Chapter 20: The untrodden path (2)
It was infuriating. When she volunteered herself for this role, to be the Shogun's double, Meiya has made this decision so that her friends, her sisters, her attendants and everyone else could be out of harm.
Meiya has made such decision so that she could prevent her sister from looking for her own death. She has chosen this role, knowing exactly the gravity of this decision… The worst, she would be assassinated by the spies who hidden within the rebel army when Meiya unable to convince Captain Naoya to stop the fighting across the country. Otherwise, she would be captured by the rebels… if things go wrong. And even if she is able to convince the rebels, her role as the Shogun's shadow has already ended. She has made her existence known to public, worst, in front of foreign troops nevertheless.
But, Meiya was not angry about her fate or the choice she has to make. In fact, she was relief… knowing her action could at least ensure her sister- the Shogun's safety, along with the others. She was relief, knowing that she would stop…being a political hostage, a scapegoat, a tool for others to threaten her sister and this Empire of Japan. If she was to be killed by the rebels during the operation, she would have… no regret at all… At least, that's what Meiya tried to convince herself.
However, Meiya was infuriated, really infuriated…by that person. That person just…doesn't know his own place at all. Shamelessly barged his head into someone else's business, decide to do thing without a single thought of other's feeling. And the most infuriating aspect of about him is that he was actually able to convince the Major to grant him his wish. The chance for the Major to actually give him, a cadet such an important and dangerous role in this operation should be zero. Yet, that person actually succeeded despite all the odds.
He said he has volunteered in this operation so that he could meet his personal objective. However, Meiya knew. Even if he has no relation or objective whatsoever related to this operation, that guy would still stick his head into this matter. Meiya was convinced that the stupid and dense guy would definitely shamelessly barge his head into such a mess as long as… people he knew were involved.
It was because Meiya was involved in this dangerous operation that he couldn't help but volunteer himself into Meiya's escort, so that he could protect her and provide help. No, she wasn't overly conscious over herself. Meiya was absolutely convinced that Takeru would never fail to act in such way regardless of the gravity of the situation.
And that's what so infuriating about the person Shirogane Takeru. It was just like how he made himself a target for those 2nd Lieutenant Eishis to pick on at the Yokohama base, shielding Meiya and the girls from their harassment. He should be able to fight off those two Eishis with his strength. But, he didn't. He instead chose to provoke them and braced himself from their fists, to prove that he was correct. Once he has decided, he would see whatever he wanted to achieve through the end without wavering.
Meiya was, in fact, more infuriated about that stupid guy than she was appreciated of his good intention. That person is just helplessly dense and stupid to a fault. Why couldn't he realize it that Meiya has made this decision so he and everyone else could be out of the harm? Why couldn't he understand that there would be only one and one casualty if Meiya's plan was to be accepted? Now, she has more than the success of her persuasion to worry about. Even if she was to fail to persuade the rebel, she wouldn't be so worry… since she has volunteered in this operation, looking for her own death. But now, with this idiotic and dense of a boy aligned on board, Meiya's worry was added up. She has more to worry now. From the beginning, she could not afford to fail persuading the rebel. But now, with the boy's presence, she must not fail to persuade the rebels. Otherwise, when worse come to worst, even the life of this boy would be endangered. This is what so infuriating about him. He volunteered with good intention…but only give Meiya more reason to be worry about. Why couldn't he just keep his head down and accepted it? Nay… if only he would, he wouldn't be the Shirogane Takeru that Meiya knew anymore.
"Are you all right? Is it too hot or too cold?"
Geez, shouldn't he worry about himself instead. Meiya still wearing her exo suit at the moment, while having Yuuhi's garment outfitted outside. And thus, the temperature function of the suit would just maintain her body temperature like how she wished. Her suit even connected to an external port to the Shiranui so that she could see things as the boy.
Instead, the boy should worry about himself instead. He is Meiya's escort right now. If worse came to worst, he would be the person who faced off against the rebels in her stead. It's not the situation for him to worry about such trivial matter. Shouldn't he at least acting nervous of the briefing or of his well being?
"It is all right. I am fine"
Meiya fought against her inner confliction of desiring to give him a full lecture on that matter. But, she wouldn't. It is not her personality to remain antagonize over spilt milk. What's done is done. Moreover, both Meiya and he, is now in a pivotal role in this operation. There is no time for some idle and meaningless argument. The guy who is currently acting as Meiya's coachman would brush off her scolding with his everyday nonchalant attitude.
"I see"
The boy casually replied. It looks like he wanted to ease Meiya's off the pressure of having to successfully persuading the rebels at all cost.
"Do not concern yourself with me. You had best concentrate on your task"
"…understood"
The boy replied without actually meant it. His eyes were still focused at Meiya with wariness.
"Don't worry. If it's you Meiya, you can do it. Talking the rebel out of it, that is."
The boy added
"Of course"
Meiya replied without hesitation. Firstly, she believed that she has the ability to persuade the rebel into putting down their weapons. Secondly, there is no point in retorting back at the boy. He did this because of his attachment and whatever objective which related to this incident… and because he was worried about her. Even if she spells out her frustration at him, there is no point, since he would just do thing at his pace like he always is. Unlike Tsukuyomi or Marimo, Meiya is not the type of person who nags.
"Focus on your mission, both of you. Operation start, now"
Tsukuyomi ordered
"Roger that"
Meiya and the boy who guarded her tensely responded. It's time. It's all depending on Tsukuyomi's performance and her persuasion skill now.
"Captain Sagiri. I am 1st Lt. Tsukuyomi of the Imperial Honor Guard 19th Independent Guard Unit"
The voice of Tsukuyomi rang loudly and clearly through Meiya's earpiece.
"Respond. I am 1st Lt. Tsukuyomi of the Imperial Honor Guard 19th Independent Guard Unit"
Tsukuyomi repeated.
"I am Capt. Sagiri of the Imperial Mainland Defense Army Capital Garrison Regiment"
A voice which Meiya could clearly identified as that of Sagiri Naoya who was speaking during the broadcast, rang through Meiya's earpiece this time. However, his face wasn't displayed on her HUD. It seemed that he only intended to transmit audio signal for now.
"May I hear the result of your deliberation?"
The man posed a question in an emotionless voice.
"This transmission is not meant to answer the question you posted"
Tsukuyomi answered in a similar manner to the man, without a hint of emotion in her voice.
This time, a window appeared on the boy's HUD. The small window immediately displayed a man's face with furrowing brows.
"Then what is it meant for?"
"Her Highness wishes to speak with you in person"
Tsukuyomi spoke indifferently to the man's irritation.
"…is that true?"
The man immediately asked.
It's normal for him to doubt such statement of Tsukuyomi. Any sane soldier would. The trickery of the Shogun's presence is an eligible move in this scenario to ensure the Shogun's safety.
"It is up to you to decide whether Her Highness' request is worthy of suspicion"
Tsukuyomi stated flatly without blinking her eyes.
As expected from Tsukuyomi. She made it so that if Capt. Sagiri was to doubt Tsukuyomi's word, it also meant that he doubted the Shogun's word as well.
"Understood. How are we to meet?"
"All four TSFs in my Honor Guard unit will escort the UN Army TSF carrying Her Highness"
Tsukuyomi replied.
Wait. It wasn't in the plan during the briefing. The only TSFs that were tasked to approach the rebels were Tsukuyomi's Takemikazuchi and Takeru's Shiranui. Is there any reason for Tsukuyomi to state something like that? The other thee Takemikazuchis that was piloted by Meiya's attendances should be guarding Meiya's Fubuki which was piloted by Yuuhi's herself right now… So, Tsukuyomi must be lying when she said that.
