Chapter 10:

Odi et Amo


[Recommended Music: Echo Night, from Echo Night 1.]


On the evening of June 28th, 1999.


"You cannot possibly be serious!" Amato Raiko threatens, a hand clawing at her scalp when stepping forward, colliding into a chair. "To forbid us from deploying over some meager maintenance? You've always skirted the line between genius and fool, yet this breaches that into insanity," she says, very much as toxic as the metallic clouds smearing the nights of the Empire as of late, obscuring all stars.

On the opposite end, as slow as the wooden spoon's whirls on the pot is the shrug that wrinkles the appron over casual clothes, far more slower and calm as the night the tone. "Come on, now. Think on the state of the board. BETA incursions have lessened, yes, but not stopped. If another breach occurs from Sadogashima after Yokohama is taken out, or during the mission, someone needs to remain available to handle that. And I've decided that you are the best fit for the role. Therefore, you must chill, Raiko-san," a small nod is followed by turning off the fire, pacing to gather a few bowls, serving food carefully as if threading a needle.

She's almost burning the fabric of her battle dress, stare as burgundy as its tint. "I decidedly will not, you oaf. The IJA is already moving out to that end. Whyever would you choose to leave us in shelter duty?"

"…Us of the IRG must remain at the forefront of battle, while the possibility exists. Our TSFs are not yet fit for the strain of Lucifer, and we cannot request more hustle out of our mechanics. We wouldn't want a repeat of the breaching of the final line, would we?" he asks, cold, hovering a few dishes over the table, holding the blaze of a gaze before resting them on their proper place.

"Kazama would see that your designs are met to the letter, if you give the word," she counters.

"And further deprive her of much needed rest. The others are also drained considering our recent offensives," another shrug, softly the narrow trays meet the wood, steam rising as the smile. "Which is why I am against sending the squad to the mission."

Amato scoffs, glaring away. "This is precisely why I was against further collaboration with the fox… I told you it was unwise to mingle with the UN Farces."

"And leave horns to grow on the hydra's head? You know that no matter how many swords of them we break, more will sprout in their place," a reasonable nod when going to open the oven does not dispel the tension in Amato's features, so a sigh leaves and is suffocated along the heat. "Think of this as leaving you to watch our backs. The final defense line must stand, regardless of the outcome of the mission. And surely you'd agree, a few strays might slip in as our dear fellows try and march into the Hive. It's an opportunity as delish as the chicken," a cheeky grin raises with pride, the roasted meal is raised with double the oomph.

A moment lost staring, smelling, drying her cheeks from excess saliva, Amato pinches her nose. "Does that warrant all of us staying behind?"

"Unless you rather have the UN meddling again in our management of the shelters. Takatsukasa gave her agreement to the plan I passed on to the Shogun, so I believe some of her fellows will move in accordance to our own units."

"Pah… And you'd trust in that cow?"

"Equipment and soldiers are essential to the Empire, even more so after the coming mission."

"Enough balderdash! Raise all excuses you want, but I am sorting with you or-"

"No fight!" a small hand raises, a smaller voice pouts from its stand chair. "No fight, no, mom."

"Aw, see? You're making Fujikagi worried. Don't worry, Fujikagi-kun. It's alright," a silly voice lowers to a whisper when patting the little boy's head, "mommy Raiko is just being naughty again."

"Wh- I-I am not being 'naughty' or no such thing!"

"No fight," the little one protests again, slowly slamming his tiny hands onto the mini table of his .

Seeing a smirk raising behind the small protests makes Amato sigh low, choosing to thrust a chair back, sit and bash her arms onto the table. "…I cannot comprehend you."

"…You could say I am being weird and complicated."

Her lips shrug, she shakes her head once again then chooses to snap her chopsticks, a hand reaching out for the small concernced waves the little boy was giving from the stand. "It is fine, Fujikagi… Come here, it is only a moment more, food is already done," she appeases while stroking the baby's cheek, despite the whining.

"Please, when have I been wrong lately?" the question ears a swift glare, that softens upon the offered dish of food.

"The UN has been reserving its units as of late, if not to demand more counteroffensives of the Empire. Coincidentally, us of the Koubuin fellowship have been the ones shouldering this burden. Now, which battalions were chosen to lead the charge by the fox?"

"…I believe the Shogun welcomed our work, and that you took pride in the duty I assigned you?" the query is paired with a narrow gaze walking back for another, smaller bowl.

A silent gaze goes down, chopsticks simply pierce and stab but do not lift. "I… am not belliting your prior choices. However, after the dismantlement of Mogami's group and all other terrorist presence, certainly letting Ikaruga lead the troops will backfire. It will set quite the precedent in front of the international community if he does push to enter the hive, which we know he will and the cow will simply follow the leash. Isn't this far more detrimental to our efforts to bolster Her Highness and Sakaki's position? I believe- Hm?" her eyes blink as no pushback comes from the chopsticks.

Where once a small chicken leg had been, waiting to be eaten, there was only emptiness. Glancing sideways shows Amato the chicken leg in question, chomped in the boy's small mouth with gusto.

"Wh- Fujikagi! You cannot eat that yet!" she says, quickly snatching the chicken off his hands. Or at least she tries to. And fails, time and again. "Fujikagi, listen to me and return that to mom."

"Ah… W-Waaaah!" and thus, the little boy begins to cry, pulling back and forth the munched chicken. "No, no! Want chicky!"

"Fujikagi, please… Come on, let go of it… Your meal is right there, being served," she hushes, low, carefully pulling back.

It is not very effective. "No, chicky mine! Mom bad!"

"Pfft… Hahahaha, he gone stole your chicken!"

