Summary: As the war between the three superpowers - Union, AEG, and HRL – enters into a cold war, a soldier is relieved of duty and sent back to the country of his birth. In the countryside, a boy leaves his hometown and moves to the city to find his purpose. Finally, a girl keeps to herself in hopes of moving forward from the past. What sorta conflicts would happen with these lives converge?
2305 A.D. Late March
Tokyo, Japan. Union Territory
(Jin P.O.V)
I just got off the train away from Haneda Airport and into Tokyo to finish high school. Briefly, I scanned my surroundings and noticed a clock that read 3:50 pm. Figure that classes would still be in session, so there was no point interrupting them. I picked up my suitcase, made sure that my black coat was on, and started to head towards the apartment complex.
The name of the apartment complex is called Asahi Bathhouse and apartment complex.
I asked a few people around for directions and they were kind enough to inform me. I received wired responses but ignored them. I bowed and went on my way.
It's times like these that speaking a foreign language fluently comes in handy. Despite being born in this country.
I still remember my conversation with one of my superiors back in Washington DC.
*2 months ago*
"What do you mean I'm being discharged from the military." The question asked was directed to the president of the Union, Bryan Setgmeyer.
The president took a deep breath and looked at me."Lieutenant, while we appreciate your time in the military during these times of uncertainty, the brass and I came to the conclusion that it is time for you to join your comrades in becoming civilians again."
I'm shocked. Become a civilian again, after what my team had experienced? This had to be a mistake. "It's not about your abilities nor is it MYSTICS fault with low on operatives. But rather, the fighting should have been left to the adults."
"With all due respect sir, but what does this have to do with my discharge?"
"What I am trying to say is that it should have been the adults who should do the fighting, not teenagers. It's not fair that the younger generation have to pay for our crimes."The president said wearily
I wanted to say he was wrong but….
"Please understand this: I acknowledge that we have to draft teenagers into the military to ensure we survive. What happened back last year was a mistake and declaring your unit as rogue was something that command shouldn't have done without due cause. The lives that were lost during then was not yours nor your comrades fault."
I was stunned by what he just said. The president got up from his desk and went to a nearby window. The commander-in-chief was viewing the Rose Garden from the Oval Office to gather his thoughts. Then the door opened and a middle-aged African woman appeared holding a stack of files under her left arm. She was wearing a magenta shade dress and a pearl necklace. Her name is Amanda Collar, the liaison for MYSTICS, and a politician. She goes by the nickname "The Wall" because of her unyielding pursuit of justice and is ruthless towards her enemies.
She noticed me but her focus was on the president.
"Here are the documents that you requested sir."
"Thank you, Mrs. Collar. Can you also escort Lieutenant Raines out the office? I'll have his discharge papers ready within the hour." The president said while moving back to his desk.
The black politician nodded and ushered me out of the Oval Office. While the decision was final, I signed and had to accept the matter and went along with Mrs. Collar.
As we walked through the halls, Mrs. Collars began to speak.
"Please understand President Stegmeyer's decisions on this, he understands necessary actions that are needed but he is trying to make it right."
"By that,does that mean looking good for the upcoming midterm election?"
"Don't talk like that. He is doing this because it is necessary for the nation and its citizens."
After our short conversation, there was a period of silence during our walk. I took the chance to absorb the information.
"Jin, you will be headed back to Japan to finish your high school education. I talked this over with your stepfather and he agreed to this arraignment. "
"Do you know the name of the institute?"
"No. Your Stepfather has arranged for you to live in an apartment complex with the landlord and you will be attending the local highschool. You completed your freshman year in the states before you were drafted, correct?" The wall asked while responding with a nod.
"What about the transfer exam and the interview with the school?"
"Your highschool transcripts as well as your academic classes from the academy have been transferred to Tokyo and you have been exempt from taking the transfer exam and the interview. However, should something happen forcing you to transfer to another school in Japan, you have to take it like everyone else."
"Understood."
*Flashback end*
I continue walking down the sidewalk towards the bath house when I see a woman with brown wavy hair, wearing a black and white shirt design. She was sweeping the front porch.
"Excuse me. Is this the Asahi Bath House and Apartment Complex?"
The woman in front heard me and stopped what she was doing. "Yes. This is Ashi Bath House. Who is asking?"
"My name is Jin Raines. I was told to talk with the landlord about my room."
It took the lady a while before she recognized the name.
"Oh, Now I remember your name. Your step father informed me about you and we discussed your living arrangements. My name is Fujikawa Ayano. Please meet you."
We both bowed to each other until Ayano-san gestured her hands signaling to come into the building with her. She guided me to the room to discuss my rooming arrangements while she prepared some tea for the both of us.
"Raines-kun as you can guess, this is a women's dormitory. I expect you to be on your best behavior. Normally I won't allow boys to live here but since I have a nephew coming to live here and he is attending a local high school, I am bending the rules for him."
