Chapter 81:
Tuning Duty
Some moments later.
(Cylinder Room.)
"So you're the famous Shirogane, huh," she says, giving the soldier a once over. "I'm Motoko Kouzuki, Chief Researcher of the, ahem, Robotics isle of this complex. It's a pleasure to meet you," extending a hand alongside a friendly smile, she returns the firm shaking.
"No, the pleasure's mine. So, was the headband really recording stuff all this time?" He asks, rubbing his now free forehead, staring at the small tiara-like machine that the researcher had connected to a nearby PC.
"Yes, that is its primary function. Although, XO Kouzuki was who designed it so I cannot guarantee it worked as intended," she affirms with a lazy nod, a smile towards the predatory gaze her sister was unleashing from a distance. Looking back at him, she takes half a step closer. "By the by, did I truly speak with you during a phone call before?"
"So you did forget," he notes, nodding as his hands return to his pockets.
"Well, nothing to be done, I suppose," she shrugs, walking over some extra cables in the room towards larger machinery. "Now that I did meet you, maybe this memory leak will stop temporarily."
"Why?" He asks, slowly following behind, towards a large pod that reminded him of his last mission in another world.
"Sight is the most powerful of our senses," she says, the green glint of the screen bathing her features as she starts some checks. "It solidifies much of our experiences, and more can be said through gestures than sounds at times. Wouldn't you agree?" He merely nods, extending a leg to not trip over some wires.
Finally making it to the side of the pod, he can then see the vessel that will become the 00 Unit, cables attached to parts of the body, sprouting like loose nerves, overgrown roots.
Hands wring for a second as he inhales until his stomach cannot take it anymore. "Don't worry, this time I won't force you to overload. I'll do things right," he then sighs, placing a hand over the glass that separates them.
Through the beepings and other sounds that envelop the room as of now, a set of footsteps grows closer.
"Do you think you can speak with Kagami, Shirogane?" The scientist asks, getting to his side and staring.
"Yeah, it's the least I can do," he replies, still looking at the sleeping machine. "These bindings are enough to contain her, right?"
She nods immediately. "I took your warning seriously. Even if it starts to thrash about as soon as it awakens, the 00 Unit won't be able to hurt itself or any of us," she whispers while leaning just a bit closer, so that her sister doesn't hear. "You do have a plan to stabilize it quickly, don't you?" She inquires the doubt, breathing slowing as he nods back.
"The first step should go smoothly with the help of the bunny right there," he says, looking to the cylinder.
"You mean Yashiro?"
"No, the other bunny," he points to the small keychain that still remains hanging over the cylinder, as the stars he once placed for Christmas were.
"Hmm, so that odd rabbit will work as a crux for her to focus on some core memories? How much progress did you make with this method in your last experience?" She asks, eyes set alight, getting even closer.
As the soldier deflects and satiates the starving inquiries of the scientist, young Yashiro scuttles and waddles among the cables. The cylinder now has a few add-ons attached to its base, scanning modules which resemble the special equipment present in the Mindseeker's shoulders. The small yellow threads between the two gave some respite to her worrying, however the fog which still clouds the scientist is still a small thorn of concern for her.
Once the checks and preparations on her end are finished, nodding to Motoko-san, she then walks up to the still debating duo, bunny ears perking up at the rather gentle and simple way in which their auras flow. There is no stiffness in the soldier's posture as of now, neck and arms loose, movements slow and careful like a cloud. The scientist herself is, while standing as straight and imposing as usual, also with her spike shield lowered as she stands mere centimeters away from him without a compact posture or lines of displeasure in her complexion as she shares whispers with him.
A faint shiver envelopes the assistant as the echo of his mind filters into hers, a vision of herself trying to teach Sumika how to do Cat's Cradle despite the blank stare and mechanical gestures she returns. Her steps stop, the tip of her toe stuck under a cable, almost sending the young bunny to the ground. Small flaps of her ears and the slowness of her movements prevents the fall, she heaves a sigh and approaches them again, this time with her sight following her steps.
"-and that's why I think using games and books to bring her memories from the ground up is a better call," she hears him conclude, arms folding as he gives quite the confident nod, eyes meeting the scientist's, clear as the night sky.
Yet, those violet eyes grip onto his, delving deep like a knife through butter. "And in the scenario where your ideas do not hold water?"
A small flare of dark, a short and shallow exhalation. "We'll play with what cards we got. And if it gets to that, I'd welcome you readying the floodgates first, Vice Commander."
"Of course I will," she retorts immediately, tone and gaze still caustic and firm, yet Yashiro tilts her head at the small knot of yellow brewing around her stomach, at the tiniest curl on the edge of her lips.
"Um, Professor?" She calls out softly and the duo takes a hasty step back, putting some space between them as they notice the closeness of the bunny assistant. "All the preparations are completed. We are ready to start at your signal."
"I see. Good to hear," she ruffles her hair, looking away as if bored, dulling her aura with a shrug.
"We can… speak with Sumika-san, right?" She asks, stealing gazes.
She nods, patting the girl's shoulder. "Do not exert yourself. Remember that she will feel your emotions due to the psychic link, and if you stress over the matter you'll fail to establish a connection. Also," she looks back at her soldier, narrowing her eyes, "remember to not disturb Kagami's heart."
"Easier said than done…" he relents a sigh, a downcast gaze onto the cylinder. Yashiro nods in agreement, gripping the edge of her dress.
"Just don't send her into shock," the scientist tells, gazing into them while raising her chin, staring until both nod. "Well, let's get on with this. I'll be overseeing the last checks to the 00 Unit, just in case. Motoko-nee, how is the equipment?" She asks, walking towards her sister.
The soldier steps towards Yashiro, petting her head. "Feeling ready?"
Bunny ears flap down once, she nods. "Whenever you are. I'll do my best to give you as much time as possible."
As slow as a parting page, they walk to the cylinder's side. Gradual like the vanishing of the afterglow is the tingly feeling, the presence of an ESPer on the soldier's mind. Looking up at the santa rabbit, a second to inhale, another to hold the assistant's hand, he closes his eyes.
After the initial shock, the momentary darkness, faint light gleams at the distance. It is not direct, there is no warmth. The distorted brightness would resemble the glare of the sun when observed from below water.
However, there is no clarity to the surrounding area. Thickened, taking on a greenish-tint, the aquatic expansion seems to know no end. There is simply water, and nothing else.
Focusing on how her eyes always looked, letting the assistant bask into his mind, share his effort, the soldier slowly feels movement to the vision. Cutting through the waves, piercing the fog that reigned over the tide, surfacing near erupting landmass and greeted by darkened storm above. There is only chaos for a moment, the stream and gale pulling in all directions. It takes them a moment to regain quietness.
"Sumika?" He calls out, causing the waves to roar tall, the gale to subside for a moment.
"Take… chan?" An almost broken whisper calls out, submerged.
"Sumika, I'm here. I can hear you."
"Takeru-chan? Are you there?!" Pain assaults his eyes as the storm seems to surround, to envelop and tower over him in its core."Are you alright? You're not hurt, are you?" And despite that, the desperation overshadows even the thunders that surf through the sky he can now see.
"Yes, I'm fine now. Um… Thanks for worrying, Sumika."
"Thank God… You're alright…"
"Um… How have your talks with Kasumi been lately? Did she show you something else?" He asks, sitting atop the waves, looking around for her shape.
