Chapter 25: Into the Undercurrents
November 22nd. 07:23 PM.
(Yokohama Base. Interrogation Room.)
[Takeru]
"Please take a seat, Cadet Shirogane."
I'll be damned. I can't believe this is happening. Kawazoe-san, my old PE teacher, is apparently a Major in the IJA and Mooroka-san, the headmaster of Hakuryo High, is some sort of secretary in the UN. Ugh, this does not look good. I know how these two do things, I still remember how many times I got called to the detention office back in school.
Zoe-san… No, Major Kawazoe stares at me with knives in his eyes, crossing his arms on his chest. Unlike the Zoe-san of my world he has a really big scar on the right side of his face going from his eye to his forehead.
"Sit down already!" Sigh, his attitude hasn't changed though.
I sit down slowly, my hands are still restrained.
I didn't get a chance to speak with anyone when I arrived here, they brought me to this room immediately. Sensei and Kasumi were nowhere to be found when I got back, though that's for the best maybe. Last thing they need is to get involved with me right now. C'mon Takeru, let's roll that dice. No intimidating them, no blackmailing them. I know I won't be able to dodge the blame but I gotta stay here. And I have an idea of how I can do that. Even if they throw the 'no proof' card like the Instructor did. I need to make them say it outright and clearly, that I'm getting kicked out. Only then my plan will work. Or so I hope.
"I suppose you already know the reason why you have been brought here, Cadet?" Mooroka-san speaks in his usual slow, uninterested tone as he takes a sip from his tea.
"Yes, sir. Because of my actions against members of the chaser squad that took part of the CCSE, correct?"
"Indeed. But before that let us ask you a few questions, is that alright?"
"Of course, sir."
"Well then, Cadet Shirogane, is it true that you were stationed at Yukon for two years?"
"Yes, sir." So they don't believe my cover… Go figure.
"Can you tell us the name of the squad you were part of?"
"It was the Daedalus Squad, sir. My callsign was Daedalus Seven." Major Zoe seems displeased about my answer. I don't know if they knew anyone from Yukon, but at this point I just gotta keep faking it.
"Oh? So you were part of the Daedalus Squad, huh? Give us some details on your training regime."
"That's classified, Major." And here it comes, Zoe-san's patented loud screams from hell. He gets up from his chair, moves to the side of the table and slams it with his palm. So he's the same here, huh? He has no chill.
"Huh?! What was that?! Classified my ass, you're being questioned here! You don't need to talk about confidential stuff, you retarded piece of shit! We're asking you for some routines, schedules, tangible things that are commonplace in a training program." My ears hurt just from hearing him, can't we send him to scream at the BETA? I'm sure they'll get so scared they'll fly off the planet. Or the solar system.
"I was forbidden from speaking about my time in Yukon by Vice Commander Kouzuki, so I cannot comply to your order, sir."
"If that's the case then, take a look at this." Mooroka-san put a paper in front of me. A declaration from High Command?
"What is this?"
"Ugh, this is why I hate dealing with idiots like you. This is an order from High Command, to you Cadet Shirogane, ordering you to answer all our questions truthfully. If you are found lying… Not only you'll be kicked out of the army, you'll also be taken to have a more… through questioning session." The Major licks his lips as he makes his knuckles crack.
"Please Major, there is no need for such hostility. Cadet Shirogane, can you tell us about your training regime now?"
Shit, I did not see this coming. I did read up a bit on the Blue Flag and what Prominence did… But will it be enough? Heh, whatever. At this point I'm so done all I can do is smile through it and wait for my chance to strike.
"Well, we did around the same amount of physical training I did here during November. The schedules were more tight, we barely had free time. Our shooting and sparring sessions were mixed with different fighting methods from all around the world. The lectures were the same as here."
"Aren't you being very vague, Cadet. What is it? Thinking up some excuses? Huh?!" Sigh… God, what are your vocal chords made of? Steel? Are you related to a certain red haired attorney, by any chance?
"Major, please. Let's move on to the next question, you could not take part of the CCSE with your squad, why was that?" Mooroka-san's ears must also be made of steel or diamond. He's just there sipping his tea like nothing's wrong here.
"I got into an accident with someone from the Russian side of Yukon. That got me a penalty, and my punishment was to not be part of the CCSE."
"Hmm… Yes, there were many incidents with the Soviets during this year. When did this happen? What did you do?"
…Think, anything will do. What did I… Wait, I did get into an 'accident' during my past loops. Let's use that to spew more half truths. But…
"Speak up! What did you do?! When did this 'accident' happen?!"
They're onto me, I think they know I'm lying. I'm screwed, doesn't matter how I lie, if they have a database about these incidents… Deep breaths, I can do this. I'll just spell more half truths and keep going. After all… I'll probably have to reset this loop anyways.
"I hit a 2nd Lieutenant, some of us got lost as we were walking around and then some Soviet soldiers spotted us as we were trying to go back to base. We tried to speak with them in English, to ask for directions, but they started screaming at us, trying to detain us." I got punched by the gray haired soldier during the past loops, so let's just reverse that and say that I did it. That should work. "I couldn't stand seeing that, so I punched one guy so hard I knocked him out, and we ran away. After we got back to base and notified this to my Instructor, I was sent to the detention barracks. I was told the incident didn't escalate because it happened in the border of both camps. However, since I did something very stupid I was punished accordingly. Is that clear enough for you?"
"Don't talk back, you bastard!"
"Major." Mooroka-san glares at the him as he takes another sip of tea. "That was clear enough, Cadet. Now let's move onto the main topic." Gulping what clogged my mouth, feeling again a cold shiver down my back at the slow narrowing of his eyes, my stomach coated itself for the coming cross examination. "You assaulted 2nd Lt. Sora Zanama, breaking her arm. She will need surgery to cure the wound you inflicted on her. Care to explain what happened?"
"I was under a great deal of stress during-"
"Don't put any excuses! Say what you did!" And of course, he keeps shouting, veins pouring into his widening eyes as if someone just found an oil reserve, seeming to be just about to pop from his face.
"Major, stop interrupting him. Please, continue." He's completely chill, though. As if the screams didn't affect him at all.
"I was under a lot of pressure, they had aimed at my face with a gun when they chased after me. We were not notified of their involvement, so I doubted their words. That woman kept trying to harm me gravely, she kept aiming at my wounded shoulder. During one of those struggles, when she tried to smack my head with her baton, I grabbed her arm and bent it, to make sure she would stop attacking me."
Grimacing, all the plating in my stomach begins to melt from inside, again feeling as if I had acid eating me up from within. Gulping again to try to ease up the burning sensation on the back of my throat, I veer my eyes from theirs for a sec.
…Actually, to be perfectly honest, I don't know what came over me at the time. Saying that I was enraged is an understatement. I never… thought myself able to do something like that, to trespass that limit of violence. The same for what came after that. I know that, when shit hits the fan, I will be forced to retaliate with full force, and yet… Licking the inner side of my teeth, I can't really say my hand was forced to that extreme. I could have incapacitated them, as I did to the red head at the end.
But I didn't. I killed them, barely hesitating. And at the end… All I could think of was that I had to kill them all, just to make sure nothing went wrong. I wasn't even thinking on the consequences after the CCSE.
I wonder, was that his fury? Did this world's me go through something similar, perhaps? And that triggered a leak of his heaviest info into me due to my strong negative emotions at the time?
If so… and considering what I heard before… of how they made him a monster…
"So you consciously tried to break her arm?" He takes out a small notepad and starts writing something on it.
Taking a second to cough and refocus on the matter at hand, returning their stares, my mind burrows a poker face from Sensei, to hide the disquiet that came from what I was thinking about.
"…As I said, I was under stress. I probably was affected by a strong violent emotion when she attacked me. I… I truly don't know what came over me." If I admit I did it consciously it's all over.
"Hmm… Why did you not knock out Captain Ryoutarou Nanase?"
"I had no need to do so, he had already surrendered. He was not a threat to me anymore." That is not a lie.
"Fair enough. Then let's move on, when you found the rest of the Wasp Squad, what motivated you to kill them?"
