A/N: So, uh, I did it again.
This chapter's outline was a meager 2k words before turning into a near 30k behemot. Since I want things to start picking up speed and these events have to happen now, this couldn't be helped. So I split it up in two parts, this chapter and its twin. Part two should come out soonish, it only needs some minimal edits. I know my usual long chaps do get tiring for some, so if y'all do prefer me to try and keep my chapters around 10k words or lower let me know, though I honestly doubt I can lower the wordcount more than that.
Now, to answer a few questions from the comments. First, most of this story has already been outlined and sketched so I won't be adding anything else to it, regardless of TE's release or any other new additions to canon going forward. This story is about Takeru, and any other MCs that may appear will do so if and when they can serve a purpose to the plot. If not, well, they simply won't appear. And if future lore clashes with the fic, it will be ignored at large.
Second, I didn't have Keru accompany Sumika to the underground due to his reputation. I thought that I had mentioned that state of affairs enough times for him to react to it without bringing it up. Any possible negative reaction from a random soldier towards him could cause Sumika, who can scan minds around her, to go into an overload. Or worse, from causing her and Kasumi to be also targeted by those who have ill views of him and forcing security's hand to protect the girls.
Considering he doesn't want to have the IRG set their eyes on Sumika, since he is aware they forgot she ever existed, or Kasumi, who would be treated harshly due to being an ESPer and a foreigner, I thought that him choosing to keep his distance once the bunny appeared was the most fitting choice. It's his way of taking the responsibility and consequences of his actions on his own shoulders. Also, since Meiya had already seen them, if Keru had chosen to go with them she would probably have reached out to stop them under the wrong assumptions, and then things would have gotten rather messy considering the state of the 00 Unit as of now. You could say Keru chose the better answer for that small little problem. I thought it wasn't necessary to spell out his motivations every time, I am trying to be more austere with my inner monologues and descriptions. Sorry for the confusion.
Also, as one final reminder, this fic is an AU. I won't be 'jumping to the coup', because handling that issue in a different manner is the whole point of Keru's goals right now, to avoid the ripples from bringing the wrong memories from Unlimited into the Reversal timeline. And since this is a different universe, things won't happen the same as they did during the loops. Reversal is not the story to read if you want something that fits into Alternative's canon. I won't repeat this anymore and any further comments about why am I not doing the coup or Sadogashima or any other thing will be redirected to this paragraph from now on.
Anyways, the wall of text got too big already so I'll end my ramblings. Thanks for reading. Stay safe.
Zuoriel
Chapter 82:
Roses and Ashes (I)
December 5th. Around 8 AM.
(Sim Room.)
"Correct, we are only here to stand by and ensure no disturbances occur," Mion affirms with a nod, idling a hand on her ear.
Sgt Jinguuji returns the nod, her posture still slightly tilted to a side, compact and alert. "Understood. Thank you for cooperating, 2nd Lts," she salutes, they return it right away in perfect poker. "I assume this equals cadet Shirogane won't be subjected to any further punishments?"
"On that, we have been left in the dark," Shion sighs, arms folding as she repines in true honesty. "We hoist no animosity towards the cadet nor do we wish to give this accident any unwarranted attention, which is why we have been tasked with watching over Shirogane. I suppose, any decisions have already been settled. Were you not told anything on that regard?" She inquires, eyes narrowing, focusing onto Jinguuji.
Who sighs as she shakes her head. "No, I was also only told the bare minimum. In any case, let's not make this any worse. You may remain close by, but please do not interject prematurely. Allow me to defuse any arguments, to avoid needless friction."
"That is a welcome gesture, Sgt," Mion gives a small corporate smile as she relents a faint bow, Shion soon follows. "We will, however, act as we deem fit if the situation escalates," she notes in sobriety as she raises back. "Do not worry, we shall remain out of sight during the training drills."
They nod to each other, reaching some form of understanding despite a few differing opinions that both sides understood were best left unsaid. While the cousins return to a vantage point, vanishing from the view of most present in the sim room, the Instructor returns to her post and checks the machines are at the ready. Once all boxes return a green light to her, she walks away from it, towards the soldier that was once more trying to make the headband not clash with the headgear.
"So Shirogane," she begins, giving him a once over, "it looks like you did not cut your hair."
"I had more pressing matters last night, to be honest, ma'am," he shrugs, giving a nod. "Do not worry, my hair is no impediment to the suit."
"What if I have you all train with the helmet on?" She presses, taking a step forward.
"I can tie it up, right?" He asks, raising a brow.
A small chuckle escapes the Instructor's lips when imagining the soldier with a tiny ponytail, quickly subdued and masked as she coughs into a hand. "I suppose that's true. So, well, anything you feel like telling me?"
Once more, he gives a battered smile, shoulders narrowing upon his figure, hands hugging the elbows as he leans on the rails. "I cannot disclose anything, ma'am. Vice Commander's orders, you see. But don't worry," he then returns a nod, face regaining its neutrality, "I believe the 2nd Lts do not hold any bad intentions. We could hold brief but simple conversations as I ate breakfast, I think I'm on good hands."
She heaves a short yet deep sigh, toying with her hair. "I see. I won't pry any further, but remember that my ear is open whenever you need it." He nods back, she smiles. "On a different note, do you still plan to continue piloting as you did last night?"
"Not all the time, but I do want to polish my skill further as I said before."
"Hmm, is that so. Please be tactful about it, there's no need to go overboard against your squadmates," she holds his gaze, he straightens up and returns another nod.
So she sheathes the scythe, looking elsewhere for a moment. "After all, I don't want Hayase to start brewing a rivalry with you before you graduate. To think their trainings are stumped by new patterns, that seem to resemble Shirogane's. After Yuuko pushed me off the mock battle, now there's these moves you need to polish, that are too similar to the logs Hayase and Munakata showed me this morning. Just what is going on?"
Her lips twist in, she looks back at the soldier, who is again fiddling with his headgear. "By the way Shirogane, these new movements of yours are tied to-"
"My special missions, yes," he replies immediately, shrugging his lips as a strand gets caught and pulled. "If there are any issues, please do take them to XO Kouzuki."
She nods, walking back to her seat, pinching her nose. "Yuuko, what on Earth are you planning? To use Shirogane as a base for new tactics, and then have the Valkyries try and replicate his patterns? I admit he's got real talent, but still, he's a novice. And now of all times as well, why would you be on board with your protegee showing off in this manner?"
A slow, delayed shiver runs down her spine at the possible burdens the still complaining soldier could be facing, and her gaze drops as she realizes he is still adamantly, and too stubbornly, refusing to address the scientist by name as he always had done before.
Before she can organize the currents of thought, however, a set of footsteps marches towards her position. The Instructor readjusts her headset before turning around, seeing the five cadets stand in attention, hands at the seams, chin firmly pointing upwards.
"Instructor, Squad 207 is ready to begin the training," Sakaki informs, trying not to veer her gaze towards the one that is still fumbling with his hair.
"Good to hear. Shirogane, get in line," she calls out, looking back.
"I'm on it. Come on, you little piece of-" an eye closes, his tongue regresses, a few hairs got stuck as he pulls his fringe outwards, finally setting the headband in place. He nods back, rubbing his forehead as he goes to the line, poker face in place and avoiding his comrades' eyes.
"Ahem… Well, let us proceed to the briefing," walking in front of them, pushing her chest, her scythe out, her eyes remain on theirs for a moment as she paces. "We will once more attempt the mission that has you stumped, in two teams of three. I hope that with Shirogane's showing yesterday you all gained a glimpse of how to pilot properly again," she smirks, venom drips.
The five of them feel an abyss spawn in their gut, while the soldier returns the harsh gaze the Reaper was forwarding.
