Muv-Luv Reversal

by Zuoriel

Takeru has been leading a normal life until now. During the summer vacation of his second year in college he's invited by his high school friends to meet up again, to which he agrees. Shirogane doesn't know that this decision would release the nightmares that have been haunting him for some time, nightmares that would be better left forgotten.

67. Nicks in the Edge

A/N: Instead of following the end of the prior entry, this chapter starts back with the rest of the cadet squad, whose last appearance was in chapter 47. Don't worry, I won't take twenty chapters just to detail the events of a single day again, in the short term.

That's all for now, so I bid you welcome to the Mock Battle Mini-Arc™. Hopefully, both old and new readers will find things to look forward in this rewritten version of this part of the story.

Also, thanks to all those who commented on last chapter! I was really on the fence on Yuuko's part in it, on how to have her rest well while not having her react OOC, so it was a relief to see I didn't mess that up. I've been busy IRL, so I couldn't reply to anyone yet. Also, to that one commenter who said Cannonball might play in the fic at one point… ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°).

As always, thanks for reading. Stay safe.

Zuoriel

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Chapter 67:

Nicks in the Edge

---

December 2nd. Around 07:30 PM.

(Yokohama Base. Library.)

[Meiya]

---

"Then, you'd prefer us to engage in suppression efforts?" I ask, leaning onto the table.

Tamase nods, her shoulders compacting slightly as she points to a book, "If Takeru-san starts moving too erratically, I won't be able to shoot him down. His constant changes of direction and speed make it hard for the auto-lock to pinpoint his position accurately, after all."

"And missing your shot will expose you to the other team, huh," Yoroi then sighs, placing both hands behind her head. "Do you really think we could hold him down for even a second?"

"Just tumble him down," Ayamine nods to herself, not lifting her sight from the book she and Sakaki were reviewing. "Special-kun is terribad when it comes to regaining his footing, so use that to screw with his moves."

"Terribad?" I can't help but to fold my arms, stare at her firmly. Why would Ayamine be using such odd wording?

"I guess it means being horrible at something, I dunno," she then shrugs.

"Sigh… We really need to tell Shirogane-kun to tone down those odd words he always uses," she says, tapping her glasses as she frowns ever so slightly. "In any case, we won't know which formation the Instructor will decide to employ until the last moment. Regardless of our own individual progress, the match will be decided by which team can support or neutralize Tamase and Shirogane-kun the best. So, why don't we reread the notes we took during our prior session?" She asserts as she runs a hand over the book, looking at all of us in the eye for a moment.

Of course, I return a smile as I nod back, as does everybody else. Thus, once more bringing books and lone pages to the center of the table while we huddle and lean closer to it, we start rereading the notes we have been taking so far.

Yet, my sight veils itself momentarily and I have to take a deep breath. The talk I had with Master and Tsukuyomi a few days ago had revealed that this coming mock battle won't have us pitted against each other, after all. Knowing that I shall be facing mine own old retainers tomorrow is enough to cause delays in my breathing, it makes my knees quiver in anticipation yet it also brings forth stillness and doubt. If all of us are to spar against Tsukuyomi and the trio, then Tamase might become a target, Sakaki herself also might. My lips simply shrink and twist inwards, merely pondering the outcome of any grave unpleasantries being hurled to them is plenty enough for my stomach to shudder. Almost as if I had stepped outside barefooted, running my feet onto the cold soil of the track field. Not only my presence will impair our training, but also place my squadmates in quite the precarious position. But, above all else…

Slowly moving the pages, where what he had imparted to us after his bout with Sakaki and Ayamine laid written, I can merely stare at the words. Not reading them, not even trying to, I only look at the paper, running my fingertips over the ink amidst the silence of the library. Crossing a leg, resting my chin on a hand, it does little to ease the minute, faint numbness on my back and neck.

What will be of you, Takeru? Despite your aid to Tamase, despite your efforts to bridge the rift that separated Sakaki and Ayamine, there are still whispers speaking ill of you. Yesterday, you were most certainly absent during the lecture despite being physically present. He does tend to lose his gaze towards the clouds at times, yet I've never seen Takeru absorbed into his inner thoughts to such extent. Whatever this punishment is forcing upon your shoulders is starting to show its mark, I'm certain.

However, Tsukuyomi did warn me. You may not be an ally, but a spy instead. Yet, that tired smile as you referred to Ayamine by name, the focused gaze on the floor as your steps didn't wane upon the whispers that followed us to the hangar, and even Tamase's words about how you tried to aid her overcome her fear, all of that tells a different story.

Reaching out for a pencil, gripping it too tightly, my strokes are too strong, too thick, and I have to erase them and sigh, start over again on my notes as we debate lightly while reading the manuals and control logs.

Tsukuyomi would never lie to me. Daizaburou-sifu would never try and deceive me over some petty misunderstanding. Then, what has made their gazes lock onto Takeru's back? Tsukuyomi did admit she was not aware he possessed a Minaru Kamui, and that she only acted as she did when she found me and Takeru arguing because she thought he had earned the favor of a member of the Guard. Apparently, she was not aware of the fact that his databases were lacking so much data then.

Hands stopping short, I rest the pencil and stand up. Excusing myself, I pace to a corner, grab a plastic cup and serve myself some water. Slowly drinking, leaving it in my mouth for a second before gulping it, feeling the coldness seeping through my throat, then I start taking a few deep breaths. Holding the air, counting the amount of inhalations, trying to move my neck and fingers, try as I might the distant shiver refuses to leave me. A small sound of static far in the background, a faint moment of blankness, an answer does not come forth. Dragging my feet back to the table, again I try and continue my notes despite Yoroi's concerned comment about the slowness of my movements. Which wanes as I say I am fine, replaced by her habitual smile as she asks me something about Takeru's jumping patterns.

Sigh…

If he's a spy passing as someone else then, what causes that glint in his eyes when speaking of his past? Could he be lying? No, how could I think such a thing of Takeru? If I agree on theseviews, wouldn't I be the same as those who would hurl defamation behind his back? He has had the temperance to forgive my misgivings, my shameful attitude. Certainly, he must have been very upset at my words after our first flying run, yet Takeru still was willing to let it slide. Unless, of course, he does so due to a mission as a spy.

Again constricting the pencil, again having to erase and redo my notes, answering Tamase's questions as her eyes couldn't fully meet mine, despite how she had the right answers all along, does not facilitate the pondering in the slightest. Even as Sakaki leans closer to ask me some pointers about CQC, even as I remind her to use the flat side of the blades when parrying, even then the shiver does not vanish from my nape.

It is my duty to the Empire, to remain ever vigilant. UN attire might I endow as of now, yet my heart has not forgotten who I must serve. I am forsworn to Her Highness, above all else. So, if Takeru truly is an enemy to my people, then little choice do I have but to strike him down. I have a duty and an obligation to fulfill, regardless of my personal views of him. Takeru has not yet shown any aggressive signs towards the Empire, even if he did murder those soldiers. Tsukuyomi, Mion and Shion went to have a talk with him when he was resting on the track field, yet he didn't seem tense in the slightest when I inquired about it. Concerned would be fitting to his complexion at the time, perhaps. And if he were a spy, would he truly be so relaxed around my person or Sakaki? Despite all that transpired during the CCSE, he's still being as friendly as when he had just arrived, even the odd chain of jokes he shares with Yoroi have not diminished at all.

…Uh, I'm going in circles all over again.

They might have asked me to keep an eye on him, yet I cannot find an answer. If he were to display signs of aggression towards the Guard, towards our values, then I'd have to notify his wrongdoings. Yet, he has maintained a composed attitude thus far. Tamase's relaxed and bright complexion, how Sakaki and Ayamine are studying together is proof of that. That we are discussing a possible mock battle in itself is a reminder that, had it not been for Takeru's actions, me and Sakaki would not have passed our test. Have I repaid him for that gesture? No, I have done nothing to that end, to truly pay back the debt I owe him. Even when he is suffering an unjust punishment I'm still thinking Takeru might be an enemy. I should be ashamed, I do not deserve Takeru's trust. As if what he asked of me was sufficient in any way to truly forgive what I did, what my weakness forced his hands to do.

"It's a beautiful name, that's all. I just think it suits you well."

Ugh, not again. Why did you have to ask such a thing of me? I cannot comprehend the reasoning, nor why is he still as composed as usual in my presence after all that has transpired. Do you possess nerves of steel or are you just oblivious?

…But, what if he were a spy? What if all this as just a ruse? Even if I am indebted to him, I cannot compromise my duties as someone who is supposed to safeguard Her Highness. The fact that he might have stolen a Minaru Kamui should be enough to have him executed. However, how does Takeru know of the Mugen Kidou? Then again, if Tsukuyomi says he isn't worthy of the blade, can he explain that himself? What could possibly have him refusing to speak of the matter? If Takeru indeed was… infatuated with the member of the Guard that gave him the blade, why is he showing such reticence towards Tsukuyomi and the cousins? He did mention that he had remembered something about his past, and was quick to smile and forgive my doubts. And… he also allowed me to refer to him by name, as well. Yet, I cannot deny that this could all be just a castle of lies.

And yet, were it not for him… I look up, at the calm exchange of whispers, at the pleasant string of scribbles. When was the last time we all could sit down and study together in this way?

"Just look at the radar. The battlefield doesn't follow a script," Ayamine says, sighing.

A finger makes rounds on the air as she leans back on the chair. "However, breaking formation would be even more dangerous. Especially against Shirogane-kun's acrobatics. Our radars can scan different distances and sounds for a reason."

"We're just gonna be sitting ducks against Special-kun's air jousting, better to be on the move just in case," she insists, pointing a finger to the control logs Yoroi had on her hands, where Takeru's sky diving maneuver was detailed. "And it prevents Tamase from locking onto us, too."

Tapping her glasses, she sighs, "I know that, Ayamine. But not all of us can move as nimbly as you do, and we have to stick together to keep him down. Also, we need to account for Tamase's marksmanship if we fight with Shirogane-kun. If we scatter, we could be easily fall to a pincer tactic." Shaking her head, she then lightly pats a small stack of papers, "I don't want any of us getting shot down carelessly during this mock battle. As the squad leader, I have to ensure our tactics of choice can let all of you perform at your best."

"Well, that's a first, alright," Ayamine says, smirking as she gradually brings a hand to a cheek, as if flabbergasted.

"Wh-Why, you-"

"Sakaki-san, she was just joking!" Tamase quickly speaks up and waves her hands frantically for a second, dropping her pencil in the process.

