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 8: Don't mess with me.
Neon's POV
Another class had ended as Instructor Jinguuji left after another review. We were told to read up the TSF manual before the upcoming Eishi aptitude tests. Now those I was interested in.
"Hey do you think we have to memorize everything in this manual?" Mikoto asked worriedly.
No kidding. The manual's the size of a freaking brick! Seriously! How much stuff did they put in it?! And how much of them is actual useful information and complete crap?! No way in hell am I reading all of that! Besides Takeru's told me the more important stuff I'll need to know. The rest comes down to practice and experience.
"Well we'll get used to the TSF when we're in one right?" I said.
"I hope so. There's no way I can learn all this." Mikoto said.
"Now then, shall we go to the PX?" Chizuru said cheerfully. A little too cheerfully.
"Ah yes!" Mikoto said.
"Someone's in a good mood today. What's the occasion?" I asked.
"Didn't you hear the instructor? We need to finish before 1pm." Mikoto said. I also noticed the others smiling a little too mischievously. Reminding me of a certain time with Ron Russell and his squad…
"You're being too mean to him." Meiya said.
"You seem very happy about it too." I replied.
"Food, food…" Ayamine said.
"Really?! They actually want to pull that off on Neon here? You foooools!" Takeru said.
Tsk! Nice try girls but I'm already onto you now. Trying to stuff me with food huh?! Too bad I already went through that in my world and your behaviour's too similar to those who tried this last. This time I'm turning the tables on you!
"Question is…who'll be the unlucky victim?" Samara asked.
"Well now, everyone!" I spoke up getting the girls' attention.
"What?" Tamase asked.
I looked straight at Mikoto and closed the distance immediately, grabbing her shoulders and facing the others. "Mikoto here said that she wants to be stuffed after today's meal." I had a very evil grin on my face. Oh I'm so gonna enjoy this.
"Ho-eh?" Mikoto blurted out in shock.
"Ho-eh? There's no way you can eat that much right? No matter, Ayamine, let's escort Mikoto to the PX together." I stated. Ayamine looked at me with wide eyes, "Oh Chizuru, please bring Mikoto's food to her, if you don't mind and get Kyozuka to give her an extra large portion!" I said to a dumbfounded Chizuru, "Now, Meiya, Tamase, don't just stand there, help me bring Mikoto to the PX."
"W-wait! Neon…you're kidding, right?" Mikoto protested.
"When did I ever joke around? Oh, I can't wait for the Eishi aptitude test. Hehehehe…" I replied mischievously. It was then it clicked for them.
"Y-you knew!?" Mikoto exclaimed.
"What about? Come on, come on, time's a wasting." I replied.
"Nooooo! Let go of meeee! Everyone, help meeeee!" Mikoto panicked and tried to bail but my iron grip kept her from escaping. It also didn't help that the others grinned mischievously at her, letting her know she was screwed.
"Not so fast Mikoto."
"_!?"
"…now, let's go!" Tamase said as she grabbed Mikoto's right arm.
"Uwaaaaa, Miki-saaan!?"
"Cross…" Chizuru began, "How large is an extra large portion, compared to a large?"
"At least double." I replied.
"Got it."
"There's no way I could eat all that! You're gonna kill mee!" Mikoto protested.
"Yoroi, your plot has failed. Accept your defeat and Training School tradition." Meiya said.
"…your sacrifice will save us all." Ayamine added.
"I thought we all decided to make Neon do that~!" Mikoto stated. So YOU planned this huh? Well too bad the tables are turned.
"Do not make it sound so malicious. That was never MY intention." Meiya replied.
So we all dragged the unfortunately screwed Mikoto to the PX to face her doom. Oh I was so enjoying this!
…
Eishi Aptitude Test Room…
Okay…What the fuck am I looking at?!
If you're wondering, why I am so shocked right now? …well it's because the girls in front of me were wearing the weirdest pilot suits ever, the Eishi Armored Suits. Worse they were partially revealing certain parts I'd rather not see. I kept a straight face and focused on their faces only which were obviously full of embarrassment since I'm a male and seeing them in their suits. I too was in my own suit which was much different since it was for males.
"We're going to start evaluating your TSF aptitudes now." Instructor Jinguuji began, not caring about the awkward situation.
So this is how they test new pilots' aptitude for TSF piloting? I wonder how my own will be since I've never piloted one? Well only one way to find out.
"Sakaki and Mitsurugi, enter the first two simulators. The rest of you are on standby here!" The instructor said.
With that the two girls went into the simulator pods and the aptitude test began.
…
PX…
"Neon, are you suuuuuuuuuuuuuure that shaking wasn't a big deal?" Mikoto asked me suspiciously.
"Was it meant to? I felt nothing at all!" I replied. No seriously the aptitude test was…. disappointing. It felt the same as when I did the fighter jet simulation. Nothing special! Fucking joke! Well the others were affected by the shaking a lot, especially Mikoto here since she had to eat all that food and got stuffed.
"…You're a biological oddity." Ayamine said.
"Really? Then what does that make you…?" I countered.
"Apparently a real TSF accumulates feedback data into its cockpit control system, so the pilots won't feel much of the shaking after a while. However, the real thing can do some insane multi dimensional movements, many of which can produce more Gs than any simulator can create." Takeru explained to me.
'That I'm inclined to agree and here I've been inside a super fast vehicles and none of them were close to being like that.'
"Let's just say that you being used to those vehicles made this nothing for you." Samara stated.
"I'm inclined to agree." Takeru said.
"But the Instructor said some strange things…" Chizuru stated, getting my attention.
"You mean that part about him not getting worked up, but remaining incredibly calm?" Mikoto recalled.
"Yes. Didn't she tell us no normal human could be like that?"
"Yes…even Ayamine was quite agitated, whether she showed it or not." Meiya said.
"…abnormally agitated." Ayamine corrected.
"Sensors don't lie after all." Mikoto said.
"So, Neon-san, you really were unaffected by all that shaking?" Tamase asked.
"I already answered that." I replied in annoyance.
"…Let's assume his machine was broken today." Ayamine said.
"Good idea, let's go with that." Mikoto agreed.
"Seriously you're all overthinking this. It's no big deal." I sighed.
…
Next Day, TSF simulator room…
"Movement Training Course D complete. Cross, disembark." Instructor Jinguuji ordered.
"Roger that."
"Wow! You weren't kidding. Neon's something else." Takeru said.
"Of course I said. It is a big part of him." Samara stated.
Climbing out of the simulator I felt unfulfilled. I just did another training course on the TSF simulator and to be honest, it was a waste of time. Heck I finished it in record time just to challenge myself and it still felt like a waste of my fucking time. Thanks to my 'abilities', piloting any vehicle is a breeze for me, no matter how unique the vehicle is. Hell this simulation course reminded me of an arcade game I played a while back in my world during that mission I was sent on before ending up here.
"I only had you try this course on a hunch, but…Cross, have you piloted a TSF before?" Instructor Jinguuji asked.
