The biggest plot twist is that I released this in a somewhat timely fashion.
Chapter 14: Victorious Origin
"Commander, please try this~"
Somehow, this ended up in a strange… rom-com like scenario, where during the festival, I was led around by, of all people, PPK. Somehow, this feels more in line with Springfield, but I wanted to have at least a few hours to relax.
The place was abuzz with excitement, due to a combination of three main factors. One, our recent victory; two, the festival going on; and three, a rumor that the princess herself was coming here to not only see how the relief effort was going, but potentially lead the peace negotiations so we didn't have to take the final city.
Of course, I knew the rumor was true, as we had been alerted as the GK Team to this fact, so our orders may be subject to change once she arrives. It wasn't out of the question that Henrietta might request our presence, as we were directly under her control.
Aside from that, I had spent a bit of time going over the full might of our supply cache. In addition to the weapons that we had recovered, there were four flashbangs, two smoke grenades, and three packs of plastic explosives that could be detonated remotely. We also now had three pairs of high powered binoculars available to us, which will make scouting a lot easier. Additionally, there were several respirator masks that covered the eyes to help against smoke inhalation complete with filter cartridges.
And perhaps the most troublesome thing to have discovered in that box was a godforsaken Oath Ring.
I left it off the verbal report to my T-Dolls, deciding that it would be a trump card for me later. Considering that we have other T-Dolls potentially in the vicinity, it should be saved because I only have one, and this can majorly turn the tide if properly utilized. That, and I do not desire to have a repeat of the last time I had an Oath Ring.
The last time it was sent into my base, it caused some… let us say, "high tension". Which is why I completely and utterly curse the shape of such a limiter remover and ask why instead it could not be a bracelet or perhaps even a protocol set. I'm sure the higher ups are laughing their asses off whenever they send these out "as a gift", knowing fully well that it's against Griffin policy to be fraternizing with your Dolls, but then sending out what can be interpreted as either an engagement ring or marriage ring! It's called an Oath Ring, for God's sake! There is absolutely zero chance that they didn't know what they were doing!
"Commander, it's no good not to be paying attention to a woman when accompanying her."
"Ah, sorry PPK. I was lost in thought."
"My, if I had been taken away while you were lost in thought, I hope you're prepared to take responsibility."
I want to tell her to stop spouting such cliche lines, but I decide to go along with the mood.
"My apologies. I'll make it up to you, then."
"Then, please do take my hand for the rest of the time. And we are no longer members of Griffin, are we? You don't have to worry about company policy."
I try not to scowl at this, but I'm sure some of it bleeds through as PPK snickers as I take her gloved left hand in my right. "Is there any particular reason for this request?"
"My, Commander, are you so averse to holding the hand of a beautiful woman? Should Springfield be worried that you are, ah, playing for the other team?"
"Oi."
PPK giggles at this as her fingers interweave with my own. "Well, Commander, even I can't help but get swept up in a festival mood. It's very hard to find a companion of quality these days, too."
"I still don't get why holding hands is a necessity."
"Hmhm, how should I word this~? There are few very people who would be willing to entertain such a request, and it is so rare that I am able to ask something like this of you, so as they say, carpe diem."
I suppose this has to deal with her… tendencies. I know that many a commander that, while appreciative of their PPK's skills and abilities, did tend to keep her at arm's length due to her… admittedly sadistic-leaning behavior. I do have to wonder if this was just a quirk of their programming, and why PPK T-Dolls all had this kind of proclivity. I don't recall such a unified quirk manifesting in any other T-Doll model.
Well, ultimately, I don't have that "luxury" if it would be called that. But somehow, I can't help but wonder what the reason is for PPK's tendencies.
"I see. Well, I suppose I can see why that's the case."
"Ufufu. Do I scare you, Commander?"
"Your words and behavior can be unsettling at times, but no." I say, thinking about it. "I have to ask, though. I've heard a lot of things about well, let's refer to them as your sisters."
"Ufu, I'm aware of our reputation. How shall I word this, Commander? Perhaps it began as one's personality, or even a few of them. Thus, it became a trend: 'The PPK sisters are the sadistic type'. As we were to help serve, that became the expectation."
"I see… is that the only reason, then?"
"Hmhm~?"
"Well, I was wondering if your story involved Spectre, was all."
"Ah, of course, of course~ That's Spectre's story to tell though, but… you could say that I had to become a little more fearsome than normal to be her shield."
"Interesting…" I say, then follow up with the obvious follow-up. "Then, PPK, I hope I can see your true self someday."
