Muv Luv Alternative - A Future Changing Encounter

by ultimatemk

Shirogane Takeru goes through another loop after he can't accept the reality of losing all his squad mates and the person he loved. Everything seems normal when he first wakes up but as soon as he exits his house he sees something that has not appeared in any of his previous loops. There stands a young man with red hair and red eyes looking at the demolished TSF outside his house.

5. Comprehensive Combat Skill Evaluation

Chapter 5 – The Comprehensive Combat Skill Evaluation
And The First Step To Being An Eishi

November 13 (Day 1) –Tropical Island

Nicholas Dolosera's POV

I tilted my head to the side as soon as we had reached the rendezvous point. I saw something which I didn't expect to see. It was Professor Kouzouki in a swimsuit, relaxing on a beach chair with a smile when we arrived. I just blinked before Shirogane placed his hand on my shoulder. "{Takeru: Yeah I know. It really looks wrong doesn't it.} Yes it does. This is a vacation for her isn't it? {Takeru: Yes it is. Well at least we managed to convince her to bring Kasumi along.}" Next to Professor Kouzouki was Kasumi in a one piece swimsuit playing around in the sand in a manner that showed that this was the first time she has ever been on the beach. "Yeah. When you first asked me to help you convince Professor Kouzouki to bring Kasumi along I didn't really understand your reasoning but now I can see why. {Takeru: Yup. She's never been to the beach or even near any large body of water before so I thought that it would be nice to bring her along with us since Yuuko-sensei is just vacationing here anyways.} (Chizuru: Shirogane! Dolosera! Stop idling around and grab your equipment.) Okay Sakaki. {Takeru: Got it Class Rep.}" We both walked over to where the rest of the group was and grabbed our equipment. Shirogane's equipment was really worn out. Unlucky I guess or is what I'd like to say if he didn't swap with Mikoto.

What I remember from before reaching here was us being brought in a submarine. Then being placed in a "Covert Compact Tactical Submersible" which was really tight. After that we were shot out from it, the shaking was annoying that was for sure, but it was probably something we may have to do in the future if we weren't in our TSF's of course. After that we had to swim all the way to shore bringing the submersibles with us and then we had to drag it deeper into the shore and bury it so that it wouldn't be found later on. Soon after we had to run all the way to the rendezvous point. I'm unsure whether the point in all this was to make it as realistic as possible or whether it was just supposed to give us a bit of experience in getting shot out in one of those submersibles. I guess seeing Professor Kouzouki in a swimsuit was the least expected thing to see though I can't really say I was fully surprised since Shirogane had me help convince the Professor to bring Kasumi along so I suspected something like this though I didn't expect her to actually have been in it straight away in the start and it was kind of annoying seeing her relaxing in such a manner.

Instructor Jinguuji came and began to debrief us soon after we collected all of our equipment. "(Marimo: During this operation, you had no choice but to abandon your TSFs, and are in a situation where your Reinforced Exoskeletons cannot be use, so you have to escape the battle area. Escape is the primary objective.)" So the submersibles were just a practice of sorts. Kind of expected since I can't see a situation involving a TSF which would need that I mean we are trying to become Eishi not ground troops. The instructor then produced a map and continued her debriefing. "(Also, you must destroy the objectives marked on your map…in order to delay the enemy. This is your secondary objective. There are a total of three areas which need to be destroyed. It does not matter how you do it, so long as you finish on time.)" She then marked the points on the map. "(This operation will end in 144 hours when the recovery vehicle departs from the designated point. That is all the information you have at the present time. Synchronize your watches. 57, 58, 59. Operation Start!) Understood!" I guess this was the mission and we only had six days to do it.

"[Yuuko: Hey Dolosera.] Huh? Yeah Professor Kouzouki? [Yuuko: Come over here for a second.] Ummm roger that. Please excuse me for a brief moment." I then walked over to the Professor wondering what she wanted to tell me as Shirogane and the rest gave me a confused look. [Yuuko: Don't tell your fellow squad mates I ordered you to do this but I would like you to go to this point over here on your own.]" She handed me another map with the same three points that the instructor marked in red. Exactly like the Instructor's map except for the fact that there was a fourth point in a greenish color which was located in between points C and B. "Huh? Why me and not Shirogane? [Yuuko: No reason really. I'm just interested in how good your survival skills are. That and I'm certain that it's something only you could do.] I guess I have no other choice but to accept the mission. So what's over there? [Yuuko: Well it's nothing much really. I could have you do it back at the base but I thought it would be more fun if you did it during your exam.] Okay. So nothing about this mission can be told to the rest before or after the mission, right? This means that somehow I'm going to have to separate from the group and get to the point without them noticing it and following me. [Yuuko: That is correct. We've talked enough now. Dismissed.] Roger that." I then returned back to the rest of the squad but I looked back to see the Instructor talking to the Professor.

When I returned everyone except for Mikoto and Shirogane were gone. They probably started the mission without me and left the two of them to brief me with what I needed to know. "{Takeru: What is it that Yuuko-sensei wanted to talk to you about?} (Mikoto: Yeah, Nicholas. What was it that the XO wanted to talk to you about?) Nothing important. Just to be careful for traps and to come back in one piece. Nothing special really. {Takeru: I see though I'm surprised that Yuuko-sensei cares about you that much to give you a warning.} Yeah I was surprised as well. {Takeru: Anyways while you were talking to Yuuko-sensei we were planning on splitting into three groups. You're coming with Mikoto and I to point B. We've already wasted enough time. Let's hurry it up.} Roger that." The three of us then left the starting point. Hopefully there would be an opportunity for me to separate from these two without them noticing.