"…When I spotted them they were kicking my squadmates vigorously. I thought about scaring them or shooting at their feet, but then I noticed one of them was unconscious. When I saw that-"
"Wait, unconscious?" Their expressions get tense, alert, hostile as if the 991 had just blasted on the speakers. Mooroka-san is narrowing his eyes as he takes some more notes, the Major's hands are tightening onto his forearms.
"Yes, sir. Cadet Mitsurugi was unconscious when I found them. She was not reacting to the kicks, not even those that were aimed at her head."
BAM!
Pain spreads through my face as Major Zoe punched me, way too fast in his motion for me to even brace for the attack. Damn bastard… so this was their plan all along. They have no intention of listening to me. Well, as expected.
"Shut your fucking mouth, you son of a bitch! There's no way that's true!"
"Major! I will not tolerate another outburst."
"However, sir, he's clearly lying. I knew those guys, they were good people. They would never harm anyone like that. This damn foreigner is lying through his teeth, soiling the honor of my comrades!"
Heh… No wonder those bastards did what they did, with you backing them up from the shadows. This place… The UN… This Empire… is rotten.
"Even so, you have no right to harm him. This is an interrogation, do not take actions that will bring shame to the IJA." Zoe-san grimaces and, after sending another glare my way, returns to his chair.
"…Sir, I am not lying. They were kicking her while she was unconscious."
"Then, where is your proof Cadet?" Leaning forward while readying his notepad, he stared back at me, right in the eye.
Oh shit, here we go. Can't say I didn't see this coming. Half way there, just some more words and I'll have 'em where I want 'em.
"How am I supposed to prove something like that?"
"The burden of proof lies with you, you claimed that they were harming Cadet Mitsurugi. I now am asking you to present proof to back such a statement." He you sound just like Yuuko-sensei.
He also ruffles his hair, that uninterested gaze and tone are really similar. I think he was Sensei's Sensei back in my world so maybe they have a similar relation here as well.
Regardless, he's a son of a bitch. What can I say to prove that?! How am I even- …No, don't lose it. There is something I can do to keep the flow going.
"While I have no proof myself, you can question the gray haired soldier and the woman named Ruri. They were the ones that were kicking them more strongly." Major Zoe stared blades at me again, but managed to stop himself before he shouted.
"I see. So you have no proof, huh? Then, you just killed them because you felt like it?"
"I never said that, sir. Why don't you interrogate them about this?"
"Because you cannot prove that your squadmates were in any danger and we already received the Wasps' report, and in it they painted a very different situation to the one you describe. Your actions have no justification, it looks like you're trying to shift the blame onto someone else. And before you ask, your squadmates cannot testify on this matter since they're involved in this too. We can't count on their impartiality." And then, he drinks some more tea.
Of course, they can't admit that they actually harmed Meiya. That would be getting in a fight with the Shogun, so they have to keep that from reaching the light. I thought this would happen, so I'm on the right track for now.
"Then, if there were no witnesses, how can you determine what happened?"
"Because you killed two people unnecessarily and harmed gravely three another three, while the Wasps did no such harm to the people you say they harmed. We received no report about these injuries Cadet Mitsurugi should have sustained according to you, and Cadet Sakaki was also unscathed according to the report Instructor Jinguuji sent us."
…So Marimo-chan really took their side, huh? …No, don't be an idiot. She's not Marimo-chan. She's someone else. Just like during my first loop, I know nothing about these people. Chances are, she's also another mad loyalist who hates foreigners. …She did push me around a lot during the trainings, and not even once did she try to stop the girls when they were being pricks to me. Yeah… I should have seen this coming.
…I already knew they were different. They're not my comrades. I'm an outsider from their point of view. Sigh… I'll just… focus on my own goals, and try to make peace with them. That's all… all I can do. They're… gone. They're different… and with all that has happened thus far, it's obvious how they see me.
Mooroka-san coughs after noting something down, then taps his glasses as he speaks up again.
"Also, our soldiers have more credibility than you. They have served our nation for years while you were in America. In this situation, who do you think we will believe?"
So basically I'm screwed because I acted first? I had to wait until they got a broken bone? Until they died? What the hell is wrong with this shit?! The UN really is a shithole, if this is how they operate.
"…It was not an unnecessary action, they still committed abuse against-"
"Cadet Shirogane, you have no proof to back up your claims. Since we need to ascertain whether this outburst is an exception or something you do regularly, can you tell us of your life before enlisting? About your friends or family?"
Ugh, this is going how they want it to go. And I can't speak up without Zoe snapping at me again. Gotta find an opening somehow. But so far so good, if this keeps up I'll be kicked out. Just a little more…
"I do not remember any of it, sir. I don't know where my parents are, or even if they're still alive." He again notes that down in his little notepad.
"Oh, really? So… We don't know who you are, and you have no one to vouch for you. That's such a shame." Your bored tone hints otherwise. "Well then, do you have any contacts left in America?"
"No, sir."
"Hmm… Alright, let's leave that topic behind. Next question, why did you force your squad to separate?" He entwines his fingers and narrows his eyes at me.
"Huh? I did no such thing, sir."
"Then why was your squad split during the CCSE?"
"We had to separate when the chasers appeared. Three had crossed the river and shot down the tree that we had tied the rope to. Mitsurugi and Sakaki ran away after that, leaving me behind."
"Isn't that most odd, right Major?"
"Indeed, why would they abandon one of their comrades?" They narrow their eyes at me, they have already decided how this is gonna end.
"They probably didn't see me as their comrade at the time, for them I was a foreigner that was going to betray them at some point. That's why they left me behind." Despite telling the truth this time they don't seem to believe me. Mooroka-san shakes his head slowly while Zoe-san is tightening his fists.
"Hmph, to think you'd try to taint the honor of your squadmates. Makes me sick." Major Zoe looked like he was smelling a corpse.
"Cadet Shirogane, let me be frank with you. As soon as the report from Captain Nanase reached High Command, your punishment had already been decided. The possibility of executing you was what was being debated on."
Well shit, that escalated quickly. If they do want me dead I'm screwed.
"However, the fact that you then teamed up with your comrades and somehow managed to finish the CCSE in time was a very impressive feat. The short but concise report from the volunteers from the Guard showed us that your talents were perhaps more impressive than we thought."
The report from the Pickles, huh? Going by how they were glaring at me I was sure their words would have been hostile towards me. Mion was back to the lightless, hawkish eyes after all. They must have reported my identity somehow and then confirmed that 'I' am dead. But then, why did they give a good report on me instead of contacting the authorities? Or maybe…
"However, we lost five surface pilots because of you." He drinks some tea, taking a breath before continuing. "There is no feasible way in which you can make amends for such an offense, no matter what punishment is given to you. And you have no proof to back up your claims, you have no one to vouch for your conduct. Given the answers you've given us, and the answers we received from the Wasp Squad, I have reached the conclusion that you were conscious of your actions and decided to kill knowing what that entailed. You could have harmed their legs, but instead you chose to kill. We also could find no one who knew about you in Yukon, though it is possible they all died during the Incident. Sadly, we have no idea who you are or what was your conduct like before, so we must act with our safety in mind. I'm sorry, but we have decided to take you off the UN army. You will be deported to America shortly."
Yes, F-ing finally. Let's push some more buttons, just to make sure.
"…And there is no way for me to prove that I'm not some psychotic murderer as you seem to think? Seems to me like you're just rushing the verdict in favor of the chasers, for some reason."
"I told you to not talk back!" In a flash he gets up from his chair and comes at me, fists tightened. I tense up, bracing for the coming hits.
THWACK!
BAM!
POW!
"Cough… Cough…" That son of a bitch… There was no need… to beat me up like that… Damn corrupt bastard, even the IJA is full of shit, it seems.
"Major, that is more than enough. Cadet Shirogane, during your short stay in this base you had numerous fights with your squad. I was told you were seen twice arguing with Cadet Mitsurugi on the days after the Niigata Invasion, is that true?"
"How… Yes sir, that's true." Shit, that's coming out now of all times?!
"After you kept fighting with her, despite her strong resemblance to Her Highness, you want me to believe you went to her rescue like some sort of hero?" He frowns as he adjust his glasses. Sigh… Hero, huh?
"I'm no hero. If I see a comrade in danger, even if they're someone I don't get along with, I'll do all I can to help them." Returning their glare head on, holding it without doubt, since this is not a lie. But my gaze is lost as he closes his eyes and shakes his head again.
