Chapter 10:

Fog

Recommended Music: Prayer, Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey.

One day of November's second week

"I wasn't messing with them or anything," Takeru complains, sipping at his coffee. "Just rolled out with some of my A game, is all."

A pair of fingers rubs at the bridge of her nose, softly resting onto her desk. "Shirogane, you defeated all of them. Every, single, one of them," Kouzuki notes, slowly, very slowly tapping at the still fresh and steamy numbers from the recent JIVES training.

"Because you put me in a machine with the XM3, and they don't use it yet for whatever reason," he rolls his eyes, an arm thrown behind the sofa. "Even Kasumi would defeat them all with such a disparity in tech."

The finger stops, the blinking too, breathing almost as well. While blank and silent as the office walls Kouzuki remains, the unmoving stare is mired in more shadows than those cast by the ravine of babel towers of papers across the room. Yashiro's ears wilt upon a mere glimpse of the whirling aura.

"…What's up?" he asks, finding enough time to deplete his cup of coffee, rest it on the table, finish a muffing even.

Fingertips tap at each other slow, slower is the spinning Kouzuki goes into. Yet her eyes remain on him, squinted and sharpening. "How much do you know?"

"What? I mean, we literally made the XM3 together last time. I know for a fact the difference it makes in performance."

"…And then, pray tell, why have you omitted this detail until now?"

"I… didn't? I told you how important the OS was for-"

"I'm not referring to that, you'd understand. Why would you not mention you were aware of Yashiro's piloting, Shirogane?" she asks, aiming a verbal gun his way.

Which pops his balloon, sends his expression flying off in shock. "Wait, Kasumi can pilot?! Since when?!"

"Um… I was always meant to perform that duty," young Yashiro says, nodding short, eyes locked on the shade of the ground. "Was I… not deemed sufficient for the task in your prior experiences?"

"I mean… Yes, but actually no?"

"Shirogane," palming the papers, frosting them over, the Professor raises yet slows her words, slithering to the rim, "if you would please cease your jesting. This is quite the important matter for Alt IV, as you'd know."

Clearing this throat, Takeru stiffens his posture, open in the nods offered to both. "Kasumi did 'pilot' once, but as a support navigator for me. Going by your reaction, you're alluding to her also being able to pilot TSFs, right?" he asks, one nod returned is strong, the other wilting and downcast. "I see… I wasn't aware she could do that."

"Hmm. So I never attempted to employ Yashiro as a pilot in your prior experiences?"

"No, not as far as I know. I do know some ESPers were capable of piloting, but I was under the impression there was a different regime they took or something."

"Um… Takeru-san, what do you mean?" she asks, edging to the brink of her seat.

"Oh, nothing much, really. There was a joint exercise arranged in the Empire, to decide which TSF would be chosen as the next mainline machine for the IJA. A lot of squads got to partake in it, mine included, and that's when I got to see the Terminators and Berkuts for the first time. Those chainsaw-arms were so sick, though," he grins, chuckling to himself.

"Look, not to be that person and intrude on your reminiscence-"

"Nah, Sensei, that's accidental, for real."

"Ahem… So Yashiro wasn't made to pilot, in any of your experiences?"

"I know you said no to spoilers, but no, she never did. Oh, come on, little bun. You're still great at what you do," he cheers, petting her shoulder a few times. Before looking back at the scientist, sober as a new moon night. "But still, that's on the table too?"

"…Let's say it is merely an option, nothing else," she simply says, spilling back to a calm, formless spinning.

"Huh… Another difference to the list, I guess. Oh, right!"

"W-What now? Don't shout out of the blue like that."

"I had a few questions, I almost forgot," Takeru says, hitting his palm with a soft fist. Compacting his posture as his arms overlap when resting on the edge of the sofa, he slowly starts, looking straight ahead at the Professor. "Sensei, does Japan have a hate boner for the UN?"

"A… what?" she asks, a few fingers brushing her lips close, drowning a chuckle. "Gods, I do not think I've heard a more fitting description of our state of affairs."

Sharing none of the light shimmer, not a single speck of laughter, Takeru clouds over. "I see… So it's 'common sense' here, huh."

"Ahem… Well, truly, what did you expect?" restoring pulchritude and stillness to her attire, Kouzuki nods back, still sporting a smile. "Between the issues during the invasion, the pressure to restore the Treaty, and the chasm amidst our and the Empire's doctrine, it is only natural end. Why do you ask?"

"Well… The squad has been on a nasty mood, I've never seen them this upset at me."

"And this ties into the UN-Japan relations, how?"

"Sensei, I don't drive a Nerzedes Dense. My usual silly words seems to have lit the fuse, and me being 'better' than them and trying to 'lecture' them seems to have invigorated the fire. Kei literally attacked me over my 'gun expertise' this morning," he complains, throwing arms up before doing so himself whole to the sofa's comfort.

