Authors Note: God Eater is a series I deeply love and enjoy, and a story I've seriously wanted to write for, for some time. Thus... Welcome. To Hanami Sakura. I hope you guys will enjoy my take on the series and have a fun time. As usual, let me know what you think~

Editor's note: If you enjoy this story, I implore you to play the game if you can. This story and the story of these games as a whole will forever hold a place in my heart.

Gen Momota could not help but glare down at the man before him. This man he worked for, this man who played the role of director for the Far East Branch. As the Leader to all God Eaters of this base, who served under this branch. In all his years as a military man, as a God Eater, and a human being, Gen had never felt more on guard than when he had to deal with this very man.

"You called, Director Schichksal."

"Ah, Mr. Momota. Forgive me for the sudden summons. I know you are a busy man with your advisory service to the newer generation of God Eaters." The soft-spoken man, Johannes von Schichksal, apologized curtly. His hands folded before his face, hiding the bottom half of his face, but leaving the upper part of his face and in turn his eyes visible for Gen to see the set determination even behind the practiced mask of political intrigue. "But… It would seem I have a favor to ask."

"Oh?" Gen deadpanned, "I hope it's not to suddenly be a combat instructor for some new rookies." He sarcastically stated, "Kinda hard to be a combat instructor when you only have one

functioning arm." He gestured to his limp and slinged arm. "Besides, I'm not sure Major Amamiya would really approve of me butting into her work territory."

Johannes chuckled politely at the elder man's dried humor, "Oh no, not at all. I would not dream of putting you and the Major at odd. Let alone in your condition." Removing his hands from the front of his face, he looked towards his desk's personal terminal. Clicking on some keys before turning the screen to face towards Gen.

"No. You see. I require you to head out to an area near the border between the city and outer ghettos, and collect a certain someone for the Den." He smiled politely as he gestured to the screen, and Gen felt his blood run dry. "It would seem that Norn has finally located a potential New Type God Eater here within the Far East's walls. I believe from prior records, that you have a past connection with this New Type. I must say there is potential, especially should she be anything like her late-"

"Terribly sorry to have kept you waiting." Gen was pulled away from his most recent memories as he heard the Director speak to a young seventeen-year-old, who stood solely in the chamber below them. His coworkers, the Dr. Paylor Sakaki, Major Tsubaki Amamiya, and a few operators he had not worked with enough to learn their names; all looked down at the silent red-haired girl from their position in the observation room above the room they used when infusing their God Eaters with their armlets. "Allow me to bid you welcome. This is humanity's final fortress. The stalwart bastian of Fenrir. In this chamber, we will test your-"

"I knew it could only have been a matter of time." Tsubaki grimly whispered from beside him. Her eyes set in a glare as she stared down at the teen now clothed in standard issued Fenrir uniform. "But I had hope, for at least her sake." She paused taking a deep breath through her nose, "That girl would never have a compatible god arc found. She must be rolling in her grave."

Gen could only nod in agreement as the director continued his usual introductory speech, "This world is an unjust and cruel one we God Eaters know that better than anyone."

"Please, do try to relax. I assure you there is nothing at all to fear." The director lies like the political player he is. Both Gen and Tsubaki seeing the crimson messy ponytailed girl look around the chamber, seeing the slashes, the bullet holes. She does not know of the failures. They hope she will not be one of them, even with the life that awaits her should she pass. "When you're ready, place your wrist within the device at the center of the room."

"I must say, I am excited to see how this one performs." Sakaki almost seems to say giddy as the director finishes his speech. "Not only a New Type but a pole-arm user, our first in both regards."

"Yes, how fascinating it will be to see. Good talent is always found in the least likely places." Johannes responded as they watched the girl take a deep breath before cautiously walking up to the end of her 'normal' human life.

"Though Johan, if I saw correctly, I believe Friar had just put in a request for that girl for Dr. Rachels Blood Project. I'm surprised you fought to claim her for the Far East Branch." Sakaki hummed pushing up his glasses as the young girl, no woman, encroached closer and closer to her would-be maker.