"Stop laughing and help me, you oaf! He's too young to eat this. What do we do if he swallows a bone?"

"Aw, come on, Raiko-san. Don't be so mean, Fujikagi-kun wants to try some…" slow the words, slower the pacing to the boy and the stand, even gentler the nod and the headpats. "I'll give you some of my chicken, but you have to be good and wait, yes?" a moment of staring finds the little one giving a whimper, letting go of the chicken. "That's my good boy. Who's a cute little thing?" a giggle is shared between them.

"…Sigh. I forgot he's starting to grab at anything within reach… I should have been more careful."

"Come on, he only has good taste. What wouldn't I do for some chicken with rice if I were hungry," a nod and a smile, a quick job back to the oven and the pot, a dish with the final portions of dinner arrives. While dicing little cubes of chicken for the baby, a gaze lifts slow to the one on the other side of the stand, to the slow chomps Amato is giving to her food, returning the stare fully. "Do not let yourself be swayed by the carrot. There's more important things on the horizon."

"…Not if you are to sortie by your lonesome," she counters, stabbing at the food, choking it too hard before munching fast.

"The safety of what follows needs to be guaranteed, and we cannot risk further civilian casualties. Remember, the Treaty still looms over our heads, nor can we afford to keep our people trapped in cages for shelters," the warning is cold, as her own frown, before diluting into a smile, softly picking the food with a spoon. "Here Fujikagi, say 'ah'…"

"No, mine chicky," the boy protests, trying to grab at the spoon.

"So you wanna eat by yourself?" the query is met with a soft pull on the wrist, a tiny whimper as the boy looks up. "Aw, fine. But eat slow, the chicken is not going anywhere," slowly offering the end of it, a chuckle is shared between the adults as the little one grabs and stabs at the mounds of soft rice and its accolades, shakily starting to eat. "Sigh… Also, we can't leave him all alone, can we?"

"I… Yes, of course… But then, why must you insist on taking part?" she asks, slicing her own rations of chicken in twain.

Far more softer, far more slow, the eating delays the answer, both keeping an eye on the middle, Fujikagi overtaking their eating by a mile. "Would you believe me if I told you this is absolutely necessary?"

"If you at least took a few fellows with you, yes. I do not reproach your decision, only that you're set on doing this alone. Why?"

"…Because it's easier, lighter. And before you tell me how dangerous or impossible it is, remember that in Shura's Dance I could face off against-"

"No need," she waves off, nodding before whipping out a cloth to clean the little one's mess all over his chin. "However, I will not allow you to once again maim yourself as you did then. Never again, even if you're the current Leader."

"…Even if I have a permit from Her Highness herself?"

"I am a Shinpan, and above all of my oaths there is one duty I must see to for my fellowship. That folly will not repeat itself."

"No fight," Fujikagi slowly protests, hitting his small bowl with the spoon. "Keru bad."

"Ahaha… Don't worry, we're not fighting," a small headpat, a nod to the one on the other side. "because mom is mistaken."

"…Enlighten me, then. Why must you go through with this?"

"To ensure our ambition comes to pass, Raiko-san," a small smile, a small headpat to the boy, as cold as the overhead lights. "As things stand, we are pushing against the odds. We need time, to strike at the best possible jucture. We won't have another Mogami by sheer luck."

"And how does this equal you marching alone to Lucifer?" she asks, frowning in poison to a groan from the little one.

Much like the nights of this summer, empty as the sky is the expression, leaving only the glint of the wide smile, revealing teeth. "Because there's someone whose help we require, if we are to meet our goals."

"…Someone?" the chopsticks stall, she blinks erratically.

"Yes, someone."

"Who?"

And then, silence. Only the faint brush of one dish, the sharp dash of chopsticks on the other. And the pleased whimpers of Fujikagi as they offer more chicky his way, turning the TV on for the boy to get lost on the TV Mangas of the night.

"…Who is our target?" she asks, edging her chair closer, elbows almost meeting.

"This is not one of our usual missions, Raiko-san. He is an ally."

"I see… What may I know of this?"

"That you will have to wait and trust me," a nod is met with further frowning, the sparks raising from the boiling complexion. "He is important for our plans, and for things to line up best I should be alone in Lucifer."

"And you should know we would march to hell besides you."

"Yes, I know it's part of our… duty to become meatshields when necessary."

"Apologies, I did not meant you'd ask that of us, you should know."

"Yeah, but that's why," taking a pause to finish the rice and chicken, mixing it all and swallowing it in one gulp. "…Her Highness won't authorize us to mobilize as we did for Mogami, we cannot undermine her authority further by acting out of line. As much as we oppose them, opening more rifts in the Guard can and will lead to another Treaty. For the moment, we must safeguard peace to stabilize the nation. And in the meantime, you," looking back, pointing at her nose, "will be my eyes."

"…In the meantime?"

"Yes. For the moment, the Sun must shine. We need to lay low, and for that… I'm going to take a small vacation."

"What? Where? Why?!" she raises from her seat, a pull on her sleeve, a glance to the stand has her dulling the frown.

"…Thank Chop-kun for entertaining him so much," a sigh is shared by both, standing too they tidy the table, taking it all to the sink. With the cover of the running water on circles of foam, the whispers are buried. "You should know, we cannot remain secret forever."

"Then we should act now."

"No, forcing our hand will see us countered, negated. It's not yet time."

"Are you certain?"

"…Did I fail you on our missions thus far? I mean, not to brag or anything, but I even guessed that old fort was still being guarded thanks to the underground tunnel to the castle."

