Shirogane Takeru
Present day
December 03, 2001
Kouzuki Yuuko's office
"As you know, I didn't succeed right away. I still haven't succeed to this day. So now I feel kind of embarrassing tell you this story, sensei. Since it doesn't have a proper ending. But one day, one day I will stand proudly in on top of this world. Declaring to the people of my success."
"…How much… did you suffer in these loops…?" If Yuuko-sensei was actually concerned for me. This will be as close as to her actually showing it openly.
"I don't know. My guess is around four hundred years in total. But for all the times where I can clearly remember, it's more like only seventy years."
"So many loops get lost when I don't recall them the moment I wake up again. It's honestly kind of annoying. Still, I can't remember what I can't remember. Some memories get triggered when I see stuff that reminds me of whatever happened, so I can still unveil some secrets from time to time."
"Then you memoires still do get lost when travelling from one world to another… ahha, this makes my problems seems so insignificant." Good thing Yuuko-sensei wasn't going through the same realm over and over again.
"Well, that's the end. Nothing's left other than my experience with watching the team die again and again. Don't think you want to hear that though."
"I certainly don't need that right now. You're free to go, Shirogane. My opinion of you did change for the better, if you must know." I couldn't see how my story of sacrifice and death had a probability of reducing sensei's impressions. Than again, it was good to hear.
"I'll take my leave, sensei."
December 04, 2001
PX
"…Ahha! Takeru-san and Sumika-san!" Tama perceived the two of us and called our names. Her new aspect with the cat bell and cat tail was quite nostalgic if I must comment. Sumika and I both shared an extraordinary moment, remembering back to the other world that we can no longer return to.
"Huh? Where's Kasumi-san?" Mikoto noticed Kasumi's absence.
"She's still with the Professor right now." Sumika replied for me.
"Eh? I see… I think Mitsurugi-san and Ayamine-san will be here soon. Sakaki-san already left though."
—
"Mitsurugi-san… you're still carrying around your swords?" Tama's eyes darted to the weapons hanging by Meiya's waist when she made her arrival.
"Is this bothering you, Tamase? The base's weapon regulations do not prohibit the carrying of my steels."
"Ahaaaa… nevermind, Mitsurugi-san. It's just that…" Tama was hiding her nerviness to her best ability.
"If you find this to be disturbing, Tamase. I will return my swords to my room at once."
"Wait, no! It's not a big deal, Mitsurugi-san! I was just not used to your new look, that's all. You still look very pretty!"
"Thank you, Tamase. Your new appurtenances suit you perfectly as well." It was a quiet afternoon, really. The calmest is always before the storm
—
"—Imperial Army disaster relief squadrons evacuated several squatters when the volcano showed signs of activity early yesterday morning. There were no serious difficulties, and all fourteen civilians are now safe and secure…"
After sitting down with Ayamine, the news program on the TV announced the evacuation of the Mt. Tengen. We all turned to take a look at the update.
"—the area they resided in had been declared very dangerous, and no civilians were granted permission to live there. However, even the confirmed reports of former residents who had illegally returned home number in the…"
Everyone paid close attention to the newscast, the reporter broadcasted news that I was all too familiar with.
"…Regarding the treatment of squatters who ignored several past evacuation warnings, some members of the Ministry of Internal Affairs were of the opinion that saving them was not an option, but the Imperial Diet disregarded them and decided to act on its duty to protect the lives and possessions of all its citizens…"
The show proceeded without care for our engrossment. I recalled the argument Meiya often had with me regarding the treatment of the civilians.
"What a good waste of time." My commented was uttered only for the sake of controversy.
"What do you mean, Takeru?" Just as I predicted, Meiya was the first one to pick up the bait.
"Those people clearly went back according to their own will. And the Imperials were forced to waste time and resources to save a few unlawful residents."
"Is that where your view lays, Takeru? You believe the soldiers were wasting time and assets?"
"Yep, if them citizens wished for death on their own land, let them. We are only exposing the soldiers to risk by sending them to save the inhabitants. What if we lost some combatants while trying to help people that were seeking death? To think the Imperial Diet view the value of the people as more important than the soldiers."
My own assessment of this situation had changed over many years.
"Do you say that with no respect to the people? I understand your point. But do you not care for the will of the civilians?"
Meiya somehow got that theory out of what I said, not like she was wrong. I didn't care for the citizens. I didn't have the time to care.
"How can the wishes of a few overrule the greater good? The future of mankind can't be stopped just so some random people get their own wish." That was what I said, but the contradiction to me was as clear as the BETA's hostility to mankind.
I abandoned a world where we destroyed the Kashgar hive just so I could gain another chance at saving my loved ones. Still, not all men have the same power as I do. I made my choice because I had the supremacy to do so.
"Takeru! The duty of the Army is to serve the people!" No matter what she said, I know I was correct. But my goal here was to trigger Ayamine, so I'll just play by the book.
"That's ludicrous. The success of any mission is absolutely more important than the wishes of the population. If the soldiers followed the will of the individuals and failed their mission. That would be a colossal disgrace to the army that they serve."
My words precisely pushed the bottoms on Ayamine. She slammed her food tray with hidden fury and sprinted away into the halls.
"—K-Kei-san, you okay?!"
"A-Ayamine-san!" She appeared to be even more upset than usual.
"Takeru… I will take care of this. Please go after Ayamine."
"Alright, I shall do just that."
Yokohama Base hallways
"Kya!" Ayamine's shriek of surprise never ceased to amuse me.
"That was a good sound, Ayamine. Now only if you acted more girly all the time…" I caught her at usual place where we bumped into each other countless times, from my perspective, anyway.
"Takeru… die." She did her utmost to reach for me so the renowned Space Tornado Ayamine can be executed on this victim. But being the badass that I was, I casually dodged her attempt. Ayamine then turned and dashed further down the halls.
