Chapter 14:
Mingling in the Masquerade
A few days later. By morning.
[Recommended Music: PX, Muv-Luv.]
"Takeru?" a soft voice calls, softer is the rocking of the shoulders.
Opening eyes find an azure pair returning the stare. Too hard to move, to think. It's so cozy under the cocoon, to rest the battered wings. Despite the gentle rays of daylight filtering in the otherwise already regal room, only azure and nothing but did his eyes seek and slid closer to.
Equally so by dusk, when feet drag on the ground and no fine scents nor promises of the finest of dinners can lift the cheer back to the mellow yellow.
"W-What is it? You've seen nothing!" hurriedly she says, waving a hand in circles on the air.
The shelves displaying mechs and figures of Galaxy Wars, tender hands performing even more careful brushes to align them to proper form. Purple embers raise at his muffled chuckles upon her mimic of the poses along makeshift sound effects. More golden than the lavish furniture decorating the master room of the mansion was the mixing of their auras, almost painfully sweet.
"D-Do not laugh!"
"Oho, are we falling to anger, my young Gadawan?"
"I am not."
"You're literally sulking. You're falling to the dark side of the Flow…"
"I am not! And it is your fault for laughing at me."
"Oh, come on. It's just adorable to see you do that. And with the Minaru Kamui it's not like you even need a lasersabre to begin with…"
"My swordplay is not as deadly as that, please."
"Yeah, and remember what happened to the dojo in Hida Mountain?" he counters, chuckling at the repeated, machinegun assault of slaps at his shoulders.
Soreness entangled the limbs, dryness the lips. Suspended in midair, hands raising and failing to grasp onto anything before meeting the cold caress of the snow.
Time and again, sent into the skies the torso. Time and again, rolling down the slopes the other half. Time and again, slow rubs of ointment on the mounds of darkening pink all over as the sole consolation. The sole driving force to endure the daily shower under the cold waterfall, the assault of the trio, the unending lectures.
Because by nightfall, those arms were always open and awaiting. And so, the gesture was returned tenfold more so the effort to raise back. To return to the warm gaze of azure sunshine, to return to the calm rest of the silver shade. Despite the homely troubleshooting required at times.
"Honey, please. We have an army of chefs. A literal army," he gestures back, slicing the thickening smoke to reveal the rows of professionals in attention at the distance.
"Mmgh… Me wishing to prepare the dinner does not warrant such concern, does it?" she repines, fuming more than the smoke puffs flying in the vast kitchen.
"Meiya, you set the water on fire!"
"I-I did not! Also, it is scientifically impossible to do so!"
"Then what did you do? Why is the kitchen more of a mess than my room?"
"…Nothing you should lose sleep over. Twas a learning experience, and the end result was not unsatisfactory, was it?"
"Not as bad as when you tried to invoke Cthulhu instead of making strawberry muffins, no- Ouch."
"Silence, you fool… I only wanted to spur a smile from you on my own merit…"
"Come on, now. You don't gotta match Sumika, her present wasn't a slight or anything. Food is, like, the one thing she knows she can gift us in our birthday."
"I am aware, and clear it is why you favor said dessert now. It still doesn't absolve you from jesting on my failings, however."
"Fine, fine. Your pick of games tonight?" he asks, offering up a small box and undoing its lid, revealing rows of sweets and delicacies.
Hiding her eyes behind her fringe, she picks one up, nibbling at a bonbon. "…I shall only forgive you this time."
"Thank you kindly, Your Highness," sighing short, nodding to the everpresent guard behind the veil of smoke, sharing the sigh and the shrug with Mana.
Through meetings and charts, through pitfalls and darts they march on. Waiting for that Sunday, when by decree none shall interfere with the cocoon. And if so, a bunch of shurikens are spoiling for a fight in any case. All to safeguard the lazy hugs and cuddles, simply laying side by side.
"Do you ever not tire of sleeping overlong?"
"Of course I do, that's why I keep napping," slowly waddling closer to the cloak of lavender, nuzzling onto the azure. "And I missed you lots. Was your hair always so cushy?"
"Siiigh… Well, I've also longed to again sleep with you every night…" she admits, wrapping up the shade into her person, in a steadfast lock.
"Oh, look at you, Meiya-kun, so lewd since so early."
"I-Idiot! I didn't mean it in that way."
"…Did we now?"
"Where do you think you're touching? I swear, you're incorrigible…"
"Mmh, don't be so mean. Come here, honey," slowly swooping the tender lavender in a clasp to bring it close, closer, until their foreheads touch, breaths tickling the others' chin.
A small reprieve, a small oasis amidst constant sandstorm. From the moment of separation once setting foot outside the room until crashing right here again along dusk. Then and only then, for only moments at a time, could they truly meet.
Discussing silly topics, watching Galaxy Wars or reading its comics, perhaps also sharing some time to indulge in poetry or shogi before dining. His hands remove her heels and massage, hers return the pleasantry to his coat and shoulders. One thing into the next, mingling so close by the sofa they remain.
And sooner would their alarms run out of energy or Mana's throat of voice before hands are made to untangle, less so their feet. Even when it eventually happens, only one visage truly lies in their eyes and mind.
"So you're sure you won't, like, regret it?"
"That is my line. Despite your efforts, know that to entangle your fate with mine equals such strain on a daily basis. Within the warrior-"
"-there is only place for truth, I know. Raiden-san already drilled that so hard into my brain I feel like I'm losing my memories a bit."
"I see… Grandfather was merely-"
"It's cool, I can get why he felt the need to keep you away. It's just, we really are only gonna have free time on Sundays, right?"
"Will you miss me so much?"
"…Yes. Not gonna lie, I will. Also maybe get a bit jelly."
"Hehe, there is no reason for you to be afraid, Takeru. I know not what Grandfather might have said in his ire but I shall assuredly never forget to return to you. Regardless of how far apart we ever become, please do remember my heart lies in your hands. Is yours in mine?" she whispers, fingertips brushing the buttons off to allow a direct attack on the bare skin.
"…And then you complain when I tease you. Might have to punish Tsukuyomi-san for this."
"Which one?"
