Chapter 9:
Thursday November 1, 2001 (PX) Takeru POV
"Arg. I thought that was the end of the world." Takeru sighs in relief as he just luckily slips out from his death door. "What's on the earth happen to you girls yesterday?"
"…Practice" Meiya
"Practice" Tama
"Practice" Chiruzu
"Practice" Ayamine
What the hell is this all about? I can't help but wonder. Even, the events in this loop has change completely, there is no way this kind of event could happen to all of them. I could understand if it is Meiya or Class rep, but even Ayamine and Tama also work themselves like this is extremely rare. Was it because of my yesterday speech? "I know that you are all worry about the Evaluation Test, but you have to take better care of your health"
"You are really an idiot Takeru san", Tama speaks disheartenedly.
"You are way too thick head" Chiruzu shakes her head and speak
"I apologize for my unbecoming behavior but; you are the last person I want to hear it from Takeru" Meiya
"Idiot…" Ayamine let out a yawn
So it was my fault. "Don't worry; I have finished my assignment given by Yuuko sensei. So this probably the last time you would ever see me sleeping in class." Probably, that is if I don't get too addicted fighting the mysterious pilot in that SSS course. Beside, today is one eventful day. Yuuko sensei will return to the base while Mikoto will be discharged. Moreover, the shipment of the twin seat pilot parts I order would arrive on this coming Friday. So, yesterday was probably the first and the last time I could get a showdown in that SSS course with that mysterious pilot.
"It's not like I want to neglect my health. I just want to be stronger as fast as possible. If not, I would lose to her before the fight has even started…" Meiya mutters to herself
"Her?" I wonder what Meiya is talking about
"Nothing…"Meiya shakes her in a flustered manner. "Besides, I have pledge you an oath. I will be always by your side when you need help. If I am still this powerless, how could I hold that oath fulfilled?"
"You don't have to be worry about that Meiya. You are already strong and wonderful in your own way. You just need some time to polish your strength"
"…D..do you really think so Takeru?" Meiya eyes brighten as she heard my encouragement
"Yes, I mean every word I have said"
"Thank goodness, I still have a chance" Meiya sighs in relief while placing her hands on her chest.
Suddenly, I shiver as I feel someone's cold stare is beaming on my back. I gingerly turn my head and look at the source. "…". Class rep, Tama, and Ayamine stare comically at Meiya and me.
"Sneaky…" Ayamine said
This event remind me of the event when Kasumi feeding me in the last loop. The girls were pretty much treating me icily for one whole day.
"I knew it, you guys are here" A cheerful voice booms through the atmosphere and blast the depressing mood away. "It's good to see you again Sasaki san, Mitsurugi san, Ayamine san"
"Yoroi" Meiya, Chiruzu and Ayamine speak in surprise
"Yoroi san, congratulation for your discharge" Tama speaks happily to her best friend
" Ah! Miki san. It's been forever." Mikoto cheerfully speaks as she approaches the group "Oh yeah, where is the new guy you have been talking about? I can't wait to see him"
Damn, my eyes are watering. I can't help but remember the last battle at the Original Hive. Mikoto was… Damn I have to wake up fast. My mouth refuses to let out a single voice despite my own intention. This overwhelmed feeling was exactly like the moment I met Marimo and the girls in this loop. Even though I know all of them are still alive in this world, it doesn't mean so to my weak heart. I can't still get over their death no matter what kind of reason I came up with.
"Wah, so it was you. Miki told me a lot about you Shirogane san. Nice to meet you I am Yoroi Mikoto."
"Likewise, I am Shirogane Takeru. You can call me Takeru. Wait, how do you know it was me?"
"Haha, Miki told me that you were a crybaby. Oh my, I have to report quickly to instructor, Lunch is going to end soon." Mikoto immediately makes a run straight to the Instructor office. She is as busy as ever.
"Tama…what did you tell her about me in your letter?" I turn toward the group's mascot
"Ahahahaha…Don't worry about it Takeru san. Nothing much" Tama worriedly answers while turning her head away to hide her nervousness.
"Ah, I forgot." Mikoto's voice once again rang up from my back.
"What is it?"
"Let's shake" Mikoto extents her hand and smile
"It's my pleasure. I' m looking forward to training with you" I shook Mikoto's tiny hand and smile. She is always as cheerful as ever. She is really the sunshine of our squad.
"Me too, I'm looking forward to training with you, Takeru" Mikoto smiles happily and make a run afterward.