"That is understandable. I have a question, if your nephew is staying here because of you, where does my step father play in arranging a room here?"
"We went to the same high school in Hiroshima. Albeit for only a year, we became good friends and continue to keep in contact to this day despite the distance. When he called me from New York City at the beginning of the year, he requested my help in setting up a room for one of his children. So I didn't mind bending the rules."
So Ayano-san and "him" had a history together. That explains a lot. What else was he hiding?
"By the way, do you know what school you will be attending?"
"No. I was never informed on the name. The only information that I was told was that I would be finishing my high school career in Japan." Ayano-san chuckled at my response. She is enjoying my situation.
"Well, knowing him I am not surprised." She got up from her seat and went to what I assumed to be the kitchen. Fujikawa-san returned to the room with a tray of items and placed them in front of me.
"Lucky for you, your step father has that cover. The name of the school is Aobo High School. I heard that it's a great public school in Tokyo and they're known for their sports teams. "I picked up the slip of paper with the name Ayano-san mentioned.
"The school is nearby and it should take about 12 minutes by walking. It just so happened that my nephew is attending the same school this year."
"So he is a freshman right? 9th grade?" I asked only to be met with a laugh from the landlady.
"No Jin, Yamato will be in 1st year of high school as you or as the American school system refers it as sophomore year."
"My mistake. I forgot that Japan has a different school structure than the US. Please forgive me."
"It's alright. You had been on a flight and train ride to get here. But you have to be more careful around here. I don't want to inform your step father that you were causing trouble." I could tell that Ayano-san was serious about the subject while drinking some of her tea.
The atmosphere was tense but I understood what she was saying. Japan may be part of the Union, butI am not in the US anymore. Ayano-san noticed my demeanor and decided to move to a different topic.
"Let's move forward from this, your room 303. Your stuff has already arrived and it's inside the room. You don't have to worry about rent because your step father has taken care of it. But you have to pay for the utilities. There are few students living on the same floor as well."
"I also informed the residents that there will be a few boys living here to attend high school."
"How did that turn out?"
"Well, at first they were not pleased about it because it's supposed to be a women's dormitory and if there are men coming to live here, it will be an invasion of privacy. But I assure them that there will be only two men living here and only for their high school years. I'll take full -responsibility for the two men coming to live here."
I don't blame them at all. Any man would take advantage of this situation.
I thanked her for the tea and excused myself to unpack my stuff. Before heading out, Ayano-san spoke up again. "If you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask me."
"I actually do have a few questions. When I got to Tokyo it was almost 4, was school still in session?"
"No. The school year ended a few days ago. So it's currently spring break."
"Last question, you mentioned that there were a few more students living on the same floor as Yamato and I. Are they already here?" Ayano-san thought about it for a minute.
"I can't say for sure but I know that Yamato is coming tomorrow and Suzuka is at Aoba currently."
"Suzuka?"
"Oh, that's right. Suzuka Asahina is another student living here in the dormitories. She will be attending the same school as you, Yamato, and the other two student residences. So it's best if you introduce yourself.
"Thank you. I'll keep that in mind." Then I left the room to unpack my things.
"I can lend my assistance here and help around.
The landlady was smiling at me. "Thank you. I might take you up on that offer. I feel like Yamato might need the help around here. Plus, having you and Yamato work here can be good."
With that done, I bowed my head at Ayano-san and left the room to unpack my things. (Ayano's P.O.V)
I continued sipping my tea after Jin left the room. It felt like the tension had passed but somehow remained.
To think Jin and two others had to experience that kind of nightmare. They're only kids. They should be enjoying their innocence while they still can. Not fight a war. Let them face that kind of nightmare when they graduate from college, not when they're barely teenagers.
I'm thankful that Miho is with me and not on the battlefield. I dare not think what might happen to her if she was drafted. It was bad enough that Hiro died during the early years causing our daughter not to know him. My heart wouldn't take it.
There was something that his stepfather said that stuck with me to this day.
Jin had it hard since his parents died when he was in elementary school. It didn't help with the discrimination he had to face. I can't be there to support him with my daughter in the same state. Please help ease back. Please.
"Maybe if Jin interacts with people his age it might help his situation. I just hope that Yamato doesn't get him into too much trouble."
(Jin P.O.V)
The next day
"I didn't notice that it was this late in the day." I looked at the clock and noticed it was already 10 am.
"Didn't know that I slept in." I know that I was busy unpacking, but never knew that it would take so long. The contents in the boxes were clothes and
*GGGGRROOWWLL*
And I forgot to skip dinner as well. Might as well check the fridge if there is anything.
I got up from the fridge and noticed that it was empty.
It looks like I have to get some groceries for meals. I hope he thought about this situation when I was sent here. If not, then I'm half tempted to make dummy accounts for funds. I went back and changed out of my sleepwear.