"Yes, she showed me a few more moments. It was… nice to see our old school and all," easing up into calmness, the thunder cease their concert. "But, but…"
"What is it?"
"It feels odd…" she says, voice shivering. "I dunno how but it's… something's odd…"
He sighs, assuming she must be somehow reacting to all the extra equipment added to the cylinder. "Are you in pain?"
"No, not for now… Um, Takeru-chan, you seem… sad. Did something happen to you?" She asks, the waves once more beginning to dance, to collapse upon themselves.
"Sigh… I'm fine, for real. But I need you to hear me well, Sumika."
"W-What?"
"I remember you apologized to me last time we talked. But in reality… I should be the one to apologize."
"Huh? W-Why? I mean, you're not… You're not-"
"Heh, wanna hear something crazy? Turns out, I am the Takeru you always knew, Sumika. Sorry, for having made you wait."
A tall wave, knockback onto his senses, a whirlwind which binds all of his body, hiccups come to Yashiro's breathing as she struggles to maintain the connection.
"It's a lie! Takeru-chan is dead!"
"Then, you're saying you giving me a spinning top as a present didn't happen?" He asks, trying to fight the thrashing of the water.
"I-I did, but… but that was…"
"Didn't I used to tease you about how you didn't like to read Binocchio all the time?"
"Yes, you did… but I… I know you're not-"
"And what of the RPG books we always played? You're telling me you rolling three nat twenties in a roll didn't happen? If so, I want my candies back," he smirks at the expansion of tempest. "It took me awhile, but… I'm back, Sumika. Sorry, for leaving you alone all this time."
His sight spins, propelled upwards like spout. Sent into the sky, amidst the falling rain and the crashing waves, it all seems to grow and grow more by the second.
Yet, as he relieves those moments, the one time when he decided to gift her the santa rabbit, their first culinary accident when they thought it was a good idea to put both white and black pepper to the sauce, the never-ending conga line of bullshit strategies they came up with for their games, their shared Christmas celebrations, the bickering over the smallest things, even the promise that could never be, the birthday present that will remain forever lost, it's as if the storm, the gale and whipping waves were closing in on him, walls of water extending through the clouds, the reflection of memories of days gone by shimmering in the crazed surface.
"…You're alive?" She finally asks, the aquatic prison standing still as a monument.
"Somehow."
"…But I saw how you died. I saw them- those damn-"
"Sumika," he yells, extending his arms outwards with too much drama, "it's okay. I'm right here, and I'm fine."
However, the storm roars once again, blossoming into utter chaos. "Those BETA… Those fucking BETA! I'll kill them all! I'll tear them all apart! I won't let them devour you again! I'll devour those damn bastards! And the Royal Guard too, I'll kill those fucking assholes! No one is harming you!"
"Wait, the Guards?"
"I saw how they hurt you! They abandoned us in Hakuryo! Those damn-"
He screams and kicks at the stream, no amount of focus on what good times they had shared can break the torrent of dark which creeps from the sea, not even as the assistant grits her teeth, slowly starting to undo her limiters, seeking his arm in support.
"Sumika! You don't have to hate them anymore! Please, listen to my voice!"
"I'm sorry," once more broken, like the cracks in the sky that begins to sink upon itself, "I'm so so sorry Takeru-chan. I'm sorry…. I'm sorry… I'm sorry…"
"Sumika-san, please don't apologize. You've done no wrong," Yashiro says through a whisper.
"NO! It's not my fault!" However, little did it do to ease the rampaging tempest from slugging them both around. "I didn't want that to happen! Stop! Don't touch him! Noooo!"
A slight pain on his arm, a tickle on his ear. "Takeru-san, it hurts… I don't know if I can keep this up for much longer."
"Sigh… Just let me try one thing more," he answers back, looking up into the eye of the storm. "Sumika… It's okay, me disappearing wasn't your fault."
"…Huh?"
"I was there because I wanted to. Your wish didn't make me disappear, it just sent me away for two years."
"Takeru-san, what are you-"
"No… That's wrong!" Shrieking, crying, crumbling, both her voice and the tempest could be one and the same. "When I saw you I… I didn't recognize you, and then thought of how you used to be, and then you were gone, and I didn't know what-"
"If you hadn't wished that, I might have died, you know?"
For a moment, the scenery from atop the hill surrounds the waves, the panorama reflecting and bending at times.
"So don't apologize. It's thanks to you that I'm still here."
"But what I asked… but you were gone and-"
"Look, even I'm not entirely sure how the hell that happened, but what it's true is that the wish you made then is what has kept me alive thus far. So thanks, Sumika."
"Takeru-chan… Do you hate me?" The sea, like her voice, starts shaking as the waves clash against one another.
"Why would I hate you, silly?"
"Because of me, you had to die. If I wasn't there… you wouldn't have disappeared, I made you go away, I couldn't-"
"Please stop blaming yourself, you did nothing-"
"Yes, I did!" Her scream overpowers the peaceful memories, the sea once more darkens as bolts start to strike at the water walls. "You did your best to save me, I saw you trying so hard to keep going. I did my best, I really tried! But they- those bastards… and then you were gone, just when I could catch a glimpse of you… If I hadn't been there you wouldn't have gone to fight, you wouldn't have died… It's my fault, it's all my fault…"
"Come on, now. Sumika, please," he walks up to the tempest, resting his hand on it, a shiver, pain on his palm, "I am here, right now. And I'm telling you, it's alright. There's nothing to apologize for, you did nothing wrong."
"Yes, I did! You wouldn't understand, Takeru-chan! I… I… They… to me…"
Thunders break lose, the typhoon sinks, brine and a reversed waterfall raising to the sky. Recognizing the tone, the creaking, breaking, crushed voice, the soldier leaps into the stream, his thoughts almost fading from the assistant's scan.
Yashiro can only stand still and seek, only discerning rough serpentine shapes slithering underwater, a myriad of smallest hydras coiling over the ocean whole, filling it all up, twisting and separating the tide unnaturally until the current turns red, redder. The implication lost on her, the repulsion she felt within the forest stalling the motions to have her dive any further saves her from seeing the cruelty.
And like a lotus slowly spreading outwards, a cyclone splinters the sea. Fingers pressing onto the back, pushing, pushing against the resistance, pushing until the heart is out of the prison. Spirals of shards raise to the stars as it all shatters, slowly subsiding, falling as slowly as bubbles in the air.
Behind the empty shell, the void mask of the firmament, a tiny shooting star blazes through the storm. A halo of light descends through the gap in the sky, feathers of starlight gently parting the clouds away and revealing celestial tears raining down. Each and every droplet, a moment of joy, a moment of laughter. Upon contact with the filthy sea, they spread crystal clarity onto the waves and a refreshing and cold breeze towards the spectating Yashiro. All shadows retreat to the pit, the slithering monstrosities melting back to the abyss upon contact with the starlight.
Floating above the still burning remnants of the shooting star, he holds a wounded shape, hands and legs dangling like a puppet with its strings cut.
"I'm sorry… I'm sorry, Takeru-chan… I forgot about you, I became a BETA… I'm not-"
"Sumika, you're not a BETA," he says, holding her closer. "Look at the sky, are all these memories not yours?"
"But… But I'm no longer-"
"And I'm no longer the quirky little kid I used to be, right? Doesn't mean I'm any better or worse. The war hurt and changed me, too. But that doesn't make me like those monsters."
"But who would enjoy what they did to me?! Only a BETA would!"
"Then, does that mean that you don't want to talk with me and Kasumi anymore?"
