Chapter 41: Key Words of the Masquerade
November 29th. Near 1 PM.
(Sim Room.)
[Takeru]
Slowly getting out of the sim pod while holding my head, I can barely walk in a straight line without wobbling. God damn it all, they messed me up. At this rate, I'm puking for real. Pulling off three Gliding Charges was too much for me… And after yesterday's fight to make matters worse… Though, I'm surprised they survived all three of them, since it's practically my ace move in Anti-TSF combat. In all fairness, I didn't use it from a blank point, so they had time to dodge.
Still… I'm drained… And the day just started… Haaauuu…
"Shirogane-kun, are you alright?" Tapping her glasses, she comes closer.
"…Do I look alright?"
"Well… No. Did those maneuvers give you motion sickness?"
"It's more like… I'm just plain exhausted."
Sigh… The Aggressor config really lifted the limiter on the sims, it now truly worked as if it were a real TSF cockpit. And while the shaking wasn't equal to one, the detail in the projection was near frame perfect. And my suit probably fed the system the data to give me the most accurate feedback possible, and with that the thing felt almost like the real deal. Never thought I'd say this, but I need a break from piloting… Thank God Tama's dad is coming tomorrow.
"Hey, you really fine?" Kei comes over, hand on her chin as she stares.
"Yeah, I'll manage somehow… Phew… Though, didn't think you both would elude me in the end." I wearily smile while chuckling.
"You didn't made it easy." Kei narrows her eyes, bringing her head closer. "Those air jousting moves were on another level. What the hell was up with that?" To have her openly curse, it means she's really upset and curious. But… it also means she's at least willing to do peace, for now.
"It's just… my ace in the hole, if I can call it that. Think of it as the best move I can think of."
"Huh… Did you, uh, learn it abroad as well?" Eyes almost running away, her voice didn't have that same toxic tint it always used to have here. I'm glad… the bet worked, even if just a bit.
"Nah, that's an original from yours truly." Can't tell 'em I learned it from a videogame, after all. "So, is everything cool between you two?"
They share a look, Chizuru nods as she shrugs, Kei then does too while looking away. Thank God it worked out.
"While I don't agree with all the points of your lecturing… I admit I should have been more open." Tapping her glasses, she sighs.
"I, well, didn't see I was, uh… acting that bad. Sorry." She then gives both of us a small, but firm, bow. Wow… To have her apologize and all…
True, I did kinda snap at Kei when she said the same as… back then, but I didn't think she'd take it to heart. Kei rarely, if ever, listened to a thing I said.
"Don't worry 'bout it, it's cool. Just… try to take one step at a time to get better at communicating. Just that, solve your stuff between each other however you like." Both of them nod, no shadows in their eyes nor delay in the gesture.
"Thanks, Special-kun. I, uh… appreciate it. You know, despite me being an asshole to you all this time." Still unable to lift her gaze from the ground, falling pencil would drown her voice right now.
"Sigh… It's cool, I also didn't try to solve things before the CCSE. Let's just leave that behind and focus on what's ahead, okay?" She nods again, now recovering her smile.
"Yeah, though… Why did you use our names back then?"
"Huh? Oh… You know, bad habit. Got pissed off and… Sorry, it just came out like that." I still tend to get emotional during my preachy speeches from time to time… Looks like both of them didn't take it as badly as the first times I called them like that here, so maybe… we can begin to mend the bridge from now on.
"Hmm… Is that so." She looks away, seeming bored despite the small ember in her tone. I dunno if she's mad or what, getting mixed signals right now. "Well, whatever. Just… Thanks again, really."
"It's cool, just… Sorry if I said something hurtful, I tend to get carried away when I do speeches like that."
"No, it… it was spot on. You were harsh but… you spoke the truth." Closing her eyes and sighing, she then folds her arms as she returns my gaze. "So, uh… Everything's cool?"
"Yeah." Nodding at her, the tension finally leaves and her shoulders ease up.
"By the way, Shirogane-kun…" Chizuru takes a step closer, narrowing her eyes. "…Do you mean what you said before?"
"Huh? About what?"
"…About my eyebrows being… too thick."
"He's right, though." Not a second after she said it, Chizuru shot her a glare. Kei hid behind me, probably returning the evil eye.
"Just so we're clear, my eyebrows are not that thick!" Again making circles in the air, she directed her verbal gun at me now. "So, I expect you to be more tactful from now on. You should choose your words more carefully."
"…I mean, I don't see what's the problem, honestly. I think they look cute on you." Sure, the Chop-kun doll you gave me had way too thick eyebrows, but they do look good on you. Frankly, it's nothing to be ashamed of. It's how you are, what's the problem?
"Wh-Wh-What… W-Wha…" Her stammering brought me back to Earth, one could say she was in the middle of an overheat worse than Sumika's ones.
Wait, why is she… Oh, goddammit… Did I actually tell her she looked cute? I am a walking danger when I'm tired.
"Special-kun, you silver tongued bastard, you broke the leader."
"Okay, that was not my intention. I was just being honest." She smirks at me, chuckling at Chizuru's embarrassment.
"Now this is a rare sight…"
"S-Shut up! I won't forget this teasing!" Again raising a finger at us, she turned around and walked away.
"Nice one, Special-kun." Then, she gives me a thumbs up.
"Sigh… Whatever, let's just go to the rest."
Walking over the sims, I soon find a crowd cheering on us as we walk over to the Instructor, who looks rather pissed. She looks back, silencing the people, before coming towards us.
"Squad! Line up!" We do just that, the other three giving us a good stare. Chizuru refuses to look at us. "Despite the failure of this last exercise, you did manage to cooperate to a greater degree than ever before. Sakaki, Ayamine, I expect you two to begin to work together as well as you did just now from now. As someone said, beat each other up if that's what it takes to keep getting this performance off. You may have lost a great deal of time, but your final strike was well coordinated for an on-the-fly attempt. I am looking forward to the next sessions."
"Thank you, Ma'am." They both answer in unison.
"Now then, Shirogane…" Crossing her arms, narrowing her eyes, NotMarimo-chan stares in silence for a sec. "You didn't puke in the sim, did you?"
"No, Ma'am. Yesterday's breakfast is still within me."
"What is this about, Instructor?" Tama asks, receiving a smirk with a chuckle from NotMarimo-chan.
"Oh, the hotshot here seemed to fly too recklessly as you saw, and said to be feeling dizzy and nauseous." The other three give me a worried gaze, the Instructor just smiles. "In any case, you did put on a good show. Perhaps a bit better than I was expecting."
Someone from the crowd of pilots and MPs whistles, others begins to laugh. NotMarimo-chan's brows twitch as do her lips, crossing her arms real tight.