"Before the morning drills are over, however, you also will briefly spar against each other," their features tighten slightly upon the small smirk, the glint of the scythe in her eyes. "Now, I know much has happened lately, so you may have some time to debate strategies and arrange your own formations this time," she states with a nod, half to test their own progress in finding the faults in their methods, half to see how they treat the soldier now. They give the customary answer and she steps back to her small post, keeping an eye watching over the pigeons.
"Sigh… I hope we can clear the map this time," Yoroi whispers, hands clutching an invisible cross.
"We just need to react faster," Ayamine affirms with a nod. "Let's not push our luck this time."
"I do have an idea this time around to handle the mission," Sakaki says, finger upwards once more. "But first, well…" all five of them look towards the soldier, who raises a brow at first then smiles.
"Hey there, long time no see," he says, raising a hand in salutation.
"Is everything… alright, Shirogane-kun?" She asks, trying to keep her features composed, tightness still imprinted in the edges.
"More or less, yeah. Don't worry, I'm not injured and thankfully no repercussions fell on my head yet."
"…Yet?" Ayamine asks, brows almost colliding.
"You know, never can be too careful," he shrugs, chuckling lightly. "So, back to the mission, what do you guys have in mind?"
"First, could you enlighten us regarding how did you even beat it all on your own, perhaps?" Mitsurugi inquires, unnecessary banners to war in her gaze, unrequired edge to her slow words.
"You just gotta let it rip," he answers, nodding once.
"What?" Sakaki asks, and along the rest she simply tilts.
"Takeru, could you please be more specific? Certainly, there is a method to the madness," Mitsurugi requests, sighing.
The soldier gives a small smirk, causing a localized blizzard to assault their napes. "Picking up speed while running out time, going head to head, the warning comes up. You gotta fall down, meet ground to get back up again," spinning a finger, slightly rocking his head to a side, he tells in a tune. "And then spinning it out at the speed of sound, you gotta rip it off. So now the bet is on, and you become a bay of blades."
Mitsurugi tries, pointlessly, to picture the maneuver and inputs required. The only answer her mind can come up with is the number 404 and a frown. "What do- Why would- How does that even make any sense?"
He chuckles, scratching an ear. "You can check the control logs later, and ask me anything if you actually wanna try that out. I was simply practicing the improved version of the aerial charges I made during our little bout. Remember how I said they could get better?"
"Wait, is that what you were always aiming towards, Shirogane-san?" Tamase asks, and upon his nod her already gaping features extend until resembling a balloon.
"You're crazy, Monster-kun," Ayamine says with a smirk, lightly hitting his shoulder.
"You know, that might be right," he chuckles back, scratching his hair.
"And why, I wonder, would you choose to engage on such maneuvers after been granted leave from the medbay?" Mitsurugi inquires, staring straight into his eyes, trying to fish for answers, for hints.
He merely shrugs, avoiding her eyes like the sun's sudden glare. "I did my best since I was alone, that's all."
"Sigh… Shirogane-kun, please don't use those air jousting moves anymore. You could injure yourself greatly, after all," she notes as she stares, tapping her glasses.
"Don't worry, there won't be any more accidents going forward," he answers in complete sobriety, nodding firmly. Which takes them aback slightly, since only two of the cadets had seen such dead seriousness in him once before. During the CCSE, during the eye of the storm in rekindling.
"So, anyways!" Yoroi interjects, forcing a smile and the shine. "Those moves truly made the most out of the Fubuki. Do you think an aggressive stance works best for this mission, Takeru?" She asks, clearing the air, returning the talk to the mission, away from his business.
"Of course not," he sighs, shaking his head a bit, back to his neutral expression. "Simply keeping a steady pace while making the most out of the terrain should be enough, I think, even without resorting to any crazy acrobatics. So long as we can all cover our blank spots, it should go fine."
"However," Mitsurugi cuts in, taking a step forward, "isn't the vanguard's duty to neuter the threats that appear as swiftly as possible? We are putting the mission at risk by not endowing in haste," she affirms, nodding as she folds her arms.
He smirks, raising a brow. "Yeah, and remember what happened to your clerics while we trained with the little sims when you overextended your frontline?"
"Wh- That was only one time!" She protests, lips shrugging. "Furthermore, that was only a single outcome in a modest simulation. There are plentiful arguments in favor of the vanguard advancing to scout possible enemy positions, it is in the best interest of the mission."
"Oh noes, it's almost as if the carelessness of the frontliners were directly tied to the safety of the squadron as a whole," he says, rolling his eyes.
"Quite the claim, coming from the most reckless pilot of the squad," she retaliates, undeserved pungency to her tongue.
"And why do you think I know that?" He asks, delving into her eyes, drilling a blizzard, the black fire of a dragon into the defiant azure. "You want me to tell you, in excruciating detail, what could happen when the ones at the frontline fuck it up? Oh right, I don't have to," he shrugs, chuckling dryly, "since you've been fucking things up on this mission already."
"Wh- You… How could you say such a thing to our fa-"
"Mitsurugi, stop it," Sakaki orders, tapping her glasses, holding the stalwart gaze that is left with no option but to wring her hands. "Shirogane-kun, while I do share your opinion, your words just now were unnecessary. We are all doing our best effort in the training."
"And do you think that's enough?"
"Huh?"
"Do you think 'your best' is gonna cut it when it's time for action and not words?" He asks, grimacing a bit, making them all suffer through the same cold hands he had before, Mitsurugi paling slightly. "Believe me, it won't. And sticking to ideas you know are useless is only going to get you and your comrades killed, that's why you should listen to your peers when they offer advice. A new set of eyes is never a bad thing, even if the contrast only enforces the ideas you already had."
"Well, that's true…" she looks down, clutching an elbow.
"Then, what do you suggest?" Mitsurugi asks, barely chained fire in her glare, lips shrugged. "Perhaps to have us employ the methodologies of… other armies?" She says, wincing as if smelling bodily decay.
He doesn't react, simply holding the fire at bay. "Simple, just try other stuff. Mitsurugi, you already tried holding down the line and that didn't work out. What other options do we have as a team? You're seriously telling me we can't do the wave while letting Tama and Mikoto snipe the shit out of the enemy?"
"…The wave?" Ayamine asks, squinting her eyes.
"Yeah, you know, coming in contact with the enemy, pulling back, then going forward again. Like the tide on the shore."
"I see, makes sense," Yoroi nods, grasping her chin, eyes set alight, "we simply need to float carefully and-"
"Yoroi, please cease your attempts at joking," Mitsurugi asks, shaking her head, heaving a sigh.
"Huh? But I'm not-"
"Read the mood, will you?" She imposes, a solar storm, undeserved slicing in her tone.
"Why don't you read the mood?" Ayamine counters, shrugging while clicking her lips.
"Why don't you try and participate in the conversation instead of talking through your teeth, Ayamine?" Mitsurugi asks, now aiming her full barrel at the still expressionless one.
"Because this is less a talk and more an interrogation you're making on Special-kun." She then smirks, rolling her eyes. "Don't monopolize him so badly, we could get the wrong idea."
"Wh- How can you-"
"Mitsurugi, Ayamine," Sakaki repines, adjusting her glasses, shaking her head, "stop going into tangents. Also, Ayamine is right. Let Shirogane-kun and Yoroi talk freely," she stares as stoically as a statue, Mitsurugi relents a nod along an apology.
"So, uh, about the point I was making…" Yoroi gazes at the rest, chin and posture aimed downward, almost as if requesting permission to speak.
"What did you wanna say, Mikoto?" He asks, giving a nod, a bright smile.