I feel her grip on my hand suddenly strengthen. "My, Commander. You should save such words for someone very special to you~"
Despite the composure in her voice, her hand's sudden grip gave her away.
"I see. I'm sorry for saying something so careless to you, PPK."
"As long as you understand, sir. But, as I was trying to get you to before~"
With her right hand, PPK holds up what appears to be meat on a stick she purchased from an earlier vendor, shaking it in front of me.
"Say 'Aaaaaah'."
I can only raise an eyebrow at this.
"Hm, it seems my research was incorrect. I've heard many others say that this is a common fantasy among men, to have a woman feed them in such a way. At least, that's how it was back on the base."
I use my free hand to rub my temples. "Did anyone take the fraternization guidelines seriously?"
"Somehow, Commander, I feel that you're the only one I've met who does."
I scowl at this, with PPK giggling in return.
"But really Commander, you haven't broken the rules, not even once? Surely not even a single fling or a midnight kiss?" She asks before taking a bite of the food she previously offered.
"I did my skirt-chasing long before I entered service." I say, rolling my eyes. "I wasn't as straight laced as I am now. But I suppose I bent the rules every now and then."
"Oho?"
"Oh, it was never anything major, PPK. You're aware of the occasional gala we were invited to, yes?"
"Mhm." She says with a nod.
"Well, one T-Doll I was very close with, and I mean so professionally, had submitted a request for her dress ensemble. Very, very cost efficient but also very beautiful, nonetheless, as she was very cognizant of that budget. It included a rather pretty silver necklace with a simple silver ornament as the cherry on top. I ended up switching her order to have one with a sapphire on it, rather than just a plain ornament. It was… well, let's say I ate very lightly to obtain it."
"My, Commander, I didn't think you could do such a thing. I must tell Springfield at once."
"I don't particularly mind, I suppose. But that's as far as I went with any of my T-Dolls in terms of bending the rules. Granted, it was because I noticed she had dedicated so much time to preparing for the gala, so I wanted to reward her a bit."
"I see…"
"Are you perhaps looking for a reward, PPK?" I ask, slightly amused at the situation. "You don't need to feel so timid about it. I know you've all done an incredible job, especially considering our lack of dedicated resources. If there's anything you'd like to request, simply ask, and I'll see what I can do. It'll have to wait for after the war, though."
"Hmhm, I'll keep it in mind."
With that, we wander around for a while, mostly just happy to be able to relax for a bit. Rather than leap into the fray again, Tristain's army is taking the time to rebuild and reinforce the city so it can be a functional base. Additionally, I heard that we're now able to really support our air corridor due to having another port under our control.
The end of the war's just about in sight, huh… and based on Henrietta's letters, the home front seems to be fine.
We run into Vallerie and Hiraga as we're touring the city, with them immediately backing away due to PPK giving them a smile as she lightly clings to my arm. It's slightly amusing, but at the same, I have to chide PPK for intimidating them.
"Well, Commander, while I was to be a guardian of humanity, there's no harm in a bit of scaring them. Besides, you said it yourself, it's better that they be off the battlefield entirely. Am I not doing just that?"
"I'm afraid I will have to eat my own words in that regard." I mutter, slightly bitter about her maneuvering. "But don't do anything unnecessary."
"I am only smiling at them, Commander. Perhaps you can tell me where my smile is so frightening?"
With that, she lightly tugs me, putting her right hand to her chin and giving a bright smile. If one were unaware of what she was capable of, they'd be instantly charmed by the elegant maid's pure smile inviting them closer. But, for one knowing what she can do, reading into it, it's a smile that signals that one should run away.
"I suppose that I am unable to find such a thing in your smile. However, a young woman like you should take care to show such a smile only for someone very special to you."
PPK's smile only widens. "Ah, as expected of you Commander, to turn my own attack against me. Truly, the commanders of Griffin are one of a kind."
"I am very gracious to have received your compliment and approval, PPK."
As we continue to wander around, there's the occasional squad of commoners who want to talk to me or learn something from me, considering how my fame, or infamy, is starting to spread. After all, a commander who led a small squad of commoners into the fray and was able to take on mages, capture the tower, and accomplish what we had, it was short of miraculous.
It seems that they're starting to see us as some kind of folk heroes. Of course, I deflect any praise to the T-Dolls and especially to Agnes, wanting to remain somewhat lower profile. As a commander, I'm nothing special myself, and it's the girls who do most of the heavy lifting.
A few brave ones ask PPK what it would take to convince her to go on a date with them, to which I interrupted before she could answer and say "Nothing unreasonable, PPK". She only smiled and said that there was nothing they could do, as she had someone in her heart already. Somehow, I get the feeling she wasn't being entirely truthful, but I suppose her very close friendship with Spectre has something to do about it.