Inside The Jungle

We quickly moved through the path on the way to point B. We were traversing through the pathway quite quickly. I'd better time my escape at the right time. "(Mikoto: Takeru, Nicholas be careful.) {Takeru: For traps right? I know about them.} (Mikoto: You don't look like you're watching for them.) {Takeru: If you keep talking you'll set off a sonic landmine.} (Mikoto: You know about those?) {Takeru: Kinda. Let's move.}" We continued on after that and eventually Shirogane stopped us for some unknown reason. "{Takeru: Mikoto. There's a huge leaf over there and something black in the shadow.} (Mikoto: Eh where? Ah. Good eyes. It'd be bad if that rubber ball hit you.) {Takeru: Can you disable it?} (Mikoto: No problem. I can disable it. Better make sure there are no other traps though.) {Takeru: Good idea.}" While Mikoto searched I decided to make my escape. I slipped into the trees without a sound while Shirogane wasn't looking. Hopefully they didn't notice me leaving though it's highly likely since they made it seem as if I wasn't there at all. I hope they don't panic because of my disappearance though but it's an order from the Professor so I can't refuse regardless of how mad the two of them will become.

I continued East from where I was hoping to get to the area the Professor had given me. I made sure not to talk specifically because I heard about those sonic landmines from the both of them. After a while I checked the map to see if I was on the right track. From the looks of it I would need to go North as well. I continued on when all of a sudden I heard a noise and jumped down. A few seconds later I saw a rubber ball next to me. Well I nearly got hit by one of those rubber balls that Shirogane and Mikoto saw though it's not like it would have done any damage really, maybe just serve as a way of knowing that you'd be dead right now if it was actual combat or something like that. I'd better keep on going but more carefully this time. As I walked I eventually reached a cave. I was not really sure if this was the place but since it was already dark it would be a good idea to stay under some shelter on the off chance it would rain. I quickly gathered some firewood and rocks and placed them in a cave. I then did what I had learnt from Mikoto as to how to make a fire. After that was done I began to look around the cave. I walked inside and noticed a letter on top of a barrel which I assumed to be filled with gasoline or something like that. I picked the letter up and opened it so I could read the message inside it. From the looks of it, Professor Kouzouki had written it.

"Congratulations on finding the location Dolosera. I'm sure that no one has followed you to the cave. This is a personal test just for you. In the cave a code locked box has been hidden. Inside the box there is an object inside of course. It's a unique type of lock which requires you to type a code in. For now we haven't solved it yet and I thought that it would be interesting to see if you could unlock it. As such the test is for you to first find the box somewhere inside the cave and then after that open it. You can try as much as you want to unlock it but you can't leave until either you've unlocked it or until there are only 60 more hours till the Evaluation is over. At the end of the Evaluation I would like you to show me what was inside the box if you completed it that is. If you haven't then simply leave the box there. I'll have someone pick it up when the Evaluation time limit is up. Try your best Dolosera. I'm expecting great things from you. Good luck."

After I read the note I couldn't help but shake my head. It seems that the Professor was trying to play games with me or something like that. Well as far as I'm concerned I have no other choice but to find it since everyone would definitely get mad if I arrived with less than two days till time is up. I then began my search for box in the darkness of the cave. The chances of finding it now was pretty low but I had no other choice but to do so since I couldn't waste any time. I was lucky though that I had managed to get here on the first day since it gave me around sixty hours to complete the task. I wondered how the others were doing. Ayamine and Tamase were probably already at their point and I assume that Sakaki and Mitsurugi were in their point as well. I'd better make sure I don't cross Mitsurugi or Sakaki or I'll be in big trouble that is for sure for ditching Shirogane and Mikoto. As midnight neared I decided to take a rest. I sighed thinking about how troublesome this was going to be but I needed the sleep after all.

Shirogane Takeru's POV {After Nicholas Left Them}

I watched as Mikoto disarmed the trap. When she was finished she came over before she had a confused look on her face. "(Mikoto: Hey Takeru. Where's Nicholas?) Huh?" I turned around only to see that he was gone. "Darn it. I don't know where we lost him. I was so focused on getting through all the traps that I completely forgot he was with us. (Mikoto: I'm sure he'll be able to catch up to us. If he's as amazing as you were then there is nothing to worry about.) Yeah I hope so. Anyways let's hurry. (Mikoto: Okay.)" We continued walking for a few hours as it began to get dark. Where the heck did Nicholas end up at? I mean seriously, he was able to keep up with me during running exercise so why not here? When we reached a familiar area I began to look around for a spot where we could see the point. There I saw on the far side of a basin a cliff carved into the mountain. "Hey Mikoto. Look over there." I pointed in the direction of the basin. Mikoto reacted by pulling out her compass. "If we hurry I'm sure that we can get there before midnight. (Mikoto: You sure? Maybe we should rest here for the night and get there in the morning.) I think it would be better to do it at night. In the scenario were supposed to be as stealthy as possible and avoid confrontation with the enemy as much as possible. As such we should infiltrate the place at night. What do you think? (Mikoto: But we don't know the area so well so maybe we should scout in the daylight first before doing anything.) True we could do that but I think it would be better for all of us if we don't waste any time. (Mikoto: We'll go with your plan then Takeru. Ahhh I'm so glad that you're my partner *Hug*) Don't cling on to me." Where did she get that habit? I'd really love to know.