"Yes. But to answer your question…"
Closer, so much that what barriers separated the skin blurs, frontiers breached with gusto in entanglement. Enough to light up their hearts, the slow raking in their lips. Enough to slice their breaths, the carousel their tongues play at. Enough to lift the clawing pain on the back of their heads, what careful kneadings are given to their napes and thighs.
Even when numbers grow red in spreadsheets. Even when mics and flashes flood their daylights off. Even when smug, graying muck tries and slither in between them, to sow cracks. Even then it is all scorched to dust.
Because at the end of the day, the shadows of the room had become the best refuge for the sunshine. And the sunshine was the same for the shadows that hustled behind the scenes.
Because then and only then they both would cease to be a gear spinning to the tune. Only then would they cease to be a Mitsurugi.
That is why Azure and Silver always slept over their suggested time, to nuzzle under their cocoon, forehead to forehead, for only one second more. Waiting for the day of the sun, enjoying what frail time is allowed before.
"Jhust fay more mi'utes…" he slurs, face buried in the pillow.
Which young Yashiro snatches with the haste of a hunting kitty. "No. You're already five minutes later than usual and… C-Come on, Takeru-san, please don't fall back asleep."
"I get it… Don' shake me, Kashumi… Yaaaaaawn, ugh," rubbing an eye, sluggishly Takeru raises from the bed in mimicry of a mummy. Only with his hair impersonating a crazy anime character and his eyes fully shut still. "Sorry, Kasumi… Hey, stop shaking me. I'm awake, dude…"
"Then, open your eyes."
"Ugh… So tired…"
"Did you not sleep well?" she asks, rubbing his arm.
"Nah, not that. I conked out again as soon as I threw myself on the bed. Just, sleepy. Like, uh, I don't feel with any energy…" he slurs, yawning wide again, almost a scream.
"Is that really all there is to it?" she asks, a hand lingering near his neck. It's cold to the touch.
"Yeah? Why?"
"…Your dream was scary," she admits, stepping back and shivers then. "Also, I almost couldn't detect your aura."
"Oh… Sorry," shoulders slump, gaze takes an emergency landing that fails and burns. "Did it hurt you?"
"No, it wasn't that kind of scary. I, um, the dark lines were all around you but I could still sense you were there, faintly. But it was arduous, I thought… you were not going to wake up."
"Come on, little bun. I'm always this slow to start the day."
"No, but the dark most of the time comes from inside. This time it was all around you. I couldn't hear anything." And this is not the first time it happens since you fell unconscious.
"Huh… I'm too tired to properly dream, probably. Eh, maybe it was for the best,"considering what I could dream about, thinking on that poem,he shrugs, slowly lifting a hand towards young Yashiro. Upon the instinctive step back taken, another dart stabs at his heart. Stringless, the offered pat of the head only meets the air and collapses.
Frozen in front of the shotgun shuffle of black into blue and vice versa, young Yashiro bows down modestly. "Ah, my apologies. This unit did not intend to refuse your-"
"It's alright, I don't know how much my shit can affect you," Takeru shakes a nod, eyes closed tight, before sharply throwing the sheets off himself and standing. "Thanks for waking me up, for real. I'll be getting ready."
"…Understood. Bye bye," she weakly says, regaining the usual poker when the waving hand is returned and a speck of yellow shines through. "The Professor said she wishes to speak with you once you're done with your regular duties."
"Got it. Don't worry, though, I'm only a bit more tired than usual," he insists, nodding and smiling. When she departs, however, the facade melts down as cold hands rise through his spine. "Yaaawn. Shit, Marimo-chan's gonna kill me if I'm like this in class… Ugh, did I wake up in a bad spot in the cycle or what? Hauuu… What wouldn't I do for some fried chicken with rice right about now."
Standing to pick his fatigues before going to the shower has him seeing that small paper and book he took, the other item he found once inspecting the room. In the distance, young Yashiro stumbles in the stairs as the wails of entangled cards reaches her when the shotgun resumes its barrage, consuming the edges in the never-ceasing shuffling tide of black and blues.
"…Maybe science will know what happens when I vanish and my room stays behind. Yet another difference to the list… and I better keep quiet about this one," he sighs, gazing at the ring, picking it up and playing with it. "I guess you decided to stay rather than vanish away, huh. Maybe there is still someplace for me to return to after this is all over… If the Nucleus works as Sensei described it, and this is still here… that highway should still be open, for both good and bad," he concludes, hiding the treasure again and in doing so glancing at the folded paper. "That's my handwriting alright, and it's something only this current version of myself should know… Did I write that down before while Sensei helped me out? What's with this feeling?" he shivers when closing the closet, enduring a frozen embrace leaning onto his side, piercing the skin. "Siiigh… Guess I'll have to rely on the Vice Commander to see if there's any oddities in my house. But for now, better focus on the CCSE," Takeru concludes, slinging his tanktop to the bed before entering the bath.
A whistle is blown, the rounds coursing through the gentle air cease to repeat themselves. Soon enough, all cadets are standing in an orderly line before the Instructor, the lone male being the last to enter formation, dragging feet and gaze on the ground.
"Well done, squad," Jinguuji says, taking a second to observe them all, the slow rustle the edges of their eyes do to seek the others. "You've been making astonishing progress in these last days. So impressive your displays are that we have decided to allow you to go into a small tropical trip," she cheers with a smile, brushing her hair along the wind.
If there was a shower of sunshine at the time, the cadets certainly ignored it at large.
"Why the long faces? You do not wish to spend some time with the sparkling sea?"
"Instructor, ma'am… this is your notice for the CCSE, is it not?" Sakaki asks with stiff moves and tone, fully petrifying upon the affirmation.
"It is time, I believe. You've all endured my harshest course thus far; Failing now will be nothing short of a disappointment. Now then, just for the sake of it, allow me to remind you some of the basic rules," she says, pacing about in front of them, retelling the structure and victory conditions. "-and shall have available maps and radios, three of each. The full duration of the test shall be 144 hours, after which any of you who have not made it to the end goal shall fail the examination. If some of you were to arrive before the rest, only twenty four hours is what will be given but only if the allotted time wouldn't surpass the 144 hours initially established," she says, all of them remain perfectly still even under the sunlight, even under her passing glare. "On this occasion, you shall be allowed to take a maximum of three items with you. With the exception of rations, weaponry, and anything that could make explosives, you are free to choose any items. You have until tomorrow's morning class to decide. We shall be departing tomorrow at 1400 hours, and thus, are free for the rest of the day. Spend your time wisely, cadets. Dismissed!"
