Little Wing It!

by Ryuumaru Chunchunmaru

A snarky teenage beastman, a lazy genius girl, a naive tribesboy, and a redhead with growth issues. When an ancient civilization plots to hijack the Gurhal system's population, it's up to this group of youths to stop it. What could possibly go wrong?

24. V4 Ch2: Case Of The Missing Idiot

Little Wing It

Volume 4

The Disappearance Of Emilia Percival

Chapter 2

Case Of The Missing Idiot

ooo000ooo

I

ooo000ooo

"Mind telling me where in the hell you are?"

"Neudaiz."

I nonchalantly answered the question Kraz asked from my comms. He looked a bit miffed, although I guess I can hardly blame him.

"Neudaiz, right. Alright, different question. What in blazes are you doing there?"

"Idiot hunting."

Well, also kicking out Communion radicals from an abandoned temple but I'm pretty sure that can be covered in the mission report.

Kraz scratched his head in response, before sighing and folding his arms.

"Look, I'm as worried as you are but you gotta work with me here. You're not even fully recovered!"

Worried? Who's worried? I'm not worried.

All I want is to drag that moron back to Clad 6, smack her upside the head, and rant at her all day about how stupid she is.

"Where's Emilia? We need to find her!"

"I'm tellin' ya. That's what we're fixin' to do!"

Kraz honestly looked exasperated enough, and I don't think Yut's helping any in that regard.

I pushed Yut away from Kraz's hologram and signalled to Red to take him off my hands, which she answered to with a shrug.

"Just get your asses back here. Ursula and I are already discussing what to do so stay in your rooms where I can easily call for you!"

"... alright, boss."

"Good."

And with that, Kraz's weary visage flickered out of my wrist.

"Told ya we shoulda stayed put."

"Whatever."

At least we ruled out this area of Neudaiz, right?

Oh, who am I kidding. What are we even doing here? This is the exact kind of rash decision I'd normally berate Emilia for.

"So, what's the plan, bandit?"

"Stop calling me that, I didn't even steal anything. And you heard the boss, let's head back."

"Head back? But what about Emilia?"

Yut looked slightly affronted when I said we should return to the colony.

"We'll just have to wait for any leads the boss can dig out. I don't like it too but it's a direct order."

"But... okay. I understand."

"I'm glad. Let's go back."

The ride home was a relatively quiet one as well. Now that things have calmed down a bit, there wasn't really anything to discuss.

Still, with all that adrenaline having died off, the fatigue came rushing back to me. I started feeling nauseous, but I held it in. I can always rest back at my room, no need to have others fuss over me.

It didn't take long for us to get back to Clad 6.

"Hey, you look a little pale. Maybe you should lie down for now."

"... that might not be a bad idea."

Red suggested to me, having noticed the slight change in my posture. I've been trying my best to hide my sudden bout of nausea but I guess she really kept her eye out for me.

It's really strange. I knew Red was someone I could count on, regardless of her numerous antics. But for her to look over me this much... I don't want to say I misjudged her but...

I'm just a little glad, I guess.

I turned to Yut, who's also been a little silent on our return trip. Without Emilia, there wasn't really anyone who he can engage in idle chatter with. She's always been the one closest to him, you'd mistake them for siblings.

"Don't worry, Yut. The instant we receive news on Emilia, I'm calling you. So just take a break, alright?"

"... okay. Heal faster, Kara! I want to spar with you again!"

"Heh. I'll try."

He ran off with a grin, and I couldn't help a small smile from appearing on my face. Through all that's happened to him since we met, I'm surprised he's still able to keep that excitement and resolve in him.

I might have also become a bit attached to that kid. Probably. Possibly. Nah.

With Yut having disappeared into who knows where, I addressed Red again.

"Sorry. I've been a handful."

Red made an expression that I couldn't quite figure out, before shrugging and waving me off.

"Just remember what I told you and we're good, dude. Maybe buy me a drink or two."

"Thanks... Akane."

Her unknown expression returned once again, along with her eyes widening slightly. But in a second, it was gone.

"See ya later, coffee boy."

"Back at ya, milkshake."

And with that, I was back on my own.

I made my way over to my room, half expecting Emilia to be munching on some chips in my bed while watching the T.V. system that I rarely use.

But instead of a mumbled greeting from a mouth filled with junk food, all that welcomed me back was a familiar white headset resting on my bed.

Strange, how did this get here? Did she stop by here before barging in to the office?

Well, no matter. It seems like even if she's not around, I'm still picking up after her.

I grabbed it and placed it on the table beside my bed, where a weird green stuffed animal was resting.

Right, this was the doll she gave me as, how did she put it? A customary way of giving thanks.

I shook my head at that particular memory. Of all the things she could give me, she thought a doll was the perfect thing.

Well, she apparently chose right because after all this time, this weird thing is still sitting on this table.

I laid down in my bed and I felt my body completely shut down. Seems like I really pushed myself this time.

And yet I found myself unable to get any sleep.

A few minutes later, I could only be thankful when my comms watch started beeping. I forced myself to sit and answered the call.