"No ma'am. I haven't." I replied.
"Hmmmmm…"
"Something wrong ma'am?"
"After seeing your Eishi aptitude score yesterday, Professor Kouzuki told me to put you in a simulator course at least once…"
"Really?"
"I said it was reckless, since you haven't even learned the controls yet…"
Actually it didn't take me long to learn the controls. In fact, it took me a short while to get the hang of it.
"Umm…Instructor, was Cross really that good?" Chizuru asked.
"The shortest time on record for a cadet to get from aptitude test to passing Movement Training Course D is 33 hours." The instructor explained, "Well, she wasn't in it all day every day…so that probably comes put to around five days." Everyone became wide eyed as they figured it all out.
"Cross did it in one…no, going by hours, only one day!" Meiya stated.
"That's right. Cross' beaten our all-time record by a factor of five." Instructor Jinguuji stated.
"Wooooooow…." Mikoto looked at me in awe.
"Of course, the revised training curriculum and increased specs for the simulated TSFs were probably major factors…"
Really? It took me that long? And here I thought I did it much faster. Oh well.
"Normally, it would take much longer to get used to the controls…but he never hesitated, even on the most complex maneuvers."
Suddenly Takeru took over and began talking. He suggested that the others look at my control logs. He felt that my techniques should be shared with the whole squad. That is if they can even mimic them at all. Funny enough the genius Professor Kouzuki had already seen this coming and even brought the same idea up to the instructor. In fact, the pilot training curriculum was already being heavily revised to incorporate the crazy genius' ideas.
With that, Instructor Jinguuji told us that from today on until graduation our squad would have top priority access to all of the simulators. Great. Next our personal training TSFs were to arrive the next day. Whoa! That's quick. Looks like things were speeding up. After that we were dismissed and the instructor left. It was then I took back control and dumped Takeru's ass in the back seat.
"Neon-san, you're to amazing." Tamase said in awe. "One fifth of the all-time record…"
"Whatever…I don't really care about that." I replied.
"Where'd you learn to move like that?"
"Who knows? Maybe I'm just that talented, I guess."
"No matter how talented you are, demolishing Course D that fast just isn't normal!" Chizuru exclaimed.
"Anyone could do that if they tried. So don't make such a big deal out of it."
"…Abnormal." Ayamine said.
"Like you're one to talk." I countered. And why are they all mad at me?
"Neon, are you sure you've never been a soldier before?" Mikoto asked.
"And how many times do we have to go through this again?! I have some training from my uncle from GSG-9! That's it!"
"Even so, you're still far better than any amateur could by such amount of independent training and study."
"Stop it, Yoroi. Whether he has military experience or not, such things are possible when one has a truly great teacher. And his uncle has definitely done a good job with him." Meiya said.
"…A little too good." Ayamine said.
"You're right…we should just leave it at that." Chizuru said.
"Either way I'll be happy to teach you guys some of those techniques after you read my control logs." I said. My squad mates were happy with that and they accepted it.
…
Professor Kouzuki's Office
Takeru's POV…
"Sensei~ Good evening ~~ How are you doing~?" I greeted as I walked into the office.
"You're irritatingly upbeat, Shirogene." Yuuko replied. By now she's able to tell who is in control of this body.
"You have no idea." Neon said.
"Thank you very, very, very much!"
"And gratingly thankful."
"To be honest, I never thought you would do so much to help with our TSF training, Sensei."
"Neither did I." Samara added.
"You both wanna graduate as soon as possible, right?" Yuuko asked.
"Obviously!" Neon exclaimed.
"Yes, but still…" I said.
"And you've used TSFs in the field. Well you have Takeru…Neon not really but his aptitude test scores say that he'll have no issues with operating one either, especially considering what he is. Anyways I decided to kill two birds with one stone here, which is nice by the way." Yuuko stated.
"Yes."
"But it really is a pain to get TSFs moving."
"It is, yeah…"
"So why don't I make a direct thought transmission device for you guys?"
"What?!"
"What?!"
"No way!?"
"If you guys don't mind being my guinea pigs, I could have them developed right away."
"Huh?"
"A quick craniotomy, then some electrodes placed in the brain. I'll just hook those up to a computer and…"
"We're fine with what we have, thank you."
"What? You're boring…bye now…"
"That was a crappy joke." Neon said.
"One out of ten." Samara added.
"Um…Sensei…is your research at a dead end?" I asked.
Yuuko-sensei got serious when she heard that. "…why do you ask?"
"Well, you just reminded me of myself…you know, when I wanna clean up my room for some reason right before a test…that sorta thing."
"Don't compare me to you."
"Yeah, I shouldn't do that…"
"Obviously, you freaking moron!" Neon berated me.
Yuuko-sensei suddenly giggled. "Well, you may still be on to something."
"I knew it." I said.
"I may be a genius, but even I get stuck sometimes. Although my problems are far bigger than any of yours or Neon's." Yuuko stated.
"Let me guess…it has to do with those fifteen billion semiconductors?"
"Something like that…I know, how about I redesign the simulators? Not joking this time."
"Huh?"
"If I can't do fifteen billion, but simulated a few billion through software…then maybe…"
"Um…Sensei?"
Unfortunately, she was off in her own mind doing scientific calculations like many genius professors do.
"We might as well leave right now." Neon suggested. I had to agree with him there. So we left Sensei's office and went to visit Kasumi. There I just talked with her. I still wondered how she could keep staring at that brain. Even Neon and Samara found it ridiculous too. However, while we were still talking Yuuko-sensei came up and yanked me from behind.
"There you are! Stop spouting nonsense and come with me!"
"EH!?"
"I need to ask you some things about TSF behavior."
"Haa…you sure you have time for this? Isn't your research…?"
"Even I need to take a break sometimes. Now C'MON!"
With that Yuuko-sensei dragged me out of the Brain room. "Oh and when I'm done with you I'll be needing Neon's expertise for a certain errand I have for him.
"Oh really? I wonder what she has for me." Neon deadpanned.
…
Saturday, November 24 2001…
Neon's POV…
I was in the TSF hangar walking. I spotted my squad mates standing not far away and they were eager to see their TSFs. To be honest I was barely able to stay awake on my feet, because last night, I undertook a smash and grab mission for Professor Kouzuki, thanks to the information the prisoner I caught at the Comprehensive Combat Evaluation gave her. Apparently the assholes who opposed the professor's Alternative IV plans were giving a certain group a very special gift to assist with their coup d'état against the Shogun. Yes! The Shogun's the one in charge of Japan…Pretty insane right? Either way, she sent me along with a UN TSF squad to take out the convoy and secure the package. She also wanted to see my skills in action and I happily obliged her.
