Chapter 15: Before the Downpour
November 11th. Near 4 PM.
(Hallway, Yokohama Base.)
[Takeru]
Getting out of the elevator at the ground level, squinting my eyes at the pouring sunshine, I made my way to the PX since it's still near lunch time. The habitual noise in the place, I grab a tray and get in line.
"Rice, miso, and mackerel please." I say as I hand my tray.
I did what I could, but still, the mission left an awful taste in my mouth. Nothing could be done, it still makes me sick. At least we finished the mission successfully, and we avoided the outcome the invasion had on the first loops too. Guess I should begin focusing on the next flag to avoid getting too down.
I wonder how things will turn out in the CCSE, now that I'm on bad terms with everyone. I barely managed to do anything in the mission, will I be able to make them get along for the test? Well, no point in worrying about-
My tray is dropped rather violently, it has less than half of our usual rations.
"That's your fill, move along now!" Kyozuka-san said with an annoyed tone.
"Um, excuse me, but this is not even half of our usual rations." Brows arching up, lips half open doing the same.
"That's all people like you get here. Hush now, and go to the table. After all the problems you're giving those poor girls… You have some nerve to talk back." I hear the other people in the line snickering. So, you hate me too.
I grab my tray and go to a different table that was empty. Screw all of you, really. I just got back from fighting the BETA, from saving your hides, and this is what I get? Well, they don't know about it. Sigh… Is there anything I can do to mend all this mess?
I couldn't do a thing to save the other two Vanguards, I still don't even know their names. I can only hope that Eiko-san doesn't die, if I'm going by what happened last time she should get hospitalized. But there's the chance that things go differently this time around.
I eat the little food I was given and got out. I can hear them whispering about me and calling me names behind my back. So this is what Dad meant when he told me once about how to deal with cowards. He always said that there was a group of people that would go around spreading rumors and trash talking about others behind their backs, but when confronted about it they negated everything, getting scared and playing the victim. I won't fall for such provocation, I'm here to help.
On my way to my room I saw Meiya at the distance, she's looking out of the window. She seems… angry for some reason. I shouldn't talk to her, I can't seem to make amends with them. I want no more problems right now and it hurts a lot to see their faces scowl at me.
I know they're not the same, I know I'm being an idiot. But my heart can't take it. I tried being serious these last few days, I tried giving them some pointers, and what did that achieve? Meiya and Chizuru were still frowning at me without answering, and Kei was seriously trying to hurt me during combat practice. I honestly don't know how to approach them anymore. They did try to smooth things over during yesterday's dinner, but I could tell they were forcing themselves because they couldn't look at me in the eye.
Sigh… I honestly rather not talk with them anymore. I don't want to end up angering them on accident.
I walk past her, and as I did I heard her gasp. Maybe I surprised her walking so fast, whatever let's go to the stairs.
"Wait!" She calls out to me as I'm descending.
"Good afternoon, Mitsurugi. What is it?" I greet her after she reaches B1F. Her expression is a mess.
She looks at me, but then looks away. Kinda frowning for a while, but then chills down. Oh, she must want to know where I was during the alarm.
"Shirogane… Where were you during the emergency summons?" Paranoia, you're the fish on her plate.
"Special mission on the lower floors."
"Are those machines more important than… protecting the base?"
"Vice Commander's orders. Can't refuse them, you know." What is she after this time? Can't we just agree to ignore each other? For the sake of coexistence? Please?
"Is that so? Say, can I ask you a personal question?" A quiet, slow tone. Full of insistence, she won't take a no for an answer.
"Go ahead."
"Shirogane… Are you part of the Royal Guard?"
…What did she just say? Why is she asking me this question? Did she learn something about this world's me?
"Oho, a most revealing reaction indeed." She folds her arms, narrows her eyes at me, a brow of hers slowly moving up for a moment.
"Mitsurugi, I'm a UN soldier. I'm not part of the Guard."
"Really? Then, why is your profile on our database blocked?" Did she try to access it?
"There was some incorrect data on it, so they had to revise that."
"Hmm… Then why was your public profile blocked as well?"
"I dunno. I just told you there was some incorrect data on them."
"Dodging the question?" A disgusted expression floods her face. What got into her today?
"Say, is that all? I don't know why my profiles were blocked, for real. I'm kinda tired, can I be on my way?"
"Oh, yes. Do be on your way. But allow me to ask you one final question. I'd like you to answer it honestly, if you could." She gets closer, bringing her face just a few centimeters away from mine.
Usually I would have gotten embarrassed or excited to have Meiya so close to me, but this time she wasn't getting close with affection. I could feel the aggression emanating from every cell in her body. Now what did I do?
"What is it?"
"Why do you have a Minaru Kamui in your possession?"
…Wait, what?
"What did you say, Mitsurugi?"
"Oh, did I stutter? Forgive me. I said, why do you have a Minaru Kamui in your possession?" She raises her voice a bit, leaking hatred.
Why does she knows about it?! There's no way she…
"Did you enter my room without my permission, Mitsurugi?"
"Could you answer my question first?"
We stand there, gazing at each other for a while.
What did she enter my room for? What did she see? What is she going to do with that information? But more importantly, she now knows I have the blade. That is a treasure in this world, I can't bullshit my way out of this one.
"So, are you going to answer, Shirogane? Why do you have that sword with you?" What the hell do I tell her? I don't want to get into a fight, but how can I convince her that I have it rightfully?
"…It was a present."
"A present?" She looks insulted, as if the words had hurt her pride.
"Someone gave it to me as a memento before I came to this base."
"As a memento? Do you seriously think I'll believe that?!" She finally snaps as the anger surfaces in her voice like a whale near a shore, sending waves upon waves at me.
"Believe it or not, it's the truth. The original holder of the blade died and someone close to that person gave the blade to me, so that I wouldn't forget what I learned from that person, so that I would always remember our time together, brief as it was. That sword is not mine, it's our sword." Easing up a bit when I return her gaze, a hand goes to the ponytail.
"Hmm… Can you tell me who gave it to you?"
"No, I promised I wouldn't say. It has nothing to do with you. Why are you asking me about it?" Let's pretend I don't know.
"That blade is a national treasure, it can't be given away as a personal present. There aren't many of those intact, it's not something that someone like you should have." Why must you be like this? …What did I even do to you?
"And why is that? I got the blade fairly, I didn't steal it or anything. And why did you enter my room? That's against our regulations." She groans, brows lowering, getting angrier.
"Regardless of why I intruded on your privacy… Do you think you're above the law, Shirogane? That blade is not something anyone should wield, for it is meant for Japanese hands."
"Sorry to inform you, but I'm also Japanese." She purses her lips as she folds her arms.
"I didn't mean it literally. Only a few select people can wield that blade. And I doubt you are one of those chosen ones. You might end up court marshaled for this offense if you do not return it at once." I thought that she would lay off if she knew the owner gave it to me and I pushed towards her breaking the rules, but it seems I can't dodge this one. Seems she… doesn't even feel bad about it.
"Look Mitsurugi, that blade means a lot to me. It's from someone that's… truly important to me, someone that marked my life." She flinches back, her eyes ease up a bit. "So, I don't know how much it means here but, I guess I won't be able to keep it with me, right?"
"Indeed. I was probing you for answers, in case you had a valid reason to hold onto it. But as I thought you do not."
"So, what are you going to do? Report me to the authorities?"
"I may have to do so. That sword is too valuable an item to leave it in your hands. Do not take offense, please. It should only be wielded by those in direct service of the Shogunate. You, a UN Cadet that came from America, should not have such an item in your possession. You do seem to be telling the truth, however. Would you accept a suggestion I have to resolve this situation then?" She looks at me waiting for my answer, sheathing her inner blade.
"…I believe that we should consult with the authorities of the base. I don't want to bother them, but it may be for the best to resolve this quickly. And you did enter my room without permission." I could maybe get Sensei to lend me a hand here, I think I should have asked her about the katana earlier. I need some cover and more info to deal with this. This might spiral out of control if we don't handle it with care.