CQC Class (Combat field)
"Amazing…" was the only word escape from Mikoto's mouth as she was totally captured by the scenery in front of her.
Even they have witnessed it several time, Tama and Chiruzu are still find themselves breathless as they watching a match of a certain trio.
Takeru is desperately blocking Meiya's kick while twirling his dagger to meet Ayamine's incoming attack. Ever since the CQC lesson proceeds to edge training, even Takeru could barely hold his ground against Meiya and Ayamine combination attack. Both Meiya and Ayamine have become dangerously stronger with an addition of the knife. Furthermore, their combination attacks have improved significantly as they get used to each other habit while begin to able to read Takeru personal habits and movements. Takeru has to admit that Hayase was completely a monster on a whole different level to able to fence off against these two CQC experts without dropping a sweat. He on the other hand could barely retaliate as they always keep him in checked with their continuous blows. To fully defend himself from their combination blows is already extremely hard, let alone making a counter.
(PX)
"Takeru, you are so strong. I can't believe that you were able to hold off Ayamine san and Mitsurugi san until the end" Mikoto speaks excitedly as she looks at Takeru with respect. "I heard it from Miki san, but no word would do you justice Takeru. You are simply amazing"
"Hahaha, stop praising me like that. I will become arrogant. I definitely will" Takeru brushes off her praise quickly. No matter what, he could never get use to Mikoto overly praising.
"But you really are amazing. Both Mitsurugi san and Ayamine san are insanely strong. I don't think I could match against any of them." Mikoto continues her praise
"I could understand how you feel Yoroi san. Even after knowing this guy for a week, everything he does is still amaze me to no end" Chiruzu sighs
"Yes, Takeru is always amazing in every aspect" Tama nods her head in agreement
"Hahaha, like I said, stop praising me. I will become arrogant" Takeru waves his hand and lightly laugh.
"Is that so? Alright, we will never praise you again in future." Chiruzu grins
"Like I said… wait what did you said class rep?"
"None of us will ever praise you again for your sake Takeru" Chiruzu is grinning while folding her arms
"Eh, don't be like that" Takeru complains while the girls giggle at his reaction
"Shirogane"
"Mari….Instructor" Takeru was surprised, he rarely saw Marimo in the PX and especially during this time
"Salute" Chiruzu quickly stands from her seat and salute. The squad quickly follow her lead.
"At ease. The vice commander pass you a message. Takeru, you better quickly finish your meal. She has just summoned you to her office."
"Eh, Yuuko sensei has already come back. Thank you instructor, I will head to her office soon."
"Good. You also better keeps a close record of your health. I understand that you have your own assignment, but I don't want to see you sleeping in my class again."
"Roger that, instructor" Takeru replies as he feel happy that Marimo show her caring side toward his health. Even for some reason, in this loop, she is always angry at every action he takes; the caring nature of her would never change.
"You girls as well, take a good care of your own health; I can't have all of you get sick now your Evaluation day is coming near."
"We will take heart of your advice Instructor" Chiruzu replies and salutes Marimo chan
(Yuuko's Office)
"Shirogane you are quick, did you miss me?" Yuuko grinned as she saw the young man walk into her room.
"Stop joking sensei, how is the result from Professor Makoto lab?" Takeru can't help but feel irritated by one of his sensei favorite catch phase
"Eh? When did you become such a boring man? Girls don't like impatient and boring man, you know?" Yuuko looks completely disappointed at Takeru's reply
"…It's none of your matter sensei. Besides, it's not even funny. Just hurry up and answer my question."
"Haiz, haiz. Before we begin the main topic, I have a bad news to inform you" Yuuko face turn grimace as she looks into Takeru's eyes.
"Gulp" Takeru was extremely afraid. He wonders if nothing can be done to improvise Sumika condition.
"I am extremely stressful right now"
"Huh?" Takeru can't help but stand dumbfound with his open wide mouth at his CPU is processing the piece of information given by his Yuuko sensei
"I can't even remember when is the last time I slept, having deal with negotiating with the Russian for the material while revising my theory for someone personal sake when I have a bigger burden place on my shoulder" Yuuko still stares wickedly at the young man.
"My apologize sensei"
"I was expecting some warmed welcome from you or at least your little promised gift when I return. Yet, the first thing I have to deal with is listening to Marimo rampage about your behavior in the last week. If that is the gift you had in mind, Shirogane, it isn't funny one bit." Yuuko icily slam her fist on her working table and glares at Takeru as if she wants to devour her source of stress alive.
