Chapter 8: "Are you free later?"

Oliver's POV…

Oh crap… three Crimson Hawk Moths, and like the three human pilots I just have a Mark 18, I can't keep up with those things! I look behind me and see John slay one of them, the number was 1789, from the Freedom, pilot Norman's Garde.

"One down two to go!"

"This is Tanikaze I captured one of the cores in a Ionizer rod."

"What number was on its ena?"

"Number 556."

556, pilot Julie slain by the Red Death just like Norman.

"Oliver behind you!"

I turn to look and see the arm coming down on my cockpit… well…

John's POV…

"Oliver!"

The remains of his Mark 18 had no signs of life… I failed Big O. I promised to watch over him and now he is dead thanks to this hunt. May the stars guide him to the brightest heaven.

"Get back here you worm!"

"John it has broken combat and fled, it's gone."

"That thing will pay for that."

We return to the outpost, and Rex begins to prepare the frozen Gauna core. I go to talk to Oracle, she is in her tank the ena that makes up 90% of her body only doesn't cover her head, I didn't think of this until now, but she looks much like the ena from that Tanikaze recovered.

"John, I am sorry for your loss."

"If I hadn't dragged him along he would still be alive."

"He would have come regardless; he always was the most stubborn out of all of you."

"Oracle when will this war end?"

"When your distant father, Ochiai dies at the hand of a knight in white armor, and when a lover sacrifices herself for the knight."

"I…"

"Your question's answer is yes, it wasn't a dream, you were the one Henry and my DNA resides in, that's why your ena doesn't regenerate like the others."

"Wait you're… my mother?"

"Yes John, although I didn't give birth to you my DNA was used to bring you to life."

"But…"

"Yes that means you have the ability I do, however it is not as strong and only able to see minutes ahead."

"But I had a dream during those three days I was out that was years in advance!"

"Your ability is stronger when you sleep and your Heigus particles are low, like me. However unlike me your body generates Heigus particles naturally."

"But I don't…"

"In time you will understand, and unlike you I won't survive to see the end of today."

"No you can't die, you survived for a hundred years just hang on a while longer!"

"I am sorry, but my body has reached its limit. Tanikaze what questions do you have to ask?"

I didn't even notice he was there, man I am losing my edge.

"I…"

"Yes Tanikaze… Akai and his squad are remembered and were buried among the fallen in the cemetery here in the outpost."

The look of shock on his face said something different than I thought it would be. I walked out, it wasn't my business to know his questions. I go to check on Rex and hear a sizzling from hot metals.

"Hey John just in time, the newest of the Hybrid Sabers are done, although it took less time thanks to the core being the correct age."

"That's good I guess, at least we will go home with something going right."

"Hey about the apartment thing, why do you want to get one for everyone?"

"My wing deserves to live in a building not a hanger for the war."

"Yeah but Xena likes the hanger so do I."

"Well I will get everyone's opinion first, and then get houses for those who want one."

"Will you ask Tsumugi?"

"I already did and she said she would like to live in Sidonia, not a hanger."

"And how will this special sword help her?"

"Well you're the one who built it you tell me."

"I will."

"When?"

"Tomorrow when I explain it to her back in the wing hanger."

I head to the main hanger where the empty coffin of Oliver's was sitting and being paid respects from everyone including both Tsumugi.

"I didn't even get to know him, but I could tell he wanted to prove himself."

"Well Kouichi that's true but it was because I never let him truly fly before."

"You taught him well, that Gauna was just better."

"The blame is on my head, I should have known the Gauna weren't the best teacher of not freezing in combat."

Over the next few hours everyone says something and we bring the coffin to the cemetery to bury it. He is buried right next to Jack's tombstone, Oliver's tombstone has his pilot number and his birth number 110. Later that night I go to check on Oracle, but she had died from her old age, and after telling everyone we all had to get in a Garde or safety rail as a gravity alert went off. I did neither at the moment I didn't care, why was I so stupid to allow him to come? My thoughts were interrupted by a small white tentacle from Tsumugi.