"I should also mention that there will be an Eishi piloting the escorting UN Army TSF and her Highness' speech should be broadcasted among your troops. Our desired meeting place is approximately 500 meters in the Amagi Interchange ruin. Is that acceptable?"
Tsukuyomi added.
Wait. It was also not in the plan. Meiya could somewhat guessing the reason why Tsukuyomi lied about bring the rest of her Honor Guard units along, but why did she asked for Meiya's speech to be aired to the rest of Capt. Sagiri troops? Whose plan is it? It can't be Yuuhi's, can it? Or perhaps, it was one of Tsukuyomi's makeshift plans? Shouldn't she consult with the Major first… during the briefing? If her speech was to broadcast across the country, it is truly the worst situation that could possibly happen if Meiya's guise was uncovered. It shouldn't be Tsukuyomi's plan… why has Tsukuyomi taken such a risky plan to approach the rebel.
"Understood. I shall follow your plan"
Sagiri replied. But not without a condition of his own "However, after making contact, Her Highness will enter a TSF we have prepared for her. That is my only condition. While your TSF is fine, and the transmission among my own troops is fine. The UN or American Army intervention is a clear violation of our sovereignty. If Her Highness requested this, we are to prepare to do whatever she wishes. However, there is no reason for the UN or the American Army to be present."
It seemed that Tsukuyomi's previous lie was backfired. Her claim to have extra escorts using Takeru's Shiranui was probably meant so that she could retract them during the bargaining… but it seemed that it has made the man became paranoid.
"I understand your condition. However, I cannot accept it."
Without pausing to think, Tsukuyomi stated "That would be different from your original request of handling Her Highness over to you. As that is not what she desires, she has instead requested an audience with you."
Immediately responded to Tsukuyomi's statement, the rebel's ringleader flared up. He furiously gritted his teeth "Why should we not grant Her Highness' visit proper respect? Is that not simply part of your plan rather than Her Highness' will?"
"As I said a moment ago, such things are for you to decide"
Indifferent to the man's anger, Tsukuyomi calmly stated. "Her Highness does not desire any further conflict. She has expressed thanks and sympathy toward the UN and the American Armies for their efforts to bring an end to this affair. That is not to say she approved of humans slaughtering their own brethren. Rather, Her Highness was thinking of the people who have been made to suffer in this incident. You should have no difficulty to understand Her Highness' pain. Thinking about slighting Her Highness' will here and now to prolong this fruitless battle… is truly in your best interests"
"I retract the condition and accept the UN's Eishi presence"
Sagiri has no choice but accept Tsukuyomi's condition, since Tsukuyomi has cleverly used his feeling and the Shogun feeling to corner him.
"Understood. Then I shall escort Her Highness alone"
Flatly came Tsukuyomi's claim
Meiya could clearly see the frowning man widened his eyes in utter surprise through the boy's HUD display.
"You mean to escort Her Highness with only one TSF. And you call yourself an Honor Guard officer?"
One would definitely suspicious or rather shock of how small the number of Her Highness the Shogun's guard are in the proportion to the kind of dangerous situation for the Shogun. No matter how good the Eishis who guarding her are, two would not be enough to ensure the safety of the Shogun.
From the start, Tsukuyomi lied of using a whole unit to make Capt. Sagiri to assume that the Shogun would really come out and meet him in person, since using a whole Honor Guard Flight to escort the Shogun's TSF is the most logical move. She has figured that the captain would find it odd to use fewer escorts.
"This is also Her Highness' request. Originally she said no guard at all would be necessary for an audience with"
Tsukuyomi calmly responded with a hint of mixed feeling within her voice. One could hardly identify whether that it was irritation or frustration or helplessness which was suppressed within her voice.
"…that is…"
The captain could only stutter.
"However, I urged her to take along at least one escort, if only to ascertain the truth of their will"
Indifferent to the man's awe, Tsukuyomi added.
"Her Highness…"
The captain's facial expression was released from a tense and stern reign. Meiya could clearly see that the man was getting emotional from hearing such claim from Tsukuyomi. All of sudden, she felt a pang of sadness and guilty for deceive him with those lies, even if they were weaved by her attendance.
"I apologize for the deception. However, know that I come alone as a proof of Her Highness's faith in you"
Taking advantage of the man's emotion, Tsukuyomi apologize. Of course, she was indeed apologizing to the captain for her own deception of betray him his trust. But, surely the captain would misunderstand the reason of her apology since he didn't know of the plan on Meiya's side.
"I am unworthy of such…"
The man immediately answered in a humble voice.
"I would save those words for Her Highness."
Even as she continued to weave lie to deceive the captain, Tsukuyomi was apparently indifferent. However, Meiya has come to know Tsukuyomi since she was but a baby. She understood that behind that indifferent voice and face, Tsukuyomi was also suffered from guilt and sadness of secretly betraying the captain's sincere trust.
"I understand your proposal. I shall head there right away."
Was Sagiri's immediate response
"I shall go there first with Her Highness following. You will wait for me to make contact…"
"That would be unchivalrous. I shall arrive first to meet Her Highness."
Sagiri promptly intercepted before Tsukuyomi could finish her claim.
"I understand how you must feel. But I must ask of you to let me ensure Her Highness' safety"
Since the captain has misinterpreted Tsukuyomi's intention, she has to state it clear so that he could understand.
"…I see. Understood. I have no objection to letting you perform your duty"
One would question of who have who surrounded by how quickly and easily Capt. Sagiri accepted Tsukuyomi's term.
"We will meet you with two TSFs, and await your transmission. Sagiri out"
A tense silence descended into Meiya's cockpit. The window that displayed the captain's face has disappeared along with the audio transmission.
Meiya looked at the boy whose face was completely darkened. It's really not hard to read his thought at all, right now. Geez. He, of all the people Meiya came to know, was the least suitable for this kind of operation. He shouldn't volunteer himself for this. Well, it's not her place to talk, since she was in no better shoe than he was.
Accompany with the guilt of deceiving such a great trust from the captain, it was clear that the boy was also as nervous as Meiya. It was so obvious that the boy was feeling regret and guilt of deceiving the captain's trust. But, unlike Tsukuyomi or Meiya herself, the boy could not hide his emotion so well. He is just as easy to read as an open book. One could easily read whatever in his head just by looking at his expression or his eyes.
One of these days, if they were able to make through this ordeal, Meiya will tell him that he should practice lying in front of a mirror. His lie was clearly too easy to see through… since his facial expression always gave away and telling others that he is lying.
"Takeru"
Meiya called.
"Yeah, it's finally time… I guess"
The boy answered and grabbed his control sticks, moving his Shiranui after Tsukuyomi's crimson Takemikazuchi.
The scenery which displayed through Meiya's HUD changed frame after frame at a steady pace. The boy's Shiranui flew in NOE flight mode 30 meters after the crimson Takemikazuchi. It's only now that the boy actually looks relaxed to Meiya. It seemed that piloting has become a second nature to him, whether he has realized it or not, the boy has clearly fallen in love with his machine and piloting it. As a result, he was diverted from his guilt, worry and nervousness the moment he started piloting his steed.
That may explained why he was so good with his TSF. Meiya was, however, only slightly surprise by this finding; even if this is the first time Meiya could actually observe the boy piloting his TSF, this close and inside his machine's cockpit.