"Salute!"
The gesture is shared, and with one final glance at each pair of eyes, those small bonfires enduring the not yet present gale, the Instructor nods back and turns around. Not before directing a cough towards the still downcast expression. "And of course, I expect no further infighting before and during the test. Remember that your final score can still not be enough to pass the CCSE even if you arrive at the goal," she says, all the girls' threads pulled suddenly back at attention, hands at the seams. Shirogane simply returns a nod.
Idle talks shines for its absence on the way to the PX, equally so in the line. Once they all sit and have a small moment to begin, a cough gets their attention.
"Squad, I'd like us to coordinate what items we shall be taking to the CCSE. Any suggestions?" Sakaki asks, slowly picking at the rice hill.
"I was thinking on taking some paper or tissues in case we get injured, and perhaps some synthetic incense for what snakes and arachnids we'll find," Mikoto starts, before quickly cutting a slice of synth pork.
"Some tools would be nice to have, in case someone decides to blow it," Ayamine says, sideglancing as she takes slow bites of her own pork.
"Thank you kindly for the suggestion, Ayamine," Sakaki counters, sparks flying between them as both stab at their rice as a proxy.
"I, um, you know," Tamase starts, dropping her mackerel back at the tray, thighs nuzzling each other before she looks up again, "perhaps it would be useful to have some binoculars. Our kits already come with a small pot and fire starters, but last time we did not have binoculars. Also, perhaps spare gloves could be of use?"
"Hmm, those are apt suggestions," Mitsurugi nods, then takes a sip of miso. "A sheet to shield us from any rain would also serve us well."
"Oh, yes," Sakaki nods, going for a sip of miso as well yet no one else raises a word. All of them steal glances at the one sitting at the far edge of the table, despite the space available. Mitsurugi elbows her, Sakaki coughs and taps her glasses. "Shirogane, do you have any suggestions? …Shirogane? Hey, Shirogane!"
"…Hm? Sorry, were you talking to me?" he asks, rubbing an ear and not really looking up.
"Ah, yes… About the items we can take, what are your suggestions?" she asks, and like the rest observes the apathetic tilt away, ignoring the moths seeking the fire.
"A bottle, curry powder… Haven't decided on the third one yet."
"Why curry powder?" Tamase asks.
"Oh, for the snakes and toads. You know, bet it's pretty disgusting to eat them as they are," he nods with a small smile, resting onto the table while taking mackerel to his lips.
The others who also were in the process of eating find a sudden bottleneck in, well, their necks. Hurrying to the miso, others to small pats for their upper torso, paling more than young Yashiro they end up.
"That is… a very good suggestion," Mitsurugi concludes, softly wiping her mouth. Quite many times.
"Hm? You guys had to eat those before?" he asks with a shrug, with a passing glance over the others.
"…If you can even call that eating, that is," Ayamine fumes, elbowing the table.
"Well, at least you had some food all the days…" Mikoto sighs, hunching shoulders in wilting fashion, savoring each grain of rice and pork slice left.
"Oh, that reminds me. Shirogane," Sakaki asks, straightening her posture, compacting it, "how are your culinary skills?"
"Why even ask? He's certainly special as well."
"A-Ayamine-san, come on… D-Don't take it harshly, Shirogane-san," Tamase hurries multiple waves of hands, far more frail and rushed the words. "It is for the good of the squad if you're good at cooking, as well."
"…Eh, it's cool. And I think I'm decent, not great but not bad." What is it with everyone asking me about food lately, though? Next thing you know, I save the world by giving pancakes to the BETA.
"Siiigh… Thank the Emperor…"
Why is Chizuru like this? To actually palm her hands in prayer… "Did something happen with the food before? I mean, our rations are pretty easy to make. Or at least the ones I've had before were," he adds half a sec later.
"Well, yes, in normal circumstances they would be, however…" she stalls words, eyes veering to a side, sighing as she taps her glasses.
"Let us not dredge unnecessary details, shall we?" Mitsurugi says, making noise as she drinks miso.
"Wait, they let Meiya be the one who- Oh, no…"
"Is there any reason you're wincing, Shirogane?" the samurai asks, lips pursing along a slight ballooning of her cheeks. Feet lunge a bit forward, kicking at his softly under the table.
"…No," he says, shrugging and retracting into his seat, lifting the final spoon of rice. "Well, I'll be going."
"Ah, wait," Sakaki asks, clearing her throat yet avoiding eye contact. "I would like us to discuss possible arrangements for the mission. It is likely we will be forced to split up at some point. If you are not required in any special duties, would you mind-"
"I don't, it's cool…" he sighs at the frozen distance of the words, sitting again.
"Thanks… Ahem. So, do you have any preference on who to be paired up with?" she asks, returning to her rice.
"No, it can be anyone. I'll do my best regardless."
"…You fucking better, Special-kun."
"Ayamine, this is not the time," a palm to the table, a sigh heavier than it.
"I will, don't worry," he appeases, shrugging and maintaining eye contact with Kei. Until she looks away while he stifles a yawn.
"Are you not sleeping well, Shirogane-san?" Tamase asks.
"Kind of, yeah. Since that incursion into Niigata happened, I've… been having some difficulties sleeping. Nothing too serious, for real," he again shrugs. All the others share a gaze, redirected back at Takeru as he covers his lips with a hand to hide the second impulse. "Ahem… So, back to the plans, I really don't mind being assigned with any of you."
Sakaki nods to him, a finger on the rim of her glasses. "Then, that equals we can employ Shirogane to compensate for any disparities in our ranks. Namely, Tamase's stamina and CQC, Mitsurugi's range and trap proficiency, or my own as well. Squad, suggestions?"
"Shirogane and I would make a good pair," Mitsurugi says, nodding to him. Staring, giving little taps with her feet to his. "We both have similar stamina, thus would not hinder the other. While my trap disabling skills are worth no praise, his would solve that issue."