For a split second, I thought, or hoped, that it was Emilia but then appeared a quite pissed off Kunoh.

"You answered. Good. I have plenty of things to say about you, and especially Kraz."

I can only imagine what those things are. Now I suddenly wish I didn't answer the call and just pretended to be asleep. Or dead. Whichever works.

But now that we're here...

"Um... be gentle?"

"Hmph. Don't worry. That can wait until after you've found Emilia."

Kunoh's one of the veteran Little Wingers. By the time I joined, she was already here for quite some time.

Apparently, she used to be a Guardian. Like Tonnio Rhima, the beastling we encountered in Moatoob before, along with his wife, Liina.

Another thing to note about Kunoh, is that she seems to have a soft spot for Emilia. We don't encounter each other much, but whenever we do, the subject's almost always my troublesome partner.

That's why, with her running off because of a misunderstanding with us, I can understand why she's mad at Kraz and I. Hopefully, mostly Kraz.

That said, she's a pretty cool person, and she's even given me some valuable advice from time to time. I'm glad she's not just blowing up at me and is willing to withhold her fury for now.

"Except there's one thing I'd like to say up front."

Or maybe I was mistaken?

I braced myself for some harsh words, but thankfully, I wasn't.

"Don't underestimate her. She may still be a child but she's got some fight in her. A strong spirit. Don't forget that."

"Y-yes, ma'am."

She motioned to turn off her comms but she suddenly remembered something and turned back to me.

"Oh, and don't even try tracking her using movement data. Erasing an entry log is as easy as yawning for that girl."

"Got it. Thanks."

As easy as yawning, huh? Might have been an exaggeration but who knows? I've known not to underestimate that girl in anything she does.

Be it idiocy, brilliance, or a bit of both.

Kunoh signed off successfully that time, but my comms suddenly started beeping again almost immediately.

I pressed the answer button, and Vasque appeared on the interface.

"I overheard your conversation with Kunoh. Looks like you got off easy. For now."

"Guess so... wait. Overheard? How?"

Vasque raised his arms in surrender at my confused question. Huh. It's not that I suspected him of anything but...

I guess I'm just a little tense today.

To reiterate, Vasque was someone I met back in the relic site, even before Emilia. Turns out he helped with the evacuation and caught Kraz's attention. Now he's part of this merry band of misfits as well.

We're not particularly close, but we keep in touch. He's a pretty wise guy, and he's very interested about the Kasch, so most of the time, I relay questions from him to Yut, if I can't make them talk directly.

"I was with Kunoh."

"Oh. Alright then."

With Kunoh? Interesting.

I thought about asking, nothing to do and I can't sleep anyway, but I decided not to in the end. It's not my business anyway.

I've been here in Little Wing long enough that I've almost forgotten about my mantra of keeping out of people's business. Of course, that doesn't mean much now, with how much I've changed in the past several weeks.

"So, how's things over there?"

"Still pretty shit. Tired as hell, arm's still healing, and I can't frickin' sleep. Oh, and I seem to have misplaced an idiot. Have you seen one lately?"

"I see. You've had it rough, huh?"

"You have no idea."

After this entire fiasco with Emilia's sorted out, I'm sleeping for an entire day. Not to mention the mess with Shizuru and the Ancients.

After that, I'll sleep for a week.

"No matter how strong they get, no matter how powerful, their hearts are weak and untempered. That's youth."

"Youth, huh?"

"Right. Wild emotional swings? That's an unstable persona acting out. And don't expect them to read between the lines."

Read between the lines, you say. Heh. If only. This whole mess started because Emilia couldn't do just that.

But also because the one time I needed to be harsh at her, I couldn't. I don't know which is more frustrating.

Vasque continued on.

"Misunderstanding breeds misunderstanding. And that leads to separation. That's how it goes for every parent and child."

"Parent and child... you're talking about Kraz."

"Yep. I'll bet he has his space skivvies in a bunch on this one. Best find that girl sooner than later."

Space skivvies... I'll remember that one.

Now that I've had some time to decompress, I actually felt like I could rest now. Was this intentional on Vasque's part?

Ehh, doesn't matter. He's a good guy.

"Thanks for your time. I hope me talking your ear off helped with your stress a little."

"It has, thanks."

"I'm glad. Till next time."

Vasque's hologram disappeared, and I was left alone once again. But now that I've managed to vent a little, my body finally allowed exhaustion to take over.

I laid back down, and I instantly dozed off.

ooo000ooo

II

ooo000ooo

I can't believe how stupid I was.

Huh?

I tried opening my eyes, but I couldn't feel them. Or anything at all.

All that surrounded me was darkness. But I knew I heard a voice... one that I'm very familiar with.

To think I actually believed them when they said they were my friends. Guess the joke's on me...

Emilia!

I tried to move but to no avail. What is this? Why am I hearing Emilia?

That doesn't matter! I need to move!

The worst part is, I was really trying this time. I guess I'm just no good at anything...

As I tried struggling more, Emilia's voice started getting quieter and quieter, until I was left with nothing but complete silence to accompany the all-encompassing black.

