronos!" Claire exclaimed.
"Clairice!" Chronos exclaimed. They both looked at each other with an expression of pleasant surprise.
"…Do you two know each other?" Mina asked, feeling awkward.
"Aw, c'mere," Claire giggled leaping into his arms and embracing him with her arms and legs.
"You haven't changed much at all," he said, holding her up to his height and kissing her forehead. She giggled again and kissed both his cheeks. "I knew you were on this ship somewhere."
"Aw, Chronos…" she cooed, laying her head on his shoulder.
Mina's jaw was hanging wide open as she stared appallingly at the scene. "D-Did I miss something!" T-65 and Galactica were also gaping a short distance away.
"Oh, pardon me," Chronos said, letting Claire down. "Claire, I'm Mina's date."
"Oh! Wow, sorry!" Claire blushed. "It's just that me and Chronos know each other from years ago."
"But how?" Mina contended. "He's from Dezoris."
"Don't you remember when my parents tried to half-ass an arranged marriage by sending me to live with a Dezoran family for a while?" Claire asked. "It was a year or two before you and Seth broke up."
Chronos added, "We hardly appreciated what our parents had done, but over time we grew close to one another and became good friends."
"O-kaaay," Mina said nervously. "But what about the kissi…"
"Well, don't let me hold up your date," Claire said, pushing them both out the door. "Have fun." She shut the door before either could object. Then, she looked to the two androids. "So, where are those materials you gathered?"
While Chronos and Mina ate lunch at a nearby, but expensive restaurant, he decided to break the awkward atmosphere by explaining his earlier behavior.
"Uh, Mina," he said, getting her attention. "About earlier. Claire and I were merely greeting one another the way we do on my home planet."
"Oh, really?" Mina said, not totally convinced.
"A kiss on the forehead," he explained, "is the way most males communicate great friendship. A kiss on each cheek has the same meaning, but is used mostly by females."
"Well, that does sound familiar," Mina admitted. "My mother kissed her friends like that, too. What does a peck on the mouth mean on Dezoris?"
"Eh…" Chronos began to look uncomfortable. "That's signifies what you would probably call a crush…Please tell me your mother did not do that to her friends."
"Oh, she didn't," Mina grinned. "She did that to my father…What about with tongue?"
"A kiss or just licking?" Chronos asked awkwardly.
Mina had not seen that coming, but her curiosity got to her. "…Either one."
"The kissing version means that both people are deeply in love," he answered, beginning to blush. "A lick…means that…er…the person doing the licking is…Well on Dezolis, it is what we would call being…eh…needy."
"That's funny," Mina said, not quite catching on. "My mother always told my father that she was feeling needy. I guess people just feel like being spoiled every so often."
"Uh…yes…spoiled," Chronos said, turning red.
"You're so cute when you blush," Mina squealed. "Is it okay if I ask a few more awkward questions about Dezoris?"
"I don't mind your questions at all," he said, picking up his cup of tea. "It shows that you have an interest in my culture. And Dezolis does have a few…unique features."
"Okay. It's just that I've heard some strange things about Dezoris and my family only goes there to visit my grandparents," she smiled. "Is it true Dezoran society gets stranger the further north one goes and more bland the further south one goes?"
"Yes," he answered. "Most of those unique features I mentioned originated from the northern areas. It's where android clergy could first be found. It's where successful polygamy was fairly common. It was also the first area to allow homosexual as well as bisexual marriage, both of which I hear are illegal on Coral… I was told that Motavia had a 'Don't ask; don't tell" policy," he chuckled.
"Yep, it's kind of silly," Mina giggled along. "But everyone seems to be satisfied with it. So, are you into that sort of thing like so many other guys?"
"I'm afraid I don't quite follow," he said, tilting his head sideways.
"You know," she laughed. "Do you like lesbians?"
"Well," he coughed, turning red again. "You certainly have a directness I envy. As for your question…I try not to think of it much since my older brother has two loving wives, a fact that he constantly taunts me with. In fact, he actually predicted that I would not be married by the time he sees me again."
"Do you plan on proving him wrong?" Mina asked, batting her eyelids and blushing slightly.
"I…" Chronos paused, thinking over that question. "Come to think of it, I believe that was my subconscious reasoning for joining the Pioneer Project. It gives me plenty of time. Ha, ha! Thank you, Mina! You've certainly made my day!"
"What, you're serious?" she yelped, turning red. "Why, Chronos, I…I don't know what to say. I mean, we just started dating today and…"
"Oh, don't worry," Chronos smiled, now that he had her blushing. "I wasn't implying a proposal. It's only that you've given me encouragement. I don't know why, but just having a two-budded goal is so energizing. One part flowers into finally getting back at old Kratos, while the other blooms into love for a wife."
"That's really sweet," Mina smiled. "Has anyone ever told you that you have a way of flirting without trying?"