"No, but Chizuru-san has a point," Yoroi comments, still reading the pages she has monopolized. "If we don't take this seriously enough, our scores might suffer, right?" She then looks at us, Tamase nodding as she bends over to pick up her pencil, Sakaki brushing her hair as she calms down, Ayamine and me merely nodding slowly. Yoroi's eyes dive down into the page, scratching one cheek. "So uh, well, considering Takeru's score during the CCSE, maybe we could let him, Meiya-san and Chizuru-san take center stage?" She says, voice lowering with each word, elbows and shoulders growing closer to her person. "Of course, it' just an idea…"

"Nah, I think that's fine," Ayamine smiles, giving a thumbs up.

"Yes, I agree," Tamase also nods.

"Not like we can do much to actually neutralize Shirogane-kun in the first place," Sighing, she raises both hands in defeat.

I can't help but to chuckle along Yoroi at our squad leader's dejection. Nodding her way, I rest my hands on the table. "Well, while I do agree to some extent, are you certain of this? You three also must tend to your own scores," I ask, delving into their eyes. "Also, I do not wish you to hold back against me nor give me any advantages."

"W-Well… Sorry, it was just a thought," Yoroi whispers back, hiding her chin and mouth behind the papers.

"No, I was not faulting your proposition. It is just, purposefully lowering your own performance won't truly benefit us, in my opinion."

"We triumph and fail as a unit, right?" Ayamine says, low, as she folds her arms and nods. "Everybody has to do their share, but we can push you to show off what you do best. Plus, I'd be boring to have you three lagging behind in the scoreboard. What would that say of our squad leader?" She then smirks again, Tamase's and Yoroi's eyes widen as they flinch, wordlessly screaming once more, while I simply sigh.

"…Exactly, we must prioritize the victory of the squad," Sakaki nods, inhaling sharply through her nose despite how one of her brows seems to be twitching for a moment. "If you're all willing to let us show off a bit, I don't have any complains. But don't miss obvious shots just because you want us to get good scores. The Instructor will certainly notice that." And again, her finger draws a nebula on the air.

The others nod, and we go back to reviewing everything together, bringing our own notebooks to the center of the table this time while Tamase and Ayamine stand up to bring some water to the others.

But, Sakaki's words do right true. We must prioritize the squad as a whole, the good of the team above all else. In my case, that equals the Empire. So, if Takeru shows signs of being an enemy as Tsukuyomi said… Again, my fingers slowly veer away. Again, my strokes are mistaken and I have to erase and restart, sighing as I do.

"Are you alright, Mitsurugi?" Sakaki asks.

"Yes, pay me no mind. My fingers are prey to… anxiety for the moment, it would seem."

"Yeah, I can totally get what you mean," Yoroi also sighs, finally releasing the papers as she accepts a cup of water from Tamase. "I can't believe it's finally time for us to fight our first real mock battle."

"Doesn't feel real, right?" Ayamine smirks as she hands Sakaki a cup.

"Yes, I suppose that's true," Brushing her hair behind her ears and the glasses, she nods.

"D-Don't worry!" Tamase loudly says, braving a smile despite the shaking of her hands. "This is just the first practice run, right? We have time to mend any mistakes we do tomorrow."

"I agree," I nod with a smile towards her, her shoulders lower and relax as she nods back. "We shall be making many beginner mistakes, I'm certain. Still, that does little to assuage the anticipation."

"Yeah, same here," Sakaki nods, and all the others follow suit. "Well, let's not focus on that too much, alright?" She orders, arms folding. We again nod and resume our studying.

It is almost surreal, to think we can now share a table in this manner. That we can debate over what we fear might happen tomorrow, that I myself can be honest with them now. All thanks to you, Takeru. To how you always tried to support us, how you never bragged or ridiculed our efforts. Always smiling, only trying to fit in and aid us with what he had already learned. And yet… all of that might have been a lie. It makes my heart feel parched, my mouth dries up at the thought and my pencil again stops and once more Yoroi asks me if I'm tired. Shaking my head and inhaling sharply, I blink a few times before refocusing on the papers we're sharing.

Or at least, I try to.

…Did I not see Takeru's own pained face during the CCSE with my own eyes? He was clearly crying when speaking of whoever that 'someone' is. Whoever gave him the Minaru Kamui, whoever imparted him with such lessons, who has kept his gaze captive to this very day. Lips twist in, my feet entangle for the moment, and I support my chin on a hand as I explain to the others how I prefer to parry and counter while employing the melee halberds.

And yet, the shiver does not leave my nape in peace. What if he grows distant due to this doubtful attitude? Takeru did ask me and Ayamine to ignore him once before as I again grew suspicious of him. He has trusted in me, confided in me… Why am I hoisting such reticence towards Takeru when he has always been accommodating to my inquiries? Never has he looked at me differently, never has he tried to take advantage of me. All the contrary, he refused my aid when we met again after the CCSE, and he didn't take as much offense as he should have when I barged into his privacy and then confronted him over the Minaru Kamui. Perhaps, he only wanted to avoid any tensions by having me of all people defending him after the CCSE's incidents. Yet, that only shows his awareness, his determination to shoulder the blame on his own. I should be praising, supporting him, then.

But, Tsukuyomi and my own master in the art of the sword harbor doubts towards him. I suppose, despite my own afflictions towards it, this coming mock battle shall be a fitting test of character for Takeru. Under the pressure of the fighting, of their words, your true self will shine through.

Once we had all shared our own thoughts on the notes and discussed some more about possible tactics, we start tidying up our table. The manuals returned to their shelves, our notes safeguarded under our arms, we bow down and thank the clerk before taking our leave. The hallways are as quiet as the library, since it is almost time for the usual curfew to end. Yoroi stretches her arms up, her shoulders crack as she does, Ayamine yawns as she massages her nape while her steps slow down, and Tamase and Sakaki remain debating on some tactic to bait Takeru that they couldn't finish. We already had dinner, there is little left for us to do save rest. Eventually, we arrive at the barracks as per usual, giving our parting words when we do, Sakaki reminding us not to stay up too late before entering her room, again waving a finger in circles. We all nod to the others, and with one last word I open the door and enter my room.

And in it, in the silence of my privacy, I finally sigh and grimace as I flick the lights on.

I suppose, everyone is going to review the notes regarding Tamase's sniping and Takeru's eccentric maneuvers. Yet, as my boots drag themselves on the floor, as I lower my books onto my desk, my lips part to sigh once more. I cannot possibly sit to study in the shape I am now.

"And it is far too late for me to go for a jog outside." Not to mention, I might exhaust myself if I do. I couldn't even meet with Takeru today, Yoroi also said she wasn't allowed to visit his cell before we started our study session.

Still, to continue to repine over this matter overlong will certainly give me a headache. If I trust in Takeru, then I simply have to stand and watch. He can certainly clear all these misconceptions on his own accord. And I have to focus on my own trial, depending on how this battle plays out Daizaburou-sifu might choose to bequeath me with an opportunity to cross strikes with him and earn the title of Mugen Kidou Master.

Sigh… Inhale, deeply. Feel the air filtering into your stomach, feel it enlarge as you do. Do not tense your abdomen, let the air leave gently through your mouth.

Running my hands over my ankles, I sit on the floor. Crossing my legs, resting my hands on my lap, I look upwards while closing my eyes, while inhaling deeply once more. A small shiver, a stiff twinge of pain, a sign of tension on my shoulders as I move them up and down for some seconds. Tranquility, silence, peace as I breathe in, relaxed lips as I exhale.

"Within the warrior, only two roads are seen…" And while surrounded by this stillness, I chant our code.

For I must nurture my honor, to be able to distinguish which path I must take.

For I must nurture my valor, to bring luster to my mind for the trials that lay in wait.

For I must nurture my compassion, to safeguard Tamase and Sakaki should an issue arise.

For I must nurture my poise, to not lose myself to emotion were something happen regarding Takeru amidst the battle.

For I must nurture my honesty, to be truthful with myself should I be required to take action to shield my squadmates. Or face Takeru in these doubts my retainers hold.

For I must nurture my judgmental mind, for I am a blade and a shield, for I am to be Her Highness' guarding shadow.

"Pheeew…"

All that distorted my hearing, all that crawled on the background is no more. No ripples in my breathing, nothing interrupting the breeze as I exhale, no quiver anywhere in me. I am at peace, at least for the moment. I've done all I could, so I suppose I should be taking a shower and retiring to sleep soon.

As I begin standing up, my gaze wanders to my desk. A small hesitation, an infestation of doubt on my fingertips as they grab the small knob of a drawer and pull at it.

"Sigh… There is still one oath I must honor before I rest for the night," I take out the envelope, smiling as I do, as I sit down and bring the chair closer to the desk.

The vanilla scent it once had is no more, the pristine white now succumbing to a yellowish tint, and rugged edges meet my fingers as I run them over the envelope, where perfect flatness once was. I've treasured this letter with all of my soul, yet time has found its way to harm it. Again sighing, the air reaches my hands that barely hold the edges of the paper. My heartbeats echo within as I gulp, as my fingers gently part open the envelope, gently remove from within it the lone page, all I have left.

"…Two years, huh. Time certainly has passed quickly." And yet, here I am. Still unable to do anything substantial, to truly contribute to my nation and people.

However, rereading this letter once again, my legs rub against one another on their own accord. Smiling as I read, the words echo in me. While taking my time to traverse each paragraph, walking the terrain as opposed to taking a train, the turns of phrase and what they rekindle in me makes my heart leap momentarily, my stomach tenses on its own. Folding it slowly, as carefully as if I were sheathing my blade, once the letter has been safeguarded inside the envelope I bring it to my chest, holding it with both hands as I simply close my eyes and sigh once more.

"You were most certainly right. Even if it is time for action and not words, one must always be on the lookout for any small glimmer of hope that shines through. For those who aim to become a sword that smites evil from its root, our own veneer must remain undaunted. Clear and sturdy as truth itself, as the light that always shines up above."

Smiling at it one last time, I safeguard the envelope in the drawer and seal the wood slowly. Sighing while standing up, I then rise both arms up as I start removing my jacket. No lingering shivers nor static is left in me as I continue to undress or as I walk into the bathroom, under the shower. It is not that a fair amount of sorrow hasn't returned with those memories, yet I refuse to allow that caustic venom to mire one of the few treasures I've been bequeathed with.

"Because it always made so, so happy to receive your presents and letters." So, I refuse to lose you to this poison.

Enjoying the relaxation that pours from above, I massage the back of my head, now free of the ponytail, as I rise my face to meet the shower. And so I stand, simply basking into the lukewarmness as I smile, as I repeat the words of my code, and that personal oath I made so many nights, so long ago when this letter, this last letter of yours reached my hands after that accursed August 5th. That faint light you gave me, when everything looked so very grim.

"…After all, if I am to safeguard Her Highness, if I wish to bestow a smile upon our future, I myself must be ready to do what's necessary, come what may."

---

Next Day. Around 7:30 AM.