"Gulp" Takeru swallows a large chunk of saliva. "Sensei, I deeply apologize for that. I didn't expect to give you such a trouble."
"So hero-dono, it's time for you to repay your debt" Yuuko grins wickedly at the young man reaction
"…"Takeru knows immediately, he can only abide to Yuuko order until her stress is relief.
Takeru POV (Yuuko's Office)
"Ah,… Shirogane don't be so rough on me"
"…I just did what I have been ordered"
"Ah,…yeah, that's the spot, Shirogane"
"Will you stop that weird moan Yuuko sensei? I don't want to have a misunderstanding about this" Takeru flushes brightly and screams out loud. "How long I have to continue massaging your shoulder?"
"As long as I wish Shirogane" Yuuko giggles
"By the way, before I forget, sensei, you can have this." Takeru pulls out a disk from his pocket on Yuuko hand
"What is this?" Yuuko holds the disk with deep interest
"XM3. A new type of OS for improving mobility of the current TSF. This OS improve the adaptability and mobility of the unit to 30% higher than the current existing OS. That's not all. The current OS has an auto-control process that freezes input while attempting to stabilize balance in the event the unit is about to fall. This XM3 OS will give the Eishis the ability to cancel this and other processes at their discretion. In doing this, the lag time resulting from the momentary loss of input control is significantly reduced. Furthermore, the OS allows for sequences of consecutive commands to be executed in fewer time frames. Lastly, the XM3 shares the data link function to synchronize movement control data. In other words, even amateur Eishis can perform high level movements that of a Top level Eishi".
"Oh my, so this is a gift that you have spoken of?" Yuuko smiles with an amusing look on her face
"Well, not exactly. The creators of this OS originally were you Yuuko sensei, Kasumi and me. I was the test pilot and the one come up with the concept. Kasumi did all sort of debugging. And you, Yuuko sensei was the one who did all the programming, improvising and many other tasks. So, you can't exactly call this a gift from me. Since you have been too busy with a lot of stuff, I just want to save you from the stress" Takeru laughs lightly as he explains
"I don't know that you were such a considerate man Shirogane. So this is what you and Kasumi did every night in the hangar?" Yuuko smiles while spinning the disk with her fingers
"Oh yeah, that's pretty much sum up everything. However, this is only a small portion of my welcome back gift, sensei."
"Oh? This present of yours is getting even more interesting now." Yuuko smiles delightedly
Takeru "I planned to make this world fully realizes the power and potential this piece of equipment hold." After all, a small unit of twelve Valkyries was able to hold back multi regiments of TSF reinforcement during the coup d'état in my last loop with the XM3 in their Shiranui. According to Captain Isumi, the Valkyrie held back the reinforcements so effectively to the point that they force the Captain Sagiri to call a desperate measure and use his aerial carriers to send reinforcement to avoid the Valkyrie.
Takeru continues "However, not any veterans out there would want to update their current OS into this XM3. They are extremely reluctant to change into this XM3 OS in another word. They are more used to their current OS, so why changing to this new OS when they are unsure of its potential? Furthermore, knowing this piece of OS coming from you Yuuko sensei, those anti-ALTERNATIVE bastards will surely plan to sabotage it to prevent any supporters coming to our side. That's why; I planned to crush any objections regarding this OS. I will trample all those trashes that lurk in the dark and sabotaging this event I had in mind."
"Wow, I don't think that is all to it. Right, Shirogane? I don't mind if you have some plans regarding this piece of OS. It saves me some time and stress in this regard. However, you of all the people I know are the least suitable for this kind of job. You are way too pure and naïve" Yuuko looks deep into Takeru eyes as she voices her suspicion.
"…" Yes, I know that sensei. I, among all the chess pieces you have am the least suitable for organizing this kind of event. However, if I don't stick my hand into this, we both will definitely regret this for the rest of our lives. Suddenly, my consciousness was blurred with flashbacks. I saw my powerless self; desperately crying and begging inside my own TSF cockpit, completely at the mercy of the BETA. Then, Marimo chan was killed in front of my very eyes. I screamed, ran away from reality and blamed sensei for everything. Then, Yuuko sensei in the previous loop hands me her gun "If you can't forgive me, shoot me. No need to hold back".