"Actually, only one other person has said that to me," Chronos murmured. "Frankly, I never notice what is so flirtatious about my observations and compliments."
"Oh yeah, then compliment me," Mina challenged him, smirking. "Or just make an observation about me…"
"Fair enough," he said, not seeing the harm. "You're a petite young lady with a somewhat rare eye color and a pleasant presence that is always welcome. Now, what was so flirtatious about that?"
"I guess you just can't realize the effect of your own words," she smiled.
Yami Megami was making quick work of the mutants of the caves. It had only taken a couple of hours to get to Caves 3. There was only one last room to secure. She had made sure to place traps in key passageways as she was told. The monsters were proving to be more of an annoyance than an actual threat to her. After she killed one wave, another wave of stronger monsters appeared. But not even they were enough to prove a challenge.
Yami entered the final room that was to be secured. Out of all the rooms she had been through, this one seemed the most developed in Caves 3. Only a few rooms ago, there had been a sign that warned of high-voltage. She could plainly see a large machine, which took up most of the room and was producing quite a bit of electrical discharge in the air high above. The room seemed to have a faint mist flowing through it, probably to amplify the electrical current in the air.
She readied her scythe as the teleportation noise echoed through the room. Half a dozen brownish-yellow Guil Sharks appeared on one side of the room, while an equal number of crimson Pal Sharks appeared on the other side of the room. They hissed at once and began to approach her.
Yami crouched low, holding out her scythe to the side. At the right moment, she lunged forward and sliced a wide arc through the sharks' ranks, beheading several of them. Then, with a flip, she jumped into the middle of their bunch. Before they could turn to strike her, she spun in a circle, decapitating the sharks that were too close. There was only one of each type of shark left. The Guil Shark was in front of her and the Pal Shark was behind her. She impaled the Pal Shark with the sharp point of her hilt and, in another spin, slammed its body into the Guil Shark. The larger one was knocked over, while the miserable Pal Shark remained on the hilt. Yami slammed it into the Guil Shark to daze them and stabbed it with the sharp point. Stamping her foot into the Pal Shark's face, she removed the weapon, leaving the lifeless sharks on top one another.
Next, a pair of Nano Dragons flew out of the darkness above. She leapt high into the air and cut one down with her scythe. The one that landed took aim and fired energy torpedoes. She nimbly dodged them and jumped once more. The dragon spread its wings in preparation, but was impaled through the top of its head by the point of her hilt. As its body went limp, she pulled the point out and lopped off its head in one spin of her scythe.
She looked around and relaxed once there was no sign of any more monsters. She found a spot on the ground that was not soaked with mutant blood and sat down. As she began to clean her weapon, she spoke into her ISL. "This is Yami. All designated sectors in Caves 1, 2, and 3 have been secured as requested. Awaiting further instructions."
While she waited for a reply, she took notice of how unusually sticky the mutant blood was. All previous types of blood she had spilled, including android oil, had never been so difficult to clean off. It was enough to make her consider using techniques more often in the Caves. But that would contradict one of the main reasons she was favored by the organization. Yami was a rarity. She was a Force who actually preferred close combat to the use of techs. She was considered someone with the strength of a Hunter, yet the abilities of a Force. And unlike so many other Forces, she had never been able to use a gun before. If someone was shooting at her, she was the sort who could dodge enough bullets to quickly kill the person shooting at her. "Such abilities being put to so little use," she mused. Ever since she had joined the Pioneer Project, her assignments seemed so petty. Back when she worked on Dezoris, her missions were much more exciting, challenging, and respectful. She could remember having to infiltrate terrorist bases and assassinate leaders or destroy devastating weapons. Compared to missions like that, everything else seemed like unnecessary busywork. Lately though, things were becoming shadier than they had usually been. She began to wonder if her organization had anything to do with the explosion at Central Dome.
"Yami," a voice came onto her ISL. "Your mission is complete and you are dismissed. Your work is well-appreciated."
"It certainly does not seem like it," she muttered, standing up.
Once Xi'san had gotten home, bathed, and changed into her red dress and disconnected sleeves, she had Guldo drive her to Loris's home. As the hovercar stopped at a traffic light, she glanced outside the window and saw Chronos idly standing outside the recreation area, near the park. She thought for a moment and decided it would not hurt to stop and talk for a few minutes. The car descended closer to the ground and she hopped out.
"Good afternoon, Chronos," she said.
"Oh, good afternoon, Megumi," he said, slightly startled by her sudden appearance. "I had not expected to see you today."
"Neither had I," she smiled. "I was passing by and I happened to see you standing here, looking lonely. Are you looking for a dance partner within the club again?"
"No…I mean yes…well, actually…" he stumbled.
"Alright, I'm back!" Mina called out, walking out of the ladies room. "You wouldn't believe the line in there…Hey, who is this?"