The mission itself was the kind of stress relief I wanted since I was getting sick of the boring review classes. Taking out the armored convoy by myself was fun as I got to show off some of my augmented abilities to Yuuko while also savoring the shock and terror in the opposition's eyes as I tore through their ranks and left none of them alive. Heck, I even got creative with some of my kills. When I called for the TSF squad to come in for extraction they were not surprisingly mortified by the sight of me covered in blood and standing in the morbid aftermath of a bloodbath. Either way the mission was a bloody success and we brought the package back to Yokohama Base and the job took most of the night, giving me less time to sleep. Right now the Professor was looking at the contents of the container and the mission video.
"Neon-san!"
I ignored whoever was calling me since I was trying to regain my bearings right now.
"Neeeooooon-san!" It was then I felt someone bump into me while hearing them call for me. Looking down I saw that it was our resident sniper Tamase.
"Oh. Hey, Tamase. Here to check out the TSFs?" I said.
"Everyone did." Tamase replied.
Looking in front of me I saw a number of TSFs. Fubukis in this case. Takeru was starting to feel nostalgic, not surprising since he hadn't seen them in ages.
"Morning Neon." Mikoto greeted.
"Morning to you too, Mikoto."
"You're late?" Chizuru asked.
"We're too early. We're not needed for anything yet." I answered.
"Really?"
"Yes, really. Besides those TSFs aren't going anywhere."
"Ahaha, that's true." Tamase laughed.
"…They might." Ayamine said.
"Yeah, right. Like they'll suddenly run away." I deadpanned.
"You sure?"
"You know what!? Do whatever the hell you want!"
"…ah, they left."
"You're not fooling anyone Ayamine."
Ayamine stayed silent with a blank expression, getting Chizuru's attention.
"What?" Chizuru asked.
"…What?" Ayamine replied.
"Don't copy me!" Chizuru exclaimed.
"Enough already! She's not copying you!" I stated to defuse the situation. "Drop your unnecessary feud already."
Both girls went silent at my outburst.
"Thank you for that Cross. Those two just won't quit." Someone said. We all turned to see that it was Sergeant Jinguuji. We did a quick salute.
"Have you finished breakfast? Well you can use this time to look around if you want." Jinguuji said. Mikoto laughed.
"Sure, but we can't get in them yet." I stated.
"That's right. But they should be done adjusting the TSFs and personalizing the cockpits by the end of the day." Jinguuji answered.
"I'll have to admit that the Professor and the mechanics are doing one hell of a job."
"Indeed…however, from what they said, the TSFs were already in good condition, so they only need a new coat of paint."
"So they're not exactly brand new?"
"Yes, that's right. But to be honest…I'm amazed we were sent so many in such good condition."
"The Professor's doing I take it?"
"Yes, she originally requested brand new ones, but those would've taken over thirty days to arrive, so she had to settle for these."
"Well it's a good thing we have them anyways. Though does the Professor really like new TSFs?"
"She likes peeling the vinyl off new seats for some reason."
"Just like a child getting a new toy." Samara deadpanned.
"Well I'm sure geniuses never lose their inner child. That's probably why they can come up with softer, more flexible ideas than normal people." Jinguuji continued.
"Which is why she's a genius to begin with." I said. 'Just like Mako Yashiro, except less insane.'
"That's true."
"I still don't like that bitch anyways." Samara said.
'Duly noted.' I replied.
"Why does Samara hate Mako so much?" Takeru asked.
"None of your business kid!"
"Just leave it at that, Takeru.'
"Uh…sure…Still I'm sure that Sensei would come through for us."
'We'll see about that.'
"Now then, I need to get going…but keep an eye on the clock. Don't be late." Jinguuji said. We saluted immediately before the Sergeant left.
"We should get going too." Chizuru said.
I agreed. "Sure…hm?" I noticed something brought into the far corner of the room. A purple TSF was there. Not only that a grey and light blue TSF was also parked beside it. Both I didn't expect.
"That's the Takemikazuchi." Takeru informed me.
'A special kind of TSF I take it?' I asked.
"Yeah. Specially brought in for Meiya."
'Really huh? Not surprising. I knew she's someone special. Though she's obviously not happy about it.'
"And you're good to be able to deduce that. Though that other TSF, I wonder what that is."
'Odds are that Yuuko knows. Anyways let's deal with Meiya for now.'
"What's a Takemikazuchi doing here?" I asked. What do you know? Meiya was shocked that I asked that. "What? Is it that surprising?"
Meiya glared at me and I immediately glared back. "What's the glare for?"
"You…knew about this?"
"What the TSF is? Yes. It being brought here? No."
Meiya and I went down ahead of the others to the lower floor of the hangar to look at the TSFs up close, especially the purple and grey ones. Imperial Household Department…special TSFs for exclusive use by the Imperial Honor Guard. Imperial Honor Guard huh? And this TSF was made just for Meiya? Just how high up there is she in the chain? Then there's this grey one beside it. It didn't resemble any TSF Takeru had seen in the last loop, though it had a few similarities to the F-22A Raptor used by the American Eishi. Its most defining features were the two outwardly swept close range weapons, scythe-like in their appearance that would close into wing-like protrusions that replaced the TSF's arm-sheathes and the two mounted XAMWS-24s on its back. They were engineers still working on this mech so we decided to leave them alone so they could work on it and look at the purple one.
"…You are a strange man." Meiya sighed.
"Tell that to Ayamine instead." I replied.
"Baka…I did not mean that." Meiya snapped.
I shrugged. "Whatever."
Meiya sighed again, "You know that this is a Takemikazuchi…and yet, you act so calm and natural."
"It's just a TSF. What's the big deal?" I replied.
"Big deal…? You say that despite your exceptional performance in the basic and simulator training?" Meiya asked in disbelief.
"And…your point?" I countered.
"What do you mean?"
"I'm asking what your point is. So what if I did so well in training? You should be glad someone capable is in your squad and just leave it at that instead of looking for something that isn't there."
Meiya went silent before she sighed once more. "I see…I'll leave it at that."
"Thanks for being considerate." I said. That was getting annoying.
"Understood."
"Calm down Neon. She's just curious." Takeru said.
'Curiosity killed the cat.' Was my blunt reply.
The sound of rapid footsteps entered my ears and then Tamase excited stood at the foot of the purple TSF.
"Uwaaaaa…a Takemikazuchiii!"
"Crap! Neon you'd better stop her…" Takeru tried to warn me.
'I know Takeru.' Not far from us were four women in different uniform from ours. Imperial Honor Guard members I guessed and they were not happy with Tamase getting near the TSF. Especially the long green haired woman in red uniform. "Hold it Tamase!"
Tamase looked back at me in confusion, "Eh? Why?"
"I wouldn't touch that if I were you."
"Ah yeah, you're right~"
"Phew! Good thing you did or it would have gotten bad fast."
"Hm? Neon?" Meia wondered about my warning to Tamase.
"If you're wondering why, that woman over there's the reason." I answered as I motioned my head towards the same women looking our way.
"Hm?" Meia followed where I motioned to. "Aaah…you mean Tsukuyomi?"
"You know her?"
"Yes…I do."