No, that can't be it!

I reached out, feeling a small well of victory as I succeeded in the action, and managed to grab the closest thing I could.

"Wait!"

"What the-?!"

Huh?

I suddenly awoke to find myself half sitting, half lying down, with my non-injured arm outstretched forward, gripping the wrist of a startled Red.

I blinked my eyes a few times, and so did she.

"... what are you doing here?"

"What am I doing- what are you doing?! Get off!"

She quickly pulled back her arm, leaving me very confused about the current state of things.

"Sorry. Did you need anything?"

I asked with an apologetic tone. I didn't have any idea what I was doing when I was half-asleep, but I still felt like I should apologize.

Thankfully, Red didn't seem to have any plans of holding it against me and shook her head.

"No, but Boss-man called for you. Actually, he called for all of us."

"Did he have news about Emilia?"

"He didn't say."

"I see. How long was I out?"

"Three hours, give or take."

Three hours? I guess I was a bit more tired than I thought. That turned out a lot longer than a nap.

I guess that explains how I was able to have that weird dream. I'm pretty sure it was Emilia but... It felt...

Well, it didn't feel real, not exactly. But there was this presence. I couldn't quite put my finger on it.

Best not to worry about that. I started getting out of bed.

"You look better."

"Yeah? I had a nice nap."

Thanks to Kunoh and Vasque, I was able to distract myself from my inability to get any sleep. And boy, do I feel refreshed.

Since I didn't bother changing before lying down, only taking off my coat, I managed to get up and out of my room in record time.

Strangely, people seem to be busier than usual. What's going on?

"You know, when you were sleeping..."

"Hm? What's that?"

"... nevermind. Let's go, he's waiting."

I shrugged off Red's weird behavior and approached the doors to the CEO office.

I have no idea what Kraz wants, but I'm sure it's about Emilia. I hope he's got some leads, but if he doesn't, then at the very least, some news or even sightings.

The office's doors opened, and inside were the usual trio. Kraz, Ursula, and Chelsea. An impatient-looking Yut was also beside them, but his face brightened up once he saw Red and I enter.

"There you are. Haven't heard from the idiot, have you?"

Of course not. If I had, do you think I'd be hanging around here, taking naps?

Why would he even ask that? If he's had any leads at all then why bother asking that? Does this mean we're still at square one? Then why even call for us?

Before I could get irritated, I let out a sigh to stop myself. With a good rest under me, I can think logically now, or at least, better than a few hours ago.

Kraz took my sigh as a negative answer, releasing a weary sigh of his own.

"Didn't think so. That damn fool can hardly finish a job without botching it up, but she cuts town like a pro."

I tell you, it's always the extremes with that girl.

One minute she's forgets her own staff, the next she's hacking the systems to erase movement logs.

And the most impressive part is, she did that in the time it took me to get to the transporter. And while in an unstable rush of emotions.

Granted, she probably only just deleted where she was currently going, but after that, nothing. There's absolutely no data.

"I don't know how she did it, but all the telemetry, anything we could have used to track her? They're all gone."

Before I could ask what we were called for, Ursula stepped forward, looking like she's got a big announcement to make.

"If this were an ordinary runaway situation, that would be one thing. But with all the abductions that have been going around..."

"And let's not forget that Shizuru's after her too. We beefed up security on the colony after the attack, but outside these walls, anything goes."

Kraz added, seemingly taking over for Ursula. I'm fine with that, what with Kraz actually taking this seriously.

One proof of that is him actually doing something about that attack. I haven't noticed it since we're almost always out on missions, but he didn't just sit on his ass after that incident.

Of course, with Emilia not around, those security improvements aren't gonna mean shit unless Shizuru attacks us for some reason, but the possibility of that isn't high.

The real danger here, is that Emilia's somewhere out there, unprotected. After all that training we did, she can hold her own pretty well, but against Shizuru?

"What's the plan, then?"

I asked, getting to the heart of the matter. Kraz won't just call us here for absolutely no reason at all. He must have something for us.

I was proven right when Kraz finally answered.

"The plan is, effective immediately, Little Wing's launching a manhunt to get that idiot back safe and sound. I'm putting your crew on the team. Whaddaya say?"

Now we're talking!

Look at Emilia, getting an entire mercenary firm moving for her sake. Well, technically, for Mika, but they don't know that yet.

Yut pumped up his fists while Red had a smirk on her face. Kraz must have figured it's useless to keep us here while Emilia's out there, evidenced by our little trip to Neudaiz.

He may have succeeded in getting us to come back, but we would have gone out again even if no traces of her were found.

So instead, he's officially sending us out to find her. Even with my broken arm. Well, it's not really broken anymore. This cast is just for precaution now. If things get hairy, I can take it off and fight with two arms. I'll just have to be extra careful.

It's decided then. I looked Kraz in the eye, and told him my answer.

"How much is the pay?"

I could feel whatever excitement that was building up in the room suddenly die down. Except for Red, who started snickering.

Besides that, it was so silent, you could hear a pin drop.