I followed her track which led me to the letter that she dropped as always. This letter from Sagiri Naoya, Ayamine's ex-fiancé. The man behind the 12/5 coup, a crisis that will be manipulated to my absolute advantage.
—
I came back a bit later to where Ayamine dropped her envelope. Just as I had foreseen, she was trying to look for them.
"You know, letters like this aren't hard to find." The paper with words was held by my two fingers while I leaned against the wall. Ayamine replied with silence, so I did the same.
"…Did you look?" The tranquility was eventually broken by the Sonic-haired girl.
"Of course I did. An unopened inspected letter isn't a thing around here."
"…What did he write?" She asked me for the content.
"He was thinking about proposing to you." I lied with a straight face. Ayamine actually was about to take me seriously until I couldn't hold back and laughed.
"You're not like him… you can lie just like me." My deceptive skills altered her judgment of me.
"That comes with the job, you know? Now tell me, how did you obtain letters that wasn't inspected?"
"…It's better not to know." Ayamine rejected me a clear answer.
"Sorry, not happening. I want the truth here." I wasn't willing to back down. Besides, the conversation must be driven to its end result.
"Takeru… I don't wanna kill you."
"That kind of threat is only affective when I make them." The line was delivered with an immensely severe tone. Ayamine couldn't keep her composure when I took a couple of steps closer. She changed course and fled for the third time this day.
Rooftop
"You never used one of the Yakisoba tickets. Did your craving for that food declined when I wasn't watching?" Ayamine only glanced toward the ruined city, not a sound escaped her vocal cord.
I didn't give chase after Ayamine took off earlier as it would have been tasteless for me to just chase down a girl after making a serious threat on her life. Instead, I prepared the Yakisoba bread that never once failed me and encountered her again on the roof of the base.
"…Shirogane… so persistent. I don't even wanna look at you."
"Then I shall be on my way." I turned for the door without any sign of hesitation.
"Ahh—" Ayamine instinctively reached out her hand to stop me.
"I only joke." I reversed my heading and faced her again. She couldn't react fast enough and I caught the sight of her blush for a spilt second before she donned her stoic mask.
"…You really are different… you can lie so easily." My decades of practice in the art of deceiving others had yet again paid off.
"Like I said, it's all part of my job. Not much I can use to my lead in this kind of a world." Her earlier remark brought back memories of days that would be better forgotten. The times when I lost everything, and kept losing everything.
"Anyway, I've got you a wonderful dish here." The awkward moment had to be discontinued when a headache struck me once more. Luckily, the topic on track was a fine distraction.
"…Yakisoba?"
"You really have no imagination, woman. Nevertheless, you happen to be spot-on this time." The Yakisoba bread that was pre-made for her sake was disclosed. Ayamine dashed over for her dream food. But was halted when I raised my hand to her face.
"Wait, sit."
"Huh…? What…?" My order to Ayamine wasn't comprehended at first. I brought the Yakisoba bread within sniffing range of her face. The eyes of a hungry beast targeted the unreachable meal in front of her.
"Come on now, just sit on the ground with four legs and I will give you this." My plan for revenge was so close to its accomplishment.
"Takeru… you for real?"
"Obviously, pretend to be a good doggy and you shall be rewarded."
"You'll remember this…" I could see real conflict was being built within Ayamine. Her desire for her favourite meal was clashing with her pride.
"If you get down and shake, I will provide you with another dozen of Yakisoba tickets. Promise."
"…" She was very tempted to temporary banish her dignity for a taste of her most cherished dish. Only a little push would collapse her self-respect at this point in time.
"This one is personally made by me, you know? I processed the Yakisoba to bring out its original flavour. I can vouch for the quality of this product, just like real Yakisoba."
"Say, Ayamine. Have you ever tasted actual Yakisoba? Not this synthesis crap, but real. Real Yakisoba made for the sole purpose of bring delight to one's tongue. And let me tell you, they're fantastic."
Ayamine finally couldn't resist the temptation of the recipe that was dangling before her eyes. Her rear lowered to the floor like a well-trained puppy and out stretched her hand.
"Takeru… shake." Her left palm was extended with uncontaminated loath. I took with arrogances and gave her hand a firm wobble.
"Here you go, good girl. You can stand back up when I let you." Ayamine instantly grabbed the Yakisoba bread and made short work of it within seconds. I was grinning like idiot for assessing dominance over a fussy girl.
"Takeru will be executed… if you don't give me another one." A refill was demanded.
"Is that the right way to ask people for things?"
"More… please."
"And how should you address me?"
"Takeru, asshol—" My sadistic glare put a stop to her rudeness.
"…Please give me another one… master… Takeru." The sense of pride I felt was so satisfying. Having finally trained Ayamine to obey my command. I did feel somewhat guilty due to what she did to me was never this extreme.
"Alright, here." She devoured the second bread just as fast.
"More… please. Master Takeru." I maintained her feeding until she was ultimately full.
—
"I can't eat anymore."
"If you asked for another after eating six serving of Yakisoba bread. I will have to send you to the hospital for two check-ups." I passed her some napkin to clean herself up.
"Thank you for the meal… it was delicious."
"Of course, you can't compare normal Yakisoba with the synthetic ones. This time it's free, but if you want more, you will have to pay with your tickets."
"Then why… was it fun trying to train me?" Ayamine asked for my true intention, training her was just a bonus.
"Absolutely, but that is only a bonus. Take it as a token of admission, for what I must do in the future." My apology reached her in advance, because I knew the impending events that will sour our relationship.
"What will you do?"
"The letters, I won't ask about them now. But mark my words when I say that I cannot stop before I reach my objective. Not even if you ended up detesting me for it…" I must protect her, even if it meant that she will no longer be by my side.
"That won't happen… Takeru." Ayamine's statement was unexpected, she normally doesn't even reply to my questions.
"Huh? How can you be sure?"