Three shorter women in white and black Imperial Honor Guard uniform with 'varying' hairstyles and eye color were looking at us.
"Oooh, Oooh, the three idiots are looking at us."
"Three idiots?" Samara asked. I too was interested.
"It's a nickname I gave to my world's version of those three girls who were Meiya's maids. Their names are Kamiyo, Tomoe and Ebisu. The one with purple hair is Kamiyo, the brunette is Tomoe and the blonde is Ebisu."
"Those three were her maids?!
"Yeah, and they did act like idiots sometimes."
"Well they don't look like idiots now."
'Interesting…'
The four approached us and stopped in front of us or more like in front of Meiya.
"Meiya-sama." The one known as Tsukuyomi spoke up.
"Tsukuyomi…First Lieutenant. What is it?" Meiya asked.
"Meiya-sama. Please don't speak to me so formally!" Tsukuyomi said.
"She's right! We of the Imperial Honor Guard may high ranks, but we're mere servants before the imperial bloodline!" The one known as Kamiyo added. Imperial bloodline? So Meiya's royalty heh?
"Yeah. She is."
'Thanks, Captain Obvious.'
"Although it is belated, congratulations on passing the Comprehensive Combat Skill Evaluation." Tsukuyomi continued.
"Congratulations!" Kamiyo, Tomoe and Ebisu said together.
"You do not seem happy about it." Meiya pointed out. She's right. They weren't happy about it.
"I have been saying it for sometime now that I cannot understand why you remain in a place like this Meiya-sama." Tsukuyomi said.
"I am here of my own free will." Meiya responded.
"However…Meiya-sama, there is no need for you to…"
"I will not forgive you if you finish that sentence."
"My apologies…I have gone too far…"
Well this is interesting indeed. Meiya's here because she wants to and is related to the imperial bloodline and has someone high up watching out for her.
"I apologize for forcing such inconveniences upon you. You must all find this place constraining." Meiya said. Why is she apologizing for anything? They are the ones who chose to show up here. You didn't invite them.
"We are unworthy of such words…however there is no need for you to be so considerate of us, Meiya-sama." Tsukuyomi responded. Modest one, is she? Good to know. "More importantly, Meiya-sama, we've prepared a Takemikazuchi for you. By all means…"
"I am very aware of my position. Even a Fubuki is too great an honor for a mere cadet." Meiya stated.
"Please stop this. Meiya-sama, you need not-!" Tsukuyomi protested.
"Cease your prattling!" Meiya immediately interrupted, "Remove it at once. Others are sure to wonder what this is."
"This Takemikazuchi exists for your sake Meiya-sama. We have been ordered to bring it to you." Tsukuyomi explained.
"…"
"Meiya-sama, you know better than any of us who is thinking of you…"
"…" This sounds pretty deep. Someone important is thinking of Meiya's well being. Someone high up in the Imperial family cares enough to send the Takemikazuchi to her.
"I beg of you, do not coldly refuse such considerations." Tsukuyomi pleaded. Meiya seemed torn about the whole situation. She obviously knows who it is that sent those four Imperial Honor Guards and the Takemikazuchi to her. However, what's the problem?
"Meiya-sama?"
"Do as you wish."
"We thank you for your understanding…I shall take my leave then." With that the four Honor guards took their leave. However, when Tsukuyomi made eye contact with me she narrowed her eyes immediately. I returned the expression with a blank stare showing that I didn't give a fuck which got her glaring at me. It wasn't only her that was glaring at me, the other three followed suit as they all walked past us. Looks like a confrontation is inevitable.
"That was unsightly. Forgive me…" Meiya said to us before leaving quickly.
"Ah, Mitsurugi-san, waaait…" Tamase called out as she followed after her. Mikoto and Ayamine too followed suit.
"Come on Cross, we're going." Chizuru called out to me.
"Go on ahead. I'll catch up later." I responded.
"Eh?"
"I need to check something first."
Chizuru looked at me before sighing. "Okay…"
…
I was standing in the hangar looking at the grey and white TSF and as I expected I was approached.
"What are you doing?" The person asked me.
"First Lieutenant Tsukuyomi of the Imperial Honor Guard. What business do you have with me?" I responded before turning to face her and the other three Honor guards with her.
"At least you are respectful Cross Neon." Tsukuyomi said.
"I'd prefer being called by my first name instead, but I doubt you'd care so you can address me whatever you want."
"You're right about that. Still I asked what you are doing."
"You looked like you had something to say to me but not in front of the others, so I decided to wait for you."
Tsukuyomi stayed silent.
"By the way how do you know my name? I'm sure I've never met you before."
"So you are the one." Tsukuyomi said.
"It seems so." Tomoe said.
"What are you two talking about now?" I asked.
"What are you?" Tsukuyomi asked.
"A human being duh! What else?" I deadpanned. I was starting to get annoyed.
"You chose to play dumb?" Ebisu accused.
"How about you make some fucking sense!?"
They narrowed their eyes at me because of my language. Like I give two fucks right now.
"Why is a ghost training here?" Tsukuyomi asked.
"A ghost? Looks like someone needs to get their head checked." Samara said.
"I'm a living breathing human being for your information." I deadpanned.
"Why did you alter the UN Army database and infiltrate this facility!?" Kamiyo demanded. So it's turned into an interrogation?
"I didn't alter anything." I answered.
"I will ask once more…Why is a ghost existing here?" Tsukuyomi asked again.
"And I'll answer once more…I'm not a ghost."
"You couldn't do the same to the government's information? I can't imagine you thought no one would come after you." Tomoe said.
"And once again you've lost me. What the fuck are you talking about!?"
"Why are you trying to get close to Meiya-sama?" Ebisu asked once more.
"Who's trying to get close to her? I'm just her squad mate!" Okay they are really pissing me off right now.
Tsukuyomi got into my personal space. "Depending on your answer, you may have to disappear-"
"Is that a threat?" I cut her off, "Don't write a check your ass can't cash, Honor guard."
That caught the other three off guard, but Tsukuyomi seemed amused by it. "Ho? You want to fight me?"
"If you mean give you a one-way trip to the afterlife, then that can be arranged." I responded, tightening my fists.
"NEON!? Are you out of your mind!?"
"He isn't. If anything that Tsukuyomi is the one you should be worried about."
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?"
Rushing back down towards us was a very annoyed Meiya. Tsukuyomi stepped back before the Mitsurugi stepped between us.
"Tsukuyomi! Kamiyo, Tomoe, Ebisu! You're still here? What are you doing!?" Meiya demanded.
"Nice of you to show up Meiya." I said sarcastically.
"You dare address Meiya-sama in such a-!" Tsukuyomi began before Meiya interrupted her.
"It is all right, I have allowed it."
"Meiya-sama, do you know what sort of man this is!?"
"I do not…however, it does not matter."
"B-but this is an exception!"
"That is enough, step away from him."
"Meiya-sama!" Kamiyo, Tomoe & Ebisu exclaimed.