"Huh? N-No… No, don't leave me! I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" She convulses, shaking her head, hitting his chin.
"I'm not leaving if you don't want to. So, do you want to talk some more?" He whispers, slowly resting the frailty on his chest.
"Of course I do! I… I don't wanna be alone, I don't want you to go away!"
"Then, that's proof enough. Sumika, you are NOT a BETA. You're human."
"Huh? H-Human? …B-But I… I let them-"
"If you were a BETA, you wouldn't want to talk with me. Because the BETA want to kill humans. So, since you still want to see and talk with me, you're not a BETA. You're a human, you're one of us. You're our Sumika," he says, pointing to the sky, recalling little moments, small arguments, tiny pranks.
Simply holding onto each other above the still sea, under the shower of constellations.
Despite the freight train that continues to slam onto their psyches, the tiny glass that within their throats burn, both the soldier and the assistant remain firm, seeking to cover the frailty with what little calmness they could bestow to it.
Along the gentle rocking of waves, the lazy sprint of the wind, and the glitched reflections of other days upon the water, in between those azure skies, the gleaming stars, and the cerulean waves, the three of them simply stood in silence.
"So Sumika," he slowly begins, taking a pause, a rather long pause, while shuffling his words a few times over, "I need to tell you something."
"…What is it?"
"Sigh… In just a few minutes, your pain will end."
"…It'll end? Am I… gonna die?"
"…Yes. See, we're going to try to transfer your mind to a body made in your image. I… well, I'm not sure how this works, honestly. But at the very least, your torture will end."
"A new body? …Huh? B-But… Takeru-chan, you said we'll be together… Am I… W-What's gonna happen to me?" Her voice grew weak, anxious, ripples, shadows within the sea.
"I don't know. But the only way we can kill the BETA is by trying to get you into that new body. L-Let me try to show you what should happen once we do." Small glimpses of victory, moments of triumph, and the standing ovation he once received as a survivor of the Kashgar raid play out along the waves. "With this, we'll be able to start purging the BETA for good. I know it doesn't make this any better, but you're our hope, Sumika."
"…Me?"
"Yeah."
"…I can help to… kill them?"
"To save others," he corrects, embracing tighter. "And this is all we can do, without risking something worse happening," a small celestial shard falls, revealing the eternal wasteland of salt for a second.
And then, silence.
Only the rocking of the waves, the odd star glimmering into the sea.
"Many times I tried to call out to Kasumi, to tell her to kill me," she says, monotonous, exhausted, so very tired as she leans onto the warmth of his presence, the lingering stare of Yashiro. "I couldn't endure it anymore, I just wanted to disappear. I enjoyed our talks, but I missed her so much whenever she went away. And then, one day… You came here."
Slowly, very slowly, light starts to timidly peek over the horizon, signs of dawn besting the dark blue up above.
"When Kasumi showed me images of you, parts of your words… I was so happy, so confused. Even if you felt different, you made my wish come true. I was able to see you again, to hear your voice. S-So… if you need me to die, if my life will help you… Take it," and looking back, the torn expression smiles with dawn's first rays basking behind her. "Just please… Don't die again. Don't forget me. And… and kill all those motherfucking bastards! And don't trust in the Royal Guard! It was all their fault!"
Patting the head, enduring the searing, he whispers, "Sumika, I got it. I won't let my guard down. So please calm down, yes?
Gulping hard, inhaling sharply as knives rove under her stomach, Yashiro reaches in, diving for a moment. "I won't leave Takeru-san alone, I'll ensure he remains safe. I promise. A-And… forgive me, Sumika-san. We… We can't do anything to save you."
"That's not true!"
Once more, the sun raises tall, blazing the sea away, blossoming into a vast field, a field filled to the brim with wildlife. The small little part of the hill where they used to play when they were younger, where they would idle the time waiting to see 'Saunty Claus' fly through the sky.
"Eh? W-What do you-"
"You both saved me, Takeru-chan, Kasumi. You gave me back my light, you let me be someone again, to talk and have some notion of time once more. Thank you… Thank you… for granting my selfish wish, for being here for me, for believing I'm human, for being so kind to me. Thank you, Takeru-chan."
"No Sumika, thank you. Thanks for… enduring so much," he whispers, swallowing further apologies, choking himself in the process.
Reaching out to touch upon the frailty, Yashiro's breathing is unable to imitate the composure of the soldier. "I will miss you much, Sumika-san. I won't ever forget you, I swear."
The link starts weakening as emotion overcame them both, everything growing blurry, the sky dimming.
"Thanks, Sumika. S-See you later," he says, slight dampness in his eyes.
"Hic… Even in that you're the same…"
"Huh?"
"The last time we talked, you gave me a hug and didn't say goodbye. You said that you would definitely come back… Hic… Thank you, Takeru-chan. For coming back. And Kasumi, thank you… for being my friend these two years."
The small, battered smile bathed in faint sunlight is all they can see, unable to reply. The shaky, almost mechanical effort to raise a wounded, tattered hand and wave away, standing alone amidst the grass.
"…Goodbye."
Their vision returns to the room, both fall to my knees in slow motion, supporting each other. The soldier wipes the light wetness in his eyes, giving Yashiro a one-armed hug as the girl silently wept, shaking and shaking.
"…We did what we could, Kasumi."
"I know… but I'm still going to miss her."
A few pats to her back, ruffling her hair, a minute or two of silence until their legs restart and both are able to stand once more. A pit left engraved in their stomachs, Yashiro coughs a few times, hoarse and dry, whereas dad simply rests a hand on the cylinder, wincing, nibbling at his bottom lip.
"Are you ready, Shirogane, Yashiro?" The scientist asks as she grows closer, wearing a perfect poker face.
"Yeah… Let her die like this, please," he whispers, walking away, letting Yashiro go to her required position.
"…Not like I needed you to tell me that," she hastily turns around and goes to the computers.
A whirring resonates through the room, lights begin to shine in a patter. Slowly, the liquid in the tank starts to swirl, to shine brighter. The equipment that resembles the Mindseeker's parts starts the scan, rotating around the cylinder, the soft whirring intensifying at times.
The minutes slowly pass, the equipment keep rotating, the numbers simply raise on the monitors, the areas slowly changing from blue, to yellow, to green in the confirmation screens. Nothing is said, no movement is made, all four of them remain waiting for the deed to be done.
A light beeping echoes, the circling starts to slow down until it ceases, the whirring also stopping.
"Vice Commander, is the digitalization-"
"Yes, the scan is done. Now all that's left is… killing Kagami. If you don't feel like-"
"No. I said I'll be by her side until the end. Do it."
All he can do is claw at his fists, to try to untie the knot that still holds a freezing grip over his throat, keep the tears at bay.
The scientist inputs a code on her terminal, the liquid starts to leave the tube.
The noise of it all going down somewhere is the only thing that is heard in the room.
Slowly the cylinder is depleted, so slowly, so simply, so gradually.
It's nothing but a percentage that decreases in a screen.
Nothing but a taskbar slowly reaching completion.
It is nothing but a slow descent along the liquid.
Until there is nothing left.
And so, right now… at this very moment, before his very eyes…
"…Sumika died. Just like that."
Dad's knees threaten with buckling as if Destroyers were charging at him, and he has to claw and grip at his legs. Once more, the cloak of cold falls upon his limbs, the stiffness, almost unresponsiveness assails him for a moment before Yashiro pats his shoulder, leaning on him. Both heave a sigh, wincing at the emptiness, at the lack of the usual cerulean gleam that fills this room.