Though, as a joke, I did remind her that a "fraternization policy" existed; however, PPK insisted she would not be breaking any rules with who she was pursuing.
Along the way, we did notice Hiraga and Vallerie again, having what could be called a very intense lover's spat, or perhaps just an argument in general, despite their earlier good mood. It's difficult to gauge right now what their relationship is, but the argument was unresolved and it left Vallerie storming off in a huff. I decide not to pay it much heed; I suppose that I'd rather them be bickering like children ought to be rather than at war, but I should monitor the situation in case it affects their cohesion later.
At the end of the day, everyone comes together for a status meeting. Springfield and Spectre did separate search patrols, not finding any responses to their radio broadcasts. Springfield suggested they might be on "receive only", as it's possible their communications equipment may have received damage.
A bit inconvenient, but there's still also the fact they may think it's a trap. I can't fault them, being in the middle of nowhere and suddenly receiving broadcasts regarding the presence of T-Dolls. Just… too convenient, is all.
"Alright, I guess we'll just have to keep trying. The ceasefire ends in a week, so hopefully they'll pick up by then."
"Though, Commander." Agnes says, interrupting the mood. "While I haven't found traces of an army moving, I found traces of a small squad."
"How many."
"One, two tops." She says back with a discomforting level of confidence.
I bite my lip. "Find some more proof. We can't blatantly accuse the enemy side of violating the ceasefire without anything, especially because we have no power of our own."
"Understood, sir."
"And no solo trips."
"I had a Dragon Knight with me."
"You know what I mean, Enfield."
"...Yes, sir."
Where would they strike, though…?
A solo operative would mean they're either observing or they've got a very large payload.
"Enfield, what would it take to level the town?"
The rest of the T-Dolls blink, looking at me with surprised stares.
"Not something this solo operative could move on their own, even if they were a mage. That much damage, you're looking at a massive wind crystal, we're talking the type that keep this floating island up. There's no way anyone couldn't detect it."
"And mundane explosives?"
"Unless our enemy's developed a hell of a weapon that surpasses everyone here with non-magical means, then no."
"Okay, so the traditional sabotage methods are off the table. Where else would they strike?"
"Hmm…" Agnes crosses her arms. "I'd target the food or water supply. If I were particularly nasty, I'd attempt to introduce a disease into the medical camps in order to purposely infect the caretakers and cripple their healing potential."
"Keep an eye on the water supply and medics, then. Let's not get complacent. That goes for all of you."
"Understood, sir."
Our diligence paid off, as we were able to intercept not one, but several soldiers who were attempting to poison the water supply.
The strangest part was, is that they were our soldiers. They seemed to be in a daze though, but were snapped out of it after being contained for a few hours.
"Time based hypnosis…?" I mutter, leaning against the chimney, as we're up on the roof. "It's a good strategy."
"Enough time to do the job, then forget about it. Had we not been watching, it might've gone perfectly."
"How's the analysis on the poison?"
"Seems to be some kind of mind-affecting substance based on what I overheard."
"Worst case, we could've had a full base full of mind-controlled Tristanians."
"What better way to take out an army than make it your own?" Agnes says with a snort.
"Good on you for catching that. I'll recommend a promotion to Henrietta."
Agnes chuckles at that. "It'd be just for show, though."
"Major Enfield has a good ring to it, eh?"
"Not sure if it'll count, coming from you. Henrietta instated you, but do you even have a rank?"
"Well, we'll see." I say, shaking my head. "I think a few people are upset though, considering how we've had to up the patrols. On the eve of the new year, as well."
Agnes shrugs. "It's not like I was particularly invested in it. It's a religious holiday, after all."
I nod in return. "When the war's over, we'll have some more time, hopefully. We'll bring them to justice."
"You know who you're up against in that regard, right?"
"I know. But… there's an old saying from where I'm from. Let justice be done, though the heavens fall."
Agnes gives a snort of amusement. "Well, never a boring day with you around, Commander. Ah, the fireworks should be starting soon. Shouldn't you be around Springfield? I heard a rumor that if you're holding hands with a lover while watching the fireworks, you'll be forever entwined with them."
"Fraternization policy."
"Is that your excuse for everything?" she asks, shooting me a dare I say, incredulous look.
"Well, I find it helps keep things clean and low tension. And keeps me employed."
After a few more minutes, the fireworks begin, lighting up the clean sky. It's pretty amazing, seeing fireworks at such an altitude. Ah… when was the last time I saw fireworks like that.
