CHAPTER 31
SALIA'S FUSTRATIONS
By the time First Squad returned to Arzenal, Salia was livid with Ange who once again disobeyed her orders and charged headlong into battle, killing 90% of the DRAGONs, miraculously without any injury to her or Villkiss. The same couldn't be said for Rosalie and Chris though, who leaned over the railings, cursing at their now broken and dented units that were being taken away for repairs.
"Ugh that damn bitch!" spat Rosalie clenching her fist. "Kicking my unit aside!"
"In the way…she told me I was in the way!" cried Chris, clutching her head in distraught.
"Man! Ange was on top form today huh?" Vivian cheered. It was the straw that broke the camel's back.
"How can you say that?" Salia snapped at Vivian who winced from her sudden outburst. "She deliberately disobeyed my orders! It was an egregious act of disobedience!"
"Why don't we all just calm down." Ersha said, trying to defuse Salia's temper.
"How can I be calm after what just happened?!" raged Salia, looking as if she was about to explode. "Hunting down all the DRAGONs by herself?! It's unheard of!"
"I have to agree with Salia?" Cal noted, glaring crossly at Ange who walked ahead of everyone else. "It's like she has a death wish or something." To add insult to injury, Ange didn't withdraw her usual half into the joined account, but instead deposited all her reward into her own which only stoked the others' ire even more.
"Quit being so greedy!" Rosalie was the first to speak up. "With you taking all the kills we have nothing to live on. Save some for the rest of us." With that Ange peeled a small number of notes from her mountain of money and held it out to Rosalie. "Huh…What?"
"Here, it's consolation money for damages." Said Ange blankly. "You want more?"
"Why you little…" Rosalie was ready to clobber Ange, but Ersha held her back.
"How can you keep all that money for yourself?" Miranda raged, her face livid and red. "Who do you think you are?!" Ange looked at the younger recruit dispassionately.
"I need this money." She shrugged. "I'll make it up to you later." Without warning, Miranda lunged at Ange, grabbing her hair and pummeling her head wildly.
"YOU SELFISH BITCH!" She bellowed as Cal managed to wrench her away from Ange, still flaying her arms out wildly. "I HATE YOU I HATE YOU!"
"Hey, hey cool it!" Cal bellowed, wrapping his arms tightly around the young Norma.
"Miranda calm down!" Salia barked before turning her attention back to Ange. "You have to stop this Ange! Why won't you listen to my orders?!"
"I'm killing the DRAGONs, aren't I?" Ange said dismissively. "Make me pay a fine, execute me, I don't care. Just stay out of my way."
"That's not the point!" Salia snapped. "Stop interfering with our squad's teamwork."
"She doesn't even know what that means." Miranda snarled. For a split second, Salia thought she saw a hint of guilt in Ange's eyes before she quickly walked away. 'No, I must have imagined it, Ange is too selfish to feel guilt for anyone.'
"Ange wait we're not done here. Ange get back here!" Cal called for her, but she refused to listen.
"Why aren't you doing anything about her!?" Miranda shouted at Salia. "She does what she wants and doesn't care about the rest of us, and you just let her get away with it!" Words failed Salia as Miranda wiped her eyes and gave one final displeased look at Cal before storming off.
"I hate it to break it to you, but she's right." Hilda commented. "You let that bitch get away with whatever she wants. This wouldn't be happening with Captain Zola." Salia felt a burning pounding in her temple, almost at her limit with not just Ange but Hilda, Rosalie and Chris not following her orders either. No matter how much she compromised or kept the peace the four of them wouldn't listen and now Miranda was beginning to follow their example. 'I just hope Jill isn't disappointed.' She hoped, dreading when she had to hand in her Captain's report for today. 'I need to find a way to get them to fall in line.'
Commander Jill felt as if her heart had lodged itself in her throat. Despite trying her hardest to keep her stoic composure, she was finding it hard to comprehend that after 10 years, her old comrade and Tusk's godfather, Jacob was still alive and now talking to her face to face. "So, you finally decided to show your face. Or half of it?" Jill said begrudgingly.
