Episode 6: Welcome To Walkure World
Two weeks had passed since Kazumi's arrival in Ragna and life had started to settle for him and it fell down into a routine. At morning, he would jog together with Mikumo in which he would come back early to shower while Mikumo would return after he finished and he would cook their breakfast while she showers.
Then they would head to Elysion and go their separate ways, Kazumi training with Delta and Mikumo doing rehearsal with the Walkure or a joint rehearsal for a concert. They would eat lunch together or with their respective group and when another day in the office would end, they would wait for each other depending on who finished first but they will definitely go home together.
They would buy grocery every three days and Mikumo get to pick what they eat. She would disappear from time-to-time but Kazumi would always wait for her even until past midnight and when she didn't disappear, they would eat together before going to bed. It has become a comfortable cycle for them.
Of course, this doesn't go unnoticed by everyone else from the crew of Elysion to the rest of Delta flight and Walkure. Throughout their days, Mikumo and Kazumi are sometimes stalked by the triangle trio (Freyja's idea) or the hacker-mechanic duo trying to figure out their relationship. Only Arad and Kaname are not interested in their relationship, mostly because they knew the details of their arrangement.
"You're improving nicely, Kazumi. A few more practice session and you could join the others in the air show."
"I almost forgot that part of our job. Please just put me out of my misery."
Kazumi grumbled while Mikumo chuckled in amusement as the two of them walk out from the store after buying some meat for dinner. Mikumo had been teasing him about how bad he is in doing air show with the other. His machine's spec is rather high to the point that it's hard to adjust to the other machines' movement while maintaining formation. The responsiveness and engine are just too different.
Him usually doing work alone doesn't help with his coordination either. But he's getting better and both of them knew that. It doesn't stop Mikumo from teasing him though, especially after he over-accelerated during one of their rehearsal just a few hours ago and unlike Hayate, he lack that sense of rhythm that allows Hayate to improvise.
"Why don't you practice dancing? Maybe that would help your sense of rhythm."
"Ohh please don't. I really don't want to hear more about that right now."
"Are you perhaps tone-deaf? That would explain a few things."
Kazumi continue to grumble again as Mikumo is having fun at his expense. It is an everyday thing for the two of them, Mikumo teasing Kazumi and sometimes the other way around. Sometimes people who saw them together wondered if they're actually together or not with how frequently they can be seen being friendly with each other which considering how mysterious and secretive Mikumo could be is certainly surprising for them.
So far it's hard to decide if the two is in any romantic relationship or not. They act more like friends than lover but they're living together and spent a lot of time together. Kazumi even cook Mikumo's lunch! Freyja once noticed when Mikumo's lunch does not consist of either instant food or takeout but a homemade bento of all thing! Mikumo does not cook and when they question her, she openly admitted that it was Kazumi who made it for her. It slowly became a source of gossip among the girls working in Chaos.
Mikumo is humming a tune that sounds like 'Ikenai Borderline'. Kazumi is enjoying the melody of her humming. Two weeks living together and Kazumi had come to understand what kind of person Mikumo is. Although Kazumi had known a few famous songstress throughout his career, this is the first one he had been so close with and… sometimes he wondered how Saotome Alto could handle both Sheryl Nome and Ranka Lee, especially since Sheryl and Mikumo is kinda similar in some ways.
'Though maybe not quite similar.'
Kazumi added in his mind. Although Mikumo is comparable to Sheryl in how eye-catching and glamorous she can be, the mysterious venus is much more reserved and even when trying something reckless like what he saw in records, she knew what she's doing. Well, Sheryl does too but the stories he heard from his friends about her made him skeptic.
Well, there is one thing he knew that could differentiate them. Sheryl can cook, Mikumo cannot. Mikumo's other household skill is good though. Maybe because she's living alone and she can't always rely on Walkure's manager to take care of her like Grace O'connor did with Sheryl. The Galactic Fairy only learned how to cook for Alto anyway.