"And I can stop you from cooking as well," he notes, spinning his spoon.
"Wh- That was uncalled for," she protests, again trying to kick at him, and failing.
"…I hate to say it, but Special-kun has a point there," Ayamine deadpans, shrugging. "I'm not bad with traps, but my gun skills are lackluster. If we have to divide on teams of two, I should go with Tamase. We'll manage with the food," she smiles, receiving a small cheer from her comrade.
"And that leaves me with Chizuru-sa- burp."
"Yoroi, please, there is no rush," Sakaki sighs, a finger on her temple.
"Anyways," wiping her mouth, Mikoto makes a V with a hand, "I can handle both the traps and the food. Our stamina and fighting levels are close so I think we're a good match. What about you, Takeru? Are you okay with this?" she asks, sending short glances from him to the one in front of him.
Who gradually halts eating, to forward a soft thorn for a smile. "But of course he is. Whyever would there be a reason to oppose the notion?" Mitsurugi says, the tip of her boot finding his and pushing. "We shall assuredly deliver splendid results together. Do you not agree, my fellow?"
"Siiigh…" Takeru whirls his lips back, feet as well to return the small, soft kicks, making Meiya twitch a bit. "I've no complains, if that's what you want I'll tag along with you, Meiya."
"Why, most appreciated. You may entrust your back to me, I shan't disappoint you, Shirogane. So Sakaki, as you can see, there is no need to debate over this," she asserts, with a puff of chin and chest.
"I-I see… No objections from me then."
"Just be careful with the food," Ayamine chuckles, hands behind her head while rolling her eyes.
Mitsurugi's own blaze away. "I said we should not dredge up those matters, did I not?"
"No, that's not what I… Actually, maybe you cooking wouldn't even be that bad…" she says, smirking as she glances at Takeru, who endures yet another dart.
"Kei-san, that is cruel. Takeru doesn't deserve that!" Yoroi says, nodding down into a plead of a gaze.
"T-That's right, don't even joke about it," Tamase agrees, rubbing her own arms to dispel the chills.
"…Was it really that bad?" he asks, taking a glance at Mitsurugi and recalling the crying mess after failed cookies.
"Bad enough I think it might be the only thing that could actually harm you," Ayamine nods, grimly, before holding her stomach, tightly. "So you know, cross us and that's the hell that awaits you."
"Come on," Sakaki hits her tray with the chopsticks, slicing a glare at the raven in front, "I think you are well aware all of us must work towards the same goal. Our personal views aside, this is a focal point we cannot fail in." Although I will keep that in mind if Shirogane does indeed follow on his expressed doctrine of choice…
Mitsurugi elbows Sakaki, this time truly so, and with a thin, angelic smile gazes at the rest of the table, chuckling ever so slowly. "My, it is almost as if you were suggesting my culinary efforts are a monstrosity…"
"Ah, no, that's not-"
"Be assured, Sakaki. One day, I shall conquer the peak that is the culinary arts. In any case, no objections with Shirogane and I working together?" she asks, stares, the others shake their heads.
"I think we could use a better CQC distribution for the third team, but we will make do, I suppose," Sakaki shrugs.
"Shirogane-san is kind of like a joker, so no matter who he pairs up with it'll feel a bit unfair," Tamase giggles, messing with her hair. "If Mitsurugi-san thinks this is for the best, I've no objections."
"And Special-kun can't backstab her without getting into trouble…" she smirks, glancing at him, he sighs and withers further.
"Ayamine," until a scathing blaze for a gaze raises, "kindly retract your words."
"Huh? I was only, you know, with how he's always been-"
"It is uncalled for. Shirogane would never do anything to our detriment, assuredly. Which is why I've chosen him for this arrangement," she says, giving another soft smile despite sending another small kick away. "Most unfair it is to deride one of our fellows in such manner. My back is safe with you, isn't it Shirogane?"
"Yeah, of course, but I'm still going to be the one cooking," Takeru affirms, sighing upon the scorching pout, and the oasis granted to the other four.
"…Why, your support is greatly appreciated," she says, with the same porcelain smile yet still giving small kicks at him. "There is certainly no obstacle we cannot overcome, so long as us two work in unison. Such is why, there is no better partner for us than the other. Wouldn't you agree?"
"…Yeah, sure," he simply nods slowly, looking away. "I'm confused… Is she actually saying this or is she upset? I told her I don't want to use the Minaru Kamui's royal status, and shouldn't that make her glad I won't abuse it? Yet she's been like this since the talk by my house…"
The rest share a momentary gaze and a shrug, deciding not to step on the clear azure spikes raised between the other two.
Sakaki clears her throat, "However, regardless of the mission, we are all to clear the test. Considering the time limit, we will have to coordinate on the fly our moves if we're scattered and make up for the difference in stamina if we stick together. Rest well today, we should expect hell to await us," she says, earning a round of nods before they slowly begin to platicate about possible arrangements.
During the late afternoon
"-and that was the end of it," Shirogane says, picking and biting at a muffin as his steps heavily echo through the dark hallway.
Kouzuki simply hums along, reading her PDA while exiting the cylinder room right behind. "…So no headaches, no dizziness or anything of the sort?" she asks.
He shakes his head, shrugging along. "Nothing, no. Whatever exhaustion I had stockpiled is mostly gone now. I could try and keep up the pace with the Valkyries during the sim run without much issue," he affirms, finishing his muffin as he exits to the hallway. "Gulp…Need anything else, Vice Commander?"
"As a matter of fact, yes. Follow along," she says, sharply walking into the hallway while he was moving to the office. Sharper the expression when looking back at him, slowing down. "There's three things we must discuss. First, can you tell me the names of your parents?"
"…Huh? Why?"
"The answer to the petition to fix your profiles is taking too much time. Something's off here, and I am not about to take my chances."
"Wait, but, shouldn't their names be somehow linked to this world's me's profile? Like, through my house, or the birth cert, or-"
"That's the thing, they're not."
"What? Why?!"