"All I care about is the truth, and all I see in you is someone with no credibility whatsoever. Cadet Shirogane, your skills might be truly something else but your attitude leaves much to be desired. You may find greener pastures in the US Army, I do not wish to see such a promising soldier either dead or in prison for the rest of his life. Be grateful you will get out alive, many were asking to make an example out of you." …Checkmate.
"…So that's how it is, huh? If you had already made the decision you should have said so from the start, would have saved us all half an hour of our lives."
I see them tense up, Major Zoe was about to snap at me again but Mooroka-san waved at him. He entwines his fingers like Yuuko-sensei does and leans forward.
"I simply wanted to make sure we were making the right choice. You have many great skills, if we could find someone who could vouch for you and prove to us that you are not a violent element, I would have considered speaking with HC to revise their decision. Alas, that ship seems to have sailed."
"If that's what you wanted, why do you refuse to ask about what happened to my squad?"
"I said no backtalk! You son of bitch, who do you think you're talking to?!"
"Major Kawazoe, for the last time, remain quiet. You're here as a security measure, I am the one that makes the questions here. Cadet, I believe I already told you why we won't talk with your squad." Alright, that bridge is burned. Just some more pushes, I'm almost there…
"I'm just telling you that if you do not listen to all the involved parties you cannot make a fair judgment. Why do you listen to the Wasp Squad but do not try to hear what my squad has to say? Our words as are important as theirs, and you also can't be sure that they're not lying and covering each other's backs." Zoe-san's eyes flare up, storming up from his chair, slowly stomping his way towards me. If I gotta endure some more punches, let 'em come.
"You little shit… You haven't even got into a cockpit yet and you're so cocky?! You're nothing more than a proud American trainee! You'll pay for insulting my-"
"Major Kawazoe, please step outside." Tapping his glasses, he sends a firm, unwavering stare towards him, which makes him grimace, twisting the scar on his face.
"Huh? Secretary… I didn't…"
"Step outside, now." Mooroka-san glares at him, and slowly and with heavy steps Zoe-san gets out of the room, sending a fire blast at me when our gazes met.
Then, after the door was slammed shut, he finishes his tea slowly and without hurry, as if unaffected by what just happened. After setting the cup back at the table, he returns another bored gaze at me.
"Cadet Shirogane, I don't know what you think being a soldier entails, but I can tell you won't be a very good surface pilot."
"What?!" That was rude. I'm better than half of the crew here, at least.
"You have no sense of responsibility, continuously act on emotion, remain constantly creating discord on your squad. Your answers are full of defiance, despite what you did. I don't see you being remorseful about your acts at all. Even if you managed to pass the test, even if you became an average pilot, you would never be able to fulfill your role with that attitude. You need to mature much before you can back up your words."
What do you know about me, anyways? All I've gone through… All I've had to endure… You're just a fucking old wormbag. What the fuck do you know about me, about all I had to do until now?!
…No, calm down. Can't snap here. Filling my lungs and exhaling the acid through my nose, leaning back on the chair, my eyes again clash against his.
"We still don't know that. And I did cooperate with my squadmates when we got together again. I'm not-"
"You have no idea what piloting is like, you've never been inside a cockpit, you may have fought against the BETA but doing so in a tank is completely different than piloting a TSF. And I don't believe a single bit that excuse you blurted out a while ago. Someone as noble as Cadet Mitsurugi would never stain her honor running away from a fight, Cadet Sakaki is such a dedicated leader I don't see her leaving a comrade to his misery. But you, a foreigner that only brings problems to his squad with his inflated ego? I can see you easily sparking a discussion before that made them resent you."
This is going nowhere. Nothing I say is getting through him. If he doesn't listen to me, to my squad, and doesn't want anything to do with me anymore…
That means I have him where I wanted him. And I even got Zoe-san out of the picture. Well, let's see if my gamble works.
I know the UN is in dire need for some help, if the situation continues going down like this, the relations with the Empire will most certainly crumble, especially if word gets out about how they harmed Meiya. And I just happen to have a pair of things that can help them with that.
You want me to show you results? That I'm not just a know-it-all teenager that actually doesn't know anything? You want me to show you how I can contribute to the UN? Oh, I'mma do it. And then I'm gonna turn around, follow your orders, let you deport me, and I'll see your face as you lose this one-in-a-lifetime chance. Let's see if you let me leave. Let's see how you react when you see that you don't have the back to refuse my terms, old wormbag.
"…There is one thing I want to confirm before we end this questioning, sir."
"What is it?" He was already stuffing his notepad inside his suit, hurrying to get our of here.
"Since I'm leaving this base, I can take with me all of my possessions, right?"
"Of course, we are not so petty to keep your belongings from you."
"Does that include the patents of my inventions?"
"…What are you talking about?" He brings one finger to his glasses. Hehehe, gotcha. I'll have to thank Sensei for her gesture later. Assuming she wants me here after all this, that is.
"During my stay here I mentioned to the XO about a pet project I had. They're two training terminals that I designed to help Cadets all over the world. The MMTS and the WMTS, those are their names. Since I'm the inventor the patent belongs to me, but we still haven't applied for a trial for mass production, so if I leave-"
"The machines leave with you? Yes, I'm aware of the laws for such developments. Let me see what the database says." He takes out a PDA and starts searching. Stroking his chin, he remains silent for a few minutes.
I can see his eyes twitch, no way in hell they would let these things leave their grasp, they're too valuable. So they will either reconsider my punishment in exchange of me selling the patent to the UN, or they'll kill me to leave no one to claim ownership of the consoles. Either way I win, the second option is actually the better one right now, ironically. Resetting this mad world would be so much easier than to keep bashing my head against the wall trying to make things right with all of you. Sadly, I cannot simply resign myself to die at this stage. I lost far too many things to simply allow you all to do as you please with my life as if I were but another pawn. So, even if it means giving myself a concussion and a gaping wound, I'm gonna keep headbutting myself against this wall, until the day where I collapse comes.
"This is… How did you come up with these concepts?" Wow, he seems surprised for real. Dropping the poker face and neutral tone, he couldn't stop blinking fast as he tapped his glasses, as if he couldn't believe what he was seeing.
"That's my secret. So, even if the UN helped in their development, since there was never an official offer to buy the patent or the production rights from me, if I leave the simulators leave with me. Then I'll take them to America and finish them there. That means that they'll be known as an American invention and shall be distributed first to American Training Schools and then to the rest of the world, assuming they even want to give them away that is." Leaning back on the chair, I stare at him and cross my legs.
"But if you stay, the Empire will get their hands on them first and they will be recognized as a Japanese invention?"
"Yeah, I'm sure we could arrange a trial run or something to give the Empire some exclusivity for a year or two, with the excuse that we are gathering data. The UN will profit from having control of these things, the Empire can have an edge on their trainings and will get some recognition from it. Hell, if the Empire wants to help in their mass production I'm willing to give them a small cut from the profits. And I get to stay here. Not only you get another surface pilot, but another inventor that catched Vice Commander Kouzuki's attention."
He keeps stroking his chin as he looks at the data that was in his PDA. I honestly have no idea what's in there since I never needed to check the databases to know what they are and do.
"This is surprising, such small devices… And yet, this one's screen is better than that of a Pleiades? This other one can output such clear 3D images? And yet, they seem to be simple in design. Their cost isn't so high, considering what they can do. If we mass produced these simulators and gave them to all training schools in the IJA and the UN that are stationed here… The recognition from these inventions, the profits, the improvements they could bring to our Cadets… And you are willing to share it with us? Is this one of the reasons the Vice Commander scouted you?" You took the bait. Time to feel the hook slice your cheeks apart.
"Yes, that's right. I could have stayed in America, but I chose to come back home. I wanted to find out who I was, and even if I didn't, I wanted to help my nation in any way I could. But alas," I give him my most wicked grin, "that ship has already sailed long ago according to your words." He seems to be at a loss as he looks at me.
"But Cadet Shirogane, did you not want to stay here? If you're willing to share these devices with the Empire, I believe HC could-" I don't give him pause and continue to speak on my own.