More than anyone or to be more accurate, more than any Eishi that Meiya knew, the boy is in a completely different world or perhaps level. The boy was frighteningly great compatibility with his machine. His Eishi aptitude exam evaluation proved that. Among the record of the Yokohama Eishi training school, his score was the highest, so high that it could be easily recognized as the world highest score for a first timer. And this boy was and perhaps will be the only one in the history who has absurdly cleared the school's final training course within the first day he entered the simulation and with the fastest and highest record nonetheless.
It was cleared that the boy was lying about his experience with piloting a TSF. Meiya and the rest of the girls of the 207th squad has long known that… since he was so experienced at operating a TSF and his expression clearly gave away when Meiya and the girls pressed on that topic. The boy was, however, completely unaware that Meiya and the rest of the squad knew that he was lying. It was almost laughable to see how he believed that he has succeeded in tricking them into buying his lie. The girls just didn't press into the matter since it was a common unspeakable rule for the 207th squad to not dig deep into the other's history.
But, even if the boy was experienced with piloting a TSF, he was still… far too good. The word "good" or perhaps even "monstrous" would not do him justice of how great the boy is, in piloting his TSF. The boy could easily outdo even the instructor at time while has himself checked by Meiya and other squad members at the same time.
Moreover, with only roughly 92 hours of piloting experience, Meiya could mimic most of the boy's maneuver with the help of the XM3 OS. However, unlike her instructor Jinguuji the Sergeant, she could not comprehend how tough it is, to mimic those inconceivable maneuvers of the boy, since she first started learning to pilot a TSF using the boy's control log while using the newly invented XM3 OS nonetheless. According to the boy, who was also the co-inventor of the new OS, the XM3 allowed the Eishi to easily execute any maneuver that was stored in the data base of a TSF. Meaning if the boy could execute a maneuver, Meiya should easily execute it as well with the shortcut and simplified control suggestion derived by the XM3. As the result, Meiya and the girls could mimic even the most difficult maneuver of the boy, without much effort. But, from what she has heard from her instructor, it was almost impossible to mimic what the boy's control without the help of the new OS.
However, even if Meiya could mimic the boy's maneuvers, she could not perform them like he did. It's like watching a first rate dancer and a third rate dancer. Even if the third rate dancer was able to mimic everything the first rate dancer did, the result is completely different to the eyes of the beholders.
That's why, among the mechanic department, Meiya often heard complains of the workload of tuning the boy's machine. Normally, the mechanics will tune the TSF so that the Eishis could easily pilot their personal TSFs. But, for the boy's case, the mechanic tuned the machine so that it would easily answer to the boy's piloting technique instead. As the result, his TSF was always a nightmarish mountain of workload for the engineers in the mechanic Department. Every time the boy walked out his TSF from a simulation or practice match, cries of anguish were heard among the Mechanic Department. Works, works, works, works, works, tons of works were waiting for the engineers to finish.
"1901 to 20706. Capt. Sagiri and his escort have arrived"
Tsukuyomi's announcement derailed Meiya of her train of thought. Geez, this'd be why Meiya was so strongly opposing the boy participation in these kind of operation. He was always diverting other's thought from their original goal.
"06, move forward twenty meters, stop, and only show Her Highness once Capt. Sagiri opens his hatch"
"20706, copy that"
The boy answered. Then, he turned the audio transmission into an open channel
"Mei… Your Highness, Captain Sagiri has arrived… Please prepare yourself to speak with him"
Stutteringly, the boy said.
… Did he almost call her "Meiya" for a moment just now? For God's sake, this audio transmission was aired among Capt. Sagiri's troops that have this place surrounded, and those who are currently on their duties across the country; thank to Tsukuyomi's plan. The ceasefire proposal wasn't just applied in this place; it was also applied to every region on this land. Those who have stopped fighting or still preparing themselves for the next fight, were all listened to this audio transmission.
And… the boy has just almost made a fool of himself, of Tsukuyomi and Meiya in front of that great many people… If he wanted Meiya to stop worrying about the success of the persuasion…at least he should stop creating extra unnecessary things that make other worried. This is why… sometimes, even talking the most serious topic out with him…turned out to be a joke instead.
"I heard… these earphones have good reception"
Meiya held back her desire to retort and answered the boy instead. She just wished the boy stopped speaking…so that her guise wasn't blown off before she could have the chance to act.
"The mic in his TSF should pick up your voice just as well, so you don't need to talk loudly"
Indifferent to Meiya's throbbing heart at how he almost blew up her cover with the first word that escaped from his mouth, the boy said.
"Understood"
Meiya replied while shaking her head at how bad the boy's acting skill was. She supposed to be extremely nervous about how she is going to performing her lifetime duty and how she must be able to persuade Capt. Sagiri to lay down his weapon at all cost. No, she was, in fact, extremely busy worrying about those things the moment Yuuhi summoned everyone to her audience. But, right now, right here, she was still worry, but for a different reason. She was instead nervous of the idiotic boy who volunteered himself to help her performing her duty but almost pushed the self-destruct button before anyone can do anything. Tsukuyomi san, Instructor Jinguuji and the rest of the girls in the squad 207th must have their heart nearly leaped out of their mouth a while ago from the boy's first word.
Two black Shiranuis descended and cut short Meiya's worry. It was a perfect landing. A direct landing from a boost jump with only twenty-two to twenty-one centimeters of error. As expected, the piloting skills of the elites from the capital garrison are insane. Well, if talking about how insane they were, there is one person Meiya knew who was just as comparable or perhaps even above them in term of insane piloting skills… even if he doesn't look like that. Even if he is an honest person to the core, his appearance is so deceiving along with his character. Nobody could possibly imagine of how insane his piloting skill is, judging from his clown like nature and appearance of a Hollywood movie star. One couldn't help but wonder if he is actually deliberately acting foolish like a clown.
"1901 to 20706. The captain is ready. Grant him his audience"
Once again, Tsukuyomi's voice rang through Meiya's earpiece and reminded her of the situation she is in.
"20706, copy that." Promptly replied to Tsukuyomi, the boy then turned his head to Meiya and said "Your Highness. It's time."
The boy opened his cockpit and grabbed Meiya's hand, helping her to move out of his cockpit from her seat with ease.
Walking out of the opened cockpit, Meiya saw a man kneeling like a knight of old on his opened TSF's cockpit lid. He is the same Sagiri Naoya who appeared in the broadcast at the eve of the coup d'état.
"Are you Sagiri?"
Despite knowing the answer, Meiya asked.
"Yes, Ma'am. I am elated by the honor of receiving an audience with you. I am Capt. Sagiri Naoya of the Imperial Mainland Defense Army 1st Division of the 1st TSF Armored Regiment"
The captain humbly answered with his head bowed down. He would not lift his head upward without the permission from the Shogun.
"You may raise your head"
Meiya ordered
"Ma'am"
The captain replied.
"It is almost unfortunate that we should have to meet in this manner"
Meiya said, knowing that if it was Yuuhi, she would say the same thing.
"I am deeply distressed by the great pain and worry I have caused to Your Highness. However, I beg of you to let me continue until all the parasites nesting in the capital are vanquished, and all the corruption drained from our government."
The captain promptly said and made his personal request.
"I regret forcing you all into such a position through my incompetence"
Neither saying yes nor no, Meiya replied. If it was Yuuhi, she would say the same thing, Meiya was sure of it.