"Hell if I know," she shrugs, frowning as she stops and swipes her ID, causing a security door to whir open. "The fact that 1st Lt Tsukuyomi went as far as to let you keep possession of the blade may be a hint that they are considering taking action, although they may not know how to best approach the situation. And while I would like to respect your wishes-"
"I know, I know," rolling his eyes as he strolls behind while crossing the security barrier, Takeru stomps forward and overtakes her. "You can't risk my standing in the base, I get it already…"
"Sigh… Does the blade warrant this awful mood you've been in lately?"
"What if you had to part ways with your books?" he asks. Upon the inwards twist of her features, Takeru shrugs again. "Sucks, doesn't it?"
"…If you had told me you possessed such a valuable heirloom earlier-"
"You wouldn't have let me keep it regardless," he counters, slowing down to walk side by side into silent, narrower hallways. "And I am not parting with it, period."
"Shirogane, clinging to that heirloom will be a detriment to clearing your identity, you'd understand. To say nothing on all the issues this would bring were it to be brought to light, of course," she notes, stuffing her PDA into her pocket and finally giving him the full attention of verbal and visual embers.
"And I am not willing to concede on this matter."
"…Is this such a deal-breaker for you? Over one of the Shogunate's treasures? My, what could compel such a choice, I wonder…"
"It's from my home world, not the Shogunate. And my position is final. I may be disappointing you with my performance, but if you touch my Minaru Kamui I break off our accord."
"Huh… You'd try and threaten me in such a way? I believed you were honest in your wish to protect this world and your squadmates?"
"I'm giving you a warning, that's all. So far I have always asked, suggested things to you. And you ask things of me, and both profit from the other's help. But if you begin to tell," eyes locked on hers, Takeru stops walking as he folds his arms, "then this partnership is over. I'm not your dog, and no one is taking that sword off my hands."
A sigh is heaved, Yuuko ruffles her hair for a moment. "How do we clear your identity of suspicion, then? Any suggestions you have, mister hero?"
"We'll figure something out later, or we stall for time until we bring out results with Alt IV."
"How, exactly? I want facts, not empty words."
"I dunno, bureaucracy, more meetings. I can bake a cake for them and maybe get them to chill?" he suggests with a smile, slowly beginning to walk again.
Causing Yuuko to raise a brow, slowly, and remaining still in place. "Wait, you can cook?"
"…What's with that face? You don't believe me?"
"No, it's just… You don't look like the type to dwell in the kitchen. Not without setting it on fire, that is."
"Well, excuuuseme, Vice Commander. But I can cook, and it's actually something useful to our goals."
"Wait, are you being serious? Are- Are you a certified chef?"
"No, but Sumika wanted to be one in my world, you see," he chuckles, recalling the odd curry shop she ended up working in. "If I can make something myself that can rekindle those feelings she probably also had in this world, the 00 Unit's tuning will progress better. And… maybe it'd be a small sendoff for Sumika when it's time to… you know."
"I see…" So that's why Yashiro inquired about ordering pastry from the PX the other day, huh… "You raise some good points. We'll test this later after the CCSE," Yuuko concedes, gesturing for them to resume their walk. "Still, jokes aside, you don't suppose some homemade sweets will actually appease the Imperial Guards, do you?"
I mean, Tsukuyomi-san seemed into the idea at the time… even if this reeks of trap. "Eh, worst case we stall for time. They can overlook it in exchange of some favors, I guess. I really don't plan to use the Minaru Kamui's royal perks, and there are few better places to safeguard the sword than this base. You know, if we keep it a secret so that HC doesn't abuse it. Feel free to use some of my exploits as bait if necessary when Tsukuyomi-san comes asking," he appeases with a shrug, dispelling the tension.
So Yuuko stares while slowing down upon another security door.. "…Hmm. I'll consider it, if it's so important to you. May I ask why you think HC will try and abuse the blade?" she asks as one of her eyes is scanned.
"Really, Sensei? Come on… The delivery of the Shogun's Takemikazuchi on top of the hardships of the CCSE isn't enough to see where they stand? And I still remember when they- Oh, wait, I can't tell you that yet."
"Mmh… Why not, Shirogane?" she asks, looking back as a green chime beeps.
"It's something from the future, and it may change your opinions on things." Knowing the Second gets shelved in favor of the Silent Eagle is something that can mess things up badly, for real. "I'll tell you if it ever becomes important," he appeases, taking point to let his sight be scanned.
"Alright…" she simply answers, waiting for the chime to ding. After it does and the door whirs open, she slices through the space and strolls into a moderate pace. "In any case, we'll continue this discussion of the sword when you return. I will expect you to also take into account Alt IV's standing if the Guards do request you to return it to them. I can only shield you to a degree, dependant on your cooperation."
"…Roger, XO. But as I said, I won't part with the sword,"It ain't as if she actually means that. I know I can't let my guard down around the XO, she'll throw me to the BETA if it means achieving victory. Results are her priority, she ain't a friend. And no way in hell I'll abandon our sword like that.
Kouzuki stares then fumes softly from her nose at the unchanged expression in him despite the extended silence. "We'll discuss this at a latter date then… In any case, could you give me your parents' names?" she asks, he gives the kanjis, both of names and single surnames, she quickly notes them into her PDA. "Hopefully, I'll be able to find some more concise intel before they try anything. On that regard, Yashiro did report that her talks with Kagami have been pleasant for the most part but that she still tends to go into shock when speaking of you. Anything you think is safe to tell me?"
"I mean, it's completely understandable. She literally saw me getting torn to pieces."
"…Pardon?" she asks, stopping as she was about to the end of the hall, finger halway to open the elevator.
"What? Oh, I never told you? There was one time when the 00 Unit tried to get me off the team, and showed me what was of her and this world's version of me. He died protecting her from the Soldier-Class when they were captives in the Hive," he says with a slow nod, chest and shoulders cascading all down in sync. Seeing the Professor was as lost as a penguin in a desert, stalling any moves or gestures for sustained seconds, Takeru coughs and straightens up. "I think it's safe to tell you this, we're getting close to dealing with the flaw of the 00 Unit and we have the theory already. Knowing ahead of time is what makes me think I can deal with the tuning more tactfully now, besides my other ideas."
