Muv Luv: Grim Alternative
Disclaimer: I do not own Muv Luv Alternative or the characters, only the OC. So let's get the show on the road!
'Thoughts.' Thoughts or Neon/Takeru mentally talking.
"Hey!" Takeru/Neon talking.
"HEY!" Samara talking.
Chapter 7: Comprehensive Combat Skill Evaluation
Southern Islands; Comprehensive Combat Skill Evaluation Day 1
Neon's POV
'Okay. What the hell am I looking at?'
"Yuuko-sensei in a swim suit." Takeru deadpanned.
'Thanks Takeru, for clarifying the fucking obvious.'
"This is so wrong! Seriously what's this bimbo trying to pull?" Samara added, just as annoyed.
"Yeah, I know. To her it's a vacation."
Vacation my ass. Regardless I did not expect to see Yuuko in a swim suit. Sure she looks good in it but the situation itself feels so wrong!
"You're finally here! Good let's get things started." Yuuko said while lazily lounging away. "Alright here you go. This is your mission. Do your best and try not to get killed."
Chizuru received our orders and saluted quickly in acknowledgement.
'I doubt I'm going to need this radio.' I thought while looking at the radio we got with our gear.
"You may be right about that Neon, but this is still your first exam you know."
'I've already done something similar to this back home Takeru. This is more or less the same thing for me.'
"While that is true it doesn't give you the right to get complacent or arrogant. I will not have any of that got it?"
'Yes mother. I get it.'
"I'm serious!"
'I know that. I'm taking it seriously like any other assignment.'
We were geared up with a belt kit containing basic amenities and gear and a radio in case we can't finish the test. Not like I'll let that happen. I took another look at my equipment especially my belt which was basically falling apart. They expect me to use this?! Oh well adapt and overcome. Good thing I'd also brought some other equipment
"Hey Neon." Mikoto called to me.
"Yes Mikoto?" I replied.
"Are you okay with using that belt kit of yours? It looks badly worn out."
"Nice of you to notice." Whether or not Mikoto noticed my sarcasm didn't show on her face.
"How about we swap? I'm more worried about leaving you with it." Mikoto suggested.
"You sure about that?" I asked.
"Yes."
"Alright, whatever works for you. Let's do that." If she wants the shitty belt kit, then it's her problem.
Instructor Jinguuji gave us our mission briefing. The operation was a simulation of when one would have no choice but to abandon his/her TSF, and their Reinforced Exoskeletons cannot be used. Escape was the primary objective with the secondary objectives being three targets that had information about the Evac point so that escape would be possible. Basically an escape from enemy lines simulation. We have a week to complete this mission. This should be interesting.
"Synchronize your watches…Operation start!"
"Understood!"
…
"From the looks of things we don't have the time to deal with each objective one at a time." Mikoto spoke up after looking at the map.
"There's a simple answer to this, we split into three teams." I proposed. It's the best solution considering the situation.
"That's…a smart idea." Chizuru said. Looks like she wanted to propose the same thing.
"Who should be paired with who then?" Meiya asked.
"Neon." Takeru spoke up.
'What is it Takeru?' I mentally asked.
"Pair up with Mikoto."
'Mikoto? Does it have to do with the last loop?'
"Yes it does. Back then it was necessary since I was a green as grass rookie then and her high survival skills kept me from getting killed. But this time we have a battle hardened veteran here which could change the whole thing."
'You do realize that this is my body and I'm the one here instead of you?'
"I know and I have no ideas what your actions could cause so I'm being careful here."
'I get your point...Fine. So you want to follow your memories here or let me wing it?"
"I'd prefer that you follow my memories of the last loop."
'Alright. We'll do it your way this time.'
"I'll pair up with Mikoto." I said. I'll play along with him for now.
"Eh?" Mikoto exclaimed.
"What's with the 'eh?' I said I'll pair up with you Mikoto."
"Ah no fair! I wanted to go her!" Tamase protested.
"Wait up! You're not in charge here!" Chizuru stated.
"Cool down you two. You're taking too long to make up your minds." 'Well it looks like this could be problematic.'
"You'll have to convince them somehow." Takeru stated.
"Is it really necessary for this event to match your memories?" Samara asked.
"I'd prefer it to. We have no idea what could happen otherwise. Better safe than sorry."
'Okay. I'll try to convince them, but don't expect much.' Cutting off the link I focused on my squad leader. "I'm new to this remember? Wouldn't it be better if I'm paired up with Mikoto since she has the best survival skills?"
"Eh yes…You do have a point." Chizuru said reluctantly. Tamase, Meiya and Ayamine though went quiet with the last two staring at me. I ignored them to focus on Chizuru.
"It's your call squad leader. I'll accept your decision either ways." I finished. 'Can't say that I didn't try.'
Chizuru sighed and shrugged in annoyance. "Alright, alright. I get your point, no need for the attitude. I'll let Yoroi take care of you." What attitude are you talking about? Whatever! Mikoto acknowledged the order.
'Satisfied?'
"Yes. Now all that's left is to do things like the last loop. Though I'd like to know who you would have wanted to be paired with."
'…Ayamine.'
"Seriously?!"
'Yes I'm serious. GOT A PROBLEM?'
"None."
'Good.'
…
The pairings were done and we split up to deal with the secondary objectives with a plan to rendezvous at a certain location when we were done. While I honestly don't give a shit about things going according to plan for Takeru, I had the faintest feeling that we were creating another problem entirely. Samara seemed to agree with me too. Hopefully it was just a hunch. Takeru had warned up front of certain events that happened in the exercise during the last loop and I made sure to keep an eye out for them and any other surprises that could come up that he may not have dealt with the last time. From what he told me they barely passed the last time but this time we'll pass.