"Well, that the wording was very accurate," she says, voice and eyes gaining luster as if under direct sunlight. "You see, we can float carefully together until the enemy appears, until we meet a tide coming in. The vanguard opens a hole in the formation then retreats before being surrounded, going back to the shore. Then the supporters aid with missiles or other ranged options. Once the enemy lines are scattered, as the tide pulls away, the vanguard can once more advance with the space necessary to not be overwhelmed or finish off any stragglers," she finishes with a few nods, the others seeking their chins or hair to idle their hands while pondering the plan. "I think this might work out, in all honesty. Though, I don't know if, uh, I can give such precise support as I am now…"
"Bullshit, your midrange is awesome, Mikoto," he says, winking. "So, yeah, we have other options. What do you guys wanna do?"
"Squad, opinions?" Sakaki asks, looking at the rest.
"I don't mind trying out Takeru's suggestion," Yoroi nods, folding her arms.
"Same here," Ayamine also does.
"I, well, uh, I-I'll try my best to properly support you all with my sniping," Tamase says, or rather shouts, as the blizzard did not give her feet or nape any respite.
The soldier sighs slowly at the shaky second of doubt in the sniper's reply. "Still not committing to the discussion, not wanting to take sides and make the argument worse. It is like you Miki, to simply offer support without giving your input. Guess that's another thing to look out for."
"Sigh… I suppose, we could try and employ this tactic," Mitsurugi relents a nod, the same constricting shock claiming her stomach as it had done when barely woken up after the encounter with the chasers.
"Then, it's decided," Sakaki nods, tapping her glasses as relaxation comes to her breathing, her abdomen. "Now, about the teams. One will be with me, Mitsurugi, and Tamase. Two will consist of Yoroi, Ayamine, and Shirogane-kun."
"Sakaki, as the second-in-command, shouldn't I lead the other team?" Mitsurugi asks, raising a brow, stealing a brief glance at the soldier.
"After all the arguments you've gotten into, it's not wise," she immediately fires off, Mitsurugi's brows twitch but her lips fold in. "Furthermore, only this formation ensures we have equal numbers in each position. You and Ayamine will work as the vanguard, me and Yoroi will provide cover, while Tamase and Shirogane-kun take care of the sniping. Any objections?" The rest shake their heads, Mitsurugi groans briefly before relenting a nod. "Well, let's inform the Instructor. This time we're clearing this mission, you hear me?!"
"Roger!"
Once announcing their formation and positions, the first three go their way towards the sims. Mitsurugi not making eye contact with the soldier, steps long and strong, straight as an arrow to avoid any disquiet to disturb her training. Tamase starts sending looks from one to the other until he smiles and gives a thumbs up, easing the girl's concerns ever so slightly.
"I hope this can turn out well," Sakaki relents a weary sigh.
"Don't worry, Chizuru-san," Yoroi encourages, despite the hold she enforces on her elbow. "Stressing yourself out will only decrease your performance, after all."
"Sigh… I guess."
"Don't sweat it, for real," he nods, arms folding. "Try giving out the orders one sec faster, and don't get married to the plan."
"What Special-kun said. One breath faster, in both moves and words," Ayamine suggests with a nod. She then shrugs slowly, smirking. "Also, just move backwards and force Mitsurugi to retreat if she gets too bitchy."
Gaze sharpens, she readjusts her glasses. "Ayamine, stop it, really. Shirogane-kun, the same for you. I know… No, I don't know what may have happened, but please don't force any altercations."
"I won't. But we can't let this mission get the better of us," he states, looking up, at nowhere, at the barren emptiness. "I figured being brutally honest would work out, even if only to ignite your spirit."
"…I know," she relents, tapping her glasses. "I know these tactics are not the limits of our possibilities. Just please be more tactful. Not only for Mitsurugi, but also Tamase."
"Yeah, I know. Best of luck in there," he smiles, thumbs up again. She smiles back, waving a hand as she walks to the sims.
"Yeah, go out there and do your worst, Cute Eyebrows," Ayamine deadpans, leaning on his shoulder.
Twin vipers spawn from hair strands, bloody murder oozes from the vicious glare she sends back. "What was that?"
"Don't be abrasive, Squad Leader," She asks, hiding behind the soldier. Sakaki grumbles and sheathes the steam while he chuckles dryly.
"Hm? Why are you growing upset, Chizuru-san? Sure, they are a bit large, but I do agree your eyebrows do look rather cute," Yoroi nods and beams back, unaware, tilting her head and raising a brow when the squad leader becomes a scarecrow made out of tomatoes. "Chizuru-san?"
"I-I won't forget this teasing, you know! You three better watch your back during the mock battles," stomping away to the sims, she leaves a slight veil of steam behind.
"Nice one, Yoroi," Ayamine smiles, making and OK with a hand.
"Sigh… I don't think she's gonna recover from the emotional damage you inflicted right now, Mikoto," he nods and sighs.
"Huh? But I only complimented her a bit," she says, arms folding as her brows cross. Taking a hesitant step closer, dragging her feet, her eyes cannot meet his. "So, uh, do you really think our efforts thus far aren't enough, Takeru?"
Taking a second to inhale, he slowly nods back. "Yeah. Don't get me wrong, you're all crazy good. But these small mistakes could cost you your lives on the field. So sticking to the same plan over and over is not gonna let you improve, I think."
"I agree. No two battlefields are equal, and things won't play out always in the same exact manner in real life," Ayamine notes with a nod. "It's kind of counterproductive, when you think about it. Having preset missions doesn't really prepare us well for the randomness of battle."
"Yeah, it… Hm?" Both of his brows slightly lower, a hand covers his mouth. "A way to mend the missions… with a randomizer…"
"Takeru? What are you talking about?"
"Oh, nothing, just lost in thought. Anyways, yeah, trying to adapt on the fly is, sadly, what little we can try and do at times."
Their talk is cut short as the training begins on the monitors, volleys and missiles rolling out moments later. Despite the change in strategy, the trio under pressure was still meeting some difficulty. Tamase misses a few shots, it only enhances the pit that in her throat had made nest. Then, that causes Mitsurugi to try and make up for it by advancing out of tempo, undoing the synchrony she had built with Sakaki. It takes them a moment to regroup, Sakaki pulling out of the enemy's range and forcing Mitsurugi to follow despite quite the blazing protests. To say purple fire is engulfing one of the sims would be a disservice to the frustration, equally as large as the shallowness which does not surrender its grip on Tamase's breathing.
"Well, fuck. They're still lacking coordination," he says, low.
"Mitsurugi's not retreating fast enough, she knows the Leader can't match her charges," Ayamine notes, hand on her chin. "If Tamase weren't there, they'd be both toast at the moment," she affirms as a hostile, that was aiming at Sakaki's blank spot, is neutralized from afar.
"Yeah, I really don't know what we'd do without Miki-san sometimes. So, uh, Takeru," Yoroi hesitates a gaze his way, he raises a brow in acknowledgment, "how were you these days? Are you truly fine?"
"Yeah, thanks for asking," he nods, giving a small smile.
"Really? There is some redness to your eyes, and you do sound a bit, um, more drained than usual," she comments, then looks back to the monitors. "You're not forcing yourself right now?"
"No, it's just… I had to be informed of some stuff yesterday late at night, is all," he closes an eye while scratching his head. "What about you guys? Have things been, you know, messier since the battle?"
"Oh, yeah. Some jerks are giving us some nasty glares in the hallways," Ayamine notes, lips shrugging tight like a brunt brush of dark ink as she sends a look around, finding some vipers staring venom at them. "Not to mention, Mitsurugi has been a bitch since the end of the mock battle."
"Wait, really?" He asks, cold cloaking his neck. "I thought she was only upset at me."
"No, her mood took a nosedive since we saw your Gekishin enter the hangar. Mitsurugi did try to keep it peaceful, but I can't stand it anyways," she admits, kicking the rails. "She even went and blamed Yoroi for how two idiots started talking shit to us."
"C-Come on, Kei-san," she again clutches, chokes an invisible cross, finding no respite her gaze cascades down, "I wasn't looking where I was walking."