"No, this is a matter that does not concern the UN." Wow, Meiya is not backing off. Is she not remorseful about entering my room? "I would like you to come with me to meet a unit of the Royal Guard that is stationed on this base. We should hand the blade to them, I will do my best to clear any suspicions they may have against you if you cooperate. I assure you no harm will come to you, so long as you hand over the Minaru Kamui willingly."
Can't say I didn't expect her to be so firm about the sword, though. But I can't go along with her idea. I mean, if Tsukuyomi-san learns I have a Minaru Kamui… I'm going to get us into a huge problem.
"I still think we should talk with the Instructor, considering how you learned of me having the blade. And even with you defending me the Guards might press charges against me." Or worse.
"You sound as if you didn't want to meet the Royal Guard…"
"You said it's illegal for me to possess the blade. Do you really think they'll let it slide?" No way in hell I'll walk into the lion's jaws. Since it seems like I'm on the watch list of the Shogunate, I'm sure Tsukuyomi-san must have received some orders about me. It's too dangerous to go meet her without a third party knowing of it.
Meiya sighs and looks right into my eyes, her sapphires brimming with fire, sharp as the finest blades forged by Muramasa. The sight sent a small spike into my heart, a twinge of pain right below my ears. Feeling a small shiver on my sides, a pair of cold hands on my shoulders, I sighed and looked away. She takes a step forward, her glare ready to slay.
"Shirogane, if you do not comply, I will call the Royal Guard myself and tell them to-"
"Tell them to what? Pray tell Meiya-sama, what shall you have us do?" Tsukuyomi-san, followed by the Three Idiots, approached us. Guess I'll die today.
Meiya steps forward and gives Tsukuyomi-san a small bow.
"Good afternoon, 1st Lieutenant. I have something to ask of you. Cadet Shirogane has-"
"Meiya-sama, what did I tell you to do regarding this Cadet?" Tsukuyomi-san's eyes were stern but her piercing glare was not flowing upon me, but onto Meiya. She didn't let her finish and seemed really angry, like when she came to the rescue when everybody got drunk at the hot springs.
"Huh? I know, and I haven't forgotten. However, he-"
"Meiya-sama, I told you to not get involved with that man. Forget whatever it is that made you argue with him." Meiya's face is painted with shock as her eyes waver, enlarge and shrink in disbelief.
…What the hell is going on here? Is Tsukuyomi-san trying to make Meiya go away to deal with me herself? Right, she doesn't want to put Meiya in unnecessary trouble. Can't say I didn't see this coming, but something feels off here…
"Tsukuyomi, this man has in his possession one precious item that-"
"Surely you understand who ordered me to take this course of action? Are you going to act against her wishes?" Tsukuyomi-san got closer to Meiya, making her slowly take one step backwards.
But what did she mean? The only person that can boss around Tsukuyomi-san, other than Meiya, is… Yuuhi. So Yuuhi ordered Tsukuyomi-san to leave me alone. Of course, a dead Royal Guard is suddenly alive as a Cadet in the UN. That's why she sent Takamura, and maybe I'm being observed by the Three Idiots on my daily activities. But why is she scolding Meiya so much? Shouldn't she just tell her to leave? And it's very weird to see this world's Tsukuyomi-san so furious towards Meiya.
"But… Tsukuyomi, please listen. He has a-"
"That's enough!" If she were getting upset at me, I could understand it. But with Meiya? The fuck is going on here?
"Tsukuyomi… Why do you refuse to listen?" Meiya's voice resembled a broken glass, her shoulders were trembling a bit.
"Do not make a scene, please. I taught you better than this. Besides, we cannot involve ourselves with him. I will not repeat myself, if you do not wish me to report this to her you will stand back." Meiya tries to hold her gaze, but eventually gives up. Her fists are tightened and shaking.
"Fine, I'll let it go."
I don't like this. Meiya may end up resenting me even more if I let things sit like this. As much as I want to get away from here, I can't let Meiya leave like this. But what should I…
Hmm… Wait one sec… I have an idea. A dangerous idea. But I could use it to gather some intel here.
I can't normally approach and speak with Tsukuyomi-san after all. Sure, they may already know I'm not this world's me but at least I can use this chance to get some insight through her expressions and words. And it's not like she has the authority to detain me. She wouldn't harm me either, that will only strain the relations with the UN and she wouldn't do that now that we have the deal on the rails.
Sure, her sense of duty is very great so she might attack me. But I don't see them not coming after me if they ever learn I have a Minaru Kamui with me, so being honest about it might be the best thing I can do here and maybe I can score some points with her by showing I care about Meiya.
Sigh… Will the 'I have amnesia' card work here if she pressures me though? No, they must know he's dead since Her Highness seems to be wary of me. I can try to be as honest as I can and hand over the sword, and with Meiya's help she might not show her fangs at me. It is a very important treasure here so I have to show her that I really have no bad intentions or anything. And I'll send some questions in if I find an opening. But I gotta get away from her without making Meiya more hateful towards me. So, let's tell her myself.
"1st Lieutenant, may I?" She seemed startled as I addressed her. The Three Idiots stood uptight and ready to intercept, but Tsukuyomi-san waved at them and then looked my way once more.
"What is it?" She doesn't seem offended or angry… or she's keeping her cool real good. Meiya folds her arms and stares intensely at both of us.
"Could you please listen to Cadet Mitsurugi's worries? She found out I have a katana in my possession and wanted me to return it." The Three Idiots frown at my words, Meiya smiles faintly and addressed Tsukuyomi-san once more.
"1st Lt. Tsukuyomi that is what I wanted to tell you about. Cadet Shirogane has in his possession a-"
"Silence." A simple word. A calm tone. Yet, it was enough to freeze Meiya.
"Eh?" Her mouth grew smaller, but her shaking lips didn't close. I can't believe it either, I guess she wants to deal with me personally.
"Meiya-sama, you shall remain quiet. Cadet Shirogane, can you tell me what is this about?" She shifts her gaze to me as she took one step, getting closer.
"Someone gave me a katana, and Cadet Mitsurugi told me it was illegal for me to have it. I believe I should return it, right? I didn't knew it was against the law and I had no bad intentions, really." Tsukuyomi-san shakes her head, then strokes her hair as she looks at me.
"So this is about a sword? That is none of my concern." I don't know who's more surprised between Meiya, the Three Idiots, and me. Tsukuyomi-san continues to talk slowly. "There is no law that forbids an owner to give its sword to someone else, in fact that act of trust is one of the most sacred traditions of the Empire. To take the sword from you would be equal to trampling over the wishes of the original wielder. You may keep it, I shall not object." Saved by the honor code, who would have said it. But she seems… too composed. Even if they're suspicious of me and Meiya is here, this feels off.
"Tsukuyomi, that is-" Meiya shut her mouth as Tsukuyomi-san sent a glare her way.
"I see. Forgive the trouble, 1st Lieutenant. I'll try to not get in Cadet Mitsurugi's way from now on." I bow to her. The last thing I need is to get on her bad side, considering that I'm already on Yuuhi's black list. Even if I have a thousand questions right now, maybe she's just lying to not get Meiya involved.
"There is no reason to thank me." She gestures towards the trio, signaling them to leave. Once they were far away, she turned to face us bearing an angry expression. "However, do let me tell both of you some things." Ouch. Here comes the 'Why you alive, dead man?' question, perhaps? Meiya also tensed up. Let me see what's under those emeralds, Tsukuyomi-san.
"What is it?"
"First, Meiya-sama it was most foolish to argue with your squadmate here when you could have come to consult with me on your own. You did not think on the repercussions this would have for both of you if someone saw you. And,yet again,you ignored my advice to not approach him. I do not know how you found out he has a katana, but I believe you should reflect on your actions."
Meiya lowers her gaze to the ground in shame. Her lips tremble slightly as she nods in acknowledgment of the words.
"Next. Cadet Shirogane, you should be more careful with your belongings. Had anyone else learned of such an item being in your possession, you would have been placed in a very compromising position. Meiya-sama's worry was well placed, even if you have the right to wield it. Luck has smiled your way for your squadmate to be the one who found out about this and not another. You should mend your carelessness so that this does not repeat itself."
She sounds like an older sister scolding me like this, even if she doesn't know I have a Minaru Kamui. However, she does not seem hostile towards me. I give her a nod and, for the briefest moment, she smiled.