Right now Mikoto and I were walking through a forest. It was pretty dense but nothing I haven't dealt with. Seems like Mikoto's handling it well too. Good to know.
"Neon, be careful."
"For traps? Already know about them."
"You don't look like you're watching for them."
"What makes you think that? Oh by the way keep your voice down or you'll set off that sonic landmine over to your left."
"Eh? Seriously?"
"Of course not. But there may have been one and you would have been screwed."
"That's mean!"
"And I don't give a shit. Let's move."
We continued on after that in silence, except the sound of our footsteps in the grass. Eventually I spotted something hidden under a leaf by a rotten tree. An obvious projectile trap if I ever saw one.
"Mikoto stop." I said before coming to a stop. She stopped and turned around to face me. "Trap over there."
"Eh…where?" Mikoto asked as she followed the direction I pointed. "Ah. Good eyes. It'd be bad if that rubber ball hit you."
"Yeah. That would have signified a kill shot. Can you disable it though?"
"No problem. I can disable it. Better make sure there are no other traps though."
"Right. There can be more traps around that one." Funny enough Takeru nearly got hit by this very same trap.
As I stood there watching Mikoto disable the trap and keeping watch for anything else I wondered what else would be there on this island. This trap was easy to spot for me with or without Takeru's advice, though I could see it catching rookies unaware, even with all their training.
"Looks okay." Mikoto spoke up signifying she was done.
"Good to know. Still be careful we don't know what else's out there." I stated.
"Yeah."
…
We continued moving through the jungle until we eventually spotted a cavern in the distance under a cliff. It was also evening by now.
"What do we have here?" I said. Then I noticed Mikoto reading her compass and saw a worried look on her face.
"Something wrong?"
"Our objective is there but I don't know if we could get there before dark." Mikoto stated.
Looking at the cavern I managed to gauge how long it would take for us to reach it.
"We won't be able to get there before dark. It's a klick away, but we need to walk exactly three klicks to get there." I said.
Mikoto smiled, impressed by my deduction. "Good estimate. Exactly what I was thinking. How about we rest here for today?"
"As much as I'd like to I'd prefer that we deal with the objective now." I responded, "Besides in this scenario we're supposed to avoid confrontation with the enemy as much as possible. As such nighttime would be better for infiltration. What do you think?"
"But we don't know the area so well, so maybe we should scout in the daylight first before doing anything."
"True but I think it would be better for all of us if we don't waste any time." Mikoto closed her eyes in thought about my idea before she opened them. Okay. We'll go with your plan then Neon. Ahhh…I'm so glad that you're my partner." The petite girl suddenly hugged me.
"Yeah…Glad to hear that." I responded while hesitantly returning the hug.
"Never been hugged before Neon?" Takeru asked.
"He has been hugged…mostly by civilians he rescued, especially the female and children." Samara answered for me. "He's still not used to such contact due to his training."
"I see. They suppressed his emotions?"
"Not completely. Just enough to be an efficient soldier but still be human."
…
We continued on, reaching the cavern after dealing with an annoying number of traps that I and impressively Mikoto easily spotted. Disarming them though was a bitch as these ones had traps laid on top of each other just to screw us over, still nothing we couldn't deal with at the end. Honestly we could have avoided them all if I'd just jumped all the way downwards, but that would open up a whole line of questions I don't want to be asked. Luckily we got to our objective just as evening came. We began to look around the cavern.
"Seen anything there Mikoto?"
"Neonnnnn. Over hereeee!"
I walked over to her annoyed because of her shouting. "A simple yes or no would have sufficed damn it! You trying to let everyone know we are here?"
Mikoto flinched at my tone. "Sorry. There's no traps here but the electricity here is still running."
"Is that right?"
"And I found something pretty sweet."
"Ho? Show me." I came closer to Mikoto and saw what got her excited. I gave a deadpanned expression. "A Humvee. And an unusable one at that. Nice find."
"Yes…The engine's completely gone."
"Not like it would have mattered. There is nothing but jungle out there. The road is long gone." I noticed that Mikoto was staring at me and blushing?! "Okay? What is it?"
"Amazing! I can't believe you saw the old tire tracks over there!" Mikoto said happily.
"I'd noticed them earlier before we got to the cavern." I bluntly replied. "Anyways we still have to keep searching."
"Well we could use this sheet I found." Mikoto stated as she showed me a sheet that had been used for covering something. Most likely the Humvee.
"I remember that…We used that when I'd been bitten by that snake…" Takeru mentioned. Then I and Samara saw an image that disturbed us, making me groan in annoyance and Samara to beat the crap out of Takeru.
"W-What's wrong?" Mikoto asked me with concern.
I shook my head to get that image out. "Nothing. Sorry for worrying you. Found anything about the Evac point?"
"Nothing about that around here."
"You sure? What if you missed something?" I walked away from her to do some looking around.
"I highly doubt that. I was thorough." Mikoto defended.
"Then explain why I can smell fuel from that barrel." I pointed to the metal drum.
"Oh! It's fuel for the Humvee. Still useful but…"
"Neon!"
'What is it Takeru?'
"I remembered that there was a boat hidden somewhere on the island during the last loop."
"What about…Oh I get it. You want Neon to take some fuel for the boat."
"Yes. But I'll leave that up to Neon. We didn't really get to use it last time."
So we have the option to either take some fuel along or not. What a dilemma…Not really. We got limited supplies here and I'd rather conserve them anyways even if I have some heads up from someone. Besides I got no idea how much fuel that boat would need so no point taking unnecessary risks here.