"I- Sigh…" shaking her head, accepting the dishes and spinning them in her grip, in the cloth, with too much force and clanks she stashes them in their place. "Day by day I begin to believe your claim of clairvoyance was no jest at all…"

"Hehe, I just got them reads, is all."

"So… this ally, what should we do about him?"

"As I said, you simply shall wait. Focus on our inner issues, and take care of Fujikagi-kun."

A dish slips, breaks. Her expression too.

"H-Hey, be careful. Let me go get a broom." Even after returning and picking up the mess, or even tapping at her forearm, the expression solidified did not change. "Um, Raiko-san?"

"…Are you truly planning to 'leave'? Or do you expect… a certain end during Lucifer?"

"Siiigh… Yes, and I must," he says, throwing the pieces away.

"I… But you- All this… Why? If it's about anyone finding out that you're-"

"We cannot risk it. And besides, we have him on our side…"

Hands wring to the point the gloves whimper, yet she still mechanically accepts the cleaned dishes, drying them up as fast as the wheels of thought in her head. "How do you know this person will be able to carry on the goals you've set out?"

"Because I know that, for a fact. Me leaving works to that end as well."

"And you also happen to know how everything will transpire on your absence as well, hmm?"

"Raiko-san, don't ram the dishes. You're gonna break them all…"

Turning to look straight into that gaze, nowhere else, she steps closer. "Give me one reason to follow your orders on this."

Smiling, leaning forward into her, a tilt of a hand, tickling at her sharp hair threads. "I'll give you three. One, because we must not be the ones initiating the conflict. Two, because we'd be more effective when least expected. And three… because by the end of August 5th the coast will be clear for you to lay down the work for our goals, without risks."

"What? Wait, why that date?"

"Because that's when Lucifer will happen."

"However, the documentation forwarded does not say anything on that regard… We are still waiting for the American fleet, are we not?"

"And I'm telling you, the mission will be conducted on the early hours of the next August 5th."

"I see…" stepping back, a hand resting by her ear, by the messied strands of hair, she slowly accepts another dish to dry. "Why are you certain of this?"

"It matters not, you will see in due time. However, this is a chance we must make the most of. There's few who we can call allies, what with the disgruntled arrangements of ranks between us and the IJA, saying nothing on the UN. Yet our- no, my actions and presence will act against the peacekeeping efforts required of the Shogun, and you all. So you will keep an eye open, to see who is who on these uncertain days for the right moment."

"…And is Her Highness in agreement?" she asks, fuming about.

"She doesn't know. This," smiling, bumping elbows, resting the chin on her shoulder, "is something I can only ask out of your talents, honey."

"…First of all," lips shrug even harder than her heart, a finger pushing the touch away, "stop calling me in that way. Second, flattery shan't grant you further boons from me. And last… What is it that you require, if such secrecy is needed?"

"Nothing more than what I said. Watch over the palace, and see who we can… bring to our side. You and I both know the next mission is only the start of more debates when it's successful-"

"If it's successful."

"It will be. Or at least it'll be so for the UN. Oh, come on, cheer up, Raiko-san," a small elbow jab as a jest, the laughter is not mirrored.

"…Sometimes, I wonder how is it you can provide such 'reads' with an impassible a face," she shakes her head, resting the last dish, drying her own hands then.

"In any case, there's gonna be a lot of chaos from now on," resting back against the chairs, a gradual clouding of the expressions of both begins. "The UN will push for the Treaty to return, that can only be athwarted by keeping Alt IV alive."

"In doing so, we are relinquishing powers to the fox," Raiko protests, folding her arms, pacing slow. "It also equals to maintain the current status quo with the Diet. We both know who will push certain groups of the IJA to act."

"From both sides, we're surrounded," a dramatical self-hug squeezes air out of lungs, Amato groans at the siliness. Chuckling along the tempo swing in the music from the TV to a far more cheerful one, a finger raises to tap at the forehead. "And that's where he comes into play. We cannot do anything to the detriment of the Vice Commander, nor should we strike at our own fellows, even less possess the means with which to stage retaliation against attempts to disturb our stability. But if everything flows quietly from up top…"

"And you wish me to survey the situation after the mission, for the moment to strike?"

"Something to that effect, yes," a nod dispels the tension in Amato, yet not fully.

"I see… But even so, why risk your life? You could very well perish by yourself in this mission."

"I won't."

"You cannot simply expect me to accept such an answer."

"But you will. Because something that's already dead cannot be killed, after all."

"This is no time for your jests, please… If you insist on me staying behind, at least sortie along Tsuhi to-"

"Denied, he has to watch over Yuuhi."

"Siiigh… Why? What compels you to such obvious suicide?" she asks, hanging her head.

That is quickly lifted, into a small, warm smile that grows closer, the burgundy dress meeting the apron. "For the same two reasons why I remain besides you and Her Highness, even after I lost my heart. Why I do this, perhaps you will continue to ask. I don't know to be honest, but I can feel it happening… and it tortures me, every night, in my dreams," the small whisper sinks further just as the appron does into the dress. "And I know he, too, will feel the same. Then, and only then, will he be ready to join me. And when that happens, please remember to lend him your full support, Raiko-san, just as you have with me."

"…If such is your will," she relents, caressing the messy hair, palming both shoulders a few times. "However, I must ask this. What if your predictions are dashed?"

"…Then follow our original plan, and ensure everyone crashes against an Iceberg."

"Must you always say that word in English? Why do you do that, anyways?" she asks, a chuckle is all she earns. "Sigh… I suppose, you will direct this person to us?"