"I see, I see… Not unexpected, no," she simply says, nodding and going for a refill of her coffee. "Yashiro, your opinion?"

"Their auras are spiky, whirly, very upset but besides base grievances I detect no lingering malice. It is most unfair, Takeru-san is only trying to be supportive," young Yashiro says, nodding along quite the flaps of her bunny ears, enough to barely propel her off her sofa.

Despite the shiny breeze offered by the assistant and the calmness of the one emptying another round of coffee faster than his own spins, Takeru finds his own mouth drying, tongue scraping the back of his teeth. "…This ain't a surprise for you, Sensei."

"And it shouldn't be for you either. Had you not said you were aware of their circumstances, Shirogane? I thought I could delegate their commission to you?"

"You can, yeah. But they never reacted like this, not even when I was a useless civvy parading as a cadet."

"Come on, now. It is only normal, any Japanese would shun and avoid contact with someone who speaks as informally as you do."

"Except this is out of place. Just like… you lashing out when you thought I was a spy," he slowly says, inhaling sharp, holding her stare.

That oscillates around the room in a spin, as unreachable as the peak of the paper towers, as blank as them as well. "Such discrepancies are insignificant in front of the greater picture, and could indeed be only a cause of your newfound attitude. As we discussed previously, this is the Empire of Japan. Those who would be seen as counter to the values preached will be scorned, regardless of their exploits," she spits raw venom, a coiled fist resting on her chin.

"…Anything you wanna share?"

"No, it is unnecessary," she shakes her head, sighing back to frozen boredom. "I am not criticizing your methods, but allow me to remind that I am expecting results from your endeavors," she slowly tells, sprouting a gorgon his way, enough for young Yashiro to compress herself into a statue. "May I ask why do you care so much about this?"

"How can I not? I don't wanna spark a fight, and… it's honestly concerning, to see them scorning me over nothing."

"I assure you, it is nothing," she says, shrugging. "Can you not try and adapt back to proper form?"

"I never had to, Sensei. We could get along without accusations being thrown around. Siiigh… All I want is to lend them my strength, but at this rate it might be better to shut up and not incite them further," he defloats, hunching over.

"…Have you thought of their point of view, Shirogane?" Kouzuki asks, shaking her head at young Yashiro while raising her posture, staring into him as he looks up. "Maybe they don't want to be helped or saved. Perhaps, they desire to honor their own ambitions."

"But they never-"

"Exactly," she cuts in, pointing a finger, the full viper his way. "Stop pushing the expectations of other worlds into this world's inhabitants. Those living here are not your old squadmates, the way they came to know you is different so, of course, their assessment of you will change. Would you be comfortable if someone who knew this world's you approached you and began talking as if you were long lost friends, although this person knows nothing about you?"

"Well… I guess that makes sense, huh…"

"Chin up, Shirogane," she orders, folding her arms. "I only placed you in that squad because you promised to bring the cadets up to skill, nothing more. I cannot risk you causing any more friction, and I will warn Marimo to punish you if you continue to do so."

"But how can we truly make a difference if we can't trust each other? Even if I gotta tone down my slang, there's gotta be something I can do," he asserts, holding the silent slither of the eyes. "Even if they're not my old friends, I still want to save them from that madness."

She scoffs, forwarding a freezing frown. "If you truly wish to 'save them', mister hero, then start by treating them for who they are rather than who you'd like them to be. Any further forced altercations will negatively impact my assessment of you, Shirogane. You knew their circumstances, so make sure you hold your end of the deal. If Squad 207 does not clear the CCSE thanks to your presence, we shall have to revise our agreement going forward. Are we clear? Good. Anything else you wish to report?" she asks, slowly sorting the papers on her desk.

A moment to silently thank the concern away from young Yashiro's complexion, Takeru coughs while tightening and loosening his hands. Flattening his jacket, a slow tingle runs through his back. "Actually, I do. And it's a serious thing this time."

Sharply, the papers are sorted into a folder. Faster, the pens stashed along notebooks. A few clicks and pokes to what was on screen later, Kouzuki scuttles her chair closer to the wood, leaning her weight fully on the desk. "…Out with it, what's going on?"

"We've got a BETA incursion heading our way in around a week's time," he causally throws out, causing cracking compression of Kouzuki's crest. "Wanna start a recording before I begin the report?"

"…Is this imperative for me to learn of this?"

"Sigh. Worst case, you hold your hand and the rest of the world will be none the wiser."

"I suppose… Alright, give me a moment."