"So that's all right?"
"Yes, that's all Neon."
"Okay then. Let's blow this place up and get out of here. The fuel here can be used as improvised explosives."
"Great idea." Mikoto said. I soon brought the same barrel of fuel towards Mikoto, who then began to set up the explosives while I kept watch. It didn't take long for her to create a time release fuse to go with the gasoline and when she was done we got the hell out of dodge.
…
We were standing on a mountain watching as the explosion went off.
I whistled, impressed at the sight. "Well color me impressed Mikoto. That's one hell of an explosion and a good diversion too."
"As much as I want to bask in your praise we can't afford to stand here." Mikoto stated as she began to walk away, "It's getting dark and we're not out of danger yet."
I shrugged. "Point taken. Off to the rendezvous point then."
So with that we continued along the mountain area with visibility becoming lower. We reached a steep slope and well we had to climb it, though I could get us up there with my high jumping, but that'll also attract questions I don't want to answer. So the hard way it is. Sometime later I spotted something…off…again…another trap…points for placement this time.
"Stop Mikoto."
"Eh what?"
"Trap over there. Can you see it?"
Mikoto looked at the same direction I was staring at and her eyes widened in surprise. "You're right! Good thing you spotted it. Maybe we shouldn't have gone at night Neon. I'm barely able to see well."
I shrugged. "Well what's done is done so we'll have to keep going, and while we're at it… your belt kit is falling."
My partner looked down and noticed her slipping belt kit. "Eh! Ah! T-Thank you."
"Don't worry about it Mikoto. Just hurry up and fix your belt."
"It's too dark to do that." Mikoto's face suddenly brightened up.
"How about now?" I had a small pocket flashlight in my hand which was now pointed at her. Not like I need it since I have dark vision.
"Wow! Now I can fix my belt. Thanks again!" Mikoto said happily.
"Like I already said don't worry about it." I responded.
In no time Mikoto was done fixing her belt and we continued onward with my flashlight lighting the way for us. Soon I spotted another problem…a snake.
"My archenemy."
'Really?! You were bitten by this snake?'
"This very same one!"
'Well lucky you. You'll get your 'revenge' soon.'
"Hold on a moment Mikoto." I said, coming to a stop ahead of her.
"What is it now?" Mikoto said anxiously. Not surprisingly considering our limited vision.
"Hold on to this while I take care of our pal there." I replied giving her my pocket flashlight as I crept towards where the snake was hiding. I silently drew out my combat knife as I got closer. Then I pounced and stabbed the damned reptile in the head before chopping its head off and tossing it in my belt will be useful when we run out of rations. The proteins would be great for us, though I'll have to roast the damned thing since I'd rather not eat it raw.
'The damned snake is dead. Happy now Takeru?'
"I would have preferred to do that myself but I won't complain."
'Good.'
"Coast's clear now." I said as I secretly holstered my knife.
"What was that up ahead?" Mikoto asked.
"Snake."
"Eh? Snake!?"
"Yes, and it's dead now so no need to panic. Let's keep moving."
With that, we continued past the mountain and towards the rendezvous point, eventually reached the area before setting up camp there and waited for the arrival of the others. Mikoto was pretty exhausted by that time though so I took the longer shifts as to let her rest. I didn't feel tired in anyway but I don't mind resting whenever I can, though I always sleep with one eye open.
…
Comprehensive Combat Skill Evaluation Day 2...
Unknown POV
So that is the boy who joined just a few months ago? He's the one that was secretly enrolled as a cadet at the UN Yokohama base by the XO.
So far he's proven to be something else; he's stronger, faster, durable and more fit than these girls. Not much of a surprise, but his look and stance was one that a veteran would have, not a cadet and that makes him a mystery. Where did he come from? Why is he here? Who is he really? These thoughts had gone through my head as I watched my target and his partner in their Comprehensive Combat Skill Evaluation from a good distance. Right now it seemed that they had made camp and were waiting for their comrades to join up.
I had been tasked with keeping watch of this kid for a while by my superior and to report any and everything interesting about him. So far I haven't gotten much.
Might as well keep watch until this thing evaluation ends…Eh? Where did he-GAAAH!
Neon's POV
"What do we have here? A spy obviously." I stated as I held a woman in a chokehold and had her sitting on her ass. My combat knife was close to her jugular. She did a good job of hiding herself in the jungle but not enough to stay out of my sensory radius. "Now tell me what you're doing here and who sent you or I'll make you a corpse."
"Go ahead. I have nothing to say to you." The woman replied.
"Is that so? So you're willing to leave your child behind huh?" I asked. She stiffened and went silent which meant I guessed right.
"H-How did you-?"
"You're not exactly in the best position to demand anything from me. So start talking before your child becomes an orphan."
"…Alright! Alright! My boss sent me to keep an eye on you. For some reason he's found you interesting ever since the XO of Yokohama base got you enrolled as a cadet. You're a mysterious one and my boss wants to know more."
"So your boss finds me interesting eh? I'm flattered. Who's your boss?"
"I can't tell you."
"Can't or won't?"
"Both. I rarely see his face anyways and he contacts me, not the other way round."
'At least I know that the one in charge is a male. Though this could be problematic if she was sent to spy on me.' I thought before getting back to my prisoner. "Is that all?"
"I swear! That's everything I know!" The woman replied hysterically.
"I didn't need you to swear to me to prove you're telling me the truth. In fact, it makes me think that you're lying." I heard her heart beat faster. "Either way sweet dreams."
Before she could blurt out anything I put her to sleep. Then I restrained her hands and legs and hid her under some leaves. I then took out my radio and contacted Yuuko.