"The Blood Project is still in the early stages of its run and not much has yet come from it. This girl was already a member of our fine abode, and we have yet to have a proper New Type located for our Branch. Fenrir HQ thus agreed on it being best to have us keep the girl for the front lines." The man explained as she finally reached the center of the room, "Should she survive, and it be necessary, a transfer will be done. But for now, she is to remain here, as the Far East's first New Type."

"I see. So they hope to benefit in some way should this succeed and the girl proves valuable." Sakaki deduced watching with bated breath as the girl stared down at the device that will seal her fate. "With how rare the New Types still are I do not doubt they will wish for us to keep her for at least some time."

"Nor do I, my old friend. Though how much time, may very well lie solely on her and the roll of the die." Johannes nodded, watching as the girl finally placed her hand within the device's opening, and her hand hesitantly curled around the scythe that sat in it. The top of the device fell, like the blade of a guillotine and the room was silent.

Akiko Amano, age seventeen, felt her grass-green eyes widen and her breath catch in her throat. Her pulse began to race, and a burn slowly began to set in. Her left hand shot up, grabbing onto the lower part of her right arm below her wrist. Her form almost slumped over. Her legs threatened to buckle underneath her as they shook. She threw her head back and screamed.

"AHHHHHH~!"

Gen felt his hand clench in disgust, Tsubaki resisted the urge to look away in guilt, the doctor began to monitor a screen that showed Akiko's vitals, and the director calmly spoke up once more over the intercom to explain what was occurring to the screaming girl.

"Listen. At this very moment cells identical to those of Aragami are being implanted in you. That bracelet will fuse with your flesh and will remain on you for the rest of your life. Surviving this is the first true test that all God Eaters must face. If you can not withstand this, then you will not survive."

Akiko slumped forward and gritted her teeth, through tear-filled eyes she watched the pulsing of black veins appear through her right arm. 'Mima…' She thought, shutting her eyes tight as the tears leaked through the corners of her eyes. 'It hurts so much, Mima… It hurts!'

"How are her vitals looking, Doctor?" Gen could not help but quickly ask as he noticed the small girl's body shake. Sakaki's face set passive as he stared at the monitor before him. "Sakaki!"

"Mima…" Akiko could not help but whisper painfully as she felt the burning slowly spread through her body. She struggled to breathe evenly as her body was rattled with pain. 'Am I… Am I going to die?' She wondered, fear slowly creeping within her heart as she thought she felt her life flash before her.

"God Eater?" A still very sickly and recovering Akiko whispered as she stared at the ragged and tired form of her grandmother. It had been some time since she awoke in this hospital room and even more time since she had last seen her grandmother. Though she was now clean and dressed in actual clothes instead of rags. Hair now properly washed, brushed, and tied back, Akiko could not help but notice the tiredness behind her grandmother's form. Could not help but notice the weight that she now carried around her right arm.

"It means your Mima is now a superhero, my little rose," Maria explained, brushing back the loose strands from her granddaughter's face. "Oh my… I hope they didn't lose your hair clip, your mother worked so hard on it before she left."

"Mima!"

Maria jumped in surprise as she heard the slight tone behind her granddaughter's weak voice. "What? Don't be like that, it's your favorite, isn't it? Not to mention the reason for my little nickname for you how else will it make-"

"You're changing the subject." Akiko huffed, struggling to sit up from her bed as her grandmother tried to scold her for overexerting. "What do you mean you're going to be a superhero?" She almost breathlessly asked, her grandmother falling silent as she stared down at the confused and worried stare of Akiko's.

Sitting back on her stool beside Akiko's bedside, the elder woman could not help but laugh dryly. "You know… I sometimes can't help but forget that you're not just a simple little girl like you should be." Smiling sadly, Maria could not help but pull off the small red Rose clip that rested in her own hair and secured it in place of her granddaughter's own hair. "Much better."

"Mima!" Akiko whined as her grandmother waved her off.