"I don't want to waste your time anymore, I'm sure you're fed up by now, having to deal with a dirty foreigner like me. I acknowledge my punishment, I'll go immediately to get ready for my departure. Thanks for your honesty Secretary Mooroka. It was a pleasure to serve in the UN's Japanese branch, if only for a month." I stand up and move towards the door. Three… Two…
"Wait. Sit down, Cadet." Heheheheheheh!
"Oh, what is the matter Secretary? I thought my punishment was already decided?"
"…It seems you have done quite some contributions during your stay here, according to this report of your special mission. May I ask you why is all this being kept as a secret?" Don't try that evil stare, you're nothing compared to Yuuko-sensei.
"XO Kouzuki's orders. If you wish to know more about my special mission ask her. I'm not allowed to talk, and I won't talk about it no matter what High Command says." Now that I think about it, why didn't they ask Sensei to vouch for me? That's another thing to ask her later.
"…Is that so? Well, please sit down. Can you tell me about these simulators and their programs?"
I've been waiting for this! Fuhuhu, time to turn them tables!
One long explanation later…
"…But why is it that the units must die when defeated?"
"Because it's supposed to be realistic. If your units returned after the battle you could go doing risky moves all the time, since they'll come back anyway. But if when they die they're gone forever, you'll think twice before doing suicidal moves. It's the same on the battlefield, you can't tell your men to do crazy stuff because when they die, that's it. The limits of unit classes and funds work to that end, to teach people tactics and how much one little mistake can change the outcome of a mission. Also, sometimes people will die. Someone will have to sacrifice him or herself for the sake of the mission. To understand how a leader needs to think, to see the battlefield from that top down perspective, and to appreciate every type of unit available for the role they perform at their best, those are some of the teachings this program can convey."
Unlimited Bullshit Works is on fire today, I can't believe the sheer amount of it I'm spewing right now. This is just a game but I'm selling it as this super useful and deep training software. Maybe I should have dedicated myself to be an advertiser or a salesman…
"I never… I never thought such deep teachings could be explained in such a way. And you're telling me you did this on your own?" And he's believing all of it.
Well, last loop everyone kept thinking I was some superhero that was awesome, special, and what not after we announced the XM3. I still remember how crazy Meiya sounded when she confronted me after Marimo-chan's death, saying that I was the squad's pillar of strength.
Yeah right, me of all people. I'm no one's strength pillar, you're all just gullible idiots. I had nothing similar to your resolve, and even now I think I still don't. I'm just fighting for myself, the fight for humanity comes second for me. I mean, I know how pointless most of this is, with how many BETA are out there. Killing one Superior fixes nothing if they can send one or two more a few months after that, or if we start to kill each other again after we deal with the BETA.
…Though, would be better to have them here, even if I had to again carry those expectations around. Beats having to share the air with all these pricks. What wouldn't I give to see you again, to hear your honest sermons and philosophical advice once more.
"I had the idea, some sketches and a very rough alpha version of the programs. The XO and all the team that helped me are the real muscle behind these babies." They deserve all the praises and then some, those engineers are godly.
"Even so, you came up with these concepts, these maps, these missions… And the TSF simulators as well, they sound very interesting indeed. To think one could have the same training in such a small machine…"
"…Such a shame the Americans will get their hands on these first, right?" I raise an eyebrow at him while smirking again, he squints his eyes and sighs.
"…It would be a shame indeed. Cadet Shirogane, please stay here. I'll go have a talk with the Vice Commander, I want to see the machines myself. The door will be locked, to avoid the Major from doing anything foolish. I'll be back shortly."
"What about the punishment that was already decided?"
"…If you're deemed worthy we might be able to overlook your offense. There will be consequences, be sure of that. But at the least you'll be able to stay here. I'll be going now."
"Understood." And there he goes.
Yes! Take that! Critical hit, baby!
I ended up bothering Sensei again but it was all I could do. There is one problem with this though, they might kick me out of the army and enlist me as an engineer or something else here. That would be hilarious, honestly.
Sigh… Almost. Too close for comfort. If Sensei hadn't insisted on letting the consoles be under my name I would have been screwed. She told me that she couldn't give me any recognition from the TSF parts or the stealth tech so I should take credit for the consoles. That was honestly a life saver right now, even if I don't understand why she was so pushy about that. Pretty much didn't leave me a say in the matter, classical Sensei style.
Even if I can't fight anymore I only need some more time, just a bit more. At the least enough time to save my world, and after that… I'll cross that bridge when I get there. Here's hoping everything goes well enough. Depending on who the 'someone' that wants me off the army is, I may actually not have a chance. But at least I did all I could with what little I had at hand. Now… I gotta pray the world didn't roll me a one.
…
After a long while the door opens and Mooroka-san enters again. He sits down and, after arranging his glasses, looks at me with quite a bit of his poker mask melted away, speaking now in a slow but clear tone without any lingering spikes.
"Before anything, allow to say that I am throughly impressed by your inventions. They're truly revolutionary machines. However…" I don't like that change in tone a single bit. "I have not the authority to change your sentence. In light of these new discoveries, I'll go have a talk with High Command right now. You'll be escorted to the detention barracks where you'll stay the night. Tomorrow at noon, at the latest, I'll bring you a clear answer regarding your sentence. Allow me to thank you for mentioning these inventions of yours, if you had wanted it you could have stayed quiet and we would have been none the wiser, yet you chose to speak up. I don't know why you wish to stay in this base, but it plays in our favor. I have a ride ready to take me to our HQ near Tokyo, so forgive the fast notification."
"No, it is alright. Thank you for considering revising my situation, sir." I give him a small bow, he taps his glasses making another bored face.
"There is no need, I am only acting on what I think is best for the UN's Japanese branch. Well then, I'll see you tomorrow." He nods at me, I give him another bow, and he leaves.
Once he exited the room, two MP enter the room and get closer.
"Cadet Shirogane, we shall now take you to your cell."
"Roger." And so, with me walking in between them, I leave the room too.
Nothing was said on the way. People kept throwing side glances at me, looking like Sumika when she found Meiya sleeping with me for the first time. Others, though, looked like Tsukuyomi-san during the coup, completely repulsed by my presence.
Getting to the restricted area on B5F, entering the place after the guard opens the gate to the cell, we arrive at where I'll be sleeping. One of them takes my cuffs off while the other the opens my cell. As I turned towards the door, without even giving me a warning, one of them shoves me inside. Quickly catching myself, I manage to not fall down. Closing the door a bit too forcefully, sending me those same overheated gazes of scorn, frowning as if they had found spoiled food in the fridge, they then left without saying anything.
Sigh… What did I expect? Bastards, all of them. Sons of an eldritch bitch.
"Back here in the detention barracks, huh?"
Well, I delayed my fate for one day at the least. I can only pray now.
But what if I went to America for real? I wouldn't have to deal with Yuuhi, it would be a completely new experience here. I mean, the Empire hates me, there's no way they would be willing to receive my inventions. They might even go against Sensei if I stay. Sensei did say during our talk this morning that someone asked her to kick me off the army. It was either someone in HC or Yuuhi. And I do need some allies besides Sensei here, in case she betrays me. She could have vouched for me, but didn't. I wonder why…
Guess I should begin to think of possible ways out of here in case the Empire doesn't stop coming after me if I'm left with no choice but to stay in this world to save mine. Wonder what the hell could I do… How could I do what I gotta do, without screwing Alt. IV but also without making trouble with the Empire?
Well, too hungry to think about that right now. I did what I could against hard odds. They did not care about anything I said just as I expected. I wonder what would happen if I actually talked with Tsukuyomi-san… She would kill me before I get a chance to say hello.
What are the girls doing right now? Heh, they must be glad I disappeared, now that I'm a murderer. Enjoying a good nap on the way here after playing on the beach and eating some quality dinner.
By the way, am I going to get some food? I had something on the way here just as we boarded but I haven't had anything since then. Ugh, I'm hungry. Luckily my hands are free again, having them restrained for so long hurt a lot.
I throw myself on what's supposed to be a bed and close my eyes. How did Sensei take what happened? Is she glad I managed to avoid the worst case? Or was she planning on me being deported? Why didn't she vouch for me? Was she using me as some sort of bait? If I look at it from her cold point of view… I'm just getting in the way. I'm a hazard to Alt. IV at this point, given how much trouble I'm causing.