"Enfield?" I ask, hearing another boom of fireworks, with Agnes looking around.
"The enemy." She says, standing up. "Listen."
Another boom, but it's off to the fireworks by about half a second.
"The cease fire ends the day after tomorrow."
"They must have been planning on crippling the army if not outright taking it, then using the fireworks display to mask their shots. Those are distant shots."
"We've got scout outposts, don't we? But why use cannons when you could covertly take them out?"
"If you're going to lay siege to the place, might as well ensure no survivors. Hit the camp hard with siege weapons, blow everyone away. Not to mention that they could use them due to the fireworks."
"Cheh. Let's move to the general's tent and find the others."
The two of us run along the rooftops of the cramped city, making our way towards the general's quarters. I think people are realizing what the hell is going on as the fireworks have suddenly stopped, but the booming explosions continue.
"Wait a second." Agnes says, stopping and pointing towards the piers. "The hell? Are they retreating? This is a fortress city!"
"Depends on the enemy army size. They might have already given the order to retreat after knowing what the situation is."
"Dammit. Tristain bled so much to take this city—"
I put a hand to her shoulder to calm her down, Agnes' head turning towards me. "Let's find out the situation before we starting casting judgement."
"...right. Let's go."
The situation though, isn't anything different than what we were expecting.
However, I can feel myself burning with anger as I read the orders.
A full retreat from the enemy force of over fifty-thousand soldiers, not including the monsters they've brought with them. But no, that's not what angered me.
What angered me was that the plan was to leave Hiraga behind. The legendary familiar who was famed for slaying armies with such speed and strength, would buy time while everyone evacuated and retreated.
"Sir?" Springfield asks as I tuck the paper left for me into my inner pockets. "Your orders, sir?"
"Where's Hiraga?"
"Unknown."
"Enfield, PPK, find him. Vallerie's probably with him, too."
"With all due respect sir, what are you planning? We're not pulling him out, are we?"
"No. We're staying as long as we can." I say, with everyone exchanging glances. "Spectre, make your way to the lower docks and secure ourselves one of the smaller ships that those nobles were going to use to escape. That's our vector out."
"Sir."
"Enfield, PPK, find Hiraga before it's too late. I want us coordinating a defense with him."
"Yes, sir."
"Springfield, you're with me so I can keep communicating with the others. Enfield, PPK, once you find Hiraga, begin setting up encampments. We don't have much time, but everything you can do to buy us some. Gunpowder traps, oil, you get it done."
"Understood, sir."
I hear the flapping of dragon wings, finding Gautier hovering around us. He slowly descends vertically, fully armored.
"Commander, the general's looking for you!"
"Gautier, I assume you're going with them."
"Are you not?"
"They're leaving that Hiraga boy to fight. I'm staying behind. If the general's asking for me, tell him I need that item we recovered when we rescued Hiraga."
"...Commander Baker, with all due respect, you are a highly valuable member of the Tristain military strategy and the leader of the elite squad. Even after the war, your intellect can surely benefit Tristain." He says, a grim expression on his face. "I believe in your capabilities as a commanding officer and strategist but that enemy force against your own, with this much time to prepare? Even you should be able to see that it's impossible."
"We're attempting to secure an escape route once we've held off long enough, but I'm not going to help the princess build her reign on the corpses of children. Now, Captain Gautier, with all due respect, get me that item."
"I'm not sure if you have that authority, but I will do what I can."
"By the way, do you know if that Vallerie girl is with Hiraga?"
"...no, she's on the lead ship that's departed already, with her attendant. From the commotion, it seems like he knocked her out so she wouldn't stay behind."
"...I see. Keep it that way."
"Come back alive."
"I intend to." I say, turning back towards my troops as he takes off. "PPK, Agnes, plan's the same. Bring Hiraga here once you've found him. I anticipate the enemy's packing air power, and he's the only one who can pilot it to counteract them. We can handle the ground troops, but we're lacking antiair power and have no air power otherwise. It's looking pretty grim."
"If he can't get us that plane, sir, what are we going to do?"
"Well… it's fairly low visibility already. If we can't do it, we'll torch the city and make a hell of a fire. The smokescreen should be thick enough to at least give us some cover and serve as a distraction to bug out, and we've got the masks for it."
Agnes lets out a low whistle at that.
"Let's hope it doesn't come to that. PPK, Enfield, get moving. Spectre, once you've secured our transportation out, prepare for the torch and burn. It's gonna be a long night."
It doesn't take long to find Hiraga, as he's by the main gates. PPK and Agnes quickly send him our way, where I ask him to fly the Zero plane, explaining that we need the air cover along with our general plan, sharing with him the safety routes along with the rally points we'll be using should he be grounded, and lastly where he should land in order to stay safe.