"…But I believe I told you to keep those reckless moves to a minimum, didn't I?"
"Yes, you did Ma'am. Is there something wrong with how I piloted just now?"
"Besides the fact that you probably broke the joints of the figurative machine you operated? What on Earth were you thinking when you made those charges? You could get killed by doing those maneuvers in real life, crashing isn't something to take lightly, Cadet Shirogane. Not only the loss of a pilot, but losing a machine that, let me remind you, costs upwards of a million dollars would be a great detriment to the war effort, especially if you attempt such a move on a crucial mission. For all the talk about how you thought someone was acting in a suicidal way, you yourself seem to have a death wish of your own, Cadet Shirogane."
Ouch, using the rank and all. Though, I do understand her concerns. A miss in timing equals certain death when using the Gliding Charge, and if I'm hit during it, well… I just saw what happens then. And this is still rather tame compared to how she interrogated me when I used it during my first loops to tumble down the rock to save the old lady from the lava.
"I do comprehend your words, Instructor. However, I believe the move you have an issue with is as valid as any other. While it is true that it comes with great risks, it also yields great results when used properly. Furthermore, such line-piercing maneuvers might save someone's life down the line once we get commissioned, if I'm given time to perfect the move."
"…Perfect it? You say it could get better?" Raising a brow, her tone filled with doubt, she and the other five, and probably some of the others from the crowd too, stared in shock and whatever comes after that too.
"Yes, what I did was a simple charge. While the timing at the height of the jump is hard to pull off, with enough practice and accumulated data it could be feasible to say I could perform it without risk of crashing." Because I did that during my first loops, and without the XM3. "However, there is a way in which the base maneuver could be improved, but it's something even more reckless and difficult to achieve. And frankly, I don't have the confidence to attempt the full maneuver at this point." Her eyes simply squint as her mouth remains half-open.
"Huh?!" Chizuru looks at me, completely tilted. "You say it… gets even worse than that?!"
"Better, actually. It wouldn't be an improvement otherwise."
"…Special-kun, you're a monster."
"No, I'm just Takeru." And I doubt I could pull off the Skull Kaizer's Sky Rend without the XM3.
"…Shirogane, does this have anything to do with… your special missions?" The Instructor asks, a hand on her chin, her tone calming down and edging up.
"Eh… Well… I choose to remain silent." She nods, taking that as I thought she would. "In any case, while I will keep it to a minimum due to how taxing it is on me, I ask you to give me permission to attempt my aerial charges when I deem them necessary." Giving her a bow, I can hear her groan. Some more people from the crowd whistle, her groans intensify.
"Sigh… Fine, I grant you permission to do it, but keep it to an absolute minimum." I return myself upright, standing in attention as I salute and thank her. She shakes her head, sighing again. "…In any case, you did play your role as good as you were able. Perhaps you should have seized the chance to dispose of Ayamine when you had it, but otherwise you fought admirably on your own despite your defeat at their teamwork. While I'd like you to hold back on those moves, you're free to attempt them in moderation. You fought better than I expected, and for that I'll let you off the hook today."
"Thank you, Ma'am." Sigh… Bullet: Dodged.
"Now then, there's a small announcement to make." The other five stand tense in attention, seeming to be bolted in place. "Tomorrow, an important retinue will be visiting the base. Therefore, all trainings from now on, as well as mock battles, shall be postponed until the start of December. This means that this marks the end of today's training sessions, since you're also free of lectures on the late afternoon."
"Huh?! However, Instructor, how could this be?" Meiya's voice rose up in complain, a bit more bothered than I thought she would be. "We didn't hear anything about this until today!"
"Sigh… And that's because even I didn't heard anything until today as well." Folding her arms real tight, her brows tense downwards. "Sadly, there's nothing to be done. Since it's the Undersecretary himself the one coming tomorrow, all trainings from noon onwards are cancelled. Not just for you, but for the commissioned officers as well" Which explains why there's so many of them lurking around here, instead of patrolling or doing stuff. "I will be busy helping with the preparations on B3F, so you also won't be able to use the pods at a later hour. Use this time to relax, as soon as December starts we're advancing into the mock battles."
"Roger!"
"Shirogane, I received word from Takamura that her mission will not require your assistance during these two days, so you are allowed to enjoy your free time according to the Professor's orders. That's all. Dismissed!"
"Salute!"
She returns the gesture, and as she turns around she reminds the people nearby to not bother us. A few still send me and the girls thumbs up and smirks, others just whisper as they look at us, and there's the obvious disdainful gazes of those who still hate my guts. However, after NotMarimo-chan's warning they all begin to scatter, seeming pleased with the show we put some moments ago.
"Cadets, do not dally in getting changed." She says, giving us six one hard stare. We nod, the girls tensing up as they do. "And Shirogane, if you truly are feeling unwell, don't hesitate to go to the infirmary."
"Don't worry, Instructor. I'm merely a bit tired."
"If you say so… Well then, until tomorrow." She then goes her way out of the sim room along the stream of bored officers.
Sigh… Thankfully she allowed me to keep practicing my Gliding Charges. And really, it's just a really fast dive, I'm amazed no one thought about it before. The people of this world lack imagination. It's not like I'm doing a Rocker Sunshine or a Bright Finger.
"…I cannot believe they cancelled our training without a single warning." Meiya was clearly angry at this turn of events, going by her sharpened eyes and dry tone. She was groaning to herself as she folded her arms, looking at the pods with tightly closed lips.
"We can't do anything about it. Squad, let's use this time to review our lessons and get as ready as we can for the mock battles. We advanced much for only a morning practice, so let's keep up the good work." Chizuru smiled at us confidently.
"Roger!" The girls all gave an energetic reply, even Kei for once.
"…Roger." Energy depleting… Need food… I think I did save some of my breakfast for after the simulations. Drowning a yawn, I blink as I move my brows up and down, running a hand over my face
"Shirogane-kun, are you really okay? Maybe you really should go to the infirmary?" Tapping her glasses, she looked at me in the eye.
"…Don't worry, I'll be fine."
"Takeru, are you sure you're fine? Maybe you should go rest?"
"Thanks Mikoto, but I can't just go to sleep, as much as I want to. It'll mess up my internal clock. Luckily, I can just laze about today."
I'm sure Sensei did this out of consideration, after yesterday's battle I was completely spent. And what little stamina I regained has been spent already. It's hilarious, actually. In the game, the Gliding Charge does deplete the energy gauge entirely, and right now my gauge is completely busted after doing them. Siiigh… A nap is tempting right about now, though.
"But man, that fight was super!" Changing her mood in a flash, she smiles widely at us. "Chizuru-san and Kei-san worked so well together at the end there, and your moves were superb!"