"I should like to know your identity as well," Megumi said, somewhat annoyed by the short, though slightly familiar woman's appearance. "Are you his younger sister Cleo?"
"Little sister!" Mina exclaimed. "I'm Chronos's date!" There was something familiar about this woman's condescending tone to Mina.
"Oh my," Megumi chuckled. "My apologies, young lady."
"Uh, perhaps I should introduce you two," Chronos said. "Megumi, meet Dr. Minako Chikara. Mina, this is my friend Megumi Ite."
"Ah, so you are the renowned Dr. Chikara," Megumi said, bowing slightly.
"Megumi Ite, huh?" Mina repeated, returning the small bow.
"Yes, she is also from Dezolis," Chronos said. "I met her not too long after I met you."
"What part of Dezolis are you from?" Mina asked curiously.
"Lunere, in the northern hemisphere," she answered. "I own an estate there. Why do you ask?"
"Say, Chronos," Mina said, taking his hand and swirling her finger in his palm. "Would you mind running inside and getting me something to drink. I'd go myself, but they'd just think I was an annoying little girl. They'd respect a tall person like yourself."
"Um, okay," he said, raising an eyebrow. "I won't be long." He walked into the nearby building.
"Well, that was rather rude," Megumi said, glaring at the short woman.
"It's time for you to drop the act," Mina said sternly.
"What are you talking about?"
"I had a cousin who lived in on an estate in Lunere. She was involved with criminals and attracted lots of bad attention. When she started double-crossing her associates, they made her disappear. No one's heard from her since then. Her name was Megami Ite and I know for a fact that you aren't her. You stole her identity somehow. And I won't let a shady character like you endanger Chronos."
"…Mmmha, ha, ha, ha," the tall woman laughed. "I should have figured that the oh-so-famous Dr. Chikara would be on the ball."
"So, I'm right," Mina said, cautiously taking a step back. "Then, what's your real name?"
"I'm afraid if I told you that," Xi'san chuckled, "then I'd have to kill you. My name has an awful habit of attracting police. If I were you, Doctor, I would hold my tongue. Chronos need not know of this. It is for his safety as well."
"I don't know why you're so interested in him," Mina glared, "but if you think you can threaten him behind his back…"
"Do not misunderstand me!" Xi'san seethed, getting very close to Mina's face. "I've grown quite attached to that man. In fact…you might say that I've grown to love him…And I won't let an overrated little tramp, who thinks she can impress him with her inexistent bosom, ruin that!"
"How dare you!" Mina gasped and slapped her at once. Xi'san gasped and double-slapped her, causing Mina to stumble back a bit. Mina ran at her and looked as if she was about to swing a punch. Instead, she simply kicked her in the shin.
"Ow!" Xi'san yelped. She balled a fist and swung at Mina, who caught her arm and swung her over her shoulder. Then, she got to her knees and wrapped her arm around Xi'san's neck from behind, while keeping her opponent's arm outstretched. By now, people around them had noticed the fight.
"I'm stronger than I look," Mina grunted, keeping her hold tight.
"You don't realize who you're dealing with," Xi'san choked. Using her free arm, she elbowed Mina to break her grasp. Xi'san jumped to her feet and spun in a kick behind her. Mina caught her leg and swung her to the ground. Without letting go of her leg, she turned Xi'san over onto her belly, sat on her back, and began to pull her leg to bend it as uncomfortably as possible.
"How's that?" Mina taunted.
"Ah!" Xi'san yelped as her leg was folded. She could not roll over since Mina was well grounded. Xi'san reached back to grab onto her. Mina grabbed one arm and began to pull that as well. "Ah! You wretched little…Ah!"
"Give up and tell me your name!" Mina shouted. Xi'san instead reached back once again and grabbed onto Mina's top. "Hey, cut it out!" When Mina dropped the leg to grab the arm, Xi'san quickly stood up and swung her arms forward. Mina was sent flying a short distance but rolled to her feet in a ready stance.
Xi'san ran at her and stabbed with her hands repeatedly. Mina dodged and parried the strikes, but was quickly being pushed back. Eventually, she was pushed against a tree and her hands were throbbing from blocking the unusually strong thrusts. When Xi'san threw a powerful punch, Mina jumped to the side, letting the punch cripple the tree. As the tree fell, Mina dived into Xi'san and pinned her to the ground.
"It seems…that I've underestimated you," Xi'san panted heavily.
"You wouldn't be the first," Mina panted, grabbing onto Xi'san's throat. "Now, tell me what I want to know."
"You haven't…earned that yet," Xi'san choked with a smirk, wrapping her legs tightly around Mina.
"Let…go," Mina grunted, squeezing her hold. "Or else I'll…strangle you."
"You…let go," Xi'san replied, squeezing her legs together. "Or I'll…crush you." Despite the severity of the fight, none of the bystanders dared to interfere.