"Ara? Neon, I never expected you of all people to use this radio. Don't tell me you're giving up?" Yuuko answered.
"Sorry to burst your bubble but no. I'm calling to tell you that I caught a spy during this evaluation. I have her restrained and conscious for pickup." I replied, getting silence on the other end.
"Really? What did you manage to get from her?" Yuuko asked.
"She told me that her superior sent her to observe me ever since you got me enrolled into the base as a cadet. Makes me suspect a breach." I answered, "Apart from that and her being a mother nothing else."
"I see…Well then I'll send someone to pick her up. Coordinates?"
I promptly gave her the coordinates where the unconscious woman currently is. By the time they pick her up me and Yoroi would already be gone.
'Did you get anything else from her Samara?'
"Nothing more than what you already got from her Neon. She was more than willing to tell you the truth for the sake of her child." Samara stated.
"That was uncalled for Neon." Takeru disapproved.
'And I don't give a damn what you think Takeru. Besides did you get someone like this observing you in the last loop?'
"No. Never happened. Though we might have to be more careful now."
"Hey Neon! It's time for my shift!" Mikoto called out.
"Sure I'll be right over." I replied before returning to camp.
…
Nighttime…
The rest of the day went by without any other event as Mikoto and I swapped shifts. Night time came and we set the camp fire up but not too brightly so as to not expose our position. Over the same fire was roasted snake and duck which we were having for dinner. It was then that I sensed two familiar presences approaching us.
"Looks like they're here." I said.
"Ah. Chizuru-san and Meiya-san are here." Mikoto confirmed. Walking into our small campsite were said people.
"About time you showed up." I playfully added. Chizuru and Meiya both had surprised looks on their faces. Meiya recovered quickly and said, "Why am I even surprised? Only you two could finish so quickly."
Chizuru soon followed, "Agreed. When did you arrive?"
"We got here yesterday evening." Mikoto said.
Now they were even more surprised.
"Is that true….?" Meiya asked.
"Yes. Oh now Tamase and Ayamine are here." I answered before I sensed the new arrivals.
"Huh? Is everyone here already?" Tamase asked in surprise.
"Yes, you two are the last ones." I answered.
"…What'd you do?" Ayamine asked.
"Completed our objective what else, and why the suspicious glare." I deadpanned.
"…I'm not, I'm not." She denied nervously.
"Whatever you say."
"Now that everyone is here let's figure out where everyone's at." Chizuru stated, "Tamase, you start."
"We found a map with the evac point on it." Tamase said and then took out a map which had said evacuation point marked on it.
"So it's all the way over there." Chizuru said.
"We appear to have more than enough time…" Meiya added.
Tamase continued, "Well we don't know that for sure…. Ah, we also found an anti-material sniper rifle. Though it only has one round in it." She showed us the big sniper rifle. Good thing about it is that it can be split in half for ease of carrying around.
"That's one big ass rifle." Samara commented.
"Yeah, just like last time. I still can't believe it's that huge." Takeru added.
"We found a rappelling rope." Meiya said showing said rope.
"All we found was that sheet." I said as I pointed to said object.
"So which way should we go?" Tamase asked.
"I'd like the easiest route possible, but there's no way to tell which that is." Chizuru stated.
"True."
"Also, we may have a lot of time, but we're not going to slow down, so prepare yourselves."
"You're right. We have no idea what might happen, so we should still hurry." Mikoto said.
Chizuru continued, "From now on we'll be moving as a squad. Bad teamwork will result in failure of the mission. So take care."
"Got it." Tamase said.
"Okay." Mikoto followed.
"Understood." Meiya and I said.
Ayamine was the only one to stay quiet. Most likely to avoid infighting considering her beef with Chizuru. That's good enough for me 'cos we can't afford to have that crap.
"Okay then. Let's set up some rotating shifts so everyone can eat and sleep." Chizuru said.
"If you're worried about food there's roasted snake and duck over the fire." I pointed out.
"Not to mention the ripe fruits we also found." Mikoto added.
"Yeah…that too."
"You too were well prepared." Meiya said.
"Well since we were all gonna meet up here I figured that some of you would still be hungry so why not?" I replied. With that said we all ate the roasted food and fruits before taking shifts to allow each and every one of us in the squad to sleep, with my shifts being the longest. Though there was still the issue of Ayamine trying to give Chizuru a poisonous fruit and causing a ruckus. Seriously…
…
Comprehensive Combat Skill Evaluation Day 3…
The next day came and at first light Chizuru woke us all up. I didn't sleep much since I didn't need such, even though the squad leader had to force me to worried about my health. How nice, but not necessary. Anyways we made our way to the evac point. The trip was silent due to everyone being too focused on the Evaluation to chat or they didn't want to set off a sonic landmine. Not a problem for me anyways.
Mikoto volunteered to go scouting ahead of us. A short while later she returned having found a cliff ahead with a river below it. We all walked over to where the cliff was and we saw that it was really a long drop before the water. It would be dangerous to fall there especially with the raging current.
"Well shall we cross this now?" I suggested.
"Of course. A detour would be a waste of time." Chizuru agreed. "And since you suggested it Neon, you go tie this rope to the other side."
"Tsk…sure whatever ma'am." I snarked before taking the rope and tying it to a tree on this side. Deciding to show off I took some steps back before making a mad dash and then leaped across the gap, easily getting to other side. You don't need to be a genius to know that the girls were surprised by this stunt. Anyways after that I tied the rope on the branch of a tree, making sure that it was secured well.