"... you're yankin' my chain, right?"

"Of course I am. We're on it."

Kraz let out a sigh of relief once he heard my actual answer.

What? Did everyone really think I'd prioritize the money over my partner's safety? Come on. I'd worry about the money after Emilia's back.

"You gotta take it easy on me, kid. Don't worry, you'll get paid. Just bring her back."

To be honest, I couldn't care less if I get paid or not. Getting to scold that girl would be payment enough. I'm sure she'd understand.

I turned back to my teammates.

"You guys are fine with it, right?"

"Of course! We need to find Emilia!"

"Someone's gotta keep an eye on your One-Armed ass. And besides, we had a deal."

I knew they weren't gonna have any problems with it, but I felt like I had to ask. Just for formality's sake.

Kraz looked pleased with this, stepping forward to slap me on my good shoulder.

It still hurt.

"No one's spent more time with her than you three. I'm counting on you."

To be counted on. It's a nice feeling, I suppose.

I was about to ask him the details of our mission but I suddenly felt a rush of vertigo, and found myself unable to speak once again, like in my dream.

But if this is happening again, then maybe it wasn't a dream at all?

My vision started fading to black, as I found myself without any ability to move. But this time, I didn't resist it. If last time let me hear Emilia, then maybe this time, when I'm fully conscious...

Before I fully went under, I felt the familiar presence of golden flowers.

"Still no leads on where she might have gone, though. I figure we should start with... kid? Kid!"

ooo000ooo

III

ooo000ooo

"I can't believe how stupid I was."

There in the eternal darkness that I've found myself in, I heard Emilia's voice once more. Only this time, I knew it was her, and that it was real.

I opened my eyes, and what appeared in my vision was Emilia and Mika, conversing in a grassy area somewhere.

So, it really was Mika. She must have tried sending me a message earlier, but it just came across as a hazy dream. This time, though, I'm receiving it loud and clear.

"To think I actually believed them when they said they were my friends. Lumia, Yut, Red... Kara. Guess the joke's on me..."

"This must be some sort of misunderstanding. You've worked hard. They have no reason to let you go."

"Thanks, Mika. But I know what I heard."

That idiot. She doesn't even know half the story, and there she goes jumping to conclusions.

Interestingly enough, though, I've heard this before, albeit incomplete. So what Mika's sending me now must be a memory of some sort.

"They even froze my Little Wing card. I couldn't accept any missions."

"Emilia..."

"The worst part is, I was really trying this time. Guess I'm just no good at anything..."

As I was inspecting the area, looking for clues on where this place might be, Emilia suddenly shook her head, a familiar determined look on her face.

That can't be good. That determination helped us many times in the past, but now, it only spelled trouble.

"Before, I probably would have just given up. But not anymore. I'm not going down without a fight!"

What fight exactly?! I hate to break it to you but that resolve of yours is terribly misplaced!

Although I'm a bit proud of how far she's gone in regards to her self-esteem and motivation, it's unfortunately overshadowed by an unyielding irritation.

Even then, I kept listening. Mika wouldn't send me this memory if it wouldn't help us in any way. There's gotta be something that points to where they are.

Soon enough, I would be rewarded for my patience.

"What do you plan to do?"

"I'm going to pull off a job so big, they'll have to take me seriously!"

I was confused at first. I didn't know how she arrived to that train of thought. But then, everything made absolute sense when Emilia uttered her next words.

"I'm going to find proof of what Inhelt's been up to!"

And with that, my vision washed away once more, and I found myself back to Little Wing.

"-is blasted fool pushed himself too hard. I swear, these idiots go hand in hand."

Kraz was in front of me, looking quite distraught and irritated, but mostly irritated. Yut was holding me up, with Red and the others at my side looking concerned.

Well, I'm back. I raised my head up and greeted them.

"'Sup."

"Wha?! What the hell was that, kid?!"

Everyone got startled by my sudden reawakening, but as soon as they my confirmed my condition, which was fine, a collective sigh of relief was released.

I'm touched, really.

Kraz motioned as if to ask what happened, but Yut beat him to it, sniffing at my direction.

"I smell... Mika. Were you in contact with her? What did she show you?"

Looks like I wasn't the only to feel the presence of Mika's energy. I was able to receive her message because of my connection with her, but thanks to Yut's advanced mystical sense, he must have caught some of the signal.

I nodded to him in affirmation. Now, if only I could send a message back. I tried but I couldn't even figure out where to begin.

"Mika? Oh, right. So you know where bolthead's gone?"

"Maybe. I couldn't see much in the vision she sent but..."

"Hold it. You know where Emilia is?"

Kraz interrupted my little discussion with my teammates, looking completely lost but not wanting to be left out on anything regarding Emilia.

Well, your charge is planning on heading straight to Inhelt so have fun with that.

But that got me thinking, if she's going to Inhelt then that means Parum. That also means our trip to Neudaiz was a waste, but that's a minor issue.

I relayed what I know to Kraz, who, despite his incredulousness to the whole thing, seemed willing enough to believe us for now.