"Why didn't you retreat, Commander?" he asks as he climbs into the plane, likely checking everything is fine.
"Dying alone on a battlefield's a bad way to go out. That, and the princess would be saddened if you didn't make it." I say, having climbed up behind him to look at the historical plane's insides, patting him on the back. "If there's anyone who deserves to go home, it's you. Fuel, ammo check?"
"I don't have a lot of ammunition, but from what I saw it should be enough to take out most of the dragon riders."
"Alright."
"Fuel-wise, I'll be fine."
"Don't push your luck. And Hiraga."
"Hm?" He asks, pausing just as he was about to close the canopy.
"Sorry for making you fight. I wish it could be any other way."
"Don't say that, sir. I guess that… I'm a bit glad that I could help."
"...understood. We've still got some time until the enemy's arriving, so I'll tell you when to scramble and intercept enemy air."
"Okay, got it. But, can I do anything else to help?"
I dial up Agnes on the LRTD. "Enfield, got anything for Hiraga to do?"
"No sir, we're wrapping up here before pulling back."
"Understood." I say, turning the device off. "Sorry, Hiraga."
"It's fine." He says with a bit of a smile. "Um… Sir?"
"No need for 'sir'. I'm not your direct superior, Hiraga, you don't need to be like that around me. Mister Baker's fine, if you're not comfortable using my first name."
"Then, Mister Baker, I have a question."
"Shoot." I say, climbing down.
"Do you think we'll… ever get to go back home?"
I must've turned my head a little fast towards him, as Hiraga nervously smiles.
"I know about… what those runes do." I say cautiously. "That's not a question you'd normally ask, isn't it?"
"N-no, sir."
I gesture him down from the plane, which he gets out of, and then pat the wall next to me. He leans against it, with both of us looking at the street.
"I heard those things brainwash you."
"It um, makes me not miss home as much, either. And they like to make sure I can't stay angry at Louise for very long."
I close my eyes, nodding. "I see. It seems that they strive to keep a balance, then."
"Huh?"
"Suppression of your homesickness, a positive inclination towards Vallerie, and an introduction of subservience." I say, counting on my fingers. "You had a pretty big fight with Vallerie today, right?"
"Yeah, and—"
"Spare me the details about what it was about, but are you still angry about it?"
"...yes." He says, looking down at the ground.
"I see. So that's why. Those runes aren't omnipotent and they can only muster so much effort, it seems."
"I don't… get it?"
"The reason your homesickness isn't being suppressed as strongly. It's focusing on trying to get you to be all smiles with Vallerie again, so there's less of its power dedicated to your homesickness suppression. I assume, anyways. That's just my guess based on what I know and what you've told me."
"Oh… oh!"
I nod. "So, let's do some reverse brainwashing, eh?"
"Reverse?"
"Tell me where you're from, Hiraga, let's remind you of home. Make those bastards fight if they're going to take your mind. I'm guessing Japan, but describe it to me. The city, the town, your school, your friends. I'd… well, we're both in this situation together, and I won't lie, it's not looking too good out there so… if either of us make it, at least we'll be able to remember the other."
"What about… all the girls around you? Won't they remember you?"
I chuckle, hearing the envy in his voice. "Well, if you'd like for me to introduce you to them, I'm much obliged. I'm their commander, so I have to be professional about it. But personally, I think the idea of having multiple girls after you is rather exhausting."
"Eh?"
"It's a real job, you know? You've got to dress nice, talk smooth, balance your schedule if they're all aware of each other—"
"Um… sir, er, Mister Baker."
"Yes?"
I think I hear the words "explode and die in a fire" mumbled from him, but pass it off as nothing. "Were… were you a player?"
I chuckle heartily at this. "Well, let's say that in my younger years, that … I had a penchant for skirtchasing. Around your age, actually."
"I find that a little hard to believe."
"Hahaha, well, I suppose with the way I carry myself now, yes, it's hard to believe. Fortunately I had some people snap me out of it and I started on the way to becoming the man I am today. But really, don't worry about me. Personally, I find that you're at your happiest when you're chasing your own dreams. Let others come with you, but do not veer away from your own path."
I gesture at his hands, where I know the runes reside.
"Though, that's a bit easier said than done for you, eh? Anyways, back on topic, they'll remember, yes, but our relationship is of commander and solider. I suppose aside from the princess, there's no one who I have had an acquaintanceship or friendship with that I don't have to also worry about how we're perceived as commander and soldier. I do hope, Hiraga, you make out of here alive. The princess would be… heartbroken if you weren't to make it."