"…Shirogane, did you remember something painful?" Yuuko sensei rubs my head like a loving sister who is comforting her little brother. "You are crying"
"…I see. I am crying again. " But this time, I am not powerless at all. I can prevent history repeating itself now .I won't let history repeat itself once again. Not this time, as long as I am still alive. "Yes, sensei. Just remember something painful, so much painful that I can tear apart those anti-ALTERNATIVE trashes barehanded right now."
"…"Yuuko sensei was shocked hearing those words from me
"Sensei, I won't organize this event. You will." I wipe away tears and continue to persuade sensei. "It would be better if you hold the event 2 weeks after our graduation. You and chief Yoroi will do your usual work. I won't stick my hands into it. My job is to show the whole world the true might of XM3."
"Explain it Shirogane …"
"Sensei, please request those bigshots to bring their strongest TSF to participate in this event. My performance will work better this way. The stronger the opponent, the more effective my message will be. It would be much into my preference if you could pull those big-shots throw at me something like the F22A-Raptor, EF-2000 Typhoon, the Rafael or even better, the Type00 Takemikazuchi. They would work to my advantage if I can show the whole world how much power this XM3 contain"
"Are you sure you know what kind of game you are playing Shirogane?" Yuuko sensei facial expression turns grimed as she locks her eyes into mine. "This is not simply just a game. My creditability as well as the ALTERNATIVE IV is the token in this game. If you make a single stumble, the anti- ALTERNATIVE supporters will surely make all of our effort until now gone waste!"
Yuuko sensei is death serious about this. So am I. I can't convince her with a half-heart resolve. "Sensei, there is nothing in this world has a 100% successful rate. However, I am totally confident in this game. I won't let you down sensei. My next piece of work with Kasumi will make even you- Yuuko sensei shocked. " Just imagining Yuuko sensei reaction when she receives her gift, I can't stop myself from grinning widely.
"If you are that confident in your own performance, I will expect good result from you. However, in the case that you show any sign of stumble, I will intervene immediately."
"Surely sensei, it is really a relief to know that you would have my back if I'm in trouble. Though, it would unlikely to be so."
"Good, that's just what I want to hear. Besides, I have some good news for you, Shirogane" Yuuko smiles lightly and speaks
"Is that about Sumika?"
"Yes. Makoto really outdoes herself this time. With the materials and information she provided, I can guarantee about the stability of the 00unit physical condition. She even doesn't need to be filtered in those G-element liquid as well. However, from Makoto's analysis base on your friend wavelength, I can't guarantee her mentality condition would be stable. "
I was so happy to hear Sumika condition from Yuuko sensei. "Thank you sensei. That is good enough. It's my job and responsibility to save her mind and her soul. I can't let you take over that burden as well"
"Good. Now get back to your squad, I have works to do now. I will summon you when I finalize constructing the 00 unit"
"Thank you sensei, can you order Kasumi to join my squad as my Special Task Coordinator. I need to hasten my current project as well. That's why, I need to contact with her more frequent now."
"So, you want Kasumi to stick with you all day long from now. Am I correct?"
"Yes, that's my intention."
"Alright, I will inform Marimo later. You better take good care of Kasumi"
"Yes, sensei. That is all for today. I will return to my squad now."
Takeru POV (S4 corridor)
Phase 1 completed. Now, Yuuko sensei has taken the decoys I released better than I expected. It's time for me to proceed to into Phase 2 of the plan. I can't let Yuuko sensei, Marimo chan and anyone else gets hurt in the event this time. I can't afford to.
Yuuko POV
"What a simpleton hero you are Shirogane! Your intention is as transparent as crystal. Though, I guess I can't help but grow a soft spot for you no matter whichever world I was in, with that kind of personality you have" Yuuko sighed softly as she stares into empty space. "It's is your job to be a hero. It's your job to give hope to those around you. Don't bother try to take over my role. You are clearly too pure and naïve for that. It was always my job to stay in the darkness and pulling strings. It was always my burden."
Friday November 2, 2001 (Classroom) Takeru POV
I can't help but think that my Yuuko sensei really love to do showy stuffs.
Marimo stutters "Yuuko…Professor Kouzuki, what are you doing here?"
Yuuko grins mischievously at her close friend's surprise reaction "Don't worry about it Marimo. I'm here to give a new assignment to Shirogane."
Marimo face palms "Call me Instructor Jinguji. Besides, you could have informed me"
Yuuko giggles "I was so busy. I only remember it this morning. Besides, I want to introduce another member into the squad 207. Kasumi, Come in!"
The silver hair snow fairy walks into the class as she receives order from Yuuko.