"Yes, just looking made me dizzy, to be honest." Tama scratches her head, giggling. "But it was amazing, how nimbly you moved at such high speeds."
"It's all in the practice, really." You have no idea how many times I crashed myself by attempting the Gliding Charge during my first loop. And the Instructor is right, it damages the joints real bad. Even if Chizuru hadn't hit me, my joints would have ended up on red.
"You truly looked like a monster." Kei gives me a side glance, still smiling.
"But Kei-san, you ended up tearing his TSF in half!" Mikoto giggles at her while she plucks her lips.
"By the way, were you talking about something back there?" Tama asks, tilting her head. I look down, since it's not my place to speak if they don't want to. "Since you stood quiet for a long while, and you even shot at a building a few times… Is everything okay?" Her tone growing a bit worried as she switches glances between Kei and Chizuru, her hands play with her hair.
"Well… It's nothing, really." Chizuru says, holding one of her elbows.
"…Cute eyebrows." Oh God, she just had to-
"S-Shut up!" An immediate, abrasive retort. Didn't expect any less.
Tama and Mikoto tilt their heads as they stare at them, Kei smirking as she chuckles and Chizuru pretty much spewing steam from her ears.
"Anyways, it is a relief to get a breather for sure." Again making circles in the air, she takes a step away from Kei. "Shirogane-kun, could you come with me later? I have something to give you." What could Chizuru have for me? Another Chop-kun doll?
"Sakaki-san, what are you going to give him?" Tama was eyeing Chizuru with stinky eyes. Mikoto followed suit. It's always funny to see them like that.
"W-Why are you looking at me like that? I just prepared some notes for him, since he can't go to the library like we do."
"Thanks, Sakaki. I'll read them throughly when I get the chance."
"Yes, you do that. It would be a problem if we couldn't coordinate our movements during the mock battles, especially if you start doing those charges." She started making circles in the air again. I can only wonder what memories she saw. I mean, do they see the things clearly, or do they just inherit the feelings?
"Chizuru-san, why are you even giving him that? He's the best one of the squad." Mikoto smiled at me as she smacked my back. And surprisingly, Kei nodded with a small smile in her face to the words.
"Yoroi, I did this for him because he can't access the library. It's for the good of the squad. Right, Mitsurugi?"
"…I suppose." Meiya just looked away, going towards the changing room. Her voice barely audible, shoulders down and with a slow pace she exited the sim room.
She hasn't looked at me since I exited the pod, so I guess… she's getting paranoid again. To remain so silent despite how we fought just now… Sigh…
"Well, anyways, we can't really stand around so let's get going." Chizuru takes the lead as she stretches her arms forward.
We all go towards the changing rooms, Tama and Mikoto asking about the fight and us answering what we could, or wanted to, tell them. Things seemed pretty tense in the hallways, everybody was hurriedly running somewhere. Considering what is coming up, it doesn't surprise me.
"Hey, is the Undersecretary someone really important? What does an Undersecretary do anyways?" Mikoto asked the group, receiving puzzled looks as an answer.
"Of course he's important, it's the man that connects many of the UN's High Command Council and our Parliament with the UN's International HQ. Basically, it's the right hand of the HC in many affairs." Chizuru obviously knows her political stuff, I never found out what exactly Tama's Dad actually does though.
"Oh! Then he's a super important person. I wonder what he's like." Smiling gleefully, Mikoto has not an ounce of care in her. As usual, basically.
"Yeah, it makes you wonder. What kind of person the… the Undersecretary… H-Hauuu…" Tama froze in place, eyes became two big white dots.
"Miki-san? Are you alright?" Mikoto waved her hand in front of her, but she remained still.
"Tamase? What's wrong?" Chizuru looked back worriedly at the frozen shape of Tama.
"In Shirogane's words, she's tilted." Apparently Meiya had noticed we were coming and waited for us. She looked at Tama, circled around her for a bit, poking her. "It seems she's out of commission."
"Hey Tama. Do you know who the Undersecretary is?" Color returns to her eyes, and very slowly she starts shaking.
"She knows. Spill the beans." Kei grabs her from behind and starts to give her head pats very aggressively. Death by forced pampering, a new form of torture has been born.
"Awawawa…"
"Could it be… Tamase, is the Undersecretary your father?" Chizuru, you hit the jackpot so hard it's now a crackpot.
"Haaauuu…" She somewhat nods under the pressure of Kei's menacing head pats. Kei seemed to be enjoying herself though.
"Ayamine, stop it. Tamase, you don't have to be nervous. You've been doing a fine job in your training, I'm sure he'll be proud of you." Chizuru, my dear, that is not the problem here. It's…
Wait one second, last time I got beaten up, right? I can't believe I'm happy the HSST is gonna fall, if only because I'll avoid that horrible fate.
"That's not the problem. You see…"
…
"Your father believes you're the Squad Leader?!" Chizuru's eyes turned white as the shock left her mouth hanging wide open.
"I just told him of how I was improving after the CCSE in the last letter, and he somehow turned that into me being the Leader. I'm sorry." Tama starts bowing repeatedly at all of us.
"Don't worry Tama. This isn't your fault. Did he misunderstood anything else from your letters?" She got tilted again. Oh God…
"Miki-san, what else did he got wrong?" Tama starts violently shaking in place as her eyes spin in a counter clockwise way.
"I can't tell you! It's too embarrassing! I'm sorry! I'm sorry!"
"Please stop apologizing, you did nothing wrong." Meiya told her in a slow, tender tone while placing a hand on Tama's shoulder. "Whatever shall we do about this? Sakaki, should we just be honest with the man?" I don't think that will work. I mean, considering how he usually acted in the past loops…
"Hmm… We don't really have a choice, do we? It's not like we can fake our ranks, that's a violation to the UN's code." She raises both arms in defeat.
Should I suggest the same plan as I always did? It would be sad to see the man dejected, and in the end he always saw through our little stand-up act… But will people let us do it in this harsher world?
"Special-kun, any ideas?" Kei stared at me with half closed eyes.
"No, not really."
"Hmm… Seem like you were wanting to say something, though." Her stare intensifies upon me, making the others stare at me too. Uuuh… I think this isn't a good idea this time around.
"Shirogane, do you have an idea to help Tamase?"
"Well Mitsurugi, you see…"
One explanation later…
"…and that's the gist of it."
"Shirogane-kun, do you really think you can convince the Instructor to allow Tamase to be the Squad Leader tomorrow?" I can't blame you for being skeptical, considering NotMarimo-chan's usual mood here.
"Sakaki, if there is one person who can convince her it's him. I shall accompany him to request this of her. It truly would be a shame if their reunion took a sour note for this misunderstanding." I didn't think Meiya would volunteer to help me.
"Sniff… Thank you. Really, I'm sorry for the trouble." Tama starts bowing at us again.
