Kaiser's eyes gave a sharp glare, more piercing than usual. Time had passed since he had been rid of Mika and his mother yet he still felt drained from their visits. The increased strain of his training on top of what he participated in with his subordinates on top of organizing everything for the match was starting to take its toll. He wouldn't have spared a thought for this however if it hadn't been for the fact that others seemed to avoid him today more than usual and that was saying something.

Aside from those who had grown closer over the semester such as his peers, crew, and the Prokov sisters, others kept their respective distances. Now as he quietly observed he could tell they were adamantly avoiding his gaze. Today's practice had been a rigorous exercise routine that had just ended with everyone dismissed. He turned to the locker room to freshen up with the other cadets. A path was made as he proceeded to a sink and mirror as others rushed to wash themselves. Sure enough, even he had to admit it was not flattering.

Where a healthy complexion and neatly groomed hair usually were, Dark circles and narrowed eyes with disheveled hair showed. He placed both hands on the sink, sighing as he pressed his weight against it. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see cadets scrambling behind him to get by unnoticed. It was too hectic at the moment, full of cadets so he went back outside in the fresh air while waiting for it to clear up some.

Wandering outside the building, he tugged at his shirt feeling the heat waff upwards. The weather had turned humid days ago but it was still difficult to adjust to. Even he was glad that their intensive heat training with the gas masks and heavy gear was over. With his schedule always busy and himself always preoccupied, moments like this where he had nothing to do but wait were agonizing. Benches lay outside the extension that was the boy's locker room but lay directly in the burning sunlight.

Not wanting to melt in the light and grow relaxed he stood, slowly breathing and trying to stay cool. He kept his mind busy, recalling what was to come, a useful method of ignoring the heat.

Across the empty expanse of grass before him was another building extension. It was the girl's locker room and its benches were in the ever-tempting shade. He knew what assumptions would be made if he approached it with half of his team using the facility, he was no fool even in the delirium-inducing sun. As he fought to keep his mind busy, he saw two figures in the shade. Two people he needed to talk to regarding their upcoming match.

Seeing a valid reason to approach he quickly stepped towards the two figures resting along a bench. It was a talk that needed to occur sooner but had been sidelined by circumstance after circumstance, he had preferred it to be more formal but convenience couldn't be refuted as a priority amidst his tired and heat-exhausted state.

"I'm dying~" whimpered Valerya, laying along the length of the bench, her head next to her sister's lap.

Natalya fanned herself while pulling at the collar of her shirt. "Bear with it Val, they may be in Senshado but they're still girls, they take their time just like you."

"But we're commanders shouldn't we get dibs? At least once in a while?!" cried Val, defiantly and sluggishly raising a hand.

"Other way around, we take care of our subordinates."

"Then why doesn't Kaiser?! Our dear Addy has been killing us lately. I've never sweated this much in my life. I feel like some gross jock."

"If only you had muscle, instead you have neither brain nor brawns." snipped Kaiser stepping into their view.

Valerya sat up immediately with a small "Eek" as she stared at him, hoping he hadn't heard everything. Natalya gave a small wave to him, the heat affecting her as well. His eye glossed over the two girls, hair tied up and wearing the school gym clothes. It wasn't the first time he'd seen them in this attire but they certainly looked different.

When last they met they had not been on good terms and speaking in the school's AC. Now as he looked down at them, skin flushed a pale pink with labored breath, clothes clinging to their forms as their half-lidded eyes struggled to maintain focus on him. He could even see the beads of sweat trailing from their bright hair, down their necks. In his observation he averted his eyes, feeling his gaze may have been too intricate. He could only imagine how terrible he must have looked in his current state vacantly staring at them.

"May I have a word with you two?"

Though slow to respond, the two girls nodded.

"How was your experience at Kuromoromine? I know you were both transfers and participated on their team."

The sisters shared a knowing look with a chuckle at each other. As Kaiser raised a brow the sisters waved off his suspicion. Even Valerya was too tired to taunt him. "Your mom told us you would look into our background."

"Am I not entitled to pertinent information about my immediate subordinates without violating their privacy?"

Valerya seemed to find some energy within her after all. "You did with my sweet innocent sister, approaching me for info and whatnot."

"You approached me with that info your self" countered Kaiser. Valerya gave an uncaring wave a hand, not wanting to continue arguing.

Not pleased with remembering how she used to act, Natalya answered his question. "We were a part of the team but only as a loader and gunner in the same vehicle."

