"Indeed... I wish they would stop the bickering soon." the other indivitdual added as she continued to write down on her notebook. "But this kind of quarel is not that bad in term of economy. If things turn well, we will make some pocket money as always."
"You're such a fiend, CH-01." the shorter girl commented, faking hurt as she looked at her Swiss friend making maths about the possible profit she could get. Said Swiss girl had short ginger hair attached in braids and was wearing the regular uniform for the Athenas. "But I don't hate that part of you."
"Hehe. You're gonna make me blush, LI-01." the taller girl chucked.
The girl from Lienchenstein had short brown hair cut above her shoulder and gave a rather aloof look. The two of them were childhood friends and would visit each others a lot back on earth and that friendship continued even now that they are fighting against the invaders.
It was the same day as when JP-01 joined the base and it seemed she picked a fight with FR-01. Such disputes were common occurence in this base due to the differences in belief everyone had. Some people like CH and LI were opportunists however and would rather stay far from these troubles but will try to sell useful things to increase their pocket money when needed.
[-x-x-x-]
"Let me give you a final warning, imperialist." the braided blonde smugly looked down as she walked on the large field. As this kind of bickering was common, the Athenas made sure to prepare a special training ground to allow them to fight each others without fearing collateral damage. "I am quite strong. If you accept to apologise and serve me as my maid, I will forget about that slap from earlier."
"I never back away from a challenge." JP-01 calmly said as she attached her raven hair in a ponytail and accepted the weapon offered by IN. She muttered a small thank you and took a look at it.
"Athenas fight using sacred relics." IL explained from the side. "These are specially made weapons with basic forms but has lot of uses. For your case, it looks like a sword but has functionalities such as shooting bullets and cut through anything. It is a bit hard to explain but you should get the gist of it as you go."
JP nodded at that explanation as she held the sword in front of her. It was mostly metallic with small led lights along its blade. Just by wielding it, she felt as if it became an extension of her own body as the weapon data were directly installed inside her brain. She took a small mental note at how the earth's scientists really invested a lot for this project.
"Eh. You're not bad at all." FR commented as she grabbed her own weapon; a rapier with golden blade. "You managed to synch with your sacred relic right away, unlike some useless fool." she slightly eyed at MG while saying that, making the younger girl to flinch in fear.
"Here I go!" JP decided to first try charging at her opponent and swung the weapon. The atmosphere around the blade turned hot and a shockwave was thrown toward the blonde European who parried by moving to the side. Fortunately, a magnetif field was placed around the area so any stray bullet of attack would be blocked by it.
"Not bad. Now, my turn." FR hit the ground with her rapier and suddenly slashed upward, causing a big shockwave that pushed her opponent back. Thanks to her good reflex, JP was able to place her sword in front of her in time. While their uniform offered a very good protection against these kind of attacks, they are not 100% protected by any injury so they had to be careful.
The two of them did some back and fourth for a couple more second, allowing JP to get used to this new weapon. She was technically a sword genius so it was normal for her to regain the upper hand after a while. Using her kendo techniques, she attempted to faint the European by going for the head and quickly changed her blade's direction to hit FR's side. The blonde girl fell on her knees as she held the part that was hit.
"Impossible..."
"Looks like it's my win." JP calmly said as she closed her eyes. 'I managed to win today because my opponent underestimated me and they didn't know about my sword techniques. I still need to train if I want to bring glory to my country however.'
"And that is the end of the match." US proudly announced as the magnetif field was shut down, allowing the spectators to approach the challengers. "FR, please don't be too hard on yourself. I do think you have been a bit too cooky so this could be a good life experience."
"Hmpf. I was just feeling unwell today so that's why I lost. If I used 100% of my power, this girl would have been blasted into outer space."
"Such a sore looser." a newcomer commented after hearing that. She was wearing the regular uniform and had a cloth on her head, hiding most of her hair but showing nicely-trimmed brown bangs. "I heard that MG was in trouble so I rushed in to help but I guess it won't be needed."
The mentioned African girl happily smiled as she saw the newcomer. "MA-02! You came to my rescue?"
"Of course, I swore to protect you so I will rush to your help whenever you need it." the Morrocan girl said as she patted the shorter girl's head, then looked at JP. "I would like to personally thank you for defending MG. No one really give any respect to us African countries, especially the poorer ones so it made me really happy that you put FR to where she belongs."
JP just nodded as FR grimaced. "Oh my MA, did cutting your relation with us European made you a bit too cheeky. Maybe we should remind you of your current situation?"
"I don't need your warning. We Maroccans are proud people and will not yield to your menaces."
"Girls, please calm down." US quickly got in between these two before they got into another fight. "As I said, we are a family and should put all these problems away for now. Once this war is over, we could nuke each others to our heart's content but for now, let's chill."
The two continued to look at each others, sparks metaphorically displayed, for a few more seconds before they did a "mpf" and turned away.
[-x-x-x-]
"Once again, I would like to thank you for helping me out there." Once everything has calmed down, MG expressed her gratitude. The two of them, alongside MA, MU and US were now walking away from the training field and toward their next destination. The other groups has scattered to do their own things.
"This is also my apology for not knowing about your country." the Asiatic girl have an apologic look on her face. "I have no excuse for being this ignorant. My ancestors would be disappointed if they ever learned that I underestimated something. For that, I humbly apologise."
"E-ehhh..." the shorter girl panicked. It was the first time since she arrived here that someone apologised to her so it came as a big surprise. Well, she came from one of the poorest and most corrupted country on earth so she did not expect anyone to respect her. "I am happy but confused and now looks like a little chick who was offered rice."