A few more clicks, another round of coffee was shared between the scientist and the soldier amidst the reports. Or cocoa for young Yashiro, as she hurries to write down key details, fixing a map on a screen lodged in the wall to better fit the telling.

Arrows, positions, timestamps, latitudes, battle groups, little by little more darts fly to the blanks and complete the reenactment of this opening song. With every drop, Kouzuki could somehow feel her own insides do the same.

"…What's next?" she hurriedly asks as he delays further words, emptying his coffee.

Walking to and fro, eyes on the ceiling, the coming whisper far more distant. "Depends on which stance we take. If we do nothing as history is meant to be, the IJA suffers many losses but eventually the BETA are repelled. A few cities from Niigata to the base are heavily damaged."

"How much?"

"Enough to halt progress on the infrastructure plans for a few years, if my few memories of those futures say anything. Let's say the population takes on a… very negative view of the UN after Alt V and the Treaty swing back over Japan."

"I see… And I assume, the other outcome is the result of this 'last loop' of yours? What did I do with this knowledge?" she asks, staring.

"You lied."

"What?"

"You told me you didn't believe me, but then warned the IJA anyways however slightly. You never told me what you did exactly, though. Also, you sent the Valkyries on a capture mission."

"A… capture mission, you say?"

"Where do you think the BETA from the memories I've shown you came from, Vice Commander?"

"…Which means, it may be necessary for the future." I wouldn't have released the BETA without a good reason, despite his prior words. "I assume, the spoil I offer in exchange of the XGs is a live showing of the XM3. This is why I released the BETA, correct?" she asks, gaining a sighing nod collapsing to sand. "Hmm. Perhaps, there is some merit to following that same approach. Anything you might wish to add Shirogane?" she asks, going for a sip while closing a few docs.

"Yeah. I want to join the mission this time."

For a second, the coffee clogs and swirls in her throat. Wiping her mouth while glaring his way, the Professor frosts over. "Are you insane? You will do no such thing."

"I insist, it's necessary."

"Why?"

"Because we lose two Valkyries during this mission, and I'm sure I can at least prevent that little."

"Or you might perish in their stead. This is non-negotiable, you are too valuable to risk on this situation. Allow me to remind you, your main task is to tune the 00 Unit."

"I know, and I will see to that. But I must insist."

"My position won't change," she says, immovable as a statue, glaring as a gargoyle.

Yet the little horns seem to pop over Shirogane's head as he smiles, walking up to the desk. "Even if I offer you one of your theories in exchange?"

A slight twitch, lips and venom retract like a wave off the shore. Blinking slow, she rests her chin on interlocked fingers, meeting his stare. "So you are willing to forfeit one of the theories over this simple matter? May I ask why?"

He smiles, waving a finger up and about. "Simple. We can protect the Valkyries that would've otherwise died, while we obtain hard data of a live test for the XM3, while I get to show Cpt Isumi the true effectiveness of my piloting. And I make sure you don't bring as many Laser-Class, if you're still dead set on sicking the BETA on our necks."

Her solidified glare moves not once. "And, again, where is the merit in this? It does not pay off for the risk of possibly losing the tuner of the zero. We can continue to test the XM3 here."

"And I'm asking, can we do things differently? Or are you letting me know you're planning to stick to what I showed you of last loop?" he asks, breaching the desk, and her personal space.

"…Two Valkyries, you said. Are they worth one of the theories for you?"

"It's not only that, but the impact going forward, Vice Commander. Two more pilots, an earlier sampling of live data for the XM3, and the Valkyries adapting to it as well. Plus, the same goes for you getting to work on both the 00 Unit and whatever you can cook for my own anomalies," he lowly says, unblinking, unmoving. "I insist to sortie."

"And you will heed Isumi's and my orders to the letter, no selfish nor crazy maneuvers as you've attempted on your drills thus far?"

"I'll do what's necessary to bring them all back alive."

"Huh… Do you think yourself capable enough to do so, mister hero?"

"Siiigh… I may not be a hero, but watching their backs isn't off my possibilities. I can do that little. Come on Sensei, I've been doing my part thus far, haven't I?" he complains, walking back and off the desk.

She shakes her head, still leveling a blizzard into his sight. "Remember that we are allies, Shirogane. I shall cooperate with you so long as capitalizing on your talents yields rewards for Alt IV."

"And haven't my activities thus far meant something for you?"

"Isumi and the rest are having trouble adapting to your supposedly savior OS, your squadron is apparently wholly against your presence, and now you're asking me to risk your neck over a simple capture mission," she narrows everything further, the prior ice blistering into a mirror sheen. "I do not do charity. I help you, so long as you help me. Give and take, that's the core rule of the world. And do not forget, we still need to see whether your goals align with mine. Depending on what my theories reveal, we very well may see there is no answer but to repeat your last loop… by then, you'd understand, there would be little point in arguing semantics about saving your comrades' lives if I'll have to throw you all headfirst into the Original Hive. We both know only the XG will manage to survive the raid, and barely going by your tellings."