"Your Highness…"
"As you said in your broadcast, there is indeed a gap, and not a small one, between the state of the Imperial Diet and the Army and how I wish them to be. However, there is no doubt that among them, there are people who have spent all of their strength in order to save our country, our people and our world. Because their feelings are pure, misunderstandings and conflicts are frequent occurrence. And my inability to fully manage those conflicts is to blame for this."
Meiya said, with her voice clearly shaking from her very own emotion. It was her genuine emotion that made her said those lines. It wasn't mimicry of how Yuuhi should say or act. Even if Yuuhi and Meiya are two completely different entities and two different people at core. Their heart beat in unison and their thought was heading toward the same goal the moment the fighting and killing has started at the capital. Meiya understood it without the need of asking Yuuhi to ascertain the truth, since Yuuhi, too, has understood it the moment she granted Meiya the right to act as her double. Thus, the process of thinking of what Yuuhi would say and how Yuuhi would act, was cutting short to purely how Mitsurugi Meiya should say and how Mitsurugi Meiya should act.
"My apologies, Your Highness. But the fact that the government actions carried out in Your Highness' name differ from what you desire will not allow me to remain silent. Of course, there are no absolutes when it comes to people. However, men and women who lack the will to resolve those misunderstandings are using Her Highness' words to shield themselves from responsibility. When the conflicts arise, it is not Her Highness who should correct them, but the government and military themselves"
Captain Sagiri promptly corrected. Just like Meiya, he was just as emotional due to the mentioned topic "But, unfortunately, they no longer desire to perform such self-correction. During the fighting in the capital, the Sendai Provisional Government told me that Your Highness had ordered had ordered an 'immediately and unconditional disarmament. But looking back on it, by the time that order was given, Your Highness should no longer have been in the capital"
"…"
Meiya gasped. This is the first time, she has heard about this.
"Perhaps their hopes were crushed when they learned of Your Highness' absence, and they create a false order. Thankfully, we had heard your true commands through different trustworthy sources, and did not fall for their deception."
"…"
The captain said "different trust worthy sources." Other than the Ministry of Intelligence and perhaps the Imperial Household Intelligence Department, who could they be, the one who provided the information to the captain.
"You gave me and my comrades in rebellion an order to cease combat…long before the false order they sent. However, for some reason, Your Highness' order was not conveyed to us"
Sagiri said, still with his head bowing down and a hurtful expression reigned on his face. Then, his face turned into that of an angry man. His voice flared up "I am afraid that they are the true traitors. There was not the slightest reason for them to leave Her Highness in pain"
"…"
Took a deep breath, Meiya said "Captain, I understand what you say. The way of the Empire is now…remains my responsibility as the Shogun. As was allowing the American and the UN Armies to intervene…"
"…"
Sagiri made a small gasp, hearing the Shogun's claim which made so that she could shield those who he labeled as parasites, corruption and aggressor away from their crimes and responsibilities.
"Hence… there is no need for you to spill blood on my behalf"
Clearly and loudly, Meiya ordered.
"Your Highness… I must thank you… touching upon Your Highness' noble and sublime heart is flooding me with emotions. I feel as though my heart is being cleansed. Still, that does not change the fact that the American and the UN's Armies' intervention into our internal affairs is a grave and barbaric threat to our sovereignty."
The voice of the captain changed 180 degree from that of an angry man to a saddened man. "Now it has come to this, and we are at long last have the opportunity to speak… there is something I must tell Your Highness, even if it means putting aside my shame for causing this situation."
"You may speak."
Meiya ordered.
"This incident was plotted in order to fulfilled the American desires"
Sagiri claimed, with anger once again fueled his voice. "The fighting in the capital is said to have begun when one of my men made a preemptive strike upon the Honor Guard units defending the Imperial Palace. That was indeed the end result…"
That was what Meiya has heard so far from the briefing at the Yokohama Base.
"However, the unit commander never ordered them to fire. Rather, a single soldier stated firing and would not stop until his commander subdued him. The unit then retreated while defending themselves from the Honor Guard's counterattack. That's how the event truly transpired. And mysteriously enough, the same thing happened at the same time in a number of other places surrounding the Imperial Palace. All of the offending soldiers were captured alive for interrogation. The result from all the testimonies, it was clear that those soldiers were agents of an American Intelligence agency."
"…"
This, too, the first time Meiya has heard about this. She was simply… so shocked that she couldn't say anything in return.
"The American government wants greater authority in the Far East, so they started the fighting in the capital to give the American Army an excuse for deployment. The American would then save Her Highness from the fighting in the capital and suppress the Japanese insurgency according to the Americans wrote out. Also, this means the members of the Sendai Provisional Government who let the American Army intervene and hid Her Highness' orders of surrender are the true culprit behind the fighting in the capital."
Sagiri stated as the matter of fact.
"…"
No wonder the provisional government was formed so fast… after Capt. Sagiri's pre-emptive strike. Normally, it would take longer for the remnants of the government to make such response. However, if what Capt. Sagiri said is the truth, it is already within the plan of whoever orchestrated this bloodshed. Thus, it wasn't out of norm at all, the speed of the creation of the Sendai Provisional Government and the speed of allowance for the American and the UN Armies to intervene in this coup d'état which furthermore escalated the bloodshed.
"And yet, I bear the sin of allowing it to happen and understand full well that I cannot atone for it…."
Sagiri lowered his head in remorse.
"…"
"Your Highness…?"
Sagiri immediately lifted his head up, hearing a strange sound that he has not expected one bit. The Shogun was still standing steadily on the UN Shiranui's cockpit lid, except that, now…her eyes are closed and …
"…"
Unbeknown to her own, something hot streamed down across her cheeks. Meiya, even as she was affected and somewhat swayed by the captain's words, there is something that has kept bubbling within her chest at the start of the conversation, something that Meiya has locked deep inside her heart even at the eve of the coup d'état. It should be the same for Yuuhi.
Only when Meiya heard a strange sound that she didn't intend to make, Meiya started to understand that she is sobbing. And without the need of a mirror, the hot and liquefied substance that streamed down her cheek could only be her own tear. She couldn't believe it. She was crying… She is actually crying in front of the captain and during an important broadcast which is aired across the country.
"If you…"
Without wiping away her tears or opened her eyes "If you feel that strongly for the country, the people… and for myself, Koubuin Yuuhi…"
Then, all of the sudden, Meiya stared at Capt. Sagiri and hollered in a voice which was overwhelmed with grief.
"Then why have you struck people down?"
"Your Highness…"
Sagiri could only watch the Shogun stared down at him in surprise. He didn't expect her to act in this manner…nay he couldn't even imagine her to be this emotional…
"Blood will call for more blood, and war will beget yet more war. What you have done to bring about such a state of affairs…can you truly say…that it was done out of concern for the people or for myself?"
Meiya looked at the kneeling man and said what was kept within her chest, her true and naked emotion, stripped bare of lie, deception, position and status.
"Even if your true intention was to accurately convey my will, the Shogun's will to the people…does that grant you the right to destroy those who do not convey it, or even those who obstruct it? If you are allowed to do so, then by all means…do you have the right to blame the government for the effort it made to save the people at Mt. Tengen. By no means do you have the right to speak of the people's will."
Even as she was drown in her emotion, Meiya still conveyed her speech clearly to the captain, word by word.
Indifferent to the emotion of Meiya, cold gale whipped her face and dried up her hot tears. The more tears gushed out of Meiya's eyes, the stronger and the colder the wind become. It kept on drying up Meiya's tear as if even the Mother Nature herself wanted to console Meiya from her grief.