I took out any mention of Mika, of course. I spun it as some sort of vision I somehow spontaneously received. I also had to assure him that I was in good condition and that it was because of that that I suddenly lost consciousness.

Thankfully, due to past experiences with Emilia's 'subspace is bad' campaign, and with Shizuru being the son of Inhelt's president, everything seemed to line up well enough that Kraz didn't just send me straight back to the infirmary.

"Inhelt?! What's that blasted idiot thinking? She's heading straight into Shizuru's hands!"

Well, I had about the same reaction subconsciously, so I couldn't blame him for that outburst.

With Kraz getting worked up, Ursula raised a hand to quell the commotion a little. She seemed to be a bit dubious at the whole thing but it doesn't look like she's disbelieving us outright.

"Hang on, Kraz. Are you really going to go on their word alone?"

"Frankly, it's the craziest thing I've heard. But it also happens to be the only thing I've heard. What choice do we have?"

Looks like Kraz's taking a leap of faith for us this time. It's a stark difference to the reception we got the first time we tried painting Inhelt in a bad light.

To be fair, Emilia could have done better in conveying the whole thing, but I was also no help that time so I'm willing to split the blame on that one.

With Ursula placated, Kraz straightened up and placed his hands on his hips, looking infinitely better now that we have an actual tangible lead.

"Well, if we're gonna be looking around Inhelt, we're gonna need clearance. If it's not one thing, it's another..."

With our course of action decided, Kraz turned to Chelsea.

"Hey, Chelsea! I need you to call up the Guardians. Get me the toppest brass you can scarce up in the Intelligence Division."

"Tout suite!"

And in an instant, Chelsea was back in her desk, simultaneously typing away and making a call.

It's amazing how after all this time, I still have no idea what she's saying half the time.

Anyway, seems like the Guardians are coming along again. Well, that's fine with me. Lumia turned out to be really reliable, despite her issues. But I've been told she got over those.

And if I remember correctly, she was in the Intelligence Division, which was the exact division Chelsea was currently contacting.

With his business with Chelsea taken care off, Kraz returned his attention to me and my party.

"As for you, get down to Parum on the double! The Guardians know someone's gunning for Emilia. Meet up with them there and search for her together. I'll see what else I can find."

I grinned at the thought of finally having a concrete idea of where to go, and it looks like the sentiment was shared by Red and Yut.

Kraz nodded in satisfaction, before forming a grin of his own. That can't bode well for Emilia, at all.

"And if you do find that little pest, you bring her straight here, got it?"

Like you needed to ask. That idiot's gonna get the talking to of a lifetime.

"Loud and clear."

"We'll find her!"

"Don't have to worry about a thing, boss-man."

"Good. Now get outta here and find her!"

Kraz was only happy to kick us out of the office. Time spent hanging around can be time spent looking for that idiot. I'm sure we can get filled in on the way by whomever the Guardians were sending.

With our ship held hostage by Emilia, Ursula and Kraz temporarily gave us permission to commandeer a ship that's currently unused.

"So... we're finally going for that partner of yours, huh? Think Little Miss Waber's gonna be joining us?"

To be honest, I have no idea. I knew they were getting in touch with the Intelligence Division, but there's no guarantee that the Guardians would send in Lumia just because of her work history with us.

I mean, I'd prefer if it were her, but we don't really have the right to be picky in this situation. Emilia isn't even theirs and yet they're helping us.

One has to wonder why, though...

"I don't know. But one way or another, we're getting Emilia back."

"One way or another, is it..."

"Yeah. I've got some things to say to her, but I want it to be to her face. Not now, when she's all alone."

I could call her names all I want, but that can wait. Our priority is getting her out of the open on her own, where she's basically asking to be kidnapped.

Surprisingly, Yut started nodding his head upon hearing my words.

"Kara's right! Nobody likes being alone."

"Huh? Where'd that come from?"

Ignoring Red's confused response, Yut continued on with an expression of reminiscing on his face.

"After I lost my brother, I felt I was the only one in the world. I bet that's how Emilia feels."

It was then that I remembered about that particular fact. Yut's brother died some time before we met him in Moatoob. He was also the reason Yut was obsessed with getting stronger through touching death, though that's not really any fault of his.

"Alone in the world, huh?"

I'm familiar with the feeling. Before Little Wing, that was my everyday. And although I said I was used to it, I didn't want to wish it on anyone.

Especially not Emilia.

I turned to Yut with a smile on my face.

"Don't worry. She's not alone. We'll make sure of it."

"Right!"

That elicited a grin from him, and surprisingly, an amused chuckle from Red.

Funny, I thought it was a bit corny, but I guess sappy words like that really fit moments like these, huh? I was honestly expecting her to make fun of me just then.

Well, whatever.

With that little pep talk out of the way, we departed for Parum.

ooo000ooo

IV

ooo000ooo

"You must be from Little Wing. Heh heh. Just like Lumia said."

I would like to know whatever it is Lumia said.

The ride to Parum was uneventful, expectedly, but the moment we arrived, there were already people waiting for us.