"Nat was the loader with all that muscle she has" pitched in Val as she fanned herself.

Natalya flicked her sister on the side of the head at the unnecessary comment before continuing. We enjoyed our time on the team for the most part, personal issues aside. There was never anything noteworthy tho. We never even spoke to the commander or her assistant either.

"Maho Nishizumi and Erika Itsumi correct?" Natalya nodded. Do you remember anything about their practice times, storage of vehicles, and security?"

Natalya shook her head with a laugh. "I'll send you what we know but like I said, we were just bottom of the rung. Won't be much use other than what tactics we were taught and even then we were only a part of one match."

"Against?"

"Anzio" interrupted Valerya leaning back.

"Val got two kills that match" added Nat as Val put up a peace sign. Natalya chuckled at her sister's display before finishing. "As you can guess we didn't get very advanced tactics or direction that match."

Kaiser snickered. "That so? Almost makes me want to offer them help."

The sisters gave weak laughs at the comment when a voice called them from the side. "Natalya! Valerya! The showers are open now-" A girl with still damp brunette hair emerged from the side entrance. Seeing Kaiser talking to them she froze momentarily before hiding her barely dressed self behind the door instinctually.

Kaiser seeing his moment to leave promptly averted his eyes. "Thank you two, I'll look forward to whatever you provide. Have a good day and I'll see you tomorrow." The sisters gave their own parting words before Natalya began picking up her defeated sister. Valerya was limp from lack of energy and was promptly lifted and carried by her sister. With that settled he went to the boy's locker room. If there wasn't room by now then he'd make some, he still had some important calls to make tonight.

Cleaned up and feeling refreshed, Kaiser walked back to his apartment. Once past the school perimeter, he pulled out his cell phone. It was not polite in public nor respectful but the ship's populace had already retired indoors despite the early hour due to the temperature. Besides this was one call he probably should make sooner than later since there may have been a time zone difference.

The phone rang three times before it picked up. On the other end a jubilant "Hello~" came across.

"Hey Kay, How are you?"

Silence came from the other end. Kaiser checked his phone to make sure the call wasn't dropped and luckily so as a shout erupted from the other end.

"Adam?!"

Hesitantly Kaiser placed the device next to his ear again. "Did I call at a bad time? You should be an hour or two ahead of me right?"

"I'm more surprised you called at all! I don't remember the last time you called first."

Kaiser knew the precise reason why. 'Every time we have a call she talks for hours.'

"You're fine though, I was just combing my hair and getting around to sleep. What's the occasion? You didn't even yell at me for using your first name."

Her tone oozed with intrigue and a familiar tease to it that only she ever exuded. Unashamedly he answered. "It was a surprise I suppose and I have a few questions."

"About your next match against Kuromoromine right?" He heard the change in her tone immediately, his mind recalled the expressions her face would make when switching from friendly conversation to business-related affairs.

Kaiser stopped at a crosswalk. There were no vehicles yet he waited regardless, watching the timer tick as he spoke with his acquaintance. "Were expecting me after all?"

With only a tinge of her previous humor in her voice she replied earnestly. "Nope, but it doesn't mean I don't know how you think."

"I always do say you're scarier than you let on. No one believes me."

"Hey! That's just rude!"

"You keep switching your tones on me and eventually you'll get them mixed up."

Kay laughed briefly before calming herself. "So what's eating ya?"

"Wondering if you have any intel you'd like to share with a former compatriot."

"Oh? What's in it for me?"

"Gratitude and an agreement for future intel exchange?" Kaiser answered blandly.

Kay's snicker told that it wasn't enough. "I am a commander as well. I can't just give away private information my team has gathered for nothing."

"I offered an agreement of mutual cooperation."

"Yeah but what do I get out of it?"

"Are you insinuating you require personal gain out of this? I thought you said we were sister ships and comrades."

"We are sister ships and I hope you're willing I'm a friend for once. That's why it's not good enough. Cooperation is expected between us."

Kaiser couldn't refute the claim, seeing he had no chips to bargain with he allowed her to make demands. "So? What do you want?"

"Admit it."

"What?"

"Don't play coy Adam."

Kaiser groaned, checking his surroundings. A few shops with warm lights in their windows illuminated the street he walked on but as for company, he was alone. "Fine." He took a deep breath and tried to maintain a sincere tone as opposed to his usual dreariness. "Kay, You're a close friend-"

"Only close?"

"Beloved" he ground between his teeth. "A beloved friend who I am grateful for meeting."