I hear someone walking in the distance, is someone coming to see me? Who could it be? Oh, maybe Kasumi is coming to-
The person I see is one I was not expecting, one I did not want to see.
"Good evening, Cadet."
"Good evening, 1st Lieutenant." Tsukuyomi-san was here, with her old scornful gaze back. I'm so dead, aren't I.
"You seem to be in quite the conundrum. It appears you have done a very horrible act." She moves her hair out of her forehead as she approaches the cell I'm in.
"…Well, yeah. To what do I owe this visit?"
"I came to ask you a few questions, surely you do not mind?"
"Not like I have anything better to do. What did you want of me?" I sit on the bed facing her.
"First, could you remind me what was your name?"
"Takeru Shirogane." Frown, sharp eyes. Yep, she's been informed.
"…Well then, can you tell me a bit about yourself? Most of your information seems to be locked."
"Sigh… I'm just a simple guy trying to find a place to belong."
"I was referring to your life. Where did you live, why did you leave the Empire…"
"I don't know. I don't remember much from my life here. I do remember living in the Hiiragi district though." Or more like I remembered what he lived through. Oh, screw it. Too hungry to care.
"Why do you say that? If you don't remember much then-"
"I remember the view from atop a hill near this base."
"…Is that so? Then, what do you think of the Empire?"
"You're too prideful and judgmental people." Not lying here.
"Hmm… And what of the Shogun?"
"I have no opinion on her, I haven't paid much attention to the political matters since I arrived. I had a CCSE to pass. And as a soldier it's for the best if I don't involve myself too much with them." She closes her eyes for some seconds. Not like I can tell her I want Yuuhi to eat shit and fall off a horse.
"Alright. Then allow me to cut to the chase, why are you in possession of a sword?"
"What about it being an honor, receiving a sword from its holder?" Her frown gets bigger, she takes a step forward.
"Much has changed since then, Cadet. Why do you have a sword?" Sincerity is a virtue, let's keep my promise with Meiya.
"I think you're misunderstanding something, 1st Lt. Tsukuyomi." She flinches when I call her by her name.
"What is there to misunderstand?"
"I don't have a generic sword, I have a Minaru Kamui." First opening her eyes wide, then gritting her teeth, her glare comes at me like it a laser would after a TSF.
"You claim to possess a… Minaru Kamui? Are you aware of what weight is attached to that particular blade, I wonder?"
"Yes, now I do. Cadet Mitsurugi told me how truly precious it is during the CCSE. I suppose that it's the Koubuin House's blue katana, right?" She nods at my words, slowly taking a step closer while running a hand over her hair.
"Indeed. Now, what would you be planning to do with it?"
"I'll give it to you." And she got tilted.
"…Huh? What do you mean?" I did promise to Meiya that I would give it back, and I want no more problems with Yuuhi.
"I didn't know how important the blade was, and going by your reaction I think I'm not recognized as a legitimate holder of it. I want no problems with the Empire and the blade could cause a great harm in the wrong hands, so I'd like to ask you to take custody of it and return it to the Shogun."
"You… want me to… Why? Do you think we won't be suspicious of you with this gesture?"
"No, I want no trouble that's all. You can hate me all you want, but I don't hate you."
For now. Tsukuyomi-san is still someone I like a lot, but if she keeps antagonizing me I miiiight have to harm her. In the head. With a gun. As much as that makes my heart hurt, as much as that makes me want to bite my tongue off… If she becomes my enemy… Guh…
"So… could you please go to my room whenever you have the time? The Minaru Kamui is hidden in my closet." I can see her hands tensing into fists, her chest moving slowly up and down as she tries to calm down.
"Understood. I'll take the blade with me, thanks for being honest about this matter."
"Don't thank me, I just promised Cadet Mitsurugi that I would return the blade when I had the chance."
"I see. Might I ask… Could you tell me how did Cadet Mitsurugi fare in her CCSE?" She's trying to hide it, but those clenched fists give her away. Of course she would be worried.
"She scored a seventy, she passed it." A sigh of relief comes out of her as her eyes relax, but she quickly catches herself and goes back to her stoic persona. I better shut up about the whole 'Meiya got knocked out' thing, I don't want Yuuhi breaking relations with the UN.
"Thanks for the intel. If I may, can I ask you something else? Did you encounter my relatives during the CCSE, perchance?" She should know by now if they reported it so no point in lying.
"The Pickle Cousins? Yeah, I had to- …1st Lt.?" Tsukuyomi-san's mouth was hanging wide open as her eyes froze. Did she got tilted again? "1st Lt.? Is something the matter?"
"How… How did you call them?"
"Huh? The Pickle Cousins? Oh, right. I wasn't trying to make fun of them, sorry." I give her a small bow, but her eyes are still full of sparks.
"Why did you refer to them in such a way? Where did you hear that nickname?!" Howling, she stomped her way real close to the iron bars.
"I just thought it was fitting really, if they let their hair loose since they have it so long and it's green one could say they're a pair of overgrown pickles. I tend to make lame jokes like this all the time. Forgive me, I wasn't trying to insult your family." I bow at her again, but she doesn't let the frown go. Fists shaking and gritting her teeth, she stares blades at me.
I just had to go and screw things up. Goddammit, myself! You have ONE job! Stop making everybody angry at you!
"You thought… it was fitting?" One brows of hers twitches. "Cadet Shirogane, can you tell me what is your blood type?"
"…What? Why?" That was not what I was expecting to hear.
"Answer me, or I'll report to the authorities you have a Minaru Kamui in your possession illegally."
"Hey, I didn't try to do anything with it! There's no need to be so hostile with me." I really need to stop making everybody angry at me.
"Then, could you please answer the question?"
"Uhh… It was B positive, I think."
"When is your birthday?"
"December 16th."
"What is your favorite food?"
"Why do you want to know that?!"
"Answer the question!"
What is wrong with her?! If she thinks I'm a spy, why is she asking me all of this? Talking about food, when I'm so hungry…
"Tch, it's steamed doubin without a doubt! The king of the mountains, the matsutake mushroom, alongside the treasures of the seas, breams and shrimps, steamed together with some nice seasoning. Add fried rice, eggs, and maybe some bacon alongside it, and you have a total delicacy! Best food ever created!" Shit, now that I started thinking about food…
I'M HUNGRY GODDAMMIT! Where is my dinner?! Even if they're half rations again, give me food! Hauu… What wouldn't I do for some fried chicken with rice…
"Those words… That expression… No… This… She said… Her Highness said…" Hm? Tsukuyomi-san was looking at me as if I were a ghost, hands shaking, her eyes watering. Taking some step backs from the iron bars, yet not looking away from me despite the slight tremble of her lips.
"1st Lt.? What's the problem?"
"You… Who are you?!" Fear and anger seemed to be mixed in her tone as she howls at me. I just smile back.
"Takeru Shirogane, it's a pleasure." And, again, she got tilted.
Did she also know this world's me? I mean, Mion did and she's her older sister. No wonder she's so enraged. However… He must have been close to her, because it's rare to see this Tsukuyomi-san being so shocked.
"…You said you had a Minaru Kamui in your possession, did you not?" She caresses her hair as she regains her composure.
"Yes."
"Who gave it to you?"
"Someone back at Yukon, as a memento of someone important to me that had died."
"Someone at… No, no one was… But then…" Her lips quiver real fast for a sec there, but then she takes a deep breath as calms down. "I'll go take hold of your sword. I hope you are not lying, Cadet. Well then, I shall take my leave. Goodnight." She practically jogged out of here.
I'm sure I must have reminded her of him, considering how she ran away. If he also had the same taste in food then I'm glad to know I was a man of culture in this world too. Though, I shouldn't have said that about those two pickles. What if this only worsens the misunderstandings? I think I just fucked up, badly. Well, I do get careless when I'm hungry and tired.
Hopefully she'll lay off me for a while. If she came with a gun I'd be dead on the spot, I need to get out of here before she comes back with killing intent. She did mention Yuuhi, so now I'm convinced she's the one pulling the strings on this whole 'kicked out of the army' affair. I wonder how she'd react if Tsukuyomi-san tells… Nah, that's a new level of stupid even for myself. Nothing will change, they will come after my life regardless of what I do. Especially if he was someone close to the Tsukuyomis. Maybe he was in the same squad as them?