(Yokohama Base, Ground Level. Changing Room.)

---

"So with that in mind, would you be willing to follow my plan? I know I'm imposing, however-"

Sakaki raises a hand, sighing, "It's alright, you don't have to explain anything else. And don't take this too hard, I don't think you're the only cause for this arrangement."

"What do you mean, Chizuru-san?" Yoroi asks as she sits down, starting to untie her boots yet not looking at either me or Sakaki in the eye.

"That it's clear our training course is meant to be harder, so I don't think it's odd to place us against commissioned pilots on our first mock battle," she notes, again tracing circles in the air. "Anyways, don't start thinking this decision was made solely because of you, Mitsurugi."

"I shall not," I answer, nodding back as I remove my jacket and open my locker. "However, please do let me take the vanguard. It's the least I can do to shield you from any… strong worded opinions the Imperial Guards might harbor."

"I'll be leaving that to you, then," Sakaki shrugs, taking off her glasses before unbuttoning her own jacket.

"So, um," Tamase asks, her gaze veering from me to the ground to a wall in quick succession, her fingers delaying the untying of her boots, "what should we do during the fight? All of our tactics were based for elements of two or three units."

"Can we split in two elements?" Ayamine asks, throwing her tank top into the locker, taking out parts of her suit. "Mitsurugi can act as bait for the Guards, to let another team strike at them from a blank point."

"I do not believe they'd be so easily deceived by such a simple tactic," I say with quite a dejected nod as I take off my own tank top. Not only we will have the trio, but Tsukuyomi and both cousins to contend with. They might be using Zuikakus for the most part, yet the experience they have will give them a clear advantage against us, even if we pilot Fubukis.

"We do have Tamase to keep them busy, until Special-kun can whack them with that air jousting thing he does," Ayamine asserts with a smirk, giving Tamase a thumbs up.

"Eh?! Ah, well…" And she again looks down, gently folding her clothing into her locker, lethargically taking off her suit as if a snail she had become. "I don't know if my skills are up to par with Royal Guards."

"Worry not, we shall be by your side, Tamase," I smile her way, nodding. "Why don't you cover my back during the battle?"

"Huh? B-But… But, you know, being who I am, they might take offense if you choose me as your partner."

"I assure you, there is nothing you should worry about. I shan't allow them to hurl any unpleasantries towards any of you."

"And if they do anything against you, we have the recordings to back our words up this time," Sakaki says, sitting down and putting the thin cover over her legs.

"I do not believe they'd try anything, yet I concur there is nothing we should concern ourselves with regarding them acting in a foul manner. So Sakaki, may I have Tamase as my backup?"

"Yeah, let's go with that. Yoroi, you're with Mitsurugi as well."

"Eh? Me?" Yoroi's hands freeze as she was pulling her arms into the suit, eyes widening. "But, you know, uh, wouldn't it be better if you cover her, Chizuru-san?"

"What are you saying? Your mid-range is more apt to cover Mitsurugi's charges. And if I go with her, then Shirogane-kun and Ayamine will lack a deterrent," She says, nodding to herself as she again spins a finger, then bends over to place her leg guards on.

"Sakaki, I do believe Yoroi's concerns are valid. Why don't you… place Takeru alongside me? I can ensure he does not employ any of those reckless maneuvers while keeping the guards silent, if need be."

As soon as she returns herself upright, Sakaki shakes her head. "Considering how they reacted against Yoroi when she touched… that unit, I don't think it's a good idea to put Shirogane-kun besides you. While all of us are Japanese, remember that he comes from America. After how those two were towards him during the CCSE, I think placing him with you will only serve to make him into a target."

"How can you ascertain that?" I ask, a small frown on me as the arm guards click into place, as each finger locks under the armor.

"I… do think Sakaki-san is right," Tamase notes, hunching over as she puts her shoulder pads in place. "Remember how those two were back in the island?"

"Yeah, they did come asking for Takeru, now that you mention it," Yoroi nods, running her hands over her body as she checks for anything out of place.

"Looked really pissed off, for some reason," Ayamine comments as she locks her shoulder pads firmly, then also checks all her joints and pieces.

I do the same, yet find nothing wrong with my setup. So, pushing the trigger, the suit tightens on me, the small startup sign projected into my eyes. Yet, I sigh and fold my arms. "That was only due to what transpired back then, nothing else. Still, if you deem it as an issue, I shan't object your decision, Sakaki."

"Thanks, really," smiling, she nods my way. Tapping her own trigger, her suit constricts onto her figure and she puts her glasses on once more. "So, since Ayamine is the only one who can match Shirogane-kun's antics, she'll be in his team alongside me. Is that okay with you?" She asks, tapping the rim of her glasses.

And receives a smirk and a thumbs up. "Don't worry, I'll keep watch over Special-kun's ass so that he doesn't get in trouble."

W-What? What did she say? Has she no shame?! To even hint that she'd be… No, focus on the battle. It is no time to be embarrassed by these petty discussions.

Turning around, closing the locker, I sigh one last time, then start inhaling deeply, slowly, until my stomach is full and I have to release all the air, the tension in me. "So Sakaki, you'll form a team with Ayamine and Takeru, while I lead Yoroi and Tamase?"

"Yes, sounds like a plan. Let's discuss this in more detail in the hangar with Shirogane-kun, though. Is everyone ready?" She asks, we all nod.

Closing the last lockers, we exit the changing room. Yet, the Instructor is nowhere to be found nearby. Instead, a slim woman with long hair, garbed in a formal dress with the insignia of a 1st Lt was platicating with Takeru, who had finished preparing before us as usual.

"Um, excuse me," Sakaki slowly says, taking a step towards the woman. Then, she seems to flinch. "Haruka-san?"

"Oh my, Chizuru! It has been so long!" The woman smiles widely, brightly, as she joins her hands and nods. Soft as silk is her voice, and her complexion is also most welcoming unlike most other soldiers I've seen. "How are you all? Faring well, I hope?" She asks, tilting her head.

"Yes, we're fine. But, uh, Haruka-san… No, 1st Lt Suzumiya, where is our Instructor?"

Did… she just say-

"Suzumiya?!" Yoroi shouts, blinking quickly, then rubbing her eyes, then again gaping at the furrowed brows of the woman. "Um, Ma'am, are you a relative of Akane Suzumiya, by any chance?"

The 1st Lt then giggles as she nods. "Yes, I am her older sister, actually. Thanks for having kept Akane company since the start of the year," she then gives us a small bow, still smiling.

"…Doesn't look like her, at all," Ayamine comments, arms folding.

"Yes, the Suzumiya we knew was far more…" My tongue traces the back of my teeth as I search for a proper word, "assertive and intense, one could say."

"Hehe, yes, Akane does tend to be a bit too energetic for her own good." Placing both hands behind her back, she then looks at us in the eye, one at a time. "Now then, are you all ready to depart for the hangar?"

"Uh, 1st Lt, where is the Instructor?" Sakaki asks again.

And 1st Lt Suzumiya flinches, then scratches one of her cheeks. "You see, I wasn't told that. It seems Sgt Jinguuji was called suddenly to a meeting, my captain had to come and take her personally. So she ordered me to guide you to your machines in the Instructor's stead. I was supposed to be reviewing some reports of some long trainings my squad did yesterday, so I'm honestly as lost as you are."

Sharing a gaze with the rest, the arched brows and twisting lips, the tension in their arms tells they too believe this is too odd.

"Well, are you all ready?" She asks, smiling bright once more.

"Yes, we are. Shirogane-kun, how about you?"

"As ready as I'll ever be, I guess," Takeru shrugs with one eye closed, leaving the wall.

"Then, please follow me," 1st Lt Suzumiya says, turning around and starting to walk.

We follow behind, silent. Tamase's gaze is locked onto the ground, Ayamine's straight ahead. Sakaki seems to be answering some questions from Suzumiya. In just some mere moments… my first true battle…

"Kinda feels like a dream, to finally have a real test on our Fubukis," Yoroi says, running a hand into her hair, sighing.

"Don't sweat it, Mikoto. It's just the first step on the stairs," Takeru comments, low, his gaze lost upwards.

"Yeah, I guess. But they sure chose to pit us against an impossible enemy," She forces a giggle, quivering as a tree in front of wild winds.

"I do agree. Facing off against the Imperial Guards in our very first fight does seem inappropriate," I say, arms folding. Time is of essence, I know, yet I believe they could have waited a few days to spar with me and my squadmates. Or they could have requested for a one-on-one with me, to avoid any eyes from noticing.

"It's how the dice rolled, can't do much 'bout that," He then sighs, lips contracting into a small circle. "Let's just do our worst, and whatever happens, happens."

Yoroi nods, yet the hands that caresses an elbow tells me she is still distraught. Even as she takes a few steps forward when Sakaki calls for her, Yoroi is still as stiff as the rest. I cannot blame them, considering how my retainers conducted themselves when unveiling the Takemikazuchi. However, unlike the others, whose fingers find no serenity, whose gazes remain almost vacant, lost in their inner currents, Takeru walks with strong steps instead. He seems to be again gazing upwards as he always does, yet as I come to his side I find brows molten near the quiet kindling within his eyes, causing markings to appear on his forehead. Redness under both eyes, the relaxed smile, the minute sway of his head is gone. Frozen as he walks, serious and tight is his posture. As he was during the CCSE, when we were about to face off against the cousins. Almost as if he again were enduring the pouring rain, his eyelids are almost closing.

Yet, his eyes… something in them… that glint… it's the same look he had, when he almost began weeping upon my questions after he had rescued us when we talked by ourselves.

Slightly, I take a step closer as we walk, tapping his shoulder, whispering, "Takeru?"

"Hm?" He merely moves his eyes to acknowledge my voice.

"How are you faring? Are you feeling well?"

"I'm fine, thanks for asking."

"Is that so."

…And yet, he keeps looking forward, saying nothing.

"Right, we had debated our formation while we were changing. Sakaki proposed for you and Ayamine to fight alongside her, while Tamase and Yoroi shall be with me. Are you in agreement with the arrangement?"

"Yeah." Again, merely nodding, still looking elsewhere.

"I see. Are you truly alright, Takeru? You look, well, rather worn down today." Half a step closer, half a step forward, I look at his face.

Yet, his eyes do not meet mine as he shrugs once again. "Yeah, I'm just a bit tired, is all."

"Were you overworked yesterday, perhaps?"

"No, nothing like that."

"Lack of sleep, then?"

"Nah, I slept enough."

"So then, is something the matter? You did manage to eat your morning rations, right?"

"Yes, yes, don't worry. It's nothing."

"Truly?" I stare, he looks at me for a moment.

Sighing as he scratches the back of his head, he again looks up. Yet, his eyes squint, constrict as he holds his breath. "Yeah, for real. It's nothing you should worry about."