As the wind continuingly dried up her streaming tears, Meiya became stronger and stronger. Her voice which was originally trembled in grief, slowly turned more and more resolute. One could hardly believe that it was the same voice belonged to a girl who was just sobbing a moment ago. One could easily visualize an image of a queen who is currently reprimanding her subject of his wrong doing. One would surely is able identify the position and the status of the girl who is still talking down at Sagiri, without any difficulty. Other than the true Shogun of this land, perhaps there is none would able to deliver much feeling in her speech in such noble and dignify manner.
"Our country… the country of Japan…lies within the people's hearts. And the Shogun is but a mirror to reflect the Japan in their hearts… that is what I believe. If such a mirror were to reflect nothing, what sort of meaningless of an existence would that be? Protecting Japan is no different from protecting its people… there is no such thing as a country without its people. You understand that as well as any of us… and you still strayed from the path."
Their feeling should be the same, Yuuhi's and her own. No, perhaps hers was stronger. Even if their mind and heart united as one, they see the same thing with their own eyes; Meiya and Yuuhi looked at the matter from different spot. While Yuuhi could only endure her helplessness in preventing the bloodshed, Meiya endure the helplessness of imagining how helpless Yuuhi is while helplessly unable to do anything for Yuuhi and for the people.
Thus, each word that came out of her lips was thoroughly soaked in her raw feeling. Meiya continued to speak as she was driven by her strong and pure feeling toward the action of the kneeling man.
"However, you can still do the right thing. There is still exists a path to wipe away your mistake. You must end this battle as soon as possible, and grant the people relief. You are the only one who can save the people who followed your call to arms. Right now, you can save more Imperial, American and UN Army soldiers and officers more than anyone else, even more than one such as myself. You lament where Japan is headed. I have grasped that feeling, that will of yours."
Strongly, resolutely and determinedly, Meiya said
"From now on, I shall give all I have for the sake of Japan, and its people, forever remember the warnings of this incident. I swear that to you… on the name Koubuin Yuuhi."
Yuuhi would surely promise the same thing. She definitely would. Even if Meiya has long stopped saying what she has expected Yuuhi to say, and say whatever she wanted to say instead; Meiya was sure that Yuuhi would say the same thing and promise the same promise in front of the captain.
"…."
After a short pause to take a breath or perhaps to fully absorb the gravity of the words that were conveyed to him by the Shogun, Sagiri respectfully bowed his head even lower than it already was.
"I thank you for your words. It is an honor far beyond my worth. Your Highness… I leave my comrade's fate on your very capable hands"
"Captain Sagiri…"
Meiya muttered at the sight of the captain who has just handed her the right to command his army.
Then, all of sudden, a thunderous earsplitting sound erupted. An earthshaking clamor followed, almost threw Meiya from her position
The lid of Takeru's Shiranui immediately closed and Meiya found herself brought back into the boy's cockpit.
"Takeru. What happened?"
Meiya asked. It was so fast and sudden that Meiya could barely comprehend the situation. But, she could clearly see a gigantic shell, whirled through the air after ricocheted from the supplement shield of Tsukuyomi's Takemikazuchi.
"Takeru, what happened?"
Meiya asked the same question… but she could not even hear her own voice, not once but twice.
While she was confused that if she didn't say loud enough. Meiya hastily repeated
"Takeru, what happened?"
This time, too, she couldn't hear her own voice once again. Her ears were ringing by some head splitting weird noise. That previous explosion must cause this.
It was only now that Meiya has realized that Takeru was speaking to her… well, it's not like she heard it or anything. But, his mouth was certainly moving, indicating that he was talking to her.
"I cannot hear you"
Immediately, Meiya pointed at her ears and then proceeding to shake her hand and her head in a fervent manner, gesturing the boy that she couldn't hear anything.
The boy caught on to her message. He then gestured Meiya to stop speaking while screaming something into his mouthpiece. Then still with his left arm wrapping around her waist, the boy used his free right hand to activate a certain button, then he brought out an external keyboard which was normally used by the mechanic to tuning a TSF.
The boy typed
"Are you all right? Unharmed?"
"I am fine. My ears apparently were affected by the explosion. They are ringing… but they should return to normal soon. More importantly, what happened?"
"It looks like there is a situation on our side, but 1st Lt. Tsukuyomi is bringing it under control"
Meiya read the words that the boy has just finished typing on the screen aloud. Not that she could listen to her voice or anything.
"Your voice is still broadcasted. Mind your word…calm down"
He is the last person Meiya wanted to hear a lecture of how her speech was still broadcasted across the country. But, she was indeed forgetting that fact. She panicked by whatever has just happened.
"The situation was within 1st Lt. Tsukuyomi's expectation. Now, I do not need to converse with you using a decrypted line. Ascertain your safety to the captain via the transmission line while following the instruction of my message on the screen."
Meiya stared incredulously at the boy who is typing on the external keyboard. He and Tsukuyomi have this situation expected? How on the earth there is a secret that Tsukuyomi keep Meiya away from and yet, sharing with Takeru of all the people.
"Say something so that Capt. Sagiri could understand that you are safe. Order him to protect himself and do not involve in this matter while you are at it"
The boy typed
Is this also Tsukuyomi's instruction? Meiya could only continue to stare at the boy in amazement while start speaking into her own mouthpiece.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XX
It turned out just like what that boy has told her.
Tsukuyomi clicked her tongue and started to remember of her latest meeting with the boy at the summoned place when only they were the only one left behind.
"Please wait 1st Lt. Tsukuyomi. There is something that I want to ask of you"
The boy said with his hand grabbing to Tsukuyomi's right shoulder.
Furrowing her brows, Tsukuyomi stared at the boy who was getting overly familiar with her, while making his request to her nonetheless.
"What is it?"
Tsukuyomi asked.
The boy didn't reply. He pointed at a device on his Exo armor instead.
He wanted to have this conversation off the record.
Tsukuyomi immediately understood the boy's intention. Whatever he is about to say, it should not be recorded by her own recording device of her multi functional armor suit.
Normally, an Eishi would not have the ability and the authorization to turn off such a function of his or her own suit. But, Tsukuyomi was different. Her status as an Honor Guard Independent unit's commander gave her such authorization and ability.
Tsukuyomi promptly brought out her remote control and deactivated the record function of her own suit, without averting her eyes away from the boy.
"Speak"
Tsukuyomi ordered with her eyes full of suspicion while removing the boy's hand from her shoulder.
"Sorry"
The boy immediately realized that he was too close. He dexterously retracted and bowed his head apologetically.
"Sorry"
The boy repeated.
"I didn't turn off my own recording device so that I could hear you apologize over something like that"
Tsukuyomi flatly stated in a cold voice, as cold as she could possibly say. While she was surprise that the boy is actually not as…rude of a person she thought he was, Tsukuyomi didn't voice out and certainly she would never act in such manner in front of this boy.
Twice, this boy has called out to her for a favor. The first time, it was a disk contained a newly developed OS for TSF along with a video of the boy performing dogeza two hours straight while begging Tsukuyomi to make use of his newly invented OS. Normally, even if he was to remained in his dogeza position for days, perhaps even years, Tsukuyomi would not granted his wish… seeing how suspicious of a person the boy is. However, the boy himself must understand that his name was on the top of Tsukuyomi's list of the people with capability of harming Meiya. And thus, he would only further invoke Tsukuyomi's suspicion upon himself while requesting such a favor.