"Because… I know I can't come to hate you…" The way she presented her reason, with a little red tinted over her cheeks. My heart skipped a beat when I realized.
"Haha, I wish you were speaking the truth…" I spun me body and proceeded to the stairs without any goodbye. The communication between the world saviour in progress and his devious supporter ended without another line.
"Takeru… I trust you… anytime and always." Or so I thought.
"I… I… see you later, Ayamine." The reply to her conviction was not one that she deserved, but I wasn't able to say anything else for only a second, thanks to my brain for not playing with full deck.
"I will be waiting." Ayamine muttered her last words, thinking that I wouldn't be able to hear. Even she was so strong deep down.
Imperial Capital, Sakaki Kurechika residence
"Mr. Prime Minister. A package was received today through unconventional means. It's addressed to you, sir."
"A package? From whom?"
"The sender is unknown, but it's delivered from Yokohama Base."
"Yokohama… is it safe?"
"Yes, sir. The scans showed nothing abnormal."
"Alright, I will open it. You can go."
"Yes, sir."
Shirogane Takeru
December 05, 2001
Hallway
"So what, the Instructor just told you girls to keep waiting? I was hoping to beat the squad up in our mock training today." My conversation with Meiya was about today's supposed schedule. None of this will matter when the base gets raised to DEFCON 2 in a few more minutes.
"Takeru, you appear to have a special craving for combat. Are you sure you can contain your own desires?" If Hayase is really influencing me this strongly, I can only hope the hospital has a bed for me.
"Nonsense, Meiya. I enjoy combat as much as I enjoy any sort of entertainment. But that depends on the se—" The alarm rudely interrupted my joke. Meiya had a look of bewilderment. Class rep who just rounded the corner had the same appearance.
"—Moving to DEFCON 2. All combat squadrons stand by in full gear. Repeat, moving to DEFCON 2. All combat squadrons…" The loudspeaker looped the orders for all soldiers to be on standby.
"Meiya, Class rep! You two go ahead and meet with the Instructor. I will have to see the Professor."
"Roger!" The two girls left in haste while I made my way to the command center.
Yokohama Base, Command Center
"—what do you mean by that… General Radhabinod?" Tama's old man was in the same conversation with Yuuko-sensei and the General as always at the time of my arrival.
"This is the Japanese Empire's problem. We, the UN, intervening without the Imperial government's request would be…" The General purposed his counterargument. This wasn't a debate that I could cut into just based on my knowledge alone, I stepped aside to where no one could notice me and observed further.
"We no longer have a moment to spare. If we let this opportunity slip by, we will regret it later."
"That sounds like America's way of doing things… does the UN want the Asiatic Sphere to listen to America that badly?" Yuuko-sensei disagreed with the Undersecretary's opinion.
"Professor, the UN Army is nothing more than the army of the United Nations. Despite the independence you've been granted, you and your Alternative Plan are all part of the UN, and thus servants of the international community."
"Like the general said, the Japanese government hasn't requested any assistance… when exactly did the UN gain the authority to nullify the sovereignties of its member states?"
Their quarrel continued with no end in sight. To make a long story short: Undersecretary Tamase wished to persuade the General to mobilize the UN Army and intervene in the Coup.
However since the Japanese government had yet to request the UN's assistance, we can't really charge into their conflict with guns blazing.
"I see… we are at an impasse." An impasse indeed, Undersecretary. I preferred to be deployed as soon as possible too. But the politics that is the nations overruled our personal longings.
"…Now is the time to prioritize humanity's future. Just because that happens to line up with the interest of a particular group…" Good points were made by Tama's old man, but those aren't enough to sway the world.
"We understand that, which is why we want you to follow proper procedure. Show the world that the UN Army does indeed represent justice." The General also wanted to see humanity's victory. But the interest of different groups with the same goals couldn't come to an understanding.
"Not as a UN staff member… but as a citizen of Japan… I want to see Japan complete Alternative IV." Now the words of the Undersecretary could mean different things to different ears.
"Undersecretary… saying such a thing here…"
"Why does it matter, General? I think I'll say something else as a Japanese citizen myself."
"P-Professor!" Nobody in this Command Center could see eye to eye. Not like it was unexpected for people to hold different values. The Americans that wants to move on from the Alternative Plans. The Americans that wants to move on to Alternative V. And us, the Japanese that are dedicated to the success of Alternative IV.
"In the end, America wants to maintain the Far East Defense Line just to make sure the fighting never ends up on its own soil. They say they want a change of strategies, but really they just want to use G-Bombs on every other part of the planet to annihilate the BETA and rule what's left of the world, leaving their own country unharmed."
"If the UN ceases to behave the way they want… they'd probably do that on their own." I didn't find anything fundamentally wrong with America's attempt to keep the fighting of their own soil and prioritizing their benefit first. But as part of Alternative IV, I would not allow their independent actions.
"…You sound confident, but you have yet to produce any tangible results. What makes you so sure…"
"Heh, I'll let you decide whether I'm bluffing or not." Sensei was very self-assured this time around, having already produced The 00 Unit.
"…You win… I'll take my leave for now."
"Given formal permission from the UN Security Council, Yokohama Base will gladly accept help from the American Army"
"Very well then… I shall return shortly." The Undersecretary left through the door, he somehow failed to notice me.
"…This is getting bad."
"Absolutely. America's trying to worm its way into Yokohama, and for all we know, get direct control over the plan themselves." America wanted this base. They were willing to take Japan, or take on Japan to achieve it.
"The Security Council would never allow that, but… they do not wish to anger America any further." The discussion concluded with the fact that the Security Council will vote fast to allow intervention. All going according to the States' plan.
"I'll return to my station… Professor, take care of things."
"Yes, sir." The General exited the Command Center and Yuuko-sensei followed soon after.
"What are you doing here, Shirogane Takeru?" I must applaud Yoroi for finding me even when I put some real effort into camouflaging myself.