"And last. Both of you really need to stop quarreling. As fellows, you have no reason to doubt each other. You will need to join forces in the coming CCSE, so stop with these needless arguments. Cadet Shirogane, I expect you to be on your best behavior around her. Meiya-sama, I expect you to start behaving in a proper manner befitting of your station. You seem to have forgotten what I taught you about poise and composure, that is most shameful." Critical Hit to Meiya's Mental Fortitude Stat. She seems really shaken by this scolding.
"Thanks for the advice. I'll keep it in mind." I bow again, Meiya follows suit.
"Forgive the trouble, 1st Lt. Tsukuyomi."
"Do not mention it. Forget we ever met today, we're lucky this happened after the alarm. If people weren't outside to breath some air this wouldn't have gone unnoticed. We have been ordered to not interfere with him, so do not expect our assistance next time." Ordered? This again…
I'd like to ask her, but… What if I blow my cover and she stops being careful around me? Being Meiya's guardian she must know about my situation already. So, she's holding back for now. If I want answers the only time I can get them is now, before Takamura arrives. But Meiya is here.
Sigh… I'll have to let it slide. The signs I got have only gotten me more confused, she really didn't send any aggressiveness my way. Is she holding back because of Yuuhi's orders? Is she not sure whether I am or not this world's me? She must have tried to investigate my background, after all.
"Well, I'll be on my way then." And with that she leaves with hurried steps.
After she went a considerable distance I reassured myself she wasn't going to suddenly turn around and come after me, and so I went my way to my room. I need a shower and a nap to clear my head.
"…Forgive me. I shouldn't have become so suspicious of you." Meiya said as she walked by my side, hanging her head.
"It's fine. I know you don't like me much. Let's just ignore each other until we get commissioned." I really don't know what to do with you anymore. Being friendly didn't work, being serious didn't work. Asking for their help didn't either. What can I even-
"Wait, Shirogane." She stops me as I was almost to the stairs.
"What it is?"
"…Are you truly not a member of the Royal Guard?" She drills her eyes into me, folding her arms as usual. Her gaze is wavering again.
"Of course not. Why would I be here as a Cadet then?" She takes a step towards me with clashing waves in her eyes. She's doubting, now that she thinks I have the right to wield a Minaru Kamui she must have assumed I'm on the Guard. Which is kinda right for this world's me.
"Then, why did she call us fellows?"
"Because we're squadmates?"
"Do not be foolish! She called us squadmates before, and don't tell me you didn't notice her tone changed when she said it. To refer to us in such a way… It means she sees you as one of us. So if you're not on the Guard… " Her eyes narrow at me again. Wait, 'one of us'?
"Mitsurugi, I don't know what got into you, but I'm not your enemy. I stopped holding back, I told the 1st Lt about my sword, and I'm not snapping at you despite what you did. Can you please speak your mind with me? What do you mean by 'one of us'?" I honestly have no idea what's she's talking about. How could I be 'one of them' if I'm not a Royal Guard? Maybe she thinks I'm a vassal or something?
"You're telling the truth? You aren't a member of the Royal Guard? Then, what about your swordplay? Where did you learn that style?" Again with this? I mean, can't blame her for noticing.
"I learned it on my old squad, I told you that already. Look, I'm not on the Guard. She said so herself, the blade can be passed to other people. That's all there is to this." Her shoulders start to tremble.
"…That's all, you say? If someone gave that blade to you… And you have the right to wield it… Then I'm… My mission…"
"Mitsurugi? Hey, what's up?" I've never seen Meiya so visibly troubled, except during the coup but that was a limit situation. "D-Did I say something harmful again?"
"Stop that. You… Because of you…" She looks at me as purple blazes roar alive in her eyes. Now what did I say?!
"What is it now? Can you speak to me? I don't know what's going on here, and I want to know what's up with you. Tell me what's troubling you, please? Why are you so rejecting towards me?" I take one step forward but then she moves away, avoiding my gaze.
"…Forgive me. What I can tell you is that 1st Lt. Tsukuyomi sees you as someone who serves the Shogun, that's why she called us fellows. Excuse me, I need to get some air." And she stormed out of here, not giving me a chance to stop her.
Okay, what the actual hell just happened? She said Tsukuyomi-san thinks I serve the Shogun, which means she must think I'm this world's me, and Meiya does not like that one bit. Which is weird, she should be friendly towards a member of the Guard or someone who serves Yuuhi, why did she react like that? She said something about a mission, so she was talking about how she's Yuuhi's body double.
How could I ever get in the way of that? Does she think that I got sent here to keep tabs on her? She did react super badly when they brought the purple Takemikazuchi here and when Tsukuyomi-san remained with her instead of going to Yuuhi's side during the coup.
I have so many questions. And I don't think that going after Meiya right now is a good idea. I need to go talk this out with Sensei.
Wait… She told me to not bother her no matter what. Goddammit, this is too important to leave it for another day, and it's not like it'll take too much time to tell her about it. I mean, what if Tsukuyomi-san approaches me thinking I'm working for Her Highness and I blow my cover? With how little I know of the Royal Guard's way of doing things she'll notice right away I'm not one of them.
And so, I rushed towards Sensei's office.
A few minutes later.
(Yuuko's Office.)
"So you're telling me that this woman thinks you're here by order of the Shogun?" Raising a brow, hand on her chin, she stared at me.
"You don't have to make that face, I can't believe it either!"
"But… What does this mean, then? The timing for the transfer of Takamura was too good to be just a coincidence. If they think you're on their side, does this mean the Shogun thinks so too? No, that can't be. She should have access to all the data on the Guard, she must have some files on this world's you. But then…"
"Could it be that they are the ones that are misunderstanding this? They might have seen that my records are blocked and that I belong to the Guard going by my profile in their databases, and then they assumed I was here by orders of the Shogun in some secret mission, and didn't tell her about me." Yuuhi didn't knew Chizuru was in our squad last loop until I opened my mouth, after all.
"No, that's impossible. They would have reported this to her, they wouldn't have let this slip. Especially considering you're in Mitsurugi's squad. And even if they didn't, Yoroi surely reported your presence here. I don't know what happened in your other experiences, but do remember that our Shirogane was a Royal Guard here." She has a point there.
"Then… What the hell is going on here?"
"I have no idea." She shrugs then begins to spin on her chair. "But this also might be a trap, to try and make us probe for intel. They may excuse themselves saying that the Shogun ordered to not harm you because of your memory loss now that they know about it. Actually, that might be an explanation." Bringing a hand to her chin again, she looks up as her spin slows down. "Instead of confronting us directly, they use Yoroi to get something out of you. He's very perceptive, he may have noticed that fighting you head on would be pointless, so he suggested that the members of the Guard here shouldn't get close to you and if they did they could feign ignorance on your situation or lie."
"…And so, they sent one person I can't deal with easily. A noble who's part of a top secret and very important research project. Sigh… So all she said was a lie then?" I kinda hoped that I didn't have to go against the Empire, but if this is true and they're lying to get me by surprise… Tsukuyomi-san did say that they shouldn't involve themselves with me. You don't talk about your allies in that way.
"Hmm… Maybe. I'll call Yoroi to ask him if he could find any documents about you and then I'll try to get some intel about this Takamura. Depending on how he answers, we'll know what to do. You stay alert, they may go after you at any time." I don't want to admit it, but she's right.
"Yeah, I know. This was just too shocking to ignore, that's why I came in a rush here to tell you." I sigh as I scratch my head. Today has been crazy.
"That was the right thing to do, this is either a trap or a very important hint towards who the other you was. In any case, I'll move some strings and see what I can find, you go and rest for the day."
"No need to tell me twice. Oh, before I forget. Is there any way I can lock my door from the outside?" She shakes her head as she shrugs.
"No, we never had a problem with someone barging into another soldier's room without permission. I'll have Marimo give Mitsurugi a nice, long talk about it. That should help in keeping her from telling your squad about the blade." I'm sure the Instructor won't appreciate to have her day off be interrupted again, and by another lecture no less. And it will probably just make Meiya more resentful towards me. Great. Can't do much about that though.