"Shouldn't she be sadder if you don't?"
"Well, I am someone serving her and perhaps a friend in her eyes. But, Hiraga, she is closer with you and from what I can tell, there's some chemistry between the two of you, or at least, some kind of spark. Of friendship or romance, who's to say. I don't know your full history with her, but the pain you would cause her by leaving is… much graver than the pain I would inflict by dying." I then pat him on the shoulder. "So stay alive. Right, where were we… ah, yes. Your home. So, I can't guarantee it'll work, but if it's trying to mess with your head, let me mess right back. After all, if you remember home, you might not give in just yet."
"Give in?"
"You said yourself, they're trying to ease the homesickness and make you have a positive inclination to Louise. You spend too long with that and… even if you got the chance to go home, you might not take it. So, in order to break that, so you can make that choice of your own free will, let's remember what it was like."
"Do you really think we'll be able to? To go back home?"
For a moment, when I look at him, I don't see the boy soldier who valiantly fought off dragons with a sword, or a daring pilot who carried out special ops. No, right here, he's just a boy. Fear, anxiety, they dance in his eyes. Perhaps this is the first time, in a long time, he has considered the idea of going home. Perhaps he had made his peace with the fact that he was stuck here, and the runes had started to go to work. Easing the idea of losing friendships, of never seeing family, that sort of thing.
"You brought it up, right? You asked if we'll ever be able to. So, deep inside, I think you do believe that there's a way. Personally for me, yes. There was a way here, there's a way out."
"Are you going to go?"
"Me?" I pause, closing my eyes. "I'll leave it up to the girls, if they want to go back, I'll follow them. I was retired, anyways. I might miss a few comforts back home, but here or there, doesn't matter too much to me. I lived a pretty lonesome life. Liked it better that way. Kept it simple. But, that makes me sound much, much older than I am. Now, your home? Where you from, son? From your name, I estimate Japan, but where from?"
"Um, Saitama prefecture. Just a bit northwest of Tokyo."
"Never been, I'm a bit of a workaholic. Tell me about it."
With that, Hiraga begins explaining his hometown, his favorite areas to go in his prefecture, and whatnot. I wasn't surprised to hear that he actually enjoyed visiting the Tokorozawa Aviation Museum, but I made a mental note that should I ever go back, to see the frozen waterfalls in January.
He told how he was a student at Kasakube Higashi high school before all of this went down. He wasn't popular in the sense everyone knew him, but he had friends and plenty of acquaintances in other classes. Never really motivated to join any clubs, either, but was always willing to lend a hand, and usually played with the kids in the Soccer Club every now and then. Overall, he seemed more like a young man who just didn't have any direction in life, other than to enjoy himself and the time he had with friends. He was still a first year though, so he didn't need to decide on a path just yet, but he did have a talent with computers. He did know he wanted a girlfriend, but he just wasn't able to put a good foot forward, as he was a bit of a pervert. Usually it was just things like a slip of the tongue, but it could be occasionally off-putting; while his female friends would eventually forgive him, it did become a bit hard to flirt when he had a bit of a reputation.
Granted, from what I noticed, he was a good kid at heart. The kind of guy who would make jokes about flipping skirts and fantasize about touching breasts, but if push came to shove and a drunk girl pushed herself onto him, he'd struggle with his hormones, but ultimately wouldn't take her.
Of course, that all came to a grinding halt here. Somehow, I found myself wanting to make sure he made it back there. Without those damn runes in his hand. But I think the most important thing he needs is direction.
"Hey, Hiraga, can I ask what happened when you first came here? How did you come to accept being here?"
"Haha… I thought that everyone was crazy, that I was in some crazy dream. But then I saw the twin moons and realized that maybe it wasn't a dream."
He looks down at the ground, seemingly defeated.
"When did I decide that going home wasn't an option…"
"It's still open, son. If you thought yesterday, you couldn't go home, there's today, and if not today, tomorrow, to change your mind. But, go on."
"Then, I guess everything just kind of happened. Guiche, he's better now, but before he bullied Siesta, a maid who I'm friends with. I stood up for her and we got into a fight. And well, that's where I unlocked my powers. Things kind of just snowballed from there. Foquet, a mage, attacked at the Academy, and I felt a sense of responsibility because Louise got hurt as I couldn't defend her in time. And that wasn't just the things in my hand."
"I know. I can tell. Even if you hadn't had your head messed with, something tells me you would've stepped up. You're a good kid at heart."
"Thanks, Commander."