"…I see," is all she forwards, the gargoyle remains still despite the shakes, the nicks to the facade while serving herself the dark fuel to the rim as she enters the elevator with him in tow. "So that's what happened to this world's you… I suppose, Kagami's fixation takes on a whole new color now. Oh, that reminds me," facing him as the slow rumble begins, Yuuko gives a wry smile, "you were right about your house. It is indeed in ruins here, all readings on it are normal for the area."
"Huh… So the scouts didn't find anything there?" he asks, staring.
"Nothing worth reporting, no. Does it look like your own home? You did went to visit it during your walk, I think? Yashiro mentioned your thoughts lingered on the ruins lately."
"Yeah, it's my home alright… It's very similar, there was even a piece of a poster I had back home, too," he notes, looking down. Yuuko extends a humming while eyeing him silently. "What?"
"…Yashiro also said you seemed shaken since you returned. Same of your dreams of late."
"Would you be calm after learning of what the Minaru Kamui means for the future? After seeing what's left of your house?" he deflects, returning the frozen poker.
And then, silence.
The door slides open, Takeru hurries to leave first. Yet the Professor simply paces a few steps behind him, eyes never leaving him as they walk through security doors labeled in yellow and black, chains for secrets and whispers. Knowing the destination does not make the silent trip, the heavy echo of his boots, the almost non-existant one of her heels, the steel corridor seems to stretch into eternity with its monotonic and sterile gray shine.
"…So what's the other stuff you need me for, Vice Commander?" Takeru finally asks when seeing the bolt door on the final end of the hallway.
"Oh, one is this," she flips her PDA towards him, the image in it makes Takeru wince. "I assume you're familiar with this design?"
"Why the headband again?" he protests, arms folded.
She chuckles, bringing the item to bump her chin. "Yashiro is scanning your mind from time to time, but direct intel is better. More so now that I need her services on the work for the 00 Unit. And she has reported that it has been harder to scan you at times, particularly when you sleep. We'll gather data about your condition with the headband and from there I'll see what I can do about your anomalous state," Yuuko asserts with a clear nod as they reach the door.
She swipes her ID in the reader then types a long numerical code in the keypad available, causing more whirs and vrooms. The opulent veneer parts away slowly to its own whim, gyrating as if yawning. As the sturdy entrance slits its maw wide and releases stagnant air with a wind's blow, Kouzuki twitches and widens her eyes in a lightbulb chain when spotting the dim spheric structure resting beyond the vault.
"Actually, I've been forgetting to ask. Do you know why Yashiro can't scan your aura while you sleep?"
"Hm? She can't? For real?" the pointless query is met with a belated nod, and slow taps of a finger to an arm. Messing with his hair as the opening thrusts fully wide with a metallic thud, Takeru looks up in pensive gesture. "I mean, I don't know what you want me to say. Had she ever had any… Oh, right!" he yelps, gently caressing then clawing at his scalp. "That's when I'm slipping away, isn't it?!"
"Pardon? You're… slipping away?" she asks, making not a move to proceed further to remain instead staring, incredulous.
"Yeah. You know, since I'm an anomalous being, I can't be tethered firmly here in this world. So, when people's awareness of me is weak, like when they sleep, my mind can drift off to other timelines. That's why no brainwaves come up on my scans and why Kasumi can't locate my aura. I totally forgot to tell you."
"…And why, pray tell, did you omit this detail? Are you in any danger of drifting away?"
"No. I never was, though. You used this to send me back home to get the theories for you, but there's no reason to waste time on that now. Unless you let me bring Kasumi some games," he proposes with a small chuckle as he steps forward. "I can get you your Stratos if you want?"
Causing Kouzuki to sigh, softly facepalming. "I see… May I ask how it is? Your drifting, I mean," she asks as she also steps inside the chamber.
"I don't have a license, Sensei. And you can see footage of my piloting anyways. Sick, ain't it."
"I was talking of your psyche vanishing, Shirogane. These jests are not my cup of tea, you'd understand."
"Coffee, you mean."
"…Are your ears defective?"
"I mean, I've never seen you drink tea. Like, ever."
"I rather swallow your essence than drink boiled grass. Oh, come now, there's no need for such gestures…"
"You can't just tell that to my face, Sensei!"
"Not my problem if such a simple comment is enough to fluster you, mister time diver. Oh, but someone with your looks would have zero luck with women, wouldn't you…"
No, don't think about it. No Santa, it's too early for Christmas… "Whatever… Sigh. It was still a weird comparison, anyways."
"I despise tea more than the idea of ever mating with a child like you. In your terms, that'd suck hard."
"Yeah, it would…" I did not need that reminder, thank you very much Santa. "…Why? The tea thing, I mean."
"Be forced to be a 'proper lady' in serving during tea ceremonies and you'll wind up hating it, too," she scoffs, shrugging as she grabs at a lever and pulls down. "Come on, soldier. Lift that face and clear off that blush. If you don't want those topics coming up, ensure to remain professional from now on, will you?"
"Yeah, fine, no more puns for you… If you want this to be business only, that works for me too, Vice Commander."
Light pours from all angles into the vast chamber, revealing the spheric machiney lying in wait right in the center of the place. Lines carved in the ground showcase the many lines of power being fed to it, small verdant fireflies flicker and flutter in place of a drowsy snoring along the faint buzz of passive processing.
"So do you actually remember what you see when drifting?" she asks, fingers reaching out to the control panel of the large machine.
He stands a few feet away, resting onto a wall. "Not really as of now. When it happens, it's as if I were seeing things from behind a foggy glass, like a distant echo at the other end of a cave. I don't know what am I seeing lately but…" softly palming his chest a few times, he nods upwards at nothing, "I think it's something back home."
Back home, is it? "I see… Anything else?"
"No. The dreams should be clearer if I focus on one specific feeling, but I don't think you have any need for this now. Again, you already possess the theories. This is a way for me to return home after all is said and done, if my presence is an issue to you. So for now you can focus on the 00 Unit, it's the priority."
"Yes, that is right," she nods, observing the clear stance facing her, the lack of delay in blinks or breaths. "In any case, I shall begin to work on possible ways to neuter your abnormalities on the side. I assume you're familiar with the functions of this one machine, to some degree?"