"Alright, alright! No need to whine like a baby, you're not that little." Akiko vocally hissed at this; making her grandmother pinch the girl's nose and Akiko squirm and whine as she tried to pull away from the woman's firm hold on her nose, "And you're not a cat either! Don't think I won't bop you! If you're healthy enough to make those noises, then you're definitely healthy enough for a bop!"

"Eep!" Akiko fell back as Maria let go. Pouting as she looked back up at the now smirking woman. "You're still changing the subject."

"And you're still very much a brat." The woman clapped back, sticking out her tongue when she saw the small eight-year-old flash her with her own before quietly laughing into a sigh. "But you're not wrong, and you do deserve to know what's going on." Maria hummed, "Though there isn't much I can say." She turned her gaze to the single window that looked out at the new world that would be their home before shaking her head to look back down at her beloved granddaughter with a guilt-filled smile. "The best way I can explain it to you now is... That you're Mima is gonna be very busy from here on out, keeping you and everyone in this place safe from those big bad Aragami."

Akiko gasped in horror, " How?"

"Well," Maria began before holding up the red armlet on her right arm with some level of pride. "With this, your Mima is now a God eater. Which means my job now from here on out-"

Shaking her head rapidly out of that memory Akiko felt her left hand's nails break through her right arms skin as she opened her eyes in set determination as she glared at her arm and the device that was branding her. "Sic gorgiamus allos subjectatos nunc!" She screamed.

"Connection with the Oracle factor is confirmed." An operator announced, Gen's tense form relaxing as Sakaki looked away from his monitor to nod at him and the others.

" 'We gladly feast on those who would subdue us'." Johannes hummed, "My… it has been some time since I last heard that be said in such a battle cry."

Down below the device open, black smoke-like ash almost seeming to leak from the armlet that was now welded to Akiko's arm. Slowly she straightened herself, feeling the new weight on her arm as she slowly pulled it and the weapon she had been gripping onto off the devices table. Her left hand coming up to properly hold the thing, as she stared up at its blade. 'It… It hardly weighs a thing.' She thought, noting how although sore, how her muscle seemed to have changed, as even with the weight she felt on her arm from the red armlet and scythe in hand, it did not match with what her mind was sure should have been a more drastic change in weight in her hands. Staring up at the blue almost, organic in nature, blade and the rest of its parts, Akiko's eyes could not help but be drawn towards a yellow-ish looking stone that was embedded where the weapons parts all connected, a black mass of what could have been flesh connecting it all with the stone, when…

"Ha!" She gasped as something similar to ligaments came out of the mass and sank into a hole on her armlet. Akiko's breath hitched as she once more felt a pulse pass through her body, the skin on her hand seeming to become the same black and texture of the strands that had entered her armlet. She felt a bond be formed, felt as the weapon in her hand seemed to almost… become a part of her, in soul and body, maybe even… heart? Her skin returning to its usually light beige, and the foreignness of this sudden connection faded as it seemed to fully bond with her.

"Congratulations are in order." The voice that had been guiding her since she entered this room said once more spoke as she moved the scythe down to an almost resting position. "You are the very first of our New Type God Eaters. Brilliant! You have passed the test, and so well." He said as if he were truly happy for her success.

Something in Akiko doubted that was really true though, or at least that there was not some level of the hidden motive behind it. At least if his lack of complete open transparency and lies of omission were anything to go by. 'Nothing to fear my butt!' Akiko thought, 'That hurt like a… a… Like a stubbed toe times one million! A real son of a-'

"Now that we're certain you're a God Arc match-"

'Wait wasn't that why I was brought here in the first place?!' Akiko almost wanted to shout as she bit her bottom lip.

"We must ensure your welfare with a short physical. Please, wait in the lobby just beyond the door. We will have an escort lead you to ensure you do not get lost as well. The doctor will see to you shortly. And do let someone know if you feel unwell." The man ordered. Akiko turned to leave the room as she heard the sealed door behind her unlock and open, "I have great hopes…" Was the last thing she heard before her eyes set on the stoic yet relieved face of Gen.