I leave the office and go back to my room. I've checked that everything is still here. My books, my medal and GR Card, our sword. It was obvious that someone had entered and moved everything, just what was she after? Why did she enter my room after the emergency alarm?
Was she that paranoid that I wasn't there? Well, doesn't matter now. I've never seen Meiya look so… it was more than just sad, like she was genuinely scared of me for some reason. Lately, it feels as if this world was in the middle of a party where I am the pinata. I'm being hit left and right by unknown threats and low blows, I don't even know who's my friend anymore. Even Kyouzuka-san is treating me like shit.
I sit on my bed, letting out another sigh as I rest my arms on my legs. Hanging my head, I close my eyes and remain like that as I breathe in and out.
My squad is suspicious of me. Tsukuyomi-san thinks I work for the Shogun, but Yuuhi sent Takamura to take care of me so that smile of hers might be a trap. The UN and the Empire are almost done with each other's shit, we can't expect support from America but we also can't trust the Empire. It's a miracle the BETA haven't destroyed Japan already, going by today's battle at Niigata. Had the Laser-Class at the shore started to attack we would have lost many more people, their numbers worked against them this time. We lucked out to have so many BETA around us to hide behind, and even more to not get spotted by anyone.
At least the XM3 worked flawlessly today. Yeah, think positive! I totally stomped those monsters today! And this is just the prototype, with more live testing and the data from Tsukuyomi-san's squad it's going to be even better. Can't fail this CCSE no matter what, so let's help Mikoto and Tama as much as I can. I can only hope the other three don't give me more problems. So long as they don't try to harm me or take my stuff, they can say whatever they want.
No hard feelings, I know I'm an outsider here after all. They already… made that very clear to me.
November 12th. 11:10 AM.
(Track field.)
"Next pairs are Sakaki with Ayamine in HTH, Yoroi and Tamase and Mitsurugi with Shirogane using weapons."
I crack my knuckles as I go towards the box. I just had to do a literal Shoryuken to stop Kei. She's gotten good, like really good. Shame she hates my guts, though.
"So Mitsurugi, what should we-" A sword is sent my way, Meiya was already on her way with one in her hands. Sigh…
I did try to reach out to her during breakfast and got the silent treatment. I take my usual pose in front of her as she also takes her Mugen stance. After gazing at each other for some time she rushes at me.
To the left, parried. I move to my right and attack, she parries it, I send a slash at her waist and force her to take a step back.
We continue to spar, but she's putting more force in her slashes now. She's gritting her teeth, her eyes are once more filled with purple fire.
"…What's the matter, Shirogane? Are you not feeling motivated today?"
"Hey, stop that. I'm being serious here." I press her advance once more, forcing her to switch to a defensive form. Once more our blades are locked in a struggle.
"…Mugen Kidou."
"Huh?" The slight distraction let Meiya escape from my pressure. She again faces me, with her sword above her shoulder pointing at me in the bunny stance.
"Mugen Kidou. That's the name of my style. Shirogane, what's the name of yours?"
"…Name?" Maya-sensei did tell me she nicknamed it Unending Waterfall, and that she developed it due to her rivalry with Tsukuyomi-san, but… Should I call it that? I mean…
"What is it?!" She again comes at me, faster than before.
"…I don't know, I was just taught its principles." I dodge to my left, sending a slash at her shoulder.
"Really now?"
"Say, can you tell me what's up with you? This is no way to treat a 'fellow'." She scowls at me, again putting more force on her swings.
"Weren't you the one who said you were a UN soldier?" She forces me to take a step back as she comes at me with a downwards slash from my right.
"You're on the UN too."
"That's different! I'm here to-"
Gotcha. Her temper flared up and she loosened her posture for a second. I take a step back, pointing my sword backwards, preparing the upwards slash.
Meiya's blade went to greet the sun.
"Looks like it's another win for me." Thank God she's so easy to taunt.
"…Bested again." I gotta at least try to not make things worse.
"Good fight Mitsurugi." I offer her a handshake, but she returns a glare my way.
"Good fight? Do not mock me. I couldn't even graze you! What was good about it?!"
"That you did pressure me for a while? You are getting better, quickly at that."
"…Really?" Her aggressiveness slowly fades, she stops tightening her fists.
"Yeah. So, can we talk for a while? What was that about us being fellows?"
"I already told you." She goes to pick up her sword. Ignored again, what did I even expect?
As I leave my sword in the box and wait for the rest to finish, Meiya also comes back and leaves her sword in place.
At first she ignored me, but after a short while I felt her stare on me. I looked at her, she looked away. I remained watching her, eventually she tried to look at me again, and surprise filled her eyes when she saw me staring at her.
"Hey. You seem to want to ask something."
"I do not." I hold my chuckle down. She really looks funny when she gets upset like that.
"Then why were you staring?" I got a bit closer to her, she started playing with her tags.
"I was not."
"Mitsurugi, being honest here. What happened yesterday?"
"I won't intrude on your privacy ever again, forgive me for that." She answered fast and honestly, looking at me with clear eyes.
"I'll consider forgiving you if you explain to me what happened. Can you tell me why you got into my room?" She grimaces as she looks down.
"…I went to look for you during the alarm. I didn't find you, but when I was about to leave I saw a steel box on your desk. I…" She pauses for a while, grabbing a strand of hair and playing with it. "I opened it, and that sparked my curiosity. Then, after the base called off DEFCON 2, I returned to your room to… inspect it."
"Nice way of saying ransacking it." She bites her lower lip softly.
"Forgive me. I was too curious about you. Your swordplay and tactical knowledge are great, so I thought that I could find something that would confirm or deny whether you were on the American's side." Again with this. Sigh…
"And? What are you gonna do with that intel now?"
"What are you talking about? The books you had were all in Japanese, the uniform you had when we met was also of Japanese origin, even if I haven't heard of that brand." She slowly returns my gaze, small waves conflicting in her. "If… If it isn't something classified, could you tell me what does that steel box means? Why do you have another ID Card and that medal?"
"It's… a gift from Sensei."
"A gift?"
"Yeah, apparently the badge is some sort of commemorative of something. The ID card is for all the special missions she assigns me, I only use it when she calls me to her office. It's how I go to the lower floors when she needs me, like when we trained with the simulators." Necessary bullshit is necessary.
"Her… You can go to her office?!" She covers her mouth after shouting in a panic, and, after looking at the Instructor and confirming she didn't hear thanks to being away separating Chizuru and Kei yet again, she breathed a sigh.
"Yeah, how else am I supposed to report my progress? Though I only go there rarely, that's why I don't have the card with me at all times." Not a bad lie, if I say so myself.
"I see. So she considers you a 'Champion', huh? You are special after all." This time she didn't say it in with any sign of hostility, she's honestly praising me. Which is weird.
"So, what did you do when you found my sword?" Half closing her eyes and digging her gaze into the ground, she grabs the edge of her tank top tightly.
"When I got it in my hands I could tell it was a sword, but the cover felt familiar for some reason. When I removed it and took out the blade I…" Now her eyes close, lips twisting. Lowering her head as wrinkles fill her nose, she barely whispers out the words."…I fell to my knees. I couldn't believe my eyes, yet no matter how much I examined it, I could only reach one conclusion. You had the same kind of blade I do." She takes a deep breath and looks at me again. "Why did you have it? Who gave it to you? Were we supposed to work together? Doubt took hold of me, I even suspected you might have been a member of the Royal Guard sent to keep watch over me. And yet my doubt was unnecessary as you are my fellow, apparently." Finally got to the important part. Not that the rest was unimportant, but this is what I want to know the most.
"What's up with the fellow stuff? I have no idea what that means."
"…That's what I want to know. You're not on the Guard, right?" I nod at her. "And you don't know what the Mugen Kidou is?"
"…No." She narrows her eyes at me, getting just a tiny bit closer.
"Why is there doubt on your voice, Shirogane?" I know I'm playing with fire here, but I gotta get some answers.
"Because I feel kinda bad not knowing my style's name. You sound so proud of it, and here I am with not a clue." I look at the sky, now that I think about it I may never get a chance to finish my training. Maya-san might have never developed this style in this world, and even if she did, the chances of us training together are null.
"I see. It means that, just like me, you have the right to wield the blade."