"Sorry?" JP made a confused look.
"I-it's nothing. Our people are just known to make metaphors and sayings to express the situation. In this case, there is a saying when one is happy, yet bothered by something and compare that person to a small chick who isn't able to properly eat yet."
"I see. That indeed makes sense." The raven-haired girl placed a finger on her chin and had a serious look in her face.
"Please don't worry too much about it." MG quickly said. "I know, in exchange, please let me know if you need help with anything and I will help. I might not be very skill and might be indebted like nothing but our ancestors would be ashamed if I ignored anyone who helped me."
JP answered with a smile. "I will be counting on you in that case."
"The pleasure's all mine."
The two shook hands, which MG was a bit reluctant to do as she wasn't sure if she was allowed this kind of skinship but agred in the end. On the side, the other three Athenas just looked. "Such a cute display." US commented. "Also, if I may; JP, you apologise too much. Are you some long lost sister of CA?"
"Sorry about that."
"See, you are doing it too much, you need to relax."
"Sorry."
"Jeez!"
The others broke in laugher. "I am glad that JP is not as scary as the rumors had it." MU finally decided to speak up. "I was very afraid that you might be some scary person that would pick a fight with anyone weaker but you even stepped up to help MG so you have fully earned my respect."
JP couldn't help but to feel happy from hearing that. As the small group continued to advance, MU, MA and MA parted way with them however as the three of them were still on shift. US took that opportunity to explain everything else JP would need to know. "I am sure you already read the guides but to summarize, we have fixed shifts and days offs. When it is out time on clock, we have scout duty, training duty and research duty. We never know when the invaders might attacks so we need to stay on top of our form. For that, we have several facilities."
"Hey oh!" as the duo reached the next building, they were greeted by CH and LI who happily looked at them. "Good day to you, Elder Sister US. Are you here to test our new relaxing machines."
They looked at each others for a while before the Amercan girl explained. "They are our Athenas from Switzerland - Emma Smith and Lienchenstein - Liena Büchel, you can rely on them for anything. Just be careful as they sometimes charge big bucks."
"That's so mean, dear elder sister." CH made a cute pout. "We are just opportunists and enjoy a full neutrality. Also, a girl gotta eat so it's only normal we would want some pocket money."
"Hehe." LI added a small chuckle.
"Neutral, huh?" US chuckled in return. "I wonder about that."
"Yes, we are neutral. Even more neutral than Vatican." The two younger girl made a small waltz and held each other's hands. They somehow looked alike as JP mentally noted and were quite close to the point a question popped in her mind.
Seeing the Asiatic girl's expression, US decided to answer her question. "These two are not a couple per se. They are just very close."
"But I didn't say anything..."
"I could somehow read your expression." The American girl commented, making the Japanese girl a little worried. "But I wouldn't be surprised if these two suddenly start going out. They are just such oddballs who only care about money, chocolate and each others."
"That's such a terrible thing to say, dear elder sister~" the two pouted in unison.
[-x-x-x-]
After looking around the lobby, the main duo decided to resume their stroll. The "relaxation area" was a building where everyone could relax stress-free and no fighting was allowed. CH and LI were the responsible of that place and everyone was happy with it.
"You must be tired with all this walking." US commented as they continued to walk.
"No, I am still fine. Let's continue."
"You're such hard-working girl. I like that." The taller girl happily said as she hugged the other girl, placing her face on her ample chest. "But you should smile more. Sure I like serious girls but as I thought, one become the cutest when they smile."
"US..." JP had a mixed look on her face. "I might sound rude but do you perhaps swing that way? I mean I am not disgusted or something. Just asking for future reference."
The blonde thought a moment. "Dunno. I never tried but if a cute girl confessed to me, I might accept."
This made the asiatic girl even more confused as they resumed their walk and soon encountered what looked like a bickering couple.
"As I said, I am sorry for forgetting about it. I already made sure to fix everything later." The girl who looked to be in her early 20s and had slightly tanned skin and blonde hair was on her knees.
In front of her was another slighly tanned skinned brunette who looked around the same age. "You always say that you are sorry and will improve but then the very next day, you betrway your own words. Maybe we should just break off."
"Noooooo. Isla, my beloved wife, please do not say such hearbreaking stuff. I swear that this time, I will not look at other women anymore and will not slack off to go have tea with UK."
"Are they..." JP trailed off, not wanting to get involved but her wish was not granted as US stepped in.
"Hi, Isla, Charlotte. Everything fine?"
"US!" the two girls called out in unison. "You see, so I was taking a little break and accidentally saw PH-03 walk this path, then Isla was all jealous. Could you help me out please?"
"Please don't listen to her. I saw her licking her lips while looking at PH's butt. She definitely had dirty ideas." the other girl complained.
"Listen, you two." the oldest of the group spoke, a smile on her face. "Jealousy is totally normal in a relationship but the most important is to believe in each others. For this time, why not forgive each others and move on?"
"I guess if you say it that way..."
"...I can try..."
The two accepted, making JP a bit confused and look in awe. 'I knew that New Zealand and Australia were big US allies but I never expected US-01 to have this much influence toward their representative.' There was no need to be a genius to identify these two as AU-01 and NZ-01.
"Now that everything is solved, let's get some dinner. It's my treat today!"
"Yayyyyy!"
With that, the newly formed group decided to call it a day and rest in preparation for the next day. Later, after JP was offered a room of her own, she looked at the window. On the horizon, all that can be seen are just outter space and it was far quieter than her liking.
"Today was such a long day. I need to hury up and become stronger so everyone will be..." she closed her eyes and slowly fell toward the land of dreams. "...proud of me..."