Why did he do that? Tsukuyomi could not come up with any reason to explain the boy's action. And within his video, he actually said that he has known there was an unrest within the Imperial Army which hinted that he has known of the coup d'état. That information was released to Tsukuyomi by the Imperial Household Intelligence Department after the meeting with the boy. How come that boy knows such highly classified information while she herself a high ranking officer of the Imperial Honor Guard didn't?
Even if that boy begged her to be his test pilot for his newly invented OS, he need not mention such classified information to have his wish granted. He was, in fact, only brought upon himself more of Tsukuyomi's suspicion and wariness. Still, the boy unknowingly went on explaining the newly added functions of the XM3 OS and the overall improvement of the XM3 compare to the currently existed OS, in a perfect dogeza.
Tsukuyomi didn't understand the reason why she has ordered her subordinates to have their TSFs and her own converted and tuned to the XM3. It wasn't because her heart was soften due to how pathetic the boy was or how perfect his dogeza was. Tsukuyomi just couldn't understand the reason why she did that.
There is something fishy about that boy. She has known it the first time Tsukuyomi called out to him in the Yokohama Base's hangar. There was an unexplained likable air of mystery around that boy, the moment Tsukuyomi saw him defending Meiya and his squadmates while receiving a beating from some lowly thugs who abused their authority and bullied others. And lastly, there is something about that boy that just makes other can't help but…believe in him and go along with him unknowingly. That's the most irritated aspect about him, Shirogane Takeru, Tsukuyomi reckoned.
It's so not like Tsukuyomi's character to let such a highly suspicious of a person to be the real Shogun's personal coachman. But, she actually allowed that.
It was so not like Tsukuyomi's character to let the boy still remained as the Shogun's personal coachman after the stunt he pulled on the Izu Skyline. Yet, she let the boy remain Her Highness' personal coachman till the end nevertheless.
Apparently he also got close to Her Highness during their travel… so close that even Her Highness started to trust him. Even if Her Highness didn't talk to Tsukuyomi or gave away such evidences during the summoning, Tsukuyomi understood it without being said.
Her Highness, of all the people Tsukuyomi knew, is most adept at reading and understanding someone's heart. And normally if Her Highness the Shogun who put so much trusts in any person, Tsukuyomi would not doubt of that person's personality at all. But… that boy should be an exemption to that rule… since he possessed a mysterious power that make people couldn't help but… believe in him.
What if he somehow managed to deceive even Her Highness like how he was able to deceive Meiya sama and even Tsukuyomi herself? Like how he has somehow mysteriously successfully persuaded Tsukuyomi into converted her Takemikazuchi into his XM3. Well, it is pretty much unlikely… but the probability is not zero.
What the…? Why did he volunteer himself into this operation? Unlike Her Highness and Meiya sama, he should have no personal attachment to this incident.
What the…? How on the earth that he persuade the US major into granting his wish? It was the same man who continuingly denied Her Highness' wish and even that of Meiya sama, including her own. The boy's wish is on a different level of absurdity compare to that of Her Highness, Meiya sama and her own. How did he do that?
That boy has thrown himself into such a dangerous situation in order to support and protect Meiya sama. Tsukuyomi should stop suspecting him…and start to make some effort to understand the boy instead.
And now, when Tsukuyomi has finally deactivated her firewall against him, he approached her and asked for another favor.
What can it be?
Even if that was what going on inside Tsukuyomi's head, she could help but acting cold toward the boy. Nay, it's not that she couldn't help but acting cold toward him. She must not put down her guard against him seeing how timely the boy has made his second personal request.
Pulled out something from his armor, the boy showed Tsukuyomi a weird device with both hand.
From the first glance, that weird device looks like a retractable large size computer chip. However, Tsukuyomi recognized it was actually a makeshift wireless trigger of some sort. But Tsukuyomi couldn't tell what kind of trigger that such device was meant for.
"It is a trigger"
The boy stated.
Damn it. Anyone could tell it at the very first glance. What is he taking her for? A brainless idiot like he is?
Before Tsukuyomi could actually say "I knew", the boy flatly said
"There will be a sabotage to prevent Meiya talking down Capt. Sagiri into laying down his weapons"
Tsukuyomi immediately glared at the boy on reflex.
What did he mean by 'a sabotage to prevent Meiya sama to'…? No the question that Tsukuyomi should ask is 'what does he know about it?' or 'how much he know about it?' or 'how did he know about it?'
"Please calm down. Stop giving me such glare. I will explain to you so that you can catch on, one by one"
"Go on"
Tsukuyomi said, in contrary to her inner turmoil.
"Firstly, if you are wondering where did I get such an idea from? It was the very same source that informed me of the unrest within the Imperial Garrison. I cannot tell you the identity of that source… But, you can trust my word that… source is definitely trustworthy"
The boy said while still holding into his mysterious makeshift trigger.
"It is up to me to decide whether that source of yours is trustworthy or not"
Tsukuyomi coldly snarled.
Awkwardly using a hand to scratch his head, the boy then nervously pressed on his story.
"There are traitors within our troops, to be more precise, within Major's Walken unit that is"
The boy has yet to finish answering to all of Tsukuyomi question on his previous claim, and here he is, continuing to make another outrageous claim.
Tsukuyomi's processor was frozen for a moment, unable to decide what she should ask him or what action she should take.
"If Meiya was to successfully talking down the rebel, the traitors would definitely prevent her before she could make it happen. And that's when I need your help the most, 1st Lt. Tsukuyomi"
"Do you have anything to prove your previous claim to be truth?"
Questioned Tsukuyomi, with a pair of eyes that were full of anxiety and suspicion.
"Sadly, I do not have anything to back up my claim. It is just as you said previously, it is up to you to decide whether you could trust me and my source or not"
The boy replied, using Tsukuyomi's medicine right back at her.
"…"
It was definitely annoying and infuriating, having her own words come back right at herself at this moment. Tsukuyomi tried to keep her emotion in check while darting a glare at the boy, signaling him into continuing explaining.
"While I do not have any evidence to back up my claim, I can tell you the identity of a person that I suspect to be the spy."
Wordlessly stared down at the boy, Tsukuyomi was getting irritated from the boy's manner of speaking. Why couldn't he just spell it all out and stop speaking in that half-baked mysterious manner?
"It should be the Eishi with the marker Hunter 2. I don't know if other than her, exist other spies within Major Walken's unit. But, please watch out for her"
"Stop the formality. Spell out what do you want me to do and how is it relate to this trigger that you are holding?"
Tsukuyomi impatiently growled.
"I want you to have this trigger connected to your TSF via wireless connection as fast as possible. This trigger can put a stop to all of the American TSFs within your Takemikazuchi's wireless data link broadcasting range. And when I said put a stop, I meant it literally. This trigger will freeze any of the TSF belonged to the American Army from functioning and at the same time automatically injecting drugs that make the Eishi who boarded those frozen TSF to enter a deep slumber. And since your Takemikazuchi's data link broadcasting range should be limited to just this area, cutting off from the surrounding by the rebel's interception, this trigger should only affect against all units belonged to Major Walken."
"…and you gave me such a device, so that if there was to be any investigation on the matter, the American Army would not suspect that it was you who was responsible for duping their men. Instead, all of the resentment would focus at us, the Royal Guards and the Shogun. But with our position and status, they couldn't actually take any action to have their revenge if we were able to hold on to their weakness…their spies, unlike you who belonged to the UN Army. Isn't that correct?"