"I should think the same thing you are, Yoroi Sakon."
"Now… what are you two doing here?" Yuuko-sensei circled back to catch the both of us.
"So you first, Yoroi Sakon-san."
"The souvenir I gave you from Easter Island was superb, no? Would you believe I bought it in Chile?" He instantly derailed me off topic.
"The statue was given to Kasumi. I am sure that she enjoyed it greatly!" My voice was raised to prevent the man from cutting me off with his nonsensical flow.
"Well, none of that matters really."
"No, no. of course not."
"I'm not eccentric enough to come here just to ask you something. Now then, Professor… would you mind if I changed the subject a little?" The very eccentric man asked to change the topic that never went anywhere else.
"It never changed in the first place." Yuuko-sensei held the same opinion as me.
"I'd prefer it if you were a bit more choosy about where you say such things. Throwing out classified information left and right… what if there was a spy listening in on you?"
"There are never any spies in the Command Center, other than you."
"And since I'm not a spy, perhaps you're safe." The spy from the Ministry of Information just denied that he was a spy.
"Fine, so there's no problem. How much of that did you hear?" Sensei drove the focus back on track.
"You know I can't tell you that. Well, if you must know, all of it."
"Except for the part you can't tell, right? I know." I joked about Yoroi's inconsistency, which he only laughed off.
"…You're quite noisy, Shirogane Takeru."
"I believe myself to be part of this dialogue as well."
"But a very polite man. Well, good for someone this young, you have a bright future ahead of you." His commendation failed to bring me any bliss. The discussion trucked on about the current situation in the capital. But then turned into a comparison of pawns, somehow.
"Anyway, Shirogane, do you need anything from me? There isn't anything you can do here, you know?"
"I only dropped off to check the final preparations." A lie wasn't obligatory even in front of Yoroi at this point.
"Is that so, just go back to your squad if they need you, okay?"
"I'll do that." However, I decided to stay and keep listening for now.
—
"You said some brave things to Undersecretary Tamase a moment ago… I take it things are going swimmingly with the Alternative Plan? Perhaps I should ask… if Shirogane Takeru helped?" There was no doubt that Yoroi uncovered many classified details about me, but none of them will matter once this ends.
"Didn't I just tell you not to bite off more than you can chew? I'd hate it if someone else got rid of my pawns, but if I had to do it myself… I might not mind so much."
"Oooh, scary… and so cold, despite all the pains I've gone through for your sake, Professor." Scary Yuuko-sensei is scary.
"Nice words… but aren't you doing it all for your own sake?"
"—yes, of course… in my line of work, one must accomplish one's objectives by any means necessary. You are no different… Professor Kouzuki." The sudden change of tone attracted me somewhat.
"Be it a relative of the Shogun, or the Prime Minister's daughter… or my own daughter… I would not hesitate to sacrifice them. And what's inconvenient… will simply have to be dealt with." That was the line I always remembered Yoroi by. The idea of sacrificing someone for the greater good.
"That's some interesting ideas you are throwing out there, Yoroi Sakon." I intruded my way into the discourse.
"Do you think so, Shirogane Takeru?"
"Will you really sacrifice those people for humanity?" I understood Yoroi's resolve just as well, but our concept of sacrifice was different.
"Of course, I would make sure that their sacrifice doesn't go to waste."
"That's good, I also believe in sacrificing the minority for the majority. But I will not allow you to implement such an act." I openly denied and agreed to his cause at the same time.
"Oh? You also understand it, yet you will not let me put it to action. Contradicting man you are, Shirogane Takeru."
"We are different, Yoroi Sakon. I recognize your determination, but I'll never approve of it. You'll not sacrifice one of my friends for the greater good. Because I'll save this world without the need of such sacrifices."
Yoroi and I were to fundamentally different people. He didn't have the power that I did. He doesn't understand my pain, so I knew I have the power to strive for a world where my friends don't have to die for humanity to have a fighting chance.
I will eradicate any and all things between me and my future, nothing shall stop me, not anymore.
"Hahahaha! The dream of a child, Shirogane. Do you truly believe that to be possible? To save everyone and receive a fairy-tale ending?"
"I create my own possibilities, Yoroi. You can just sit on the side-line and watch me construct the future." My only goal, through all these times never changed once. Until the day that I fulfill my promise, there will be no room for doubts. Not from me, not from anyone.
"Wahaha! You really are an interesting person, Shirogane Takeru! I look forward to how your dream will come to fruition." He only chuckled loudly hearing my resolution, but Yoroi Sakon wasn't a man who forgoes an option without attempting.
"But very intriguing nonetheless… now then, I think we've said too much. I'll be taking my leave soon." Yoroi reached inside his pocket and handed me a doll.
"Shirogane Takeru, I give you this. It's a souvenir from the lost continent of Mu. It'll keep you safe. Carry it with you at all times. I trust that you will need its protection." I surveyed the doll in its entirety before pocketing it myself.
"Thank you for your concern, Yoroi Sakon. I keep this close to me at all times." The belief of superstition was not a part of me. But in his own way, this was how Yoroi showed his encouragement.
"Truly a well-mannered gentleman, Shirogane Takeru. I will warn you just in case, throw that away and you'll be cursed. But I think it's unlikely for that to happen. Farewell." The man turned and disappeared without a trace.
"Time for us to go then, Shirogane. Your resemblance to that man just deceased dramatically. Good for you, I guess."
"I'm not him, sensei. To save this world and all of my friends, I need to be even stronger than anyone else."
"Is that so, I won't suspect your determination, Shirogane. But standing about discussing willpower won't save the world." Yuuko-sensei advised for me to move along and take action instead of running my mouth.
"I'm going to be demonstrating that power very soon, sensei. This coup will be the perfect backdrop."
"That's good, come on then. Let's get going." She led the way to the briefing room with me behind.
Briefing room
"Good morning, everyone." Yuuko-sensei casually strolled in.