"This isn't getting…us anywhere," Mina said, losing her strength. "If you let go…we can both walk away from this…and Chronos doesn't have to know anything."
"Fair enough," Xi'san said, releasing Mina. Mina had not foreseen such a trusting outcome, but she let go as well. She rolled off of Xi'san and they both lied there panting.
"You're strong," Mina said.
"As are you," Xi'san replied, sitting up. "We'll have to settle this some other time."
"What are you talking about?" Mina asked wearily.
"I haven't had a challenging bout like that in years," Xi'san smiled. "Besides, I despise stalemates." She stood up and offered a hand. Mina took it and was helped to her feet.
"Could it not be on my date next time," Mina asked. Xi'san did not answer. They walked back to the building just as Chronos exited with two cups.
"I'm sorry I took so long," he apologized. "The line was so long, they ran out of everything except water. I bought one for each of you."
"How thoughtful of you," Xi'san said, graciously taking her cup and drinking.
"Thank you, Chronos," Mina said, doing the same. She then noticed that Chronos's face was completely red and he was averting his eyes. "Is something wrong?"
Xi'san looked at her and chuckled lightly. "Doctor, I believe your areola is showing." Mina's face turned red as well as she instantly covered herself and tried to readjust her top. "Perhaps I shall see you both some other time. Oh, and Chronos?"
"Yes, Megumi?" Chronos said, still averting his eyes.
"Realize that Minako and I are officially rivals for your affection," Xi'san smirked. She walked away without looking back.
"Somehow, I saw that coming," Chronos sighed. "I hope you two aren't going to fight."
"There's nothing wrong with a little competition," Mina shrugged. "Anyway, with my…wardrobe malfunction, I think we should just end the date here."
"Uh, yes," Chronos agreed.
Mina gave him a hug, much to his surprise. "You got a little peek at me, so try not to think naughty thoughts too often."
"You're enjoying my suffering, aren't you?" Chronos smiled.
Xi'san finally arrived at her sister's home. Once again, Guldo stayed outside while Xi'san entered. She sat beside Loris, who was waiting for her.
Rose noticed that Xi'san's hair and clothing was a bit messy. "Did you get into a fight?"
"Yes," she replied casually. "It was an enjoyable little scuffle with my new rival for Chronos's affection."
"Humans," Rose muttered, walking away.
"Alright, now what is it that you need to tell me?" she asked her quiet sister.
"Slyphe?" Loris asked.
"I assure you, it's safe to speak," he answered.
"Xi'san…" Loris frowned. "I…I don't want to do this anymore."
"Do what?"
"I don't want to work for Black Paper any longer," Loris nearly whimpered. "Nothing good can come of this sort of activity. Furthermore, I don't like its methods. I draw the line at slavery, be they androids, newmans, or humans. It tried to convince me to buy several to use in either my business or my home."
"Do you not already possess slaves?" Xi'san asked. "What about Rose, Slyphe, and Rupika?"
"They certainly are not!" Loris shouted angrily. "I could never consider Rose my servant, let alone my slave. She has been like a mother to me. I began paying her from the very day Mother and Father supposedly "gave" her to me as a present. I also paid Slyphe from the very day Black Paper assigned him to me."
"And Rupika?" Xi'san asked.
"Her safety requires her to never leave this house unescorted," Loris answered. "She volunteers to assist Rose. There is little more I can do for her at this point in time…Sister," she said, touching Xi'san's face. "I simply cannot bear to comply with that wretched association. At the same time, I know that they will kill me if I leave. I am neither as strong nor brave as you. I know that you don't seem to mind having unpaid servants, but I do hate such a thing. I want to run my business my way. I don't want to be harassed by unsavory characters that want to sell illegal goods to me. And I don't want to be a part of this dirty organization. So, will you please help me…big sister?"
"Of course," Xi'san smiled, squeezing her hand. "Whenever I needed support, you were always there. When I was new to the family, you were the one who welcomed me without thinking twice. Through every heartache in my life, you were there, so why shouldn't I help you?"
"Then, what should I do?" Loris asked, looking helpless.
"Simply express your wish to leave the organization," Xi'san answered.
"They will send people to kill her," Slyphe warned. "Neither she, nor her employees will be safe. I can only do so much. Perhaps it would be wise to reconsider."
"No," Xi'san said. "If necessary, I will see to her safety."
Notes: For once, I don't really have anything to say…
On the next slightly short episode of Sidestory: It's Bring Your Mother to School Day at Nei School and Misha's mother Starr is there to present herself. Some of what she says starts another little conflict in Misha's maturing life. Meanwhile, Xi'san meets up with Chronos by accident and gets a little private time with him and much blushing ensues. This one's shorter than usual in "Expressions." Just a little one-on-one time…Only Toonami!