Tsukuyomi coldly stated
"…Yes"
The boy gingerly answered to ascertain of Tsukuyomi's deduction.
"Do you really understand the implication of this device…no, of your own master plan?"
Tsukuyomi vehemently asked.
Tsukuyomi didn't ask how on the earth such a simple looking device could actually freeze all of the American Army's TSFs while putting all of the Eishis aligned on those TSFs to deep sleep with…just a single button. Absurd as it is, but the boy's claim is… undoubtedly the truth. Perhaps even if he claimed this device can blow up all of the military bases in Japan to kingdom come, Tsukuyomi would still believe it. His eyes ascertained that whatever came out of his mouth were probably truth, unless this boy is godly adept at lying.
"You give me this trigger so that I could push the button if I ever deem the situation was necessary to use this trigger, isn't it?"
Tsukuyomi questioned
"Yes"
"Is there anything else that you want to add?"
Tsukuyomi questioned
"Please do not think badly of the American Eishis, if it turned out that there was actually a traitor among Major Walken's unit. I am sure that they have a reason… perhaps you will not forgive them for whatever reason they may give to explain their action. But, I am sure they were forced into this. Just like how Her Highness, Meiya, yourself were forced to taking action against your own will during this coup d'état. I believe that even those Eishis who I am now labeled as spies have a worthy reason to do so. Who know whatever they can be? Maybe their family members were involved, were taking as hostages for example. I am sure that the soldiers who currently risk their own lives, fighting this battle should not bear our resentment. Because whoever they were, the one who orchestrated this madness, planned all of this bloodshed for their personal greed, are of course safe and sound from this bloodshed, toasting liquor upon other's misery, other's blood and flesh. And those who have to risk their lives in this battle are but tools and pawns for those monstrosities of people"
Surprisingly enough, the boy didn't tell Tsukuyomi to understand his motive or ask Tsukuyomi for any compassion or forgiveness toward his action. He asked Tsukuyomi to not think badly of the people who, specifically the American Army's soldiers and generally all the foreign troops who were involved in the intervention.
Tsukuyomi couldn't tell whether this boy is actually a calculative type of person of he is just…plain stupid.
"Also, please protect the rebels from any hostile action coming from the said spy Hunter 2's unit during the time Meiya starts her speech"
"Protect the rebels…?"
Tsukuyomi parroted incredulously after the boy.
"Yes, the rebels. Or to be more precise, captain Sagiri's personal unit. Unlike you and me, they are not aware of this plot. And if I was to be in Hunter 02's shoes, I would definitely attack captain Sagiri's unit, since it was easier for the American Army to explain such action rather than explain why their Eishi attacking the Shogun"
"That makes sense. However, what would you do if Hunter 02 attacked your unit instead or perhaps the rebels started to take hostile action against your unit?"
Tsukuyomi questioned the reason for the boy's earlier request.
"I must have my unit face up against Capt. Sagiri's unit during Meiya's persuasion. And thus, I could not able to take any immediate action against any hostile attack from our side with my back showing to them. If it is the rebels who point their gun at my TSF, I could easily react at any time to that. I promise you that I will protect Meiya at all cost, even if it means my own life… Moreover, just like this trigger I am giving to you so that you could deal with all of the American's TSFs; inside my TSF, installed a similar device as a precaution, which was meant to use against any TSFs of the rebel, within the vicinity"
"…"
Tsukuyomi frowned. The boy's claim kept getting more and more outrageous in nature. First, he claimed to be a sabotage waiting for Meiya's plan in the future. Secondly, he claimed to know the identity of the person who may cause that mayhem. Thirdly, he claimed to have a device that putting all of the American TSFs, along with their Eishis out of commission with a single button. Now, he has just claimed that he has yet another device to snuff all of the rebel's units out of the game just like how he would to the American Army.
A person who is capable of doing all those things… should not exist in this world. The boy has once again only drawn Tsukuyomi's suspicion to himself, making another outrageous claim. By all means, in front of Tsukuyomi's very eyes, if all of his claims so far turned out to be true, he is the most dangerous person in the whole world. Perhaps, compare to the BETA, he is actually posed to be a more dangerous threat. How could he ever expect Tsukuyomi to give him her support, after hearing such thing?
"In order to put the device in my TSF into working, I must ask of you to have Meiya's speech to broadcast among the rebel army."
"…"
How is that transmitting his TSF's audio signal across the rebel army would allow his device to produce a similar effect to that of the wireless trigger giving to Tsukuyomi? There is no connection between the two. One uses the data link via wireless connection between ally's units while the other using an audio transmission…
Wait…
Wait…
Wait…
There is….
"You hacked into their data bases, both of the American and the rebel army that is, didn't you?"
Tsukuyomi asked, focus all of her attention at the boy.
"Yes"
Was his answer, flatly, emotionless as the matter of fact.
…
According to Tsukuyomi's knowledge, the boy has already hacked into the UN's database and faked his profile. If all of these outrageous claims that he has just made until now, was due to his godly hacking ability… then it is very plausible.
He hacked into the American's CIA intelligence network. That's would explain why he knew if there is a sabotage if a situation where Japan was able to resolve her internal confliction with some negotiation within the government. That is, too, explained why the boy could point out the spy within the American troops that was tasked to escort the Shogun.
He hacked into a database that all of the American units shared and infected it with an unknown type of virus. That would explain how such a tiny trigger could snuff out any American TSF at will. Since all of the American TSFs were already infected by his malicious virus, there weren't any change so far. Unless a certain condition must be invoked, for example receiving a certain type of wireless wavelength likes how the trigger giving to Tsukuyomi would produced, the malicious virus would not become active.
The boy even successfully hacked into the rebel's intelligent network. That's explained why he was so sure that the assassins on the Izu Skyline weren't belonged to the rebel army. That's also explained why he was so god damn calm despite getting himself surrounded by the rebels from all direction. That's also explain the ability to snuff out the rest of the rebel's TSF in a similar manner to that of the American Army, except that the activation requirement for him to activate his virus has to do something with an audio command. Perhaps when a certain audio code was to be announced, the virus which was already infected all of the rebel's TSF would become active.
All of the mysterious aspects around Shirogane Takeru suddenly disappeared, except one. It was perhaps the biggest mystery which defines the person Shirogane Takeru. And Tsukuyomi is not someone who shies away from asking such question.
"If you were able to do all of those things on your own… Why? Why sharing them with me, of all the people you know? Shouldn't you know that I am the one who wary of your existence the most? If you were able to hack into the American Army database, it should be a walk in the path for you to erase any evidences of your involvement to this incident, right? You could even be a national hero, waltzing into the rebel army's rank and capture Sagiri alive. Or drag out all of the spies within the rebel army, the imperial army or even stop this coup d'état from happening… Answer me Shirogane Takeru, why didn't you do that? Who do you serve? What do you seek? And what is your objective?"
Tsukuyomi retracted step from the boy, while eying him with wariness as if he was a carnivorous beast.
"Would you actually believe me, telling you the truth no matter how absurd my reasons are?"
The boy posed a question with a sad look to reply to Tsukuyomi's questions.
Just as Tsukuyomi was flabbergasted by his unexpected question, the boy indifferently said.
"Would you believe me if I was to say that I entrust that trigger and all of these information with you, knowing you would not betraying my trust and knowing that you would make a correct choice?"