"Tamase, do not apologize. Sakaki, I assume you have no qualms with this if the Instructor gives her approval?"
"Of course. Honestly, I don't want to break his illusion, and it isn't unheard of for squads to change their leaders after they start piloting. Now is the most believable time to do something like this, since Tamase is more fit to be in the backrow we can just say that the position was given to someone who could be in the middle more naturally if we ever get asked about it." I'm so glad this Chizuru is more understanding. She is taking into account Tama's feelings and their effect in her performance, even if it means doing something 'wrong'. She also did seem to try to be more civil with Kei, despite their usual bickering.
"Don't worry. You'll do a better job than her." Kei smiled at Tama as she patted her head again. Why did I have to jinx it? I can already-
"Ayamine, what do you mean by that?" Here thar be dragons yet again.
"By what?"
"You just insulted me again."
"Nope, you're wrong."
"Why do you always talk through your teeth? Was all you said about trying to talk more openly with the squad just empty air?"
"No, that was for real." Chizuru's brows twitch, I can't help but to snicker at them now.
"Then, what did you mean?"
"Damn, you really are as thick-headed your eyebrows." And then, Kei dashes behind me as Chizuru was diving at her.
She again grabs my shoulders and uses me as a human shield. I may be able to pilot the XG, kill thousands of BETA, and travel through space-time, but releasing myself from Kei's grabs will forever remain as an impossible feat for me. And I'm also too hungry and tired to even try.
"Don't hide behind Shirogane-kun! Come out and speak up!"
"You said you'd stop shouting and being abrasive, squad leader."
"Wha… You have some nerve… And my eyebrows aren't that thick."
"…Hey Ayamine, what about the part where you said you'd rely more on your squadmates and stuff?" I sigh, feeling her grip on my shoulder tighten.
"…I'm relying on you to keep me safe from the her." Goddammit, Kei.
"Shirogane-kun is right, you shouldn't keep acting like this, Ayamine. After all, he made very fair points about your conduct back there." Moving the finger in circles again, she smirked.
"More like he did the leading for you."
"What was that!?"
"Sakaki, please calm down!" Thanks Meiya, keep the chill coming. "We should go change, we still have to talk with the Instructor."
"…You're right. I shouldn't let my temper-"
"Cute eyebrows." Goddammit Kei! Oh great, Chizuru's eyes resemble those of the Legendary Super Shayan now.
"Girls, let's calm down. We can't go bothering the Instructor now of all times, right? A lecture wouldn't be enough to placate her wrath this time. Wouldn't you agree, Mitsurugi?" I wink at her, asking for support. She looks away but nods at my words.
"Just like Shirogane said, we can't go making more trouble. Please do keep your poise, do not forget our shared goal."
"Yeah, come on." Mikoto says, but looking to the ground. "Pointing fingers won't do us any good, right?"
"Sigh… I know. I did promise to try harder from my position. So don't go hurling one-liners like that, we still need to have a talk after all." Chizuru looks away and starts walking, Kei releases me and joins the rest as we go our way.
Tama and Mikoto sigh as we keep walking towards the changing room, Meiya shakes her head as well. Wait a sec, did Kei do that to change the atmosphere? I mean, Tama looks way more calm now. She can be surprisingly kind when she wants to.
Once we got to the changing rooms, I change in a flash while also grabbing my little paper bag with what I saved of my breakfast. Thank God there's bathrooms right by the side of these rooms. Going to splash some water on my face, drink some to parch up my throat, and then part ways with yesterday's breakfast, I leave the heaviness behind as I get out, rubbing my forehead. And as I did, I kinda saw someone moving away fast into a hallway. Did I imagine that?
"Oh, you're already out." Meiya and the rest then came out in their fatigues. "Do you wish to go speak with the Instructor now or after eating lunch?"
"I rather have a short rest, if you don't mind."
"Very well, so shall we do." Nodding and folding her arms, she again looks away. Sigh… "So Sakaki, shall we be off to the PX?"
"Hmm… We still need to go run our laps, but considering that the trainings are cancelled we can just go to eat lunch today." Tama and Mikoto breath a sigh at her words.
"I'll be in the track field, go there when you're done." I wave at them and go towards the hallway to my right.
"Wait Shirogane-kun. Can't you come to the PX with us? Your punishment was lifted for the day, after all."
"No, just one punishment was lifted. I still can't go to the barracks or the PX. And… considering what people say about me, it's better I don't join you guys." Looking back, all of them were looking down, even Kei now. "So I'll rest there until Mitsurugi is ready to go talk with the Instructor. Later." Mikoto seemed like she wanted to say something, but didn't. Kei furrowed her brows, her hands diving into her pockets as she looked down.
And so, I went my way to the track field.
Some people giving me smiles, others commenting on the fight as I passed them, and still quite a few narrow and hateful gazes coming along dirty whispers, my feet dragged themselves to my destination. Breathing slowly, enjoying the coming sunshine as if I were a sunflower, as well as the chilly breeze that came in from the few windows that were open, at least I could ease up my tension as I made my way there.
Luckily, due to the prep needed for the incoming visit, there's no one around here. Finally, I can relax without hearing any whispers or being alert in case any bastard tries to trip me again.
"Sigh… Man, it's been such a long time since I could come out for a breather."
The sun feels so nice… I stand in the sunlight, enjoying the wind as it blows through the track field. Opening the food pack, I lean on a wall as I eat the little I left for this time.
Damn, I truly didn't think they'd push me to such lengths. Though, I really should try to relearn how to stand up quickly again. It's such a bother, but it's for the best if I gotta keep using the old OS for a while longer.
Though, to be completely honest, if I hadn't been exhausted after yesterday's fight I wouldn't have missed my charges. Takamura was a monster to deal with. Well, I can't really say anything since I sworded my way through three buildings trying to get you off guard. While I ended up losing, when she used her hands to damage my arms, it was because I had forgotten the Takemikazuchi's hands are also weaponized. We did duke it out for half an hour, so I'm happy with the result even if I lost.
My maneuvering did catch her off her groove at times and I actually knocked her sword away, but the difference in our mechs was too big, and since she isn't exactly a pushover I couldn't overpower her with my speed. Not even with an Albright I could take her down. I thought that coming at her from behind at top speed would do the trick, but nope. She sidestepped at the last second and started chasing me, firing at the buildings to my sides to close my escape roads.
But the fact that I could stand up to a Type-00 in a Kagerou, even if it had the XM3 and its upgrades, is proof enough that we are on the right track. That said, that battle tired me out more than I thought and I couldn't do anything else yesterday.
Still, at least I saw a funny dream of this world's me playing around with Sumika today. Who would have said she also was afraid of Binocchio's book in this world? And of course, she punched him into the stratosphere when he joked about it. It's good to see they were still that close here, too.