"Motoko-nee, please take Kagami's remains and incinerate them right now," she orders, voice and features immutable as the weather.
Motoko-san goes up to the cylinder, presses something on it's base, and part of it opens up. She puts Kagami's remains on a small plastic box and leaves, also heaving a sigh upon her hurried exit.
"Shirogane, Yashiro," she calls out, waving her head towards the pod, "let's start the 00 Unit."
"Sigh… Yeah, let's," he barely finds the strength to reply, slouching his way forward.
"Don't worry, Takeru-san. Until the end she was happy," Yashiro says, squeezing his arm a bit.
"I see… You okay now?"
"…Yes. I'm fine." She gives a nod, burying the hints, the desire to stare back at the void in the room.
"You two," the scientist raises her voice, giving them a frontal stare, trying to shift gears, "help me get it in the UN dress before we start it up."
They release the 00 Unit from the cables on the pod, slowly pacing the safety covers over the sections in the limbs, and with some effort and coordination it is quickly dressed in the formal attire. Yashiro opens a small briefcase, taking out the ribbon that the scientist then ties to the long red hair. On her signal, the soldier reconnects the main cable that goes behind the neck and rechecks the bindings were fastened once more. He raises his thumb, the scientist walks to the main unit and begins to input the confirmation for the process, once more whirring reverberating all over the place.
Yashiro grabs onto him, watching intently the sleeping features while he pats her head. Numbers and odd symbols flash in the small screen on the pod's outer side. Once the screen shuts off, the noise ceases alongside it. The scientist gives the okay, gulping and taking in a deep breath, wanting to walk closer and do the honors herself yet finds her knees quivering, hollowness within.
As dad presses the red button, all of the pod's screens start shining in some form of patter, a flowerstorm of beeps fluttering about. It all lasts a second, and no errors come up in any of the screens.
Seeing everything in green, the scientist sighs, oh, so heavily. A second to restore air to her lungs, clawing at the supporting structure of the terminal, she takes sharp, long steps towards the pod, inputting the final code.
The cable on the neck snaps off on its own, the pod shuts down.
A small jerk, the chest raises.
And slowly, very slowly, the 00 Unit opens its eyes.
It convulses for a minute, lightly thrashing against the restrains, then takes a long, deep breath and falls still in place.
It remains there, unblinking as it calmly breathes in and out, simply laying on the pod without making as much of a sound.
"S-Sumika-san?" Yashiro peeks at her, hesitantly waving. The 00 Unit didn't react at all.
"Hello, can you hear me?" The scientist asks, staring for a moment with bathed breath. Upon the absolute lack of acknowledgment, she takes out a pencil from her coat and passes it above its eyes. There is no reaction, at all. She crosses her arms as a sigh escapes her lips. "Shirogane, you didn't see the 00 Unit's activation last time, didn't you?"
Dad shrugs with a wry smile. "No, I ran away like a coward the day before. I only know she- Uwah!"
The 00 Unit's upper body raises from the pod in a flash like a mummy from a sarcophagus in search of grave robbers, scaring the three of them to the point of causing them to step back. It then remains like that, not blinking, not moving, sitting on the pod.
The scientist gazes at her soldier, who nods and licks his lips, gulping and then coughing. "Hello. I'm Takeru Shirogane. How do you feel?"
An eye twitches.
"…Hello?"
Again, the same eye twitches. The lips start to quiver, breathing gaining momentum.
"Sumika?"
"…Kill."
"Huh? Oh shit, here we-"
"I'll kill them all!" His arms wrap around the wish for revengeance that erupts forth, the resistance enough to hurt the soldier for a moment until he could readjust his grip. "Kill! Kill! Kill!"
"Sumika, calm down! There's nothing to be afraid of!"
"I'll kill you all! You, and you, and you, and your parents too! You fucking bastards, I'll tear you to shreds!"
"Shit, not like I expected anything else," the scientist grabs Yashiro by the shoulder, taking their safe distance. "I'm going to send her into Safe Mode, Shirogane. Keep her pinned for a while."
"No, there's no need!" He screams, giving out a smirk. "Hey, Kasumi. Bring the bunny," he aims with his jaw at the little toy.
The assistant immediately hurries to take it down from its place, with the scientist's help who sighs, shaking her head at the bloody murder that the 00 Unit promises to bring forth. They then carefully approach the pod, dad aiming the 00 Unit's face towards them.
"No! Don't touch me! You'll break me!"
"Calm down, it's okay," he whispers, coughing as an elbow meets his kidney. "Hey, look there. What's that?"
Yashiro slowly raises her hands, the santa rabbit dangling from a finger. Immediately, the screaming, the thrashing stops. Left gaping, the 00 Unit stares, and stares, and nothing else.
"…Do you remember that, Sumika?" He asks, slowly, softly brushing her bangs. "It's your santa rabbit, a present from me to you. Remember?"
Eyes start to twitch, once more convulsion takes hold of her body.
He brings her backwards, resting her head on his shoulder. "I remember hearing you scream from the window that day, thanking Santy Claus for the present," he whispers, smiling faintly. "Also, remember when you came home for my first birthday? You gave me a spinning top as a present, right?"
For a moment, he remains whispering, retelling old memories. Despite the disquiet found in the breathing, in the pain apparent in its features, eventually it all starts to subside. The shift to Safe Mode was made gradually, without any shutdowns required.
"Sigh… Not like I wasn't expecting it, but you weren't wrong with her going berserk," the scientist shrugs, nodding to her soldier.
"Yeah, at least she calmed down this time. Last time it took me a few days to think of giving her something to use as a central pillar," he nods back, sighing along Yashiro.
"Well, nothing but wait and see what the data tells us. You two, help me connect her to the cylinder, we need to purify her ODL."
As they're going through the motions, sharing determined nods, placing the santa rabbit in her hands as well, Motoko-san returns from her duty.
"Oh, did I miss the activation? So, how'd it go?" She asks, arms compact at first, raising a brow at the firm nod her sister returns.
"Not as bad as I expected. We could place it in Safe Mode without any shutdowns, despite the backlash it suffered. For now, all we can do is wait until the ODL is purified and we can see what we can learn from this awakening."
She ruffles her hair, gazing at the machine, at the activated machine, allowing herself to smile as she sighs. It lasts a second, yet at the very least there are no creeping red screens or error beeps echoing in the back of her head.
"Motoko-nee, I'd like you to file in the headband's data. You don't have to analyze it today, unless something very odd pops out," she nods back, giving a tired sigh and a smile. "Shirogane, you'll be coming with me to the medbay."
"…Why? I'm fine," he retorts, folding his arms.
"We don't know that. The last time you regained memories you lost a great deal of G-Radiation, and I can't risk you vanishing again in your sleep," she states, taking a step towards him. "Giving you a full checkup shouldn't take too much time, and seeing how your radiation levels are should take only a moment."
"Uh, XO Kouzuki," Motoko-san starts to take a step, halting, then fiddles with her hair, "is Shirogane aware of, well, what the radiation-"
"Motoko-nee, now is not the time," she narrows her eyes, all of her firepower, and her sister can only relent a nod before shaking her head. "Now then, where was I? Oh, right. Shirogane, to the medbay. I'll oversee how your body's faring myself, so do head over there now."
"Look, it's alright," he says, waving down. "I ain't gonna poof outta here, and I am fine."