"You have already met her. Her name is Yashiro Kasumi. From today onward, she will join your squad temporarily as Shirogane Special Task Coordinator. However, she won't join you in your training. Taking care of Kasumi is mainly Shirogane's job; but everyone, please be nice to her."
"Yes. Ma'am"
"Shirogane, you will proceed to your new assignment starting from today."
"Yes, sensei"
"Kasumi, be a good girl ok?" Yuuko sensei smiles at the silver hair girl and walks out of the room
"Yes"
Marimo "Kasumi, you can have the seat next to Shirogane at the back"
"Yes"
Alright, I guess it was time for my special training. "Instructor, I will begin my new assignment now."
"Eh? Right in my class?" Marimo can't hold back her surprise
"Yes, Ma'am" I reply as I take out a blindfold and ear plugs from my pocket.
"…Shirogane…What are you doing?"
"Blocking my own vision and hearing ability, instructor"
"What? How are you going to attend my lecture doing that?" Marimo screams
"Don't worry Instructor; I am testing a new theory of Yuuko sensei in this moment. Even my eyes can't see you, my ears can't listen to your voice; I can probably still attending your lesson like normal without a problem." That is if I maintain my synchronization link with Kasumi. I will look through Kasumi's eyes and listen through her ears.
"…"Marimo is completely stunned as this bizarre event just like the rest of the girls in the class. Her mouth is wide opened as she barely able to mutters "You may proceed to your assignment Shirogane"
"Yes Ma'am"
CQC Class (Combat field)
Meiya worriedly asked "Takeru, are you sure you going to do it the way you are now?"
"It's no use Mitsurugi san. His ears are plugged. He can't hear you" Mikoto
Takeru replied "Don't worry Meiya. Just continue our normal practice like usual. This new theory of Professor is absolutely amazing. I can probably practice just fine"
"If you said so Takeru…" Meiya replies "Don't blame me in the end…"
The girls can only bewildered at Takeru actions.
(PX ) Takeru POV
"Ouch…" it is completely harder than I expected. My body is full of bruises after the practice with Meiya and Ayamine. It's really hard to judge the distance from Kasumi angle. Thus, even if I could see, it is still heard for me to defend against Meiya and Ayamine attacks the way I am now. Kasumi has constantly maintains her synchronization link with me. The information that she collected from all of her senses were constantly flow into me. I could see and listen thank to the link. However, what I want to try out is borrowing Kasumi's mind reading ability. I could read Meiya and Ayamine moves before they actually pull out those moves. This ability holds an incredible advantage in combat. If I and Kasumi could master this exercise before the testing day for the XM3, I will be unstoppable in all type of anti-TSF battle regardless of my opponents and their TSF.
"You were unbelievable Takeru" Meiya sighed "How did you move so well with your eyes and ears close like that?"
" Takeru… the impossible" Ayamine admits
"Ha ha ha… the information is classified at the moment. Maybe I could tell you in the future if this experiment will success" I let out a white lie to avoid causing trouble for Kasumi chan. "Besides, It is Professor Kouzuki that you have to praise; I didn't expect it would work so well in this favor."
"Wow, I guess Professor Kouzuki is not a genius for nothing. By the way Takeru, how long do you have to put up with this experiment? You don't have to answer if it is classified." Chiruzu looks at the eating blind fold man in amazement.
"Hahaha…Probably until our evaluation day" I nervously laugh. Even I haven't planned that far yet.
"Eh? That's sound tough Takeru. Do you have to blindfold all the time until then? Besides, you look disturbing while eating blindfolded like that." Mikoto worriedly asks
"Ha haha…Don't say it like that Mikoto. I have to deal with it 24 hours a day, 7 days a week until evaluation exam"
"Woa, that sounds harsh Takeru san. But I glad we could get to know more about Kasumi in return" Tama speaks
"Oh. Kasumi is really shy so seek her out ok? I would appreciated if you girls taking care of her until our experiment end. I'm a guy so there are too many things that I can't help Kasumi chan. Kasumi was a hikimori so she didn't know a lot about the outside." I really want Kasumi to make as many happy memories as possible. It was really sad to see her use Sumika memories as her own in the last loop. "Kasumi, you don't have to be shy around these girls at all. Ask them anything if you don't understand, 'kay?"
"Yes, Takeru san" Kasumi replies
"Don't worry too much Kasumi, if you need help, especially things related to Takeru, feel free to ask us for help. We would gladly to offer our help at any time" Chiruzu speaks happily
"Thank you Sasaki san"