Nothing I should worry about, hmm. Obvious it is that you're conflicted over something, yet you had no negative reaction when the Instructor informed us that we'd be facing Tsukuyomi and the rest before. Could he be concerned that he'd be made into a target? Or, exposed as a spy?

"Takeru," taking a step closer, again tapping his shoulder, I look into his eyes, "if there is anything you'd like to speak about before the battle, feel free to do so."

His gaze meets mine for some seconds, his nose move and twitches, as if inhaling, smelling something carefully. Yet, his bottom lips recedes inwards, as if he were biting it, while his upper body seems to grow stiff, solidifying into pure stone. "I'm fine, really. I'm just a bit tired since I had to rush out of my cell and hurry the breakfast, that's all." He then shakes my hand off his shoulder, his steps growing in speed, his heels crashing against the floor.

"…Was it something I said? Why are you upset now, Takeru?"

"I'm not. We should be focusing on the mock battle, Meiya." He looks back, that glint, that creaking light encrusted deep into his eyes once more. "Don't sweat it, I'm well enough to do my share."

…Why? Where is your usual cheer, Takeru? Why do you wince when I grow closer to you? Why do you refuse to talk? Is he simply nervous the Guard might believe he's using me as a shield? No, I said I'd believe in him and let Takeru prove his worth on his own if anything does happen.

Looking up again, the entrance of the hangar was already visible at the distance. Once we reached the open space, 1st Lt Suzumiya informed us we'd be riding our TSFs now, and we'd remain in them as they're taken to the ruins of the city in the support vehicles. It seems it's done in this way to acclimate cadets to the feeling of the rumbling and shaking, since that is how we'll move out for future missions on the sea by using a carrier, by remaining in standby within our own units right before an operation begins. She then tried to give us a small rundown of the mock battle's goals, the time limit we'll face, as well as the restrictions on the area we can move in. It makes sense, since once we're commissioned we'd be assigned to cover specific areas during a mission. Being aware of your surroundings and the limits of your task is crucial during battle.

Yet, no matter how slow she took the explanation, how she included other details or gave us some moments to debate our strategies, the Instructor did not return to the hangar.

"Well, the time is coming up. I suppose you should be boarding your units now," she says, giving us a salute. "Best of luck in your first skirmish, cadets."

"No, thank you for your time, ma'am!" Sakaki says, all of us saluting in unison. "Alright, squad! Let's get in the cockpits and start up the preparations."

"Roger!"

We all nod to one another, and everyone is quick to move to their Fubuki. Yet, again, my eyes veer away to the other end of the hangar. Where he stood, merely gazing at his Gekishin. Gripping the edges my unit, gazing into the cockpit, my heartbeats again clang against the base of my neck. I sigh, shortly and strongly, before hopping back onto the railway. As I walk towards him, Takeru doesn't even react. He's merely there, arms folded as he stares at his Gekishin, which seems to now be painted in a stronger hue of blue. Striking and imposing, as your aggressive stride.

"Are you feeling nervous?" I ask, once I'm close enough.

"…You could say that, yes."

"Takeru, are you truly fine?" Taking a step closer, turning to face him frontally, I stare.

"…Yeah." He answers slowly, barely moving his lips.

"Please, you do not look well in the slightest. What is the matter? Is it… related to how we're facing the Guard?"

"Huh?"

"Well, it would not be odd for you to, well, hold some anxiety as of now since we're going to be sparring against 1st Lt Tsukuyomi, after all that has happened."

"…Yeah, I guess." He shrugs, scratching the back of his head. "I ain't saying that doesn't worry me, it is a concern for real. But…" His arms fall, slow and apathetic as the last leaf of a tree, signaling the start of winter. Fitting, since his complexion seems to have frozen over. "I'm just feeling a bit down, is all."

"Why? Are you exhausted, perhaps?" Yet, he then looks my way, straight into my eyes. Holding my gaze, not even blinking, simply staring at me in silence, as if observing my every feature. Such fixation is frankly… a bit embarrassing.

"Sigh…" He then grimaces, hunching over. "I just had a weird dream, that's all. Don't worry, Meiya. I'll be fine."

"Is… that so?"

What is it with that reaction? Why was he looking so intently at me, only to then sigh in such manner? What does this even mean?

Slowly, he steps towards his machine. Tapping the button to open the cockpit, he steps back as the whirring echos and the compartment rotates until it's fully open. Yet, he doesn't enter immediately, he seems to be taking a deep breath now.

"Takeru?"

"Hm?" He looks back, raising a brow.

So I take a step forward, raising a hand and a smile towards him, "I shall be relying on your support today. I know not what plagues your heart, but know that you're no stranger here, Takeru. Let us do our best effort together, my fellow!"

He simply stares, in silence.

At my hand, then to the floor.

And as a frown appears in his face, he turns his back on me.

"Yeah, some fellow I am. They didn't care about him, imagine what I am to their eyes."

"Huh?"

It was only a whisper, words uttered under his breath. They weren't all that clear to my ears, yet… I've rarely heard him this upset. No, it isn't some meager animosity. It feels as that moment when he gripped my face as I had just awoken, when he reprimanded me. But, I heard it clearly. He referred to 'him'.

"Takeru, what is the matter? I… I do not remember doing anything to upset you."

He puts a feet on his cockpit, supporting his weight onto the steel with a hand. Refusing to turn back and face me. "Thanks for reaching out, Meiya. But I don't think the rest would agree on you calling me a fellow, and I rather not get in trouble with the Guard. Can you just let this be?"

"Why? You've done me enough favors to deserve the words."

"…Please, drop it. Let's not force any altercations today, alright?"

"If you so wish, I suppose. But, well, in any case, I shall be relying on you so do not hesitate to rely on me, Takeru."

Merely nodding, he enters his unit. Closing it without even sitting down, he does not turn back to look my way, or wave at me, or smile, or… anything. Vacant as a new moon night, dejected as he was during our first day together in the CCSE, after I reacted aggressively when we argued about the blade in the track field. What made him show such cracks?

I sigh and jog back to my Fubuki, to begin the preparations before the order for us to be ready arrives. He was fine, it seems. Takeru is only concerned with giving the guards any wrong signs, is all. Yes, that's all there is to this.

Entering my unit, bolting myself to the seat, the habitual checkups appear in my view.

Yet, I lean back onto my seat, folding my arms. Gripping my arm guards, crossing my legs, squinting my eyes tightly, so tightly my vision grows blurry and a warning comes into my sight. A reminder to keep my eyes open so that the laser projection remains visible during the startup sequence of my TSF.

Sighing, I can only allow myself to choke and bind my controls.

"Why did you refuse my handshake of fellowship, Takeru? Why were you so distraught at my presence? Don't tell me…"

---

Same Day. Some moments before.

(Yuuko's Office.)

---

"XO, I demand an explanation!" Sgt Jinguuji shouts with quite the searing frown hewn into her face, slicing the air with a wave of an arm.

"I just told you," Yuuko messes with her hair, shrugging. "I need those reports right now, and you have yet to present the detailed papers on what transpired when the HSST fell down."

"Why now of all times?" She takes a step forward, eyes blazing. "Not only you notified me of the Guard's involvement minutes ago, you plan to have me away during the battle? The reports can certainly wait."

Yuuko folds her arms, freezing a frown into her face. Firmly forwarding an icy blaze into her friend's gaze, she speaks from her stomach as she stands, "I am the one who decides whether they can wait or not. Thus, I reiterate my order to you, Sergeant. I want those reports in my desk by the 1000 hours mark."

"Then, who tends to the cadets during the fight?" She retaliates immediately, backhanding the air once more as a windmill hitting a small pigeon. Quite upset she is, you'd understand.

"Cpt Isumi here will take your place, don't worry. I've arranged everything beforehand, there is nothing you should concern yourself with," Yuuko asserts, simply and immutable upon the unchanging, unmoving frown in her friend's complexion.

"Yuuko, be serious! You can't simply take me off the training, much less when they'll be facing the Guards!"

"It's an order from your superior, Sergeant. Are you casting doubts on my judgment?" She asks, interlocking her fingers, her own small blaze meeting Sgt Jinguuji's.

"Guh… Come on, at least give me two hours to finish the reports. I can deliver them myself here if you want, there's no-"

"Marimo, can you please stop this?" She stands up, shrugging as she rolls her eyes. "I have deemed that Isumi should be in the mobile command post today for a reason. So, could you go tend to the reports? Thank you, I'll be waiting for them." She then grabs her mug and goes to the coffee machine, without waiting for her friend's answer or grabbing anything to eat. "Your unusual overprotectiveness is not required today. There is much riding on this battle reaching the port I desire it sails to, and your binding worry is only a deterrent to that end, Marimo. I do wonder how you'll handle this arrangement on your own, Shirogane," she muses within as she takes a sip of coffee, the smallest hint of a smile in a corner of her lips.

Jinguuji shares a look with Isumi, who simply sighs and shakes her head, standing still and expressionless as a mannequin. The Instructor then merely sighs while still frowning, standing upright and saluting her friend before stomping her way out of the room, arms knotting together into quite the tight lock. Once the door slides close, Isumi herself heaves a sigh as she walks up to the desk of the scientist.

"XO, is this truly for the best?"

"Are you going to start a speech, too?"

"No, it's just…" Isumi's starts coiling her hands, her brows begin to cross, "I believe both of us could have been present in the command post, ma'am. My presence will incite questions from the Guard."

"I'll simply say Sgt Jinguuji had to tend to some urgent matters, and that I requested you to take over. I already briefed you on what I expect you to do if things don't turn out well, so be on your way. The Fubukis are about to leave the hangar, after all." Yuuko sits down, drinking more coffee, focusing on her monitor.

Yet, Isumi remains in position. Her legs cramping up, tense and alert, almost as if she were about to fall onto a pit filled with spikes. Something tugs at her nape, makes her coiled hands tighten further. It is quite fair to affirm that in those eyes, that sober expression lays something that the Captain hadn't truly felt in many moons. The shrugged lips, the hesitation in the step forward, I believe you'd allow the conclusion that the woman was afraid, fearful. Of both asking the question she harbors and of the possible answer the scientist might give.

Still, she takes a deep breath, and with it summons the impulse to walk up to the desk, meet Yuuko's eyes.

"XO, there is something I must report to you." She says, speaking from her stomach, standing upright with both arms folded behind her back.

"It can wait. Depart for the vehicles now, Isumi," Yuuko waves to the door, not even looking at the captain.

"It is an urgent matter, ma'am. There is something I… need to know before departing."

"Oh, you need to know?" Yuuko narrows her eyes, focusing the fire upon her subordinate as she leans forward, resting her chin on a hand. "If I haven't notified you of it, what makes you think you have to know whatever this is, Isumi?"

