Chapter 47: Lull in the Masquerade

December 1st. Near 8 AM.

(Classroom.)

Dawn broke to the scheduled patrols and meetings, to the chorus of breakfast, to the buzzing of the hangars. Undisturbed by the prior day's HSST event, business in Yokohama Base resumed as per usual at the start of the new month with soldiers lying in wait in meeting rooms, others scrambling to their daily duties, and those higher in the chain of command quietly debating key matters behind tightly bolted doors.

And in another habitual event, those present in the classroom of the 207th Cadet Squad were debating something or the other as they awaited the arrival of their Instructor after eating their fill of synth breakfast.

"Come on, stop it," Tamase sourly demurred, "I managed to do that because I could feel your encouraging me. It still feels surreal, to be honest," She then sighed, hunching over her desk.

"You still did great," Ayamine, yet again, then proceeded to pet her head.

"Nevertheless, I believe this topic to be but an obvious cause for concern," Mitsurugi remarked, a lone finger on her chin, "For should both you and Takeru were to be placed on the same team, I loath to admit the battle shall become one-sided."

"Precisely, which is why we're placing you besides him as of now on the list of concerns," Tapping her glasses as per usual, Sakaki said, "Your marksmanship is the only surefire answer we have against Shirogane-kun's acrobatics. If you're covering his back, and he starts to do those aerial charges…"

"We're dead," Ayamine deadpanned, nodding slowly as Sakaki also did in agreement.

"Come on Kei-san, don't be so pessimistic," Yoroi smiled, leaning over her desk, "We just have to train more to learn to imitate his jumps, then Takeru's moves won't be such a problem."

"Yeah, we can't start bracing for something that might not come at all," Tamase said, looking at the others one at a time, "We should be focusing on how to improve from now on. After all, we're finally piloting our Fubukis today!"

"Yes, I suppose you're right," Sakaki said, relaxing onto her seat, "In any case, let's hope the Instructor doesn't force us to go against both of you."

Their talk was then cut off as the door opened, giving way to the sole male of the squadron to slug himself inside the room. Eyes half open and eye bags growing in both size and intensity, Takeru closed the door behind him making next to no sound and slowly approached the rest.

"Hey Takeru!" Yoroi rose a hand to welcome him, "How's it going?"

"…It goes, I guess," Waving back, he then proceeded to slump into his usual seat.

"Shirogane-kun, is everything alright?" Tapping her glasses, she asked while getting closer.

"Yeah, just… tired," He wearily replied, any signs of his habitual cheery attitude shining for their absence.

"Takeru, you wouldn't have been made to work past lights out, have you?" Mitsurugi inquired, arms beginning to fold as worry tainted her voice.

"It's what it is… It was…" Stalling a follow up, he looked out the window instead, "necessary to do that. I'm fine, for real."

"Special-kun, you sure don't look fine. Think you can do the trainings?" She asked, not liking one bit how his eyelids refused to fully open.

"Don't worry 'bout it," Smiling, he gave them all a look, "No way I'll miss our first mock battle. Or more like, no way the Instructor would let me," Shrugging, he started to chuckle.

While the two smaller ones of the group easily fell prey to his misdirection, chuckling along him, the other three hadn't missed the waning intensity of his laughter, the rather lethargic pace his gestures now took. However, before inquiries could be said, the door opened yet again and in stormed the Instructor.

Saluting her cadets, no time was wasted as she began the lecture with the last details she deemed necessary for the upcoming mock battle. All of them opened the textbooks, beginning to read the material, the cadets again on the receiving end of the never-ending stream of questions forwarded by the Reaper.

Amidst the questions and reviews, Mitsurugi and Ayamine couldn't help but to take peeks at Takeru, who was again absentmindedly staring out the window. Despite this, whenever he was called to stand he managed to deliver a correct answer as he always had. And yet, the tonality of his voice sounded off to their ears.

Ayamine having been on the sharp end of his assault, recipient of his reprimands, and Mitsurugi finally noticing due to her, in her mind at the least, furtive glances that he was for the first time twisting his lips in a saddened manner as he explored the clouded skies outside. Takeru hadn't made such a gesture when they had shunned him off, what was just a hint of worry soon turned to mild concern as his disposition did not improve during the lecture.