"I'm sorry Alek…Jill," Jacob corrected himself, "but I had to keep a low profile to keep my people and Tusk safe. Even if that meant cutting ties from Arzenal and Gaz." The hostility in Jill's eyes spoke volumes of what she thought. He couldn't really blame her for holding resentment over not being in contact for over 10 years. "My people and the Norma who managed to survive were being hunted down like rats. I had to ensure no more of the Ancient Folk died."
"How many of the Ancient Folk are left? "Jill asked, though she already knew she wouldn't like the answer.
"There's only 30 of us left unfortunately." Jill was more than a bit deflated at the news. A great warrior race like the Ancient Folk pushed to the edge of extinction. She still remembered the days of the 'Island of Xeon' bustled with hundreds of Ancient Folk and Norma. "I had to build a new army if we were to defeat Embryo." Jacob revealed. "Even if that meant turning to the very people we thought would never be anything other than enemies."
"Hold on. Are you saying you've found others like Gaz?"
"Yes. Most of our army consists of Mana Humans and Norma. Some came to us in secret after losing loved ones that were Norma. Others we showed them the truth of this world and they joined our cause. Though Gaz was the first to do it, telling his story helped to inspire those to jump over to our side."
"So, they finally realized their perfect world is nothing but a lie." Jill chuckled bitterly as she lit a cigarette. "But what's stopping one or a few of your so-called army turning against us when Libertus begins?"
"Look I don't blame you for not trusting Humans." Jacob agreed. "But those who saw the truth, they have a reason for turning against their own. Some are married to Norma and have both Mana and Norma children." Jill let out a puff of smoke.
"Well, Human, Ancient folk or Norma, it doesn't matter. We have the pilots for Villkiss and Siegfried, that's the most important thing."
"That's something I wanted to ask." Jacob said, his voice rife with concern. "Tusk has been in contact with us, and he said Gaz's kid is the one piloting our machine. They met last week when the Princess was stuck on his island. If the kid is at Arzenal, then what happened to Gaz? We've tried to contact him but haven't picked up any answers from him."
"It's because he's dead." She stated. No sense being diplomatic about it at this point. "The Humans found him and Cal about 10 months ago. Gaz gave his life to keep Cal safe."
"Damn it!" Jacob rubbed the side of his head, feeling the same loss as Jill did to the man who saved their lives. "He was a good man. If it weren't for him, we'd all be dead that day."
"His death and his duty will not be in vain." Jill vowed. "Cal has proven time and time again he's capable of being the Knight of Villkiss."
"I hope for Libertus' sake your right about this. Honestly, I'd rather Tusk took up the role but even he says that boy is better suited, so I won't press the issue. It's the Princess I'm worried about. I assume you've told her everything. About this world's true history. About Embryo and the other Ragna-mails?"
"No, she's not ready and neither is Cal." Jill revealed. "He only knows about the past alliance between Arzenal and the Ancient folk and Libertus."
"What!" Jacob said heatedly, shocked that Jill was withholding this crucial information from the chosen pilots. "You expect them to fight without knowing the whole truth. Especially the Princess? She needs to know everything Villkiss is capable of."
"She's not ready yet." Jill repeated firmly. "Ange is undisciplined and rash. You know as a leader the importance of patience and subtlety."
"What about Gaz's kid?"
"I had my reasons keeping THAT away when I assigned him to Siegfried. Cal has been through enough as it is. Revealing all of that would have broken him. I made sure to kick him back up without overwhelming him with too much information. I owe it to Gaz to make sure he survives no matter what. Even if it means keeping the truth away from him."
"I don't know what your intentions are, but I don't like it." Jacob said sternly. "Those two deserve the truth."
"I'm doing what must be done. So don't you tell me what they need to know!" Jill warned.
"Keep telling yourself that 'Alektra.'" Jacob said sternly, emphasis on her name that made Jill feel a stab of annoyance. "Look I'm not questioning your methods. We all do what we have to do to keep the people we care about alive. But you can't do this without us. You know as well as I do, Libertus is going to need all the Para-mail pilots it can get, Human or Norma, if we are to succeed."
The rest of the call proceeded without further disagreements, mostly checks on the Auora and an update on Tusk who would contact Arzenal very soon by messenger raven. No doubt Jasmine would have a heart attack when she realized it was him. Jill was also pleased to hear that the old geezer Hosea and Captain Zolton's twin children Lucas and Lucia survived as well. Once all was said and done, the two leaders saluted to each other as the video call ended. Now it was time to let the rest of her inner circle know the situation.