"You have ordered me to monitor Shirogane's condition throughout the battle, so I believe I should notify you of… what occurred when he was aiding me last night," She says, looking down, voice and face cracking down like unguarded stone in a desert.

"He already reported that, be on your way."

"However, there is something that occurred while he was with me which I believe I must inform you of, ma'am."

"What, did you fuck with him?"

"Wh- Of course not!"

"Then, what's all the fuss about? Shirogane already told me he lent you a hand on some paperwork, and I don't see how anything could be grave enough to warrant you wasting our time as of now." Shrugging once more, Yuuko then ruffles her hair as she does a lazy spin.

Isumi chokes on acid, bending her nails as her hands tighten even more. It takes her quite the deep breath to quench the impulse to fall to emotion and unpleasantries. "It's not about the aid itself. The cadet used some… eccentric words during our talk."

"Hmm. And? He does tend to do that, quite often actually."

Slowly, she gulps. Even slower she breathes in, recalling the words as her eyelids begin to cascade down. And what comes out is but a sliver, a whisper of her usual voice, "I had thought to be mistaken at first, that it was just my mind playing tricks on me, but I couldn't get the feeling out of my head. So I checked on my old notebooks, and it wasn't just a hunch. The phrases he used, and how he pronounced them most importantly, make me believe that… perhaps, I know of the cadet's situation before he supposedly lost his memories." Yuuko simply holds her gaze in silence, never releasing Isumi from her piercing stare. So the captain coughs, bolting her composure in place despite how her knees were wishing to bend and crack. "After all, the words Shirogane employed were the same the members of that squadron of the IRG we mingled with during the invasion frequently used. I am of the opinion that Shirogane is either a relative of a member of that unit, or perhaps… one of them himself."

"…And?" Yuuko answers, almost forcing the words out in boredom.

So Isumi simply gapes for a second, lost as a penguin in a desert. "Huh? What do you mean, and? XO, I'm telling you he-"

"Yes, I am aware of that already. So, what of it?"

"What… You… You knew?!"

"And why do you think I'm sending you to watch over Shirogane, Isumi?" She then starts spinning, eyes almost closed.

"However, if you know and have confirmed this intel, then we should report this and-"

"Captain Isumi." Stopping the spinning, Yuuko glares in full force towards her subordinate. Quite angered yet composed, the surface of the sea where dangers swirl deep in the trenches, if you'd allow the comparison. "You were not notified of this for a reason. As the leader of my personal task force, I expect you to not start spreading any ill rumors about my protegee or to treat him any differently from now on. Was I clear?"

"Your protegee?" Hands, knees, teeth, all of her trembles like a glass would when a stampede approaches. Only instead of water, sparks and acids filled Isumi to the brim. "If Shirogane is related to that squadron in any shape or form then-"

"Then, shouldn't you be happy, Captain?" Yuuko asks, chuckling before taking another sip of coffee. "You should be glad, that we regained one of our old allies."

"How… How can you say that, XO? Ally? Those damn extremists were nothing short of a-"

Hitting a book, she then stares straight ahead into Isumi's eyes, blazing and combusting. "You've seen how Shirogane is yourself, I don't believe he deserves your… strong emotions. Furthermore," Yuuko stands up, a finger tapping her chin as she slowly approaches Isumi, never releasing her gaze nor blinking, "if you do or say anything that might bring harm to Shirogane either directly or indirectly, his past will be the last of your immediate concerns. Are we clear, captain?"

Biting her lips, her hands shake as she looks down, as the hail which hit the back of her head forced her to look down. Still, Isumi sighs and nods, slow, resigned. "Yes, ma'am."

"Good. Now, off you go. You have a mock battle to oversee."

"However… Why are you sending me to watch over Shirogane?"

"Let's just say I want a small bumper, to send this battle into the right direction. You already have the codes and your orders, if things stray from the outlook I briefed you on, apply the sedatives immediately."

"Even if he is operating his machine?"

"Yes, there should be no risks since their jump units are still locked down, them being cadets. So… I shall be leaving my protegee in your hands, captain." Yuuko then smirks, resting her chin on interlocked hands. "I hope you do not disappoint me."

Inhaling deeply, exhaling the venom, Isumi once more stood upright and salutes. "I shall do just as you ordered, ma'am."

And without any more words, she turns around and also stomps her way out of the office. Her feelings were in stark contrast with those of the Instructor, as I'm sure you know. Yet, within the office, spinning in the chair, chuckling to herself, Yuuko again smiles. Smiles and spins, chuckling for a moment more.

---

Near 9 AM.

(Ruins of the City, inside a Fubuki.)

[Meiya]

---

The initial shaking faintly disappears, the visor activates and the crumbled edifications fill my view. Gently moving the controllers makes the head gyrate, granting me the sight of what surrounds me. Tumbled buildings, a lone tilted bridge in the distance, the paleness of our soil after the war. A few more taps makes the arms move, grab my shield and sword. Another beeping in my ears, another light in my vision signals the pylons and jump units have also been safely connected. A small test shows they're operational at perfect condition, no errors come up in their test or in any other checks I run.

So, I tap the button to our frequency, "02, all green."

Sakaki's face quickly appears in a corned of my vision, nodding, "01, roger that. My unit is also at the ready. Everybody, report your status."

The rest also report that everything's fine, their respective ID bumping up in my vision as they do. Sakaki then sighs, taking a moment of silence before gazing forward once more.

"Alright everyone, let's review our plan one last time. 02, 03, 05, you'll take the vanguard and move out to meet the first force of the aggressors. Me, 04 and 06 will circle around your position as you fight. We'll scout the enemy's formation and react according to the development of the battle."

A small marking then appears on my radar as Sakaki fiddled with her controls, a location to our Ten, seemingly in the middle of the city.

"This location seems to have multiple buildings tumbled down close to one another. If we manage to drive the Guards to this area, they won't be able to use their full speed to escape it. Then, 05 can snipe them as we keep them down. In the worst case, 06 can perform a high altitude maneuver to strike some of them down, but that shall be our last resort. Did you hear that, 06?"

Takeru's face comes into view, one eye closed as he shrugs. "Yeah, loud and clear, squad leader. I'll keep myself in check, don't worry."

"Good. Now, if anything comes up or we're countered immediately, please report your ideas before acting. 04, 06, that goes for both of you."

"Roger that." Ayamine's face appears on my view as she replies, staring blades at the screen.

Hm? Takeru hasn't responded yet.

"06, can you hear us?" After Sakaki called out to him, his face appears on the screen again.

"Yeah, sorry about that. I was double checking the systems. What was it?" Takeru looks odd. Tense, serious, none of the glee he usually displays when we train on our machines.

Sakaki sighs, again spinning a finger. "I was telling you to not act on your own during this battle. I know that you usually are right, but please notify us of your plans before you rush ahead."

And I can only nod in agreement with her wishes, her worry of how this will turn out. Chances are we'll lose terribly against them, we are mere novices against the elite of the Empire. However, I did ask them to let me challenge Tsukuyomi. I swore I'd took the vanguard and safeguard their advance. My comrades shall be covering me so that I can measure up to this trial, so I shan't let their trust down.

"Then, I'll tell you what I'm gonna do now." He says, shrugging with an eye closed again. Again, as if he were in pain, shifting in his seat.

Takeru, what's wrong with you? Why are you so tense? You wouldn't be… truly a spy, would you?

"06, what do you wish to do?" I address him, sending my image to his visor. Takeru, I believe in you. So, please.

Again sighing, he nods as he once more endows a cold, composed expression. "I'll follow the plan you guys came up with, I've nothing against it. But, if things go south, I'll take action on my own to distract and nullify the enemy if I can. I'm sure they're gonna freak out when they see my acrobatics, so you can use that to snipe 'em away." He gives me a smile, yet it is small, forced, fake. As all the ones I've seen in many meetings, as if he was merely saying the words.

"Then, with all the more reason, notify us when you choose to do that. I concur we need a distraction, something to break the mold if we hope to do anything during this battle, but keep us posted on your plans, 06." Sakaki tells him, tapping her glasses, frontal as an arrow.

Takeru then returns the nod, the poker face. "Of course, 01. Anything else?"

"No, anyone else have anything to say?" Nobody answers Sakaki's question. "Alright then, I'll notify the command post we're ready to begin." She then takes a short pause, breathing in. And once she rises her chin once more, she smiles. "Squad 207, let's show them what we're made of!"

"Roger!"

And thus, once more I'm alone in my cockpit. Thankfully, Sakaki seems composed enough to measure up to the trials. Perhaps, she's somewhat resigned to the outcome and has decided to make the most out of it regardless. Ayamine and Yoroi are understandably nervous, but I believe they shall do well. Takeru… I said I would stop.

However, there is someone else who might need some words. Looking at my controls, passing a finger over them as I try to recall, nodding to myself as I remember my fingers click on the right command, opening a private channel with Tamase's unit.

"05, do you copy?"

"Y-Yes, loud and clear. What is it, 02?" Look at those quivering eyes of yours. You won't be able to fight properly in this state.

"Please, do not be so tense. This is just a mock battle, you're not truly fighting against the Royal Guard. All of us are here by your side." I say, smiling. Then, inhaling slowly, I nod and raise my tone slightly. "And I shall be there, so no one will treat you unfairly."

Like charcoal creaking under the fire, her tension crumbles away. A small smile she gives me, a nod as she tries to bow down. "Thank you, Mitsurugi-san. Sigh… I can't stop thinking that they'll target me, and start saying hurtful things like when they smacked Yoroi-san the other day."

"I see. It is a fair concern, but you've no reason to worry so. I'll be there with you, I won't let them insult you. Can I count on you to cover my back, Tamase?" I stare at her, unblinking, waiting for her reply. And she gives me a nod, despite the obvious nervousness in her not fading, the trembling of her hands as she raises both for a moment.

"Y-Yes, I'll do my best. I will cover you as best as I'm able, 02." Forging a resolute stare, her veneer does not bend upon a moment of silence. On the contrary, the luster of her inner steel shines through again, despite the small quiver of her retracting lips.

"Thank you kindly, Tamase. Let us do our best effort together," I nod at her and, unlike Takeru, she does nod back with quite the light in her eyes. So, I cut the connection. And I sigh in relief, for she truly will be fine, I believe. "I only hope no one does hurl unpleasantries her way, however."

A moment of silence passes me by, until a small beeping reaches my ear. Shortly after, a woman's face quickly appears in my sight. Crimson hair and eyes, I believe we had met this woman during our first simulation run?

"Here, CP. Squad 207, do you all copy?"

"01, we're all in standby. Ma'am, may I ask where is our Instructor?" Sakaki inquires, curving her brows.