Straightening the posture and stepping back, a cough and a look away is all that's spared. "No, I can ensure he does come here. That is why I'm set on sorting for Lucifer. You will have to look for him, but it won't be that much of an issue even if it's gonna take a while. Hm?" looking to a side, a slumped shape catches their attention. "Oh, is it bed time already?"

"Oh, it is. He didn't even make a noise today, however."

"That's the power of chicken for you, he got so stuffed there was no need for anything else," chuckling, walking up to the stand and undoing its bindings, the hands slowly wrap up under the little one, lifting him up. "Come here, Fujikagi-kun. Let's get you to bed," a small nod is followed by the two tiny hands clinging to a shoulder, snores and drowned groans too.

Dodging the chairs, the small sofa and other furniture. Raiko quickly overtakes them, opening the door and flicking the switch. Winding up a music box while Fujikagi slowly complains, eyes fluttering about. The wails cease as Raiko hands the small hands a tattered blue shirt, which the boys cuddles for dear life.

"Sigh… What will I do with him if you leave?"

"Teach him to be a good guy, unlike me," the puffed chest in jest is rewarded with a light slap at an the back of his head. "Ouch."

"Quiet, you. Just what in the Heavens are you planning? Who is this person you're looking for?"

"I can't tell you," the reply is immediate. Cradling Fujikagi in the arms, swaying back and forth and humming a song or another to lull the boy to sleep.

"Siiigh… Can't you at the very least tell me what you expect me to do? You've been extremely vague on your intentions," she asks in deflation, resting against the outer door frame, watching.

And as circles dance in the small room, along the caress of the music box those eyes shimmer and smile back at Raiko, a gentle whisper so tells. "Move him into the Sun…"

The gaze petrifies her, lips parting on their own at the claim. Fujikagi is in a similar state, only nuzzling further against the chest and his prized blue cloth amidst the slow rocking.

"Gently, its touch awoke him once. At home, whispering of fields unsown."

Seed burrowing underground, as such was the baby nestling on the chest, on the blue. Tapping the nose, lifting up, chin resting on that small head. Yet although the whisper remains sweet, blunt and narrow are the eyes now, aiming at Raiko, still smiling yet now showing of teeth again.

"Always it woke him, even in Seattle and Hawaii."

Enjoying the warp in her features, the slow rocking subsides. The tiny thing is wrapped in, safely placed on his resting den. Poking at what few pointy hairs stuck out, still whispering the tune. Grimacing a bit.

"Until that morning, the betrayal… If anything might rouse him at all…"

With the slowness of erosion, the baby is left alone with his dreams. Silent steps reach out to the exit, tapping the switch, returning the room to dark. Leaving Raiko but only those two eyes to focus on within the shadows, those eyes that again lunge forward to overlay appron on dress. And on equal care a finger taps at her ear, breath tickling it before the lullaby does.

"It'll be when the Night falls. So Raiko-san, please make sure the rest of the poem doesn't come to pass, yes?"

"I… What? But… Wait, explai- Mmgh!" the booming voice of queries receives silence, a finger rushing to halt her lips.

"Shh! You'll wake him up, you silly!" pushing her back before closing the door, then a sigh is heaved. "Come on, be better than that, Raiko-san."

"Mmh…" she gives a downcast nod, the tip pressing, entering her mouth. It still tastes of chicken sauce. It no longer does after the finger departs her personal space. "Uh… I… What is the meaning of this? Why must you start with the riddles again?" she asks, resting her hands on the shoulders, not attempting to separate appron from her person.

"Because, just like Yuuhi, you must be in the dark for you to shine brighter," is all she gets, besides further mingling of clothing as both return to the living room, pacing side by side. "I assume Her Highness will regroup and reform our ranks after the coming mission, to ensure no one dares to threaten Yokohama's spoils. Your wings will be chained, however you must not resist it. Lay low, feign defeat, hold your cards. When they're the most effective windmill slam them on board. This is, after all, the key that will take you to him."

"…What? I do not comprehend. I am… I am one of the few Shinpan remaining in our fellowship, it is my duty to support Her Highness despite our disagreements of late. How could I refrain from taking point?" she protests, groaning more when a few fingers again play with her pointy hair.

"Hehe, don't worry. The Shogun won't leave you idling by, you will receive permission to continue your prior work from before the invasion. And we both know that is of utmost importance for our nation, and the war efforts at large," a strong nod is met, shared.

Yet the downcast frown remains when separating, sitting down. "Even if the food plant is a precious piece, having me away from action shall leave the Tsukuyomi. Mana must look after Her Highness, the other is perhaps growing horns as we speak…"

"Come on, now," a smile and a bottle are offered, she nods and thus a small cup of wine she's served. "I'm sure that, in due time, he will cause you to slash thunders in half."

Despite the enticing smell, the wine almost goes back the way it comes in front of the cheery chuckle. Wiping her mouth, her expression performs perhaps the finest watermelon impression Raiko had ever done until this point in her life. "No… No, you do not mean what I think you do."

"Oh, you remember! See, I knew you liked me even way back when," a strong nod and a smirk, which remain in front of the rising gale of sparks.

"T-This is no jest! You cannot be telling me to go back to-"

"But you were like that back then, though. Sometimes, even these days it seems you're about to snap," a soft pat to a shoulder, rubbing it along a nod.

"I… I will not slave away for the UN Farces, ever again. Not after what they've done to us, not after Shura's Dance. Not even for you," the blazes so scorch, resting the cup, causing a ripple and a few stains on her gloves.

It does not thaw the shimmer in the eyes or hands. "I never said anything about serving them, did I?"

"…T-Then, whatever do you mean if not me returning to the times I watched over that damned fox?"