Distracted, almost apathetic, despite his gaze returning to the classroom Takeru wasn't truly there at the time.

Closing the book and giving it a strong palm, the Instructor finished her lecture and freed the cadets so that they could go get changed for the battle. And while the other three remained chatting over the lecture, both Ayamine and Mitsurugi approached the one who was still who knows where.

"Takeru, are you truly alright?"

"Hm? Yeah, why?"

"Well, you've been out of sorts during the lecture," She repined, arms folding in as usual for her.

"Sigh… It's nothing," Halfheartedly replying, he waved a hand to and fro.

"Special-kun, you don't usually stare out the window so much. You sure you're feeling well?" Getting closer, perhaps more than Mitsurugi would have liked, Ayamine stared at him. Thinking that, in part, her behavior which made him fight to exhaustion was to blame.

"…I'm just a bit tired, is all," Scratching the back of his head, he then began to examine the ceiling.

"Perhaps, are you not allowed to speak of the matter?" Mitsurugi asked.

"Kinda, I guess. It just… wasn't what I was expecting." And again, his gaze lost itself upwards as he uttered no more words.

Slightly unnerved by this, both girls shared a gaze as he remained silent.

"Then, do remember to show some restrain during the mock battle, Takeru." Meiya told him.

"Don't go overboard today, got it?" Ayamine said, making a point of staring at Takeru at point blank.

"Heh, don't worry. I'm not that dumb. For real, I'm just a bit tired." He said, trying and failing to muster some vigor.

"You have already said that, however." Mitsurugi eyed him sideways.

"Take it easy, Monster-kun." She said, patting his shoulder. Which, unexpectedly to her, made him smile back.

"I will, don't wanna end up busted after all. Thanks for worrying, Kei," Still smiling, he so said.

Which gained him a shocked stare from Ayamine, who was not expecting him to again refer to her in that way as he had done when reprimanding her during their fight. Unsure of how to answer, she merely nodded back at him with a neutral expression.

"…Takeru, please do remember to keep that habit at bay," And he thus elicited such an answer from Mitsurugi.

"Huh? What're you talking about?" Dumbfounded, he replied.

"You just referred to Ayamine by name," She answered, fuming much at the little matter.

"Oh… Sorry, didn't notice. I tend to do that when I'm tired," Again scratching his head, Takeru gave a small bow to Ayamine.

"No worries. You're off the hook for today," Who returned a small smile his way, which spurred him to return to his usual cheer.

…Even if that only served to further bolster what embers were on Mitsurugi's eyes.

Finally shedding the shell, Takeru diverted the matter to the mock battle, if only to not suffer from Mitsurugi's glare, on what remained on the way to the changing rooms.

And seeing that they all could once more share a conversation, despite Ayamine's jabs catching him off guard today, he could finally sigh what heaviness remained on his stomach away, leave the coldness that enveloped his back since he awoke.

For amidst the memories that surfaced yesterday he saw for the first time who his father was in this world, how much he cherished him, and how much he had to endure on his own after his mother's passing. However, the dissonance that spurred on him when seeing little Yuuhi play with his small self was enough to keep Takeru awake for hours on end. Because for all the unbound joy that overflowed his heart when seeing said memory…

…An equal amount of grief was left in him this morning as he yet again saw a nightmare with himself trapped in a graveyard, running away to no avail from a piercing, ruthless voice that he could only attribute to Her Highness.

December 1st. 01:43 PM.

(Mana's Room.)

[Mana]

"…And as I said before, his performance was not what one would expect out of a cadet." Kamiyo said, remaining bowing in place.

"Is that so? What of after he was back at the hangar?"

"The man seemed rather exhausted, Mana-sama. However, his squadron now seems to no longer hold any reservations towards him…" Both tone and expression then turned solemn, "including Meiya-sama."

"Is the man free at the moment?" Daizaburou-sama inquired, to which she shook her head.

"No, General. No sooner was their exercise finished, Takamura-dono was already in wait for him. However, should you give the order, we could approach her and-"

"No, we shall desist for the time being," He says, my three subordinates as well as my two younger relatives stiffen upon hearing.