I can only hope I can avoid them from now on, I don't want to fight with them but given the situation I don't doubt they will be the ones picking a fight.
Ugh, where is my dinner?! I'm so hungry right now…
However, no matter how much I waited, how many times I looked out into the hallway, no one came.
Grabbing my rumbling stomach, letting my clothes hit the floor, the cold water of the shower made me immediately regret my decision. Enduring it for a little while, to at least get this awful feeling off my back, I kept my ears peeled in case anyone came.
But no one did.
As I was getting resigned, I heard some footsteps in the distance. The leader of the volunteer crew came with a small tray, again with half rations.
However, instead of carefully passing the tray over the open space for that, he dropped it forcefully and pushed it in, making some of the food end up on the floor.
"…That was a dick move, man. There was no need for that."
"Heh… Serves you right, damn American." Spitting into the cell, he leaves with hurried steps, as if he couldn't bear to breathe the same air as me.
Picking up the tray and eating what little was left in it, couldn't help but frown. First Kyouzuka-san, now the rest of the base… Really, fuck you all. What's the point in fighting for these fools if this is how they'll repay me?
Rinsing my mouth, both to clean it and rid myself of this awful taste that refuses to leave me, again feeling a cold shiver on my back, I begin to clean the tray and the plates, feeling a cold shiver on my back and not because of the water.
"Sigh… Hopefully tomorrow will be a better day." Please let me stay here, I don't need more trouble. Or maybe… Sensei really doesn't want me here…
Maybe… this is it for me in this world. Well, I did what I could. The ball is on their court.
Sighing with a vengeance, I lay on the sorry excuse of a bed that's on the cell. Both hands behind my head, yawning the tension away, my eyelids decide their shift is over and begin to close shop. I curl under the thin sheets, rubbing my feet together to keep the cold away.
Damn… I'm beat… Yawn…
Here's hoping… I can stay here… Sigh…
…until I can find a way back to my peaceful life.
…
Zzz…
Evening.
(Hida Mountain. Daizaburou Dojo.)
[Mana]
The rumbling of the helicopter's flight reverberates on my ears as I stare down at the scenery, at the expansive lands covered in snow despite the fact that we're still nowhere near winter.
A completely clear sky, filled with stars that can be easily appreciated due to the absolute lack of man-made lights in the area, simply complements this mountain perfectly.
In the distance, the rather humble structure comes into view. A traditional dojo, lighted up by dangling lights from pillar to pillar. My ride descends onto the landing pad, shortly after receiving confirmation that we can disembark.
"Welcome to the dojo, Mana!" Guren Daizaburou, my former master in the art of the sword, comes up to the pad as I was descending, his unmistakable voice far louder than anything one could ever hear in this place.
As tall as I remembered him being, with that same sharp haircut on his sides yet now without much of it on top. As imposing as a bear, and yet, with those same small eyes that could be called as nothing but fatherly. A smile coming my way once he finally sees me, I return it after straightening up my dress.
"Salutations, Daizaburou-sama. It is an honor to be visiting." Giving him a bow only elicits a laughter from him, loud and heartily as always.
"No need for such stiffness, grasshopper. It is good to see you faring well, and for your complexion to shine as beautifully as our moon as well." He nods, smiling my way.
"Likewise, sir."
"Well, come on, let us enter. It is quite frosting outside." Turning back, making his own crimson dress sway momentarily, he leads us into the dojo.
The members of the Guard that were stationed here, the vast majority of them Tozamas in gray or white attires, saluted us as we made our way to the building. A few Fudais were awaiting at the doors, bowing down as they opened them.
The few decorations on the way were covered in snow yet again, the attendants were clearing them slowly. Within the dojo, not only it was quite warm but oddly silent. A dojo might be in name, but this building could very well be called a small estate of the Guren family.
"Daizaburou-sama, what has made this night to be so quiet?"
"Oh? It is merely that the younglings have exhausted themselves earlier. Many are the ones who have not yet bested the preliminary testings, therefore, they have been made to clean the place. And so, they are now lacking any vigor to display."
Sigh… It is odd. Despite the hour it is, I expected them to still be trading slashes at the sparring room within here.
"Is that so? Is everything proceeding well enough?"
"Indeed, there is no need to repine about nothing. This generation has been filled with hardworking younglings, despite their slow learning curve." Lucky we are to be in new moon, for his smile is shining enough for the night to endure as is.
"That is good to hear."
Quickly arriving at a private room, we enter by ourselves. Leaving the suitcase I had on me on the sofa as I sat down, he went to prepare some tea for the both of us.
"So… How is everything in the Main House?" He inquired as he prepared the herbs, sheathing his glee.
"It seems that everything is still rather hectic. Nothing has turned up regarding the mastermind behind the attack."
"Is that so? I suppose, those outside the succession branch have been questioned by now?" His tone lowering as did his brows, almost as if chained to an anchor.
"Yes. And yet, they were free of any and all guilt."
"However, someone had to leak the intel of our patrols, and allow those terrorists to operate so close to our Main House as well… Has the US…"
"No, they cooperated throughly with us in this occasion alongside the UN. If fingers have to be pointed… it had to be a fellow who conspired against us."
"…From our fellowship, or another Regent House?" Handing me my cup, he sits in front of me.
"That we don't yet know. Both Maya and Masahide-san are working hard on the investigation. He came to visit a few days ago, to inquire about what was going on near our location. He seems to believe… someone was wishing to get rid of Yohime-sama, in a ploy to use her against Yuuhi-sama." I drink, choosing not to say more, gauging his own reaction.
"…And I assume, she is safe with Raiden?"
"…Yes."
"Sigh… That is a relief. Were you requiring our aid in securing his home?"
"…It would be most welcomed. I know I am not supposed to ask, considering who she is and-"
"Waste no more words. Even if they refused it, Takahisa-sama's wish was clear enough. Worry not Mana, I shall contact Seiten so that he sends some of our fellows to Raiden. Meiya-sama's wellbeing is of utmost importance for all of us, regardless of her brand as a twin." Hesitation shining for its absence, he nodded my way. It is a relief, to know he does not view her as do the rest.
"Thank you kindly, Daizaburou-sama."
"Haha, such words aren't required anymore in my presence, grasshopper. Now then, whatever is awaiting within that suitcase?"
"Oh, the reports from those who have already been sent back from the dojo, as well as other bureaucratic documents your sign is required for."
"Sigh… I would be wishing for Seiten to quickly become used to tackling these matters on his own." He laughs dryly as I pass him the suitcase. "So, besides my own House's matters, I suppose Yuuhi-sama must be wishing to hear about the progress those three have been making?"
"Indeed, so she does. Have they been faring well?"
"Mion and Shion have been… stagnant for some time." Reading the papers while drinking some tea, his tone slows down into nothing but the wind's gentle rustling. I also drink the tea as I await his words. "…You see, they seem to not yet comprehend the core teaching I try to impart them with, that they themselves are who shall cleave a path to the future."
"I see… Are they still progressing in their mastery of the blade?"
"Oh, yes, but of course. I have nothing left to teach them in that regard, however, their own hastiness is ruining their composure and resolve, dulling any and all advancements they have attained since coming here."
"Sigh… I suppose it will take them some more weeks, perhaps."
Me and Maya were the same, pushed by our rivalry and the pressure to excel we kept justifying our answers relying on what our ancestors had done, on what had been ingrained into our brains. Not understanding what else we lacked, becoming most adusted at his continuous disapproval. In our own hurry to prove ourselves worthy, failing to calm those raging waves we hoisted deep within our hearts, we were rendered unable to see that our own hands were what would bring auspicious times to our nation. And that, if we kept clinging to our own little rivalry, if we kept second guessing each other, dreading the thought of 'losing' to the other, our minds would be molded into a truly jagged, cyclopean depth, corrupted by such reservations and self-doubts.
The inherent fear that comes when measuring up to one's elders, when it is finally time to spread wings and be judged by all… it is not easy on no one's shoulders, much less with all that comes with the Tsukuyomi name.