"Your causality scanner or whatever? Yeah, you had used this to send my drifting over the top and make me return home for the theories briefly. I assume, it's gonna be something similar to what my world's Sensei had planned for the fission but in a grander scale."
"I see… You had said something about using a small nuclear reactor to power her device, correct? If so, power is not what we shall be lacking. One small mercy, I suppose…"
"So why are we here, exactly? Wanna scan me or something?"
"Yes, precisely. It'll be a short test with my current understanding, to use as a baseline and compare it with once I analyze the papers completely. Get in there, I'll help you with the harness," she commands, pointing to the main sphere.
Shackled to it, the same fuzzy tickles poke at Takeru for a moment. The Professor does not close the aparatus, leaving the gyrating in slow motion, as if drifting on a wood plank in open sea. So slow, gradual and shivering all over, poking and untying knots over sides and shoulders. While Yuuko loses herself in numbers, Takeru simply crosses his legs and wraps both hands behind his head as if he were in his lounge.
By the time her throat sweetly misses coffee and her eyes beg for respite, he was almost half-asleep. Taking Takeru off the harness took its sweet, long time.
"How can you find this pleasing? You're suspended in midair, shaking all over."
"It's just a giant massage chair for me. Ugh… That was so good, though," he groans inwards, hands by his hips when pushing onto his backside and gyrating. Some bones crack, lines of tension soften, spreading the blooming warmth over his backside whole. "Really needed that massage, to be honest."
"…What is it with you? I tried it once and it gave me some awful motion sickness after some seconds."
"Different endurance, I guess? So did you get something good out of the scan?" he asks, pacing back to stash the harness to its proper place.
Kouzuki nods, pushing a button in the control panel as he finishes tidying up. She disconnects her PDA from the port as the machine closes back to its prior drowsiness. "I could scan you, brainwaves, wavelength, local force vectors, TRA levels were slightly above average too. Oh, wait, you don't understand what-"
"Mental state during the scan, resonance of my 'thoughts' in the world, how they affect the world and the last thing was… uh… No, don't tell me! Tip of my tongue, dammit… Wasn't that the tachyon stuff?" he asks, closing an eye while messing with his fringe.
Yuuko blinks erratically as she nods, gaping a bit. "Yes, correct on all fronts… Ahem. For the scan, your effect as a conductor seems subdued for the moment, perhaps because you were dozing off. But you never drifted away nor drifted anything towards you. How did you feel? Besides relaxed, that is."
"I mean, that's just it. There was no heaviness, no cold shivers. I was just chilling," he says, elongating an arm awake.
"I see… Well, I shall revise these scans once I read through the theory and with the headband we shall see what it is we can do to mend your anomalous state. So now it's time for you to-"
"I gotta keep my own part of the deal, I get it. Don't worry, Vice Commander," he nods back, not flinching away from the subzero spears, "we will pass the CCSE."
"…Good. Now, the last thing I want to ask you is regarding your prior lives," she says, finishing her checks and turning off the lights. As he follows behind, she gazes at him while the hissing metal seals the vault again. "What did I do about this proposal in the other worlds?"
Takeru rolls his eyes away, shrugging as he looks back at the shrinking window to the sphere. "Didn't you say they didn't exist to you, XO?"
"…So you've no further warnings to offer?"
"I do, but it's useless if you don't believe they're real."
"I will believe your account, if it has a shared basis on my current knowledge or you can prove its veracity."
"Huh… That's what I had done before, and you called me crazy basically. So, which is it? I'm either your ally or a doomsayer spewing bullshit."
"Siiigh… Fine, I apologize for that. Could you kindly stop being so contrarian?"
"…I'll try."
She rolls her eyes, wide, as the door shuts with a thud and a ding sending a light to green. Yuuko then walks back the way she came, with him following not so far away. "So I received this proposal last night. Do you have any advice to give?" she asks, procuring her PDA and showing it to Takeru
"Lemme see, what's this about?" he asks, peeking at the screen. Metallic tickling constricts his throat then in the otherwise silent hallway. "Th-This thing! This is-"
Lost in rereading said report, Kouzuki slowly says. "There were some rumors floating about, but today the formal proposal reached me. I admit, this reeks of trap however it could be- Shirogane?" she asks, looking around and not finding him.
Pacing back swiftly, reaching out and lending a hand of support to the wobbly unbalance.
"Hey, what's wrong?"
Rubbing his forehead in small circles, erratic blinking calms down along his breaths. And yet the metallic taste caging insides does not disappear. "Sensei, there's no… there's not a 27th Hive, right?"
"W-What?! Wait, does this cause another Hive to-"
"No, just, uff-" slowly walking backwards, carefully holding his head with a hand, then slowly massaging the underside of his ears, Shirogane looks up, one eye closed. "This thing, the EML-Railgun. I remember it… but not on a Hive that makes sense…"
Kouzuki speeds through commands to begin another recording, an arrow rain of focus onto his features. "What is it that you recalled? Spare no details!"
"Well… Um… I think, I mean, it must've been a mission from after Iceberg. The hallways were cramped and narrow, with TSFs from the Empire, the US and the French too. There were a high number of BETA in the radar and…" gulping sharp, circular massages stop altogether as the taste of salt clogs the underside of his tongue. "And then there's a blue Takemikazuchi, firing the railgun. Then, then it is I find that comrade I told you about be- Cough! Cough!"
"Calm down, don't force yourself too much. Is there anything else that easily comes to mind?"
"Ugh… I guide someone to the Reactor, we blow it up and then… That's all I can recall."
"Hmm… Sigh. At least it's something distant," letting the threads of tension go, she again grips and straightens his shoulders, nodding at him. "So, do you remember how it performed?"
"…What?" he asks, one eye still closed, still holding his head in downcast posture. "Oh, the railgun? I guess… I guess it was one hell of a blast, I think it cleared most of the enemy in the radar. Ugh…"
"What is it? Does it still hurt?"
"Nah, I'm okay…" he says, taking tentatice steps forward to cleanse the sudden salt flooding.