Before Jill could relax and let the overwhelming situation sink in, there was a knock at her door. "Come in." Jill called and Jasmine entered looking feverish. "Jill, I think you're going to want to look at this." She brandished a small piece of rolled up parchment and a letter. "A Raven arrived, one with red markings." Jill smirked knowing, the only person to own such a Raven. Hosea. "They're…they're alive!" gasped Jasmine.
Momoka sat on the edge of Cal's bed, waiting anxiously for Lady Angelise to return from battle. Her mistress had been gone for almost three hours now and the maid was becoming extremely worried. Finally, the door opened and she almost leapt into the air seeing her Princess alive and well. "Lady Angelise, I knew you'd come…" Momoka stopped abruptly seeing that her Princess looked depressed, her hair disheveled. "Lady Angelise what happened? Who pulled your hair?"
"It doesn't matter, it's my problem to deal with." Ange said gloomily.
"Please Princess if you're having any troubles you can talk to me." Momoka clutched both her hands onto Ange's. "This is my last night here. You can tell your head maid anything."
"You're not going home tomorrow." Ange told her. "They've allowed you to stay here for another 2 weeks." Ange gave a slight pause. "If you want…" said Ange slightly embarrassed, "…you could…serve me as my head maid again if you really wanted."
"I can serve you at your side?" This sudden news made Momoka's face burst with joy, her eyes overflowing with happy tears. "Oh, Lady Angelise I'd love to!"
"Ange…" her lips murmured. "My name is just Ange."
"Yes…yes Lady Angelise."
Ange facepalmed but her and Momoka were interrupted by Cal who marched in looking irritated, only to halt in surprise seeing his room was back the way it was. "Did you do this?" he asked. Momoka approached Cal timidly and bowed her head.
"I'm really sorry Sir Cal." She murmured. "My behavior was unacceptable, and I apologize for not respecting your property and feelings." Cal froze in a mixture of surprise and amusement but sighed as he rubbed the back of his head.
"Look don't worry about it." He told her. "I'm sorry for grabbing you like that last night." Momoka smiled back, appreciating his apology. "But please, don't call me 'Sir', it's just Cal." He then remembered the reason he came to his room and turned to face Ange. "Ange what's going on with you? You could have gotten yourself killed. Why did you charge into the hoard like that?"
"Does it matter?" Ange replied. "If the DRAGONs are dead there's no harm done."
"Ange, I know working alone is your thing, but keeping all that money for yourself? Something is going on and I wish you would tell me because no normal person does that without a reason."
"I'm just…there's something I need to buy. And I'm going to need all the money I can for it." Cal eyes narrowed with suspicion, but he didn't press the issue. Meanwhile, a back-and-forth battle was going on in Ange's head. She was bursting to tell Cal the truth about Momoka's borrowed time, but she didn't want to push this burden on him too. 'I'm sorry Cal but it's better this way. Everyone hates me regardless; I can't let them hate you too.' Thankfully, there was a light knock at the door and Cal peered out to see it was Salia.
"Jill wants us in her office asap." She whispered.
"Hey where are you going?" Ange questioned, only to grimace in disgust when she saw Salia. "Again! Can't you keep it in your pants for more than five minutes you pervert!?"
"Hey it's not my fault I'm the only guy on Arzenal." Cal snarked before shutting the door
"Not anymore." Salia reminded him. "At least some of the girls are off your back since the Corporal arrived."
"A pet boar doesn't count."
By 10:30 everyone in Jill's inner circle arrived at her office without attracting any attention. And when Jill told them about her chat with Jacob, everyone was in a deep state of shock that more Ancient Folk had not only survived Libertus' failure but had found more Norma sympathizers like Gaz.
"To think they were alive after all this time," Jasmine smiled. "We're very lucky to have more comrades on our side. I never thought Jacob of all people would step up to being a leader."
"So, who's this Jacob?" Cal asked.
"Jacob was one of our frontal line lieutenants during Libertus." Maggie answered. "The last we saw of him was when he returned Siegfried to Arzenal. We all assumed he'd died when he returned to the Island of Xeon to help the rest of our comrades still fighting the humans."