"Salute!" My shout for the squad to turn and show respect to sensei as she was a superior officer.
"I keep telling you to quit it with the salutes… here you go. This is everything we know about the current situation." A folder was passed to Marimo-chan.
"I've already briefed them on the basics…"
"Just look at it." Marimo-chan took the documents and studied them carefully.
"…Professor, why would you brief the cadets… on all these details?"
"This isn't just any training squad you know? This is my personal squad granted due to me being the Executive Officer of this base. I need them to know this much."
"…Understood." Marimo-chan didn't display any objection with her order.
"And Shirogane will be participating in whatever mess this is. So welcome him back."
"Heyyyy! I'm back, girls!" I waved my hands in the air for some added effect.
"XO Kouzuki, a call from the 11th Pacific Field Army HQ." Yuuko-sensei was informed of a communication request by 1st Lt. Piatif. She quickly called Marimo-chan over as well.
—
"The UN has just now decided how we are to deal with the situation. The United Nations Security Council has also decided to incorporate the American 7th Fleet currently deployed in Sagami Bay into the emergency response. This will be officially announced approximately two hours from now at 07:00 hours. At the same time, Yokohama Base will begin to receive the American Army."
Just as I remembered, the 7th Fleet will be seeing some action sometime soon. Yuuko-sensei requested a call with the General and asked Marimo-chan to sustain the briefing.
"As I explained before… the capital is nearly under the complete control of the coup d'état forces. The most recent information indicates that the Ministry of Defence, the last one continuing to resist, has just surrendered."
"There's also a possibility that the Honour Guard has engaged the coup d'état forces around the Imperial Palace, though this is unconfirmed." Meiya hid her concern well enough only for me to discern.
"According to the provisional government in Sendai, assault forces are being gathered to retake the Shogun and the capital. Also, the ringleader of the coup d'état has been identified as Captain Sagiri Naoya from the Imperial Defence Army 1st Division's 1st TSF Armoured Regiment."
Ayamine's feature was at an odd angle for me, I couldn't catch glances of her expressions at the predictable news.
"Also… the provisional government has confirmed… that the coup d'état forces have assassinated many members of the cabinet. However, the Prime Minister's current location is unknown. We were unable to confirm his wellbeing at this moment."
It would be to our benefit if the Prime Minister managed to escape. Class rep seemed noticeably conflicted at the news of her missing father.
"We should assume that the Prime Minister was not present when the coup d'état forces made their way into the capital. The likeliness for his safety should be decent at this point. It's most probable that he was evacuated beforehand." Marimo-chan reassured the worried Class rep that no news could be good news.
She only nodded at this mention. Yuuko-sensei got off from her phone call and directed for the TV to play the Message form Sagiri himself.
Sagiri's broadcast was the same as always. He accused the government and the Imperial Army for ignoring the needs of the population and only focusing on their own gains. The transmission itself was the same boring crap as always, I lost interest until Yuuko-sensei ordered for it to be terminated.
"…We may be UN Army soldiers, but we are also Japanese. It's only natural to be affected by this… however… It's our duty to serve more than just our country in this war, if we are to ensure the survival of humanity. Do not forget that." Marimo-chan took over again to remind us of our duties as the members of the UN Army.
"Everyone recite your enlistment oath!" Marimo-chan wanted us to remember the promise we made to the UN Army. But the military wasn't a person, promises made to an organizations held no meaning.
"What's wrong? Recite the enlistment oath!"
"That's enough, Sergeant Jinguuji." I spoke up against my former superior. My squad mates couldn't process the fact that their squad leader just addressed the Instructor with such a tone. Kasumi and Sumika quickly grasped my intention, followed by Meiya.
"Shirogane! What you do… are you serious about this?" Marimo-chan realized I was behaving according to my rank as a First Lieutenant.
"I think now is a good time for this. Yuuko-sensei, if you would do the honour." I stepped up to the platform and Marimo-chan made room for me by the center. Yuuko-sensei already apprehended my meaning in my action. The rest of the room still kept a confused expression.
"Shirogane! What are you doing!" Class rep was the first to make her displeasure known.
"Calm down now, Cadet Sakaki. Let me reintroduce this man again. This is First Lieutenant Shirogane Takeru. And he's very vital member of the UN's most central project."
The four weren't informed of my true rank were utterly shocked by the revelation. It appeared that the screws in their jaws all got undone at the same time except for one.
"It's not only me, you two should also come up." I gestured for Sumika and Kasumi to approach the stand. The two girls walked up nervously and took their place on the stage
"And these two are Second Lieutenant Kagami Sumika and Second Lieutenant Yashiro Kasumi respectively. Hehe, you sure they aren't your guards, Shirogane?" I could only sigh at sensei's comment.
Kasumi and Sumika stood behind me and to my either side, the way the positioned themselves made me appear to be their leader without a doubt.
"Anyway, he will take over command for the 207 training squad from now on. Anything else, Shirogane?"
"Nope, thanks for the introduction again, sensei." The others still had yet to recover from my awe-inspiring declaration.
"Cadets! Salute 1st Lt. Shirogane!" Marimo-chan barked for the show of regard the squad didn't perform. They swiftly saluted me when their bodies acted instinctively. That helped them cope with the news to a certain extent.
"It's fine, please treat me only as your friend and your squad mate. I didn't tell you girls about this fact earlier for two reasons. First is that that we could avoid the gap between a superior and a subordinate."
"I want you to just think of me as your comrade that you can trust on the battlefield. Only salute me and stuff when the General is here or something. The same goes for Sumika and Kasumi." I explained one of my motivations behind my hidden identity, and the squad took it rather well.
"Second cause is my duty of evaluating this squad. The 207th Squadron holds great potential. And not just for the reason you're all thinking. This squad has true talents, and my mission is to put those talents to the best capability possible. We clear?"