"...Mana-sama, may I?" Ebisu raised her hand slowly, trembling very subtly.

"What is it, Ebisu?"

"Well, we noticed a few odd things about Cadet Shirogane when we were following him and the other cadets on their way to the changing rooms."

"What do you speak of?"

"Well, we noticed him meeting up with that Yashiro girl before he and Takamura-dono returned to the lower floors." Yashiro... The foreigner that for some reason bears a Japanese name. Another one of the many mysteries of this base. A moment, wasn't she an ESPer? What kind of business could she have with him, I wonder.

Tomoe then takes a step forward and, after a small bow, speaks up.

"And we also noticed that... Meiya-sama was referring to him by his name."

"Eh?! She was?!" Mion and Shion replied in unison before me pr Daizaburou-sama could. All four of us shared a look, leaving the silence hanging.

We did ask Meiya-sama about what she knew about him, and told her that he might be a spy using a fake identity… or possibly one of our fellows. According to their talks during the CCSE, he said he had amnesia and seemed to truly be shaken to the core after the trial.

Without giving us respite, she proceeded to staunchly defending him when she thought we were judging him for being a foreigner. I've never seen Meiya-sama in such manner, so openly aggressive. As he would have said about Yuuhi-sama, it was as if fire was pouring from her eyes. Well they are twins, so I suppose it isn't odd for some similarities to exist between them.

Of course, she became truly anxious when we told her he might be a spy, and that the possibility of him being the person he claimed to be was very slim. But if she's openly calling him by his name and acting amicably with him… Is she being blinded by her feelings; or, is she trying to deceive him?

"I see… Did she seem tense in the slightest?" All three of them shake their heads in unison without delay, "Daizaburou-sama, what do you suggest?"

"We must not move until we're certain to reach our objective," He thus said, some vigor in his tonality now, "We shall deal with the man during a talk with him. You three, remain watching Meiya-sama as per usual."

"Yes, sir!" Thus they saluted, then turned on their heels and left.

We four then remained seated in silence, drinking some tea after having our afternoon meal. Sighing as I bring a hand to my hair, my gaze meets his.

"Daizaburou-sama, whatever shall we do? If the schedule proceeds as it should, we will again be stymied in our efforts to approach Ta… the man."

"We can await for tomorrow, to see if there is an opening available," He somberly said, "Otherwise, we shall have to employ an encrypted frequency to speak to him during the mock battle."

"Daizaburou-sama, sir, said matter has already been arranged, has it not?" Mion asked, slightly leaning forward.

"Indeed. While the UN wishes for us to use some of the modified Gekishins Mana's squadron has been testing thus far, I shall go ask for permission to at least allow her to deploy in her personal machine so that we can establish the connection with it as the antenna," He then sighs, taking a moment to look at each of us, "I know I am reiterating myself, however, you three are certain that the man is indeed him?" We all nod, holding his gaze.

"Sir, I know well why you harbor such doubts," Shion said as she gave him a small bow, "however, the answers he gave us were plentiful enough. I am of the opinion that the man is truly him."

"And yet, he has not recalled anything by interacting with you three, nor is there an answer regarding his supposed survival. Yuuhi-sama has been clear, Takeru is dead," Thus he solemnly said.

Both Mion and Shion lower their heads, frozen in place despite the palpable desire to continue to argue as they did when they returned from their talk with him.

"By the by Daizaburou-sama, have we received word from HQ regarding our report?" I believe we should already have received an answer, considering how we were dared to hustle in our efforts.

"Sigh… Yes, we did," He wearily answered, crossing his arms, "According to Maya, Her Highness is most adusted at our lack of definitive proof and continued failings to approach the man, reiterating that unless solid proof is presented that man cannot in any way be Takeru. Tsuhi also mentioned she was willing to request a talk with the XO should our plan prove unsuccessful. Both Maya and Tsuhi also were quite insistent on learning of what we had gathered from our interactions with him."

"So we are understandably running out of time, huh."