"Kazumi, what do you think of Ragna so far?"
Mikumo suddenly asked.
"Why the sudden question?"
"It's been two weeks since you came to Ragna. Have you settled down properly?"
"We're living together. The answer can be seen by what we're doing now."
Kazumi replied, showing her again their shopping bag full of ingredients and some necessities… and some emergency ration (instant food). They even had a shopping spree the day after Kazumi's match to get him new clothes. Since he frequently moved around, Kazumi doesn't have that many personal belonging. This is actually the first time in years that Kazumi got a somewhat permanent assignment.
Incidentally, Kazumi is the first to find out that Mikumo does enjoy dressing up someone else. It is also an experience Kazumi will never tell anyone.
So yes, Kazumi had settled down properly with Mikumo and he's enjoying his stay. Hearing Mikumo singing around the house from time to time is also soothing and he likes it. It's certainly better than sleeping in a military facility with hard bed and small room that smells like metal and sweat.
"Aaa! Mikumo-san!"
Kazumi and Mikumo heard Freyja Wion's familiar voice and saw the Windermere girl rushing towards them with the other two member of the triangle behind her. Kazumi had to say that Hayate is a lucky bastard for managing to score two girls who are okay with sharing. Their relationship is an open secret in Chaos and you can expect to see the others when you see one of them. And they said he and Mikumo are suspiciously close.
"Captain."
Mirage saluted him in deference to his rank and seniority while Hayate stayed silent although the young pilot has become more accepting of him. The two males nodded to each other, acknowledging the other's presence. They might not be there yet but the two of them are starting to get used to each other.
"It's rare to see Mikumo-san walking around in Ragna."
"Kazumi and I just finished shopping."
Mikumo told Freyja, showing her the shopping bag she's carrying. Freyja is right though. She had rarely seen Mikumo walking around in Ragna before and only saw her when they're rehearsing or when the whole group is gathering. But recently she's been seen around town more frequently, usually with Kazumi around. This fuels the rumor about her being in a relationship with the new pilot.
Freyja is still wondering if that rumor is true. If so, then she's happy for Mikumo. She looked up to Walkure's lead singer who has become her mentor of sort since she first joined the group. Mikumo has become easier to talk to since her rescue from Roid's clutches but she's even easier to get along with since Kazumi arrive. She's not as silent and mysterious as before.
But Mikumo doesn't seem to realize her change. She thinks that everything is normal and so does Kazumi. Somehow, the two didn't realize that everyone finds their close relation to be strange. They act as if everything is normal which frustrates Freyja a little since she's really curious about their relationship.
"So you three, are you guys on a date or something?"
Kazumi suddenly asked to which Hayate and Mirage blushed but Freyja is so focused on Mikumo and Kazumi that she didn't hear Kazumi's question.
"We're… uhh…"
Hayate wanted to say something but since the three of them are in a relationship he is not particularly wrong. It's just they're not on a date but walking together. The senior ace pilot chuckled at Hayate and Mirage flushed face. It's no secret at all that Mirage and Freyja are sharing Hayate. An unconventional end to a triangle but since the girls are okay then he won't say anything against it.
"So anyway where are you guys going? If you don't mind, wanna drop by? I'll make you guys something good."
Kazumi grinned as he made the offer. This time Freyja heard what he said.
"Captain, you can cook?"
Mirage look surprised. She had heard from rumors but she finds it hard to belief. But then again, Chuck can cook so it's not that odd if Kazumi can cook too. Even Hayate can cook even if it's nothing impressive. He sometimes helps Chuck in the kitchen or doing other odd jobs. He did travel between planets and changed job a lot before coming to Ragna and joining the Delta flight.
"Kazumi is a good cook. That's right, why not drop by our place? Kazumi and I have nothing to do after this. It would be nice to spend time together with friends."
"What she said. Besides, getting to know each other is a good way to increase our teamwork."