Kay hummed as she thought over the validity of his statement. "Rather quiet weren't you? Embarrassed someone might hear you?"

"Mortified" he replied dryly.

He earned another chuckle from Kay. "Well, I suppose it's a good enough recording as is."

"Please tell me you're lying."

"Who knows?" she taunted, shifting topics. "Now then for my second demand-"

"You're a tyrant."

"Coming from you that's a compliment~" she cooed. "Second you have to come hang out with us like you promised."

"I never made such a thing."

"Oh yes, you did. It was at the end of summer, you were trying to get rid of me and agreed, but I take verbal agreements very seriously. Besides, I don't think you can refuse now can you?"

Kaiser sighed into his phone. "Fine but it will be after the Senshado season. I'm too busy as is and already had enough guests."

"That's great! I'm sure Alisa and Naomi will be delighted to see you again. By the way who visited you?"

"Moving on"

"No deal then?"

"Ugh… Mika from continuation washed ashore and my mother swung in."

"You're mother?! We talk all the time, I wished I could've met her she sounds so fun!"

"Please, let's get back on track" begged Kaiser, the thought of Kay being present with those two nearly traumatizing him.

"Boo~ Anywho that's final request is for you to win."

"Win?"

"Since our scrimmage before the season, all of Saunder's has been watching you and your team. A win for you is treated like a win for us. Although they're probably more interested in those stunts you keep pulling. They're treating you like an action movie hero here."

Kay's laughter brought a familiar sense of ease to him having heard it so often. "You're in the quarter-finals as well right?"

"Mhm," she proudly hummed. We're facing St. Gloriana and little miss Darjeeling next."

"Not worried? They've been on an unexpected warpath this year. Even their commander has refused interviews due to the sudden integration of males."

"Not at all!" she proudly declared. "Though I've known Darj for a while… her pride's probably the only thing you and her would have in common. Especially coming from St. Gloriana, I don't imagine they took the change well."

"My subordinate Knight transferred here after a summer there. He can vouch for you there."

Kay's tone sounded remorseful of the fact. "I see…"

Hearing her feeling down was as foreign as himself partying. Unsatisfied with the topic he moved on. "We're going to a dessert to face Kuromoromine."

Kay snickered at him. "Do you really think you have time to worry about us? We're going to Hawaii. Don'tfret, I'll send you pics while you're sweating out there."

Hearing her usual tone back he eased up. "Then I'll keep an eye out for your information. Don't disappoint."

"Looking forward to those pics that much huh?"

"I meant don't disappoint in your performance. You'll lose to us again regardless so put on a good show in Hawaii."

Her competitive tone returned with a sharp edge. "Oh? Don't worry, If the big bad Kuromoromine humbles you we have an open seat in Saunders. I'm sure I can find a job for you cleaning the tanks."

"Scary, scary" he quipped, shaking his head. The two shared a laugh before he stopped outside his apartment.

"Well I'll let you go now, I have more to do. You should get some rest."

With a defiant noise from her, Kaiser bid farewell and hung up just in time to hear a faint "goodnight" from the other end.

At home, Kaiser meandered from room to room. His bag was placed upon a hook and relevant paperwork was taken in hand to his room. He prepared to shower once more as simply walking in the evening heat had given him a thin coat of sweat, one of the demerits of trying to remain professional and in uniform. Throwing his laundry in the wash and cleaning himself, he soon went about his usual routine.

He began to cook himself a meal and clean while doing so. Finishing both and washing the dishes he folded his laundry and pressed his school uniform. With his household chores done and sleep creeping upon him due to a full stomach, he crashed into a seat in his room.

He began thumbing through the paperwork, ensuring he knew what needed to be done when, and how long he had to do so. Despite it keeping his mind busy he was also unfathomably bored doing so. Rolling his neck to wake himself slightly, he caught sight of his laptop. An idea sprung into his mind. "He had asked the Prokovs and Kay for information, but they were not his only acquaintances. He was not only limited to those he knew well. Even if he asked around and he was reported to Kuromoromine it wouldn't be anything unusual as info gathering was the norm across all.

With that epiphany, he started up the laptop. In a moment he began a video call. There was a single ring before it promptly picked up.

"Privet" came a hushed female voice.

Kaiser spun in his chair, away from his paperwork to see the screen. "Good evening Nonna, I am not interrupting anything am I?" His later question came as he cocked his head, the camera was dark and her appearance was somewhat blurry yet he could clearly see her in loose red fitting pajamas.