Her Highness wouldn't lose her composure if she believed this man to be a faker, the fact that she's now asking for proof is a stark change from her initial position. I suppose it is obvious she was as astonished as we by his answers. However, for Maya to admit she is adusted at the situation, and for Tsuhi to be involved… Perhaps, she might have begun to show the fangs he sharpened for her during those years.

"...In any case, it is imperative that we speak to this man, to ascertain whether truly is Takeru or not," Daizaburou-sama thus spoke. Our orders were clear now, we had to act. "I shall be going to confirm the details of the mock battle, you three should go check the units the UN will be handing us," He then stood up, and we soon followed.

Sharing a salute as we left the room, he went his way as me and the cousins took a different hallway towards the hangars. Unwilling to pronounce a word, rigidly following me, no amount of meditation nor planning seems to be able to sooth the anxiety permeating their complexion.

However, it is completely understandable. For his first mock battle only showed what I began to affirm within. To hear proof that his skill not only hasn't waned, but that it has actually been further polished brings such elation to me. For him to be once more calm, for him to have learned to mind his pace.

And yet, this might be proof that it is not him but a spy, and that tears up my heart. If he is indeed an impostor, I myself will give him the torture most cruel we have on the Empire. After all, despite the similarities, it is odd to think he would find pleasing the idea of serving the UN nor that he would remain so serene after being forced to endure this punishment. However, if all of our suspicions are indeed correct…

Then the UN will have to give us a good explanation for this. How was he rescued during Lucifer? And why didn't they sent him back? Of course, once the data was erased there was no possible way for anyone to know who he was, but he should still have been wearing his red suit of the Royal Guard. Why didn't they ask the Empire about his position? I cannot believe someone asked and we didn't notice, unless someone simply checked the databases, told the UN off and didn't even write that down.

It doesn't matter how this is resolved, our relations with the UN will suffer. If he isn't Takeru, we will have to take legal actions against them for this offense against the Empire. And if he is… I don't know what Yuuhi-sama may do to bring him to her side.

Same Day. 07:44 PM.

(Takamura's Office.)

[Takeru]

"I can't believe we're ready to start building it," Takamura's hands gripped her chopsticks tightly as she ate.

"Isn't that a good thing? In just a little over a week you'll be able to test the railgun. You're making great progress, right?"

"Yes, indeed. Nevertheless, I am most anxious truth be told," She said, unable to hide the creeping slowness in her tone, "It took us a half year to build a working prototype last time, and yet now…" Yeah, these guys are insane. The passion they have is truly enviable.

"Well, you already had data this time to fall on, so you could work more efficiently, right?"

"Sigh… Yes," She looks really tired as she keeps eating.

It most be a very heavy weight, and now that it's time to see the results she must be made a nerve wrack. It's the same for my own projects, even if I'm nothing but an overseer.

"1st Lt. Takamura, you don't have to worry so much. The railgun is gonna turn out perfectly, I'm sure!"

"Ah… Thanks, Cadet Shirogane. But that was not what I was mulling over."

"Huh? Then, what is worrying you?" She moves one hand backwards, moving her hair behind her ear.

"Well, the Professor asked me to participate in a mock battle a few days ago, and to be frank I am still recoiling at the exhaustion it brought me. It wouldn't be inaccurate to affirm that I completely collapsed after it," Huh. So she was spent after it too, and it's why she still looks super down.

"Did you had some trouble during it?" She closes her eyes, bringing a finger to her lips.

"Hmm… I believe that this could be useful for you," Nodding with a smile, a finger goes to her chin, "I had the advantage, technologically speaking. And yet, I was surpassed in skill. Don't ever underestimate your opponents because they use older models when you get commissioned," I give a nod and she continues, "Well, to be perfectly honest, I had to fight seriously to keep up and even so I almost lost. No… If I guide myself by the honor code, I lost to that pilot," She nods solemnly as she crosses her arms.

"Um… Why do you say that? First you said you 'almost' lost."

"My sword was knocked away from my hands. Losing my blade equals losing the duel, according to my samurai teachings. Of course, if I consider my TSF as my blade, then I can say I came out victorious. And yet, I can't say that confidently," Eyes closed, she then softly sighs, "However, it was truly a welcome surprise. I didn't knew another member of the Royal Guard was stationed here," Huh? What did she just…

"Another member? You mean 1st Lt. Tsukuyomi?"