"Doesn't excuse how badly they reacted, nor her words towards you."
"So, uh," he starts swallowing a sigh, "I guess I owe you guys an apology," the soldier bows down, remaining in position. "Sorry, guys. If you rather keep your distance from me to avoid rumors, I'll walk to the other end of the room."
"…Did Mitsurugi talk some shit into you or something?" Ayamine asks, seethes as she takes a step forward, causing equal ballooning shock to come to both his and Yoroi's complexion.
"What? No, I'm merely trying to be considerate. I fucked up, there's no denying that. And it isn't fair for you guys to also be put in the same bag as me. So, uh, well, I won't hold any grudges if, say, you'd like to screen me off," he says, holding their gazes.
One of Ayamine's brows twitches, her fist start to coil. "We triumph and fail as a unit, don't we?"
"Well, yes, but-"
"And anyways, you weren't the only one harassed by the guards," she says, again lightly hitting the rails. "Tamase was also targeted, and their 'apology' felt more forced than your manners now, Special-kun."
He narrows his eyes a bit, arms folding. "I am trying, you know."
"Yeah, I can tell you're being truthful," she smiles back, resting both elbows on the railing, "unlike the guard trio. And anyways, I've seen how you are and how they acted. More than anything, I've been target practice for those air jousting moves. You didn't actually try to harm anyone, right?"
"…No, I merely… lost my cool, is all. Doesn't excuse me of anything."
"But then, in the end, there was no foul committed, right?" Yoroi asks, edging closer. "You merely failed your maneuver, but neither of you tried to harm the other. That's the end of it, right?"
"If only that halted the rumors, though," he takes a quick scan around the room and sighs at the glares that remind him of what within the Black Lilith lurks, the other two mimic the reaction.
"Anyways," Ayamine says, arms folding, "I can get why Mitsurugi acts as she does, with her possible… you know, ties and everything. But don't let her guilt trip you, Shirogane. We're with you, after all you haven't been nothing except a great help for us since you arrived. We clear?"
"…Thanks, Kei. Really."
"It's cool… but it's a bit too soon for us to be on a first-name basis," she says, dramatically wrapping her arms around her waist, looking away.
"What?"
"I think we'll need to advance our relationship further before that, you know."
"Wait, Kei-san, what are you saying?"
"If you wish to call upon my name, an offering in yakisoba sandwiches is required," she affirms, with unrequired and extravagant solemnity, while extending a hand as if demanding payment.
"Pfft… Never change, Ayamine," he nods, a relaxed smile as he sighs the tension out of his posture. "I'll see what I can do about the offering later, though."
"Very well. So has been written, thus so shall be done," she says, before reverting to the usual calm expression. "But really, nice to see you're alright. I just hope Mitsurugi doesn't cause you any grief."
"Yeah, Meiya-san has been on edge yesterday and today as well," Yoroi nods, sighing, everything in her collapsing. "Even during breakfast she was so short and cold, not even the news of a speech from Her Highness cheered her up."
"Yeah, she had her sword on her wrist all the time today," Ayamine nods in agreement, shrugging. "Didn't think she'd be like this again."
"Again? You mean, she used to be, well, rather sharp before?" He asks, raising a brow, recalling a certain argument caused by his Game Guy.
They all remain silent for a moment, watching as an aggressor gets sniped, the one standing behind getting rammed by a shield and finished with a crescent slash. The tide turns, the trio retreats to safety, covering fire blasts holes amidst the element of AI Fubukis, stretched further by the resolute charges of Mitsurugi, backed by the shielding arrow rain Sakaki bestows.
"Meiya-san used to be very cold before," Yoroi begins, slowly. "It was clear she didn't like being in the UN, and she argued with Chizuru-san much in those days."
"Even more than me, at one point," Ayamine admits with a wry smile. "She always had good advice and one-liners to give though, despite how sometimes it really didn't apply for the moment. Being so honest and forward was something I welcomed back then, even if at times she didn't listen. Now, though," she looks back at the monitor, expression falling apart like the mangled AI Fubukis to the suppression fire, "I'd like her to, you know, not be one hundred percent set on her resolve. It's not like I enjoy arguing with her, but I can't help it."
"And honestly, I don't know what could we do," Yoroi admits, resting her chin and weight upon the railing. "I tried to clear the air at the PX with a light joke like I did before, but she cut me off so suddenly. This situation with the guards can't be the only thing that has her this upset, however," she affirms, gripping the steel.
"I agree," he says, licking over his lips, swallowing another sigh. "But it's related, I bet."
"You got any hints, Special-kun?"
"Remember when we argued after the emergency call, before the CCSE? I think that little issue is still open."
"…Can we do anything to help?" Yoroi asks, staring.
"I doubt it. We tried talking things out during the CCSE but," he looks down, features growing tense, grim, compacted by unseen walls, "I suppose the fiasco in the mock battle reignited those doubts."
"So you saving her life from the chasers means shit to her?" Ayamine asks, eyes ready to slay.
He shakes his head, watching as the last enemy is blown to bits in an almost double knockout. "Please remember who Meiya is, and who is she tied to," the other two pale, struck down to meager charcoal by the shock. "In the end, this is something she alone can settle. I've already tried my best to fit in, and if she doesn't think me worth her trust… then it's on her."
"But can't you try to, I don't know, clear things up as much as you can?" Yoroi asks, again staring, again subjected to the cold cloak, the thought of returning to the first days of basic.
"I can't explain everything, and if her mind is set there is no changing it. That's how Meiya is," he then sighs, wincing as he lightly slumps over the rails, "for better and worse. Anyways," he inhales sharply, vanishing the lines from his face, "you think we can clear the mission?"
"Don't worry, I won't push my luck this time," Ayamine affirms, returning one slow and steady nod.
"I don't know how good I'll match Kei-san's moves, but if we stick together I believe I can cover you both decently enough," Yoroi affirms, returning a smile.
"Good enough. You two just do your thing, I'll try and snipe anyone that might target your flanks. But do tell me if you wanna change the flow as we fight, okay?" He asks, looking at Ayamine, who returns a confident and shiny smile with a thumbs up.
The sim pods cease their rumbling, their doors open. As the team walk down to the floor, the Instructor gives them a smirk while silently waiting for the six to get in line once again. Despite the favorable result, Sakaki and Mitsurugi bear serious expressions, the edges of Tamase's lips once more retract fully behind her teeth.
"Good work, you three," Jinguuji starts, a few nods to them. "While you took a few risks mid-battle, you managed to clear the level with only one casualty. Not another record breaking performance, but still, good job to finally clear one mission after three days," she presses, unblinking stare upon the pigeons.
"Thank you, ma'am!" All three reply from their stomach.
"Now then. Yoroi, Ayamine, Shirogane, to the sims. Let's see if you can measure up to the hotshot's performance of last night," she teases, curling a hair as she chuckles.
Marching to the sims, the soldier gives them a nod and a smile. Both Yoroi and Ayamine return it, spikes and thorns leaving their breathing alone, their composure restored and ready for the concert.
Some moments later.
"Well, well, well," Jinguuji starts, her smirk not entirely false in this occasion, "color me surprised, you actually beat the other three's time. Didn't match the previous record, but still, a wonderful performance. Looks like those abs really are quite the motivator, hmm?" She teases, finger on her chin, striking the tomato scarecrows with further bolts. Except Mitsurugi, whose eyes seek his for a moment, lightly nibbling at her bottom lip.
"Really, Instructor?" He asks, eyes and brows narrowing.
"I'm not joking, though. You saw their performance yesterday, and look how better they piloted today. Coincidence? I think not. Whether it was due to you showing off or what, I expect this level of aptitude from your drills going forward, squad."
"Yes, ma'am!"