Kouzuki stares, tracing his shadow. "As I was saying… I received a proposal to take care of the railgun project. Do you know if I accepted it before?"
"Hmm… Mmh… I think, maybe?"
"Maybe?"
"I mean, I think the XG Model D was supposed to have some of these, but no idea if you actually took on the project to do that."
"Wait, what?! I had… I had railguns ready to be mounted on Model D?!"
"Yeah, I think four or so, can't remember exactly. You don't here?"
"Of course not! The railgun is a cherished project of the Shogunate, after all. I was involved very early on, but minimally, and I am not in the Shogunate's good graces, you'd understand," she scoffs, taking point to open the elevator quickly.
"I see… What's the catch?" he asks as he enters it too.
"I have to allow the prior chief of the project into the base, as a liaison. Do you know of a Royal Guard named Takamura? She's of Fudai rank, would wear a yellow and purple uniform."
"…No, doesn't sound familiar," Takeru softly answers, throwing his full weight to the wall as the ascent begins.
Observing for a moment, the Professor lays besides and folds her arms. "Do you think she joined us in your prior lives?"
"Does she come with her own Chuchi?"
"Must you keep calling the Type Zero in that way?" she asks, the immediate nod sends her into rolling her eyes. "…Anyways, yes, she should be coming with her own Takemikazuchi, as she is only loaned to the UN. Why do you ask?"
"Then no, she hadn't joined us before. There was a mission, one of the many I showed you, after which we lost most of our units. Don't recall seeing a Takemikazuchi during those days, besides those from the Blood squadron."
"Wait, we- we ran out of TSFs?" the slow nod silences her further, heavy gulps heal not an ounce. The door opens but for a second they make no move to leave the elevator. "When the base is overrun, I assume?"
"…Yeah. I feel that if there had been a yellow Takemikazuchi I would've seen it on those days, or the ones before," Takeru admits, low, as he drags his feet forward. "So this is a new one… What do you think, Sensei?"
"Hmm… I would very much welcome the chance to attain the railgun, even if it comes with its strings. Would the weapon be worth some intrigue with the IRG?" she asks, gaining half a step in front of him for the security doors to cross again.
"…If it's half of what I remembered," he inhales sharp, cleansing the cold hands that poke at his spine. Takeru then nods, firm. "Yeah, even if it takes time the railgun will be a great asset. If we have even a single one by Sadogashima, the odds improve a lot. Plus, it's another bargaining chip we can use. The strings don't pull only in one direction."
"Huh… You do say some nice things every once in a while," she nods a few times, smile widening, giggling soft when he looks away in haste, in a small groan. She then lets the scanning proceed, another door opens. "Well, I'll review the proposal one last time, however. I do still need to handle the checks on the 00 Unit tech to avoid its error…" she says, rubbing an eye as yet another checkpoint appears in the distance.
Finally yawning and screaming at the same time when getting past the final door, Takeru then observes Yuuko as she leads the way completely absorbed in her PDA.
It is very much red, the markings under her more fitting for a carnival than an office.
And when reaching the office, her posture changes not a single bit. The moves to shuffle papers delayed, failing to restore pulchritude to reports, failing to make them stand in attention into folders.
A soft rub to the temple, lips that don't fully close. Slouched, even if just a bit. A mound of ash, burning inside due to the lines of fuel funneled into it.
A too strong gust, all it takes to unmake it all.
For a moment, Santa Claus crashed and burned away in his eyes along all the dreams the sled had collected on the way.
"…What?" the Vice Commander harshly asks while shoving papers into folders, when noticing his stare.
Rubbing the back of his head, Takeru slowly takes a step towards the desk. "Look like you've got your hands full. Want me to lend a hand or something?"
"Appreciated, but unnecessary," she shakes her head, waving away. "Your core assignment begins tomorrow, I'll handle the theory for the time being. There's much reading to do, more than anything, since your warning heeds against me rushing," she shrugs, chuckling. "You can retire for today, sleep in early just in case."
"I told you I'm fine already. You look worse than me right now."
"Mmgh… Perhaps, but I won't be the one partaking in an arduous physical test any time soon. I rather need you healthy, if you wouldn't mind. Your comrades too, if you truly are serious about passing the CCSE. You did prepare for its dangers, did you?"
"Sigh… Yeah, wrote down what had to happen to ensure we clear it in record time, even." Even if it makes the girls more paranoid about me, getting the fuel and saving the rope will allow us to save a day or two, maybe.
"Then be on your way. All you lack now is proper rest, Shirogane."
"Okay, alright, I get it. So, uh… Can you keep my Minaru Kamui safe until I come back or should I-"
"Of course I can, who do you think you're talking with? And no, I am not handing it over until you return. You have my word," she says, nodding. Lips pursing a bit upon the silence.
After holding the stare, Takeru sighs and messes with his hair. "…Thanks, and sorry for-"
"Enough apologies, you had already warned me the Shogunate would grow suspicious of you," she waves off, looking away as if bored. "I suppose, I can understand your attachment to the thing. All I ask is that you don't make a fuss when the obvious happens," she asks, resting her chin atop interlocked fingers, staring straight ahead at him.
He returns the ballistic tension, despite the downcast nod. "I know, for real. I know… I'll bring the sword here tomorrow before we leave, then," he says, standing and grabbing one last muffin for the road.
"Why not bring it tonight? I can have Pyatkh deliver it here if you're tired."
"I'll keep it one day more with me."
"Why?"
"I… kinda like hugging it as I go to sleep."
"You hug a sword? I've heard of plushies, pillows, guns, bottles, even books. What, does the time diver really need a security blanket? Yashiro can share Mister Bun if you can't sleep at night."
"…It still smells like home. Don't you keep anything to remember why you're still going forward, XO?"
"I suppose… Siiigh. Bring it here first thing in the morning. Are we clear?"
"Yes, ma'am!"
"No need to salute, come on. Now, off you go."
"Got it… but shouldn't you ask for something to eat if you're gonna stay up reading the theory? Running only on coffee ain't good."
"I know what I'm doing, Shirogane," she asserts, slowly, belatedly tapping at the papers.
He shrugs with a sigh. "Fine, you do you. Just take care of your health. Later."