"I'm talking about your way of acting, Raiko-san. Back then, you were kept as a reserve, remember?" she nods, looking down, hands tight. "Thanks to that, you gained a new vantage point. A distance with which to learn of stuff you normally wouldn't have. I'm saying you should lay low, to reach that impact again."

"…And what do your clairvoyance tells this time?" she asks, eyes on eyes as she leaves the rim of the cup on her lips, barely tasting the wine.

Sitting besides, hands interlock soft and lean close to hers. "Well, see, there is one key person in charge of the maintenance and upgrades of our TSFs of choice, right? Not only for us but for every squad currently adopting the model."

"Yes, what about it? How does Colonel Takamura fit into your predictions?"

"He and his bestie have another little project, don't they? Didn't we escort them as they moved the pieces from a factory not too long ago?"

Thankfully, she had already rested the cup. "Wh- The EML Railgun prototype? What in the Heavens has that to- Gasp… The fox gave them the papers…"

"Bingo! That's my red lightning for you."

"…Why must you still call me that?" she immediately protests, hitting at the hands that crawl close to her.

Welcoming the impact only to imprison it, a smile flutters forward. "Because you're my favorite daredevil, and I love you."

"Ugh… Do not say so with such a straight face… Sigh," simply shaking her head, not moving her hand from the lock, dates and reports shuffle in her mind for a moment. "So you propose that Takamura will relinquish the Type 1-C over further work from the fox for the railgun?"

"Oh, no, he's gonna die."

"…Huh?"

A quick nod, even quicker the shrug. "Yeah. The 1-C and the railgun will be intimately tied, as the last project the fabled Takamura Masatada's performed for our nation. His legacy, one may say. And the Colonel just so happens to have one blossoming daughter about to be released from the hospital that worships her daddy to almost unhealthy levels… Maybe we should tag her shadow, just in case?" the question is slow, just as the fingertips rubbing at her hand in circles.

A single finger reciprocates as Amato looks away. "That is not impossible to arrange, however… Our relation with the Takatsukasa fellowship isn't exactly the most pleasant."

Yet a smirks spreads wide, nodding."…Precisely. You must chill and bide your time, Raiko-san. Follow little Takamura around, and reap what spoils you can within your boundaries. In due time, she will guide you to him. There will be signs in Her Highness' usual mood to foretell it, but you will be able to tell when it is you'll be able to approach him. So until then, I leave my work in your more than capable hands. I'll trust that you'll ensure he can inherit my wishes, even if the worst comes to pass," dulling to a smile, like a wave on the shore he caresses up her arm.

She simply shakes her head, lips regressing and being bitten. A hole gutting her insides, from that hollowness her whisper billows in venom. "So you truly are leaving us, by the sound of things… I cannot change your mind, can I?"

"Heh, silly Raiko-san. You should know me well already, don't you? This isn't farewell between us…"

By a slow pull her hand is raised, her eyes to it too. She stiffens fully, throat and air constricted outwards when lips grace her hand, strongly, for a few seconds too much. Seconds in which those eyes smolder hers, in that shimmering shiver.

"…It's just another 'See you later'."


Present Time

One day of November's second week


"Nobody has seen him?" Sakaki asks the table, receiving a few downcast nods and an uncaring shrug from Ayamine. "I see…"

"Maybe it's another of his special missions."

"Ayamine-san, please," Tamase begs, gripping her chopsticks, ceasing her motions. "He hasn't even been talking much at all lately since you almost spiked his face."

"…I shouldn't have invited him to play with us," Yoroi sighs, slumping a bit, face on the soup.

"We possess ample time to mend this error, if we are tactful about it," Mitsurugi suggests, softly finishing her rice. "I still harbor doubts towards Shirogane, yes, but to continue to seclude him shan't grant us no boons."

"…He hasn't tried to answer anything at all," Ayamine repines, looking away, slurping a cascade of yakisoba.

"Nor has he apologized for his follies during training yet," Sakaki nods, before sighing heavy. "However, this atmosphere must be cleared. Squad, we shall try and confront Shirogane on our doubts whenever he appears again. If he is indeed tied to the American Way, we can only stem the bleeding. Let us hope his claims of wishing to foster fellowship were only twisted through his slang," she concludes to a few nods, and one certain searing frown, before she returns attention to her plate.

And for a moment, the ruckus of the PX overflows the table.

News about some seismic shocks and concerns over them in a few areas.

Others regarding the rising tension in Alaska after the unveiling of the terrorist group which staged the attack.

A few off-handed comments on far stricter patrols in the Capital, friction spawning between the essential workers and the Defense Regiment of Ichigaya.

And then, a commercial cut on Chop-kun's coming theather show for kids on the shelters of the Empire. Along some pear-flavored ice cream giveaway, for some reason.

"…So guys, what are you all doing today?" Yoroi breaks the silence, having finished her meal.

"I will go train my swordplay," Mitsurugi says, wiping her mouth.

"I'll go to the library to review some material from class," Sakaki nods. "Yoroi, you should join me so that we can finish chapter five.

"Yeah, of course! Maybe we could play some marbles later?"

"Sounds good to me," she nods, tapping her glasses.

Tamase then rests her bowl in the tray, brushing her fringe. "I guess… I'll go to the firing range. Ayamine-san, what about you?"

"Hmm… I'll rest today. May join in the games if you wanna do anything later."

"Okay! I'll go get you in your room, then," Yoroi says in cheer, standing up.

All of them take that as their cue, filing out shortly after from the PX. On the hallways of another shiny day of November, Mitsurugi loses herself on the clouds.

On the silent, slumped expression Shirogane offers lately. A stillness that only cracks up when they cross gazes, yet remains silent when she attempts to rekindle similarities to her own style.