"Good. So, since we're done with this mission, let's proceed to the next drill. I was hoping to hold more mock battles, but Shirogane's Gekishin is still on maintenance so we'll make do with the sims for the time being. We'll start with one-on-one fights, Shirogane, Mitsurugi, to the pods."
"Huh?!" Sakaki gapes, clearing her throat, trying to shut off the gate. "Instructor, ma'am, I do not think it wise to pit 02 and 06, considering recent events."
"What are you implying, Sakaki?" Mitsurugi asks, leveling a stare in undeserved pungency, a flurry of thorns.
"Do we really need to have you two face each other now?" She retorts, tapping her glasses and undaunted in front of the gale of venom.
"Regardless, this is the arrangement I decided on," Jinguuji states, not lifting her eyes from the two of them until they nod back. "You are training to be soldiers, I am certain behaving properly is nothing but the minimal standard to you. Now, to the pods!" She orders, arms folding, nodding back as the two cadets salute and go their way without making eye contact with each other.
"Um… Instructor?" Tamase hesitates to speak, words clogging on her throat. "I do not intend to oppose your orders, however, is it truly a good idea to have Mitsurugi-san fight against Shirogane-san? There are people watching, after all."
"If they cannot share training drills, then there is an issue I should address personally with both of them. Unless, you'd like to enlighten me on that subject?" She stares, unblinking.
Tamase shrinks further as she hastily shakes her head and steps back, the rest seek and peek at the other two, sharing gazes and sighs at the lack of interaction between the soldier and the samurai.
So the Instructor sighs with her nose, leaving a hand on her forehead as she sits down in her post. "Really, I do agree with you all. Me reprimanding either of them will not go unnoticed. What are you thinking, Yuuko? Why call me for this direct order without any further details?"
She then starts the checks, noticing the downcast, almost ashen expression both pigeons had, fallen to the ground and breaking a wing.
"Testing both of them, perhaps? Mitsurugi's loyalty and Shirogane's composure? What in the Heavens is causing you to send such pressure to your protegee? Sigh… Please you two, don't start anything here." She pleads, rubbing her temple as a void spreads on her stomach.
"Alright… All green. Cadets, are you both at the ready?" Both return an affirmation, she nods and restores the cloak, the empty mask of the Reaper to her features. "Copy that. The exercise will begin shortly, remain in standby."
[Meiya]
A mirror to days past, a perfect reflection of our first duels. When I could only hold him off, when there was no hope of even landing a single hit.
Crouching suddenly, a shell shaves paint off my Fubuki's head visor. Exploding on a building behind me, glass and debris begins to fall. The follow-up finds my shadow, thickets of darkest smoke trailing my steps. Halting once I take a turn, gyrating my thrusters, the boost sends me to meet his aggro. All I accomplish is deplete our ammo reserves further.
…He hasn't said a thing since we started, and we have been avoiding the other's assault for quite the time already. Normally, Takeru wouldn't hesitate to reach out through the common channel, either to curse or chain odd jokes. Now, however, all that's within sight is a silent specter, the warning of an enemy engaging in attempts to shoot me down. My shield has received quite the shower, and while I could try and force a CQC clash once more-
BEEP!
Huh? Where is he?! The dot shows the distance is lowering, yet I cannot locate him in the nearby area. Furthermore, the dot would indicate he's-
A sharp thrust of my controls, blurriness on my sight.
It's followed by a loud crash, dust and pieces of debris flying about from a building that sinks to the depths.
BEEP!
Cutting through the violence, a Fubuki lunges forth. Sparks come out from my shield, its slash did not trigger the reactive armor. A push on the pedals, a frontal charge to detonate the shield onto the frame finds me meeting the air. Gliding away with a backboost, he takes aim. My attack shifts into defense, once more punished, once more pushed backwards by his predictions.
An emergency alarm rings out, he detonated a 120mm shell onto my shield, effectively rendering it useless. Inhaling sharply, I return the fire, veering my aim as he begins to perform Kulbit after Kulbit, treating the ruins as a playground. A flicker, my pylon activates. A lunge, I throw my shield to my current blank spot. A step back, half turning my Fubuki's body, I slice half a moon towards the shadow which desired to pounce upon my back.
His rifle struck, rendered useless after taking the brunt of the attack, Takeru doesn't retreat as I had thought he'd do. Upon my step back, a crouch and a dash follow, a shrouded shape soars from below, the glint of a knife aims at my cockpit. Feeling a void on my neck as my feet instinctively stomp the pedals, another alarm reaches me. His follow up attack struck my own rifle away.
Sparks fly off, a shock courses through me as our blades meet now that we are both void of rifles. And yet, it is once again the same as our first fight, my swings barely able to halt his, the erratic crouches and jumps and bounces off the buildings. It makes my head hurt, to envision the environment around me, to try and predict it all, only to simply force another draw and remain on the defensive to avoid giving away an opening. However, I am now certain of it, this is the Mugen Kidou. The patterns, the stance, it is so similar to how my bout with Tsukuyomi was.
…Does it mean you're holding back as well? Or on the other hand, you only have surface knowledge of the style?
If you're one of us… Why? Why refuse my helping hand, my handshake of fellowship? Understandable it is you could be subjected to shame, even more so in my person, yet your attitude is the opposite of that. If this was truly an accident, why refuse to extend some sympathy to a fellow?
…Unless, of course, Tsukuyomi and Daizaburou-sifu were correct in their assessment. If you truly are a spy, if you're a hazard to my people…
A small window of respite, our Fubukis stand in front of each other, blades at the ready. Noticing his jump units are about to ignite, perhaps to once more force a chase, I gulp and smack the button to open the common channel.
"Ahem… You're certainly a fierce adversary, Takeru. I cannot believe you could still improve further."
…
Why? Why are you keeping quiet? I've believed in you, I've offered you my aid… If you refuse me, what does that say about you?
"Ayamine was right, however," I continue, inhaling slowly, heating my own rockets and tone. "Being the recipient of your aerial charges is truly a one of a kind experience. Was this the movement which caused your Gekishin to crash, I suppose?"
"…What do you want to ask, Mitsurugi?"
Ugh… And that as well, why are you not using my name as we agreed? Are you saying… you're taking back our accord? Someone trained in the Mugen Kidou, bequeathed with one of our blades, why would you turn your back to us? That is… nothing but treason on the trust we had built between us, isn't it?
His jump units flare to life, mine imitate in chase. Seeking each other, sharply turning on the corners, dancing and circling above the ruins. Perfect parries, poignant sidesteps, shallow breaths and sighs, the battle continues.
"You truly won't reconsider extending an apology to 1st Lt Tsukuyomi, Takeru?"
"…No, I don't think it's wise for me to get close to them."
"Sigh… Mion and Shion are acting as your guardians, surely you could at least have them deliver a note."
"Mitsurugi, we've gone over this at morning," he says, sighing short yet heavy, tone lowering, "this is a personal topic for me so please let it rest."
"Takeru, within the warrior there is no need for masks. Withholding a minimal gesture shan't grant you no boons. Furthermore, I do find it odd. You always desired to fit in, yet now your actions are counter to that objective. Why would that be, I wonder?"
"…Could say the same about you."
"Huh?"
My actions halt, allowing his Fubuki to take the high ground of a building. Under the shadow projected by the virtual machine, I stand. He simply remains there, a sentry watching over the extension of ruin.
"Meiya, if within the warrior there is no need for masks, if no hesitation is shown upon conflict…" he slowly says, voice dry. Wait, how does he know the last sentence of the code? "Can you be level with me about what you're playing at?"
"Forgive me but I haven't the faintest of what you speak."
"Heh, for real? Remember when we requested the Instructor permission for Tama to be the leader for a day?"
"…Yes, what of it?"
"Well, you reacted a bit oddly to me mentioning I started to regain some old memories. And despite how you were after our first flying run, you immediately started being welcoming towards me again."