Kazumi added, Not seeing a reason to refuse, the triangle trio accept Kazumi and Mikumo's offer. Freyja is the only one to notice though that Mikumo said 'our place' when referring to their home. She made no attempt to hide it. It's either they know that everyone know or they have no problem everyone knowing or…
"Freyja?"
"Hue~?!"
Freyja was surprised when Mikumo is suddenly came face to face with her.
"Why are you spacing out? Are you thinking about something?"
"N-n-n-nothing! It's just I've never been to Mikumo-san's place without the other Walkure, ehehe."
"I see. Well, let's go then."
Freyja nodded and followed Mikumo.
Mikumo's home life was nonexistent before when she lives alone. What is there to do when you're home by yourself? She's not the type to lie down on the couch and watch tv while eating chips. But since Kazumi's arrival, Mikumo more often than not spend time with him at home and so the small two storey house has become a rather bright place.
It certainly has nothing to do with the veranda facing the sea that wasn't there when they last came to Mikumo's house even if it allows more sunlight into the house, though it is probably because of the gaming console that also wasn't there before. Hayate and Freyja began playing when Kazumi advised them to while he cooks. Mikumo and Mirage watch as Freyja shoot Hayate down in a flight simulation game based on real events, the Macross Triangle Frontier.
"Aaahhhh!"
"Fufufu, even if you're a pilot, you're not so good at games eh, Hayate?"
"I demand a rematch!"
Hayate demanded. But Mirage knocked him aside and took his controller. He lost so he has to switch with Mirage. Hayate grumbles about the control being different and he had never played the latest game console before this. He also said something about Freyja being lucky but by now the two girls had begun playing, to his dismay, a story mission.
"Oooh, isn't this the final battle against the Vajra?"
Indeed, the stage Freyja and Mirage chooses is the final battle against the Frontier fleet controlled by Galaxy. It caused quite a huge stir when the truth of the battle was revealed. The battle started in space with SMS' Macross Quarter charging through the Frontier/Vajra fleet. Leading the charge is the now famous Saotome Alto in the then new YF-29.
Kazumi who saw this felt nostalgic. But he also felt pain in his heart as he remembers that he lost his friends in that battle. The Virgo squadron of Macross 22. It still hit him hard remembering that he's the sole survivor of the Virgo squadron. Mikumo happen to saw him at this moment and she could see the sadness in his eyes.
Mikumo knew he's a veteran of that battle but he never spoke much of his past. Maybe that's why they clicked with each other. They have something they're hiding from other people.
Freyja chatted happily with Hayate as she play while Mirage is concentrating. It's a peaceful and lively sight.
"Freyja, your machine is taking heavy hit."
Mikumo warned.
"Huwaa!"
Freyja's attention immediately turn to the screen and indeed her RVF-25 is being shot from all sides by enemy machines. She immediately transform her unit to fighter mode while Mirage's VF-25F came to her rescue. They're now entering the atmosphere and Mirage cannot believe what SMS' Macross Quarter did.
"Still, this game has the complete history?"
"Not everything, just some of the most prominent incidents in history. The first space war and unification war being the obvious ones, the Protodeviln conflict is also quite notable and of course the Vajra conflict which effect we're still feeling even now."
Mikumo explained, reminding them too that it was the Vajra conflict's aftermath that gave rise to Var syndrome. After fifteen minutes they finally reach the final stage of the battle where Alto went face-to-face against Brera Sterne and Vajra Frontier. At the same time, Kazumi came from the kitchen wearing an apron.
"Yo. Are you all enjoying yourself?"
There's a chorus of 'yes' that made Kazumi glad.
"Anyway, the broth is almost ready. Ohh and here's your drink."
Each visitor and Mikumo took a cup from the tray Kazumi brought with the last one going to Kazumi himself. Everyone took a sip of the apple tea he made. Freyja and Mirage temporarily paused their game.