After dropping off her new weapon in the base's armory with Gen. Akiko found herself in a silent elevator ride with the sixty-two-year-old man. Not having been allowed to change out of the formal wear she'd been ordered to wear for her exam. She was still dressed in her new Fenrir issued formal wear, though she had removed the uniform's ribbon out from her hair. An all too familiar red rose clip returned to its place in the tousled updo she had made for herself. Though it did little to help with the stiffening feeling she had from wearing the group's recruit uniforms.

As such the silence that had followed her and Gen since she first left the testing room only worked to make her feel even more uncomfortable and off. As such Akiko tried to break the silence. "Well… That sure was something, huh? I think I'm gonna hurt tomorrow in places that I didn't know hurting was possible in!" She rambled before falling silent, her mind needing to process her own nervous ramblings, before shrugging. "Yeah, that makes sense." She laughed feeling her stomach turn though when Gen neither smiled, laughed, or even rolled his eyes or tried to correct her failure at grammar. "Gen…?"

"I'm sorry." Gen quietly said, his eyes never leaving the elevators dial as they slowly rose closer and closer to the base's lobby. "For not warning you of what was going to go down back there."

"Oh…" Akiko mumbled, putting up a smile as she waved the man's apology away. "It's okay Gen! You forget, I'm already used to this whole... 'God Eater secrets by omission' rule you all seem to have to live on. You and Mima did it all the time when you'd suddenly show up to get her for missions on her days off." She had happily said only to wince as she noted the tightening of his fist from his good arm. "Really… I… I do get it." The elevator stopped, and the doors opened to show a few God Eaters loitering about around the lobby area.

"Welp!" Clapping her hands together behind her back Akiko almost winced as she accidentally bruised her other wrist on her newly acquired armlet. She would have to get used to that new fashion accessory that was permanently fused to her arm.

"This is my stop!" Stepping out of the elevator fully she turned to face the older male with a smile, "I don't know what they'll be having me do after the physical but, do you think we can meet back here for dinner tonight!"

Sighing Gen nodded, ruffling the top of Akiko's head as she mewled in annoyance much to his amusement. "Sure kid. I'll even introduce you to the Den's oh so beloved giant corn."

"That doesn't sound beloved?" Akiko pouted as she tried to pat down the frizzy strands Gen had caused her.

"Oh, it's not. But it's sure as hell to fill a big eater like you." Gen snorted, as Akiko wickedly smiled up at him.

"Wanna bet!" She giggled as she almost bounced in place. "Mima used to say being a God Eater really opened up her appetite, I bet mine will too."

"No thanks. I may be old, but I'm not that old to fall for that." The man huffed turning to go back into the elevator to get back to his work. "You just listen to the Major and Doctor once you run into them."

Looking back at Akiko, Gen's face was once more set in his usual stern mask; though this time Akiko was sure he was directing the look to her. "And what the director said earlier, about telling someone if you feel unwell. Do it, no brushing it off like it's nothing. You wouldn't believe the number of rookies we have had make that mistake."

"Yes sir," Akiko promised waving at Gen as the elevator doors closed shut between them. Taking a deep breath, she turned away from shuttered doors and made her way down to the lobby's guest sitting area a floor below.

Reaching the bottom of the stairs, she couldn't help but notice a lone boy somewhere around her age sitting fidgety on one of the benches. He was dressed in the male Fenrir formal uniform and had the God Eater armlet on his wrist like her.

Walking up to the orange-haired boy, she pointed down to the space beside him. "Hello~ Mind if I take a seat?"

The boy seemed to almost jump, turning his more amber green eyes up at her. "Huh? Oh, sure! Go right on ahead!"

Nodding, Akiko plopped herself down beside him with a sigh. Tilting her head back as she wished she had some form of distraction as she waited for her physical. Her muscles still feeling sore even now, as she felt a continued buzz of energy underneath her skin. She wondered if the boy beside her was feeling the same with how he had fidgeted before she came.

"Hey!"

"Hmm?" She turned to see the boy slightly blushing as he grinned up at her from his slightly slumped position.