Sigh… Still, real tired right now. Looking up, I close my eyes as the wind blows.
In less than a day, we get the first real test here. Will we make it? Or will I fail once more? I can only believe in Tama, she has done many incredible things through all of my loops.
Anyways… Thankfully, I can enjoy some alone time in pea-
"Excuse me, Cadet."
And my rest is ruined. I just can't catch a break, can I?
"…What is it?" Mion and Shion were coming towards me, with the same lightless hawkish eyes they had during the CCSE. Great, dying today it seems.
Both of them were wearing the red dress of the Guard, taking slow but firm steps, enough to lift a small cloud of dust, never taking their eyes off me. Are they coming to harm me? Or are they here to test the waters? Faster than I expected, but I did show off quite a bit just now. The emerald and turquoise eyes meet my gaze as they lock onto me. Mion took one final step forward and spoke up.
"Good day, Cadet Shirogane. Do you happen to be free right now?"
"Yes, pretty much." I wonder if Sensei noticed this. Maybe she 'liberated' this zone, so that they could approach me? "Nice weather, right?" They both nod.
"I was under the impression that you were under a strict routine." Twirling her hair, never taking her eyes off.
"Something came up and I'm free for the afternoon, is all. So, do you need something?"
"Well, it seems like you're progressing in your training just fine." Shion smiled at me widely, showing me her teeth.
"One could say that, yes."
"From what we heard, you performed… quite well in your last session." She smirks evilly, as she did in the memory I saw.
"Well, I did my best just now, to be honest. Though, I ended up going overboard, to be honest."
"Did you happen to crash, perchance?"
"Oh, no. It's just that my head hurt a bit after moving too fast too frequently. I almost puked yesterday's breakfast all over the sim pod."
"…Huh." Both of them narrow their eyes, confusion and disgust mixed together.
"Sorry for the vulgar expression, but I got really dizzy after today's training due to doing some of my best moves."
"…Well, it would have been a shame if you were to be unable to pilot, considering you bested me during the CCSE." Mion also smiled, with a small hint of darkness in her eyes.
"I suppose. So, what did you need of me?" Giving them a side glance, their brows seem to lower just a tiny bit.
"Is something the matter?" Mion asks, forcing a small smile.
"Well, I just don't know why you Guards would approach me. Doubt you'd come just to make idle chitchat." Looking around for a bit, I don't see anyone else from their group, but I do now they're stealthy. They… might just be trying to make me trip, or to attack me if no one is around.
"Well, that is true." Shion took a step forward, pointing one finger to the sky. I think her little self did the same in that memory I saw. "Are you truly free as of now?"
"Yeah? I just said so."
"Hmm… So, you came here to relax, then?"
"…It's kinda obvious, to be honest. So, uh, did you need something or what?"
"Could we ask you some questions? I am reaaally curious about you, actually." Shion says, again raising a finger.
"…Fine, I guess."
"Who're you working for?" Her eyes changed again to those lightless, oppressing, hawkish eyes she had during the CCSE.
"The UN?"
"Playing dumb? Well, do you like natto rolls?" She changed to a shining smile for some reason.
"Yeah, I do." I'm one of those weird people who don't mind eating natto rolls, and that made Mom and Dad always give me those when we went to eat sushi while they ate all the other ones. Damn pricks, just remembering that is making me mad. "But why are you asking me this?"
"You do, huh? Then, do you know what steamed doubin is?" She ignored my question…
"Yeah, my favorite dish actually. But could you stop talking about food?" She sharpens her eyes at me again, Mion does the same as she speaks up.
"Why? Are these questions bothering you, by any chance?"
"I've lost my lunch due to my punishment. You know, for what I did to those soldiers? So talking about food right know is like torture for me." I show them the small pack of rations I have on me.
"So you were indeed punished for saving Meiya-sama, huh." She twirls the low end of her ponytail as her eyes narrow a bit.
"For harming the soldiers. Nobody believed me when I said I did it to help my squadmates." I can't really tell why, but I'm feeling really calm now. Maybe because I saw their child versions? I mean, I'm not here to harm Yuuhi so there's no reason for us to fight actually. But, still, being cautious is never bad.
"Is that so?" Making a small smile, Mion tilted her head. "Well, you seem to be truly skilled with a blade. Can you tell us where you learned that?" She kept faintly smiling as she played with her hair, Shion on the other hand was silently staring at me with a poker face.
I can only drag the conversation and hope either Sensei or Kasumi notice this. As for the rest of the base… Yeah, they would leave me to my misery. Maybe waiting for Meiya is… But what if she's cooperating with them? Hauu…
"…I learned from someone that was on Yukon Base."
"Hmm… Say, considering your words at me when we fought, I suppose you don't know who we are, right?" Her eyes slowly were turning into those same eyes she had during our fight. Time to fish up some answers.
"Aren't you relatives of the 1st Lieutenants? I think you said that your sister was the one here, so you're 1st Lt. Mana Tsukuyomi's sister, while Shion would be 1st Lt. Maya Tsukuyomi's, right?"
"Ooh! He got it right!" Shion bursted suddenly, smiling again at me. "So Shirogane, the question here is, did you know about us beforehand?" She said wiggling a finger at me. So that wasn't wrong.
"No? Aside from your relation with 1st Lt. Tsukuyomi, I've no idea who you are. I'm the one who wants to know why you called me by my name when we fought." Gotta play my part here, to make the 'I have amnesia' thing to be credible. And I'm not even lying, I've no idea who they are.
"Huh… So that's how is it…" Shion brought one hand to her chin as her eyes started to lose light again.
"I mean, we never met before right? Why would I know you? Do you happen to know who I was before I left the Empire?" C'mon, gimme a hint or something.
"…What do you mean by that?" More and more, their eyes lost friendliness and regressed into those hostile pair of gazes that met me in the CCSE under the rain.
"I mean… I don't really remember much from my life in Japan. I woke up in a hospital in Alaska without many memories, and since no one could find any relatives I have no idea who I used to be. Hell, I don't even know if my parents are alive." That is not a lie, we do not have any idea who the hell he was. Wait a sec…
Dad and Mom… Who were they here?
…Why do I… feel heavy again all of a sudden?
"…So you lost your memories? Is that true?" Mion asked, sounding as convinced as my Mom when I told her I actually passed my history tests once in a blue moon.
"Yes, I honestly don't know. Though, I've been dreaming about my childhood for a while. I think I used to live around here, when there was still a town."
"…Eh?" Both of them opened their eyes wide, taken aback for some reason.
"Yeah, I think I lived around this place when I was little. Kinda remember what my house looked like, sort of."
Suddenly, Shion sprung forward and grabbed my shoulders.