Then right on cue the clouds were starting to go dark, meaning that rain was coming, especially after Takeru told me about it. Then it began to pour after all. Talk about bad timing and we are just about to cross too. Still we can avoid the flood if they start crossing already. After giving the girls the go ahead they all came across one after the other. Once everyone was across we looked back and saw that the river was now flooded.
"The rain isn't stopping….and now it's flooded." Chizuru stated.
"Kei-san can't retrieve the rope like this." Mikoto pointed out.
"Should we wait for the rain to stop?" Tamase asked.
"I thought it was a squall, but it simply will not end. We are only wasting time here." Meiya stated.
"Even with that sheet, the rain's going to sap all of our energy…" Tamase brought up.
That is true but regardless of whether we wait or walk our strength would be sapped. And obviously walking would be worse since we would use more energy getting through the now muddy ground and even someone with a lot of energy like me wouldn't want to waste too much. Squall or not.
"So do we abandon the rope or not?" I asked.
"I think…we need it. There might be a similar crevasse farther ahead." Chizuru said. "Tamase, I'd like you to shoot the knot on the far side. Can you do that?"
"Huh?"
"You have a good reason for that?" I asked.
"Simple. So that it would be possible to retrieve the rope." Chizuru answered.
"Wouldn't that be a waste of the rifle round? We only have one." I argued.
"It may be. But I see the rope as more valuable. Are there other opinions?"
"I don't think we should use the rifle round here." Meiya said.
"Your reasons?"
"We do not know what lies ahead. Should we not use our strongest weapon on a more appropriate target?"
"You've got a point, but…."
"We can use vines in place of rope, but that cannot be done for bullets." That's a good point.
"But a rope has more uses than a rifle. There could be another ravine like this later…."
"I agree with Chizuru-san." Mikoto said. So it's two to one now. And then there are still the opinions of Ayamine, Tamase and I. "A rope has more uses than a rifle. We have no way of knowing if there will be another cliff."
"I'd like to save the rifle." Tamase said. Two even.
"Ayamine?" Meiya called.
"Hm?" said girl answered.
"If you have no opinion, then you don't have to say anything." Chizuru stated.
"…Leave the rope." Ayamine answered bluntly.
"…Why?"
"…Because our squad leader said the opposite?"
"Y-you are just…!"
"Drop the bullshit Ayamine!" I scolded. Why am I not surprised?
"…That was a lie." Ayamine said.
"Why lie then?" I asked.
"…The truth is, I hate ropes."
I face palmed in annoyance. "In other words you don't give a damn either way."
She shrugged. "…I can't say either opinion is better than the other."
Chizuru then turned to me. "And you, Cross?"
"How about we wait for the water to recede?" They did not expect me to say that. Not surprising as they don't want to waste time in this exam, but they don't realize that this squall will not last long.
"Are you mad?!" Meiya exclaimed.
"Nope." I replied.
"We have no way of knowing when it'll stop." Tamase said.
"Even so I think having both the rifle and the rope with us will let us save more time in the end." I explained.
"That's…true, but…." Chizuru began.
"I cannot agree with that." Meiya continued.
"Me neither. We need to get moving again…" Mikoto joined in.
"I don't think waiting will be very smart since we don't know when it'll stop." Tamase said.
"...If you want to sit here, do it alone." Ayamine said.
"Ayamine's comment aside, I'm just giving you all another option. Better that than for us to rush into a dead end. Besides if we move in the rain we'll end up sapping more energy anyways."
"Y-Yeah but…"
"Four hours then."
"Huh?"
"Four hours. We'll wait for four hours. Even after this squall ends it will take a while for the water to fully recede. In the meantime, we can decide whether to take the rifle or the rope." I said.
"That make sense…" Mikoto agreed.
"I can understand that but…aren't you being a bit too optimistic?" Mikoto stated.
"No." I answered bluntly.
"Nonetheless, retrieving the rope without using the rifle would be ideal." Meiya added.
"Allowing us to use both later."
"So Squad Leader, what should we do? It's your call at the end." I said. Chizuru took her time to deliberate on the choices. At the end of the day I'll follow her orders at least for now.
"We'll rest here for four hours." Looks like we're going to wait after all. Good call Chizuru.
"Ayamine retrieve the rope if the water level falls. Meanwhile we'll post sentries twenty minutes shifts…."
Two Hours Later…
The rain stopped all of a sudden as I was on my shift.
"Ah!"
"The rain stopped!"
"What do you know?" I said with mirth since my estimation of the squall was on point.
"Two hours…" Chizuru said in disbelief.
"At this rate, the river will calm down after one more hour." Meiya said while looking back at the river.
"And then after Ayamine gets the rope back…that'll be four hours!" Mikoto stated.
"Neon-san! You're amazing!" Tamase cheered.
I shrugged. "You should be telling the squad lead that since she made the call." Actually they should be thanking Takeru for that but he's not here physically.
"No need to thank me Neon." Takeru spoke up.
'Good enough for me.'
"Hey!"
"…What about me?" Ayamine asked.
"Don't worry. We're counting on you to get the rope once the water's gone." I replied.
Meiya turned to me folding her arms. "It seems the heavens are on your side."
"Yeah, yeah…whatever." Either way we still get to keep both items, whether good or bad we'll find out.
…
Comprehensive Combat Skill Evaluation Day 4…
It was a long walk towards the evac point but everyone was serious and concentrating on reaching it. Well considering that it was our main objective from the start it's obvious that they would all get overly excited…well except me. Apart from a few things like the traps, and that spy I caught this exam hasn't been to my liking. Maybe something interesting would meet us at the end of it.
"...Is that the evac point?" Chizuru asked.