"Want some gum?" He tried to offer, reaching into his pocket when Akiko nodded, only to stop when he felt nothing. "Oh… they're all gone." The boy mumbled embarrassed, chuckling nervously as Akiko giggled at his mistake. "Hehehe! I kinda downed the last piece."

"Pfft, I'm guessing you didn't even realize it was that last one?" Akiko teased as the boy shook his head.

"Of course not! If I had I wouldn't have tried to offer you some! Uh… Now I feel bad."

"Ahaha! Well, how about next time you get some you make sure to save me a piece." She teased, gasping dramatically though with a clap of her hands. "Wait! No! Two pieces! Interest for offering such a fine treat as gum only to have left me with the craving! Oh, woe is I!" Akiko dramatically sighed in despair as she pretended to look away.

The orange-haired boy laughed at this, "Well, you got me there!" Relaxing the boy sat up straighter, "So, you're a match too? That makes at least two of us. How old are you anyway?"

"Pfft, don't you know it's rude to ask a lady her age." Akiko playfully huffed as the boy simply just grinned.

"Well, I've still got a nanosecond of experience on ya. I'm Kota by the way, Kota Fujiki." The boy, Kota, casually said.

Making Akiko giggle with a shake of her head. "Well, I'm Akiko. Akiko Amano, but everyone just call me Akiko or Aki." Akiko explained before sending Kota a wink with a wicked smirk, "Oh! And I'm seventeen."

"I see, you definitely look-" Kota's stopped mid-talk, eyes widening as he gaped at Akiko. "Seventeen!" Kota almost yelled, "I… I'm only fifteen!"

Akiko snorted as she watched the boys' frazzled brain try to form proper words. It honestly did not surprise her to know that teen beside her had expected her to be younger. They appeared to be around the same height with only a two year age gap between them. It would be hard to really note that easily what her actual age was unless she had tried to look the part. Add on the fact she really didn't try to act like her supposed age, and the misconception of her age seemed to pop up wherever she went when first meeting others.

But then, the sound of heels clicking caught her pierced ears. Looking up, she noticed a beautiful woman dressed in white with dark black hair covering her right eye walking towards them with a tablet in hand. The hairs on the back of Akiko's head and body rose as she met the gaze of the beautiful woman's own piercing green. It was as if this woman was calling, no, commanding them for respect, and only the best. Akiko could only shiver nervously as she remembered how a similar pair of eyes to this woman would use to give her that same look at home.

"Stand," Tsubaki ordered as she finally stopped before the pair of teens. Watching as Akiko quickly stood up in attention, while Kota confusedly blinked up at her.

"Ma'am!"

"Huh?"

"Stand and to attention." Tsubaki's visible eye became a scolding glare as she reiterated her order to the boy. "Now!" Kota was jumping at this, entering an over-exaggerated form of attention, while Akiko remained in place looking at the place ahead of her.

"Excellent. I've got a busy day planned, so we'll keep this quick." Tsubaki began moving to place herself at full center before the two teens. "My name is Tsubaki Amamiya. I am the senior operator here at the Far East, and I'll be your advisor. Your schedule is as follows: a full medical checkup followed by a gamut of physical conditioning. You'll be taught basic combat strategies and tactics, then given a brief overview of God Arcs and armament." Shifting her gaze between the two Tsubaki continued her orders. "Until this moment, God Eaters have put their lives on the line to defend you." She couldn't help but notice the slight pain to flash through Akiko's eyes, "Now it's your turn to repay them. If you plan on staying alive, every order will be answered and enacted immediately, understood?"

"Yes Ma'am!" Akiko nervously replied only to flinch when she noted Kota hadn't spoken due to his nerves and Tsubaki's stern gaze darkened.

"Am I understood?" Tsubaki harshly repeated.

Both Kota and Akiko jumped, as they now both spoke in response. "Ma'am! Yes Ma'am!"