One most tightly hold onto one's own beliefs, never failing to adapt to the developing situation of the world. Should we kept clinging onto the code as tightly as we used to, we would have been crushed under the weight of our own ego. For following our teachings and adapting to them are completely different answers, and one must remain resolute when faced with the duty of safeguarding the future of our fellows. If only the code was required, us retainers would not be necessary.
A leader, and the individuals who support it, never learns through example nor has the luxury to possess footsteps to follow upon. The path traversed by the elders was one that won't reiterate itself. As the saying goes, a man never enters the same river twice. Therefore, those at the vanguard must not be swayed by other's words, not be driven by what dangers surround them. For if they are to be a beacon for their fellows, they must hold the bravery required to tread into unknown land. Becoming one's own tailwind, without ever losing sight of whatever it was that compelled the direction of our feet, whether we saw hope, victory, peace, or further conflicts beyond the horizon.
For us to be truly accepted as trusted fellows, we first had to learn to hold onto our own core beliefs even if it meant clashing with our elders. We were no longer supposed to be children, but adults whose voice had to be heard, whose convictions they had to protect. I suppose those two will need some more introspection to reach that answer. Thankfully, they have Takeru by their side, so I am sure he shall aid them as he did with us before when we yet again were lost in our own doubts.
"So… How has Takeru been doing?" He then groans, his brows arching. "…Daizaburou-sama?" I am not liking such expression.
"…I frankly do not know."
"Huh? How do you mean?"
"Well, he is calm enough to still notice the beauty of the skies during the trainings, and he already has reached the right answer. Ignorant he is of the ways of the world, yet he does not allow fear to make nest within. However… I fear that he is perhaps too relaxed for his own good."
"…Whatever has happened?" Leaning forward, my lips tensed on their own.
"You see, I sent the trio to meditate on their own a few days ago. However, only Mion and Shion returned as they were scheduled to. Despite how much we waited, he did not return in time for dinner, so I feared that he had grown upset and left on his own."
"What?! I do not recall being told of-"
"Worry not, no such thing happened." Waving a hand in the air, my readiness and compulsion were also sliced in half and I returned my back to the sofa. "As I went to look for him, I did indeed find him. However, it turns out that… he had fallen asleep."
"…Excuse me?"
"I believe he enjoys stargazing much, does he not?" I nod, curving a brow. "Well, it seems he stayed looking at the skies, pondering on what he could do from then on… and fell asleep as he did so. When I woke him up, he told me he lost track of time while looking at the moon."
Takeru… I swear, why must you always do this? Unable to halt the rumbling of one of mine fist, I can picture the scene with clear clarity. Lucky you are to now have either me or Maya stationed here.
"However, he could have come down with hypothermia. Is he truly alright?"
"Worry not, Mana." Hoisting his chest forward, a smirk spreads like wildfire in him. "That unawareness of his is so profound, so sturdy that it seems to make him able to also ignore the weather as well, ahaha!"
"Daizaburou-sama, please, this is no laughing matter! Yuuhi-sama will not be pleased with this report." I fear she might decide to visit the dojo herself should he have actually incurred any injuries or become bedridden.
"As I said, there is nothing you should concern yourself with. He is fine, albeit formless in this training." Folding his arms after leaving his empty cup on a small table, he leans back onto the sofa.
"Is he giving you trouble?"
"No, it's just… I never trained anyone that resembles him, not in all of my years. Undaunted by the challenge, unrelenting in his own convictions, yet humble and warm, welcoming and 'friendly' as very few are in the Guard. While his skill with a blade is not yet sufficient to bestow him the honor of being called a Mugen Kidou Master, I fail to see him not reaching the aptitude required before the end of the year despite his insistence on using Maya's style."
"I see… So, could you tell me in detail how are they faring?"
Nodding with a smile, and standing up to procure some sweets from a shelve, he then told me all about their daily lives here. How Shion is far ahead of any other trainee when it comes to finesse with a blade and how she simply cannot seem to learn how to properly cook, how Mion's defensive style and composure are what one would expect of my sister and yet she is always most tardy whenever tasked with cleaning the windows, and how Takeru is simply too relaxed for his own good and how that gets him in trouble with the other trainees, but then he's the one who adapted the fastest to the cleaning duties.
"It was truly a welcome surprise to have him willingly volunteer to aid in the chores." He says, a hint of a smile and a quiet current of acceptance in his voice. "Never did I think that he would agree upon the first question with a mere 'Sure'. Frankly, his presence here worked in my favor to force the other trainees to humble down from their prideful stances. And truth be told, his cooking skills aren't half bad."
"As one would expect. Takeru truly doesn't like to sit still." That boy is too sweet for his own good. Yohime-sama did say that he was always wishing to help Maya back home as well.
"Ahaha, indeed. Well, I suppose you should be going to visit them. I shall deal with these papers, we can continue tomorrow with the details of Raiden's security. Please do enjoy your stay here, brief as it might be."
"So I shall do, Daizaburou-sama." Standing up, I tried to bow down, but he again loudly laughed away, swaying a hand in the air.
"No need for such formalities, grasshopper. The way here must have been tiring, please do make yourself comfortable. I left word to the cooks, your dinner should be at the ready. I believe both Mion and Shion would welcome your company during this night. Go to them, Mana."
"Yes, thank you kindly." Returning the smile, I leave the suitcase in the room, exiting towards the kitchen.
It is a relief to know that those three are alright, despite the setbacks they might be facing. Treacherous this last trail of their training might be, yet I must trust that they shall triumph in it.
Also, a great burden is off my shoulders now that I know Master will aid me in protecting Meiya-sama. We may not yet know who sent those men towards our House, nor how they obtained our inside intel, yet the threat has been made clear to us. I would wish myself able to banish the assumptions that Masahide-san has suggested yet I cannot simply do so.
Someone might be planning to weaken our fellowship, and use Meiya-sama to impersonate Yuuhi-sama. Perhaps someone from outside the succession branch, perhaps someone within the fellowship who is being influenced by another Regent. Yet, one cannot deny the odd movements, the odd bystanders near Raiden-sama's abode on the days before the attack was carried out. It may be a coincidence, however no option must be left outside of the table.
I know such was the reason to hasten the training of our younger members, yet… With eyes blazing we must face the threats, whoever it is behind this ploy. I can only pray that Masahide-san is mistaken in his suspicions.
Not taking too much time to arrive at the kitchen, the chatter of the young trainees reaches my ears. Walking into the room, all eyes fell on me. Their expressions widened as the clearing skies after a storm, I quickly waved a hand to relieve them of the pressure of bowing to me.
"At ease, fellows. I am no inspector. Please, proceed with your meal." More than half of them eased up and returned to their plates, the others however kept eyeing me as I walked towards the two shapes that were eating by themselves in a table near a corner.
"Greetings, Mion, Shion."
"Good evening to you, Sister." Mion said, bowing down. Shion quickly did the same. "I did not hear you were visiting." Tracing some hair behind her ear, she smiled my way.
"Well, had you heard of it, it would mean I did not do a through enough job." Smiling, they chuckle for a moment. I sit by Mion's side, with Shion in front of us. Whatever it was they were eating, they had already finished it. "So, I heard you're faring well so far."
Not a second after the words left my lips, their own twisted oddly. My gaze lost contact with Mion's, her arms slightly closed onto her body.
"We have been… progressing at a steady pace until now, Mana-sama." Sending a hand to her hair, she answered. And yet, she also couldn't look me in the eye.
"Is that so? Well, would you like to speak of it?" Never losing my smile, I nod their way. Slowly, they seem to begin to thaw what held them captive.
"Ahem… You see Sister, Master has been refusing to impart further trainings to us. And yet, no amount of meditation nor sparring has made him relent in his silence."
"It is truly concerning." Her brows arched, that soft tinge of venom that sometimes resides in her sister's words lurking forward. "And despite our efforts, we constantly find ourselves unable to ascertain the answer to his queries."
"I see… Have you pondered on his words from a different angle? Have you taken the time to glimpse at the skies, to stop dwelling within yourselves?" Both of them look down, lips yet again twisting.
"…However, we do not know what is it that we are doing wrong, Sister."
"Then, dispel this hastiness you seem to have been imprisoned by, and simply meditate on the answer to the questions, and what they entail. Do not let your veneer be bent so easily, Mion, Shion."