"Cadet, I gave you an order," she repeats, arms folding. "Go on to the medbay and prepare for a full checkup. And you are not deceiving me," she takes a few steps, pointing at the base of his neck, "look how swollen you are, almost choking yourself on the uniform. I won't have any of your usual quips now. You're going to submit yourself to the checkup and that's final."
"…I mean, I can submit if that's what you want, but at least take me out to dinner first," he smirks back, causing Yashiro to tilt her head and Motoko-san to choke on a chuckle.
The scientist pinches her nose, inhaling sharply. "You son of a-"
"And this ain't a joke, you haven't had dinner yet. You should take a break to eat, for real. It's not like-"
Getting closer, again grabbing the neck of his fatigues, she drill her sight into his, whispering in a hurry. "We can have dinner later in my office while we discuss the plans for the 00 Unit and I fill you in what happened with the guards," she stops, turns him around and shoves the soldier towards the exit. "You haul your ass to the medbay, now. Yashiro, accompany him and make sure he gets ready."
He sighs, rolling his eyes as he exits the room, saluting Motoko-san as he does. Yashiro hurries after him, bowing down as she leaves. The scientist heaves a sigh, ruffling her hair, again staring at the 00 Unit for a moment. Before turning around and finding her sister endowing a small smirk while grasping her chin, drowning a chuckle.
"…What?" She asks, caustic.
"Oh, nothing, nothing," Motoko-san waves down, smiling. "Well, I am rather busy so I'll let you go to focus on the checkup," she picks up the headband and the small laptop that had started a preemptive scan, never losing her smile as she takes her leave.
The scientist wrings her hands for a moment, shaking her head afterwards. Looking back at the empty cylinder, at the sleeping machine, she allows herself to smile as she runs a finger over the glass of the pod as lights form an erratic patter, as the cerulean glow fills the cables.
"I guess I did it, huh. Finally, after so long… Siiigh. Now, all I can hope for is that my countermeasures do stop the sharing of intel… and that you can truly mend her heart, Shirogane."
Around the same time.
(Kashgar. Original Hive.)
[Superior]
Establishing connection… Processing… Connection established. Psychic Link formed.
"Lesser Entity 22nd, status report."
"REPORT: Unknown Entity discovered.
Through multiple interactions with Subject 597, said Entity produced patterns never before seen.
Entity established a connection with Subject 597 through recognized psychic patterns. It is believed another Psychic Entity might have been aiding it.
Unknown Entity produced similar readings to a previously met Entity. The Entity's readings are also different to that of all the Entities found on the star.
The Entity produced certain patterns recognizable in our database. It is believed it also needs a supply of energy from our systems, since its processing unit produced readings similar to that of the Worker units when they re-energize.
The Entity also showed awareness beyond its own capabilities. During the links, specifically the most recent one, it sent to Subject 597 images and words of stars that are similar to the current Host, but showing different structures and landscapes.
Final Conclusion: The identity of the Unknown Entity might be one of three possible things:
One, it is a new Lesser Entity of this star.
Two, it is the Superior Entity of this star.
Three, it a not yet encountered type of Entity."
"Report acknowledged. Cancel Connection?"
"Negative. REPORT: Damage sustained. Current output dropped below 40%. 50% of the Core's receptors have suffered irreparable damage.
Another Unknown Entity has connected to the revitalizing system shortly. No data was received.
Second Unknown Entity is not a Carbon-based Entity.
Identity conclusions are equal as the First Unknown.
A Psychic Carbon-based Entity has interacted with both Unknowns repeatedly, and has produced a higher output than past Psychic Entities encountered on the star.
Whether that is related to the Unknowns has yet to be determined."
"Report acknowledged. Cancel Connection?"
"Affirmative. Lesser Entity 22nd, cutting connection."
Analyzing data… Analyzing… First Unknown, estimated threat: HIGH. However, until further data becomes available, First Unknown shall be recognized as: Possible Superior Entity or Uncategorized Entity. More intel required, final determination pending.
Activating Emergency Orders. Executing… Setting Priority and Orders…
First Unknown: Contact and/or Capture, HIGH Priority. Sending orders… Sending… Data transferred successfully. Data sent to the pipeline for further reviewing and cross-referencing. Note: If possibility three is proven true, Orders should be changed to: Capture, HIGHEST Priority.
Second Unknown… Analyzing… Not enough information available. Data sent to the pipeline for further reviewing and cross-referencing.
Psychic Entity… Analyzing… First results: Estimated output: 78% stronger than past Psychic Entities encountered on this star. Emergency Orders… Executing… Psychic Entity, changing threat level from LOW to MID. Setting priority and Orders… Executing… Psychic Entity: Capture in working condition, MID Priority. Sending orders… Data transferred successfully. Data sent to the pipeline for further cross-referencing
Analyzing possible outcomes… Checking available Worker-units…
Establishing connection with Lesser Entities 16th, 20th and 21st… Connection established. Psychic Link formed.
Next Day. Around 6 AM.
(Takeru's Cell.)
[Takeru]
Zzz…
"Wake up."
Tilting to one side, grabbing what little comfort I could find, my sense feel cold and emptiness around me. As well as roughness, the stone cold firmness of the bed.
"Wake up," a soft voice whispers.
Mmgh… What hour is it? Ugh, so tired…
"Wake up."
Five more minutes… it's so cold…
"Understood."
Mmh… How nice of you, Kasumi.
…Wait a sec.
I slowly open my eyes, and a similar and different sight welcomes me. The coldness in the air tells me I'm not back in my world but…
A girl, by my side. Hair is red, not blue.
"…Sumika?"
"Good morning."
She's kneeling near my bed, grabbing the edges of it, staring straight ahead into my eyes, unblinking.
"Y-Yeah, good morning. Sumika, how did you get in here?"
The door into the detention barracks is a manual one, not an electronic one. She can't hack her way in. And the hell did the guard do when she appeared?
"I walked," she answers in a monotone.
"Yes, I know. But…" I look towards the door of my cell. It's open. And that means either someone opened the door for her or she did it by herself. "Sumika, did you come here alone?"
"Yes," she immediately answers, giving a nod.
Okay, how did this happen? She couldn't even hold herself in check yesterday and now she comes straight to my room without help? I can't send her away or she might start having an attack. This is a new one, guess my idea paid off.
I raise from my bed, Sumika also slowly gets up, with sharp movements, and stands there staring at me, holding the santa rabbit in one of her hands.
"Um… Sumika, thanks for coming but you really should have stayed in your room."
"No."
"Well, you could have come with Kasumi to-"
"No."
I feel like I'm talking with a wall. At least she's talking, even if like a machine.
"Okay. I'll take you to your room later," sighing, I get out of the bed. But Sumika doesn't move. "Um… I have to get changed Sumika."
Don't just stand there with a blank look! Kasumi, where are you when I need you?! Well, the 00 Unit shouldn't be ready to move freely anyways. If I recall correctly, it took a while for her to do stuff properly without guidance. Unlike cyborgs and androids, Sumika needs her time. And I have to look after her, properly.
"Sumika, can you step outside of the cell for a second? Come on, I'll get ready real quick." I grab her hand and walk her out of the cell, she immediately follows. "You wait for me here, okay? No looking into the cell."
"Understood." She nods. Good, she's listening for some reason.