"That's all?"
"Yes, what else could it mean? Having the blade is a great honor in and of itself after all." So it's just like an honorary title given to those who have katanas? Like, 'fellow swordsman' kind of thing?
"Huh, neat. Well, I know we aren't really on good terms, but I'll try to not get in your way anymore. I do not want to get yelled at by that 1st Lt. ever again. So, can you promise me you won't barge into my room again?" She looks straight at me and nods. I know she's honest, so I can trust her in this.
"You have my word. I won't intrude on your private quarters ever again. Well, may I ask you what did you… think of today's bout? Did you notice a difference?" She looks away, but her tone was no longer full of mines. Let's sail this boat to calmer waters.
"You put too much force on your swings. That's not a bad thing, but your strength is your speed to draw your blade, you should focus on that. You did fight better than your usual."
"I see. So, Shirogane… What are you going to do with your sword?"
"What do you mean, what? I'm gonna keep it hidden as I was doing, it's not like I can go around carrying a katana."
"Yes, indeed. But I was referring to… you know, using the Mi… your sword for… its intended purpose. I know we're not supposed to talk about it, but being fellows maybe we could share some insight with each other. What do you say?" She gives me a small smile, but that only raises questions within.
"Purpose? What are you talking about?" Meiya looks intensely at me, first scanning my face throughly and later furrowing her brows at me.
"You… do not know of its meaning?"
I'm pretty sure she isn't talking about the whole 'giving you the handguard' business here, so what is this about?
"Again, no idea what you're talking about."
"Do not be foolish! Don't tell me you-"
"Squad! Assemble!"
Our talk interrupted, we went to the Instructor. Meiya was once more staring blades at me.
"Squad, with this we've finished this morning's practice. You're all doing good times and slowly improving. However…" She briefly glares at Meiya. "I've heard some of you have been causing quite some trouble. If I hear about any more problems in this squad, all of you will receive a punishment harsher than anything I've given you until now. Understood? Dismissed!"
We salute and she goes her way. I've never seen her so pissed off. She may have lost quite some free time yesterday, so it's understandable.
"That was so scary! What do you think happened?" Tama said as we started making our way towards the PX.
"No idea. Did anything happen after the summons? By the way Takeru, where were you during the alarm?"
"In the lower floors, forced to do a special mission."
"Shirogane, you're still… working on those sims?" Chizuru changed her tone midway, sheathing her blade.
"Yeah. It's not like I can refuse an order from the XO."
"…You sure about that?" Kei came to my side on the left, almost bumping her shoulder with mine she stared at me. Saying nothing, just giving me her usual deep stare.
"Yeah, I was on a mission during the alarm. What about it?" Not a lie.
"…Nothing." She looks away and marches forward to the PX.
Not much else was said as we entered and got in line. Again I got half rations.
"So, guys. About homework…" Mikoto asked the girls for advice as we started to eat.
Chizuru chose to sit by my side for some reason and leaned close as she talked to me.
"Shirogane, can I ask you about the problem on page 87? What would be the best approach to defend the beach head?"
"Page 87? Oh, right." The island assault one, was it? "Support from the Ticonderoga should go first to the vanguard and then to the middle of the enemy force, let a small chaser force finish the stragglers that are too close, regroup and rebuild the line and keep the artillery support coming until the rest of the fleet arrive. The wincon isn't survival, it's annihilation. Don't bother pressing forward, use the artillery to keep the bulk of them as far away from the fronliners as you can, so that they can dispatch anyone who reaches the line without putting themselves in danger."
"Huh… Why are you not trying to expand the beach head? Wouldn't it be disadvantageous if your forces were surrounded?" I finish munching and after drinking some synth juice I continue speaking slowly.
"I got a Ticonderoga with me, that kind of fire is more than enough to keep the frontline safe, so long as a proper defense line is set. If you try to move forward you would have to spread the line, making it wider and thinner. And then you won't be able to provide fire support to all the line at the same time. By defending a smaller area you can create something of a bottleneck, which allows you to trim the amount of places you need to commit to artillery defense. So you won't have to choose between two different targets and risking your line to be breached. Remember that the goal is to protect the shore, not to defeat the aggressors."
"I see. Thanks for the advice." She gives me a small nod and continues to eat.
What's wrong with her now? Some days ago she was glaring at me with chainsaws instead of eyes and now she's being polite all of a sudden? Well, we just got scolded hard, she must be doing this to make it look as if we were on good terms, since we are being watched probably.
The rest of lunch and the afternoon lectures went as usual. Except Meiya kept staring at me, yet refused to answer when I called out to her. What's this about a purpose and why does she not want to tell me?
"Remember to read up on the questions you got wrong. Tomorrow we're doing more reading on combat scenarios at morning, so do be ready for that. We'll go to the shooting range for more practice during the afternoon. Dismissed!"
"Salute!" The Instructor leaves and we relax our posture.
"That was a good answer on the last one, Miki-san!"
"That's not true! I just got lucky, I didn't really-"
I leave towards the PX, I don't want to ruin Tama and Mikoto's talk by making the other three turn against me. I also don't like the stare Meiya's giving me right now. They followed closely after I left, and we again arrived together at the PX.
"So Shirogane-san, what are you doing this evening? Wanna play something?" Tama asks me as we all sit on the table.
Thanks, but I don't wanna ruin your games. I know the others will get on a bad mood if I'm there.
"No, I'm going to rest up. I am pretty tired today."
"Are you alright? Did you catch a cold?" Aww, your honest worry is heartwarming Tama.
"Nah, I just need some sleep that's all." Yesterday night I stayed playing with Kasumi again, and thanks to that my eyes hurt. I didn't realize how much strain it causes to look at a small screen for such a long time. She is getting better in CryRing, but F-Mega is just a no go for her.
Hm? Meiya, who was sitting to my side, bumped her feet on mine. I looked at her but she kept eating normally. Must have been just a coincidence.
"Shirogane, if you're free… Would you mind helping me in showing Yoroi some of the subjects we saw when she wasn't around?" This is weird. Why is Chizuru being nice all of a sudden? Just because of the scolding? Whatever, this is a nice chance to try to fix the bridge.
"Sure, why not?"
Ouch! This time Meiya hit my ankle a bit more strongly, so she is doing this on purpose. I look at her but she's eating without even looking at me. If she wants to say something she can just speak up. Or is she looking for a fight? What's up with her?
"Thank you Takeru! I really can't keep up with all of this." Mikoto beams at me and Chizuru.
"Don't mention it, Mikoto. It'll be a pleasure to help."
Ouch! Why is she hitting me?! What the hell is your problem? Why can't you just talk?!
"Mitsurugi, what about you?" I stare at her, letting some of my annoyance slip.
"I have not decided yet. I was thinking on going for a jog later." She slightly narrowed her eyes as she took a brief glance at me. So you don't want the others to know?
"Miki-san, what will you do?"
"Me and Ayamine-san are going to do a juggle competition today." Kei nods with a small smile on her face.
"Well, we all need a break every now and then. Then Shirogane, can I count on you to help me with Yoroi?"
"Sure." She smiles faintly before returning to her usual cold face. Meiya was glaring at me as she ate.
We finish our dinner and exit the PX together.
"Ayamine-san, you wait for a while. I'll go look for the bean bags." Tama dashes off towards the barracks.
"Well, I'll be going to the track field." Meiya said, clearly staring at me. I wink, which seems to startle her a bit, but then she returns a subtle nod before going her way.
Us three went to the library after picking up our notebooks on the barracks. Helping Mikoto was a piece of cake, since I know what she usually has trouble with and could break down the problems nicely for her. Unexpectedly, Chizuru then demanded my help too.
"So, I shouldn't press towards the canyon?"
"No, you'll get flanked when you have to split. Your numbers will work against you here."
"Takeru, you're so smart!"
"Hmm… That does seem like a good answer. Well, let's leave it at that for today." We close the books we were using and returned them to their respective shelves.
"Thanks a lot you two! I really got a lot of things sorted out." Mikoto's usual smile widened as we exited the library.
"Don't mention it. Glad I could help you."
"Well, it's kinda late so I'll be hitting the sack now. Good night, you two." And off she goes. Now let's go see what Meiya-
"Shirogane." Or not.