"What else do you know? Who did you live with?!"
"I-I dunno, I can't really remember. H-Hey, it hurts! Let me go!" I try to shrug her off, to no avail. Her fingers dig into my shoulders, determined to not let go.
I don't know if I was actually living with Maya-san or if she was just looking after me, so I better shut up about that. But seeing her reaction… They're scouting me, and with ill intentions at it. Of course, they're on Yuuhi's side after all.
"Shion, let him go!"
"Shut up! Takeru, do you remember visiting the capital?"
"No, I don't. And why are you calling me by my name?" Shion's eyes were fierce, but the glow in them had changed. Wait… the Capital? Is that where we were during that memory I saw?
"Shion, we can't arise suspicions. Let him go." Mion pulled gently on her shoulder and, very slowly at that, Shion released me.
"So… Can I get an explanation for what you just did and why you're asking me these questions? Did you knew me before I left the Empire?" Shion looked to the ground while Mion returned my gaze.
"…Shirogane, do you remember anyone from your childhood?" Did they take the bait? Mion seems serious, so let's assume it did work.
But… Considering Sumika's existence was erased as a collateral effect of the G-Bombs' explosions, they shouldn't remember her at all even if they met her at some point. I better shut up about her, I can't involve Sumika in my troubles with the Guard.
"Hmm… Two boys named Jouji and Masahiko and a girl named Chie." Let's keep quiet about that memory I saw of their little selves, since it would imply that I do remember them.
"…Could you describe them?" I suppose she's testing me, to see whether I really know or if I'm just a spy repeating a speech.
"Well, I only saw them in a dream but…" I describe the children's attitudes, appearance and usual clothing. Their eyes started wavering as I talked, so the bait is working.
"So that's what you recall… Well, we might have been suspicious of you due to you coming from America and your profile lacking data, however, if you're a Japanese citizen, then we have no more reasons to question you. Forgive the inconvenience we've caused you." Mion gave me a small bow and prepared to leave, but then Shion took a step forward.
"Mion, I still have some questions for him. Don't decide by yourself when we end this."
"Shion, I believe we have already spent enough time here."
"I mean, when did this become an interrogation?" Shion shot a glare at me, slightly bothered.
"Shut up, Takeru." She's not giving me an inch, and she's calling me by my name again. "Mion, you're not in charge here, so I'll ask him some more questions. That's alright with you, Takeru?" She smiles at me wickedly. I do not like that smile.
"Uuuh… Why do always have to be like this?" Mion pursed her lips at her cousin, who just chuckled back at her.
"I guess I can answer some more questions if you want. I don't want trouble with the Guard, so if I can clear whatever suspicions you have I'll gladly answer your questions. But you still haven't told me what you know, did you know me or not?" If I can get some answers right now things will go more smoothly. Win-Win.
"I dunno. We may or may not have met." She giggles as she sees my expression to her answer. "Now then, do you remember having any siblings?"
"No, I think I was an only child." That part is true for me, but I don't know if it's the same in this world. Shion looks down, a small shadow covering her eyes. Right, he might have been like family for them.
"…I see. Then, do you remember having any military experience before joining the UN?"
"Not that I can tell. I did catch on quickly in my trainings, but I don't think I had any experience before." And since I don't know what kind of training he had I can't make up bullshit this time.
"Hmm… Can you show me your stance?" She stroked her chin slowly as she got closer.
"My stance?"
"Yes, when you get ready to attack with your sword. Show me your pose." She moved her hair out of her face and returned a fierce glare. I slowly take my Mugen stance, I see their lips tremble a bit.
"Is this good enough?"
"Yes, thanks. Do you happen to know the name of the style you employ?"
"No, not really." Can't tell them that, since it's something I learned in my world. "So, you don't have other suspicions about me?"
"If I may, why have you not gone to the Capital to rectify the matter of your missing data?" Mion asked, again making a small smile.
"Because I already presented the data I had, and if there is an error, is on the Empire's side. They're the ones who should upload the new data or fix their own mistake." Plus, that's on Sensei's shoulders as my legal tutor. You go and try to convince her to let me go near the Capital, I'll go take down Kashgar and every other hive in the meantime.
"However, you could try to delve into the archives, to see if any ties to you could be found. Perhaps, some members of your family may yet live."
…
Feeling my back completely cold all of a sudden, as if I had gone out to take out the trash in shorts and a shirt while it was snowing, as if I were curling under a simple blanket to drive out the cold air, as the shower in the cell feels on top of my head and on my back every morning, I sighed while looking down. For some reason… it feels just like when I wake up as of late… so empty and far away from everything…
"…Family, huh."
"Ahem… Is there anything wrong?" Shion asked, again raising a finger.
"…No, nothing." Looking up, scratching my head, can't help but to frown a bit. "It's just that… thinking about my family or my parents just… brings my mood real down." I pop into my mouth the last piece of the dough, looking at the clouds.
"…Huh, is that so."
"So, anything else?" Meeting their gaze again, for some reason, I didn't find that hawkish tint in them anymore, nor the readiness in their posture.
"Well, I have one last question for you." Shion smiles again as she brings one finger up. Mion tenses up, slightly moving her brows in confusion.
"What is it?" She smiles wickedly at me, curving her brows a bit as she takes a single step closer.
"…Have you ever been kissed?"
…What kind of question is that? That's a personal-
"S-S-SHION!" Mion's outburst caught me by surprise, I'm sure her shout could be heard from within the base. Her face was reddening badly.
"Oh, what is it, cousin of mine? I did not aim the question at you." She smiles as she plays with her hair. One could practically hear the screeching gears on Mion's head as she opens and closes her mouth.
"You can't go asking that kind of personal questions! It is unproper for a Royal Guard to-"
"So Takeru, have you ever been kissed?" She ignored Mion's rambling and gazed at me again, joyfully smiling from ear to ear.
"…I don't know?" I mean, I have been kissed in my other lives, but in this one I… well, I've been alone so no action whatsoever yet.
"Was that a question or an answer?"
"I haven't kissed as far as I know, but there is much I don't remember, so… I dunno."
Shion then smiles at Mion, who returns a small frown her way. What is it with these two? Did this world's me kiss one of them? But wasn't he… I mean, Yuuhi seemed really attached to him. Does this mean I fooled them? I can only wonder what they'll do next. There is the General to worry about too.
"What are you two doing?!" Oh, seems like I forgot about someone. Death flag, here you come.
Both Pickles twitch, their expressions clouding over as the roaring stomps of Tsukuyomi-san approach us. To say she's royally pissed would be an understatement.