We continued on before reaching the cavern. We began to look around the cavern. Inside was just like what I remembered. Mikoto immediately began to look around the place. I followed her as she looked around though I wasn't really paying much attention since I pretty much knew what was around here. "(Mikoto: Ahhh. Takeru look.) Oh a Humvee? (Mikoto: The engine is gone though.) Well it doesn't really matter. There is nothing but jungle now. The road is long gone. (Mikoto: ….) I saw the old tire tracks. (Mikoto: Wow you saw them too. You're amazing Takeru.)" Actually I didn't. I just remembered it from my last loop though not like I could tell Mikoto that. "(Mikoto: We can still use this sheet though.)" A memory of my first loop here appeared in my head all of a sudden. I groaned from the sudden thought of what had happened. "(Mikoto: There is nothing about the evac point here though.) Okay then. Let's blow this place up and get out of here. (Mikoto: Good idea.)" Mikoto then began to set up the explosive as I began to think whether or not I should take the gasoline. Well I probably shouldn't since supplies were more important than the oil. Once she had finished we left the area.

We were in the mountain area where I was bitten by the snake in the first loop. I stared at the area where the base should be and waited for a bit and then suddenly there was an explosion. "Whooo. It went off." I looked back and saw Mikoto was way ahead of me now. Last time she waited for me when I admired the explosion. Oh well not everything happens exactly the same and we blew it up in the morning last time rather than the night so I guess since there was light we didn't really have to rush out of this dangerous mountain area. I followed her along the pathway. As we reached the area where the sharp strings were I stopped Mikoto. "Hey Mikoto. Stop. (Mikoto: Eh? What?) There is a trap. Can you see it? (Mikoto: Ahh there it is. Maybe we shouldn't have gone at night Takeru.) It's fine also your belt kit is falling. (Mikoto: Ah. Thank you.) You should hurry up and fix your belt. (Mikoto: It's too dark to do that.) Well just be careful then. Also watch out for the strings, don't want it to cut the belt." We continued to walk along the path as I looked carefully. Okay soon the snake will appear and will try and strike. As we walked I heard a memorable hissing sound coming nearby. I kept quiet and let Mikoto pass by it. She didn't seem too fond of snakes which was why I didn't want to tell her about it otherwise she may go into a panic and lose her belt kit. When she was past I quickly went over and grabbed the snake by it's head before killing it and tossing it in my belt kit. I'd better save this for when our rations are low. We need the protein that's for sure plus this time I remembered to bring the curry powder this time around. I wonder how it will taste after placing curry powder on it, the last loops I'd been eating it without but now that I brought it, it should taste better. After we were past the mountains we continued on towards the rendezvous point and eventually reached the area before setting up camp there and waited for the arrival of everyone. We were pretty exhausted by that time though so we took short shifts as to let each other take a rest. I was really curious as to what happened to Nicholas and hoped he didn't get himself killed somehow.

November 14 (Day 2) – Tropical Island - Cave

Nicholas Dolosera's POV

I woke up shaking my head. I rubbed my eyes and then walked outside. I began to search for some fruits to eat. When I found some that didn't look like they were poisonous. I quickly devoured them and after that I began my search for the box yet again. As I searched I noticed something out of place. It seemed as if there was something shining on one side of the wall of the cave. I quickly looked and found there was a box hidden there. It seemed someone had carved out that area of rock and then placed the box in it before covering it with camouflage to make it seem like nothing was there. I guess the Professor didn't want to make it too easy. This was probably the box that the Professor was talking about so I brought it over and looked at it. It seemed there was some sort of screen on it with what seemed to be letters like a keyboard on a computer. There was no numbers and simply just the letters, not even a spacebar. It was most likely text based then. Now I knew why the Professor couldn't open it, there were probably over a trillion possible codes to be placed. How was I supposed to find out in this short time period which she couldn't do for god knows how long.

I sighed and started placing in some codes only to have them be an error each time. This was definitely going to take some time and I'm sure that it was something complicated. As far as I'm concerned it could be complete gibberish or just random letters placed. After a few hours of attempting to unlock the box I finally gave up. I sighed and wondered what the code was. I thought of possibilities of the code but I was certain they wouldn't work because they were pretty simple to guess. I would at least have a better idea of what to type if I knew any bit of information that she had about the person who owned it though how I would see that data was a different question. I sighed thinking that this was pointless and then began to press some random letters or so I thought it was random until I saw what I ended up typing. I had ended up typing in "octobertwo". If I wasn't mistaken that would be my date of birth. I sighed thinking how stupid it was to try it and pressed the enter button on the lock. All of a sudden there was a click. Now that I thought about it when did I remember what day my birthday was I mean I hadn't remembered that for a long while, I don't even really know what my nationality is. The Professor had just placed me as a European since I didn't really look Japanese so I couldn't feign it. Well whatever, better check what's inside the box. I opened it and inside was a gold locket with a few ornaments around which looked quite familiar. It looked like something a rich person would wear. There was also a memory chip which was used to store data or transfer data. I took them out of the box and placed it in my belt kit. I wasn't sure whether or not I was allowed to look inside so I decided not to though the Professor wouldn't know if I had ended up looking for it. I sighed in relief that I managed to get the code correctly and decided it was time to go.

It was evening already when I got it open and I decided to go straight to the rendezvous spot as to finally let everyone out of their worries if they were already there. I left the cave and began to walk towards the direction of the rendezvous spot when all of a sudden I bumped into someone as I got past some leaves. I shook my head and looked at whoever I bumped into and saw Sakaki and Mitsurugi standing there with their arms crossed. Bad luck meeting them here but I was lucky that I was quite a far distance from the cave already so they wouldn't have been able to see it. Hopefully they wouldn't interrogate me too much. "(Chizuru: Dolosera….what are you doing here and where is Shirogane and Yoroi?) We got separated on the way to our assigned point. By now they probably are already there. (Chizuru: I see.) (Meiya: We shall pursue the subject at another time. For now let us head to the rendezvous point as to not waste any time.) Roger that." It seems that they don't believe me but considering how they can't fail this time it's only natural that they would focus more on not wasting time rather than interrogate me. We continued walking onwards towards the rendezvous point. Considering the distance it was from where we were Sakaki and Mitsurugi decided there was no need to sleep until we reached there and no need to eat though I had eaten a bit before I went out so I would be fine.