"What is it, Sakaki?" She adjusts her glasses and takes a second to speak again.
"Thanks for your help. It was a relief to have you here today."
"It was the obvious thing to do, helping a squadmate."
"Yes, of course." She stops, looks down, and continues. "Well, the CCSE is getting closer, so… Thanks for giving your all on our training. Good night." She slowly goes her way without waiting for a reply.
So… We cool now? Was a scolding all that was needed? No, she's just being polite. She probably still sees me as an American and she did mention the CCSE. Oh well, whatever.
Now then… What do I do about Meiya? This may be a trap, she might just be setting me up. There's almost no one on the track field at this hour, so if Tsukuyomi-san wanted to get rid of me…
As I was lost in thought, I saw Kasumi coming towards me on the hallway.
"Hey Kasumi. What's up?" She gets closer, signaling to my ear. I lower my head and she whispers in a very low tone.
"The Professor says she wants to test the new data you brought with the OS. Come with me please, we'll go to the sim room after lights out."
Sigh… I wanted some sleep, looks like that's a no go.
"Fine, I get it. But can I ask you a favor before we go?" She nods as she moves her bunny ears.
"What is it?"
"Can you see if Meiya is plotting something? She wanted me to go to the track field, and was very insistent on not saying it out loud. I dunno why she wanted to keep that a secret, but it's weird. Can you lend me a hand?"
"Yes. Shall we go now?"
"Can we? What if it's dangerous?"
"Don't worry, I'll contact the Professor if anything dangerous comes up." She takes a small communicator from one of her pockets.
"Ok, thanks a lot Kasumi."
We stealthily made our way to the track field, stopping at a door. Opening it slowly and peeking through the space, we saw Meiya jogging alone in the night.
"Can you do it from here?" She gives me a nod and closes her eyes.
Only the distant sound of Meiya's boots hitting the ground can be heard now. After a short while, Kasumi moves back from the door.
"So, what did you see?"
"…She's weird." Kasumi's shoulders and bunny ears drop as a long sigh escapes her.
"What do you mean?"
"She's thinking about you. She's angry, sad, glad, all at the same time. I think she doesn't even know how to feel. But there is no one else here, and she isn't plotting anything that would harm you."
"I see. Then it should be safe to go talk with her, right?"
"I don't know. She is very unstable now."
"Well, if anything happens, just go and pull me away." She gives me a nod.
I go into the track field, Meiya notices me and stops jogging.
"Yo, sorry to make you wait."
"I thought you were not going to come, to be honest." She wipes the sweat off her forehead as she approaches me.
"So, care to tell me what this is about?" She folds her arms as usual as she scans my face.
"Surely you already know. Shirogane, do you really not know the meaning behind the Minaru Kamui?"
"I told you that I don't already. Is this about how you give the handguard to someone to tell them that-"
"N-No! It's not about that! How can you know of that and not of what I'm asking you?" Her narrowed eyes were again showing hints of purple embers in them, which contrasted with the slight red of her cheeks.
"I just heard about it once, that's all. So, I don't know what's the hidden meaning of the blade. What's up with that?" She closes her eyes for a while, and after she opens them up again they seem to have regained their usual shine.
"…You told me someone gave that blade to you. And that you couldn't tell me who that person was because you were forbidden of speaking about it. Am I correct?"
"Yeah. So, what about-"
"And you seemed terribly composed when you spoke to the 1st Lt. too." She isn't listening. How I hate it when she gets like this. "While I am thankful that you spoke up, it only raised more questions. She scolded us both, allowed you to keep your blade, and referred to us as fellows. Surely you see what that means, right?"
…No, I don't. I mean, I can't tell her that Tsukuyomi-san might have been lying, because I'm supposed to be a walking corpse to them. But Meiya mentioned her mission yesterday, she came at me more than seriously today, went out of her way to mention the Mugen Kidou, seemed to be nice until I told her I don't know of this 'meaning', and called me out here to speak about it alone. No, she tried to make it seem as if I was the one approaching her, since Tsukuyomi-san ordered her to not involve herself with me. And she said having the blade made just like… Wait a sec…
"Are you trying to say that… they're giving me the same treatment as you?" She nods as small pyres of fire resurface in her eyes.
"Indeed. I also have a Minaru Kamui and I also cannot speak of my mission with anyone. However, I was… fated to walk this path, one might say. Shirogane, I am not going to pry into your life anymore but there is something I wish to know, so I ask you to be honest with me."
I give her a nod as I gulp. What is she gonna ask? To go talk with Tsukuyomi-san for confirmation?
"Were you aware of this? That you were seen as a servant of the Shogun?"
"I had no idea that the blade carried that meaning, for real." She relaxes a bit, the fire slowly leaving her eyes.
"I see. Then, I suppose you cannot speak about who gave you the blade not because of a mission you were given but, because of a personal reason?"
"Pretty much. I told you I'm not on the Guard. So, is the Minaru Kamui something that's given to people that are being scouted into the Royal Guard?"
"Yes, something of the sort. Its meaning is more deep, but there is no reason to explain it. So you are not a fellow of mine." She again sharpens her eyes at me. Now what?!
"Look Mitsurugi, I might not be a 'fellow' but I'm your squadmate. I'm fighting seriously with you, and I did came to talk with you despite what you did, despite me not doing anything to deserve this hostility. Being more civil with me isn't out of your reach, I'm sure." Unable to suppress my frown, I simply spit out some poison.
"I know that my recent actions speak volumes of how I saw you, and I do regret them to a certain extent." She slowly said, eyes closed and arms folded. "However, leaving that blade in your hands is something I cannot do. Now that I know you are not one of us, and that the 1st Lt. misunderstood your standing, I must once again ask you to hand it over before charges are pressed against you." She takes a step closer, staring right at me with those sapphire blades of her.
…You know? I should be getting intimidated or something, but… seeing her so shining again instead of filled with paranoia… She does look like my Meiya now. Like the one who struggled with her allegiance during the coup, the one who was willing to die to save a single old lady. I bet that whatever the hell the Minaru Kamui is meant to represent, it's something tied to this Japan's culture and she's protecting that from an evil 'murican from her point of view. I don't feel hatred coming from her, for now at the least.
"So, I suppose you want me to go talk again with the 1st Lt. right?"
"Yes, I wish to clear this misunderstanding. You came willingly to talk with me, you don't seem to be lying. Despite coming from America and my recent actions towards you, I can see you're being honest about this. So, I'd like you to return the blade to the Empire before you suffer the consequences of having it in your hands."
"…Okay, fine. But I want someone else to be there too, in case the guards try to harm me." She lifts her chin, sharpening her sapphires. Of course she would be offended.
"Do you really think the Guard would-"
"To someone they see as an American? Yes, they would. I mean, you also see me as a filthy 'murican, don't you?"
"I… well… I mean, I know you're Japanese." She looks away. That's all I needed to know.
"It's cool. Whatever. I know you don't trust me so-"
I stopped in the middle of my phrase as I heard something from behind as Meiya widened her eyes. Kasumi was quickly coming to my side. That means… something dangerous is getting closer.
"Yashiro? Oh, do you have another mission? At this hour?"
"I don't know. Hey Kasumi, what's-"
"Let's go. They're coming." She grabs my arm and starts pulling me.
"Hey Kasumi, stop that. What is it?" She shakes her head and continues pulling me. I feel a hand on my shoulder.
"Yashiro, I'm in the middle of something here with Shirogane. Could you please-"
"You should run too. The red guard is coming, and she's angry."
Meiya's eyes shot wide open, I see her tremble for a split second. Using that brief instant, Kasumi starts pulling me away again with me actually following her this time. I do not want to be on Tsukuyomi-san's sight when she's angry.
Shortly after, we made it back inside with Meiya following us closely, however Kasumi took a different hallway, and before Meiya could react we were out of her sights. I heard her calling for us, but I think it's better to put some distance with her. If Tsukuyomi-san finds us together again she'll get angrier. I'll apologize tomorrow to her.
"Kasumi, it's alright. You don't have to keep pulling."
"No." She grabs my arm tighter and keeps trying to pull.