"I told you to leave him alone." Meiya said.
Tsukuyomi backed down reluctantly and I calmed down but stayed cautious.
"…Yes. Come."
"But!" Kamiyo protested. However, Tsukuyomi's glare made her reconsider immediately. With that the four Honor guards took their leave. Meiya, however, still had something to say.
"Tsukuyomi."
"Yes." Said person returned immediately.
"Not a day goes by when I'm not thankful for your concern."
"Such words are wasted on us. I am unworthy of such honor." After that Tsukuyomi left this time.
Damn right you're not worthy! You are trash as far as I'm concerned.
"That must have been unpleasant for you…forgive me." Meiya apologized.
"Don't apologize." I replied, barely restraining my anger. I was going to let that Tsukuyomi bitch know not to fuck with me! She's lucky that Meiya prevented that from happening.
"Neon."
"What is it?"
"Eishi from the Honor Guard approached you and you did not even flinch…you truly are strange."
"I'm just hard to intimidate. That's all."
Meiya looked at me with a confused expression. "You must have some idea of where my origins lie. And yet…why are you so casual?"
"Because titles don't mean shit to me. Respect is a two-way street as they say. I only give respect to those who deserve it." I replied seriously, "Besides I only see you as my squad mate. That's all. Or are you telling me to address you differently now?"
"Baka…stop it. I only mean…there has never been anyone who acted with such a casual demeanor in my presence. Until now, I assumed that you did not know very much about Japan due to you living overseas."
"Oh I know enough about Japan. I just don't bother myself with the complex stuff, just the necessary ones are enough for me."
"I see…"
"So what of the others? How do they act around you?"
"On a mission we're normal but when off duty it's awkward. However, ever since your arrival, it feels as if a wall has been torn down."
"Seriously?"
"Yes."
"Nice to hear." So this is what it's like to have some form of comradery? I've always been used to being a lone wolf, but now…I have to admit that it feels…good. "Now then, we should get going. The others are going to start rumors if we're late."
"Wait." Meiya stopped me.
"Hm? What is it?" I asked.
"I'm glad I got to talk to you. Thank you."
"You're…welcome…I guess."
…
Another day, another session at the TSF simulator. This time, I finished Movement Training Course F. It was meant to be harder than the last one and it was, except it was still smashed by me anyways and I actually had to resort to using a melee weapon when I nearly ran out of ammo.
"Movement Training Course F complete. That concludes today's simulator training. Cross, exit your simulator!" Instructor Jinguuji's voice came on the speakers. I obeyed and got out of the simulator. These TSFs are really something. It's a whole new experience compared to flying a fighter jet, even though there are similarities. Still fighter jet experience is not enough for piloting these mechs. Glad that my abilities help to cut down the time it would have taken to get used to piloting a TSF, not to mention Takeru's help and experience with a certain videogame called Valgernon...which ironically I'd played before ending up here, but that's for another time. His idea of performing cancels and combos as if this was a game was quite unorthodox but very applicable with the TSF and that was one that Takeru wanted to get Professor Kouzuki to add to these things. I'll admit that it's actually a good idea too though there's no way to make these mechs act like the ones in a videogame, making them act close to them could be doable.
Yuuko's Office…
Takeru's POV
"Sensei!"
"What is it, Shirogene? Why the big rush?" Yuuko asked.
"Well, you said you wanted to kill some time messing with TSFs, right?"
"Eh? Yes, I did."
"Then you're in luck. There's something I'd really like you to do!"
"Huuuh?!"
So I explained my idea to Yuuko-sensei, which she listened attentively to.
"So you want me to change how the controls work?" Yuuko asked.
"We don't exactly have the time to redesign the hardware and go through a bunch of testing." I stated.
"If the future you saw is real…then yes."
"So far it seems real to me." Neon said.
"I told you before that in my old world, there were some really popular toys that kinda acted like our simulators, but could be put in people's homes."
"Yes, I remember that. You were really good at the robot games, right?"
"All the special moves I do are things anyone could do in that game with a little practice."
Yuuko put a hand under her chin in interest. "Anyone you say?"
"Yes. In the last loop I was confused for a while by the differences between the TSFs and that game, but now that I'm used to the controls, I can easily reproduce a lot of the moves." I explained, "Funny enough, Neon actually played that game too in his world."
Yuuko giggled at that, "Really? The super soldier actually played a videogame? That's a surprise."
"I was bored. Even super soldiers can get bored." Neon said back.
I resumed the conversation, "Anyways Sensei, if you think my techniques are any good, then we have to try implementing them. This thing could allow anyone to do what I do."
"That's true…" Yuuko agreed, "So, what exactly were you thinking of adding?"
"Cancels and combos!"
"Cancels…and combos…"
"You might as well explain those to her." Samara said.
So I explained the two terms to her in terms of TSF piloting, using some good examples to help with my explanation. Fortunately, Sensei was able to understand what I was implying and even pointed out the flaws about adding such things to the TSF. Though she groaned about the headaches the engineers were going to give her for it. What surprised me more was that she already had a prototype already made for the TSFs but had no reason to use it until now thanks to my suggestions and with the use of my training data it'll be done in no time. Of course there was the issue of who test pilots the new tech which was a no brainer with Neon as the candidate. With that talk done Neon took over.
Neon's POV…
"I'll never get used to your switching of personalities." Yuuko stated.
"Well get used to it already. It's been like that for a while." I snarked, "Anyways I've got some questions for you."
"Hai, Hai. So impatient! I'll oblige you though since like you I don't have all day, got a prototype to work on and you to test it out. So I take it that one of your questions has to do with the grey and white TSF that was brought in?"
"Yes, and if my guess is right, that was the package you asked me to secure for you."
"Yes, that was in the package. I'd heard rumors about it, but I actually never expected them to create it…the X-02 Wyvern."
"That's what it's called?"
"Yes, it's meant to give the US' F-22 Raptor a run for its money, with its superior speed, maneuverability and multi-role functions. It's only flaw is its weaker armor but with its agility that is not much of an issue. How those bastards from the Alternative V got it I don't know, but it's a good thing we have it now instead of their supposed partner."
"You're right about that. Though is that the only one that has been produced so far?"
"Fortunately yes. The prisoner confirmed that only that one had been produced due to the astronomical costs of it. And now we have a new weapon against the BETA."
"Yeah, yeah. Good for us. Now for my next request, I may be compromised."
Yuuko's face got serious. "What do you mean by that?"
"1st Lieutenant Tsukuyomi of the Imperial Honor Guard tried to interrogate me sometime earlier, nearly came to blows too if not for Meiya interfering. She asked me "Why is a ghost training here?" Then one of her subordinates asked about why I altered the UN database to infiltrate this base and why I was trying to get close to Meiya." I said.
"Well the Imperial Household Department controls everything to do with the Shogun's family so it's no surprise that they found out. As for the ghost question, well you did not exist in this world until months ago, so your name suddenly showing up on the database could rouse some suspicion." Yuuko explained.