"I was… only doing what a fellow should. I already admitted my frustrations got the better of me that day."
"And yet, here we are again," we both groan on our end, "with you insisting I'm in the wrong. Almost as if the same reasons that made you falter to emotion were kicking in again."
"That's… I would not be pressing to this extent if you had deigned yourself to behave as a proper warrior should!"
"Again, I am a guardian."
"Then cease to employ the style you were taught! If you cannot find some meager fellowship to return an apology, you do not deserve to use the Mugen Kidou!"
A blade raises, my thrusters send me into a building, into a Kulbit, to raise and meet his aggro. Slash to slash, glass to the skies, a cyclone is born in midair, amidst the violence.
I thought you were my fellow, you truly do not comprehend how much your arrival meant for me.
Cracks enlarge in the roads, in between us, as he takes out a knife to throw at me. The manipulators damaged, my stance falters, his counter almost tumbles me down.
A fellow I could train with, someone who could share my ideas, my style. Despite your ruthless choice under the pouring rain, you seemed honest. The refusal to accept my aid, to stand composed amidst the setbacks, it was admirable. Truly, a flower finally blooming within the wasteland just as the trees on the road did last spring.
And yet… And yet, here you are. Spouting such vile wording, refusing my aid, rejecting our teachings.
It hurts, the grip enforced onto my controls, the crushing slam of my feet onto the pedals. It hurts, how my back ingrains onto the seat as the boost starts, as the shock of my repeated slashes threatens with making me falter.
And yet, even now, even employing the same patterns that allowed me to best Tsukuyomi, there is no opening to pierce. Perfect contention, an iron wall undisturbed by petty invaders. Such skill you possess and you'd turn your back to us? After letting out tears for whoever bestowed you the blade?
Unless it was all a lie.
Unless you are a spy.
Unless you've chosen to become an enemy of the Empire.
"…I believed you to be better than this, Takeru. Surely, you do not plan to continue this obstinacy?" I say, malcontented to the brim, feeling slight pain on my ears.
"Says the most stubborn woman I've ever met," he lightly says, as if in jest, while bouncing away as my current of attacks lost momentum.
"Cease your prattling! I will not stand by this. A mere apology, a meager gesture is all I would ask of you. You must have seen how Tamase was, how many glares were hewn onto our backside. Is the peace of the squadron trivial to you?" I raise and point my blade, both inner and outer, taking on my stance.
And he remains silent.
For quite a long moment.
Without even leaving his Fubuki in a proper fighting pose or anything.
"…What has caused this sudden silence, I wonder?"
"Sigh… You do know that even if I-"
"This is not about what some obstinate fools will do, this is about how you choose to handle this situation, Takeru. Most soldiers won't dare to remain in opposition if you do extend an apology, and it would do much for our morale as a team. Considering the cousins will be following you, this incident can be turned into a show of understanding between the IRG and the UN. As it stands, however, Tsukuyomi is the only one forced to bend the knee while you remain free of guilt."
"Taking responsibility is part of the job when you have a higher rank, you know? And anyways, if the IRG hadn't reached an agreement with the UN, then I wouldn't be here. You think 1st Lt Tsukuyomi or the General simply bowed down in front of a threat?"
"Well, no, I do not. However, why would you not extend a mere apology? Is such a gesture beneath your notice, perhaps?"
Inhaling slowly, I can hear the slow, heavy exhalation. The Fubuki's stance becomes undone gradually, as if he were letting go of the controls for some reason. "Can't we let this be? Just, you know, let me take the brunt of the unpleasantries?" He requests, broken and desolate as the ruin around us. "Keep your distance if you want, but let's not make this problem even bigger. I really can't approach the 1st Lt as things stand now. We can coexist even if we disagree, right? You won't… push me out again, right?"
"I… suppose I can comprehend the reticence to approach 1st Lt Tsukuyomi, however, you can write a letter that the cousins can deliver. If it comes down to it, I can tell the message in your stead. As someone who was trained in the art of the blade, who dominates the style almost as well as I, it is your obligation as a fellow. You are… one of us after all, right Takeru?"
"…So that's what's going on here, huh," he barely whispers, the coup d'grace to the already ravished composure.
"What?"
"They told you something about me, right? 1st Lt Tsukuyomi and the General."
"…Why do you assume so?"
"Why would you ask me if I'm one of you otherwise? I see… So you play for them."
Gulping, my mouth drying, a void against which even the sun's golden light cannot fight rends my insides. The coldness of his tone, the lack of emotion… It's a lie. Tell me it is so. You're not doing this, stop it. Why must you oppose us, Takeru?
"I am forsworn to the Empire, above all else. I fight to safeguard the future of my nation, my people. And… I was asked my opinion on you, and given a warning. You are Japanese, you should know what a fellowship is meant to represent. Why refuse my helping hand, Takeru?" I ask, unable to bind my knees, my tongue.
He grumbles for a moment, before a light impact comes through the speakers. "No matter how much you force it, a square won't fit in a triangle. You can try to squeeze it in, you can shave its edges, break it apart, but at that point it won't be a square anymore, right?"
"…How is asking an apology out of you synonymous with such an analogy?"
"Meiya, can we be honest with each other?" He asks, in complete sobriety, as stalwart as that night in the CCSE.
"I have been honest since the beginning, however," I retort, feeling my lips pluck. "And I have been asking the same of you, as well."
"So you won't dodge the questions?"
"…I assume you also will respond my inquiries then?"
"Sigh… What I can."
"Fine. What is it that you wish to ask?"
Inhaling again, his Fubuki… drops its sword. Engraves it into the ground, only to retrieve it shortly after. Holding it in a reverse grip, a knee bends yet the thrusters remain dormant for only a second. Trading blows, finding his new stance far harder to contain, my Fubuki can only retreat further upon his frame as those odd spins begin to chain upon themselves.
"Mitsurugi," he starts, regaining focus, frozen, "you think I am something I'm not, and that's what making you act in this way. Maybe, just maybe, you could take a step back and think on how I've been all this time towards you since we met."
"…Pardon?"
Something you're not?
You're saying… their concerns were true, then?
No, no, focus! To think on how he has been all this time, he asked of me.
And, well, true it is Takeru has been nothing short of the textbook example of a good comrade. However, could he be trying to divert my concerns? To strike me down from the battle to end the conversation? To try and beguile me into taking his side?
Parrying the rising attack, almost falling to the follow up as he dashes through the street, back and forth, trying to break the dam. "Whatever do those words mean, Takeru? Are you insinuating there are two faces to the comrade I know?"
Halting my advance, pressing my advantage, eviscerating a building in earnest, once again we end up locked in a parry. "Just like the IRG, you're predisposed to asking me to be someone I'm not, assuming the worst out of my negative," he says, fuming a bit. "Is it that hard… for you to see me for how I've been thus far with you, Meiya?"
"I do not believe an emotional judgment to be worth much. Within the warrior, there is no need for masks or hesitation. One's own veneer must remain sturdy as truth itself. If there is any falsehood to how I perceive you, kindly enlighten me on who you truly are."
"…You won't even give me the benefit of the doubt?" He asks, voice cracking, his onslaught losing impulse, allowing me to break free of the parry. And yet, he does not resume the offensive.
"Sigh… I am forsworn to the Empire. Anyone who might impair the standing of my nation is an enemy of mine, more so since I was selected to represent the Empire in the UN. And when it was time for actions and not words, you faltered and chose aggression. Thus, I must request of you to stand back and revise your posture, Shirogane. If you do not cease this obstinacy, consequences shall follow."
He groans for a moment, sounding as if exhaling through closed teeth. "That sounds like the words someone desperate would use. You shouldn't live or die by the sword, Meiya."
"Wh- Are you casting doubts on the value these words hold? You would remain in such defiant attitude despite how all of us have welcomed your return?"