I pet her head and return to my usual walking speed, and after some seconds she stops pulling and we walk together the rest of the way towards the elevator on B5F.
…She didn't let go of my arm, though.
Some minutes later.
(Roof.)
[Meiya]
"I told you to not approach him!" Tsukuyomi berated me as she hasn't done in a long time.
I managed to get to the barracks without running into her, but Tomoe was standing guard outside my room. She took me to the roof after contacting Tsukuyomi on her communicator, and here we are now.
"I didn't approach him. He came on his own to-"
"Meiya-sama, your feet were rather busy during dinner today." She noticed? I was trying to be subtle about it too. "Did you enjoy the feel of his legs by your side, perhaps?" W-What?!
"Tsukuyomi! I would never do something so unsightly!"
"Then, care to explain what were you doing?" She takes a step closer, drilling her gaze on me. My throat constricts itself again, barely allowing me to squeeze out a reply.
"I was… only trying to… have a talk with him."
"This is the last time I shall overlook your misconduct. Stain your honor one more time and I shall report all of this to her. Was I clear?"
"Yes, I understand. However, he told me he wasn't a fellow. He himself said that-"
"Silence!" I flinch back at her sudden outburst.
"T-Tsukuyomi?"
"That's enough. Perhaps, are you insinuating you do not trust in my judgment?"
"No, of course not! But he himself said it. That he… isn't one of us." I lower my gaze, unable to look at her in the eye.
"Could you answer that same question if he were the one asking?"
"Huh?"
"If he asked about your past, what could you tell him? How does he know you're with us?" What is she saying?
"Tsukuyomi, I'm… well, just looking at me should be enough."
"And yet, that's all there is to it. You just might be similar to her, by a genetic coincidence. How can you prove to him that you're on his side?" How can I… Wait, is she telling me to not judge him? Is he still being evaluated?
"But he cannot explain where he comes from or-"
"And could you explain to him where you come from, Meiya-sama?" Where is she going with these questions? She should know that I'm…
…
"…Tsukuyomi, are you saying… he's… the same as…"
"I believe I've already reprimanded you enough. You have been warned. Please, behave appropriately from now on."
She leaves without even waiting for my reply, without even stopping as I called out to her. I gaze alone at the sky, in the silence of the rooftop.
She was trying to tell me our situations are similar ones. He cannot explain to me why he has the blade just like how I can't explain that to him, and then he has to lie just like I have to about my origins and standing. We couldn't risk anyone hearing us by coincidence. But… An American, being admitted into the Royal Guard? A Japanese that willingly joined the UN?
Yet, he knows the Mugen Kidou even if he isn't aware of it. Perhaps, is that another lie to avoid a leak? He's better than me, even if he doesn't know of it.
Like the shifting clouds up above, my feelings clash against each other. Holding my elbows tightly, I go towards the fence, looking at the grounds below me. The wind blows, yet what makes me shiver comes from within.
Someone who Tsukuyomi watches over… that's in a similar situation as me… who was handpicked to wield a Minaru Kamui… and trained in the Mugen Kidou…
Someone who… could replace me.
November 15th. 05:51 PM.
(Shooting Range.)
[Takeru]
"FIRE!" We all shoot towards the target. Let's see… not dead center, but bullseye. Nice one, myself. Internal high five! I got all my shots to the bullseye today, I definitely got better with a gun this time around.
During this week the girls got a little tiny bit more polite with me. Chizuru stopped looking bothered and started asking me for advice again, albeit very rarely. Tama and Mikoto seemed to be less nervous during lunch and dinner now, and Kei simply ignored me. Chizuru and Kei are probably still suspicious of me, but they were trying to not let it show. For the sake of the CCSE, probably. I did my part and tried to lend them a hand when they asked me something. At least I can have peace for a while, I don't have any desire to spark another fight.
Meiya, on the other hand, reverted to how she was before. Didn't do much conversation with me, didn't reply when I approached her. I did try to apologize the next day, but she dismissed me saying I had no reason to. Oh well, I can't stop her from being suspicious and I can't risk myself and go to talk with Tsukuyomi-san about the Minaru Kamui.
That night however…
When Sensei showed me the data from the Battle of Niigata I was floored. I didn't notice due to either the adrenaline or tension, but I was moving 23% faster than the Shiranuis despite using an inferior TSF. Sensei said that I got a 54% increase in mobility and dexterity to the standard that the prototype was supposed to have. I also had an accuracy of 87%, which is probably my highest score ever. All of this with a refurbished 2nd Gen TSF, imagine if we could improve the Shiranui with these babes! Sadly, there's no money to make another Shiranui Second and all the Type-94-1C that are the base for the Second are in control of the Shogunate's elite forces.
Well, at least I know I have one TSF I'm comfortable with. I just need to get a blade sheath for a PB Sword and that's all. Maybe I could get our usual rifles that have both types of ammo instead of the lighter ones that only have one type. If I could have again 36mm and 120mm ammo at the same time… Oooh, I shudder just thinking about it. Then again, I'd like to know what that yellow thing was. Sensei said it was top secret and that she couldn't tell me, so who knows what that thing actually is. I mean, it did kinda melt the external armor of the TSFs in… What? Three minutes? That's nuts.
"Squad! I have an announcement for you!" The Instructor addresses us as the girls where looking at the targets. "This Saturday we decided to give you a break from your training and let you go on a vacation to a tropical island to the south." CCSE, here you are. F-ing finally.
"Instructor… this is the CCSE, right?" Chizuru asked weakly, her nervousness apparent in her tone and eyes as the coming damage a kitchen will suffer whenever Meiya steps in it.
"Aww, you just had to ruin it. Yes Sakaki, this is your second and last chance to pass this test. You all will be allowed to take three items with you, but no weapons, food, or combat gear. I want you to decide your items by tomorrow. Dismissed!"
"Salute!"
So we can take stuff with us this time? Aside from curry powder, what could I take with me? Hmm…
"Squad! I'd like us to agree on what we're taking to the CCSE." Chizuru addressed us, signaling us to get together.
Maybe I could take an empty bottle, to get some fuel for the boat just in case shit hits the fan.
"I was thinking of taking some sort of sheet, to cover us during the night and protect us in case it rains." Meiya gave a nice suggestion, but there's already a tarp in Point B.
Wait, are we going to go to the same island? Everything has been kinda different this time, they may send us to a harsher island this time around.
"I'll take some tools, in case someone decides to blow it again." Ayamine spoke throwing mud at Chizuru.
"Thank you VERY much for your suggestion." Chizuru answered waving an axe in every word. At it again, huh?
Then again, taking another bottle is not a bad idea. I could find another source of water on the island, and that would give me more since from the start we are given less than what we should have so that's not a bad call.
"I was thinking of taking a small pouch with bandages and stuff. I know we can't take much gear with us, but some small tissues and some alcohol for injuries would do wonders. Also I wanted to take some synthetic incense to deal with the insects and arachnids we may find." Survivalist number one, nobody could outmatch you in that Mikoto.
So maybe I should take some cloth with me, too? Just in case?
"Tamase, what about you?"
"Um… I was thinking on taking some binoculars with me. Our kits already have both a small pot and some fire starters to cook, but last time we didn't have binoculars." We have the lens of the big as F rifle for that. Unless we go to a different island, of course.
"Well thought, Miki-san!"
"Shirogane? What do you think?" Chizuru stared at me as she played with one of her ponytails.
"Some curry powder and an empty bottle. Haven't decided what the third thing is gonna be."
"Curry powder? Why would you take that with you?" Tama seemed puzzled at my choice.
"I heard stories about the CCSE where people had to eat snakes and toads, so I thought that taking some powder would make them less disgusting to eat." Mikoto makes a disgusted face as she groans. Sorry about that.
"Yes, I've… heard about that too." Chizuru closes her eyes and spoke slowly. Bet you had to eat some during the first time around too.
"You do think ahead in a very peculiar way, Shirogane. As expected of our special member." Meiya smiled, yet her cold tone was apparent. Why is she so angry, yet refuses to tell me why? She never, ever, did this while we were together. Then again, different world.
"Ahem, given the training we've received until now, we can all agree that this CCSE is going to be very hard. We will need to be on top form for it, let's discuss what's on our minds during lunch."