"It is the same around everyone… I cannot deny his situation is very odd, yet his posture does not denote deceit. Hmm… What a blunder, to be found lacking an answer…"

"Hey, Meiya-san," Yoroi calls out, now walking in front of her, "what did you think of the poll?"

"Eh? Ah, my apologies, I was not paying attention."

"Oh, I see. Anyways," never losing the smile, she practically continues to overtake her comrades on the hallways, as if propelled by a tailwind, "I was saying that this season of TV Mangas is really competitive, so there was a poll asking viewers which one would be the most watched by the end. I don't think there are any big releases until April next year so, which one do you think will win the title of better manga of the year?"

"Ah, well… I never really watched much TV Manga…" Grandfather said dallying by the TV was unproductive, so we only ever saw documentaries or the news channels. Furthermore, I do believe that it detracts from the experience. Why not simply read the manga instead?

"I think Drake Sphere Z is easily the holder of the title," Sakaki says, nodding with a shrug.

Ayamine surprisingly nods as well. "It's hands down the most popular, don't think there's anything that can match it."

"Well, I see why you'd say that," Tamase slowly comments, tapping her fingers, "but I think Tarot Catcher Cherry Blossom can be a good rival for the top spot," barely whispering, resembling more a minuscule purr, her steps wane a bit as she steals gazes at us.

"No shot frilly dresses can best the martial arts," Ayamine affirms, nodding to herself.

Which causes Tamase's cheeks to balloon slightly. "Y-You don't know that. Cherry Blossom is really popular with the kids!"

"And the fujoshis," Ayamine retorts, frowning. All the rest grow silent, faces gaining heat despite no longer being outside.

"What is that supposed to mean? I have literally never heard of the term," Mitsurugi asks, looking at the contortion in the expressions yet lost as a penguin in a desert.

"Oh, those are the women that- Mmmmgh!" Yoroi is restrained by Sakaki, who binds upon her like an iron maiden.

"Don't ask, Mitsurugi. Please just don't," she then says, still maintaining her steadfast lock over Yoroi's being, who seems to be sinking upon herself the more blue her skin grows.

"Well, if you insist…" she relent, arms folding and lips pouting.

Sakaki sighs, releasing Yoroi who then gasps for dear life, skin regaining its proper color. The latter merely scratches her head along a light chuckle upon the former's reprimands over 'sensitive' wording.

Shaking her head and toying with her tags, Mitsurugi resumes walking, asking then. "In any case, what is this 'Tarot Catcher' about? I've heard Drake Sphere is supposed to be based on a folktale, however I haven't the faintest of how one could apprehend esoteric cards."

"Oh, no, actually, the cards are magical," Tamase says, eyes glimmering once more, giving small hops as we resume our walk. "So, you see, she has to catch all the members of the Tarot and convert them from the seal of the previous owner to save her city."

"With the help of a plush lion and a totally straight angel," Ayamine deadpans, making a slow gesture with a closed hand which makes Tamase quiver, face set alight in either embarrassment, anger, or perhaps both.

"Ayamine!" Sakaki shouts, features contorting despite the flush that also permeates her face, the slow rocking of her lips.

"Why are you raising your voice? And anyways, celestial beings have no gender, do they?" Mitsurugi affirms, brows colliding in front of the scrable of expressions.

"Tell that to the writer and the rabid fans," Ayamine shrugs, brows narrowing.

"Did you… have a bad experience with this manga?"

"Well, no… The trope just annoys me, since some of my neighbors in the slums were, uh," she scratches her head, lips twisting in, shoulders compacting, "a bit too much into those type of characters. The walls were too thin and I rather forget those sounds, honestly."

"What type of sounds? What exactly are we speaking of?"

Yoroi opens her eyes wide, nodding as if in understanding. "You know, the male characters that the fujoshis-"

"Can we stop talking about that?!" Sakaki asks, paling as she facepalms, Ayamine nods and looks away, Yoroi chuckles dryly. "Mitsurugi, please, just let this rest."

"…Fine," she says, folding her arms softly.

Tamase quivers in place for a moment before clearing her throat. "B-But you know, the last season has been really nice, going from the comments I've heard from the channels. I do somewhat miss having the time to watch it now," she then sighs and deflates, only the specter of her soul following us as she slumps to the tiles. "With how things are as of late, the show is the only way the story has to finish now that printing new material is impossible."

"That is right… It has been harsh, knowing one cannot pick up unfinished stories with the state of the nation as it stands," Mitsurugi nods too, steps beginning to drag on the floor. "Such simple a luxury, the joy of reading, has been denied to my people. And even if in the future the Empire regenerates, who knows how many literary pieces will remain forever unfinished? Our own literature will certainly be influenced by the deep marks of the invasion, as much as the scars of the world war marked the generations that after it came. That is… if we manage to remain standing, if our spirit endures these toilsome days."

"Well, I do wish we could at least be allowed to have a personal radio," Sakaki admits, playing with her twintails. "I could definitely use some background noise while reviewing my notes," she sighs.

Ayamine nods sharp. "On that we can agree. Still, Drake Sphere is taking the top spot, no doubts," she affirms, throwing a punch to the air. She then places both wrists together, throwing them back then forward, making claws with her hands. "Your magical girls can't do nothing against the Kamehadouken," she then smirks to Tamase's groans and squeaks.

"Ayamine, don't bully Tamase," Sakaki scolds, sighing and waving a finger about.

"I only said the truth," she shrugs, still smiling.

"We'll see about that, Ayameanie-san," Tamase retorts in unexpected tension, sharpening her gaze.