The woman sighs, her own brows cascading down quite heavily. "Sgt Jinguuji had some urgent matters to take care of. I was then tasked with overseeing your training in her stead. Now then, are you all ready in position?" She asks, Sakaki replies an affirmation while sending our data, I assume. The woman nods, a small green message surging into my view. "The countdown has already started. I'll explain this in a summarized way, you're all free to move out once the timer reaches zero. I don't think you'll run out of time, but do remember not to stray too far away from your designated area. Best of luck, cadets!" She says, igniting some resolve in her own voice.

And so, for the last time, silence in my cockpit. Silence as the timer runs down, down into the start of my trial.

My first mock battle, and my last test under Tsukuyomi. After this, I may finally be allowed to spar with Daizaburou-sifu. One step at a time, let's not get ahead of myself. Inhale, exhale… Peace, all in due time.

Though… I can only wonder what must be going on in his heart. An odd dream, he said. He mentioned a male, even if I failed to distinguish the rest of the words clearly. Takeru will be face to face with the Guards once again, after the CCSE. Are you truly a spy? Or, perhaps, you're truly who you claim to be? He did say he was recovering his memories, and I'd be overjoyed to truly welcome you as my fellow.

However, his own complexion today, what Tsukuyomi told me… I suppose, he also must be mulling over the matter. I should focus on my own battle for the moment. Five Zuikakus, a Takemikazuchi piloted by Tsukuyomi, amidst the ruins of this city. This city that once was my home, back when I lived with Grandfather in the mansion. These skies are the same ones I watched for so long, this land is what I wished to traverse back then. To see it restored to its former glory, no, to bring it to further heights, to have the greenery reclaim its rightful ownership over this wasteland, to bestow a smile upon the future of my ruined hometown… This battle is just the first step towards my goal.

A beeping in my ears appears as the timer grows closer and closer to single digits. Sakaki's ID bumped up, her voice barely audible.

"01 to all units. Are you all ready?"

"02, I'm more than prepared. Leave the vanguard to me."

"03, all good on my end. My trigger finger is ready to go."

"04, fully prepped up to cross some real strikes."

"05, I'm all set as well. Guns and sensors ready to cover you all."

"06, ready to rumble."

"Heh, didn't expect anything else." Sakaki chuckles dryly. "Squad 207," and thus, the beeping starts again as the timer reaches zero, "march forward!"

"Roger!" We all reply in unison, our machines blasting off towards our arranged formation.

I dash ahead, running through the broken streets, the abandoned cars and fallen stoplights. Gritting my teeth and tensing my abs, I gradually increase the speed of the running. My arms are jerked around by the shaking despite the bolts, I can feel the impulse coursing through my entire body with every step. And again, Takeru was right. The shaking is truly far more intense than in a sim, it has a certain, how to say it, strength is all I can find to describe it. Luckily, I'm sort of used to such shaking thanks to my endeavors to keep up with his eccentric maneuvers, but still.

Slowing down, I bring my machine to merely tender steps as I walk closer to the buildings. Nothing in sight, nothing in the sonar, nothing in the radar. Yoroi is to my Four some meters behind, Tamase is some more meters behind. The other three are already out of my reach, so I suppose they must be laying low in order to detect any sudden movements.

I do wonder how will they approach us, knowing Tsukuyomi I wouldn't put it past them to simply come meet us frontally. Yet, it would be quite odd for them to-

"01 to 02, heat signatures detected to your twelve!" Sakaki says, startling me.

No sooner does her warning end, that a loud beeping bursts into my ears. Three heat signatures in an arrowhead, slowly moving towards our position.

"02, hostiles detected. 01, did you find the others?"

"Guh, yes, they're coming our way."

"What?!" I see, so they aim to split us up. "We'll proceed to face our aggressors, do you think you can hold out?"

"Yes, don't worry. We're still simply exchanging long range volleys with two Zuikakus. Proceed as we planned!"

"Roger! 02 to 03 and 05, hostiles detected! Get ready to intercept!"

"Understood," Yoroi says, her unit quickly dashing closer to mine, in a street that runs parallel to the one I'm on.

"Got it. I'll stand some meters behind you two, try to line them up on a street or make them jump high," Tamase requests, her voice fading by the tail end.

"Copy that. 03, onward!" Readying my blade and bringing the shield closer to the cockpit, I dash further into the city, Yoroi following close by.

Circling to our two, we move towards the few tall buildings left standing. From this position, their fire lines should be obstructed. If Sakaki's facing off against Zuikakus, then by seeing who we're up against here will tell me where Tsukuyomi is located. My visor moves, Yoroi's Fubuki enters my view. The machine nods, gently waving both rifles up and down a few times. Smiling, I make my Fubuki return the nod.

Now then… Inhaling deep, testing the pedals with my heels, in one simple and strong motion I step on them while thrusting the controls forward. As my machine moved from my cover to another, fire opened onto it. Two gray Zuikakus spotted, both using a single rifle and a blade. The current distance with them, the angle of fire they should have available, the reaction time of my unit… Hmm… You called this a boost dash, to run and use the rockets at the same time. Instead of short jumps or merely backboosting or doing so barely above the ground for some seconds, to continue to boost away and use a single foot, or both, to change directions. Can I safely perform that maneuver in a real machine?

…

You're out here, fighting as well. If this is enough to halt my steps, then I will never get anywhere.

"03, cover me. I'll dash into their range, and try to force them to move out of cover."

"Roger, leave it to me!" She says, almost giving out a creaking laugh.

In a simple jump, Yoroi's Fubuki flies away. Looking her way from behind cover, our aggressors were about to step our way, before her suppression fire forced them to hide once again, to not be soaked in paint as the buildings were as of now. Now's my chance!

Again stepping on the pedals, the force of the boosters courses through me. Remember the timing, just barely activate the booster, release it to reposition it later and then-

One jerk on the controls, a soft pressing of the pedals with my feet, and I'm seeing the buildings pass by in a blur. More shaking tosses me around, yet my Fubuki manages to continue dashing. The alarm beeps, I bring my shield up to block the shots, groaning as the impact eventually sends a tremble through the feedback. Yoroi lands to my Nine, almost tumbling down, yet she managed to buy me enough time. Their hiding spot exposed, they're just a short boost away!

Repositioning my rifle under my arm to shoot, my first volleys meet the concrete as my enemy dances away, almost as translucent as a curtain by dawn. Yet, thanks to forcing them to move, I noticed there are three heat signatures here. But, all I could see were Zuikakus.

"03, did you spot the Takemikazuchi?"

"Negative, only Zuikakus." She immediately replies before groaning, more echoes of gunshots echo nearby.

"What is it?! Is that all you've got?" I hear Kamiyo's voice on the common channel as the Zuikakus' dots turn and charge towards our location.

Yoroi crouches near a building, firing off at them while I rest my blade on the ground to join in the suppression. Yet, the twists, the turns, the way to circle upon oneself, the finesse of their patterns is that of… It's the Mugen Kidou. Of course, they're facing me in earnest. I could expect nothing else of my retainers. Yet, when it comes to evasive maneuvers, I do not think we could best them.

"03, can you use some 120mm on them?"

"Do you think we can get them with it?"

"No, I want you to delay their movements for a moment. I may be no match for them in long range, but in CQC… I believe I can stand up to them, with you covering my back."

"Okay, I'll give it a spin!"

"Thanks. 05, do you have us in your sights?"

"Yes, I've a lock on both of you, but the buildings don't let me get a good view on the enemy. Try to make them jump or move to your eleven, I should be able to land some shots from here, I think."

"Copy that. By the by, have you spotted the Takemikazuchi nearby?"

"No, there's no sight of it and no other heat signatures. 01 hasn't called back, so I suppose they might be dealing with it as of now."

I see… So you went after him personally, Tsukuyomi. And alongside Mion and Shion, I assume.

A blast brings me back to the fight, a nearby building had its few remaining windows blasted apart. If this is what stands between me and my retainer, then there is no need to hesitate.

"03, on the count of five."

"Copy that."

I lock my rifle on the pylon once more, grabbing my blade, sighing and gripping my controls. As soon as Yoroi's Fubuki rushes out of cover to send a volley towards our aggressors, I dash towards the Zuikakus, drawing my blade. Just before they were able to reposition, I twist the controls, my Fubuki doing a sidestep like Takeru taught me, allowing me to avoid the aim of their rifles. Raising my blade, it falls like an avalanche upon the closest enemy. I feel the shock coursing through the arms, the rumbling on my controls, the confirmation of the hit. Having disabled one of their hands, a rifle starts dropping cold to the ground.

I quickly push the controls backwards, performing a backboost as Yoroi's cover forces the other two Zuikakus to retreat more and more. As one opted to boost jump my way, raising its sword in midair, my own surges forth to meet it in a parry. Circling the controls, my Fubuki slides away on the ground, and the Zuikaku has to immediately improvise a boost to not tumble down. The place where it stood was soon drenched in paint as Yoroi opened fire indiscriminately, forcing the machine to jump away in a rush.

However, I can only chuckle as a small beep fades into my ears. Shortly after, the jumping Zuikaku was submerged into a vast ocean of yellow, falling deep into the ground, knocked out by Tamase's expert sniping.

"You hit the mark, 05. Well done!" And from such a distance, in between so many buildings to boot. It took only a second for her to lock on and dispose of the aggressor.

"You pest! Do no interfere in our fight!" Tomoe's voice lashed out in the common channel, hoarse and truly acidic.

My throat again is constricting itself, a twister of dryness where joy had just been. Why must they act in this way? Do they also hold some ill will towards her?

"Hmph, that one was the daughter of that coward, right? Ebisu, let's take care of the bothers first." Kamiyo says, as the two machines nearby turn away from me, doing a sudden boost jump.

"Roger!" Ebisu replies, and quickly both shifted their movements, boost dashing away from me after landing to my six.

A quick turn and a press, my volleys fired from the pylon all miss their target. Their dots grow close to Yoroi's. "03, be carefu-"

In a split second, a violent wave of paint fell onto Yoroi's cockpit. Her Fubuki falls backwards onto a building, drenched in orange, as the muzzles of her rifles was still leaking some smoke and heat. They avoided all of Yoroi's shots, at such a short range? Is this how good a commissioned surface pilot truly is? No, Tamase!

With a sudden jerk of my controls and a stomping on the pedals, my jump units flare to life unchained and my Fubuki rushes behind them. One Zuikaku gradually loses speed, turning around and preparing to engage. As our paths cross, so do our blades. A faint, a riposte, we cannot outmaneuver the other. Still rushing as we cross strikes, my volleys find no target yet my shield becomes the recipient of most of my aggressor's heat. She's moving quite nimble, however… compared to Takeru, you're nothing I can't handle!