Nonna shook her head, clearly awake. "What occasion brings you to call me?" she asked adjusting her camera.

"Sorry for the inconvenience" he apologized turning to his paperwork, adamant about keeping his eyes away from her figure. It certainly wasn't anything improper yet he felt there was a certain allure that made him feel it best if his eyes didn't linger too long.

"There's no such thing for a comrade, besides I have not slept yet."

Kaiser glanced over at his monitor. "Is that so? How come? Trouble falling asleep?"

"Not at all, in fact, Clara is here." Kaiser did a double-take from his papers to stare at the screen as Nonna shifted over and revealed Clara with braided hair, a smile, and similar loose-fitting blue pajamas. As she waved at the camera, kaiser fought to hold his surprise as he raised a hand in greetings.

Kaiser felt certain he shouldn't have called until Nonna proceeded, dispelling any thoughts that crept into his mind. "And of course, lady Katyusha is here as well." Her cellphone camera tilted to a small slumbering figure between her and Clara.

"Clara gave a sensual giggle. "One cannot sleep when such a precious face is before them."

Nonna agreed and the two fawned over their commander as Kaiser moved out of his camera's frame. He pressed his hands against his face, feeling perhaps for the first time in a long time embarrassed at himself for his immediate assumption. They were attractive women and he had said before that he was also a young male but the uncharacteristic thought and his wandering eyes forced him to chastise himself internally. He was happy to blame it on his exhaustion and move on.

"Ah- a sleepover I see. I'll be quick, don't mean to intrude after all."

"No worries, we trust a capable individual such as yourself" assured Nonna as Clara nodded in the back, gently stroking Katyusha's hair. The small girl meanwhile happily mumbled in her sleep.

"You're surprisingly trusting, aren't you?"

The two shook their heads, in sync as always. This time Clara spoke first. "You are one of very few. You understand Lady Katyusha's greatness and are equal with Miss Nonna and myself. As you have shown reverence for us, we shall show in kind."

Kaiser felt a small lump in his throat at the words. His pride soared at his former opponent's words. His eyes however drifted from the two pairs of light blue eyes in the dim light to their collarbones and necklines. Wincing, he cleared his throat. Without any telling signs, he seemed unphased as he responded. "I'm honored to hear such praise from you two. I'll be sure to repay you."

His mind however worried for the two. Was this because they didn't speak to many males before this year? Was showing basic respect and his level of skill enough to earn such trust from them? No, of course, it wasn't. It was because he encouraged their obsession with Katyusha. It was a rare combination of circumstances, one he hoped no one would ever abuse on the two. He quickly dismissed his worries however, these two girls had given him hell before, and recalling Clara's familial contacts, he convinced himself to just take it as a blessing in disguise.

With his internal deliberation taking only a moment, Kaiser moved on to the main topic. "I was wondering if you could aid me with whatever information you have on Kuromoromine."

"Done" agreed the two.

Kaiser gave a hesitant response. "That easy? Is this a perk of being on good terms with you two?"

Clara snickered at his response as Nonna explained. "If you wish to see it as such. In reality, it is due to your opponent. We harbor no ill will toward the students or team of Kuromoromine, however, their proficiency in the sport is dispiriting for many. We have a sort of rivalry with them that peaked in the finals match two years ago."

"The controversial one when Miho Nishizumi was a part of their team?"

Nonna nodded. "Lady Katyusha and I were able to secure victory that year despite the feelings surrounding it, including our own. The next year we were taken out in the second round. This year, we were defeated in the first by you."

"And since your victory they've gotten further than you each time."

"Your deduction is correct" conceded Nonna. Though we may be defeated this year, a loss to you early on will mean little if you secure a complete victory against our rivals as well."

The logic seemed petty but was reasonable nonetheless. Such was politics. "Then I am grateful for your assistance and I'll be sure to not disappoint."

The two gave their thanks as Katyusha shifted in her sleep, murmuring to herself as she started to wake. Nonna passed the phone to Clara as she began to sing her leader back to sleep. Kaiser listened, impressed at the beautiful song as Clara watched her leader fall back into a comfortable sleep.

As Nonna continued singing to be safe, Clara began speaking to Kaiser in a hushed tone. "You seem more weary than when we last spoke."

"Is it that obvious?" He asked rhetorically, already having deduced so from his peers.

Sharp as ever, Clara caught on. "Does it have to do with your Mama's visit?"