"No need for that, Hiraga. Tell you what, let's try to get out of this alive. The princess has a lot of resources. Surely, somewhere, we can find a way out. And maybe a way to get rid of the chains on your hand."
I notice he's silent at this.
"Hiraga?"
"What if you don't want to?"
"You want to stay here?" I ask, raising an eyebrow.
"I… didn't say that."
I grimace, knowing what that means, in between the lines.
"I… can't say I condone such a way of thinking, but I understand it."
It's unfortunate, that he's in such a position. He's a key war asset, and if his status about being a legendary familiar spreads, he'll be unable to withdraw from the spotlight. If he were a T-Doll under my command back home, then I'd recommend for her to retire from active combat duty. If he were a T-Doll he'd have the luxury of computerized memory, too. But unfortunately for this situation, he was born a human.
This might be his only real chance at escape. Maybe that's why he maneuvered that Vallerie girl out of the way. If she died, the runes would assail him with feelings of guilt and loss, eroding at his mind. Here, right now, with the anger he had at her with their argument, able to regain some sense of self, he can try to end it all. The likelihood of going back home in his eyes, slim to none. He's already accepted being in this world.
The one thing in his hands right now? How he goes out.
"Well, Hiraga, just answer me one question."
"Yes?"
"Why haven't you… done it yourself."
"I can't."
He gestures with his head at the runes. I grimace, probably visibly as Hiraga gives me a sad smile.
"But… well, you know, the princess is counting on us. We're both from modern times, right? It's kind of obvious she's the person anyone from there would support."
I nod at that, leaning back on the wall.
"Alright, Hiraga." I say, closing my eyes. "I… I have to say I'd like to respect your wishes, but please understand that I too, have my own convictions. I'll say it to you right now: I want you to live, I want you to make it past today, tomorrow, and so forth, until you find your way back home, where all of life's lessons you've learned can make you a success there. As you brought up our time, you should be aware that I would have an incredibly difficult time going to sleep if I let a teen die on the battlefield, let alone had them fight."
He nods back at this, with us coming to a mutual understanding. He wins if he dies. I win if he lives. Both of us don't want the enemy to win, but Hiraga's fine if he doesn't make it.
"However, if you don't make it, I'll see what I can do about revenge. It'll help you not become a ghost."
I see a bit of laughter in his eyes, but Hiraga only lightly chuckles.
"And if I do prolong your suffering, then I'll also promise to do everything I can to get those runes out of your hands. The princess has a lot we can use; surely there has to be a way to remove them. And if she hears your plight, then I have a feeling she'll be willing to help even more."
"She is friends with Louise, though."
"Ah. Well… something tells me that if it came to seeing justice done, that might not be enough. I believe in the princess' morality and conviction."
I notice Springfield signalling me out of the corner of my eye. I nod back, turning to Hiraga. "Enemy's approaching our airspace. It's time. Scramble your fighter and intercept. Springfield! Wind check!"
"Wind is twelve kilometers northeast!"
"You heard her." I say, turning back to Hiraga. "Sorry to make you have to go."
"No, I'm happy to go."
"Don't die."
"I know you'll do your best not to let it happen."
It's a respectful, but somewhat regretful line, as Hiraga hops into the Zero fighter and prepares for takeoff, closing the canopy door behind him.
The area we're in has a long and wide street, with more than enough distance for him to take off. I would've liked to give him the LRTD, but I need Agnes to have it so in case we get separated, I don't need to rely on being with another T-Doll to reach her nor rely on the fact a T-Doll is with her. With Hiraga out of the way in the sky, we only need to keep him up there so he's out of the the crossfire.
"I hope he stays alive." I mumble, having walked away from him, deciding it's better just to leave this between Hiraga and myself.
"That goes for all of us, sir." Springfield says, nodding as she walks up next to me. "Agnes and PPK are reporting their efforts are going well. Spectre has also confirmed that the airship is there and is preparing the torch and burn according to your plans."
"Good. Let's make sure we give them a hell of a night."
The objective of our torch and burn strategy is to delay the enemy as long as possible. Essentially, we'll lead them through a sector of a city, then after crossing a threshold, set it ablaze and stop the enemy from pursuing our squad members. This will force them to go around and find alternative routes through the city, while we already have an idea of where we need to go, and thus can slowly wear them down.
The goal isn't to kill every single one, after all, it's simply to delay long enough. The filtration masks I had found earlier definitely would help with that, especially because they would also help provide some vision in the midst of all the smoke.
Agnes, despite not having a lot of time, was able to improvise some explosives with all of the gunpowder here, and while she didn't have time to bury them completely, she at least was able to hide them somewhat so she could remotely detonate them with a well placed shot, or so she reported.