Going back into my cell, I see she really is standing there like I told her to. Okay, how did this happen? She went from inanimate doll with berserker mode straight to 'coming-to-wake-you-up' mode overnight? I mean… Stronger Nucleus or not, I should be sharing intel to her as a manifestation of the conductor. Now it's a matter of replicating what I already did before, and see if I can activate my causal pull on my own.
I take off my clothes and enter the shower, taking one deep breath as I grit my teeth before letting the cold needles fall on me. I'll never get used to this, the cold drill on my head is still the same as the first day. Sigh, what wouldn't I give to go back to the warmth of an immersion bath.
After getting into my fatigues and tying my boots, I exit my cell. Sumika is still there, unmoving from the position I left her in.
"Hey Sumika, do you have the key of the cell?"
"Yes."
"Can you give it to me? We have to close the cell when I leave." She slowly turns towards me and points towards the door, also raising her arm to do so. I hadn't noticed she left the key there. "Got it, give me a sec." Closing the door and taking the key with me, now I'm ready to leave.
…But this is way earlier than usual. Well, I should take her back to the underground. This is worth a report, and I can check if they're having breakfast properly or not.
"Sumika? Let's go back to your room." I grab her hand, but then she instead grabs my arm. Her head gently falls on me like snow, expression as blank as snow too.
"No. Don't leave."
"I have to go train, Sumika. I'll go at night, so be good and wait for me, okay?" She tightens her grip on my arm, an eye twitches. "Come on, let's go." I take a few steps slowly. At first she didn't want to budge, but then little by little she starts to walk.
Very slowly, we got to the exit of the detention barracks. I hand the key to the guard, who looks at me with a giant grin on his face, nodding a few times and giving me a thumbs up as we leave. Dammit, I don't need more weird rumors to start spreading around. I should hurry and take Sumika to-
"Takeru-san?"
"Hey Kasumi. Look what I found," I smile, looking at the unyielding grip on my arm.
Kasumi sighs, giving me a small bow. "Sorry, I didn't notice she was gone. What did she do?" I explain to her what happened since I woke up, even how she apparently got to me all by herself. Kasumi's eyes widen for a sec before simply nodding. "I see. What could have caused her to act like this?"
"No idea," I roll my eyes, shrugging. "But you should take her back down there before someone notices she's here.
"No." Sumika presses herself onto me, strongly grabbing my arm as if I were a canteen in the desert.
"Sumika, come on, don't do this right now," I pet her head lightly, curling some hair on a finger, "I'll go later at night and we'll be together then. Will you wait for me?"
"Don't leave," she repeats, her hold binds me further.
Sigh… This is gonna be harder than I thought.
"Sumika-san, Takeru-san is busy. He'll visit us later. Come on, let's go back." Kasumi tries to pull her away from me, which makes her hands start clawing at me. D-Damn, it hurts…
"No, don't take him away from me…"
"Sumika, I'm not going to disappear. I'll come back to you after-"
"No!" She looks up at me, shivering, grabbing me as if I were the lone rope that's keeping her from falling down an abyss. Jaw shivers, eyes twitch, she's about to blow.
So I wrap my free hand over her, tightly. "Sumika, it's okay. I'll stay in the base, I'm not leaving." Her features relax, the hold softens slowly. "You don't worry about me. Wait for me in your room, I'll go at night to visit you, okay?"
"…Understood."
Oh shit.
She replied to me, she is actually talking with me now. I stopped the overload, this is a first.
Smiling back, I nod. "Yes, I promise. You go with Kasumi now, okay?"
I pat her back, she slowly releases my arm. After sharing a nod, Kasumi takes her towards the elevator. Sumika, however, remains gazing at me until they take a turn.
What caused this drastic change? I mean, the only change here is me… Didn't think it'd be this fast. And while this is great, it also means I need to be real careful with my thoughts. Not only to keep my own pull stable, but if she scans anything from that timeline, Sumika is definitely gonna snap.
"…Takeru?"
Hm? I look to my left. A pair of blue eyes greets my view, coming down the hallway.
"Oh, hey. Good morning, Meiya," I nod her way, scratching my head. Thank God she arrived now. A minute earlier and she would have seen Sumika.
"…Morning." Deflating like a balloon, she stares at me.
"So, uh, how's everything? I, well-"
"Takeru…" Meiya shoots a glare towards me, shaving the distance between us.
Her eyes… I wish I didn't remember those blasting eyes. Which one is it, mountain or coup?
"Who was that woman?" Meiya asks, arms slightly folding.
"Huh? What are you talking about?"
Frowning, her lips trembling a bit. "Do not play dumb, I heard you loud and clear. You said you were going to visit her room at night. Do you think I don't know what those words entail, Takeru?"
...
Oh, fuuuuuuuuuuuuu-
"Wait a second! It's not what it sounds like!"
"Huh… Then, care to explain what that meant? Not only you are under a strict punishment, but you also were supposed to be in need of treatment after your folly during the mock battle."
"Wait a sec, the mock battle wasn't-"
She grows closer, burning. "Who was that woman? What did those words mean? Despite your condition, despite your punishment, were you going to risk getting caught for her?" Meiya invaded my personal space, just like she did after I came back from Niigata, and stood mere inches away from me with an expression that could slay Forts.
Shit, shit, shit, shit! Of all the possible people that could have seen us… If she gets suspicious… If she tells Tsukuyomi-san, and if she then informs Yuuhi of it, and when she comes to the base she inquires about this with Yuuko, this is gonna be a disaster.
Causality, I just want you to know that I hate you. Meiya, of all people.
"And? What is it, Takeru? Cat got your tongue?"
"She's… a friend of mine."
"A friend, sure." Folding her arms even tighter, she narrows her purple fire at me. "Then, why are you going to her room tonight, Takeru?"
"Look, I can't tell you. It's… related to some official work the XO is ordering me to do."
"Do you seriously expect me to believe that?" The purple fire roars alive in her eyes. "She was pressing herself onto you, and you're planning on going to her room this night. After what happened, do you expect me to let this misconduct slide?"
Sigh.
I can't allow her to grow suspicious. Now of all times… I don't like the edge in her eyes and I like the snake in her tone even less. Going by her reactions to the talks regarding my memories, I'm sure she was told something. Even if Meiya is someone I would bet my life on, her loyalty and heart lie with the Empire. And while I'd like to believe she won't fall on that path, this Meiya has shown me before how cold she could be. That sweet tint, that gentleness from my Meiya is nowhere to be found here. So I gotta take care of this tactfully.
"Sigh… I can tell you some stuff, but you have to keep them as an absolute secret. Not a word to anyone, okay?" I have an idea, even if it's dumb. Refusing her does me no good, anyways.
"Very well, my lips shall remain sealed. I swear it on my honor. Then, explain."
"Her name is Sumika Kagami, she's a very talented engineer working under express orders of the XO." Last time this was her cover, so I can just tell Yuuko to use it again.
"Sumika Kagami…" She repeats the words, nodding once as she takes a step back.
"She's involved in many of the special missions I've had to work on, and is aiding me with some paperwork the XO ordered me to work on during my punishment."
"I see. But why are you going to her room? Surely you don't expect me to believe you work on her private quarters?"
Actually, that's what we do. The cylinder room is basically Sumika's room, so yeah.
"There's some stuff she has to hand me, is all. Nothing odd is going on here."
She scoffs, looking away. "It still does not excuse how she was clinging to you."
"Look, just, you got the wrong idea," I say, scratching an ear. Meiya folds her arms once more. "So, uh, why are you here?"
"Why, is my presence a bother to you?"
"Someone's moody today, huh."