Kaiser raised a bewildered eyebrow before connecting the dots. "Clara… I've apologized for looking into your background already. Can you not track my family's movements? They're U.S. citizens I'm sure that's in some way illegal for your parents to do so.

Clara gave a confused look. "Why? Mama seemed happy to when I mentioned they were the parents of a capable comrade. She even began to tell me it's how she met Papa herself."

Kaiser stared at her, waiting for the punchline. It never came. "Your mother, the army officer?"

"Da"

"And your father the politician?"

"Da, she said it was quite the elopement."

Clara giggled as Kaiser's eyes widened a fraction. "You didn't happen to tell them who I was did you?"

"How else would Mama find you and know if you were snooping about me?"

Kaiser felt a small, cold sweat break out on his neck. "You told her I 'snooped' about you?

"Da, she was angry at first but when she saw your profile she smiled and began telling me about her and Papa."

Kaiser needed a moment to think. He didn't know what to say. The story of her parents first and foremost was ludicrous itself. Second, her mother knew about him and his family. He didn't think there was any lethal intent but he was sure her mother had a misconception or two. Kaiser looked at the screen again to see both girls watching Katyusha breathe silently in her sleep.

'My god, they're so obsessed with Katyusha that neither of them even noticed the issue with that revelation.' Kaiser shook his head and wished to move on, hoping nothing came of the news.

Clara thankfully did so unintentionally. "Did it perhaps bring unwanted memories from your prior school?"

Kaiser gave a bitter chuckle. "Saw that too huh?"

"It made your local news, it was not something secret. There seemed to be controversy on your actions within the field afterward as well."

Kaiser waved a hand dismissing her curiosity. "It didn't bring anything of the sort. I was happy to see my Mama as you say. As for your second query, those orders and tactics I gave. Well, we won that year. I'm sure you can understand that."

Nonna's singing stopped as she and Clara exchanged a glance. The phone was passed back to Nonna who sat up. In a moment of surprise for Kaiser, she seemed to relent from her usual composure. Her expression softened as she softly spoke. "When I fired the winning shot two years ago… I felt guilt, remorse. I questioned if I had done the right thing, even second-guessing Lady Katyusha's order. But I did fire, for Katyusha, Pravda, and myself. The joy after realizing we won. It is something I have not experienced since."

Clara added her thoughts. "Everything you have done has brought you here, don't regret what has been done instead change your future to suit your desired outcome. Trust those closest to you."

Nonna nodded. "If anything we and Lady Katyusha understand you."

Kaiser slunk into his chair slightly, a saccharine grin on his lips. It felt insincere even to himself as he questioned how he was being comforted on such an old topic for himself. "Thank you two. For the information and your words. I promise I will see you sometime and repay your kindness. Send my regards to Katyusha when she awakes."

The two girls nodded. Clara brushed Katyusha's hair with her fingers. "The small lady will be amiss to hear she was asleep during your call."

Nonna nodded as she faced the camera once more. "On the topic of which Mr. Kaiser" Her words regained their usual icy disposition, grabbing his attention. "We are on good terms but that only extends to you as of now."

Kaiser cocked his head. "Meaning?"

"Keep your friend Sokolov on a leash," demanded Clara.

Kaiser stared back at them on the screen. "Huh?"

"Lady Katyusha is constantly flustered whenever he contacts her! He is distracting her from her duties!"

Nonna raised a hand to calm Clara, reminding her that their leader was asleep. "We cannot allow such a thing to distract Lady Katyusha from performing at her best, please have him cease or we will be forced to act."

"You mean it's taking her focus off of you two and your time together." No reply came as the girls awaited his response to their demand with unwavering conviction. "Alright, I'll speak to Sokolov. I'm surprised the chase you gave him last month hadn't scared him straight but I'll see what I can do."

"Thank you, we hope your efforts will be enough and we will not have to intervene" thanked Clara.

He raised a hand, not done speaking yet. "I will talk to him, however, I think it may be a lost cause."

The girls didn't seem satisfied with his answer. "Just listen to me before you crucify me, girls. I caught his stares at her during our match, I saw how quickly he became infatuated with her. I also know him. He is not a bad person"

"Be that as it may, Lady Katyusha-"

"Is not your daughter" he interrupted. "She's your cute little friend, right? She's the same age as you and perhaps could use a little experience talking to boys before she goes to college."

"Nonsense" defended Nonna. "Lady Katyusha speaks to the males on the team daily."