"Oh, you've met her? But no, I wasn't referring to her. I wasn't allowed to know who the pilot was, and I know the 1st Lt. wouldn't be piloting such a machine, but I recognized the patterns. Those were clearly the ones of the fabled Mugen Kidou style. But it is obvious, since the Shogun gave her blessing to this base when it was built. It is only natural she allowed one of her retainers to be here," She said, nodding as if in understanding, slowly eating again.

"Um… 1st Lt., I have no idea what you're talking about." I feel like I just accidentally stepped into something useful.

"Huh? Oh, right! You were abroad for a long time, didn't you?" She gives me a small bow, "Well, allow me to explain. You know I am a member of the Fudai, right? Well, I had to attend many meetings in representation of my house and I could see many test runs and the like, even before officially joining the Royal Guard. The Mugen Kidou is the name of the fighting style the House of the current Shogun uses, and so all of its members and retainers know to fight in it. It is easy to recognize by its quick frontal attack patterns and how it employs a few but precise blows. Though the pilot I faced was a bit peculiar in its movement, he most certainly employed the Mugen Kidou when in close range."

"I see. So that's how it is."

I grab the… dough, I guess, and finish my dinner. Of course, the Mugen Kidou was something like a family tradition in Meiya's family back in my world, it's normal it would be here too. Which means that since I know how to fight in it, I can use that to prove I am indeed Takeru Shirogane to the Royal Guard. I… hadn't thought of that.

"Yes, it was a marvelous match, even if I was on edge all throughout it," We both nod slowly, saying nothing for the moment. So we both were doing our best, huh. No wonder what we did to the ruins, "So, as I was saying, that pilot was truly something else. If I have to face that person again I'll end up exhausted, and that worries me a little. I was ready to work overtime for the railgun, but I most certainly did not expect to have to face such an opponent," She sighs again, dropping her shoulders as the cloud over her gets bigger. I might have been a bit too rough on her last time.

"Well, just do your best. Also, thanks a lot for helping during the evening trainings."

"No, it is nothing. However, seeing Tamase's progress today was shocking to be honest. I did not know she could manipulate the Feedback Protector with such precision," Smiling again, she says.

"Yeah, today was a surprise for sure," I might have been a bit off through the training, but they're all doing good progress. If only we could get the XM3 soon-ish… "Well, anyways, thanks a lot for helping. We're gonna miss your remarks once you leave the base," However, despite my smile and friendly tone, her expression sobered up in a flash.

"…What do you mean, when I leave the base?"

"I mean, the railgun is almost done, right? After that you may get a break from your duties when you return to the Empire." Her chopsticks stop suddenly, her eyes suddenly light up. Hoho, nice reaction indeed.

"I… My intention is to remain here, as a member of the UN," She breathes in deeply, looking to the ceiling, "Regardless of the result of this endeavor, I shall cleave a path forward for their sake," Small embers coming out of her eyes, she catches herself and coughs once, returning to her usual, "…Forgive me for voicing out my worries, Cadet Shirogane," And then, another small bow. She's too serious, even more than Chizuru.

"No, it's cool. But I didn't knew you wanted to stay here, you aren't returning to the Royal Guard?" Sensei, you didn't tell me about this! What could she have to do here? Monitoring me, perhaps?

"I know what you're thinking but not all of us see the UN with hatred, Cadet Shirogane. There is something I can only do here, and I won't leave until I've done it. But let's not get all gloomy, we have our dinner to enjoy. Tell me, how has your training been so far?" Did she change the subject because she didn't want to slip up?

I tell her of how everything is going in broad strokes, trying to catch anything in her expression. Nothing comes up, so I just chill and ease up.

"So, there is much to learn yet so I can't relax," She nods at my words as she eats.

"Indeed. The road never ends, so you do well to keep honing yourself," Nodding twice, she smiles, "By the by, have you given some thought to what I said before? About your piloting career?"