Mirroring the form yet downcast, not a speck of light shines as he stares, barely asking. "…So if it came to that, you'd truly repeat the madness I showed you?"

"If it guarantees the survival of the planet? Yes. My goal won't change, and neither should yours. Simply remember to play your cards accordingly. I won't refuse you handing one of the theories, but for the good of our partnership I would remind you to gauge if this is truly worth losing that leverage."

"…If this stops the BETA from damaging the cities as in my first loops and saves at least one of the Valkyries that died last time, then it'll be worth it. And that's saying nothing on you getting hard data for the XM3." Which would mean we could assist in the relief efforts once Mount Tengen erupts, now that the squad won't have to shoulder the burden of generating the samples.

"…I see. I still don't understand how this plays to your advantage, but do not mind if I accept your generosity. I shall be arranging the preparations, I hope you don't mind sorting with a Gekishin."

"It won't be an issue."

"And as I said before-"

"I won't die, XO. I'm not stupid."

"…Good. It's just…" her hands stall, undoing their form much like her prior bracing.

"What?"

Kouzuki sighs, resting both hands on her abdomen as she spins away again. "No, I simply do not understand you, is all. Between your preaching for peace and handling over key bargaining chips, the you in front of me seems entirely different to the one in the trainings. Why?"

"…I just wanna lend a hand, Sensei. Is it that hard to get?" he whispers, messing with his hair as he looks up.

"Again, why? What compels choosing such a low return for your exploits when you're risking your neck and your world alongside it? You've no ties to honor here, after all."

"Siiigh… Whatever, you won't get it too."

"Care to try?"

"…Different world, right? Even if I explain myself, we'd be going in circles. You may think I'm a fool but even if all of you are not my old comrades I still want to lend a hand. Just that. So, are we in agreement?" he asks, offering a hand.

She stares at it, waving off. "Fine, we have a deal. I shall arrange the preparations for your unit as well."

"I see… I assume you want your theory on causality first, right?"

"Of course, the 00 Unit takes priority. I am interested in the second one, but it can wait."

"Got it. Anything else you need?"

"…No, you may retire. I will be expecting the theory in my desk tomorrow by 1900 hours."

"Roger. Until tomorrow, Vice Commander," saluting slow, Takeru turns around and swiftly evades the babel towers of papers.

Nothing happens on the way to his room. Not much of import happens after inside.

After a shower, Takeru stands for a moment besides his closet. Opening it, pushing his hand to the back of it has him pulling a hidden object. A long azure cloth safeguarding a long item, the final wisps of lavender still lingering on it. Removing the cloth reveals an equally azure hilt and sheathe, quickly taken off to allow a shimmering to reflect the overhead lights.

"We finally made it to the first important flag, huh," he says, nodding at his own reflection on the blade's steel. Taking a deep breath, slowly so his position, he then begins to repeat slashes, patterns and echoes on his ears.

Pouring from his prior memories from his home to further push the practice, those from battle against the aliens to guard against the ill words from his comrades, so do the nights pass for the soldier. With a nightly self-sparring, and a delayed moment of silence hugging the blade, the scent that threatened with vanishing with each passing day.

Even as his attempts to smooth things out rise further thorns and edges, even as his suggestions for training methods leave older comrades cursing under their breath.

"It's the least I can do, to keep offering a hand in silence if they wanna take it," is what he reasons, taking glimpses of a burning gym, a collapsing street, and a hesitant, scarred gaze of azure as he goes silent, enduring the scald. "Even if it really seems like they'd rather marry a BETA sooner than give me the time of day…"

Through the dart in the heart, Takeru remains coursing on the classes, the vipers too. No tips nor subtle questions can cleanse the grime off the impregnable masks.

"Not like I can complain, being a harbinger of disasters. Who knows? Maybe their subconscious are blaring alarms to them, so that I can't affect them negatively…"

So silent he remains, simply waving away offers to study from Yoroi or practice from Tamase. And the nightly trainings only invigorate more in force when Mitsurugi tries and parleys him to rejoin the PX's round of games. The formality only rivets more nails into his chest, bringing true silence to his heart.

Looking at the calendar, knowing what it is to come by the next dawn, today he chooses to end the practice early, to hug the Minaru Kamui as he sits on the floor, nuzzling against the hilt, the distant lavender.

"If only for all of your sake, to ensure everything is alright back home… A coward like me can do that little, can't I?"

The next morning.

Recommended Music: Echo Night, Echo Night.

"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 placesboth 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 dragg ing 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."