"Not really. Unless they also have access to Japan's database. But still I can easily say that I lived in Europe most of my life before the BETA invasion." I pointed out.
"True. That story's still available for use if the Base Commander or any other UN official asks about you. Either way don't worry about it, I'll do my best to ward off any more suspicion just as long as you don't do anything else that'll expose your super soldier status." Yuuko said.
"No promises." I replied before getting up from my seat and leaving the office. It's past midnight already.
…
It was Sunday morning and I had been rudely woken up by someone screaming their head off and someone getting their ass kicked.
"What do you think you're doing!?"
"Chobham!"
Angered at that I got up from my bed, walked to the window and opened it to voice my anger at the them.
"HEY! Keep your slapstick routine to the minimum! Some of us are still sleeping here!"
…
November 27 2001, Neon's room…
"_!" My eyes snapped open as I woke up to a new day.
Looking down was a startled Kasumi. What is she doing here…? Oh right. She's trying to wake me up even though it wasn't needed.
"Morning Kasumi." I greeted.
"Neon-san?" Kasumi asked. She wanted to be sure whom she was addressing. The last few days she had been here to wake me she ended up talking with either me or Takeru and it was starting to confuse her.
"Yes, it's me Kasumi. Takeru's still asleep." I answered her.
Kasumi then gave me a bundle. It was a change of clothes. I don't know why she did, but I'll accept it anyways.
"Thanks for the change of clothes, though why are you fidgety?"
Kasumi said nothing. Of course, I waited for her since being cranky here won't help.
"Bye-bye." She finally said before attempting to leave.
"Huh?! That's it? No good morning? Isn't that rude of you?" I stopped her.
Kasumi stopped then turned around with a sad look and said, "Good morning." Then she left the room.
"What was that about?"Samara asked.
'Your guess is as good as mine.' I replied as I got to my meet and got ready for the day. 'Still once again I had another dream last night.'
"Really!? What was it about?"
'Me shouting at two people who disturbed my sleep with their pathetic attempt at slapstick comedy.'
…
Here I was in class with the others paying attention to the lectures or whatever, that dream still in my mind. But the odd thing about it was that it felt real somewhat which made no sense. My thoughts were interrupted by the Instructor's announcement.
"I know it's sudden, but the UN Undersecretary will be inspecting Yokohama Base tomorrow."
Huh? Undersecretary?! Where did that come from?
"That's Tama's old man." Takeru said, "He's also the UN undersecretary in this world." I then saw a few images of the man in question.
'Really? Well it'll be nice to see him for myself. UN Undersecretary?! That's something I've never heard of.'
"Well there is one here. The structure in the UN here is not the same as the one in our real world."
'That makes sense. Speaking of which, isn't something else big going to happen tomorrow?'
There was silence from Takeru for a while. And then a frantic feeling came back. "That's when the HSST's gonna fall!"
'Glad to know you still remember.'
Immediately after the instructor told us what we needed to know and left the classroom, Takeru suddenly took over my body and rushed out.
"Ah! Cross!" I heard Chizuru call out in surprise, but I was already in the hallway. Destination: Yuuko's Office.
…
Yuuko's Office…
Frantically arriving there, Takeru began to explain what was going to happen tomorrow. Apparently Alternative V supporters were going to hijack a HSST that was meant to transport supplies somewhere, fill it with lots of explosives and send it crashing down on this base. Projected casualties would include the surface level and first four underground levels being destroyed outright. Looks like the bastards are getting desperate to stop Alternative IV. Luckily when it happened last Tamase shot the HSST down with a new weapon designed for the TSF. I'm even more surprised I've not heard them rant about their 'friends' not getting their gift they sent. Although Yuuko was trying to liven things up with some joking around but Takeru was not in the mood…and neither was I, though I understood why she was joking around. Takeru was starting to get tensed about it all and wasn't willing to take any risks here. Heck, he even snapped at Yuuko. It was then I took over so that he can cool off.
"Sorry about that professor. The situation was tense in the last loop and he doesn't want to go through it again." I said.
"No worries." Yuuko replied, noticing that I was now back in control.
"So what do you plan to do about the situation tomorrow?" I asked.
"Nothing. Let it go the same way it did the last time." Yuuko answered like it was no big deal.
"Are you sure about that? Taking such a huge risk?" I inquired.
"Why not? It's not like anyone really died the last time." Yuuko shrugged, "Tamase thwarted their attack and everyone was saved, sure it was very tense but at the end no one lost their lives. Besides we can't interfere too much with events from the last loop."
"I don't know much about time traveling, dimension hopping or all that complex stuff. But I do know about taking pre-emptive measures in advance, especially when you have knowledge of such an event that calls for it." I argued, "Sure this is something that happened in another time and had an outcome, it doesn't mean it'll have the same outcome. You can't always leave things to chance."
"So what do you recommend soldier?" Yuuko asked.
"Me? I recommend that you do what you feel is the best course of action. If you think stopping the HSST sabotage is for the best, then do it. If not, then let it happen just like last time, if it will happen like that. Nothing is ever absolute." I answered. Then I noticed that Takeru wanted to talk now that he'd become more level headed. "Well now, Takeru has calmed down and can talk more rationally. The question is, do you?"
"Sure, why not? Besides I can explain things to him better when he's more calm."
"Do what you have to do then."
With that I switched out and put Takeru on the driver's seat. With a much calmer mind Takeru was able to listen to Yuuko's explanation about the Alternative IV and V, those who support it or are against it, those who don't care for the Earth or humanity at large whom I want to slaughter like the bastard pigs they are. She also showed a map of the world with the Original Hive that came when the BETA first invaded. Europe was definitely devastated based on the number of red dots I saw all over. North and South America were relatively safe. Africa was gone too. Asia was also a mess. In Japan in particular, there were two dots and then a major bombshell was dropped when we found out that this base was built on top of a freaking BETA Hive.
"What the fuck!?"
Like Samara colorfully stated, what the fuck!?
Then there was more talk about humanity's survival, the conflict of interests and internal strife among us, but at the end one thing was for sure…survival was a must by all means.
Yuuko then stood up from her seat and looked at us. "As for the HSST incident…I'm going to stop it, okay?"
"…yes." Takeru muttered.
"Looks like she's made up her mind." I said.
"And I'll tell you this now to avoid any misunderstandings." Yuuko added, "I'll never accept Alternative V! Just understand that emotions like accepting or not accepting are different from what is the right or wrong decision."
"I know…"
"Damn right about that."
"Agreed!" Samara added.
"If you get lost in emotions, you lose your judgement. Don't ever forget that." Yuuko stated.
"Okay." Takeru said.
"We're gonna change the future, right!?"
"Y-yes!"
…
PX…
"Huh? Hey! Neon!"
I'd just arrived in the PX when I heard Mikoto call me over to where the squad was. I went over to and joined them.
"So? What's going on?" I asked.