"Wh- I am not- Sigh. Takeru, surely the Instructor told you of what has transpired in your absence," she states, stares, firm and blazing. Without even asking me how I am or anything. At least pretend some more, Your Fucking Highness.
"Yeah, I'm up to speed. So, what's up?" I lean on the wall, hands on my pockets to hide the claws they wanna turn into.
"Firstly, your flaunting during the run last night was unnecessary," she affirms, eyes narrow as her lips.
"I wasn't showing off, was just testing how well I had recovered, is all."
"I do not recall you ever employing such maneuvers, however. Also, what is wrong with your hair?" She asks, raising a brow.
"What?"
"Your hair, when did it grow so much? Why haven't you cut it yet?"
"To be fair, I haven't been in this world for, like, three months."
A frown sears momentarily, she shakes her head while heaving a sigh. "Takeru, could you please be serious?"
"I am, though. Why don't you stop camping and tell me straight up what you want to ask?" I say, returning the frontal stare.
"Fine, if you desire," clearing her throat, a hand brushes her bangs before the fire aims at me again. "Takeru, what happened during the last moments of the mock battle?"
"Didn't you say before I made a 'folly'?"
"Should I take this as confirmation, then?"
"Siiigh. You do realize I'm under orders to shut up about it, right?"
Eyes narrow, for a moment she looks down. "Are you not regretting the outcome?"
"Even if I do, there's nothing to do about it," I rest the back of my head on the wall, shrugging.
She comes closer, looking right into me. "I do believe there is something you can do to alleviate this situation. Making a public apology to 1st Kt Tsukuyomi should diffuse the rumors, so that the pressure our squad is enduring ceases to be," she affirms with a nod.
I shake my head, her features grow tight, "Something like that is only good for saving face, the whispers will continue even if I apologize. Those who wanna look for shit won't be dissuaded just like that, Meiya."
Exhaling like a bull, she takes another step closer while slicing the air. "Do not utter such balderdash. You forced 1st Lt Tsukuyomi's hand, now it is your responsability to mend this issue posthaste."
"It's a problem because there are jerks that already had a bone to pick with me or you guys," I sigh, hitting the wall. "We should simply remain doing what we've been doing, and ignore the haters."
"You do not seem to be regretting your miss," she says, giving me a sideglance. "Do you know how 1st Lt Tsukuyomi and her crew were treated after the battle?"
"Meiya, look, I get why you're doing this but my situation with the IRG is tied to some personal business. Can you please drop it?" I ask, giving a bow, poking the shore.
The tide immediately marches forward, sudden clouds to her expression. "What is compelling such a negative from you? I did not believe you hoisted any animosity towards the guards. Why, I wonder, are refusing so strongly?"
Finding only waves of fire, I look away, crushing rocks in my pockets. "I dunno, why are you assuming it was my fault? It was an accident, caused by both of us. Neither me nor 1st Lt Tsukuyomi are to blame. It was just a chain of bad decisions on both ends, and anyone trying to make drama out of this ain't worth our time." We've got bigger fish to fry, and I'd kill for some good mackerel right now.
One of her brows twitches, she takes a long pause to inhale. Fire's still there, though. "Tsukuyomi is clearly being pinned as the culprit, forced to apologize, to bow down for an error she did not commit. And that here you are Takeru, refusing to extend some simpathy to your fellows."
"Come on, it's not like I-"
"Oh, but you possess ample time for planning suspicious escapades with low officers. It is unbecoming, having an affair with that coarse woman."
"Excuse me, what was that?"
"I said-"
Taking a step forward, almost tackling her, our stares crash. "What the fuck was that? You take those words back or we're gonna have a problem."
"Wh- You would grow upset over that-"
"She's a friend, so you better not talk shit about her."
"Hmm. Now you know how I feel regarding Tsukuyomi's situation," she then gives a small bow, not meeting my eyes. "My apologies, I let my temper overcome me."
"Sigh. Whatever. Just don't be harsh to Sumika, she doesn't deserve it. She's actually-"
"It is fine, I do not need to know," she dismisses, walking backwards. "However, I must insist that you apologize, Takeru," she nods my way, embers tamed for the moment. "Not only for Tsukuyomi, but for your own reputation as well. Even if you believe it to be an empty gesture for the rest, it is not for the officers of the Guard."
"As if me saying sorry would do anything. They'll get more pissed," I shrug, one eye closing. Sure, I think Mana would appreciate it but I don't wanna explain anything nor answer questions. Plus, it won't feel genuine, it'll be only a corporate gesture even if I am sorry for having snapped like that, sedatives or not.
She remains watching me silently, arms sagging as her lips twist. "Takeru, within the warrior selflessness must flourish. It is key to nurture one's compassion to be your fellows' guiding light. 1st Lt Tsukuyomi did not report your illegal possession of the Minaru Kamui after the CCSE. Now, it is your turn to repay that kindness."
"And what will me apologizing achieve? They'll see it as a forced gesture, the rest won't changw their stances with a simple 'I'm sorry'. Plus, apologizing just for the sake of it would be only for my own peace of mind."
Yuuko already cleared stuff up, no one is to blame. If anything happens, I'll ask her what we can do about it. Though, I seriously doubt there's anyone stupid enough to pick a fight with Mana. Then again, never say never.
Face turns to stone, like a gargoyle. "I can't believe someone trained as a warrior would defy the code."
"Ironically, I am no warrior."
"What? Then, what are you?" She shoots, arms crossing as her lips purse.
I smile, beating a hand over my heart. "As the Japanese term given to pilots indicates, I am a guardian. An 'Eishi', not a 'Senshi'."
Again, a brow twitches. Lips quickly flap before she slaps both hands onto her waist, flamethrower active in her eyes. "A protector you call yourself yet, what is it you safeguard? You're placing your comrades in quite the precarious position, you refuse to mend your mistakes, and you act with unwarranted righteousness after your folly."
"I'm acting as I deem necessary, for what I believe is best for me and the squad," I affirm, not relenting under her stare.
Which wavers a bit, again taking a pause before she continues. "Within the warrior, there is only place for truth. If you're sorry, truly, then, why would yoy not extend an apology?"
Pinching my nose, I inhale slowly. This is the second wall I'm talking with today, it seems.
"Takeru, a warrior wields the blade not to further its own interests, but to protect the powerless," she tells, pushing her chest out, brimming with pride as she looks into my eyes. "I can comprehend your concerns over a possible backlash, but you're now only looking out for yourself. Avoiding an apology in defiance, knowing 1st Lt Tsukuyomi bears no ill will to you. Why, I wonder, would you be against resolving this issue?"
"It's only an issue because others already had problems with us. Apologizing means accepting the guilt, and confirming their suspicions. Do you think the soldiers that stand on either side will change their postures in a flash just because I bow down for a few seconds? Don't be so naive, please." If that was all it took to solve our problems the Invasion wouldn't have been a mess, the Babylon Disaster would never have happened, and I wouldn't be here.
A slight frown, threat of smoke. "What? It is only the obvious course of action, to admit your folly and repent for it. And above everything else… Why do you so adamantly refuse if you're free of blame? It is almost as if you wished to avoid the guards," she whispers, sending a sideglance, a dart into my heart.
She's not her.
Do not be an idiot.
I know she isn't my Meiya.
Don't take it personally. She's not my lover.
"…Looks like you already reached your own conclusions," I roll my eyes, looking away.