November 15 (Day 3) – Tropical Island {After Midnight/Very Early Morning}

The day already passed by now but we all continued walking. I guess it was safer to be at the rendezvous point when you rest rather than somewhere else since we were already close by to the spot. All of a sudden a familiar figure appeared in front of us. It was Mikoto. She saw me and went over to me her hands on her hips. (Mikoto: Hey Nicholas. Where did you go? Takeru and I were worried about you!) Yeah yeah. Sorry about that. I got separated from the both of you because you were moving way too quickly for me. (Mikoto: I see….Anyways let's go and meet up with Takeru at the rendezvous point.) Okay." The three of us followed Mikoto to the rendezvous spot where we saw Shirogane sitting down by a fire. "(Mikoto: Chizuru-san, Meiya-san and Nicholas are here.) {Takeru: Oh it's about time...} (Meiya: Only you two could do it so quickly.) (Chizuru: Agreed. When did you arrive.) {Takeru: We got here yesterday evening.} (Meiya: Is that true?) I'm not that surprised. They did forget about me. They were moving at their own pace while leaving me behind as I tried my best to keep up with them until finally they were out of my sight {Takeru: Hahaha sorry about that.}"

At that point Tamase and Ayamine arrived. "(Miki: Huh? Is everyone already here?) {Takeru: Yeah, you're the last ones.} (Kei: ….What'd you do?) {Takeru: Why the suspicious glare?} (Kei: I'm not, I'm not.) (Chizuru: Now that everyone's here, let's figure out where we're at. Tamase, you start.) (Miki: We found a map with the evac point on it.)" Tamase then took out a map which had marked on it the point of evacuation. "(Chizuru: ….so it's all the way over there.) (Meiya: We appear to have more than enough time…) (Miki: 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.) That is one big sniper rifle. (Meiya: We found a rappelling rope.) {Takeru: All we found was a sheet.}" So that is everything we had found at the points. "(Miki: Which way should we go?) (Chizuru: I'd like the easiest route possible, but there's no way to tell which that is.) (Miki: True.) (Chizuru: Also….we may have a lot of time, but we're not going to slow down, so prepare yourselves.) (Mikoto: You're right. We have no idea what might happen, so we should still hurry.) (Chizuru: From now on we'll be moving as a squad. Bad teamwork will result in failure of the mission. So take care.)" Well so long as they don't end up arguing again it should be fine. "Roger that. {Takeru: Understood.} (Miki: Got it.) (Mikoto: Okay.) (Meiya: Understood.)" Ayamine was the only one to stay quiet. I guess this was one of the reasons why they end up fighting all the time.

"(Chizuru: Okay then. Let's set up some rotating shifts so everyone can eat and sleep.) {Takeru: Oh, so you guys haven't eaten yet?} (Meiya: The rendezvous point was quite close to us. We wanted to arrive quickly.) {Takeru: I see. Well how about we eat the fruits that Mikoto and I have gathered while waiting for you guys to arrive.}" He then pointed to quite a large amount of fruits near a tree. I guess they had the time to collect them all and considering the fact that Mikoto was the survival expert from what I've heard, she'd be the best one at distinguishing poisonous fruit from non-poisonous fruit. After eating the fruit we then took shifts to allow each and every one of us in the squad to sleep.

At first light Sakaki, being the one currently on shift, woke us all up. "(Chizuru: Okay. Let's get to the extraction point.) [Everyone: Roger.]" We all began to move out towards the extraction point. We walked in silence for quite a while. We were all being silent probably because everyone was too focused on the Evaluation to chat with each other that and they did not want to set off a sonic landmine. Mikoto ended up scouting ahead of us while the rest of us walked at a slower pace. A short while later Mikoto returned. "(Mikoto: Chizuru-san!) (Chizuru: What is it?) (Mikoto: I see a cliff up ahead! There's a river below.)" We all walked over to where the cliff was. I looked and saw that it was really a long drop before the water. It would be dangerous to fall there especially with the current. "{Takeru: We should just cross this now.} (Chizuru: Of course. A detour would be a waste of time.) {Takeru: Yeah let's hurry.}" I wonder how they'll solve this problem. From the looks of it they know that they can get through all of this. (Chizuru: ….Ayamine, tie this rope to the other side.) (Kei: ….understood.)" She took the rope and then began to go climb along the cliff's edge towards the other side. I peered at the side of the cliff as I watched how quickly she got through this. "{Takeru: She really is fast.} (Mikoto: Kei-chan's good at anything physical. Especially rock climbing and rappelling.) That is impressive. Very impressive though isn't this dangerous? {Takeru: If it's Ayamine, I'm sure she won't make a mistake in this.} I see."

All of a sudden I felt a drop of rain. I looked up to see that there were some bad clouds out and then the heavens opened and it began to rain strongly. "(Chizuru: Rain!? And it had to be now of all times.)" Worst timing if I do say so myself. We were just about to cross. Hmm? It seems that Ayamine is giving a thumbs up. (Mikoto: ….ah, Kei-san says it's okay.) (Chizuru: Okay then. We'll cross the river before it floods.) Roger that." We all went one after the other across to the other side. I went first while Shirogane ended up being the last one to go across. Once we were all across we looked and saw that the river was now flooded. "(Chizuru: The rain isn't stopping….and now it's flooded.) (Mikoto: Kei-san can't retrieve the rope like this.) (Miki: Should we wait for the rain to stop?) (Meiya: I thought it was a squall, but it simply will not end. We are only wasting time.) (Miki: Even with that sheet, the rain's going to sap all of our energy…)" That is true but regardless our strength would be sapped. Whether we are waiting or whether we walk. In my view walking would be worse since we would use more energy getting through the now muddy ground.