Unfortunately for us, we didn't have the manpower to keep the towers running. We'd stand a lot better chance if we could at least use them until the enemy arrived at the gates.
"Wish we had recovered a mortar." I mumble as I climb up onto the ramparts after having made most of our preparations, facing the enemy army coming from the north. "Or at least, any kind of area damage."
"No chance of using Agnes' explosives on Hiraga's plane?"
"While it does have bomb mounts, I don't think we have the time to jury rig a way for Agnes' barrels of fun onto them. That, and it'd only slow him down, and we need Hiraga in the air more for air cover than we do bombing runs. If we didn't have any enemy air, I'd be all for it."
"How unfortunate. Ah, hold on. Yes, understood, PPK." Springfield says, holding a hand up. "Sir, PPK and Agnes reported they've finished closing the last gate."
Well, 'close' is a bad word for it. What Agnes said she was going to do was seal the gates shut. Unfortunately we didn't have welding equipment, so nailing them shut was about the best we could do. Otherwise, we'd have really locked those things up.
It wouldn't stop them from eventually breaking in, but it was one more step the enemy had to take to rush in. Additionally, she had set up a bunch of traps to go off and more importantly, set fire to the eastern portion of the city as soon as they broke through the gate, but she was also running redundant fuse lines in case of a remote detonation.
After all, once the enemy figured out we weren't coming out, they'd definitely come and blitz the city. Once they figured out we could only defend the southern end, they'd come for the other entrances in an attempt to flank us, which is why Agnes and PPK dedicated more of the passive defenses on that end, to slow the enemy down while we fired upon everyone coming from the north.
"Understood. Have everyone come to Rally Point Alpha."
"Right away, sir."
I look out towards the horizon, able to see shifting figures out in the distance. Taking a look with the binoculars, I see what is an incredibly large force coming for us. Dragon riders, monsters, humans… fortunately, no airships. I'd bet that they couldn't use airships as it would be too risky in terms of being spotted. They had to stay low on the ground, probably splitting up through the land, and meeting somewhere close to here for the final push.
I look around and see the Zero flying overhead circling up into the clouds. Hiraga's plan is probably to sit up and observe, using whatever magic that's helping him to know when to come down. He's high enough that I'm fairly certain even the dragon knights would have difficulty getting to him, so he's free to engage at his own discretion.
Shortly after, the rest of the GK Team arrives, saluting sharply as they do so.
"Alright, everyone knows the game plan, right?"
"Yes, sir."
"Good. Then…" I pause, taking a glance out at the enemy army coming for us. "In war, there is only one rule, and that is to survive. I want zero casualties on our side. Everyone comes home, got it?"
"Sir!"
"This is probably the most difficult battle any of us have had. I'm authorizing use of your special weapons at your discretion, use of all abilities at your discretion. I'm not one for long speeches, so I'll cut it short there. Let's show these guys some trademark Griffin hospitality, eh?"
"You've got on a pretty scary face." PPK says, a smile on hers. "Are you sure I shouldn't be out there, sir?"
"You and Spectre have good evasion, but it's not going to be of any help if the enemy can simply just advance with their sheer numbers and overrun you. Once they're in the city, the speed both of you have will really get to shine."
At this, I can hear the sound of gunfire in the sky, with Hiraga likely starting to engage the enemy air that's scouted on ahead. So it begins.
"Alright, look alive, girls. Let's show 'em a good time."
Haha, here we go. Yep, if you remember Familiar of Zero well, you knew the battle of Saxe Gotha, where Saito took on all of those guys, was coming up. Changed up a bit this time though, due to Oliver being present.
I did change quite a bit with the runes, and also wanted to give Saito some of his own characterization. I didn't want to quite make him a deconstruction, but I wanted to explore the idea of him being fully aware of what the runes are doing to him, with a side dose of him retaining parts of his memories of home. His bio wasn't supposed to be so much of a quick info dump, though, but it kind of feels that way. Saito being someone who lacked direction in life kind of fit to me, I thought, and it made for a good foil to Oliver, who moves quickly and decisively, understanding his goals. I also had a bit of fun with the dynamic that with Saito all but stating outright he was looking to die, that both of them didn't want the enemy to win, but their own personal victories were mutually exclusive.
Anyways, other than that, we got a little more hints about PPK's past and how it ties into Spectre. The little cute moments were pretty fun to write.
But yeah, not much to say from me after that. Next time is the big battle, which I ended up rewriting the flow like… four? Maybe five, times. It was really tough to actually get right. Oh, and I guess Happy New Year to the guys who only read this story, haha. See you all then.