"Better." Tsubaki's voice returned to an even tone. "Now, as to your exams." She looked over her tablet quickly before nodding to herself. "Let's begin with you, shall we?" She pointed at Akiko making the girl gulp as she was fully met with Tsubaki's gaze. "Orders are to report to Dr. Paylor Sakaki's office at 1500 hours. And you," She looked to Kota then, "At 1600 hours. Until then, you're both free to tour the facility as you wish." Turning slightly to leave, she gave the two a final rundown. "Welcome to Fenrir's Far East Branch, which we affectionately call, 'The Den'. This is your home now; both your future teammates and the facility members, your family. Godspeed." And with that, they were dismissed as she walked away. Akiko and Kota both almost crashed back down in their seats, as Kota clutched his racing heart, and Akiko tried not to mewl over the tension that had worsened her muscles' soreness.

"Oh, man… Talk about intense! I think my heart's about to pop out of my chest."

"Scary~ That was… So intense! I haven't had to deal with anything like that since Mima's training!"

"Damn~ I'm guessing Tsubaki gave you two the good old one-two." An amused male spoke causing the pair to look up at yet another new figure. A boy around their age dressed in engineering clothes and gear, but with an armlet on his arms like them amusedly stared down at

them. A small platinum-haired girl shyly looking at the two as she clung to the dark-haired teen's side. "Don't worry about her too much. Tsubaki's a… bit, intense but she is a great operator and instructor. You'll get used to it eventually… maybe..."

"Yuta~" The small girl whined tugging at the teen's left arm, "My father?"

"Right, sorry Erina. Let's go find your dad and that big brother of yours." Waving at the pair the, well Kota and Akiko could only guess he was to be their senior, God Eater walked. "Though I swear you really need to stop wandering around so much, one of these days you're gonna-" They were out of earshot and sight before Kota or Akiko even knew what to say.

"Get used to it? Oh man, I think I'm gonna be sick." Kota fell back onto the bench with a moan, Akiko only sighing as she moved to get up.

"Yeah… I can… I can get why." She winced as a phantom pain of being hit on the back of her head hit her. Looking up at one of the few monitors in the lobby, she took note of the time. "I think I'll make a quick trip to my room and get changed out of this uniform before heading to see the Doctor."

Moaning Kota nodded in agreement as he held his hand up in the air. "Yeah… That's… That's a good idea. Do you mind helping me up… I can't seem to feel my legs."

Sighing Akiko took the outstretched limb," Sure. Come on jelly legs."

"Oh! Hey! Aki. Maybe we should say hi to everyone while we have the chance…" Kota excitedly said as he stood up. "You know what they say: first impressions are the most lasting! And after those last two…"

"Right… We should probably look at the Database on the terminals too, Ms. Tsubaki did mention something about lessons." Akiko added as Kota paled at her words.

"What! I mean… I know we should but have you seen how much text there is?! No way I can read all that!" Kota almost seemed to whine, Akiko laughing as she patted his back.

"There there. No need to worry over spilled milk just yet. It was just an idea." But Kota only whined at Akiko's teasing as the pair went to find their dorm floor and bedrooms.

Now dressed in the more casual attire of a simple white jacket and plaid green skirt, Akiko could finally move more easily. Stepping off the elevator for the laboratory floor she met with the scene of three teens, two God Eaters, and an engineer talking amongst themselves off to the side.

"I'm telling you! The reward was puny, and the rations are getting worse." The frustrated God Eater boy with pinkish-red hair moaned as he scratched his head roughly.

The engineer, a silver white-haired girl, could only shake her head at the male, "Oh come on Shun. I know we're having a lean year but it can't be that bad."

"That's easy enough for you to say Licca, you're not the one having to risk your life to go out there and fight those things. God Eaters may get better pay, but it's not nearly enough to cover risking our lives. I'm telling you though the First Unit gets all the good pay, and it's not fair! Especially not with that Grim-"

"Stop that, Shun!" The second God Eater, a girl with bubble gum pink hair, said as she glared down at the boy. "That… That's not fair to say. The First Unit works just as hard as we do, you shouldn't be talking about them or one of their teammates behind their back like this."

"Oh come on Kanon! You can't tell me you don't think the same. Didn't you almost die on that last joint mission with that guy? Hell, you even tried to give him cookies for 'saving your life,' and he just threw it in your face." Shun clapped back as Licca turned to glare at the boy as she snapped.