How was it? Crouch cancel, he had called it. Briefly gazing at the altimeter, at the speed I'm moving at, and at the map ahead, I quickly pull the controls back, turning off the boosters. Landing with a single feet, sending me into another direction as he had advised, the Zuikaku has to reposition itself to follow my trail. Yet, I took another street, so the buildings are my shield as of now. And now that the boosters have cooled off, once more my feet sink and remain sunken onto the pedals, sending my machine into quite the charge.

And I cannot help but to smile as the dot in my radar shows that my rival has taken the bait, the heat signature also rushing to find me and block my path. So, again, I let go of the controls, decelerating quickly. And tensing my abs, retracting my tongue, my Fubuki sidesteps into the turn, into the curve I must take, crouching while boosting after the window of cool down expires. Paint scatters above me, fluttering like a rain of shooting stars, as I slid just below the aggro. And in this juncture, without being able to use your boosters-

"You're wide open!" One firm extension of the controls sends my already damaged shield to crash against the cockpit of the machine, the fake reactive armor exploding and showering more paint all around us.

The Zuikaku collapses, falling to its knees. The dot vanishes from my radar yet my heartbeats are still echoing, blasting on my chest as I gasp with my mouth open. I did it… I bested my first opponent. Sigh… Peace, this is far from over. Even if I am proud of my maneuver just now. Now, how are the rest? Wait, what about-

A loud beep makes me look at my radar. Three enemy signals are attacking another three, which are forced to retreat further away. Tsukuyomi… Why are you targeting him instead of me? Did you confirm he's a spy?

"02, I need help!" Tamase's shout returned me to my sense.

As soon as I move out, her dot reappears in the radar. She is not that far away, nor are there many buildings obstructing her moves. However, why didn't she shot the Zuikaku down? She shouldn't have much problem with a single enemy, I believe.

"What is it?!" Kamiyo's voice roars on the common channel as I grow closer, almost as if she were a wild animal defending its turf. "Is this all traitor can do?! You don't deserve to be Meiya-sama's comrade!"

And again, how dare they. Even if you're my retainers, I shan't allow these actions to go unpunished.

"05, retreat to my position this instant!"

"I can't lose her! I'm…" Her voice cracks, letting out a pained whimper.

The two dots continue to circle and avoid each other for a moment, until I can bypass the streets to cut down the distance. Once they enter my view, Tamase's unit was shooting in erratic intervals while taking short backboosts, and had managed to hit one of the arms of her rival despite the Zuikakus tight maneuvering around the different toppled buildings. However, the gray Zuikaku continued to press her escape routes, all the while Kamiyo keeps taunting and badmouthing Tamase, daring her to answer back.

Inhaling sharply, I ready my gun and blade, do a boost jump, and shoot one 120mm at Kamiyo, forcing her to retreat. I shoot another one as I land to make her move even farther away, away behind a building. Once the dust settles and we gain a second of calm, I quickly take a step back, opening our frequency.

"05, report your status."

"I'm fine. Still have enough ammo." She looks completely apprehensive right now, her eyelids imitating a rock slide, her tone lacerated by a thousand blades. I know she must have taken those insults very, very badly.

"Do not worry. Let's regroup with the other two while we-"

"Aren't you a little overconfident, Meiya-sama?" Kamiyo taunts me on the common channel as I have to hide behind a building to avoid the bullets she sends my way.

"I believe you're the one who's underestimating us. 05, can you snipe her?" I know she can, she took down that HSST so a single TSF should pose no problems for her, much less with my support.

"I… I'll try." Yet, it's as if her eyes had frozen over, void of light and vacant, as the whisper barely makes it out of her quivering lips.

"What was that? Why don't you speak up, coward?! You're nothing more than dead weight!"

"Kamiyo, I will not tolerate such behavior towards my squadmates." Why do they resent her so much? Did they knew her when she was still a servant of Sister?

"Meiya-sama, that sewer rat doesn't deserve to fight by your side. She'll run away like the coward she is when you need her most. Traitors such as they should not be forgiven!"

Her unit quickly shoots out towards us, a few loud explosion of the 120mm drizzling the area in paint. I move backwards to avoid the heat, clenching my teeth and tensing my arms while I have to take a turn, however Tamase is slightly lagging in her response. Wobbling, her Fubuki is almost unable to follow behind me.

"05, you have to shoot!"

"I-I know!"

Kamiyo catches up to Tamase, who starts shooting at her. The crane dives into the blizzard, ice dust scatters in the air. Both TSFs start painting the street with green and yellow splurges as they spray their shots, as I halt my boost to send some of my own volleys in support. However Kamiyo was already too close, she had Tamase cornered against a toppled bridge. And I could only look back as both raise their rifles at one another, as Kamiyo shrieks and insult, as Tamase simply yells out, as the crane's wings are clipped and its feathers flutter about and burn to ashes, as the blizzard is cut short and silenced, turned into just a tender breeze. Both cockpits receive an unending shower of an unreasonable amount of paint, the chaotic bursts of the muzzles filling the air for a second. And when everything calms down back into silence, the Fubuki and the Zuikaku are frozen in place, drenched in a new paint job from head to toe.

"…Tamase, are you alright?"

"…Y-Yes, I'm alright. But don't worry about me, you have to go help the others." She's holding back tears, hugging herself with both eyes tightly closed. Forgive me Tamase. I promise I'll have a talk with these three later.

"Copy that. 05, you did great today. Thank you kindly for your support, Tamase. 02, out."

Cutting my connection with Tamase's unit, I dash towards the heat signatures. Taking care to always stay behind large buildings, to not enter the range of what I assume are the enemy dots, my ears pick up on the beep of the common channel once a few clouds of dust appear in my view. And as my finger presses the activation of the connection, pure noise floods my ears.

"Damn it all! Ayamine!" Sakaki shouts as one dot vanishes from my radar. "How did they even-"

"01, calm down!" Takeru shouts back, hoarse and almost upset. "They're expecting you to lose your cool! Get out of the common channel right now!" He says, or rather orders, as his dot stands its ground, forcing two other dots to retreat for a moment.

I see… So Ayamine fell prey to the cousins, huh. All the more reason for me to rejoin their element, as soon as I'm able. So, quickly activating our frequency now that I'm close enough, I bring my Fubuki to the ground and continue to distance running.

"01, 06, do you copy? I'm approaching your position, from your Four."

Sakaki's face appears on my view shortly after, her brows arching as her lips twist inwards, allowing me to see part of her teeth. "01, receiving you loud and clear. 02, how's your status?"

"Almost unscathed, still have enough ammo and my blade, however I have lost my shield. No damaged or disabled parts. How are you two holding up?"

"06 and me are somewhat still standing, but we're being driven to the corner of the ruins. They're not letting us move at all, except to retreat." I see, so they just wanted to take them out of the match by forcing them to go out of bounds. "04 was just pincered a moment ago as the Takemikazuchi blocked her escape route, so be on the lookout as you approach."

"Understood. I'll be arriving shortly. 06, how are you holding up?"

…

Why isn't he answering me? Takeru, did I upset you somehow? Or, are you…

"06, answer 02's question! Did your comms get damaged?"

"I'm done." Takeru's face appears on my view, he's sulking.

"Shirogane, what are you saying?"

"That we're just wasting our time. The Zuikakus have always focused on me so far, and only attacked 04 because she covered me a moment before." He says, expression tight, eyes squinted and quite… adusted, for some reason. "If I charge at them on my own, that should give you a window to strike alongside 02. At the very least, we have to take one of them down with us."

Sakaki's eyes waver as she looks down, taking a few breaths in quick succession. "H-However, we cannot risk it all in a frontal charge. Mitsurugi is just about to-"

"Even if she comes to us, we're going out of bounds at this rate. And the only way for us to break this lock is by separating the Zuikakus from the Takemikazuchi, even if only for a second. Otherwise, we might as well surrender now." He nods to himself, shrugging.

Sakaki you will have to forgive me, for I agree with Takeru. Again. "01, I believe 06 speaks the truth. Also, I did told you I wishes to face off against the Takemikazuchi, so I welcome the opportunity. Would you allow us to employ this idea?"

She then sighs, heavily. "Fine, I'll cover you both. This is your day, so if you agree to it I'll follow you. 06, do you think you can rush in and avoid their heat?"

"Leave it to me, I ain't going down so easily," He snarls, frowning slightly.

"06, I shall be counting on you to distract them long enough," I say, sobering up as I send my image to him, as I can hear the gunshots in the distance as I run through the streets.

"Don't worry, dodging is what I do best after all," And then, a small smirk. "So, the one in the vanguard is the Takemikazuchi as of now. Can you distract it from afar, 02?"

"I believe so, yes." I am no Tamase, but I can gain Tsukuyomi's attention easily enough. "01, if you rush towards it as I shoot, that will give 06 enough time to charge at the other two."

"Copy that. So, on the count of three?" We both nod to her suggestion, my hands gripping the controls as my rifle aims upwards, as I gulp when the red frame comes into view. "Three, two, one… Fire!"

A recoil runs through my arm as a 120mm shell flies away towards the elegant shape of the Takemikazuchi, which again gracefully glides away from the shower of paint that would soil its paint. Yet, before it could land, as the visor turned to meet mine, it had to raise a shield in defense, to take shelter from Sakaki's retaliation. Tsukuyomi can only jump back, before I take another shot at her machine.

"06, now's your chance to-"

Without waiting for Sakaki to finish speaking, Takeru's dot blasts away. I see his Gekishin as it draws an arc in the sky, rebounding off the concrete as nimbly as in every simulation we had thus far. And with a giant smirk etched into his face, Takeru roars as both Zuikakus seem to start frantically running away from his oppressive assault, going by the radar's account.

"Come to Papa, you pair of pickles!" He then shouts right before his face vanishes from the connection.

What did he just say? What does 'Come to Papa' even means? Takeru, you're not old enough to be a parent. And, he's still referring to them as pickles, to boot. I swear, if that gets him in trouble with the cousins, I shan't be shielding him for it.

I see the frames boosting through the streets on my view and the paint flying about as I rush to aid Sakaki. A Takemikazuchi appears nearby, piercing through a cloud of dust along the daylight. In a quick reaction, it jumps while veering to a side, shooting at Sakaki's Fubuki as she tries to take cover. Futile it was, her attempt to escape. And as the Fubuki falls into stillness as the paint drips from the cockpit into the ground, as a cloud passes up above while the dust was settling, Tsukuyomi's unit then stops and, after looking in my direction, the red Takemikazuchi starts coming towards me.

First in slow steps, then readying the blade above its shoulder, and finally marching forward, straight as an arrow, as a ray of light piercing stormclouds. My lips tense and twist as my tongue begins to rebel against the back of my teeth, as it feels as if my stomach was being compressed by an industrial press. Backboosting while shooting non stop, I see how she easily dodges all of my shots gracefully, barely making any dust raise, almost without wasted momentum. Dashing at me, the red machine raises its blade. Mine own blade departs from its silent hold, raising to meet the challenge, and thus we start trading blows as we dance on the ruins.