"Yes, sir!" That sent a chill up my spines, but being a superior comes with its drawbacks as well.
"Please, don't do that. So then, any questions?"
"1st Lt. Shirogane, can we a—"
"Just Takeru is fine, we are friends right? Class rep." I retold her the statement I just presented.
"Then Takeru, can we ask as to why you decided to announce your rank now?"
"Good question, Class rep. I publicized my rank at this time is because I need this squad to follow my command in the up-coming mission. If we are to be involved in this coup, I can't have the few of you running around like chickens with the head cut off in a battle against other human combatants. If we do get deployed, I need the all of you to follow my authority. Is that clear?"
"Yes, sir." The all replied without any issue. But it wasn't a very tense answer that I earned, good to know that they still considered me as the old Takeru they were all too familiar with.
"Another question, can we ask about the project that you are attached to?" Meiya was the second one to question, she really wanted to be in the loop of things. I appointed my gaze to Yuuko-sensei, her sights informed me to not reveal too much.
"The three of us are a part of a project by the UN called the Alternative Plan. We are involved with its fourth one, Alternative IV. Out of the three of us, Sumika is the most essential member of that plan."
"But that means nothing on the battlefield, I won't tell you to safeguard her during a mission. Do what you feel is the best course of action out there. I will watch out for the all of you."
I knew there will never be a time when I need to rely on my teammates to protect Sumika, that will be my role. Same as my role to protect everyone else here.
"There is no need to watch out for me specifically, everyone! I can take good care of myself!" Sumika backed up my point with confidence.
"Any other questions?" The squad looked at each other with blank stares before shaking their head at me.
"Alright then. I will pick up the subject where Marimo-chan dropped off. I stopped you from reciting the oath this time because I didn't find it… suitable. I hope that all of you still remember the conversation we had about the choice in the hands of the soldiers, right?" The girls nodded at me firmly. I took that as a signal to continue my speech.
"If we do get involved in this fight, I want all of you to think about what it means to clash against other soldiers. We all have different ideas and beliefs, like I said. Maybe their principles could end up being the correct one, who knows."
"However, if we are uncertain about the righteousness of their ideals, then I say that we should fight for ours. I want all of you to think of a reason to fight, a reason for you to risk your lives in the future."
"If you can ponder out a concrete cause for yourself, then you should be prepared to face anything." My speech came to a conclusion as the team begin to seriously reflect on my words and their meanings.
"One last thing. The 1st TSF Armoured Battalion and 5th Airborne Support Battalion are on emergency standby. All other forces will stay to defend this base. We also will be receiving the American Army here. But that doesn't mean we won't be assigned, prepare yourselves for any situation until you're called again. Dismissed!"
08:30 AM
Hallway
"Hey, Class rep. how you holding up?"
"Ahha! Oh, it's just you… Takeru. Don't sneak up on people like that, you scared me a bit." I only hoped Class rep wouldn't respond with a wretched mood like before. The news about her father wasn't a good one by a long stretch, but at least it wasn't the worst, either.
"Please, you should be delighted by my presence." My feet carried me to Class rep after I wandered around the base looking for my team. Her eyes under the new glasses lost their focus on the scenery of our base outside the window.
"Takeru… you really won't change, huh."
"Nope, I will always be the same around here."
"That's… quite nice, actually." Class rep was appreciative that my indifference will be sticking around.
"Glad who I am can please you." I bowed to her in mockery and she disregarded it entirely.
"Say, Takeru… have you ever killed someone?" A wide question just appeared out of the left field.
"…Yeah… yeah, I have." Me answering Class rep's question honestly only darken the mood even more.
"You really are special then, much more experienced than any of us. What's it like… to have to end another's life?"
"I can tell you if you want to, you sure you want to know?" Class rep came out of her self-debate with a resolute nod.
"My first kill… it's funny. The first time I killed another human, it was my most important friend…" Class rep stared at me with a stunned expression that soon turned into sorrow.
"I'm so sorry…! I didn't know…."
"It would be much more weird if you did. Anyway, we were on this mission to destroy one of the BETA's most important facilities. Six of us went down, I was piloting this very important weapon thingy so the team had to protect my ass."
"They ended up getting picked off one by one until me and this other girl was all that's left. We ran into this super BETA that grabbed my last team member and used her as a shield of some kind."
"So she begged me to shoot her along with the target, which I did… it was really funny, her last words to me was a confession. Right before I turned her back into matter with the BETA."
I produced a few sounds that resembled a dry laughter, but I couldn't even manipulate my vocal cords to make the sound.
"Takeru… I'm so sorry." Class rep glanced away with eyes that shined with sadness and grief.
"But that wasn't your question. After that, I killed even more people. My enemies this time. When I think about it now, each one of them must also had a family, their loved ones and an idea they shared with their pals on the field."
"None of that mattered when they died. There is nothing left for the deceased to care about, so do you think we have the right to end their lives?"
"I… I don't know how to answer that…" Of course, Class rep wouldn't understand the heaviness of my message.
"What about you girls!? What do you all think about this!?" My yell pivoted around the hallway and startled the squad that was hidden very poorly by the corner.
"Waaaha…!"
"Miki-san, watch out!"
"Aaaha! Don't grab me!" A sense directly out of a comedy took place as the girls all fell down one by one out of their cover.
"Huh? You're all here too?! That was amazing, Takeru." Class rep was dumbfounded by how I discovered the secret audience. All I saw was their reflections in the window. Child's play, really.
"Sorry for interrupting you, Takeru-chan."
"Sorry."
"So then, anyone got an answer for me?" Having just disturbed out moment, the team all shock their heads with fear and worry glued to their faces.
"Ahh… then let me continue."
"I believe that we do, because it is our will that drove us to defeat theirs. Everyone one out there is fighting for an idea, whether it's to protect their family, their friends or to protect this world. And so are we."