Straightening themselves, they return a nod. And yet, I cannot say that they understood my words. That hurry itself is what is holding you back, those fears of not measuring up, of not being 'enough' by yourselves. I know you must be under great duress, having to measure up and be compared to mine and Maya's own efforts, but I trust you shall triumph over this hurdle, as we did when facing our Fathers.
On an unrelated note, where could my dinner be? I would like to avoid going to the kitchen myself, it would be most rude for a guest to do so. However, I am beginning to feel the burden of the travel. Whatever shall I-
"Hey there, Mana-nee!"
"Oh?" Looking to my right, I saw him bringing my plate, dressed in a loose gray dress with an apron over it. "…Takeru? Where you the one tasked with cooking my meal?"
"Yeah, today was my turn in the kitchen. I'm all done with that, though." Leaving my plate, whose smell immediately brought waterfalls to my mouth, he then sat in front of us by Shion's side. He did not bring a plate with him, so I suppose he must have ate his own serving in the kitchen.
Glancing around, I could detect quite a few squinting gazes, narrowed and inquisitive stares towards him. As usual however, he does not seem to even register them. Sigh… I truly do not know whether your unawareness is a good or a bad trait, to be honest.
"So, didn't knew you were visiting. What's up? Are you gonna be part of a training?" Smiling my way, making his unkempt hair sway, I couldn't help but to return the gesture, seeing him unchanged.
"Takeru, please remember that Mana-sama is here as a Royal Guard." Elbowing him, the bridges between their souls began to sway and screech, a rapid current flowing under them. "You should speak formally to her, as we have been doing."
"What's your problem now? Mana-nee is Mana-nee, and we're on break."
"Regardless, Sister's attire should be enough to know how you should speak to her. It would be most unfortunate for you if you were once again reprimanded for forgetting your manners." She told him, what but a thunder tearing her composure into a subdued, bothered, and concerned frown.
"'Forgetting' would imply I had any manners to begin with." Folding his arms and nodding, he smirks back at her.
As those two pouted at him, I couldn't help but to chuckle. You truly haven't changed at all.
"It is alright. Takeru speaks the truth, we are on break for the moment. However, we also are in the dining room. Showing some decorum would serve you well, Takeru."
"Oh, I know. It's just been a long time since we've seen you." Easing up into a smile with the serenity of a descending petal, he nods again. "So, is everything alright?"
"Yes, I am fine. I heard you're having some troubles with the sword as of now?"
"Well…" He looks up, scratching the back of his head. "Sort of."
"Looks may be deceiving Mana-sama, yet Takeru has been making decent progress so far." She again smirked his way, showing him her teeth and pointing a finger upwards. Mion giggled as Takeru rose a brow, puffing one cheek.
"What the hell are you trying to say, you dumb Pickle?"
"That you have, surprisingly, managed to measure up to the training despite being still a young child."
"You're just a year older, don't get cocky because of that."
"Now, enough teasing. You all are doing well, in and out of the dojo. Isn't that right?" They all nod, relaxing into a calm smile.
"So…" However, he then looked down, twisting his lips as if a twister spawned within his mouth, joining his hands as if he had an injured pigeon between them. "Is everything alright back home?" His query also made the cousins tense up, locking their gazes onto me.
As I ate, we discussed what had happened since they were sent here. Sighing the pressure once learning that the Main House was safe and sound, happy to hear that everything was back to normal, and that nothing had happened to me where I was, they then told me about their own endeavors.
As Master had said before, Mion and Shion are most troubled by their setbacks in their cleaning efforts, Takeru mocking them about it helped not a single bit, and me agreeing with his points, despite scolding him for the teasing, made them pout much, as if they were once more little kids playing cards back home.
They then retaliated, with much pungency and freed audacity, about his lacking results with the blade, especially from Shion who also employs the same style as he. Sadly, it seems he also hasn't been deterred from wobbling as always used to. If not for that eccentric way of moving, he would already have been tasked with the last test in the dojo.
As the trainees left, some still daring to send their eyes towards his shape, the cousins relaxed in their manners and we could enjoy a more personal talk. Both of them repining about not being able to go to the Isumis concert, Takeru complaining about how Yuuhi didn't allow him to go to the manga circle with Arisa-san before coming him. Telling them what I could about Maya and Yuuhi-sama, of how everything was back in the city, they seemed to relax further. To be sent here after that incident, I am sure that much was the pressure you felt on your shoulders. And yet, there is nothing I can do about it.
"…Also, Yohime-sama confirmed to me that once you return you all shall begin your training to become surface pilots."
"Really?!" Slamming his hands on the table and jolting up, his clear cheer made me giggle.
"Indeed. Of course, a banquet with your favorite meals also awaits you all. The finest mackerel and matsutake are already reserved for you, Takeru."
"Awright! Now I'm really motivated to do this!"
"…What about us, Mana-nee?" Mion asked, clearly ballooning a cheek.
"Of course, your meals are also at the ready."
"…That means they expect us to finish our training soon, I suppose?" Shion's tone descended in its vigor, uncertainty lunging forward into the quiet shiver of one of her hands.
"There is no such time limit placed on you. We simply trust you shall deliver a satisfactory result." Smiling at them, the cousins seem to barely be able to nod. Just as how rain would force a flower to bow down under the pressure of the water, as how a rock would eventually be cracked wide open by the continuous inner piking, the cousins' complexion seemed strained, kept in place by tight wires.
I suppose that mentioning that was insensitive of me. It is obvious now, they truly are taking this far more heavily than Master thought. What could I do to aid them in-
"And that's what we're gonna do! Right, Pickles?" Smiling much, with the hesitation of a bull when seeing red, he nodded their way. And their mouth and eyes widened, lacking an answer.
"Um… Well, we are indeed making an effort." She caressed her ponytail, looking down. "However, what holds us back is nothing like anything we have faced before."
"And we're gonna break through it, no problem!" Raising a fist, quick and ferocious as a chasing hippo, one could see the fire roaring in his eyes, as he likes to say. "But, you know what? If you keep being this down, I'm gonna pass the test first and eat all the cake by myself."
"…You take that back." Mion's eyes shot wide open, folding her arms far too tightly.
"It seems you have forgotten how to address your sisters, Takeru." A brow of her twitching, Shion again smirked his way.
"Heh, that's better. Would be such a shame to be the only one passing the test." He shrugs, they again pout at him.
Hehehe… Even when they bicker as usual, it is good to see you're still supporting them well, Takeru. I would be wishing to have you three, especially you, to begin to act more according to what being a Royal Guard entails, yet… for now, you should enjoy these fleeting moments.
I am sure Yuuhi-sama will be much pleased with this report, to hear you three are still able to smile and play around with each other like this. Even if she won't like to hear his complains about the manga circle a single bit.
…I truly hope you can finish your training quickly. Not so that you can join the training to be formally accepted into the Guard, but so that you can keep her company again. She truly does miss you all much, especially your smile Takeru.
That reminds me…
"Takeru, are you allowed to cook in your free time?"
"Hm? Yeah, why?"
"Well… I was wondering, could you perhaps prepare something for her? It has been a long time since you've been here training, after all."
"Oh! Yeah, I'll see what I can do. Though…" He arches his brows, folding his arms.
"What is it?"
"Mana-nee, there are no apples in the dojo." Mion says, sighing.
"Is that so? That is a shame." She has come to favor them much, largely because of his cooking.
"Don't worry, I'll fix up something new for her!" Again smiling, he nods. "And some ginger and lemon drinks for you, since you seem kinda tired."
Aww… He still remembers that? And to think he would wish to take even more time out of his already tight schedule for me…
"Thanks, Takeru. I shall be probably leaving before dusk tomorrow so, do you think you can find the time?"
"Yeah, of course Mana-nee." He pounds his chest, but then grimaces as he placed too much force into his swing. Us three chuckle at the outcome, he blushes as he scratches his head. "A-Anyways, I'm gonna have to hustle to make everything in time. Pickles, you'll help out with the cleaning, right?"
"But of course." Shion says, plucking her lips. "There was no need to ask, silly." Raising her hand, they do a high five smirking at each other.
"Hehe… Thank you, you three. I am sure she shall enjoy the meal much."
All of them smile, again asking me about what I am supposed to do here. Speaking of what little I can, we spent the remainder of the evening enjoying ourselves.