We all then go to the PX. This feels kinda weird, even if Tama and Mikoto were always nice with me, I don't know for how long Chizuru will keep up the act or if she's being honest since she's keeping her poker face all the time.
I get the usual half rations again. If I didn't have to save my world I'd be so done with this. I'll have a talk with Sensei about this when I come back from the island, since she's engrossed in the theories for the time being.
Meiya sat in front of me and with her were Chizuru and Mikoto. The other two were to my left. The blue samurai cleared her throat as we all sat, and started talking as she got our attention.
"I would like to discuss our pairings. Going from our last experience, there's the chance that we will be split during the test at some point. Since we probably won't know the full layout of the island when this happens, I suggest we decide on some pairs now, based on our synergies." Meiya was being serious about this, in the end I never knew how their last CCSE went.
"I don't wanna pair up with glasses." Kei answered almost instantly.
"The feeling is mutual." Chizuru replied with the same edge. Careful, you two.
"Umm… I don't really mind who I'm paired with, but since I'm the one with the worst stamina I'll have to take care of the targets that are closer." Tama said timidly as usual while she poked at her food.
"Then… How about this?" Chizuru raised on finger and pointed it at Tama. "One possible solution is to have me and Tamase together, she'll cover my back and look for traps while I'm the one that 'protects' her from danger. I have adequate strength to be able to manage by myself just fine in case we need to use force for something." Stopping for a second, she points to Mikoto and Kei. "Yoroi could go with Ayamine, to help her deal with the traps and use any long range weapon you may find. Also to stop her from eating raw stuff and fix any injuries she may sustain." She then points to me and Meiya. "Last, we have the two with the most endurance. Mitsurugi and Shirogane could go to the farthest targets, and since both are nimble and strong I'm sure you won't have problems." I catched Meiya drawing a small smile before returning to her serious expression.
"Hmm… We could also go for me and Tamase, Mitsurugi and Yoroi, and last Special-kun and the leader." Ayamine brings another option to the table. Chizuru and Meiya didn't like it much.
"Ayamine, why are you suggesting that?" Chizuru questioned her as she started to eat.
"Me and Tamase are a good pair, both of us are equally good when it comes to disabling traps and have different skill sets. Yoroi and Mitsurugi are similar to that, one is more of a supporting soldier while the other is the one that gets shit done. And I just want to see you suffer dealing with Special-kun." Oh, here we go again. Kei is just smirking at her while Chizuru is holding back a retort.
"You two, please keep it down. Then, how about we discuss two teams of three members?" Meiya took the kayak to another river before the rapids came.
They kept talking between them about different teams and their merits and bad points. I think we should be talking on the what and how, instead of focusing on who we're going with.
"Shirogane? Is something the matter?" Meiya was looking at me with an accusing glare. What's up with her?
"Nothing. Just thinking."
"Then I would like to hear your thoughts on the matter. Do you have anyone you want to pair up with?"
"No, not really." She narrows her eyes as she strokes her hair.
"Hmm… Then let me ask you something else. What do you expect from this CCSE? How do you think it'll go?" Sharp, relentless questions. What did I even do? I have been trying to be nice, despite how I feel like it's a waste of time with you.
"I expect the place to be full of traps. Other than that, I dunno. It'll depend on the weather and the terrain."
"A nice observation. Then you do not mind who we pair you with?" Chizuru was looking at me quite intensely. For all I care, it can be any of you.
"No, it can be anyone. I don't really mind."
"Alright. Nice to know that. Now then… Anything else? Does anyone have any suggestions or anything?" Chizuru asked to the table, resting an elbow on it.
"I do." Mikoto raised her hand, really slow. "I think we should take our time to deal with the targets this time. Since technically it's going to be either an infiltration or escape mission, if we destroy the objectives too fast it would ruin our score. If we get a low score we won't pass the exam." So you can fail the thing if you screw up, even if you make it to the destination point.
"Point taken. Anything else?"
"I have one too." I wait for them to stop chewing and start speaking. "When we make it to the targets, we should not infiltrate them during daylight. The place is supposed to be dangerous so let's play our part accordingly. No sane soldier would try to sabotage a facility in the middle of the afternoon." Meiya did not like my suggestion and arms folded directed her gaze at me.
"Oho, quite the analyst aren't you? Then what shall we do if the place is brimming with traps? We would benefit from having light to disable them." Her bothered tone was showing her inner annoyance at my words, despite the smile on her face.
"We can infiltrate them at dawn break, where there is light and there's supposed to be less security compared to early morning." She tries to retort but closes her mouth shut. Giving a nod, she acknowledges my advice.
"I see. That does make sense." Despite saying that, Meiya still looked a bit bothered.
"Good advice, Shirogane. I think we should do just that. Alright, is that all?" Chizuru looked over the table and we all nod. "Well, all that's left is to get ready."
Seems like everything's done here. I already told them about the mistake I did last loop when I was trying to rush stuff. They're making small talk, so I guess I'll first get ready and then go rest for a while with Kasumi.
"Thanks for the food."
"Ah, wait Shirogane." Meiya called out as I got my tray.
"What?"
"We have something to talk with you about. Do you have the time?" Her sharp eyes betrayed her calm tone. What's this now?
"What's up?" I sit again. I can only hope this isn't about me being a 'foreigner' again. Chizuru clears her throat this time and looks at me.
"Shirogane, I know we have had our… differences. But I'll be relying on your talents these next days in the CCSE. Let's pass it together." Chizuru gave me a serious look as she adjusted her glasses.
"No hard feelings, Sakaki. I'll do my best." She answers with a smile.
"If you don't we'll kill you." Kei's words were full of venom. At this time, really?
"Ayamine, please don't. We don't need you two to start another fight at this moment."
"Like you're one to talk." They stare at each other, quite intensely. Kei gives me a look I don't really understand, and with a disgusted face she leaves the table.
I suppose she hates me. She was the most vocal one when I showed them the Game Guys. Can't really expect them to simply be civil with a 'traitor' because they have to work with him. Honestly, the foreigners that work here must be so stressed, I'm surprised that Alt. IV was even assigned to the Empire in the first place.
Meiya and Chizuru heave a sigh of relief as she leaves.
"Thank the Holy Emperor she left. We don't need another lecture from the Instructor right before the test." Meiya relaxed her shoulders and leaned back a bit.
"Ayamine never backs down on what she believes is right. I know I'm not one to talk, but she still seems to hold doubts towards you Shirogane. I would leave her alone if I were you during the test." Chizuru tells me as her eyes immerse themselves on her tray.
"Can't force her to be nice with me, it's okay."
"I'm sure we will make it through. I know I also have given you quite some trouble, but allow me to say this. I will do all I can to make us pass this exam. Can I count on you to do the same, Shirogane?" Meiya, why do you doubt me so much? Do I really look like such a dick to you guys?
"We all are going to do our best! Right, Shirogane-san?" Tama spoke up, barely lifting her gaze from her tray. Mikoto also smiled my way despite choosing to remain silent. Thanks a lot, really.
"That's the idea, I do not want to fail this. Well, I'll take my leave."
Mikoto and Tama gave me a small smile as I got up, Chizuru retained her usual serious expression. Meiya however was drilling those sapphires into me again. If only you would talk with me…
When I got to my room I started preparing for the travel in the submarine. I took the Minari Kamui and held it close to my chest for awhile. This is another important step, I can't mess this up. I don't care what the hell Meiya thinks I am, I'm passing this and getting commissioned along all of you.
Now, let's see. The curry powder, the bottle and the blanket. I write that down in the paper we were given to present the stuff we wanted to take, I'll go file it in a while. I grab the metal box and look at the medal and the GR Card, this is for all of you too. To get to officially pilot a TSF again. One step at a time, I'll fix all these causal leaks.
Well, let's take a shower. After that, I'll go present that paper and then I'll hang out for a while with Kasumi. Tomorrow before noon we have to get on the submarine, so sadly we can't play until late. Though, she must also be busy helping Sensei with the theories somehow.
I enter the bathroom and close my eyes, enjoying the warm water falling on me. We will travel until we reach the island non stop, so I only hope nothing happens during the way.