"(Mikoto: ….yeah. We need to decide whether to abandon the rope or not.) (Chizuru: I think…we need it. There might be a similar crevasse farther ahead.) (Mikoto: So what should we do?) (Chizuru: Tamase or Dolosera, I'd like you to shoot the knot on the far side. Can you do that?) (Miki: Huh?) …..reason being? (Chizuru: Simple. Then it would be possible to retrieve the rope.) I know but wouldn't that be a waste for the rifle round? We only have one. (Chizuru: It may be. But I see the rope as more valuable. Are there other opinions?) (Meiya: ….I don't think we should use the rifle round here.) (Chizuru: Your reasons?) (Meiya: We do not know what lies ahead. Should we not use our strongest weapon on a more appropriate target?) (Chizuru: You've got a point, but….) (Meiya: We can use vines in place of rope, but that cannot be done for bullets.) (Chizuru: But a rope has more uses than a rifle. There could be another ravine like this later….) (Mikoto: I agree with Chizuru-san)" So it's two to one now. And then there are still the opinions of Shirogane, Ayamine, Tamase and I.

"(Mikoto: A rope has more uses than a rifle. We have no way of knowing if there will be another cliff.) (Miki: I'd like to save the rifle.)" I'd understand why she would think more highly of the rifle. Though I still understand the others opinions as well. "(Meiya: Ayamine?) (Kei: …hm?) (Chizuru: If you have no opinion, then you don't have to say anything.) (Kei: ….leave the rope.) (Chizuru: …why?) (Kei: ….because our squad leader said the opposite?) (Chizuru: Y-….you are just…!)" Do they really hate each other that much? "(Kei: ….that was a lie.){Takeru: …you lied?} (Kei: ….the truth is, I hate ropes.) {Takeru: So you don't really care either way.} (Kei: ….I can't say either opinion is better than the other.)" I guess she doesn't feel like choosing between the two then. "(Chizuru: And you, Shirogane?) {Takeru: ….let's wait for the water to recede.}" That was an unexpected opinion. He didn't seem like the type to waste any time from the exam.

"(Meiya: Are you mad?!) (Miki: We have no way of knowing when it'll stop.) {Takeru: ….even with taking into account the time lost waiting here, I think having both the rifle and the rope with us will let us save more time in the end.} (Chizuru: That's…..true, but….) (Meiya: I cannot agree with that.) (Mikoto: Me neither. We need to get moving again…) (Miki: I don't think waiting will be very smart since we don't know when it'll stop.) (Kei: ...if you want to sit here, do it alone.) {Takeru: I just want to give another option. I don't want us to hit a dead end later because we rushed here.} (Chizuru: Dolosera, you've been quiet this whole time. How about you talk some sense into Shirogane. You're the closest to him out of all of us.) Ugh…we're not that close. Anyways…..I think we should all rest here for a bit. (Everyone: W-What!) H-Hey no need to shout. I'm just saying that since it's raining, if we continue to move in the rain we'll end up sapping more energy. (Chizuru: Y-Yeah but…) {Takeru: Okay how about this then. We set a time limit.} (Chizuru: Time limit?) Good idea Shirogane. {Takeru: Yeah. Four hours. Even after the 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.} (Mikoto: That make sense…) (Chizuru: I can understand that but….aren't you being a bit too optimistic?) (Meiya: Nonetheless, retrieving the rope without using the rifle would be ideal.) (Mikoto: Then we could use both later.) {Takeru: So Class Rep, what should we do.} (Chizuru: Good question…)" I guess in the end everything is up to Sakaki. I'll follow whatever order she gives regardless of whether or not I find it stupid so I guess it's fine to leave it up to her. "(Chizuru: We'll rest here for four hours.)" I guess were going to stay here then. (Chizuru: Ayamine retrieve the rope if the water level falls. We'll post sentries twenty minutes shifts….)"

Shirogane Takeru's POV - An hour later

It was already my shift as I sat down and looked up at the sky. Everything was turning out just as I remembered it even with the extra person. Nicholas seemed to have gotten lost on the way but in the end it still went as my memories remembered it. For now I should be glad and I guess he did help convince Class Rep into choosing my opinion. I wonder though where he was the whole time he had been lost. Now that I think about it, ever since we had arrived in the base Yuuko-sensei had been just as much interested in him as she was in me. It's really making me curious as to who he is. I sighed when all of a sudden someone ended up behind me. It was Class Rep. I guess it was her turn to take shift. "(Chizuru: It's my turn to take watch.) It's fine Class Rep. I'm more than happy to take watch for another twenty minutes. You should rest a bit more. (Chizuru: H-Hey it's my responsibility as the squad leader to make sure all of you are well rested. You should go and take you break now.) Nah, I think I'll keep you company during your shift then. (Chizuru: H-Hey S-Shirogane. I-I already told you to take a rest already.)" Hehehe. She's blushing. It's really cute seeing the normally tough Class Rep acting like that. I got to see it a lot more during the times when I was in love with Class Rep. I guess thinking about it lets me see the memories once again and remember the feeling I once had. "(Chizuru: S-Stop staring at me. It's very disturbing.) Oh sorry about that. I was just deep in thought. (Chizuru: W-Well anyways it's fine with me if you keep me company but after I want you to rest for sure! You got that.) Yeah, yeah. I got it. (?: What's this? Are you two having a lover's quarrel or something?) (!)"