"Shun!"

Kanon's face turned red with anger. "That wasn't what happened! And you-"

Kanon stopped, her light blue eyes going to look at Akiko and drawing the other two's attention to her as Kanon squeaked in shock. "You! How long have you–? Are you?"

Shun huffed in annoyance, "One of the new rookies? They said we were getting two right?"

Akiko just nodded, as Kanon politely turned fully to face her with an embarrassed smile. "Then you must be on your way for your medical check-up, right! It's at the end of the hall, in Dr. Sakaki's lab. Doc's a little eccentric-"

Throwing his arms behind his head Shun scoffed, "Don't you mean a lot- Ow! Licca what was that for?"

"Shush!" Licca hissed, having seemingly smacked the male's side for the disrespect.

"But! He's a very kind man! You'll be fine!"

"Yeah, it's just the Demon Queen Tsubaki and the old ma- ow! Seriously! Stop hitting me!" Shun snapped Kanon nervously laughing as her two companions began to quietly argue between themselves.

"Um… Maybe you should-"

"Done." Akiko nodded, throwing her hands up in a 'give up' gesture.

She didn't really have time to get caught in the middle of the friend group drama, and she would prefer to get her check-up done as soon as possible. Thus, she walked past the group, noting as Kanon tried to play peacekeeper between two others until Shun seemed to have said something that led to her and Licca teaming up on him.

Entering the room Kanon had pointed out to her, Akiko was met with the scene of one Director looking down at the Doctor as the man typed away at a complex-looking computer. The two though stopped whatever they were doing as she came up before them.

"Um… Hello, I was ordered by Ms. Tsubaki and some smooth shifty voice to come here for a medical check-up." Akiko awkwardly greeted stopping as she noticed the two men staring her down. "What! It was over an intercom after I got my armlet! I don't really have a name, or face, to go off on for that one, so I'm just calling it how I see it!" Akiko tried to nervously explain before looking away to mumble to herself, "Wait- would it be see it or hear it, I mean you can't really see sound can you-"

Sakaki coughed as he tried to restrain his laughter, he had not been expecting that; and if the twitch from Johannes was anything to go by neither was he. "Well, I didn't expect that…" He looked back down at his monitor screen and smiled as he noted the time, "You are here precisely seven hundred twenty-six seconds before I anticipated, even with your change of clothes. Interesting." Looking back up to Akiko, Sakaki held his hand out to quickly shake hers in greeting. "I am Paylor Sakaki- Hehe, Doctor Paylor Sakaki. The chief of Aragami Tech and R&D." He chuckled, pulling his hand away after their quick shake. "I'm certain we'll be seeing quite a lot of each other over the coming days. Welcome aboard, New Type! Or should I say…?"

"Akiko, Akiko Amano. But people sometimes call me Aki for short. A pleasure to meet you Doc- er I mean Doctor." Akiko corrected herself, knowing that she should probably not act so casually with the Chief of a division. "Sorry."

"Oh no my dear do not apologize, there is no need for such formalities or at least not outside of your classes." Sakaki chuckled frowning a bit though when he noticed something on his screens. "Though, as you can see, I'm a touch busy at the moment. Things to do, screens to watch. Uh…" Looking over at his reserved friend Sakaki gestured to Akiko with his head. "Johannes? Why don't you do your speech thing and then I'll go."

Mentally shaking his head at his old friend's antics Johannes agreed, "Sure. Though, Doctor, I think it is high time you learned to prioritize between work and personal research." Looking back over to Akiko, Johannes smiled pleasantly and formally as he noticed her now wide eyes as she gaped at him. "Thank you for taking part in the Aptitude Test. I know it is not pleasant. My name is Johannes von Schicksal. I'm sure you've realized this but I was that smooth shifty voice that oversaw your exam. I am also the Director of the Far East Branch, reporting directly to Fenrir."