"If the mark on the map we found is correct." Meiya stated.
"It's right in front of us!" Tamase exclaimed in excitement.
"Oh joy. Over already." I said with sarcasm.
"Is something wrong Neon? You seem annoyed." Meiya asked with concern.
"No, it's nothing. Just a little tired."
"I see. The evaluation will end soon. Endure for a short while longer."
"Sure..."
We continued to walk until we reached an opening in the forest. There in front of us was a helipad which meant that this was the evac point. However, I had a feeling that this wasn't over yet.
"You're right about that Neon." Takeru confirmed.
'So you know what's going to happen next or you prefer for me to find out myself?' I asked.
"Considering how angst you are about the lack of excitement, I'll let you find out for yourself."
I smirked at that. 'Good enough for me. So how's Samara? I haven't heard from her.'
"She's sleeping due to the boredom."
'Not surprising there.'
"Evac point secured!" Chizuru said, "Everyone, keep your eyes peeled."
"It would be marvelous to finish this on day four." Meiya said.
"I never thought we'd get here so fast!" Mikoto exclaimed in excitement.
"Now we'll finally be able to start TSF training!" Tamase added.
Everyone seems so happy all of a sudden. I guess finally being able to complete the Evaluation would do that. Unfortunately, I'm not sharing that same excitement, 'cos it's not over yet.
Tamase then showed up with something. "I found some smoke flares."
"I do not see any vehicles." Meiya stated, "…so perhaps we are meant to use these."
"Obviously." I deadpanned. "Anyways let's get this over with." I quickly grabbed the smoke flares and moved to the far corner. Then I lighted the smoke flares and waved them. After a few seconds I saw a helicopter coming down from the sky. It seemed it was over until I noticed something. I looked at the direction that got my interest. Then all of a sudden I saw something glimmer somewhere on the cliff. And then there was gunfire. What do you know? Looks like this wasn't going to end yet.
The helicopter then left to avoid getting shot down. The ground around me was being torn apart as bullets hit them.
"…Neon, fall back!" Mikoto yelled out.
"No need to tell me twice!" I yelled back before I made a mad dash away towards the others while they themselves jumped behind some rocks. The shots were all following me meaning whatever was shooting was specifically targeting me. Oh joy.
"It is aiming for you!" Meiya yelled.
"Thanks for clarifying the obvious!" I replied.
The shots were getting closer and closer by the second but I was still managing to stay ahead of it. As I neared where the others were I jumped just as the bullets hit the ground where I last was. They sighed in relief while I dusted myself off. Quite the rush indeed. Ha! I knew this was too good to be true!
"Neon! What the hell happened?!" Samara yelled.
'You missed me getting shot at.' I bluntly replied.
"Are you okay?! Wait…of course you are!"
'Thanks for the vote of confidence.'
Tamase peered out through the rocks looking for where the shots were fired. "There must be a gun battery on that outcrop! The shots came from over there!"
"You don't say?" I deadpanned.
"I can't believe one of them is still functioning…" Chizuru said.
"The chopper ran away…" Ayamine added. Well duh! What else do you expect?!
"Now what…?" Mikoto asked.
"So we have not yet completed the mission…" Meiya trailed off.
"…We should have been more careful…" Chizuru stated.
Great…now they're all getting depressed, not that I'm surprised. What's next? All of a sudden the radio started to act up. Chizuru and the others were surprised by the sudden sound. Chizuru grabbed the radio from her belt kit and knelt down as everyone gathered around her.
"Yes, this is squad 207B."
"Aaah…are you still alive?" Yuuko asked on the radio.
"The squad is unharmed."
"I see, good to hear. That aside, plans have changed a bit." From the sound of her voice it sounds as if she expected this to happen or she plainly didn't care about our safety. No surprises there. "I'm sure you noticed when it shot you, but the gun battery on the island to the northeast is still active for some reason." That's 'cos YOU activated it!
"You can't control it from there?"
"Nope, it's all automatic. What a pain~" Liar! "So, I'll give you a new evac point."
"…Understood."
"Your new destination, Point E, will be right behind the offending battery."
Chizuru quickly got the map and noted it down. "We might get attacked on the way there."
"All I can do is tell you where to go. That is all."
"…Roger." Yuuko hung up and Chizuru then turned to us. "You all heard her."
"Understood." Meiya acknowledged.
"Quick on the uptake aren't you Meiya?" I said.
"We must not let our guard down until the end." Meiya answered.
"True." I agreed.
"And for someone who got shot at you seem to be in a better mood."
"It's the adrenaline rush. It gets the blood flowing better. Besides I had a feeling that this was all too easy and was prepared."
Meiya giggled at my reply. "You're good."
"Thanks for the compliment." I replied.
…
We walked through the forest on our way to the new evac point. I kept my eyes open for that gun battery that had shot at me earlier. Not long with my enhanced senses I had spotted the damned thing up ahead.
"Look alive everyone. Something's up ahead." I informed them.
"Really? Where?" Tamase asked. I pointed ahead for head and she looked in the same direction. "Ah! You're right. I see…a radome over there."
"Where?" Meiya asked.
"Over there…look, it really is a radome."
"It is positioned in the center of a cliff. So unnatural…"
I highly doubt that. It was originally positioned there for a reason.
"Ah…! Ayamine-san, gimme the scope." Tamase said.
"…Here." Ayamine gave the team sniper the anti-material rifle. The sniper wasted no time putting it together and adjusting the scope.
"Now let's take a look at it." Mikoto said.
Smart move using the scope as a binocular. Though I've already seen it. "So…see anything?"