"Nah, you're all missing the obvious winner," Yoroi affirms, turning around to grin at us while walking backwards. "The second cour of Gettezinger Wing will definitely give Drake Sphere a run for its money!"

"Gettezin… What?" Mitsurugi again blanks out, tilting her head.

"A TV Manga about a robot protecting Japan from cartoonish enemies," Sakaki notes, tapping her glasses.

"More like pro-Eishi propaganda," Ayamine retorts, rolling her eyes.

"That's not true," Yoroi retorts, eyes blazing. "Gettezinger is the ideal a pilot must strive to be! Sure, in reality we don't get any miracles in battle with something like the Zero OS to have our TSFs transform into a super robot like the Gettezinkaizer…" hunching momentarily, her backwards walking doesn't stop even as she raises and smacks her chest, "but it shows how important it is for everyone to do its share for a common goal. Gettezinger is the combined efforts of everyone in the show, that's why it's so strong. Because it carries the torch of the Empire, the fire of dreams towards the future every pilot must protect."

"That does sound compelling," Mitsurugi nods, Yoroi seems to gain sunshine around herself.

"Well, but remember it is a kid's show. The story-line isn't particularly a masterpiece," Sakaki notes, tapping her glasses. Her brows sink down and almost connect. "Realistically speaking, there's no way the dinosaurs or Abe-no-Seimei could stand a ghost of a chance against a real TSF."

"Dinosaurs? Wait, by Abe-no-Seimei, are you referring to the actual real life figure?" Mitsurugi asks again, blinking erratically.

"Yeah, the real one," Yoroi smiles and nods in quick succession, lips and tongue gaining haste.

Sakaki and Tamase both sigh in unison, Ayamine groans hell at Mitsurugi, who suffers a blizzard down her spine. Remembering Yoroi loves to talk about machines every chance she gets.

The halo of sunshine growing behind her lithe shape, faster than suppression fire do the words flow out from her mouth. "You see, there is an arc when a portal to the past is opened, when its explained how the Gettezinger rays turned some iron into the alloy used for the machines, which is clearly just souped up Super Carbon, and why they have such crazy tech in the show, and then they have to fight the demon army of Abe-no-Seimei before-"

THUD!

Yoroi bumps into an MP, due to having been walking backwards, lost in her speech. Hurriedly turning around and giving a bow, her voice freezes back to her usual. "My apologies, sir!"

"Tch, can't you see where you're going?" The man says, unnecessarily loud, endowing a tightened expression.

"Must be truly nice, to walk as if you owned the place," a woman spits, venom slithering through her tongue. "What did we expect of that American's comrades?"

Coiling my hands in silence is all they can do, besides crash landing their sights. Letting it burn.

"…My apologies, I was not paying attention, sir," Yoroi reiterates, bowing down once more.

"Heh, wish I could be as carefree as a cadet again," the man says, giving us all a glare. "Of course, I didn't get the privilege to enjoy an officer's quarters back then."

"Yeah, we had to make due with refurb Gekishins and got stuck in sardine cans for rooms," the woman folds her arms, brandishing fangs which drip of acid. "It's a shame the new batch doesn't get to learn proper humility, running on the hallways as they please."

"If you'd forgive me, we were not running. My comrade merely bumped into you, and she has already admitted to her mistake," Mitsurugi folds her arms, they glare even stronger seeing the composition of her hair.

"Oh, is that so?" The woman frowns, curling a strand of hair. "So you can have the freedom to bump into others and think a mere apology is enough to excuse your misconduct?"

"I did not say such. We do apologize, ma'am," she says, stepping forward and bumping my shoulder, bowing down by Yoroi's side.

"We were simply lost in our discussion over the news of late," Ayamine says as she also bows down, Tamase following.

"It was our miss, and it won't repeat itself. Please do accept our apologies, sir, ma'am," Sakaki firmly says, choosing to salute instead.

"Tch… Whatever," the man waves, then pinches his nose as he walks away. "I was getting sick of the yank stench you give out. Just make sure you don't go around tackling your superiors, rookies."

The woman chuckles, also covering both lips and nose with a hand, coughing forcefully. "Well, what did we expect of these guys? If they thrashed the guards, some lowly rules aren't worth keeping for them, right?" And never losing the aggressive tint in their eyes, the slowly depart to the adjacent hallway, yet remain throwing glances.

Ayamine grabs Yoroi's shoulder and makes haste into our way to the changing room, away from their sight. No one says anything, Yoroi merely gives all a deep bow, fingers molten together in a prayer of apology, gaze dragging on the ground on the rest of the walk.

Before anyone could puzzle out any feelings over the encounter much less throw even a curse out-

VROOOOOM! VROOOOOM!

Red floods, noise crushes through the hallway. Soon after footsteps and shouts override the alarm, making it seem like a gentle music box on repeat.

"W-What is happening?!" Tamase says, rather shrieks, almost stumbling down in shock.

"An emergency summons?!" Sakaki looks around, realizing this is no drill.

"Sakaki, we have to go to our classroom!"

"Yes, you're right Mitsurugi. Squad! Make haste!"

They all dash along the stream of people, bumping and colliding and mingling amidst the shoving rapids in the stream. Navigating towards their destination while dodging rushing operators and MPs, eventually they get to the stairs and the stream dies down even if the alarm doesn't. Arriving to their classroom, in it they find the Instructor. Saluting as they enter, they then realize Shirogane is also not present there.

"Squad, do you know where is Shirogane?" is the first thing Jinguuji asks after breaking off the salutes.

"No, Ma'am. We haven't seen him today," Sakaki answers.

"I… see. Then you'll have to read him on when you find him, assuming he isn't on his way here. Alright, I'll begin to explain the current situation."