Kaiser gave a sarcastic look. "Are you sure you two dont act as intermediaries for her? Does she even talk directly to them?"

The girls held defiant glares but remained silent.

"Look, I know it's ironic coming from me but why don't you trust her? If it all goes well, you'll see her make expressions you'd never see otherwise. If it doesn't, then it will be another chapter in her life and you two will be there for her."

The girls shared worried glances between their blue eyes. Finally, Nonna spoke. "We shall discuss it further another day. But we will thoroughly vet your friend before he ever approaches her again."

"Sounds like I've convinced you already" snickered Kaiser, reveling in his victory and perhaps saving Sokolov's life. Both were good, the latter more important as he still needed him for the matches, however.

Nonna and Clara gave small remarks of refusal as a small figure stirred in the background, mumbling to themself.

Noticing their presence Kaiser smirked. "Morning Katyusha."

Through bleary eyes, the small girl turned towards the camera as Nonna and Clara looked back at her in shock. The two girls tried ushering her to get a full night's rest as Katyusha reached for the phone, eager to speak.

The three girls began to wrestle as Kaiser watched from his side of the screen. Katyusha accused them of being unfair, secretly speaking with him behind her back as the two fervently explained the situation. Not wanting to keep them awake any longer, Kaiser took his chance.

"Well, I wouldn't want to inconvenience you any further. If you need anything, feel free to call, that includes you Katyusha." With a laugh Kaiser ended his call, seeing an image of Katyusha wrestling the phone away from Nonna at the last second. He could imagine her complaining and chastising her faithful aids.

With a kick of a leg, Kaiser spun himself in his seat, stretching as he spun. His vision blurred as he let a satisfied groan escape. The day had more social interaction than he preferred but he had pulled considerable results. No matter what intel would be provided to him, he was sure to make use of anything against Kuromoromine.

Staring at his ceiling a cynical thought arose. 'Did I even need to form that intel unit with Anna?' he shrugged to himself. He would find a use for them even if it was to be bait in a match. He still had yet to make them work off the headaches their gossip had given him.

He felt satisfied with today's results but he felt a slight compulsion. Eyeing his phone he thumbed through his contacts. It was something he considered improper if not outright impolite considering the circumstances. Miho had proven to be a sudden and kind acquaintance, one who even warmed him up to the point his obstinate mind nearly called her friend.

Thinking on just what he would speak with her about, he pressed the dial button. The phone rang a few times before picking up. An energetic voice answered as Kaiser expected, her ship was in an early timezone opposed to the others.

"Hello?" answered Miho.

"Afternoon to you" replied Kaiser.

Formalities were exchanged as she explained she was with her friends and Kaiser told her he was heading to sleep so the conversation would be short. After her friends said hello to him from her side, he broached the main topic. "I called to ask a few questions."

With the same cheery tone Miho refused him. "I can't just tell my sister's secrets, that would be unfair to her and yourself in a way."

"I'd never be so brazen" he chuckled, shaking his head. A part of him did wish he could strong-arm it out of her, interrogate if need be. That was just the impatient and more violent part of him. He was more mature than in his earlier youth, he had learned patience and more recently the surprising value of relationships.

"I just want to know what you think of her."

With that one sentence Miho happily divulged more than Kaiser ever expected. Was any of it valuable? Perhaps not but he did gain two things of notoriety from it. The first was her irrefutable closeness to her sister. The second was that her family was stronger than any third party could imagine. Enjoying their talk, Kaiser even revealed a few humorous stories about his own family. Soon they were going back and forth, surprised at the similarities despite their upbringings.

Eventually, Kaiser heard complaints coming from the other end. He could make out Saori, Mako, Hana, and even Yukari's voices urging her to hurry up. Looking at his computer, Kaiser was shocked to see they had been speaking for nearly an hour.

It had been enjoyable but he needed all the sleep he could get for his future endeavors. "I'm sorry for making a liar out of the both of us, tell Sergeant Oddball and the gang I'll make it up to them for taking away their precious time from you."

Miho gave an apology herself before saying goodbye. Her friends meanwhile shouted in the background. Hana and Mako gave formal bye's the latter being more lethargic. Yukari stressed her frustration at his persistent use of the terrible nickname and Saori adamantly declared he couldn't take any more of Miho's time.

Then the call ended. Lights off and embracing his pillow, Kaiser had a small mirthful smirk on his face as his tired eyes drifted into darkness.

-Chapter End-