The one who greeted us was a brown-haired bespectacled Newman which meant long ears and above average Technic affinity, wearing a Guardians uniform exactly like Lumia's.

Huh. I thought Lumia was just a stickler for rules but have the Guardians always had a uniform policy? I don't seem to remember that being the case.

Nonetheless, we introduced ourselves in short order. Thankfully, there was no mention of my casted arm.

"We're from Little Wing, alright. Kara Draken, and this is my... team."

"What's with the hesitation? Whatever. Name's Red. And this wild child over here's Yut."

I can't explain why I hesitated there but we aren't exactly the ideal definition of a team. I don't know, old habits die hard, I guess.

The one with glasses gave us a quick nod as we stated our names, and after that, prepared to introduce themselves.

"You seem like interesting people. I'm Maya Shidow, Guardians Research Division. And this is my associate."

Glasses, Maya Shidow, pointed to the one next to her, who was a familiar short pink-haired CAST. Her body looked similar to the design of the Guardians uniform, with some extra shoulder pads, and she was wearing a... hat? Well, it looked like a hat, barely. If your typical hats had a metal spike on top, that is.

Though who am I to judge.

"Lou, member of the Guardians Intelligence Division. Thank you for rendering assistance to my subordinate."

"It was no problem, don't mention it."

Ah, now I remember. Lou is a CAST who was mass-produced, with the thoughts and memories of every single one connected. She's rather famous, seeing as there's almost a thousand copies of her all over Gurhal.

That aside, she probably meant Lumia by subordinate. She's in the Intelligence Division too, after all.

The one I'm curious about, though, is this Maya Shidow fellow. She said she was from the Research Division, and Kraz specifically asked for Intelligence. Not that I'm complaining, but it's a little odd.

"What's a subordinate?"

Yut suddenly asked, almost immediately ruining our good first impression to Guardians who weren't Lumia.

Thankfully, Maya didn't catch on that Yut didn't know what a subordinate was, and just thought he was asking who they were referring to.

I have no idea about Lou, though.

"Lumia. Lou's her commanding officer. You know, she's been a different person since she started working for you."

"Blame my partner for that."

"Oh, but I didn't say it was a bad thing! I think the experience has been good for her. We all appreciate it. But we should save the small talk later."

I relayed my agreement through a nod. Let's quickly move on from me instinctively throwing Emilia under the bus. Best not dwell on that.

I half-expected either one of Yut and Red to call me out on it, but I guess not.

"We have received your mission request. Search and rescue for a missing member of Little Wing."

Lou took over the conversation from there, going over the mission details while Maya read up on them.

"We're looking for an... Emilia Percival? Emilia... could it be?"

Maya mused out loud, showing a bit of recognition upon reading Emilia's name and description.

I started wondering then if she knew Emilia, but if she did, then how? Does this have something to do with Emilia's apparent hatred towards the Guardians?

I don't want to be suspicious of them, especially when they're here to help, but...

Meanwhile, Red started elbowing me lightly on the side, motioning for me to come closer and away from the two Guardians.

"Hey. I can see it in your face. Well, I don't know about the tall one but I think we can trust Pinky."

"How do you figure?"

"Dunno, I just feel some sort of comradeship with her, that's all."

By Pinky, I assume she meant Lou.

I took a quick look at the CAST in question, and then back to Red, and back to Lou, and then back... until suddenly it all clicked.

"Ah."

"I don't know what exactly you're thinking but it's definitely wrong!"

"That easy, huh?"

"Can't be too hard when it's written on your face!"

It's true. Lou does indeed... lack in the chest department. One can argue that CASTs don't need such things but how does that explain Chelsea then?

I suppose it rests on the ones that designed their bodies. Lou's must have had efficiency and mobility in mind.

Red should be glad, honestly. She has the perfect body for the insane acrobatics she regularly does. She can jump around all she wants with nothing getting in her way.

"If I may. Our orders are to search Inhelt Corporation. Unfortunately, Inhelt has recently acquired a number of properties on Parum. Narrowing down the search will be difficult."

Lou brought us back to the discussion by bringing up the mission parameters, much to the relief of Red.

"I believe they are using these properties to hide something, but even that is not certain."

"Lou is right. Knowing she went to Inhelt isn't enough. We need something more."

Inhelt certainly isn't making it easy for us. I know they're pretty shady, whether or not it's because of Shizuru, I have no idea, but having numerous properties?

How in the world do we find Emilia? It's not like we put a tracker on her. And with Kraz's comment about not having clearance, we'd definitely be caught before we can check all these places out one by one.

Yut then decided that was the time to remind us of his abilities.

"Her scent."

"Excuse me?"

"Mika's scent... Tethis! Emilia's this way! Follow me!"

Yut ran off to the direction of what I presume to be Emilia's scent and motioned for us to follow.

Maya and Lou were a little confused at his sudden declaration and action. I wonder if they know he's a Kasch, or was that not in the report Lumia sent?

"So... more of jungle boy's mystical mumbo-jumbo?"

"Looks like it. He knows what he's doing..."

"And she got mad at ME for running off. Boy, am I gonna let her have it when we find her!"