"That's not it. I'm just-"
"If that is how you think, then allow me a final query." I breath in sharply, taking battle back to him, forcing him to go into contention for the first time. "Who are you?"
"…What? You know I am!"
"Do I now? You did say I thought you someone you're not," I say, low, as I jump upon his wavering form.
However, it only takes him a crouch and a roll to regain the advantage, searing my backside, causing me to flee, to spread more destruction over the ruins.
"If their warning was correct, then I cannot simply turn a blind eye. I am a warrior first and foremost, and thus, should you choose to oppose me, there is little option left but to strike you down, Shirogane."
A small beep, a notification from the Instructor. Nothing comes through the speakers, it was a warning. Next time, however, punishment may rain upon me. Of course, if she sides with you, if she covers a spy, I will be forced to report it as well. All because of you. Because you refuse to be a fellow.
"What is it? Once more growing silent? Should I take it as confirmation?
"Sniff… Hehe… Hehehe…"
"…Huh?"
Are my ears deceiving me? No, through the wailing cries of both blades, through the alarms which flash red and notify my halberd is on its last legs, a small, faint sound echoes. Was he crying just now?
"I really am an idiot," he chuckles, his swings grow in speed, indulging in more sidesteps, starting to pick up speed.
"What? Answer my query, please."
"I already knew it. That you weren't her, that you would never be her. But I had to hope for it, dammit. I had to be stupid," he tells, to himself perhaps, collapsing onto a minimal whisper.
"Who are you speaking of? Be clear, I do not comprehend what you're saying!" I ask, lowering my stance, meeting a slash before taking a step back.
Once more, we stand in front of the other. Lacerations apparent in our armors, both blades about to give in, and yet our stances do not dull.
Takeru takes in a sharp breath. "I knew you weren't her, but I still wanted to believe we could get along. Guess it's on me for being an idiot all this time," he says, dry, slow, almost vacant, absent.
"…Am I correct to assume this person is who bestowed you the blade?"
"Yes."
"And yet, despite what she taught you, you would still refuse my offer?"
"Yes, because you're nothing like her."
"Wh- What has that to do with anything? Anyone in my position would react in the same way!"
"That's the thing, it's not the truth," he chuckles, low. "I was just being an idiot again, trusting in you."
"…Pardon? Are you suggesting… I am not worth your trust?"
"You did treat me like shit during basic, after all."
"I… I already apologized! And I am still extending my aid to you. You are the one refusing!" Why am I shouting? Why is my jaw paralyzed in place? Why am I seething to this extent?
Why won't you simply accept my aid?
"…You know, can I be level with you, Mitsurugi? You're… really similar to the one who gave me the blade," he tells, relaxing into the habitual calm tone I know him for.
"Huh? I am?"
"Yeah. I… Sigh. I guess I've been treating you as I did with her, because I wanted to share with you the same I shared with her."
…
"E-Excuse me, what does that mean?"
"That I gave you benefits I shouldn't have, that I ignored actions I shouldn't have," he says, hardening, fuming. "Heh, Cpt Isumi was right, I chose to blindfold myself. It's clear you don't regret what happened in basic, that everything I've done means jack shit to you."
"All I am asking of you is an apology," I counter, hitting the controls, causing a small odd window to confirm the ejection of the cockpit from the machine, that I have to close in a hurry.
"And assuming I'm whatever the hell the guards told you I am. I'm not worth your trust, so there's no point in us talking anymore," he sighs, hollowed out. "Just ignore me from now on, okay?"
"Wait a moment! If you hold that woman so dearly… Why? I cannot understand you. Even if… you've forgiven my actions all too easily, that is something we can debate, work out somehow. Yet, if you still… cherish that person so much, surely, defusing these doubts would be in your best interest?"
And once more, he grows silent, close, closer, until our blades cross. If he's afraid, concerned, perhaps of whatever lies in his past, if he's no spy, why is he refusing the code?
"Takeru, if you hold her in such esteem, you should know the importance of the code, of a warrior's word."
"Stop. There's no point to it."
"Why?"
"…If that is how you already feel, it's too late."
"I cannot understand what you're getting at. I speak as I do due to my motives to take the sword. I fight to restore peace to this nation, to my people. Surely, she also would hoist these same wishes."
Galloping through open ruins, the sky is the sole witness of the sparks, of the wails of the joints, of the last flares from our jump units. And yet, he remains silent.
"What of you, Takeru? Is this contrarian attitude how you plan to aid others to rebuild the peace in this nation?"
"Wrong scale, honey."
"W-What? What did you just call me?"
"It's not the Empire what I'm trying to save."
"…Pardon?"
"It's something more small, more personal than that."
"And pray tell, what is this something? What could outweigh your own homeland, your duty to the UN as well?"
One final clash breaks both blades in half, forcing us both to retrace our steps, discard the remnant, take out a knife. Amidst the motions, he does not answer. Taking our stances, basking into the reddening numbers, on the fading response from the controls, I gulp and feel a cold shiver run throughout me whole.
And finally, he relents a sigh. "You could say… the blossom is trying to dream of the skies again, to fulfill that last promise I shared before light's out."
"…What kind of promise?" And how could that be an impediment for him to mend his mistake and extend an apology?
"Someone out there is waiting. And I don't plan to let any of them down."
"…May I ask who is this someone?" Someone he left in America? A friend? A… lover?
"It doesn't concern you."
"Oh, yes, it does. This business affects the squad as a whole, Takeru. If you're being truthful then, why refuse? If those memories are a roadblock, rid yourself of them. Whoever that woman was, she is not worth sacrificing your future!"
"Shut it."
"Then, why? Why choose what is no more over what is now in front of you?"
And then, silence blooms.
Aware of my breathing, of the small threads of air filtering through my nose, of the contraction and relaxation of my abdomen, I can only wait.
Wait as the silence extends, anticipation takes hold and strains my eyes, lips, the back of my head shivering.
Until he lets out a strong yet short sigh.
"…Because even if alone I stand in this hill, with loneliness as my mistress," as if crashing upon an iceberg is the shock which envelopes me as his voice turns hoarse, crude and adusted, blazing, "I will never yield to the paralysis of dread."
Blazing as his jump units, causing his Fubuki to blitz towards me, a true blizzard of aggression. A true cyclone against which there is no defense, odd patterns he hadn't yet employed disturb my stance.
"I won't let a world branded in red to come to be again! Because I have a goal, a hand to reach out for!"
As I falter to catch my breath, a shadow is cast up above. Once again, the arc in defiance, the conquest of the skyline as both thrusters exert themselves with what faint fire they yet retain.
"Because I will! Never ever! Forget you!"
"W-Wait, Takeru. Regain your poise, I am- Ugh!"
A beeping, I slam the pedals. A shockwave sends my Fubuki spinning towards a hill of rubble, its right hand is now disabled. Yet, the mirage in the radar, all around me does not stop its stride.
"Stars above, watch over me," he fumes, far more searing than his aggro, faster than his jumps, "grant me the strength to press through this freezing night!"
Only able to catch glimpses of the frame, only for it to jump above me. Another beep as I rush forward to avoid the attack, my pylon's signal is lost.
"Takeru, I apologize if my words insulted-"
"You woke up the dragon," he spits out, his shadow cloaking over me in a full blackout, obstructing the sun. "Now deal with it!"
A roll, a tackle, knives that meet, rubble and dust spreads away from us like wildfire. A gallant hop backwards he does upon my pressure, to then return to violence and deliver a kick upon my offense.
"Takeru, regain your senses!"
"I'm fully aware of what's going on, of the ripples I gotta halt."
"What are you even saying? Do you wish to call further attention to yourself?!"
"Heh, being a magnet is all I am good for, anyways."
"Huh? What are- Ugh!"