"Eep!" Akiko squeaked. She couldn't believe she had called her new boss's voice smooth and shifty to his face. 'I mean is still true, but still! Talk about a shit first impression!' She internally cried as the director just continued to speak.

"Once again, congratulations on your acceptance. I know you shall do great things in your time here."

"Don't let the speechifying fool you." Sakaki cut in. "He's an ex-tech guy. No doubt the New Type medical exam is calling to him." He teased, drawing a slightly annoyed sigh from Johannes.

"A 'tech guy'? Do keep in mind that I hung up my lab coat because we have you now, Doctor."

"Once a scientist, always a scientist, Johannes." Sakaki simply smiled.

"Perhaps…" The Director sighs, before returning his gaze back to a still watching Akiko. "In any case, if I may return to my speechifying. The Fenrir Corporation has many goals, of which you are now a critical part. Tell me Ms. Amano do you know what your direct duties are as a God Eater?"

'Huh?' Blinking at the sudden question Akiko did her best to hold the director's gaze. "I… Um… Isn't it to hunt down and destroy Aragami? And… gather their material?" She almost seemed to ask in return. Trying to recall some of the info she looked over in her room before coming to this check-up. Watching as the man continued to smile politely as he nodded.

"Yes, quite simple I know; but there is technically more to that last part. These materials you gather are converted into resources you see. Resources that help maintain this base and supply the upcoming 'Aegis Project.'"

"These numbers…" Akiko's head almost seem to snap back towards Sakaki as the man became engrossed in his work. "There's no way they can be right." He almost seemed to laugh.

"The Aegis Project…" Her head snapped back to face the still speaking Director, noting a slight tension in his brow, an obvious sign he was becoming annoyed. "... will defend humanity and our utopia. A fortress at sea, impregnable to Aragami assault, located near the deepest part of the Sea of Japan."

"Ah! Of course, of course-"

"Once the final phase of the project is complete, humanity will be able to live in peace again, free from these monsters."

"Haha! Amazing! The New Types are a Miracle!"

'Uh oh.' Akiko thought watching the Director's head almost snap towards the Doctor.

"Paylor! I am trying to teach something!"

"Oh, right! Hehe..." Sakaki chuckled, "Sorry, sorry. It's just these readings, they're beyond our wildest hopes!"

'Say what now?' Akiko confusedly thought as the Director seemed to hum in acknowledgment at what his friend said.

"Then it seems the future of humanity is in good hands. You will do us proud."

"Um… Thank… you?" Akiko awkwardly said as the two men seemed to ignore how much they were causing her to become confused. 'They weren't kidding about the whole eccentric bit…' She quietly thought watching as Johannes made to leave the room.

"And on that note, I shall place you in the Doctor's hands and take my leave, Payler, be sure to send the results." He did not even wait or look for a sign of confirmation from the Doctor. And with the exacerbated way he'd finished talking, Akiko was sure that the man left a small bit annoyed.

Watching him leave, it wasn't till the sliding mechanical door closed behind the Director as he left that Sakaki spoke once more. "I believe we're ready to begin." He started drawing Akiko's attention back towards him, "Go ahead and lie down on the bed just over there." He explained pointing to a makeshift table/bed that he had prepared in the room. Once she had sat down on the bed, Sakaki placed a small pill and drink in her hands. "Oh, and take this. This will help with the exam." He watched as she stared down the small pill before quickly popping it into her mouth and drowning it down with the small cup of water. Akiko shivered at the strong bitter taste.

"Oh yes, not the best tasting I know. Still working on that really. But this will help to get you a bit drowsy. I assure you there's nothing to worry about. When you awaken, you'll be back in your quarters. It's a, uh, catnap, so to speak. Shouldn't be more than a few hours, ten thousand eight hundred seconds at most." Sakaki explained watching as Akiko's eyes began to droop and her body slowly shut down for its nap. "Sleep well!" And she was out like a light. Leaving the once smiling Doctor to frown slightly as his eyes moved back to his screens and the new data it began to collect from the armlet on her arm.

"Now… Time to see just how much of these numbers are the truth, or error, and what potential you New Types have."