I turned around to see Nicholas walking towards the two of us. "We're not having a lovers quarrel. We aren't even lovers. {Nicholas: Yeah, yeah. That's what they all say.} (Chizuru: Dolosera, your shift isn't up for another two hours. You should definitely rest.) {Nicholas: I see. Fine then I'll leave. I guess I was being a third wheel between you two. I apologize.}" Nicholas walked over to me and patted my back. "{Nicholas: Finish it in twenty minutes. Okay.} O-Oi! Nicholas enough with the joking. (Chizuru: Y-Yeah! Go and get some rest.) {Nicholas: Yeah, yeah. I know, you two really want your alone time together. See ya.}" Nicholas would then leave back to the rest of the group. For some strange reason it reminded me of 1st Lieutenant Munakata's jokes. I hope this doesn't become a habit of his. "A-Anyways I think I should go as well. (Chizuru: Y-Yeah I think that would be for the best.)" I then parted ways with Class Rep, the both of us blushing because of Nicholas' joke.

Nicholas Dolosera's POV – Another Hour Later

The rain stopped all of a sudden as I sat down around everyone. We all stood up and gathered up together by complete coincidence and looked over at the river. "(Mikoto: The rain it stopped!) (Chizuru: …two hours.) (Meiya: At this rate, the river will calm down after one more hour.) (Mikoto: And then after Ayamine gets the rope back….that'll be four hours!) (Miki: Takeru-san! You're amazing!) {Takeru: No I'm not, that was Class Rep's decision.} (Kei: ….what about me?) {Takeru: Ahhh, sorry Ayamine. We're counting on you once the water's gone.} (Meiya: It seems the heavens are on your side.) {Takeru: It's not that big a deal, seriously.}" Is it a coincidence or not? No one really would know except for god himself. Well it's better this way since we managed to retrieve both items.

November 16 (Day 4) – Tropical Island

After a nice rest we ended up continuing our journey towards the evacuation point. It was a long walk but everyone was serious and concentrating on reaching it. I guess since it was pretty much our final task to do it till we finish the mission it's obvious that they would all get overly excited. As we walked with Sakaki in the lead I wondered how we would be evacuated. Depending on what the evacuation point looked like would tell us that. "(Chizuru: ….is that the evac point?) (Meiya: If the mark on the map we found is correct.) (Miki: It's right in front of us!)" So were already here. I turned to the side and saw Shirogane was murmuring something to himself. He seemed to be deep in thought and he looked quite pale. "(Meiya: Is something wrong Takeru? You look pale.) {Takeru: ….no, it's nothing…..I'm just…a little tired.} (Meiya: I see. The evaluation will end soon. Endure for a short while longer.) {Takeru: Yeah.}" We continued to walk until we reached an opening in the forest.

In front of us was pretty much a mountain with a helicopter pad in front of us. I guess we are going to be leaving the area by helicopter this time around. "(Chizuru: Evac point secured. Everyone, keep your eyes peeled.) (Meiya: It would be marvelous to finish this on day four.) (Mikoto: I never thought we'd get here so fast!) (Miki: Now we'll finally be able to start TSF training!)" Wow everyone seems so happy all of a sudden. I guess finally being able to complete the Evaluation has gotten them overly excited. Tamase left and a few seconds later she came back with something. "(Miki: I found some smoke flares.) (Meiya: I do not see any vehicles….so perhaps we are meant to use these.) (Kei: ….I'll wave one.) {Takeru: ….stop!} (Kei: ….what?) {Takeru: Let me do it. I've always wanted to try this.} (Chizuru: Does it really matter? The smoke's the same no matter who waves it.)" Shirogane quickly grabbed the smoke flares and began to move. "(Meiya: Where are you going?) {Takeru: I'd like to do this on the far corner.} (Meiya: …such a strange man.)"

Shirogane soon reached the far corner and lighted the smoke flares. After a few seconds I saw a helicopter coming down from the sky. It seemed it was over and I looked down at Shirogane only to notice that he was looking at something. I pulled my head out a bit and looked at the direction where Shirogane was looking at. I didn't see anything when all of a sudden I saw something glimmer somewhere on the cliff. And then there was gunfire. The sudden sound shocked us all as the helicopter then left. The ground around Shirogane being torn apart as bullets hit them. "(Mikoto: …..Takeru, fall back!) {Takeru: You bet I will!}" He began running back towards us while everyone including myself jumped behind some rocks. The shots were all aimed specifically at Shirogane meaning it was targeting him. "(Meiya: It is aiming for you!) {Takeru: I noticed!}" The shots were getting closer and closer to him by the second yet he was still managing to stay ahead of it. As he neared where we were he jumped just as the bullets hit the ground where he was standing. I sighed in relief and turned to look at Shirogane as he dusted himself off.

I looked to see everyone just as surprised as I was about Shirogane's near death experience from the hands of an unknown gun attack. Tamase peered out through the rocks looking for where the shots were fired. "(Miki: There must be a gun battery on that outcrop! The shots came from over there!) (Chizuru: I can't believe one of them is still functioning…..) (Kei: The chopper ran away…) (Mikoto: Now what…..?) (Meiya: So we have not yet completed the mission….) (Chizuru: …..we should have been more careful…)" After all of this they are now all starting to get depressed, not that I'm surprised. I wonder what happens now. All of a sudden the radio started to act up. Sakaki and everyone was surprised by the sudden sound. Chizuru grabbed the radio from her belt kit and kneeled down as everyone gathered around her. "(Chizuru: Yes, this is squad 207B) [Yuuko: Aaah, are you still alive?] (Chizuru: The squad is unharmed.) [Yuuko: 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 out safety. "[Yuuko: 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.] (Chizuru: You can't control it from there?) [Yuuko: Nope, it's all automatic. What a pain~]" A dead silence came across. It was probably because of how she said it. She sounded really sarcastic about it all. "[Yuuko: So, I'll give you a new evac point.] (Chizuru: ….understood.) [Yuuko: Your new destination, Point E, will be right behind the offending battery.]" Chizuru quickly got the map and noted it down. "(Chizuru: We might get attacked on the way there.) [Yuuko: All I can do is tell you where to go. That is all. Now hand the radio over to Dolosera.] (Chizuru: …..roger.)"