"... mostly."

I replied to Red's look, which she gave me after Yut started talking to himself.

We started walking to follow Yut but Lou still didn't look convinced, looking appalled at the idea of using scent to track Emilia.

"Blindly following one's senses is illogical."

"Lou, sometimes, you just have to trust in your gut. This is one of those times. It's not like we have any other lead to begin with."

Thankfully, Maya seemed to be in favor of letting Yut track Emilia with his magical Kasch nose. We're not losing anything by doing so, except perhaps time, but that's time we'll still spend looking for Emilia as well anyway.

Lou didn't raise any further arguments after that so the search was on. For a CAST that operates through logic and efficiency, she seemed to be willing to compromise as well, so it looks like this is going to be a smooth partnership.

A few minutes into our travels, I received a call from Kraz. I put him through, and he surveyed the landscape before shrugging.

"Not the first place I woulda looked. You sure Emilia's down there?"

Surprisingly, Lou responded for us. Or perhaps not, since Kraz was the one who hired them to help us.

"We are still trying to ascertain her location. Based on what little data we have, the probability that she is here is low."

"No, she's here, I know she is! Mika's scent is coming from just up ahead!"

Yut took offense to that, as I thought he would. I really have to tell him to avoid using Mika's name, though. It's a relief that the Guardians aren't questioning it, probably thinking it's just a nickname of some sort.

Kraz seemed to have caught up on what's going on, though. He turned back to me.

"So, we're down to following Yut's nostrils, eh?"

"Seems like it, boss."

"Alright. I won't get in your way, then. Good luck with your search."

"Affirmative."

Lou replied as Kraz's hologram flickered out. Maya released a held sigh as she fixed her glasses.

"So, the investigation continues then."

We've barely even begun, what's with the attitude? Thankfully, she didn't comment any further and started walking again.

Whew, looks like we avoided a potential Emilia situation, even when she's not here.

I released a sigh of my own. I don't know why I'm being unfair to this Maya person. I barely know her, and yet I'm this distrustful of her.

I shook that particular train of thought away. I'm not about to let a faint feeling of dubiousness get in the way of our search.

"The local fauna are behaving strangely. Proceed with caution."

Lou warned, bringing out an admittedly cool rifle. Looks like we've got some resistance from the resident wildlife on the way.

Alright then, resistance, meet Little Wing.

ooo000ooo

V

ooo000ooo

We easily made our way though the valley, dispatching some of the wild creatures that attacked us. Looks like this is that alleged frenzy effect subspace experiments had on wildlife.

Also, seeing as we were on Inhelt property, there were anti-intruder features set up everywhere. Traps, lasers, the lot of it. They weren't really dangerous for us, but they were still quite a hassle.

As we reached a lull in the hecticness of our journey, Maya took the opportunity to catch her breath.

"Whew, fieldwork is pretty tiring. If I'd known it would be this bad, I would have given more thought to a proper training regimen."

I internally questioned how a Guardian could find an honestly regular day on the job tiring, but then I remembered she was from Research.

I don't know much about how the Guardians work. But with a name like Research Division, they're probably the ones who work in the labs and stuff.

Unluckily for her, the ever logical Lou caught what she said and lightly reprimanded her.

"Precisely why I volunteered to take on this mission alone."

"If the Guardians are short-handed, just because I'm in the Research Division doesn't mean I don't have to step up."

The Guardians are short-handed? Hmmm. I seem to remember Lumia mentioning that they had missing people too. We found them, but it's safe to say they're still probably out of commission. And who knows about the ones we didn't find.

Still, to actually be short-handed, with the Guardians' vast number of members, they must have lost a lot of people.

"You of all people are short-handed?"

"We are. A lot of our people have gone missing. And not just our newer members. Even experienced veterans who fought in Rykros. I've never seen anything like it."

Maya responded to Red's curious inquiry, which gave me some rather interesting information.

Rykros, huh? The Dark Planet. Home of the Seed. It was blown to hell three years ago.

So these people who fought in Rykros are in Shizuru's hands? Well, last I heard, that place had some very disturbing things in it, living or not, so here's hoping we don't encounter those through subspace magic.

But knowing my luck, I'd say it's a pretty safe bet that we will.

"The Intelligence Division is looking into the disappearances, but we have yet to find any promising leads."

"Didn't one of Lumia's reports say the Seed appeared when she found the missing people? It's difficult to believe, but if it's true, we could be in serious trouble."

"We have received no reports on the reappearance of Seedforms, nor is there any indication of them here."

"You're just looking at the data, though. I have a feeling we're dealing with something that transcends that. Maybe even supernatural."

Well, she's not particularly wrong. This whole subspace-turns-thoughts-into reality business is so fantastical I'm tempted to call it supernatural.

But it's clearly a real thing that's happening now.

Anyway, with Lou's mention of their data not having anything on the Seed, does this mean they're not aware of subspace-turns-thoughts-into-reality?

Should I tell them? I know it can only help but... that's something we haven't yet proven completely. If anything, Kraz should have told them.