"Umm…nothing clearly." Tamase answered, "But…the dome's missing a piece, and I can see something moving inside it."
Mikoto spoke up, "I think the Professor said it was automatic right?"
"Which means that's most likely the sensor." Chizuru stated.
"It occurs to me it did not react when the helicopter approached us, even at low altitude." Meiya added.
"Which explains why I was shot at in the first place, meaning that it's the only proximity sensor in our area. We take it out and we'll not have to worry about it firing at us." I summed up.
"…I have to agree it's very likely." Chizuru agreed.
"Sakaki, let us destroy the radome. Since it is likely to be the gun's sensor, we should take the opportunity." Meiya said.
"True…we only have one bullet and an anti-material rifle isn't enough to destroy the gun itself. There is no reason not to. Cross, get ready to shoot."
I stared at the squad leader with a deadpanned expression. "Isn't Tamase the team sniper here?"
"Well I would have thought you would have loved to shoot the gun, especially since that gun battery fired at you."
"Sure but wouldn't you feel much better if this was done by someone you trust more? There's no do-over here."
"Considering your skill in training, we're confident in you doing this just as well as Tamase would." Meiya said.
"Okay…What about you Tamase?"
"I think you should do it Neon-san. Just as Meiya-san said you did so well during the exercises so I'm sure you can do it." Tamase replied.
"Thanks for the vote of confidence everyone." I said sarcastically as I took the rifle from Tamase and set it up before lying on the ground and taking aim.
"Aim for the top of the radome. That kind ought to have a radar dish in that part." Mikoto stated.
"Sure." Like I needed to be told something that obvious. I breathed in and out as I looked through the scope and aimed for the top of the radome.
'Mind adding a little juice to the shot Samara?'
"Do you really need my power for this?"
'Well that thing fired on us…courtesy of Yuuko of course.'
"Here's some boost. Stick it to that crazy bitch!"
'Why thank you Samara.'
"Wow! You must really want to spite Yuuko-sensei." Takeru sighed.
After lining up the sights I fired a shot and the top of the radome blew up, then the structure itself followed going up in flames. "One less nuisance to worry about." I stood up triumphantly. Everyone looked at me with a smile, glad that I had taken the shot and took out a major obstacle.
"Now we might not have to worry about that gun battery anymore." Chizuru said.
"True, but we cannot be certain, so we must remain vigilant." Meiya warned.
"Yeah. We don't want to get surprised like that again." Tamase said.
"Could not agree more." Mikoto added.
"Agreed." I said.
Mikoto giggled. "Of course you'd agree Neon, since you were the on getting shot at."
"Laugh it up Mikoto."
"Now let's move out! Leave the rifle somewhere inconspicuous!" Chizuru ordered.
With that done, we continued to move forward until it was time to make camp and rest.
…
Comprehensive Combat Skill Evaluation Day 5…
"Okay, everyone wake up." Chizuru said.
"Morning to you." I said nonchalantly as I got to my feet.
"I hope you slept well Cross."
"I did. Thanks for caring."
"I hope so. We don't need you falling on us due to lack of sleep."
"Whatever."
I looked to the side to see everyone also getting up one after the other.
"Good morning." Tamase greeted.
"Morning to you too."
"Now, we're going to complete the mission today. Be ready to move out in five minutes." Chizuru informed.
"Understood~" A still sleepy Mikoto said. Everyone seems pretty sleepy still not that I'm surprised. Still we all got ready and left.
Eventually we reached a bridge. If you can remotely call it a bridge.
"This bridge…I almost forgot how bad it is." Takeru stated.
'Your sensei has one sick sense of humor expecting us to get across that death trap.'
"Yeah…You're right about that."
"Can we…get across this?" Chizuru said also reaching the same conclusion I did.
"I think it'll be fine if we use a fresh rope to repair it." Mikoto suggested.
"The bridge on the far side is made out of metal." Tamase pointed out. We all gathered around looking at the metal bridge at the far end.
"While I can tell that bridge is far stronger than this one and would like to take the safer option, there's just one problem."
"Doing that would require a significant detour…we would lose a lot of time." Meiya answered.
"Exactly."
Chizuru took out the map and looked at it, probably seeing what would happen if we tried to get to the metal bridge. We'd probably have to cross the jungle more and then get through a lot of annoying traps or hazards.
"I think it'd be best if we repaired this bridge and cross it right away. Let's trust Mikoto on this one." I said.
"You're right." Chizuru agreed.
"No objections." Meiya stated.
"Yoroi and Ayamine, repair the bridge. Everyone else, keep a look out."
"Understood." Mikoto and Ayamine acknowledged. The rest of us stayed behind to keep watch as the two walked over to the bridge. I watched as Ayamine went across without making the bridge even shake. I smirked at that. Color me impressed.
"Still, I am glad that we were able to silence that gun." Meiya said to me.
"Hmm…what about it?" I responded.
"If it was still active we would have no doubt been fired upon the moment we crossed."
"No arguments there. It would have been chaotic."
"If Tamase didn't find that sensor we would still have to find a way of destroying that gun."
"Yeah and that would be dangerous since it's a long distance away. Plus, it'll take time." Not really. I would have destroyed it myself and in less time, but I don't need you to know that. Just like how I blew it sky high.
Once they were finished Mikoto waved to us from the other side with Ayamine simply just standing there quietly. "Squad Leader! It's okay now!"
"You two stay there and keep your eyes peeled!" Chizuru ordered.
"Okay! But be careful! It's still very fragile!" Mikoto cautioned.
"Yoroi! Stop shouting!"
"The core of it looks like it's rotting!"
"I don't think she can hear us." Tamase said sweat dropping. Oh she can hear us alright. She's just not listening.