And so, with a small map to display the events, the Instructor begins the tale. Color drains with every repetition of the alarm, nails riveting to the palms as more and more is revealed.

At 620 hours this morning, a Brigade-size herd from Sadogashima started moving south, eventually making landfall at 648 near the old national highway after a brief skirmish against the coastal defense forces.

Since 710 hours the incursion has been engaged by the MDF forces, along with some reinforcements from the Royal Guard. However, by their movements, it was decided by HQ that the target of the BETA was Yokohama base.

"…We shall move to DEFCON 2 until the threat is nullified," she says, flicking the proyection off. Gulping dryness, she looks at her students. Beating a hand to her chest, tight, frowning. "This is not a drill. I repeat, this is not a drill. Go to the supply room and gear up for a battle. If the base moves to DEFCON 1, you all will have to grab a machinegun and fight as well," she rasps, glaring. "Do you understand? Good… You all are to remain in standby in the trackfield. Dismissed!"

"Yes, Ma'am!"

Rushing to the supply room, waiting in the line, back to the trackfield, resisting the banging of the alarm, the poisonous vipers cursing about. It all seems to pass in a blink, until nothing happens in the trackfield. The mere movements of the clouds are enough to unnerve the stillness on their knees. And yet-

"Shirogane-san is still not here…" Tamase says, nibbling at her nails as she looks at the clock on the outside of the base. Over half an hour had passed since the alarm rang out.

"Where could he be now of all times?!" Sakaki complains, cleaning sweat off her brow.

A pair of footsteps closes in on their location, for a moment their eyes lift off. Only to go back to the usual tension, seeing it was the Instructor.

"Squad, are you all… Shirogane is still missing?" she says, steps halting altogether.

"Instructor! Is… Is the base on…" Sakaki stutters at the end, cannot finish.

"No, we're still on DEFCON 2. I came to see whether you had found Shirogane. Mitsurugi, go and check his room. Yoroi, go back to the classroom. The rest stay here, I'll try to contact the XO to see if he's performing a special mission now."

Saluting before taking to their orders, the two chosen ones share a gaze as they sprint into the base. Mitsurugi takes little time to reach the barracks, the light burn on her legs when chasing Shirogane's shadow not even present. A moment to gather her breath, she goes to the door and knocks, slams her fist on it.

"Shirogane! Are you there?! Answer me!" He couldn't have slept through the alarm, right?

For a second she scolds her own thoughts, but when thinking of his complexion of late, all the special missions he takes part in, the exhaustion catching up to him becomes a certain possibility.

"Shirogane, I'm going to enter. If you're in there, please answer," she tells, yet receives nothing.

Sighing as she grabs the knob, she slowly opens the door and is met with darkness. Upon flicking the switch, the room is empty and soundless. Nothing on the bed, no echoes coming from the bath. Even when knocking on the door and entering, she finds nothing.

"Of all the times to be gone! Could he have been on a special task as the alarm rang? I suppose that could- Hm?"

The pondering finger on her chin remains still, even as she steps forward, to the wooden desk. Eyes are locked on that shiny, sleek metal box. A polished, most bright case of some sort with a logo she cannot understand.

"Val… gernon? Is that how it is pronounced, perhaps? What is this? Oh… So soft to the touch, the edges barely even- Hmm…" running her fingertips over the curves, the inprinted patterns on the surface only serves to ignite.

The questions.

The curiosity.

The need for an answer.

The lack of Shirogane in the room.

Resting the box on its place, shutting off the lights, Mitsurugi takes in a sharp breath and again speeds away, back to the trackfield. This time, this time her heels begin to plead her to decelerate.

She does not.

"You refuse answers, your situation might indeed be grave indeed. You may not wish to divulge the particulars of it, may not be allowed to do so, but if through this chance I can gleam even a figment of who you truly are, then perhaps we could resolve the know the squad is tied to. It is wrong, to prey upon the opportunity of an otherwise frank fellow. However, even if Tsukuyomi warned me not to… If you are still not here, then I could come back and inspect this small box and what else you have here. Perhaps then I'll find an answer to why you 'guess' you came here, and your motives to not deride us and sink to silence since November started."


A/N: So I kinda hit a snag for this one. There were a few scenes I had intended to place earlier but then realized they didn't fit or would serve better later on. For example, it's better to have the Valkyries complaining about the XM3 after Niigata or when they effectively begin to test it, making Takeru's deployment sort of a trial to convince people his crazy antics are viable. The same for interactions between Takeru, Meiya and Tsukuyomi, or the squad as a whole, since Meiya finding stuff is basically the next plot point from which things chance it makes more sense to tie in new interactions to that.

However, that left a void on this chapter. I could have just put the girls reacting to the alarm or copypasted the older version with Takeru talking with Yuuko, but focusing the next chapter wholly on him and his mental state before, during, and after Niigata feels like the better call even if it's gonna end up being a long one again.

So I chose to forward the opening scene to this chapter, to add a small layer. Originally, I intended to place said scene after the CCSE was done but I think it works nicely here too as a lead to the developments on the way to and after the island. Small flashbacks such as this one is all there'll be on the fic going forward, unless I deem one entire chapter necessary for specific scenes and context. Haven't decided how I'll handle the stuff from the OG chapter 46 and a few of the charas' relations yet.

Also, on a separate note that has nothing to do with the fic. There's been a sudden wave of negative comments again. I only check back on the reviews when I'm about to upload a new chapter, so there's a chance a few may slip through before I can remove them. Please ignore them if it happens.

Anyways, that's all for this one. Thanks for reading, stay safe over there.

Zuoriel