"…"
"Would you believe me if I was to tell you that even if I have the ability to erase all evidences of my own involvement in this plot, duping the American army right in front of their nose… I would never do so? I would not do that so that I could save hundreds, thousands or perhaps millions of lives"
"…"
"Would you believe me if I was to say that I did nothing to prevent this coup d'état from happening and all of this bloodshed from escalating, I didn't do so… I didn't do so, so that I could save a large number of lives, far bigger and larger than the number of lives that has lost today?"
"…"
"Would you believe me if I was to tell you that I served nobody, I have done everything so far for my own purpose, my own goal and objective. Would you believe me if I was to say that my objective was to save as many lives as I can. Would you believe me if I was to tell you that I designed my own plan in this way so that I could save as many lives as I can, even the lives of the people who I labeled as spies and traitors."
"…"
"See… you would not believe me, no matter what, since all of those reasons must sound absurd or just plain stupid to you, isn't it?"
"…"
"Would you then, at least, believe that I deliberately did things in such manner so that I could protect people who stay around me, people who are important to me, people who I treasure and cherish more than my own life. And Meiya is one of those people that I swear to protect at all cost."
"…I will believe to those words for now"
Said Tsukuyomi, after a long silence
"Would you then, still, remain my ally, accompany me through this ordeal and keep this a secret from Meiya?"
"… I would"
Replied Tsukuyomi, finally dropped her guard against the boy for good.
"…thank you…"
The boy said with his head bow down
"…thank you"
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXX
It turned out just like what that boy has told her.
The American Eishi with the marker Hunter 02 who supposed to stay hidden in her sniping position and not suppose to do anything unless the rebel TSFs showing any sign of hostile, opened fire at Capt. Sagiri's personal unit.
From the start, Tsukuyomi has faithfully answered to the boy's trust, watching for any of suspicious movement from Hunter 02's unit. Her Takemikazuchi was also parked in a position whereas it was easier for her to protect Sagiri from Hunter 02's attack than protecting Meiya from any kind of attacks from the rebel army.
And the moment she sensed something has gone wrong, something was different about Hunter 02's unit, Tsukuyomi forcefully brought her Takemikazuchi to intercept the line of shooting between Hunter 02's unit and Sagiri's unit.
As the result, it was her own unit that received a 120mm APCBCHE shell that was meant for Sagiri, along with a furious volley of 66mm shells which, too, originally was meant for Sagiri.
Nay, if she was to describe it in such way, people would start to misunderstand Tsukuyomi for some small fries. She has in fact shielded Sagiri's unit with her own Takemikazuchi. But no bullets have struck her TSF's armor so far. Since Tsukuyomi has long expected the attack from Hunter 02's sniping position, she could easily see through the trajectory of the shells aimed at Sagiri's unit. Thus, using her Type-92 Supplemental shield to divert the shells away from their initial trajectory… is but a simple task for someone with good piloting skill as Tsukuyomi. The slanted angle of collision between the bullets and the shield automatically and effortlessly did all the work, to directing the shells at some empty space, without harming anyone in the process. Of course, there were explosions. The first 120mm APCCBCHE which hit Tsukuyomi's shield exploded and almost sent the crimson Takemikazuchi flying. Thanks to the insane power output of the machine bearing the name of an ancient war god, Tsukuyomi could remain still in her guarding position and took on the rest of the smaller shells. But, Tsukuyomi must also say her gratitude to the explosive armor layer of the Type-92 Supplemental Shield. The direct explosion was completely diverted from her own Takemikazuchi. If Tsukuyomi was to misread the angle of collision and her Type-92 Supplemental Shield wasn't coated with reactive layer, that 120mm shells which was meant to aim at Sagiri's unit could have easily pierce through the shield and tore its way through Tsukuyomi's cockpit.
However, it was only …if Tsukuyomi was to misread such an obvious factor and her shield wasn't coated with a reactive layer.
The result unfolded to people just as what Tsukuyomi has expected. Shells simply struck against her shield to be ricocheted or blown away by explosions due to the immediate reaction of the reactive layer coated on the shield.
"Hunter 02. Respond. 2nd Lt. Thesleff. Cease fire"
In response to his subordinate's unexpected action, Walken drove his Raptor of its hiding place, intended to directly stop the woman from shooting.
"Well, it's time for you all to have a good sleep"
Tsukuyomi mumbled while pushing a button on a certain weird makeshift device given to her by Shirogane Takeru.
Immediately, the noise of the gunfire died… completely snuffed out.
The flying Raptor of Major Walken also plunged itself into the ground head first and create a soundly clamor.
The moan of the major was clearly heard as his Raptor plunged itself into the ground without any reason at all. It seemed that the wireless transmission is still on.
"What…happened…? Why was the Raptor…? 2nd Lt. Thesleff, are you alright? Respond"
The major, instead of worrying about his own state, he was worried of his own subordinate.
"…"
A sound of the American commander's grunt was clearly heard from the network. It was as if he was surprised by something or perhaps he was stung by something sharp.
"…what happened… I didn't …make….command"
Were the last words that Tsukuyomi could hear from the Major
Just as the boy has told Tsukuyomi, once the trigger was pushed, the American TSFs would freeze and their Eishis would be forced into a deep slumber immediately.
The life signals which was displayed to Tsukuyomi's HUD made clear that there was nothing threatened the American Eishi's lives, they were all induced into deep sleep due to the drugs that was injected into their bodies via their Exo suit.
"1901 to all units, stay in your position and remain on standby I repeat, stay in your position. I have the situation under control."
Tsukuyomi immediately gave an order to her confused allies who could disrupt the plan with any mistake they might make. After all, the Hunter Company was down for some mysterious reason after a member of their unit opened fire at the rebel leader.
Then turning her line of sight toward where the boy and the rebel leader are, Tsukuyomi narrowed her eyes.
Tsukuyomi then patched her communication channel to an open channel
"This is 1st Lt. Tsukuyomi of the Imperial Honor Guard 19th Independent Guard Unit. We had the situation under control. I repeat. We had the situation under control. Respond."
"This is Capt. Sagiri Naoya. I have ascertained of Her Highness' safety. Can you explain to us what's going on here?"
Tsukuyomi could help but smirk. The boy, too, must have finished his job in this plot… seen the reaction from the rebel leader…is just as he has predicted. It's all going well according to the script. Tsukuyomi has finished dealing with the American Eishi on this side while the boy focused on dealing with the rebel on that side, of course, without giving any hint of him being the script writer to anyone.
Author note:
Tsukuyomi, I hate you. Stop acting so cool. Stop stealing all the spot lights and spoiling my story. It is Yuuko's job to do the explaining of Takeru's master plan.
I want to say that. I really want to say that.
It was an unspeakable rule that it is always Yuuko's role to explain mysterious things about Takeru and whatever substance inside his head.
Now Tsukuyomi has not just stolen Major Walken's thunder, she also stole the spot light from Takeru and even stole Yuuko's role.
When the heck that you have become this smart Tsukuyomi?
Well, it is more like if you are not at least this smart, how would you become a Honor Guard commander?
I hate you Tsukuyomi….
This chapter is observed from both Meiya perspective and Tsukuyomi's perspective. And thus, their point of view is restricted as their understanding of Takeru's master plan. In another word, their point of view right now was induced to them by Shirogane Takeru who put so much effort into deceiving them despite his inability in trickery.
Well, Yuuko will definitely live up to her role, one day, explaining what actually happened. But, now, please let Tsukuyomi have all the spot lights.
Thank you for reading and supporting this story so far.