Chizuru sighed, "…Then let's cross in order of weight. We'll start with Tamase."
"Okay."
"Everyone else stay alert until it's your turn."
"Understood."
Everyone went one at a time. I was the last one to go across the bridge. After that we walked straight to the evacuation point.
"Evac point secured! Everyone split up and keep your eyes peeled." Chizuru ordered. Problem…Where's the chopper? Unless…
"Evaluation complete! Squad 207B, form up!" All of a sudden Instructor Jinguuji came from out of nowhere. Everyone gathered up together. I guess the Evaluation is over since the Instructor has arrived.
"This Comprehensive Combat Skill Evaluation is hereby complete. You've all done well. I will now inform you of the result."
Well now. Time to see how we did.
"Your methods for destroying enemy facilities, plus capture and use of their items…all get passing marks. You also neutralized the greatest threat in the exercise, the gun battery, with minimal efforts…" All of a sudden the Instructor sighed.
"Hmm? Something wrong Instructor?" I asked.
"Nothing…It's just that you completed the evaluation so well that it's surprising…either way you passed the Evaluation with flying colors." She answered. After hearing that everyone began to tear up, well everyone except for me. Not surprising, they were so happy that they had succeeded.
"Great! We're on step closer to changing the future for the better!" Takeru stated happily.
'Yippee for you.'
"What's wrong Neon? Aren't you happy that the evaluation's over?"
'Not really. I expected more from it but like they say we can't always get what we want.'
"I agree. Apart from catching the spy, getting shot at by the gun battery and destroying said structure, this evaluation was a bit lacking." Samara stated.
"Well forget about it. We're getting to the good part now."
'Eishi training huh?'
"TSF training. So you'll be learning to pilot those mechs like they call it."
"Yeah. Trust me it'll be fun."
'Describe 'fun'.'
"It'll give you one heck of a rush, one that you'll like."
'Don't mistake me for an adrenaline junkie Takeru. Still if it's interesting then I'll take your word for it.'
"Trust me. You won't be disappointed."
'We'll see.'
"What's wrong? You look sad. We finished the evaluation and a day early too." Mikoto asked in concern, getting my attention. The others too had that same concerned expression on their faces.
"Nothing. Just glad that this is all over. That's all." I replied blankly.
"C'mon Neon-san! Smile! Smile!" Tamase said attempting to cheer me up. I decided to oblige her and gave a small smile.
After that we all went to where Professor Kouzuki was and took the rest of the day off resting from all the exercise.
…
Everyone was playing in the around in the water. Well everyone except Yuuko who was just tanning herself and I who was just sitting in the sand beside her and watching. Thanks to her I had brought some swimming trunks for this trip and here I was in my trunks which were in the color of the Dutch flag. Meanwhile Takeru was getting his ass handed to him by Samara because she thought he was being perverted and peeping on the girls through my eyes. Back in the last loop the nimrod had forgotten to take a swimsuit then and was whining about not doing this time, not to mention Ayamine tossing him into the water. I tuned out the ruckus in my mind to focus on reality.
"Aren't you going to enjoy yourself Neon?" Yuuko asked me.
"I am enjoying myself. Just sitting here and enjoying the warm summer weather is good enough." I responded, "Besides I'll join them later when I feel like it."
"I see. Nice to know that someone from Black Ops knows how to enjoy himself."
"Like I can't do so. I just don't get many opportunities to. Anyways what about the spy I caught for you?"
"She's been picked up and is already on her way to base for further interrogation." Yuuko sounded serious. "I'll have to be more careful with information about you so that certain parties don't snoop in on something they're not privy to."
"Yes, you do that. I'll try to not use my abilities too much so as to not attract suspicion." I said.
"Like you did to blow up that gun battery?" Yuuko asked with a mischievous smirk.
"I don't know what you're talking about. I just shot the sensor and the rest just happened." I responded smoothly.
"Sure~" Yuuko said.
"She caught on that quickly…Impressive." Samara commented.
'I'd rather not have her snooping around about my abilities and you.'
"Yeah, yeah. We don't need her trying to dissect you."
'And hastening her demise.'
Suddenly Ayamine appeared next to me with a devious look on her face. Too bad I knew what she was up to.
"Don't even think about it Ayamine." I said. She had a surprised expression on her face, not expecting me to know what she was up to.
Of course she tried to bullshit me. "…Eh? What do you mean by that?"
"Unless you want me to use you like a javelin then just do a 180 and get back into the water." I replied before standing up and going to join the others in the water while leaving Ayamine stunned. Oh trust me if she still tried whatever she had in mind I would have reversed her and used her like a javelin.
…
Takeru's POV…
We ended up back at the base arriving the same day. In the last loop we finished the exam on the 22nd but this time we finished on the 18th. This could give us more time to prepare or so I thought. Yuuko-sensei ended up making Marimo-chan give us a review of what we learnt for the past month for the next four days. Of course Neon didn't like that but there was nothing we could do about it. Also Yuuko had called for him and I, mostly about the upcoming Eishi training and the spy Neon caught during the last evaluation. Most of what the spy said was more or less the same thing Neon, Samara and I had heard, except Yuuko-sensei had an idea of who the spy's boss was and said that she'll deal with it.
Next we did a bit of review of basic TSFs, their capabilities and all that. We were told to read up the manual before the upcoming Eishi aptitude tests. I'm eager to see how Neon would do in this.
Chapter 7 End.
Sorry for the lack of updates. Internship gives me little room for such and when I can it's mostly on Sundays or any chance I can get. Either way I'll try to update this and my other stories when I can.