"By the way, did you two often play like this when there's nothing to do?"
Hayate asked.
"Just every other day. Mikumo is surprisingly good in fighting games. She beat me in Tekken more often than not."
"You're good Kazumi, but I'm just better."
"Shut up."
There's the familiar exchange between Kazumi and Mikumo. Freyja notice that Mikumo often smiles when exchanging verbal jabs with Kazumi. No, she should be more surprised that they even like exchanging verbal jabs with each other. The more she observe their interaction, the more she's sure that there's something more to their relationship. So she decided to ask them directly.
"Umm, Mikumo-san, Shinomiya-san, do you actually… like each other?"
Mikumo and Kazumi exchange glance once and nodded.
"Well kinda. At first we don't know how things will go but Mikumo is not boring to be around."
"Kazumi too is not a bad person. It's useful having him around."
Freyja knew they didn't really understand what she's asking. They took it as 'like' as in friends but Freyja is asking if they're actually attracted to each other in a romantic way.
"I don't mean that…"
"What Freyja means is if you're both romantically involved."
Mirage finished what Freyja wanted to say. At this the two of them have a contemplative look.
"Are we?"
"I don't know."
"Nah, we're just friends."
"I suppose so."
"Besides we only knew each other for two weeks."
"That's true."
The two of them somehow reach an agreement from their short exchange and deny any romantic involvement with each other. Seeing how serious their expressions are, the triangle trio can't help but be impressed in how they could keep themselves cool after being asked such question. Normally there would be a small blush of embarrassment or hesitation but the firm answer they gave is just unexpected.
The day ended in a fun note when they switch to playing a fighting game and like Kazumi said Mikumo beat him again and again. He could beat Hayate and Mirage but Mikumo is just too good. The dinner is also a success with Kazumi preparing a large serving of beef stew. It's his best day in Ragna yet.
"So again Kazumi, what do you think of Ragna?"
"…definitely the best assignment I've had in years."
-Voldor, three days later-
"Captain, this will be your first waccine live, are you ready?"
Major Arad Moulders asked as Kazumi put on his helmet. This will be his first sortie as an official member of Delta Flight. Unlike normal squadrons, Delta flight's job is not just to protect Walkure but also to perform an airshow during their concert. Kazumi wouldn't feel so nervous if this is just any other combat operation but unfortunately, this is primarily a concert so he just hopes that he doesn't do too badly in the show.
"As ready as I can ever be. Delta 3 standing by."
"Good… are you nervous?"
"To be honest? Yeah. I've been in a lot of battles but this is the first time I'll be performing in an air show."
"Well then I'll wish you good luck. Don't mess up or Mikumo will scold you."
Arad joked but for Kazumi that's no joke at all. Mikumo will really be cross with him if he messes up. He prayed that things will go smoothly or he'll never hear the end of it. The canopy of his VF closes and he's about to launch when his monitor once again came to life and this time Mikumo's face appear. She's already down on the planet and will start their concert anytime soon.
"Don't mess up."
She winked at him. Kazumi sighed but immediately continue to chuckle, placing his hands on the controls. He'll make sure he won't mess up, for both his and Mikumo's sake. Besides, this is his debut as a member of the Delta Flight. He must make a good first impression for the audience.
'Uta wa ai
Uta wa kibou
Uta wa inochi
Uta wa shinpi
Uta wa genki
Choujikuu Venus, Walkure!'
With the Walkure descending from their transport, Kazumi went full throttle and launch from Aether. As he and the rest of the Delta Flight get into position, Walkure started their singing.
Not far from Voldor unnoticed by the sensors, six units are approaching the planets stealthily. All the VFs of the squadron are black while the unit in the forefront of the formation bears the emblem of a bloodied rose. The pilot of the lead unit orders the rest of the squadron.
"Thanatos, scramble. It's time to test the strength of the famed Delta Flight and Walkure. Our target, Mikumo Guynemer."