"Ah, uh, Sister, you see…" Mion slowly, as a snail, turned around and bowed down. "We saw the cadet was free for the moment, and thought that perhaps we could have a talk with-"
"You both should know better." Dry ice would be a supernova compared to her tone right about now. "The situation of the cadet is a delicate one, and you may only bring him further setbacks, for others to see him being questioned by the Guard. Furthermore, the UN has requested us to not involve ourselves in their affairs unless necessary."
"We weren't questioning him in the slightest, Mana-sama." Shion, losing all energy and turning meek, said while also bowing down.
"Then, Cadet Shirogane, do you believe these two to have been interrogating you?"
"…To be honest, yeah." Both Pickles flinched, giving me a frown. Tsukuyomi-san's eyes narrowed upon their figures.
"Is that so. You two, take your leave right this instant."
"However, Sister, we-"
"Did I happen to mumble, perchance?" She then placed a hand on her chin, staring right at them.
Who would worry about global warming when you have Tsukuyomi-san here? Though… Seems like she also wants to have a talk with me. The Pickles look back and give me a small bow before going their way, real slow at that. Tsukuyomi-san keeps staring at them, to make sure they do return inside the base. Once they're out of sight, she runs a hand over her hairs she lets a sigh as huge as a Fort out of her lips.
Taking a few steps back, never losing sight of her, I wait for a moment, yet she doesn't speak up.
"Uh… Do you need something from me, 1st Lieutenant?"
"Why, are you inconvenienced by my presence?" And there it is, the coup's glare. And again, for some reason, my stomach feels upset and heavy all of a sudden.
"Well… You just said people may misunderstand having a Guard asking me questions."
"Worry not, it seems no one can see us from behind this wall." She then walks past me, leaning on the wall to my right. As she remained staring at me, I sighed the acid on the back of my mouth and also got back on the wall. "Well then, it would seem you have been placed under a most unjust punishment, cadet."
"It is what it is. I do deserve it. Killing should never go unpunished."
"…I see. Now, may I ask if you were told anything regarding the situation of your blade?"
"That the Empire dropped the claims to have my head since I didn't knew its meaning and had no bad intentions. So… Is it back where it belongs?" She looks at me, eyes ever so slightly narrowed, then she nods. "That is a relief…"
"Huh, so you are relieved it is back to its rightful owner?"
"How could I not? The blade was too important to leave it in the wrong hands."
"…True enough. By the by… Why did it have a ribbon on its handle?"
"Huh? Oh… That was just… something to remember someone I liked much, someone dear to me."
Holding her gaze is harder than I thought. Yes, she is as imposing as I remember her but… It is saddening to see such a rift between us, compared to how close we used to be. Sure, that might only apply to when I married Meiya, but she did live with me and teach me many important things back home. And even in the other worlds, she was someone I knew would cover my back, even if we didn't see eye to eye during the coup. Her loyalty might have been somewhere else than mine, but she was someone I could say I looked up to. And despite how I harmed her, she still called me back during the incident on the school… Back when I was leaning on this same wall, unable to do jack shit, she still found it in her to lend me her ear.
Sigh… Different world, I know. The one I remember her as is no more, this ruthless Royal Guard is all that remains. I should know better by now, but damn, it still hurts to think about… all those I lost, all those good times we'll never share again.
"…Is that so?" Brushing her hair, she looks at up at nowhere. "Then, allow me to cut to the chase. Who was the one who bestowed the sword onto you?"
"…Someone in Yukon."
"I would be liking to receive a name, cadet."
"It was someone dear to me, so I won't say it." Not like I can tell her Maya-san was the one, or that the blade belongs to Meiya. "I was the one who brought it here, and so, I will face the consequences myself."
"…Even if that places you on a court?" Taking a step closer, her gaze cut into mine. Holding it, I nodded. "Are you… certain of this? By merely giving us the name of who was the supposed owner of the blade, you could clear all guilt from your person."
"I am the last owner of that sword, and I brought it here. If you want to place blames on someone, the culprit is right in front of you."
"…While I praise your resolve, there is no need to shoulder this burden. You should be well aware of the blade's importance."
"So what you're saying is, I'm still on your black list?" Again feeling acid coming up my throat, a small twinge of pain appearing right below my ears as our gazes met, can't help but to cross my arms real tight.
"Ahem… It is a sensitive matter. It would be foolish to not warn you, seeing that you are willing to talk. I must insist that you give me the name of-"
"I refuse." Her brows twitch. "I thank you for your consideration 1st Lt., but this is my own problem. I should have listened to Cadet Mitsurugi's advice and go to speak with you earlier, to avoid this from being mixed with my current dilemmas. However, it is my own responsibility, and as such, I won't blame someone for my own miss. I brought the blade, unaware of its meaning, and did not consult with the authorities about it. That is all there is to this."
And if they press, I don't have an answer. I can't read her expression, so I don't know what they thought of the blade. Going by her earlier answer, she already sent the blade to Yuuhi probably, so… Going by how she mentioned a court, chances are I am still on their sights. Yuuhi is still… coming after my -san remains gazing at me, for a long while, saying nothing.
"…So, did you tell of the blade to anyone in the UN?"
"No, I kept it with me on the closet and never took it out of my room. No one, save Mitsurugi and the XO, know about it."
"I see…"
…
"So, uh, anything else?"
"Yes, I wanted to confirm something. When did you arrive to this base?"
"Huh? Why do you want to know that?"
"…Answer the question." Taking a step forward, she locks her gaze with mine again.
"Can't you just check the databases?"
"…So, you arrived on the 23rd then?"
"The day before, if it makes any difference." No point in hiding that, Sensei should have the cover prepped up already.
"I see…" Again running a hand over her hair, she stares at me.
"Anything else?"
"No, that was all. Do forgive my relatives' behavior."
"It's cool, for real. So… See you later, I guess." She remains staring, a poker expression in her face. Very slowly, her brows lower and lips pluck.
"Wouldn't you think that, perhaps, goodbye would be a better way to end a conversation?"
"I mean, we are going to see each other later at some point, what with you being around the base, so it isn't a goodbye. So, see you later. Here's hoping this mess can end well, somehow." Sighing the acids out, I give her a small smile.
I know, it's stupid to hope for it. …But I really would like this all to end on a good note, if only to not bring more problems to Alt. IV or be forced to restart the loop.
And, again, she stared at me silently. Still saying nothing, she gives a nod and then leaves the wall as she runs a hand over her hair.
"I suppose. Well then…" And thus, she leaves with hurried steps.
…
So, which one was it? I thought she would have been more fierce towards me, what with they having the blade and all, but she did mention a court. The Pickles' also were rather hostile at times, but ended up chilling down a ton by the end. Doesn't change the fact I've no way to explain from where I got the blade… Sigh… What could I do if they keep pressing? Sensei did say they wanted to approach me, and my answers were not pleasant ones for sure… I wouldn't trust much in someone like me if I were in their shoes…
As I was lost in thought, I saw Meiya coming closer.