"The facts are clear. Do you believe I'd forsake my fellows to shouldering a brand they do not deserve? If you truly are free of guilt as well, is it not in your best interest to extend a gesture to 1st Lt Tsukuyomi? Isn't it for the benefit of the squad as a whole to extinguish any baseless motives that could be used against you?" She asks, getting closer again, staring silently, waiting, awaiting.
"…Again, if that was all it took to change people's minds, politics wouldn't be needed. I get why you're worried but, really, this has nothing to do with you," I sigh, taking a few steps. She extends a hand, blocking the way.
"Surely you're jesting? You should be aware of the repercussions setting such a precedent would cause, to allow blames to be placed onto the members of the IRG. If you truly call yourself a guardian, then your priority should be to-"
"…You do realize the guards were who pushed me to the edge, right? If they had let things rest, nothing would have happened." If only they had kept their cool instead of trying so hard to approach me, all of this could have been avoided. Can't really blame anyone, so better to just shut up and take it.
Another narrow gaze, lips tightly pressed together. "Huh, so you are shirking your responsibility. And to think you were chosen to wield a Minaru Kamui… Takeru, it is unbecoming of a warrior how you're acting."
"I don't remember since when I had to measure up to those values. Meiya, I'm not in the IRG."
"Wh- However… while that is true, considering your skill and the blade, if you extend a proper apology there would be no plausible reason for the whispers to continue. I comprehend being fearful of retaliation, yet I can stand by your side if that is what you're concerned about," she affirms, eyes blazing as she again slices the air. "You also must not be wishing to allow this 'accident' from becoming a roadblock for our shared goal to reach graduation, assuredly."
"Sigh… Look, I'm really thankful for the words, but I wanna keep my distance from the guards."
"…So that is your answer. Yet you seemed quite eager to accept that officer's invitation."
Frowning, glaring, I hold her stare in silence. Long enough to make her posture shuffle. "You leave Sumika out of this. Furthermore, the authorities have already decided the outcome of this incident. There's nothing else we can do from the ground but to keep our composure up."
"Do you not have even an ounce of sympathy for 1st Lt Tsukuyomi?" She asks, again staring deep into my eyes, unblinking. "It is your duty to repay her goodwill for not reporting the blade when she found out you had it illegally."
"…Do you think me apologizing will change anything? Sometimes, keeping quiet is the best solution."
"I disagree. Your actions could do much for the atmosphere that surrounds us now, furthermore, it is imperative you extend an apology to the 1st Lt. You've no excuse, considering your past actions, to refuse such a gesture. Not only as a warrior but as a fellow Japanese, you're obliged to an apology not only to 1st Lt Tsukuyomi but to the other officers of the guard as well. An offense against the IRG is tantamount to an offense against the Shogun herself, let me remind you."
"Huh… So the guards can go around doing whatever they please, since they have the backing of their status to fall back on?" I spit out, biting my stupid tongue after the fact.
Obviously, it only serves to ignite the pyre. "Wh- How dare you say that! You should know what the IRG symbolizes, what ideals their members strive to uphold. Allowing such friction to make nest is a mistake, and all it takes is an honest apology from you. Certainly, a meager gesture."
"…You do realize that, if XO Kouzuki weren't my legal tutor, I'd have been kicked out of the army by now? My words matter little when the IRG can simply sue for defamation or use the damaged databases against me."
"…I did not think you'd hoist such animosity towards the Guard."
"All I've said is the truth. Take off the rose-tinted glasses and go look outside, not all members of the IRG are white knights."
"And, pray tell, how can you ascertain that? I was under the impression that… well, someone of high station was who bestowed you the blade."
"Sigh… Think whatever you want, but it's the truth. There's some people in the IRG… that wouldn't hesitate to break swords left and right if it was what it took to reach their goals."
And no, I'm not proud of everything I did even if it was 'necessary'.
"Huh? How do you even-"
"Anyways, my situation is a bit more delicate than you're aware of, Mitsurugi. So kindly give me some space, let's not force any altercations. I already have enough to deal with," I nod her way and walk off.
Again the hand raises but I squeeze past it. "Takeru, wait. What do you-"
"Oh, Meiya-sama?" Someone says ahead of me. Mion, followed by Shion, stand in attention and give her a bow, yet their eyes remain on me. "Good morning to you."
"Ah, yes, good morning, you two. Takeru, this is a prime chance for you," she says, elbowing me.
"What chance? They're here to keep tabs on me," I shrug, scratching my head.
Both cousins wince for a second, quickly going back to business face. Mion idles a hand on her hair as she steps forward. "You see, Meiya-sama, we were tasked with watching over cadet Shirogane to ensure no one tries to take 'justice' on their own hands," she slowly tells, giving me a look, staring.
Her brow twitches again. "What? However, that as if you were apologizing instead!"
"More like the IRG wants me under surveillance now," I suggest with a smirk, poking the wound.
"Cadet, that is not the case," Mion retorts, solemn and frontal. "We of the Imperial Guard hold no ill intent towards you."
"If you say so, 2nd Lt," I shrug, walking again.
"Takeru, cease this obstinacy," she scolds, arms folding. "2nd Lts, please do accept our apologies. We are sorry for the most regrettable state of affairs that the mock battle brought. Isn't that right, cadet Shirogane?" She stares, and stares.
"Meiya-sama, it is fine," Shion smiles, waving a hand. "We understand, there is no need. We agreed to this task, as our share to leave this accident behind."
"Then, what has the UN done? Takeru, do you not believe they deserve your thankfulness?"
"Siiigh. Mitsurugi, please, stop," I hold her silent accusation, the scorching in her whole posture. "Going around apologizing isn't very productive, is it? This is only a formal arrangement to stop things from getting worse. That's why, please don't insist any more. Do you think my words will sound real when people see me being escorted by two Shinpan?"
She looks down, unwinding her ire. "I suppose there's- However, still, even if only on her quarters-"
"Please, let it go. This is my own fault, and if anyone lashes out against you or the others, feel free to redirect the flames my way," I nod her way, waving before she can reply.
The Pickles hurry a farewell, quickly starting to trace my shadow. Meiya calls out once, but I don't stop or look back. Honestly, while scouting possible idiots is required, it's not like this kind of thing is avoidable. Rumors will brew and those who believe in 'em instead of all you show yourself to be are worth nothing.
All I can hope is that we can stay on good terms. I don't expect Meiya to let this go, much less now that she's got the wrong ides with Sumika, but I can only reach out. If she again reverts to being cold, then-
"Ahem," something hits my right shoulder, Shion is staring. "Good morning, cadet Shirogane," she then flashes me a smile.
"Good morning, 2nd Lt Tsukuyomi."
"Cadet, if you desire, you may address us by name," Mion suggests, nodding from my left. "It would be confusing if you refer to both of us in the same way."
"It's fine, I'll keep quiet and won't bother you," I return the nod, Mion tries not to but ends up looking down, crashing down.
"So Shirogane," Shion smirks, getting closer, "you were told of our watch over you?"
"Yes. Don't worry, I don't intend to make any trouble."
"So then, could you tell us what you expect your schedule to be like?" Mion asks, holding her breath. Shion also stares, firmly.
It's like a cracked glass. Even if you put it together, the lines will still remain. Where before fire or clear energy came forth now there's hesitation, a cat stepping on water.
I suppose not being a jerk to you costs me nothing. Even if you've putting on a front, at least I can poke fun at you two as we used to. Their reactions should tell me enough, and I get to unwind a bit.