Chizuru passed the radio to me and almost immediately I moved further away from them suspecting she wouldn't want them to hear whatever she was going to ask me. When I was far enough I placed the radio at my ear. "Professor Kouzouki, is there something you want to tell me? [Yuuko: Of course~. So how did you do with your secret mission.] Oh that? I managed to open it and found a memory chip and a locket in the box. [Yuuko: I see. What was the password for the lock?] Hmm? Well it was my birthday, October two. Is there a reason why my birthday was the code? [Yuuko: No it's just a coincidence and a good thing as well.] I see. Is that all Professor? [Yuuko: It is. Make sure you don't lose the chip. Good luck~]" The professor then hung up. I sighed and then walked back to the squad and gave it to Sakaki though they were all giving me a curious look not that I'm surprised. They didn't question me though and we left almost immediately.

Elsewhere on Tropical Island

Yuuko lay down on her beach chair with her hand under her chin, deep in thought. "Did that box have a finger scanner or something? If it did then whatever is inside that chip has to be important to him. What secrets are you hiding in that little box?" Behind her Kasumi just stared at her with her usual stared look. She probably could tell that Yuuko was acting a bit different after her talk with Nicholas.

Jungle – Tropical Island

We walked and walked through the forest on our way to the new evac point. As we walked I noticed Shirogane looking around before he spoke of something which was totally random. "{Takeru: The sea's beautiful…} (Chizuru: Why are you talking?! Stay alert.)" There goes Sakaki lecturing him again. "{Takeru: I'm not gazing for no reason. As far as we know we could get shot from there at any moment. I'm just watching the gun battery.}" A reasonable counter made by Shirogane right there. "{Takeru: That's right! Tama, can you see anything? You've got the best eyes here.} (Miki: Good idea…..huh?)" I wonder why he only thought about Tamase when it came to how good their eyes are. "{Takeru: What is it Tama? Did you see something in the distance?} (Miki: Yeah….there's a…..radome over there….)" A radome? I looked at the direction she was looking and found it myself. How lucky. "(Meiya: Where?) (Miki: Over there…..look, it really is a radome.) (Meiya: It is positioned in the center of a cliff. So unnatural….) (Miki: Ah…..! Ayamine-san, gimme the scope.) (Kei: ….here.) (Mikoto: Now let's take a look at it.) (Miki: Yeah!)" Smart move using the scope as a binocular. I wonder what they see. "{Takeru: See anything?} (Miki: Umm….nothing clearly. But….the domes missing a piece, and I can see something moving inside it.) (Mikoto: I think…..the Professor said it was automatic right?) (Chizuru: Which means that's most likely the sensor.) (Meiya: It occurs to me it did not react when the helicopter approached us, even at low altitude.) {Takeru: Which means that's probably the only sensor in our area.} Meaning if we destroy it. The gun battery won't fire at us anymore." That was all a very reasonable sum up about the radome. "(Chizuru: …..I have to agree it's very likely.) (Meiya: Sakaki, let us destroy the radome. Since it is likely to be the gun's sensor, we should take the opportunity.) (Chizuru: 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. Dolosera, get ready to shoot.)" I stared at them for a few seconds, my brain not registering what was just said. "Ummmm. How about Tamase do it? (Chizuru: I would have thought you would have loved to shoot the gun.) Well I would but wouldn't you feel much better if someone you trust more shoot in this one shot only situation? (Meiya: We saw your skill in training so we trust you just as much as we trust Tamase.) I see. Hey Tamase, would you like to take the shot? (Miki: I think Nicholas-san should do it. You did so well during the exercises that I'm sure you can do it.) …..okay I'll do it then. {Takeru: Good luck.} Yeah." I took the rifle and set it up. I went into an English-style sniping position, lying on the ground. "(Mikoto: Aim for the top of the radome. That kind ought to have a radar dish in that part.) Roger." I breathed in and out as I looked through the scope and aimed for the radome's top. I fired a shot and the top of the radome blew up. "Target destroyed." I stood up triumphantly.

Everyone looked at me with a smile. I was glad that I had managed to actually take the shot but it felt like it was a close one. "(Chizuru: Now we might not have to worry about that gun battery anymore.) (Meiya: But we cannot be certain, so we must remain vigilant.) (Miki: We don't want to get surprised like that again.) {Takeru: Could not agree more.} Of course. Since you were the on getting shot at. (Chizuru: Now let's move out! Leave the rifle somewhere inconspicuous!)" We continued to move forward until we decided it was time to rest.

November 17 (Day 5) – Tropical Island

"(Chizuru: Okay everyone wake up.)" I opened my eyes as the bright sun shined on my face from the sides of the trees. I sat up and looked to see everyone also getting up one after the other with Sakaki already wide awake. "(Miki: Good morning.) {Takeru: Hi….} Morning. (Chizuru: Now, we're going to complete the mission today. Be ready to move out in five minutes.) (Mikoto: Understood~)" Everyone seems pretty sleepy still not that I'm surprised. After we were all ready we left. Eventually we reached a bridge. It looked all broken up and stuff. It probably wouldn't survive if we tried to go through it. (Chizuru: Can we…..get across this?) (Mikoto: I think it'll be fine if we use a fresh rope to repair it.) (Miki: The bridge on the far side is made out of metal.)" We all gathered around looking at the metal bridge at the far end. "{Takeru: I can see the arch from here….no doubt about it's far stronger than this one. I'd like to cross the safer bridge, but…} (Meiya: Doing that would require a significant detour….we would lose a lot of time.)" 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 traps. "{Takeru: We really do need to cross it now. I think it'd be best if we repaired it and crossed right away. Let's trust Mikoto on this one.} (Chizuru: You're right.) (Meiya: No objections.) (Chizuru: Yoroi and Ayamine, repair the bridge. Everyone else, keep a look out.) (Mikoto: Understood.) (Kei: ….understood.)" Shirogane and the rest stayed behind as Mikoto and Ayamine walked over to the bridge. I followed wanting to observe how they would repair it. I watched as Ayamine went across without making the bridge even shake. I stared in disbelief, was she a ninja or something?