"What do you mean? You're the one who just went up and ran off." Mikoto stated.
"Oh, that? …What about it?"
"Wrong! That's only funny if you said it right away!"
"Like I was trying to be funny."
"More importantly, we need your advice." Meiya chimed in.
I raised an eyebrow. "My advice?"
"Well…the truth is; the Undersecretary is coming here tomorrow…"
"Yeah, Instructor Jinguuji announced that in class, remember?"
"Well, he's Tamase's father."
"I know."
"_You knew!?" Mikoto exclaimed as Tamase got wide eyed.
"Wasn't hard to figure out." I said. "So why do you need my advice?"
"Well we were wondering what to do with…" Meiya began and Tamase was hyperventilating.
"Okay Tamase…what did you do?" I asked.
"Miki-san told her father in a letter that she was the squad leader, and now we're in big trouble." Mikoto answered.
BAM! That was the sound of me banging my head on the table.
"So Tama lied to her father again?" Takeru deadpanned.
"Looks like it…Just why?!" Samara followed suit.
'I'd rather not find out why.' I sighed before raising my head up to glare at Tamase. "Really Tamase!? Really!? You just had to shoot yourself in the foot, huh?" I put a hand to my forehead to stave off the migraine from hearing this, not the table. "So anyone got a bright idea?"
"Don't you have one?" Meiya asked.
"Yes, I do, but I doubt Chizuru would like it one bit." I said.
"And you're right. I wouldn't like it one bit." Chizuru stated, "Let me guess, it's make Tamase squad leader for the day?"
"Well she did go in shit creek without a paddle and now we have to bail her out."
"Haa…so predictable…I have nothing to say."
"If you can come up with something better then we're all ears."
"Why are you making me look like the bad guy?"
"Who is? I'm just asking if you have a better solution to this."
"Ugh!"
A few minutes later…
We had finally come to a decision for how we're going to help Tamase from her own conundrum. Of course Chizuru wasn't so keen to that, but it was the only way to keep the damage minimal.
"Hey, hey, Neon." Mikoto called.
"What is it?" I replied.
"Those Eishi over there are giving us funny looks." Mikoto pointed out to me.
I glanced in the direction she motioned to and saw two people, a male and female, looking our way. The male one had grey hair and looked stupid, while the female one had brown hair and was much better on the eyes than her companion. I could see the hostility in their eyes and it was aimed at us. Great, like we need BS like this.
"Those two…I've seen them somewhere before…" Takeru mentions.
"Obviously not friends of yours." Samara deadpanned.
'I'll be surprised if Takeru actually was on good terms with those two morons. Still the arrogance coming off them makes me wanna puke already.'
"I know who they are. They are the Eishi with the rank of Second Lieutenant who were bugging us about Meiya's Takemikazuchi. The male one beat me up when I tried to step up to him." Takeru stated.
'Well now. Let's see them do that to me.'
"So what if they're giving us funny looks? They're not our problem so just ignore them." I said to Mikoto.
"…but their eyes look-" Mikoto said again.
"Forget about them. I'm talking to you right now." I cut her off.
"…You're quite bold today." Ayamine said.
"What the hell are you implying now Ayamine?" I deadpanned.
"…What?"
"What?"
"…meanie, making me say the whole thing."
"Really…" I put a hand over my face in frustration.
"They are really glaring at us." Tamase stated.
"Forget them." I said.
"Just go put down those arrogant twats. They're annoying me right now." Samara said.
'Oh I plan on doing just that.'
"Please don't kill them Neon." Takeru pleaded sensing my growing bloodlust.
'Don't worry. I won't kill them. Just break them.'
I stood up from my seat, much to the girls' surprise. "I'll be back. Just need to get something from my room." I walked away, making my way towards the PX exit, anticipating those two morons calling me.
"Hey you, the cadet." Right on point. I turned towards the two morons acting normal.
"Yes? How can I help you Second Lieutenant?" I answered.
"Is that your whole squad over there?" The moron No. 1 asked.
"Yes."
"No seventh member, no eighth member?" The moron No. 2 added.
"None. Just the six of us."
"Then what about those special TSFs in the hangar, the brand new Imperial Honor Guard model and that other advanced model? Whose are they for? I heard it was two of yours." Moron No. 1 asked.
'Oh really? Who told ya?'
"_It is mine."
What the hell is Meiya doing answering them?! I'm trying to deal with this without getting her involved and she just complicate things?!
"What's your name?" Moron No. 2 asked Meiya.
"I am Cadet Mitsurugi Meiya." Meiya answered.
Moron No. 1 said, "You're…huh? There's something…"
"So what's going on? What's that thing doing over there? And what about that other one?" Moron No 2 continued.
Meiya turned to me as if asking for help.
"Answer me." Moron No. 1 ordered. That's it! I've had enough of this bullshit already.
"Apologies you two but…" I began.
"Ah? What?" Moron No. 1 responded just like the moron he is.
"Are you asking out of curiosity?"
"What did you say?" Oh? So they're mad. Like I give a rat's ass.
"Are you just some punks that want to know who those TSFs belong to?"
"Stop Neon!" Meiya protested. No, I won't! I'm already getting sick of these assholes.
Ignoring her I continued, "If you're that curious about those two TSFs you could just go to the Imperial Honor Guard and the XO since they know more about them than either of us."
Moron No 1 got in my face growling, "You…do you know who you're talking to?"
"Oh yes I do." I answered.
"You're a rather insolent little brat." Moron No. 2 added.
"And you two are pieces of shit poking their noses where they don't belong." I said. 'Please HIT me.'
Suddenly I got hit in the gut and my face by Moron No. 1, just like I anticipated. I could have easily countered him but I decided to oblige the fool. I saw the two morons looking at me smugly while the girls called out my name in concern. Seriously there's nothing to worry about since those blows were weak. I looked up at the moron who punched me with a taunting smile.
"What was that? Love taps?! Pathetic." Both morons looked at me in disbelief before that quickly changed into anger.
"Aaah? …You still don't get it!" Moron No. 1 exclaimed and threw another punch. Unfortunately, it didn't hit its target as I caught the fist, before pulling the arm and dragging the now shocked moron to the floor before putting my foot over his upper back.
"I'll be relieving you of this arm." I said and then broke that arm, eliciting a scream from the moron.
"Pathetic! And you call yourself a Second Lieutenant?!" I taunted before stomping on his lower back, hearing something crack, before stomping the back of his head and shutting his trap.
"Please shut the fuck up you piece of shit. It's thanks to trash like you that the BETA are beating us." I coldly said, my anger rising even more, "Instead of getting stronger to ensure our survival you're wasting your time abusing your so called power all because of two TSFs. Fucking pathetic!" I released the limp arm and turned to Moron No. 2 who was shocked at what I just did. "If you want to join your fellow piece of shit you're welcome to do so…if not pick him up and scram."
Moron No. 2 looked at her broken and unconscious companion before glaring at me. I just stared back with my cold expression. "Join him it is."