"Why are you so down?"

"I lost two friends today, both of which I knew since I was awake, and one of them was more than just a friend he was a brother to me. The other was beyond a brother; she was my mother so I was told by her."

"Oracle was your mother?"

"Technically, and that's also the reason my hybrid form takes so long to regenerate."

"Did you get to say goodbye?"

"No, she died hours before we went to check on her."

"You tried to comfort me when I woke up, is there any way I can comfort you?"

"Not at the moment."

Tsumugi leaves me alone for the rest of the night and I anchor myself to the wall again, although I do not sleep, instead I write the mission report and simply put under loses Oliver and Oracle's names. I simply think… about what happened, when that creature would show up again, and where it will. I don't know what time I fell asleep.

"John, wake up."

"What's wrong Rex?"

"It's time to leave."

"Oh right."

We leave the base behind and enter Sidonia's sensor and communication range.

"This is Sub-commander Yuhata, Reaper wing is that you?"

"Yes Sub-commander we hear you and copy."

"We are detecting only nine contacts, what happened?"

"The Crimson Hawk Moth showed up and killed Oliver, Oracle died in the field from old age at 1800."

"So mission failure?"

"No two Gauna were killed in action, and the main objective goal was complete without accident, I repeat a Hybrid Saber is complete."

"A Hybrid Saber, what is that?"

"A weapon that will make it so my wing can actually leave the hanger when we want as the Captain promised."

"I wish you would stop breaking protocol and talk to me not skip and talk to the Captain."

"Hmm, I will try next time, oh and permission for a unrestricted permit for a house?"

"Aren't you living with Izana, Tanikaze, and me?"

"Well after a… argument I hardly doubt that will be in effect still, and if you could spread the word to my wing."

"What word?"

"That we are back in town."

"John, you just had to quote that song didn't you?"

"Yeah Rex got a problem with that?"

"You would always do that after a hunt."

"Yup all 50,000 of them."

"So it's kind of old."

"Hey we got to lighten the mood."

We all dock and I go to Xena for some medical attention, as the fact my arm still burns and is bleeding still.

"Well the scan shows some ena is suck in there, want me to pull it out or have medical operate?"

"Pull it out for old times' sake."

"Ok just don't yell."

She uses a pair of surgical tongs and grabs it from the open wound.

"Ready?"

"Yup."

She yanks it out, and wraps the wound.

"Not even a grunt? You really are the black stone of the stars."

"I learned to ignore physical pain."

"Lucky you."

"I am headed to pick up a permit for a house, if you want one say now."

"Yes please, I don't want to raise a kid in a hanger."

I head to the bridge and pick up all eight of the unrestricted permits, hope he house lady is available. I head there next for house hunting.

"You want a house that's close to B-4?"

"Yes."

"How many roommates do you plan?"

"Three or four."

"Ok I have just the place, and it does have some old piping in it."

"Let me guess, Tanikaze?"

"Yes since he came in I have had them on hand and ready."

"Ok, thank you, this will be perfect."

"Have a good day sir."

"You too."

I head to the hanger to hand out the permits and explain that I can take two roommates.

"I don't see how this small sword will help me any."

"It will help, Roy will show you how it will help."

"I didn't notice you make two."

"I had some scraps from the first one and made a smaller katana out of it."

"Smart use of resources."

"Thanks John."

"Wow I get one!"

"Yes but it won't work until your bigger."

"Than how will I show her how it will help?"

"Just show her how to bind it to you."

"Oh ok."

Roy carefully puts a finger at the hilt where four small spikes were located and pressed down, this drew blood and the ena hilt started to change and grow smaller.

"There all it takes, it's now bound to you but it won't grow bigger until your 15 ok bud?"

"Yes uncle Rex."

"See Tsumugi, the sword bonds to you and changes based off of how big or old you are."

"What will it do for me?"

"Well Big O had one that changed how big he was making him human sized but still looked like he did… before he grew two more heads."