Once they were finished Mikoto waved to us from the other side with Ayamine simply just standing there quietly. "(Mikoto: Squad Leader! It's okay now!) (Chizuru: You two stay there and keep your eyes peeled!) (Mikoto: Okay! But be careful! It's still very fragile!) (Chizuru: Yoroi! Stop shouting!) (Mikoto: The core of it looks like it's rotting!) (Miki: I don't think she can hear us.) {Takeru: No she'd keep talking even if she could hear us.} (Chizuru: ….haaa… Then let's cross in order of weight. We'll start with Tamase.) (Miki: Okay.) (Chizuru: Everyone else stay alert until it's your turn.) {Takeru: Understood.} Roger." Everyone went one at a time. I went just before Shirogane who was the last one to go across the bridge.

We walked and walked straight to the evacuation point. "(Chizuru: Evac point secured! Everyone split up and keep your eyes peeled.) {Takeru: Where's the helicopter!?} (Mikoto: Nothing in visual range!) (Marimo: Evaluation complete! Squad 207B, form up!)" All of a sudden the Instructor came from out of nowhere. Everyone gathered up together. I guess the Evaluation is over since the Instructor has arrived. "(Marimo: This Comprehensive Combat Skill Evaluation is hereby complete. You've all done well. I will now inform you of the result.)" So they grade us or something? Well I guess that's the normal thing to do in an evaluation. "(Marimo: 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. "{Takeru: Hmm? Marimo-chan why are you sighing?}" A glare was given to Shirogane which made him shiver. "(Marimo: It's just that….I've never seen a squad complete an Evaluation in such a manner….normally I don't say this but you passed the Evaluation with flying colors.)" After hearing that everyone began to tear up, well everyone except for Shirogane and I. Everyone looked so happy that they had succeeded. After that we went to where Professor Kouzouki was and took the rest of the day off resting from all the exercise.

Tropical Island - Near Midnight

I walked towards the location that the Professor had told me to go to earlier. When I reached the area I saw the Professor leisurely standing there waiting for me. I walked over to her. "You called Professor. [Yuuko: Yes I did. Please give me the memory chip.] Yes ma'am." I handed her the memory chip and then took out the locket. "What about the locket? [Yuuko: Ahhh, you're right. Let's open it and see what is inside.] Roger." I opened the locket and inside was a photo of a family. There were three females and two males. The tallest one was a male with a light brown hair and blue eyes. Then there was a female with blonde hair and blue eyes as well. Next there were twins, a male and a female, who looked really similar despite being of different genders with dark black hair and blue eyes and finally a young girl who reminded me of Kasumi, having silver hair and purple eyes. I wondered if Kasumi and her were related somehow since they looked quite similar except for their style of clothing of course though I doubted it since chances of that were really slim. I wondered who these people were. "[Yuuko: You keep the locket. I don't have any use for it. Make sure you don't throw it away though or you'll regret it later on.] Errr okay. [Yuuko: Anyways you're dismissed.]" The professor then left with the memory chip leaving me with the locket. I wondered what she meant by that all but ultimately just decided to leave it off till next time. I left the area and went back to sleep.

November 18 – Tropical Island

Shirogane Takeru's POV

I simply just stared there in despair once again. Yet again I had forgotten to bring my swimsuit once again. I watched as everyone played around in the water. Well everyone except Yuuko-sensei. She was just tanning herself just like in the last few loops. I sighed and stared as Nicholas was helping Kasumi learn to swim. How the heck did he know to bring a swimsuit? "[Yuuko: Oh I told him to bring one.]" Whoa, she read my mind and she's not even an esper. "Why would you go so far as to tell him that? [Yuuko: He helped me out with a little project of mine so I thought I'd tell him so he doesn't get left out.] Why didn't you remind me as well then? [Yuuko: Oh? So you didn't know about it? So that means you were lying about knowing the future~] Geh. I just forgot that was all. [Yuuko: If you say so~]" I sighed and then went back to my corner and stared. All of a sudden Ayamine appeared next to me with a devious look on her face. All of a sudden I was lifted off the ground. "Oi Ayamine what are you planning? (Kei: …..nothing.) Don't lie with a straight face!" The next moment I was up into the air and then in the water. Great just like the first few loops I did. I was thrown into the water. I sighed as everyone laughed at me. The next thing we knew we would end 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. Nicholas though was with Yuuko-sensei every single day for these days. Whenever I tried to enter Yuuko-sensei's office when Nicholas was inside she would simply kick me out. I wonder what it was they were doing but unfortunately they refused to tell me. Everyone was disappointed though that they were reviewing straight after passing the Evaluation. I thought I could do everything quicker but it seems fate refuses to let me do so.

Author's Notes: Well heres my next chapter. With all the work I'm getting for school I'm surprised I can even make these chapters. I'll probably be updating once every two months or something like that but that's what I get for starting this when I was in my busiest year. Yeah -_- Senior year. A very busy year for all students. Anyways hope that this was fine.