I went back to the bed and made it look presentable. When I was done, I headed to the closet and took a pair of dark blue jeans, followed by an olive green t-shirt, and put it on the bed. Then I switched out of my gray shirt and black shorts/sweatpants for the clothes for the day. When I was finished, I gathered the black coat on the hook and walked to a mirror that was in the closet to examine myself. My short black hair was rough up from bed and my blueish-green eyes were. But, I guess some people might find my appearance intimidating.
I better stay close to the complex. I am not familiar with the area that well. When I was close to the entrance to the complex, I spotted Ayano-san in the front spotting a light-purple sweater with a long begue skirt. There was someone else that was out in the front as well. When I got close enough, Ayano-san and the kid noticed me.
"Good morning Jin. You're finally up?"
"Yes, mam. I spent the entire evening just unpacking, I never noticed the time and was tired afterward."
"At least you accomplished your room setup before the school term has started." Ayano said sincerely.
"Thank you. By the way, who is this?"
"This is my daughter. Miho, introduce yourself."
The girl now identified as Miho turned to her mother and nodded. She then faced me and bowed.
"Like my mother has said, my name is Fujikawa Miho. I'm in eighth grade. I hope you don't cause trouble here."
I bowed to her as well and introduced myself. "I don't plan on doing that."
Once introductions are done, her mother asks what I have planned to do for the day.
"I was hoping to look around the area to familiarize myself."
"Well, don't stay out too long. The weather station predicts early rain falls at noon today. I doubt you have an umbrella on?" I hate to say this, but she is good at guessing my situation.
"Thank you. I…"
*GGGGRROOWWLL*
Evidently, my stomach has ratted me out. The woman looked at me with a surprised face and laughed soon after.
"Looks like someone forgot to eat last night." Miho laughed, however, Ayano thought otherwise.
"You forgot to eat, didn't you?" She said, waiting to hear my excuse.
"I was planning to get a few things while I am out." I hoped the landlady would understand
"How are you going to pay for those?"
"I was about to call my step father and see if he already set something up." I saw that Fujikawa-san was fine with the response.
"Okay, I'll let it slide this once. Instead of figuring out what to buy, why don't you help me get the ingredients for dinner tonight? I'm at least planning to feed the highschool tennents so that would be one less thing to worry about."
"I don't want to be a burden on you so soon." I replied to the owner.
"You're not. I'm doing this because I know teenagers will have alot focus on school. This will give a chance to get to know each other. Plus, Yamato might not know how to take care of himself."
Nice to know that she looks out for her family.
"Okay. Is there any work you want me to do in the meantime?"
"Yes, I do. I'm also going to take up your offer. Don't worry, you will be compensated during work hours." Ayano gestured back into the room to discuss the details of the work.
(? P.O.V)
It took me seven hours to get from the Hiroshima countryside to Tokyo. I made the trip on my first day of High school at a new place.
I walked around the school gate with my bag in one hand while eating a croquette in the other.
I was walking by my new school to check it out when I saw this black and blue-haired girl practicing the high jump. When she took off, she was amazing. I never saw anyone like her and I fell in love with her instantly.
The Dark Blue-haired high jumper rolled off the mat and looked at the sky. Then she took off back into the building.
"Why did she leave?" I asked this when something hit my shoulder. I looked up and saw dark gray clouds above me. Then I realized why she left.
"I better get going. Aunt Ayano must be worried right now." I finished my croquette and started walking towards my aunt's place. The rain started pouring and I opened my umbrella while continuing to my destination.
(No P.o.V)
"Yamato, what is taking you so long?' said Miho while holding her umbrella in the rain.
"Miho, you will catch your death out here, wait for him inside," Ayano uttered to her daughter. Her voice carried a concern for her health.
"I'm too nervous. He said he will be here by 2 o'clock. I hope Auntie didn't change her mind and make him stay home. That would send Yamato into a tailspin.
"Don't worry, my sister said he can come to Tokyo as long as stays with us during high school."
Miho was interrupted when she heard the person she was waiting for. "Sorry I'm late. I got distracted walking around."
Both women turned their attention to the newcomer.
"Akitsuki Yamato reporting for duty and at your service." The young man, now identified as Yamato, said while saluting the woman.
End scene
Author's message: So this is a story that I wanted to try out for a while now. But it took me a while to get out due to drafts and seeing what works. Not only that but online college was a primary along with my backlog of games and anime. Still is. The concept was something I had in mind when I was beginning the planning on how the story would end. This was about 3 years ago.
I will try to get more chapters but that will be when I have the time.
With that being said, I don't own Gundam 00 or its characters. It belongs to Sunrise
I also Don't own Suzuka, or its characters as well as the IP belongs to Studio Comet and Kouji Seo.
I only own the OCs in the story.
Leave a comment, have some suggestions. If you have some constructive criticism please leave them as well. Just let stock up on sandbags and fire extinguishers.