Our strong steps blast the few windows to pieces, poles and offices are soon crushed on a few missed swings, sparks fly off as we parry each other's slashes, continuing our bout as if we were sparring on a bridge, my visor not moving away from hers, as hers remains locked onto mine.

A small signal appears in my view, a request for a private channel, as the Takemikazuchi gives me some space, deciding not to chase after my unit when I backboost. Once I bring my Fubuki to a halt and heave a sigh, I tap and accept the connection. Her face does not appear, but her unit is linked to mine for the moment.

"Your technique is very good, Meiya-sama." Tsukuyomi says, completely calm and still as a frozen lake.

"Thanks, however, this isn't the full extent of my abilities."

"As I expected. Let us continue our battle, then." So, she once more raises her blade.

"It'll be my pleasure." Thus, my own sword is put into place as I make my machine take the stance I was taught under.

And after a single second of silence, once more the boosters flare to life and our swords cross paths and parries.

Under her precise swings I decide I pick up my pace, doing the zig zags Takeru taught me. I can't move like he does, yet I am absolutely certain now that this style of his is without a doubt the Mugen Kidou, even if it is different than how I learned it. I'm nowhere near as nimble as him, that is true, yet thanks to his teaching I believe I can adapt parts of his patterns to my own style.

And yet, despite the sidesteps, the crouch-cancel maneuvers I employ, my slashes can only graze the candlelight. Make it flutter, bend away, but never extinguish it entirely. It's as if Tsukuyomi wasn't surprised by my methods, unlike the trio. And yet, I can tell. She's going easy on me, she isn't pushing her advantage nor trying to overpower me. Licking my lips, it brings a fair foul taste to me, to see her holding back. As I pounce around her, stomping the pedals, bending and jerking the controls, I cannot find an opening in her defense. It's almost as if… as if she could read all of my movements. Nonsense! I can do this!

I boost dash towards her, veering to my left. As she dodges, I hit the ground with my feet and try to do what Takeru does, and somewhat manage to use the impulse to jump off the ground towards her again, despite the ringing in my ears and how my everything seems to lose color for but a moment.

The Takemikazuchi turns around swiftly, our blades are locked in a struggle as she halts my advance. I never thought a Fubuki could overpower a Takemikazuchi, but this feeling… I don't like it. Only one person made me feel like this during a battle. And he… he's right here, fighting with all he has. Spy or not, what he has taught me is not void of meaning for me.

Tsukuyomi leans back, my hands panic and pull at the controls to avoid falling down. In that attempt, as my Fubuki crouched and took a step back, Tsukuyomi's unit had raised a leg. And my sight went black as everything started to shake again, as if everything in me was a liquid within a crumbling glass.

"Ugh. I did not think she'd actually employ a kick."

Yet, what can I do? I've done all I can, I can no longer think of anything else to gain an advantage over Tsukuyomi. My heartbeats again make themselves known on my neck as I gasp, as I wipe the sweat off my face. How can I possibly best her now? Even when successfully using his maneuvers I fail to land a hit, just how can I…

…Huh?

I blink, the sight does not change.

Then, I rub my eyes. But the sight does not change.

I move the controls, making my Fubuki stand up. Everything is still functional, but the sight does not change.

A broken swing, a collapsed slide, a half-filled sandbox. The broken sign, the half torn bulletin board in the far end. Could it be… Is it that park? The damaged state notwithstanding, it does line up with my memories of the place.

"I see… So it's still rather intact, is it?" Smiling, I simply sigh as I look at it.

To think I had refused to search for it, dreading to find it collapsed, crushed under the BETA's assault. And now of all times-

A sharp sound echoes close, the dot of the Takemikazuchi grows closer. "Well Meiya-sama, it has been a pleasant bout. I believe it is time for me to put an end to it, however."

"W-Wait a moment, Tsukuyomi! Not here, we're-"

"Cease your words, cadet! Draw your blade, and come at me!"

Quickly raising my sword, I barely fend off the first slash. My Fubuki's feet plant themselves onto the ground, yet I can tell my unit is being pushed back.

"Meiya-sama, from today onward I shall be returning to Yuuhi-sama's side. Due to Raiden-sama's health, you shall be sent to some other distant relatives for the time being."

"So… Will we see each other once more, Tsukuyomi?"

"Not for the time being, I'm afraid."

If I fall here… the park will be destroyed. It will crumble under the weight of my machine, my failure.

"Am I being discarded, perhaps?"

"Nothing of the sort, Meiya-sama. I am merely required back at the Main House, and Raiden-sama is too old to safeguard you."

"Yet, I'm still being sent away from you all."

This place, the memory of my hometown, of you… gone, forever.

"However, not all news are bad ones, Meiya-sama."

"How do you mean?"

"Well, you are now allowed some measure of freedom. And if you perform as you're expected to, perhaps… you'll be able to meet them one day."

And I can clearly see it, the small box she produced. The small gift, the aroma of the food, the letter that with it came.

"I've already lost plenty of treasures. I won't let this park to be destroyed, and I won't fall in this test, either!"

A quick volley shoots out from under my arm, forcing Tsukuyomi to retreat. Yet, I charge forward, meeting her warding slash, sidestepping after the contact and countering once more. Breathing in through my nose, I hold the air prisoner within. I cannot let my temper flare up, or else that park will be no more. Tsukuyomi may have the edge on a technological level, but still, I should be able to at the least knock her sword away, like Takeru always does in our bouts.

Only then I'll be able to make her retreat. Remember her words, the words of our style. Closing my eyes for a second, the days we spent in the dojo return, the days when we sparred just like we are doing now, under these same skies. The scent of the violets' incense, the faint creaking of the wood under our steps, and the words that laid in a scripture on the wall. The words Tsukuyomi taught me, when she began to instruct me in the proper form to be worthy of learning the Mugen Kidou.

Be as serene as the moon.

Like a leaf slowly dancing atop a lake.

Let your feet be guided by the winds,

as your blade becomes another part of you.

Sharpen thy mind. Freeze thy heart.

Body and Soul. Moving as one.

To cleave a path forward, with your own hands.

Like the moonlight that pierces the clouded skies!

I know I can do it. I will best Tsukuyomi today, without a shred of doubt!

Opening my eyes again, I readjust my grip on my controls as an exhalation reaches my hands, as the rumbling of the march forward once again envelopes me whole. She's slowly coming towards me from my left, sword at the ready as her boosters light up.

Sister, I will not disappoint you anymore.

One… Two…

I boost dash towards her just as she does towards me, yet I don't linger in the parry. Quickly backboosting, Tsukuyomi now finds herself chasing after me, having to take a turn. My grip my controls eases up, merely gyrating them softly as I release the pedals from my stomping pressure. My Fubuki gradually loses speed as it dashes through a street, I look back and find the Takemikazuchi readying its blade. A valiant crimson rain of arrows, all of them gravitating towards myself.

And then, just as our blades were about to clash, I backboost away. Tsukuyomi's slash met the air, giving me the few seconds I needed. I deactivate one jump unit while fully forcing one to full output, making me spin in place. I may not be strong enough yet to brave through the storm that you are, but I can certainly stand my ground against your gale!

"Have at you, Tsukuyomi!" And with the force of the spin, I strike at her hands. The recoil reaches my body, just as I see her blade flying away into the sky.

I remain still after that, gasping. The Takemikazuchi also remains quiet as the sound of the sword hitting a building reverberates through the air.

I… I did it. I managed to-

BOOM!

"Augh!"

"Looks like you dropped your guard, Meiya-sama." Tsukuyomi notes, again cold and composed as when we met after the invasion for the first time.

My cockpit went red, my sight is off for the moment. She must have shot at me with her gun at point blank, I suppose.

"Tsukuyomi, I had already knocked your sword away! The duel was-"

"This was no duel, the mock battle won't end until the enemy is defeated. Knocking my blade away was not one of the victory conditions, Meiya-sama." She says, and I can't help but to gape and shiver. Did I… Did I ruin it? I got so engrossed in our fight, in protecting the park that I forgot my goal. Did I fail? I… Sister, I- "However, even if that is the case, our fight has proved me that you have the necessary skill to face Daizaburou-sama. Congratulations, Meiya-sama. Your training is over."

"…Huh? Are you speaking the truth, Tsukuyomi?"

She then giggles, as I haven't heard her do in many moons. "Indeed. You have passed this test. You've grown strong in the time you've been here. Not only in skill, but in mind as well. It was a fine bout, Meiya-sama."

I thought I would feel happy or that I would cry upon these words. Yet, I'm feeling eerily calm, almost empty. Turning the visor on once more, the park is still safe in the distance. Sigh… I slump into the seat, easing all my muscles, my throat relaxes and opens wide as I breath a long breath of relief. Sister… I did it. I finally can proudly say that I am being useful. And, I did manage to both safeguard the park and strike Tsukuyomi's blade away. Had I not lost focus, I could have taken her down.

"Thanks for this duel, 1st Lt. Tsukuyomi. It has been an honor to cross strikes with you," I bow down, despite knowing she cannot see me.

"Please, there is no need for such words. Well, I shall- What is it?" Tsukuyomi's tone changes, growing harsh and severe as her slashes, as she is whenever she scolds me. She must be talking through their own frequency. Without waiting another second, Tsukuyomi cuts the connection with my own unit, and I can tell by the shaking nearby that she just boost jumped away in quite the hurry.

Right, Takeru! How is him? Can I still check my radar? Now, let me see… Only two dots remain on the map. Takeru and Tsukuyomi, I suppose. He… He bested Mion and Shion, at the same time?! Just when I thought I could be proud of my result, you have to go and surpass my efforts once more.

"You truly are special, a peak I can only observe from afar. And yet," Who are you? Are you my fellow or my enemy? Tsukuyomi… She went after you first. And she did take me out when she saw the chance, without hesitation, despite how she acknowledged I passed her trial.

…So that she could face you alone, perhaps? Still, for him to have bested both cousins… He didn't seem particularly upset, and I believe he wasn't looking for a fight with them, either. Sakaki did not repine about his attitude, so I assume Takeru kept himself in check thus far.

…Then, why am I feeling another shiver down my back?

I can't help but to grab my arms tightly as my mouth clamps on itself again. My legs again slowly rub against each other, my forehead is tense even without me noticing it. I try to slowly calm my breath, placing a hand on the base of my neck as the air comes through my nose, squeezing itself down to my lungs. And yet, my heartbeats refuse to douse down, my eyes remain fixated on my radar as the two dots grow closer and closer.

"Takeru… Please…"