"Cross, that's enough!" Chizuru ordered.
"What is going on here!?"
I recognized that voice. First Lieutenant Tsukuyomi. I partially looked over my shoulder and saw her and her subordinates approach us.
'Lucky bitch.'
"Tch! She just had to interrupt." Samara pouted.
"I'm glad she did. I doubt I'd want to see what you'd do to that other Eishi." Takeru sighed.
'Consider yourself lucky then.'
"Oh!" Moron No. 2 gasped.
"I was just defending myself from this piece of garbage." I said.
"I can see that Cadet Cross." Tsukuyomi replied before focusing on the two morons. "Are Eishi in the UN Army trained to think nothing of humiliating themselves in the public eye?"
Moron No. 2 nervously began, "S-sorry…First Lieutenant…but this is a UN Army issue and…"
Tsukuyomi cut her off, "You may be in the UN Army but are you not also Japanese? You should be ashamed of yourselves for not only abuse of authority but also for letting a cadet humiliate you like that, even if it is well deserved."
"No…we um…"
"Besides that Takemikazuchi that you two were bothered about was transported here with the consent of the Japanese Government and the Yokohama Base CO for good reason." Tsukuyomi glared at the nervous Second Lieutenant. "And like the cadet mentioned you have no business sticking your noses into Imperial Affairs and the other issues above your pay grade. If you do continue with your pointless questioning we will have to file a formal complaint to the UN Army. Are you prepared for that?"
"Uuuhh…"
"It would be best if you left quietly and also get medical attention for your friend too. We will overlook this offense." Tsukuyomi said calmly. "Or do you still have any objections?"
"N-no…none of the sort! We'll be leaving!" Moron No. 2 quickly went to her companion and picked him up carefully in a fireman's carry and got out of the PX.
After they were gone Tsukuyomi looked towards Meiya and me. "I'm glad I noticed this before it got completely out of hand."
"Not fast enough though." I deadpanned. "Any later and there would have been two pieces of trash on the floor."
"Still that was inelegant of you."
"You don't say?"
"Tsukuyomi…First Lieutenant." Meiya cut in. Hearing her the Imperial Honor Guard decided to hold off our conversation.
"Meiya-sama. I will take my leave now." Tsukuyomi and her subordinates made their exit from the PX. When they left Meiya turned her attention to me with concern on her face.
"Neon…are you alright?"
"I'm fine Meiya." I waved her concern off, "Besides that moron was too weak to hurt me anyways. Credit to my uncle's training regiment."
Meiya continued, "Why…did you not evade the initial attacks? You could have…"
"Done so easily?" I finished for her, "Well I wanted to oblige the moron anyways before dropping the hammer on him."
"Looks like she figured you out." Samara said.
'Well she is sharp after all.'
"Obviously she is. It's Meiya after all." Takeru smirked.
"So you knew what they wanted to do, did you not?" Meiya asked.
"I've dealt with morons like them before. You can easily get a good idea what they're thinking just by the looks in their eyes." I responded.
"I see…"
"Neon-san, are you okay!?" Tamase walked up to me with concern.
"Cross…" Ayamine added.
"Really now, don't scare us like that." Kyozuka the lunch lady said.
"Ah, Oba-san!" Mikoto said.
I scoffed and smirked at them, "It'll take a lot more than two weak ass punches to harm me. Hell…you girls hit much harder than that moron." I cracked my neck from side to side and rolled my right arm around. "Still I apologize if I worried you all with my actions."
Kyozuka got in my face suddenly, but it didn't faze me as she looked me over. "Well you look and seem fine. That's good."
I rolled my eyes in amusement. "Anyways now that that annoyance has past, back to Tamase being the squad leader."
Meiya however wasn't convinced, "Baka, you may say you're fine but_"
"I. Am. Fine, Meiya."
"May as well do it Meiya." Chizuru stated, "Even if I opposed it, we'd end up doing it anyway."
"Obviously." I deadpanned.
"Besides Cross never backs down on anything…especially a fight." Chizuru added.
"Damn right about that." I smirked.
"You sure have a lot to deal with, Chizuru-chan." Kyozuka said in amusement.
"You're the only one saying that, Kyozuka-san." Chizuru responded.
"Ahahaha, well, good luck."
"Thank you."
…
"I take it that I would be sent to the detention barracks due to what I did to the moron?" I implied as the squad walked down the corridors back to our quarters.
"Well…There is a chance of that." Chizuru stated.
I raised an eyebrow, "Really? Even though there were witnesses that can easily testify that I acted in self defense?"
"Even so, you did use excessive force when you defended yourself." Meiya pointed out.
"I was hit twice and would have taken a third hit if I didn't respond in kind." I countered.
"You're right Neon-san. You were attacked first and you responded in kind." Mikoto agreed.
"Yeah. Don't worry Neon-san, you only defended yourself." Mikoto cheerfully added.
I shrugged, "Hopefully it's that simple."
"…Imprisonment." Ayamine said.
"Haha you're so funny…" I mocked. "Anyways you ladies go on ahead. I'll catch up." I said.
"Alright." Chizuru said before she and the others left, except Meiya.
"Neon…"
"Don't worry I'll be fine."
"Forgive me."
"You're forgiven even thought I see nothing to forgive in the first place."
Meiya too followed after the others leaving me to walk down the corridors alone.
…
Right now I was talking with Takeru and Samara while my body moved on autopilot.
"Seriously Neon. You didn't need to resort to violence."
'What I did was tamed compared to what I had in mind.'
"Damned right about that. People like those two morons need to be beaten down."
"True but…"
'Listen Takeru…Not all people can be reasoned with. Sometimes you have to knock a moron out to get the point across. You may not like it but it's an option that's available…hm?'
I cut off my link with Samara and Takeru after noticing someone standing down the corridor. It was First Lieutenant Tsukuyomi, and she approached me.
"First Lieutenant." I greeted.
"Cross." She replied.
"So what can I do for you?"
"I give you my thanks…for your consideration of Meiya-sama."
I raised an eyebrow at that. "Really? All I did was look out for my squad mate."
Tsukuyomi narrowed her eyes at me. "True but I'm thankful for that. However, my suspicions of you has not cleared. Don't forget that."
I glared back in annoyance. "Why the hell are you suspicious of me?"
"There is no reason to explain. I have no intention of becoming friendly with you." Tsukuyomi replied.
"Neither do I. At least we agree on one thing." I replied.
"But…"
"What?"
Tsukuyomi's expression softened, "I may not know who or what you are…but it is clear that you are someone Meiya-sama relies on. There is something I personally would ask of you."
"And what would that be?"
"Please, do not ever…do anything to hurt Meiya-sama."
There was silence after she said that. Really? That's her request?!
"Well Tsukuyomi is very protective of Meiya." Takeru stated.
"Like I ever intended to harm her to begin with." I deadpanned before walking past her in annoyance.
Chapter 8 End.