"There is no right or wrong on the field, there's only the difference between the strong and the weak. Out there, everyone is equal. You gain the right to someone else's life the moment you defeat them. So remember that you are always fighting equally, your ideals are clashing against the ideals of others."
"…I see."
"How deep." Meiya and Ayamine took their chance to comment.
"Is that why you told us to have a good reason to fight? So we won't feel bad about killing our enemies?" The way Class rep worded my theme ticked me the wrong way.
"No, I don't care if you feel bad or good about killing. Feeling too bad will hamper your mission. Feeling too good turns you into our enemy, our real enemy. I want you to be able to kill and not regret it. You can't bring a weak mind into combat, that will only spell the death of you and your belief."
"Wow… Takeru-san is really knowledgeable!"
"He really knows a lot about everything!"
"I think I understand now… thank you, Takeru." Class rep sincerely thanked me for my guidance.
"Good! I wouldn't have told such a tale four more times anyway. Alright then! Let's go and check out our TSFs!" I led the way to the hanger with everyone accompanying me. We changed into our Fortified Suits en route.
Hanger
"…Uwa! That smell… If we have to adjust the cockpits like this. I'm gonna suffocate." Mikoto complained about the combat paint that was applied to our units.
"Are you going to let them paint yours, Meiya?"
The black and white Fortified suit donned by Meiya along with the two weapons she carried by her waist was instantly eye-catching. In some ways, her look with the Type-00 suit exposed her figure even more beautifully than the trainee suit.
"I will, taking this Takemikazuchi into battle most likely will raise suspicions already. If I keep it purple, that will just cause many unnecessary problems." I thought for sure that Meiya would want to stand out and impress the world in the Takemikazuchi with the Shogun colour.
"I need to talk to you about this, actually. But that can wait." Meiya's head only tilted in confusion, but her focus shifted back to her purple fighter.
"But this paint does make the TSF harder to see!" Mikoto stated the obvious.
"Emm, which unit is yours, Takeru-san? I only count for Fubukis here. Sumika-san and Kasumi-san are also missing theirs." Tama just had a dysfunctional moment within her brain, that was what I hoped for anyway.
"Tama… your cat tail and cat bell looks great."
"Huh? Thanks… but where is your… Awwa, sorry Takeru-san. I forgot your rank." She was able to recover very quick though. I handed her some imaginary points for that.
The mechanics below us was yelling orders about the use of live rounds for the TSF.
"…Live rounds…" Ayamine must had reacted when she thought about the meaning behind it.
"You all heard my amazing speech earlier, right?" They nodded their heads in agreement.
"Good, I wouldn't have talked that much to Class rep alone. It would be a giant waste of time if she was the only one that heard it. You girls all know this, right. Have no regret on the battlefield, even if it pains you to take the life of another."
"Yes, sir." Their clear responses relieved me from the fear of not being prepared enough for combat. We stood around a bit longer until I was sure the Imperials have arrived.
"Alright! Meiya and me will head outside for a while. The rest of you, don't follow."
"Huh, Eh?" I grabbed Meiya's hand before an inquiry could be fired my way.
Front gate
"Takeru, for what reason have you decided to take me along?"
"Just wait, and enjoy the standoff at the mean time." I Awaited for Tsukuyomi's presence. She would notice and approach us sooner or later.
"Still, having a coup when we have to fight the BETA… Japan really can't get it's crap together."
"Unfortunately, that is the truth we have to face today. Our objectives may be the same… but as long as we value different things, we will choose different method" Meiya spoke the philosophies that I shared.
"We cannot allow the BETA to gain victory. And yet, we also couldn't avoid infighting amongst the people. The human race will never know peace as long as people are free."
"Very educated, only a person with enough vision would be able to come to such a conclusion." Tsukuyomi led the three idiots and appeared from our side, her commendation was well appreciated.
"Thank you for your compliment, 1st Lt. Tsukuyomi."
"So you are also capable of showing gratitude, Shirogane?" The insult she fired back only bounced off my arrogant personality.
"From time to time."
"Tsukuyomi… what are you doing!? If you know of Her Highness's peril, then why are you here!?" Meiya was upset by Tsukuyomi's attendance.
"Yes… if I may speak… guarding Meiya-sama is the task Her Highness has bestowed upon us."
"You fool! Do not speak such nonsense! You must know… what is happening in the Imperial capital at this very moment!" Dismay shown by Meiya only directed Tsukuyomi's cast downwards.
"I am fully aware of it. And that is precisely why I cannot leave you, Meiya-sama." Tsukuyomi calmly answered to Meiya.
"Do you fully understand the meaning of the wor—"
"Cease this, Meiya. You do know that if they're here, that means Her Highness asked for them directly, right?" I put an end to Meiya's frustration for Tsukuyomi not being at the capital.
"Ah… you are correct, Takeru…"
"How can the Honour Guards named by Her Highness abandon their position?" I took Tsukuyomi's side and convinced Meiya of reality.
"…It would be inconceivable for any of you to disobey her orders… I should know that full well, and yet… forgive me, Tsukuyomi."
"No, Meiya-sama. There is no need for you to apologize. I should be the one to lower my head." The argument between the bunch was short because it will get very boring if I didn't.
"How's Her Highness, Tsukuyomi? Is she safe?" My question was delivered even when I knew the answer better than anyone else.
"The Honour Guard 2nd Battalion and rebel forces are setting up opposing positions as we speak. For now, the rebels are facing away from the castle, so no weapons are being pointed toward Her Highness, but the number of troops encircling them continues to rise."
"So… she is safe for the time being?" Meiya was also concerned for her sister.
"Yes. The 2nd Battalion guarding her is the elite of the elite. You have nothing to worry about." Meiya finally let out her breathe after being guaranteed the safety of her other half.
"1st Lt. Tsukuyomi, which Imperial Army unit is that?" I mentioned the TSFs surrounding us from all sides.