"So I will be able to be human sized?"

"Yes."

Rex brings her the sword and she does the same although it takes some ena from her.

"Ouch, that stung."

"Congratulations you human sized."

She turns and looks in the mirror and jumps in shock.

"I really am human sized."

"Yup and to turn back to Garde sized take off the bracelet."

She looks to her wrist and the bracelet that use to be the sword just sits and reflects light off of its metallic surface.

"Now let's have a walk and see the Captain."

"Wait, am I aloud to come?"

"She said she wanted proof and this is proof so I would assume yes, but just in case Rex, please come too."

"Of course."

It was almost like Tsumugi was a child at Christmas, the way she looked around as we walked towards the Captain's area. She was looking around and was just excited about the sudden freedom she had. However I fear the cat will be out of the bag as I see Sub-commander Yuhata run off towards Tanikaze's house.

"Thank you so much, I can actually walk here today thanks to you!"

"Calm down Tsumugi, we don't want to draw to much attention."

"Right, I am sorry John."

"No need to apologize."

We get to the Captain and explain the end results of the hunt and ask if Tsumugi-X is able to walk around the ship's residential area if one of us is with her. She agrees but reminds us to inform the sub-commander. We leave and walk to the new place of mine.

"This is the house that we are allowed that's not taken."

"How many are allowed here?"

"Three people, I was hoping to ask Tsumugi and you, Rex."

"Wait why?"

"Well you are the new second in command of Reaper wing."

"But that was Herald's position!"

"He and I had a talk, and with his growing family it would be unwise for him to be in a command position. You are the next in line for this position."

"I have a lack of words."

"I think the words would be "Thank you" Rex."

"Thank you sir, thank you so much."

He hugs me and I just blink.

"Sorry sir, I was caught up in the moment."

"Don't do that again."

Tsumugi just giggles at what happened… or the butterfly on her arm.

"Rex I need to get my stuff go and get your things from the hanger take Tsumugi with you, I will meet you here afterwards."

"Ok I take it you'll head to Tanikaze's for your things?"

"Yes."

"Ok and good luck he may not be too happy."

I head to Tanikaze and before I reach the house I hear Tsumugi, Tanikaze, Izana, and Yuhata talking about Tsumugi-X.

"I am here to pick up my things and go."

"What's going on about a human sized Tsumugi walking around?"

"The hunt paid off, and under the Captain's orders it is top level clearance only. She and I are the only ones know and can tell each other about the hunt's results."

"That's not very fair."

"If we had gotten another core, we could have had both Tsumugi at that size but with those Hawk Moths showing up we couldn't risk it."

"Ah I see you are here John."

"Andrews?!"

"Surprised? I am a Garde pilot, and Sidonia needed them so I was let loose. But don't expect any respect from me John, you will always be subject 115 to me."

"Fine Andrews but if we meet in the stars you will pay for what you did to all those people you murdered in cold blood."

I march upstairs and pack the room, far easier being it's a poster, my sword cleaning kit, and my ammo for the sidearm. I leave without another word to Tanikaze, Izana, Yuhata, Tsumugi, or Andrews. And head to my new house, Rex has his lab equipment in the medium room, while the large was empty… was meant to be empty but a queen sized bed is there and a note.

Hey John it's me Xena, hope you like the bed, Tsumugi was asking about you by the way. Have a good day lover boy.

P.S. It wasn't your fault.

My face must have been red from the note because I heard Rex snickering.

"What's so funny?"

"Your face was beat red like when you had that sunburn a few years ago!"

"Was it really?"

"Yup if not redder."

He laughs and enters his room, man I can't believe that I was like that. I hear footsteps on the stairs and look to see Tsumugi and Xena talking.

"Hey John was just bringing Tsumugi here, and how did you like the bed?"

"It was a surprise."

"Good, bye you three."

Without a word Xena speeds down the stairs and out the door.

"Hey umm John, after everything you did for me, I wanted to know something."

"Okay what?"

"Are you free later?"

To be continued…