But if I don't, then we could get sidetracked here. I'll tell them if the need arises. Our priority remains on finding Emilia.

We started resuming our trek through the valley, but Yut suddenly stopped and pointed to an abandoned sector of buildings hidden in the mountains.

"I feel something very bad coming from up ahead... I've felt this before in the cave in the mountains."

"Oh great, it's your danger sense again. What is it now?"

"I don't know yet. All I know is that Emilia's there and then there's something bad as well."

Something bad? The last time he felt something bad, we got ourselves in a mix with the Seed, hallucinating kidnapped people, and Shizuru, himself.

As Red groaned from Yut's warning, Maya's face lit up in a bit of recognition.

"Cave in the mountains... Mt. Elbars? That's where Lumia found the missing people. If what he's feeling is the same..."

"Maya, please bring up the rear. Data or no, I have a bad feeling about this as well..."

If what he's feeling is the same... Oh, don't tell me it's the Seed again.

I know now that we weren't actually fighting the Seed, and that we're in virtually no danger of another Seed invasion. We're in danger of a bigger threat than that.

But still, fighting the Seed, even thought-conjured ones, don't give me any good feelings at all. Seeing those things is sickening enough.

But now that the probability of us fighting Seed rose quite a bit, should I tell the Guardians what we know now?

We entered the old, decrepit building nearest to us, and we arrived at what seemed to be a ghost city, filled with abandoned structures and buildings.

"Sheesh... this place gives me the shivers... you sure bolthead's in here?"

"Yeah! But be careful, I sense something approaching."

Red made a displeased face at Yut's answer, but I had a question instead.

What's Emilia doing here? This is all property that Inhelt probably doesn't care about anymore. What can she possibly find here that'll help her cause?

I was forced out of my thoughts when suddenly, Maya shouted in surprise as a group of creatures came charging in.

"Th-that's a Seedform! What in the world is it doing here?!"

"Something worse is further in. I can smell it..."

"We can't let a single one slip past us!"

She summoned her bow and fired off several photon arrows at the Seedforms, allowing to rest of us to assume battle formations.

Lou took out her rifle again, with Yut and Red calling their trademark weapons. As for me, Viper and Dori can handle the job.

With the element of surprise taken from them, the Seed were easily taken care of.

Lou was an excellent shot, while Maya wasn't so bad with the bow herself. With the two of them providing great cover fire, Red and Yut taking the frontlines and me somewhere in the middle, the Seed didn't really stand a chance.

But still, we shouldn't get overconfident. These were obviously weaker ones. Looks like the bigger fish are much further in.

"We've definitely encountered Seedform, but when we take them down, it's like swinging at clouds... what's going on?"

Seems like Maya noticed the peculiarity with these Seeds as well. Just like the ones in Moatoob, these Seeds disappear upon death.

Time for me to share what I know then. If Kraz didn't want me telling them then, tough luck, but if these things are gonna keep us from finding Emilia, then I'd make sure they'll be dealt with as quick and efficiently as possible.

"Thoughts become real? You mean that's how the Seed are here?"

"Yeah. Must be why Shizuru's taking all these people. We have no idea what his end goal is, though."

"So if you're right, then there's no imminent danger of another invasion. That's good to know. Still, we can't just let these things run around."

Lou answered for Maya that time. I can imagine how much of this is aggravating for her. Nothing about this entire fiasco correlates well to data, and that's where she shines.

At least, that's what I know. Even with all the copies of her out there, this is the first time I was able to work with her.

Still, I can agree with what she wants to do.

I don't have a clue what these imaginary Seeds' shelf life is, but if they wander where there's people, then good things are certainly not gonna happen.

So, our plan of action is formed. Keep on the case, but any Seed we come across gets dispatched. Check every corner, we can't let one of these get out in the open.

"It's whack-a-Seed again, then?"

"Looks like it. Real or not, these are dangerous things that can mess up the local ecology."

"Alrighty then. Hey, jungle boy, wanna bet who takes out more?"

Red called out to Yut as she attacked another Seed that materialized, which was answered by an excited grin and nod from the battle maniac.

Children.

I charged my gun and fired off a combination of Zonde and a power shot at a group of Seeds, taking them out in an electrified explosion.

That's how you do it.

"Hey, One-Arm's in! Gotta up your game, puddingface!"

"I'm not! I'm just showing you how it's done!"

"Same thing! Keep up or we'll leave you behind!

Oh, for crying out loud...

Maya chuckled from behind me, seemingly finding our interactions amusing. Well, if you think dealing with kids is amusing...

"Heh heh. I can see why Lumia likes working with you."

"Likes? I'm thinking more along the lines of 'tolerates'. Emilia certainly doesn't make things easy for her when she's with us."

"Emilia... She must be glad to have friends like you. I hope you can clear things out soon."

Now, where did that come from? I can tell she's not a bad person but there's definitely something she knows about Emilia.

I shook that thought away. We can save that for another day.

"Thanks."

Suspicions aside, I don't think she meant anything insincere. I actually feel a little bad for doubting her.

Nonetheless, we've got a job to do.