Red numbers in my only arm available, it doesn't stop me from charging ahead. For my knife to lower upon his Fubuki as a vampire would in thirst, even if it is a crude movement. Inches separate the tip from his visor as his extra hand binds my arm, so I trigger my jump units to tumble him down before he can thrust his own knife into me.
Yet, for some reason, I find my Fubuki is already on the air… As he had done to Ayamine, his heels slip on purpose, his grappling hold over me sends my boost into a building as his Fubuki collapses.
Red is all I see in my Fubuki, standing in a herculean effort. Slowly he also raises, jump units already heating up, it seems.
"Is this the real you, Takeru? Are you… my enemy?"
"Sometimes, words simply run out," he says, still adusted yet slow. Frozen, cracks in the imposing iceberg that stands ahead. "You already decided what I am to your eyes. Now, all that's left is to stem the bleeding."
"I've… I only wish for you to-"
"Even if there is no road to follow, I shall cleave one open with my own hands," he declares, once again charging at me, "just like the moonlight that pierces the clouded skies!"
…W-What? Wait, but those words… those are the words of the poem Tsukuyomi taught me. A poem no spy should know. Why do you know it? No, if he does then it means Takeru isn't-
"Ugh! Cough!"
Numbness assails me, claims ownership of my senses for a moment. The sim turns off, my unit was knocked out. Everything slowly ceases to shake, except my hands, except the heartbeats that scratch, and slash, and pike, and rake my insides.
In that moment of hesitation, he stroke a certain hit to my cockpit, I assume. Yet, did I misheard it? Those words, the poem… only a fellow would know such words. I rather not believe something grim happened to one of us to have the intel pried out of them, yet I believe if such were the case Takeru wouldn't be allowed to roam freely, much less near me.
No! Think, myself, think! He uttered no mere words, he employed our poem! A poem the Tsukuyomi Houses teaches with. Something that's only told to the select few who are handpicked to officially learn the Mugen Kidou.
So then… the gesture to have the cousins guard him, how Tsukuyomi chose to seek him first in the mock battle, the good faith she gave him when she caught us arguing about the Minaru Kamui, the admonishment that later befell me…
…By the Heavens, what have I done?
"Sniff…" Huh? Something… is the common channel still open? Are those… stifled cries? Is he- "Heh… Sorry Yohime-san, I can't… I just can't anymore," he whispers, barely audible through some more sniffling and short choking.
A beeping halts my words, something zooms into view. "The exercise has finished," the Instructor tells, dry and low, a minute frown hewn into her features. "Cadets, you may disembark," she says, cutting off the connection.
"…Takeru, can you hear me?" I tap the common channel, yet my simulator is completely deactivated. No amount of pressing the button causes a reaction as all the lights slowly start to turn off. Cursed be the Instructor! Now of all times?!
Fumbling about, heart still pounding, mouth gaping to allow me to breath, I cannot undo the bindings fast enough, fingers knotting over themselves at times. Skipping the ladder, almost losing balance, I throw myself out of the unit.
"Takeru!" I rush after him, after the slouched shape that drags itself through the tiles. "Those words… that name…. Where did you heard the poem?"
And he then looks back at me.
An empty mask which lacks any and all emotions.
A line are his lips, eyelids almost turning his sight into a new moon.
"I don't know what you're talking about, Mitsurugi."
"Please… You must know what I speak of. And you can use my name, Takeru."
"…Could you please keep your distance, Mitsurugi-san?" He asks, giving me a slow, delayed bow. "I wouldn't want any… ripples to affect the squad. You're enough to deal with already."
"Ah, well… I admit, I should not have been so insistent. It was my folly, and I apologize," I bow in earnest, constricting both hands and lips. "Please, can you tell me where did-"
"Yes, thank you for understanding," he says in the same frozen tone as he raises, turning around and going his way.
"Wait Takeru, please. I'm trying to-"
"Enough is enough," the Instructor tells as she walks up to us, pinching her nose. "Shirogane is right, this is the end of this argument."
"With all due respect Instructor, this matter is-"
She delivers a vicious strike upon the closest simulator, frowning as she walks up to me, allowing Takeru to leave. "I've let the battle reach its course, not because I am in agreement with what transpired but due to my orders, cadet. But I have been keeping an ear open. And I want none of this pro-Empire attitude from you, miss."
"Wh- I… I was only-"
"No excuses!" She threatens, eyes blazing, arms folding. "You may be… may have important ties, but that does not excuse you of punishments, Mitsurugi."
"I never have tried to shirk my duty, ma'am. I was only trying to-"
"Shut it, I don't want to hear it. Respect Shirogane's wish and keep it together." She then comes closer, eyes narrowing. "But if you happen to try and continue to place your own code above the squad, this will be going into your personal records. This is my last warning, Mitsurugi."
"I understand, ma'am. I was only-"
"I said-"
"I only want to apologize. I only… I wanted… I've seen I was mistaken, even if my vision of a warrior differs from Takeru's."
"Then, explain what this 'poem' you were shouting about entails."
"…I cannot. It is tied to my upbringing, ma'am."
"Then, I deem it unnecessary to bring the topic to light. You and Shirogane do not mix, leave it at that."
"However-"
"Was I clear, cadet?!" She once more hits the sim, that glint of barely restrained ire, the cackles of the chains echoing. "If you're still so chipper, I can spar with you in the sim."
"N-No, ma'am. I… shall try to remain composed. However, I do wish to-"
"Not today, Mitsurugi. I won't press about these matters of the IRG… but I will be on the lookout for any further misconduct on your end."
"…It won't impair my duties to the UN, Instructor, ma'am."
"Sigh… Just stop causing such altercations, are we clear?" She ruffles her hair, honest weariness coming to her features as her shoulders and head sag and lower for a second.
As she turns around and we return to the open area, besides the surprised gazes of those watching the battle, there is someone else near my squadmates. Who, for a second, quickly glares my way.
"Is something the matter, Yashiro?" The Instructor asks.
Those odd things atop her head flap, she nods. "The Professor is calling for Takeru-san, if he finished his drills."
"I see. Shirogane, we have maintenance practice in the usual hangar at 1500 hours," she says, looking at him squarely in the eye, sizing his complexion, perhaps.
He salutes, trying to stand straight, the forced mask showing cracks. "Understood."
Without wait, he nods towards the rest, giving them a thumbs up, before starting to walk for the exit. Something grabs onto my shoulder as I try and step forward.
The glare, draconian and imposing, remains fixated on my features. "Mitsurugi, don't," the Instructor orders. "By the by, you're going to do a hundred squats after your laps of the day. Repeat your orders."
Wringing my hands, my feet meet as I stand in attention. "I shall do a hundred squats after my daily laps, ma'am!"
She merely nods then leaves to her post. "Ayamine, Tamase, you're next."
As I walk to the rails, Ayamine is descending. To say she's upset would be a severe underestimation. Just remain silent, don't meet her eyes, do not provoke-
"How's the moral high ground feeling?" She asks when passing me by.
Nibbling at my lips, I skip some steps, never looking back. Tamase hurries past me, not meeting my eyes. Yoroi seems to desire to huddle upon herself, saying nothing. Sakaki simply stares.
"If you wish to say something, feel free."
She merely sighs, shaking her head. Looking away, veiling her sight, saying nothing and hanging a cloak of silence over us.
So I acquiese to her unspoken order, simply leaning closer to the wall, watching the monitors. Even if it has come to this, even if I admit I deserve this atmosphere, it is all temporary.
The warning be damned, I now know what I must do. Worry not, Takeru. Once I confirm with Tsukuyomi this doubt, not only your name will be cleansed of any and all vile rumors but you'll regain the status you deserve.
After all, you truly are a fellow of mine. All I hope is, you can forgive my obstinacy.
Even if I cannot measure up to this Yohime you hold so dearly in your heart.