"…Well, being a test pilot might be hard work, but it does play a key role in our system," Takamura's eyes shine at my words, making it hard for me continue, "And well, I guess I wouldn't mind helping out, but I do think I'll fare better in the frontlines."

"It's not like test pilots never see battle, and you could save many lives with your developments. I do share the sentiment of wishing to be part of the vanguard, but someone has to stay behind polishing the new blades. Without skilled pilots fool-proofing our new TSFs we won't be able to gain an advantage in the war, wouldn't you agree?" Ugh, she's just like Meiya, she always has a convincing counter argument.

"Yes, I guess. Anyways, it's still to early for me to decide. I'll see when I get commissioned."

"Hm… Yes, that is also true. Well, I won't hold you any longer, go to the Professor for your evening orders. Good night, Cadet Shirogane."

"Good night, 1st Lieutenant." I salute her and then leave.

Walking slowly, watching my surroundings, it looks like no one is close by. Making use of the chance, I pick up my pace to make it quickly to the elevator. Once inside, I breathe a sigh as I lean on a wall.

…I can't read Takamura at all. Is she keeping tabs on me or is she being honest? I mean, those eyes and that smile make me think she's truly curious about me, but she is a member of the Guard. However, I'm amazed I got so used to sharing dinner with her. If I make it to the end of my punishment it's gonna feel weird going to the PX again.

After checking up on Hangar 90's developments, I go to my office. Let's send him a message… What should I say though? Hmm… Well, I do need to get more people to my side for the IST to become a reality, so let's be civil about it. Some court words, a formal request to meet up, and a reminder to keep this secret should suffice. Let's ask him to do something to prove he isn't going to back-stab me too.

After taking care of that and closing my office, I make my way to Sumika's room. Getting out from the elevator, my ears pick up some footsteps noises coming closer. Taking a turn, I see a black figure rushing to my side.

"Hey Kasumi, how's every-"

TUG!

PULL!

"K-Kasumi, don't pull me! Hey, what's up?" She stops and looks at me, with such a happy expression that the moon would be left jealous of its brightness.

"I could talk with Sumika-san! Hurry, let's go!" Nodding back, I pick up my pace and we arrive at the dark room.

Kasumi quickly moves to the side of the cylinder, barely able to contain her eagerness.

"So, how did it go? What did you talk about?"

"It wasn't much, but she asked me about you. That seems to be the only thing she cares about," The bunny affirms.

Yeah, if she also went through the same horrible shit as the Sumika from the other world, the memory of her Takeru might have been the only thing keeping her sane.

"Do you think we could talk with her again?"

"Yes. I'll try to link your thoughts to hers, but I don't think I'll be able to do that for long. I'll do my best to give you as much time as you can," She moves her bunny ears and circles to my back, placing her head against it.

I close my eyes. The usual tingly feeling on the back of my heads appears, yet I can't feeling anything going on.

Taking a deep breath, trying to relax, I focus on the feeling like I do when trying to recover his memories.

Sumika, are you there? Can you hear me?

…

…Seems like not. Kasumi is doing her best though, so I can't just-

"…ru-chan." Huh?

"Sumika? Can you hear me?"

"Is that… ru-chan?!"

"Sumika, it's me! I'm here, just by your side."

"Takeru-chan? Is it really you?" Once it clearly reaches me, her voice sounds completely drained, broken.

"Yes, it's me. I'm right here besides you, Sumika." I hear something similar to a wail as a distorted image appears on my sight.

A dark sea, in the middle of a storm. The waves roar high, closer to the moon than the clouds, as they keep clashing against each other. Is this… how she's feeling right now?

"…Did you like the santa rabbit I brought you?"

"Yes, it's just like the one you gave me before. Kasumi has been showing me some of your memories. I… I had forgotten about our friends," Her voice creaks, as if she suddenly got out in the middle of a snowstorm.

"Hey, it's alright. I can't even imagine how you must feel right now. But I'm here, like I've always been for you."

"Takeru-chan, you were so awesome back then. You were always smiling, always finding new things to play with, and you always kept me company at night by the window when I felt sad. You were… my light…"

"Sumika... I've missed you so much. Forgive me… for leaving you alone." Both last loop and back home, you were right besides me… and I couldn't even be there for you.