"It probably came from the Shinetsu Final Defence Line." It only made sense for the closet unit to be sent to play prison guard with us.
"How about the capital?"
"I have heard that most of the forces for retaking the capital will be gathered from the Secondary Defence Line and the Kantou Final Defence Line." As excepted, the defence lines were pretty much open for taking at this point.
"Truly unfortunate, for this sovereignty struggle to place itself as of now…"
"Your speech pattern indeed resembles that of a well-educated man. Tell me, what is your opinion of this matter?" Out of all things, the use of my pronouns weren't on any list for me to watch out for. And Tsukuyomi picked up that difference with wit.
"I used to think of it as nothing but a waste of time. But then I understood that no matter the situation, a fight for power cannot be avoided. Have I not said something among these lines earlier?" I reminded her of my comment that got me praise from Tsukuyomi.
"Indeed, we cannot be ready to fight against our invaders if we are fighting within ourselves." The old antagonism that Tsukuyomi used to manifest against me was gone. I didn't know if that's because some new information she dug up on me, but she probably trusted Meiya's judgment.
"If you are all to remain here, what will the Honour Guard do?"
"That is…" Tsukuyomi casted her stare toward me. She must have difficulties with responding with an UN Eishi here.
"…What? Are you implying Takeru would leak the information?" Meiya had taken the offence in my place.
"No, Meiya-sama. I trust your judgment in this man. The Imperial Household Department is within the Imperial Palace itself, and is in good condition. Moreover, the Honour Guard has yet to lose control of the area."
"What the ringleader said about not wanting to harm Her Highness seems to be true for now. There have been a few attempts to infiltrate the palace but none has returned with success." Even Tsukuyomi wasn't informed of the whole picture.
"Have any civilians in the capital been harmed?"
"No… not yet." Meiya's next question received a straight answer.
"However, as I have previously stated the forces encircling the Palace are growing in number. We cannot make any assumptions. The rebel forces ought to seek Her Highness's approval, as that is the only way they can prove their cause just."
"Her Highness must be conflicted as of now, she won't agree to their terms so soon." I added my own estimation which was common with the both of them.
"However, the more time passes, the more prepared the Imperial Army becomes… and the American Army is poised to intervene." Meiya's view was also factual.
"In preparation for possible fighting in the capital. The Honour Guard garrisons scattered in and around the capital are gathering at the Imperial Palace. There has been no significant difficulty as of yet." The battle will commence eventually, that is something not even I could have stopped.
"Then independent units are still tasked with protecting relatives of the Shogun?"
"That is correct." Tsukuyomi confirmed my statement about her role during this time.
"Understood. I give you my thanks… you may leave now."
"Yes… do not hesitate to summon me if anything happens… and your new sidearms are very fitting as well." Admiration came from Tsukuyomi to Meiya's new sword before she returned to her post.
"Tsukuyomi… I pray that fortune favour your venture." I could only hope that Meiya's longing reached Tsukuyomi of the Honour Guard.
"Now's the time for me to bring up the earlier subject, Meiya."
"Do you mean that of the paint for my TSF?" Meiya recalled the earlier topic that I brought up.
"Yeah, I'm going to tell you the operation that we will be participating in about ten hours."
"So we really will be deployed… are you sure it is wise to for such information to become my knowledge?" I affirmed silently with a strong gaze. Meiya pondered for a while and nodded as a sign for me to enlighten her.
"Our mission will be to retrieve a vital package that will be delivered from the capital. I can't announce the details but I know for a fact that combat will presumably take place." Meiya's expression showed astonishment.
"Then we will really be fighting against others… is that inevitable?" I nodded my head without a word. Meiya's grin deepened even more that before.
"Your TSF that has the colour of the Shogun, it will bring attention to it the second we encounter any hostiles. However, it would be so much more beneficial if you are willing to keep the colour."
My request to Meiya was outrageous. Asking her to not repaint it was the same as drawing a giant target onto her back.
"Takeru, is that an order?" Meiya wasn't even fazed by my demand.
"No, it never will be. I'm essentially asking you to be bait, in case we encounter any enemies. While there is a great strategic advantage behind this. You have every right to refuse." I made my foolish intention very clear for her. Meiya shut her eyes and debated within her mind.
"Then I will not repaint my unit, Takeru. If such a thing can benefit the squad and the objective. I have no complaints." Meiya firmly stated her resolution.
"Meiya… I'm indebted to you for this. Thank you."
"That is far from the truth, Takeru. You are the one that I might never be able to repay." Meiya earnestly thanked me for using her as a lure.
"My vow to you. This will be when you can witness my resolve."
"…Thank you, Takeru." My hand motion mention for us to return.
"I'm sure that she would also be glad to see you…" I mumbled to myself just inaudible enough for Meiya to barely pick up the remark.
"She? What are you talking about, Takeru!?" Meiya twitched when I stated a sensitive term.
"Let's go back now. It's getting cold out here." I dismissed her question and headed back. Meiya soon followed when she realized that I wouldn't expose anything else.
Author's note
I really got to stop ending at non date change points. It pisses me off to no end.
The coup is taking place so soon! I'm pretty excited to reveal all the plans, schemes and stuff. Or there could just be nothing hidden and the story will just continue with a two day time skip! (Don't worry, I won't do that… maybe.)
Also, I still don't own Muv-Luv or any of its characters, being a while since I lasted said this.
As for the future, I think I'll add a Total Eclipse arc before Sadogashima. But due to Total Eclipse's anime, which ended before the Alternative begins. I'll have to use VN material for what I'll be writing. Because since the VN isn't translated, I could only get limited information from forum and wikis. So if anyone who played the VN and have a pretty good idea as to all the events. Please PM me, I urgently need your help with the timeline and other details. Thank you very much.
And to everyone who read my story and review, favourite and follow, all that stuff. Thank you for your support and please continue to do so.
As always, proofreading done by chad001