"Oh, hey Mitsurugi. Should we go see the Instructor?"
"Yes, but before that…" She crosses her arms and stares at me with narrowed eyes. "I believe I saw 1st Lt. Tsukuyomi coming from the track field just a moment ago. Did she happen to come talk with you?" Sigh… Again with that doubtful gaze, huh.
"Yeah, you know, about the sword."
"Oh." Eyes sparked up, arms loosened quite a bit. "And, what came of it?"
"Eh, nothing much." I leave the wall, going to her side. "She still seems to hold some doubts towards me, as do her relatives."
"Huh? Did Mion and Shion also came to question you?" Widening eyes, curved brows, shocked for real.
I wonder if… you're on their side. The reason why I was here was because I had to wait for you, maybe I would have gone to my office to be in peace instead if nothing had happened with Tama. No… Tsukuyomi-san was royally pissed at the Pickles, so I guess they just seized their chance just now. I mean, I did fly like crazy. They sure got super suspicious after seeing that.
"…Yeah, a while ago. They asked me some stuff about the CCSE and junk. Shion kept asking about my childhood, for some reason."
"Your childhood? Do you remember anything from it?" Meiya's eyes gained a peculiar tint, as if concerned, when she got a bit closer.
"I've been having dreams about it, but they're just small little things really."
"That's not true! If you're remembering your past that would mean… Well, you would not be treated as a foreigner any longer. And aren't you glad to recover some of your memories?"
For some reason, you look happy about it. It does look like she knows something. So, she's… working for the General now. Huh… So that's how it is now, then.
"…Yeah, but they're just small tidbits. Well, let's waste no more time. I'm sorry for dragging you into this." I give her a small bow, I don't want her getting more negative with me after all. But she seems to be bothered by it as she fidgets in place.
"Do not mention it. I volunteered myself for this, now let's be on our way." I nod and we begin to walk.
Going back into the base, we make our way towards B3F, where the Instructor said she'll be. The hallways were still bustling with activity. I can only hope things go well tomorrow. There's also the matter of what the Guard will do now. Don't have an excuse for the blade and now they're asking for me to go to the Capital to 'fix the databases'. We still don't even know why his data was wiped clean… What if Yuuhi wasn't on good terms with him anymore? Then… What could I do…
"Shirogane?"
I could fight with my voice distorted. But if they ask Sensei to hand me over… We're gonna have to pull some nice heist to deceive them and keep me hidden to ensure they never find out, assuming she wants to keep me here once I tune Sumika. All it takes is Meiya or someone else on the Valkyries to see my face or hear my voice once, and that's it. I trust that the Captain would keep it a secret, but if something goes wrong in the battlefield…
"Shirogane!"
"Eh?! Oh…" Arms folded real tight, lips pursed, and brows narrowed. And, as always, that purple fire coming out pouring in her eyes. "Sorry, I was lost in thought. What is it?" Meiya avoids my gaze for a while as her hands play with her tags.
"You see… I was wishing to apologize for my behavior yesterday and earlier today. I… well, shouldn't have treated you in such manner after all you did for me. Could you please forgive me, Shirogane?"
Her voice seemed clear, her eyes had no clouds over them. She is being honest, but is this some ploy to make me lower my guard? Regardless, I can't go making things worse.
"It's cool, Mitsurugi. But why did you get upset? Did I said something that I shouldn't have?"
"No, it's just… Do not worry about it, twas nothing but a show of weakness on my part. Also, could you stop calling me Mitsurugi? I thought we had agreed that you could call me Meiya." She purses her lips as she stares at me.
I know that when she looks squarely at me while moving her lips like that she's being honest, and a lil' bit bothered too, so this isn't part of a ploy or anything. But… I can't understand her. Yesterday she got all suspicious, now she wants me to call her Meiya again. Is this some sort of 'Cold-Warm' play she's doing on her own to make me lower my guard? Sigh… Whatever.
"Well, since you got upset at me again, I thought it would be best to put some space between us. I don't want to make the squad uncomfortable again, there's enough with Ayamine. Is it really alright for me to call you Meiya?" She looks away as a blush appears on her face for the briefest instant, then she faces me again while brandishing a serious expression.
"Yes, you can keep calling me Meiya, but on one condition."
"…What condition?" Is she going to ask me to tell her all I remembered from my past? Or to go talk with Tsukuyomi and the General or something like that?
"You may continue to call me by my name…" She looks away, her voice fading into a whisper. "…if you allow me to also call you by yours."
"You want to call me Takeru?" She twitches slightly in surprise, then starts fumbling one of her hands in the air.
"No, I don't. I am merely stating that it would be fair for me to call you Takeru since you call me Meiya. So, if you wish to keep calling me-"
"Fine, sure."
"Huh? Fine? You mean… I can call you Takeru?"
"Why are you so surprised? You know I don't really care a lot about etiquette, so if you're comfortable calling me Takeru you can do it, I don't mind." And it seems like you're just being you this time. I missed this cute side of her, and I know she can't lie when she gets all bashful.
"Really? Then… T-Takeru?" The blush on her face grows larger as she comes closer, looking at me with bated breath as if she were waiting for my approval.
Meiya, stop being so cute. When she gets like this my heart melts, since she reminds me of my world's Meiya a lot. Uh… Don't use that sweet gaze… Must suppress… the urge to hug…
"Yes, that's me. Now stop getting all embarrassed." I smile at her to hide my own embarrassment, causing her to slightly pout at me.
"I am not embarrassed, not in the slightest." Folding her arms, another bothered gaze came my way. It's so nice… to have this back. "So… Takeru, let's hurry to the Instructor's room."
"Yeah, I know."
We resume our walk, but now Meiya was bearing a small smile. I don't get it, did the Guard talk with her or not? Or did she just got envious of my skill and that was it?
Well, anyways, it is good to see we finally made up. Maybe with this she'll finally stop giving me cold looks and stuff. Though… I wonder how long it'll last, what with the Guard coming after me. Looking at her, at that small, honest smile, the same one my Meiya had during our last talk…
"…It would be nice if it lasted."
"Huh? Did you say something?"
"Nah, don't mind me. Just lost in thought again."
"Huh… Is that so? Then, might I ask your opinion on our morning practice as we walk? As well as about that maneuver you employed during your sparring."
"Sure, don't see why not." Smiling at her, she returns the gesture.
Not as sweet as the one in my world, but still, charming as only she could be. You truly look most beautiful when you smile. As beautiful as you also are fearsome, whenever that fire spawns on your eyes. Here's hoping we can… regain at least a sliver of the bond we used to share before, however little it may last.