"But Takeru-chan… You're not… You're not my Takeru-chan, right?" She said, and the waves began to swirl more for a sec.

"Huh? Oh, did Kasumi tell you about my memories?"

"No, I know that… that my Takeru-chan died," I can feel it, that tone… it's the same she made when- "I saw it. Those BETA… Those damn BETA! I'll kill them, all of them!" Her voice again turns into that deranged one, screaming bloody murder away.

"Sumika, calm down! I'm here, I'm alive! No BETA will kill me."

"You're lying! Those damn BETA! They… They…" Her tone picks up on speed, repeating the same things over and over.

The waves of the sea roar high, shredding themselves on top of each other, meanwhile Sumika's cries continued to repeat themselves.

"Please, Sumika! It's alright, we'll take care of the BETA. I'll make sure they're gone forever, so please-"

"No! No! It's not my fault!"

"Sumika, please! I… I've been looking at the moon, just like you asked me to. You don't have to suffer alone anymore, we are here for you," It's still so hard to hear her like this. What could I possibly say to her? What can I do for her? Is there… even anything I could do? Feels as if I had knives thrusted into my sides, being unable to give her any measure of comfort.

"No! No! You'll die again. You're gonna die again! Don't go, you'll die!" She keeps repeating that over and over, her voice becoming more twisted, her tone dropping with every word.

"Sumika, I promise you I won't! And I swear I'll avenge you, and all of our friends. So don't be so sad, I've been here besides you since a month or so. I'm… For this little while, I'm here all for you. Just like when we were little, right?" She then became silent, the storm in the sea calmed down a bit.

Everything slowly became darker and darker, until I could no longer distinguish anything.

Did Kasumi reach her limit? Or is Sumika in shock?

"I'm sorry."

"Huh? Why're you apologizing? Sumika, you did nothing wrong."

"I'm sorry."

She keeps repeating this for a while, not listening to a thing I say. It gets smaller and smaller as if she were fading away.

"Sumika, what happened? It's okay, please calm down."

"Takeru-chan... I'm sorry."

"Don't apologize, Sumika. Tell me, what is it?"

…

I can no longer hear her voice. The silence returns, filling me with a stagnant feeling in my chest. Opening my eyes again I let out a deep sigh as I wring my hands to bite back the frustration. For a moment, I stay there with my eyes closed, feeling empty all of a sudden.

"…Kasumi, how are you?" I turn around and she her massaging her temple.

"I… I'm alright," Her tone betrayed her words, so I patted her head again until her breathing steadied back, "Thanks, Takeru-san."

"Come on, now. This was all thanks to you, Kasumi," Patting her head a bit more slowly, she moves her bunny ears, "So, you sure you're fine?"

"Yes. However, it really hurts when she goes into shock like that. But it's the first time she says something different."

"Different? You mean she never started apologizing before?"

"Well, I've never got to talk with her for so long, but only when I mention you she gets so overwhelmed by sadness. Before you came she usually got enraged or terrified as soon as I mentioned or showed her anything that remembered her of the BETA," She sighs, looking down to the floor.

"It's not like I didn't expect his, considering the torture she had to go through and how she must be feeling right now. I froze up and didn't knew what to say to her. Last time she was already the 00 Unit when she reacted like this, so at least I could hug her. But now I can do nothing, and it felt that no words could get her to listen."

This must be the reason why Sensei gambled on me running away and making my world's Sumika's memories come to that other world, she knew this Sumika was too unstable. But I'm not willing to go back and have to make another Sumika go through that again, so I'll have to heal her heart somehow once she becomes the 00 Unit.

"I thought she would be happy to talk with you… Sorry."

"Hey, don't apologize. We can now work with this to at least have an actual conversation with her before we have to say our goodbyes forever."

"…Yes, you're right. Let's do all we can to stabilize her," I return her firm gaze, her crystals recovered their usual light. I then tenderly ruffle her hair again, and she again moves her bunny ears.

"Well then, think you can do the memory recovery session today?"

"…Yes, leave it to me."