"That's not the only good news we have today." Jasmine announced. From her jacket pocket, Jasmine pulled a note and began to read aloud. 'I'm at the southern border of Galia, but I am yet to find any new allies who will join our cause. I will continue my search in Misarugi. Once I get intel from my Uncle Jacob and the Sanctuary, I'll update you as soon as possible. -Tusk.' The older Norma gave an amused chuckle. "Well how about that, the little brat is still alive and kicking." Jill gave a satisfied smile and Cal felt glad that Tusk was going to be fighting by their side. Salia put her thumb to her chin as long buried memories came rushing back.
"Wait, Tusk is…" The Island of Xeon and all the Norma and Ancient Folk. "He's the son of Siegfried's original pilot?"
"If he's smart enough to fix Villkiss, we've got a good ally on our side." Cal commented knowing firsthand how well Tusk could fight.
"Wait how do you know him?" Salia asked.
"He and Cal got acquainted with each other last week when Ange was recovered." Jill informed everyone. "I told him to keep it secret so as to not attract any attention from the Inspector."
"Who would have thought he'd be the one to rescue Ange." Maggie mused.
"So wait!" Mei piped up. "The guy who repaired Villkiss is the knight's son you keep mentioning? But didn't you guys say he was the one who Siegfried belonged to?"
"Not anymore." Jill corrected. "He gave up that right a long time ago, so it doesn't matter if Jacob and the rest of the ancient folk don't like it. We now have everything we need for Libertus." Cal felt Jill was being quite harsh towards their rediscovered allies but he himself wasn't about to let Siegfried go himself, so he went along with it. "Jasmine, keep up communications with Tusk. We need to know everything about these Humans in their ranks." She then turned her attention to Cal suddenly. "On a related note, what's this I hear from the Inspector that you poisoned the Corporal?"
"I have no idea what you're talking about." said Cal in an innocent tone that deceived nobody.
"Something about you spilling potato chips."
"Oh that. The Inspector must be imagining things. Besides I ate them, and I wasn't poisoned." Jill raised an eyebrow but decided to let Cal off. Not because there was no actual evidence, but because to her it was Karma for how the Corporal forced her to carry his suitcase when he first arrived. Everyone including Jill seemed amused by this except Salia. The rest of the meeting proceeded until Jill came on to the topic of Salia's report.
"So, what's the problem?" Jill asked and Salia straightened herself up. "You want to take Ange off of Villkiss?" Cal eyes snapped apprehensively to Salia.
"What?" he asked.
"Now that she's gotten good with it, her ego's getting out of hand." Salia urged, hoping Jill would hear her out. "I'm worried that she'll put the whole squad in danger with her selfishness. So I'm proposing…"
"I'm proposing as Captain, it's your job to keep that from happening and to make it work." Jill interrupted. Salia looked at her alarmed. "I have upmost faith in you." Jill's lip curled into an unsettling smile. "So make me proud, Salia." Jasmine and Maggie exchanged uneasy looks by Jill's attitude and even Cal's patience was running thin with Jill.
"Take these." Jasmine whispered handing Cal a pair of keys to one of the spare rooms as the meeting ended. "I think she needs to be alone with you tonight. She's not looking too good." Everyone quietly filed out until the two were left. Jasmine as it turned out had some unfinished business to discuss with Jill. "Wouldn't it not be suitable to rely on Jacob for intel? He is their leader after all." Jasmine suggested.
"I don't trust him or the Humans in his army." Jill said defiantly. "Gaz was a good man and one of the few good Humans I've ever known. But I refuse to believe that so many of his kind turned over like he did."
"Gaz always told me that you need to see the best in people even when they change." Jasmine told her. "I had Mei encrypt the numbers on the parchment. It's a link to a private video room."
"Jacob mentioned he had other hidden bases stationed around the Seven Nations." Jill noted. "Looks like this is a way for him and his trusted Captains to share information together."
"Well, it won't hurt to at least speak to them." Jasmine advised before leaving. Jill sat irritably in her chair thinking the situation over. That was the last thing she wanted to do. But the Norma couldn't take down Embryo and his lackies on their own. Even if she didn't entirely trust Jacob or his human allies, their goals were the same. Jill pressed her cigarette into her ashtray and smirked. 'Besides if the worse comes,' she thought, 'we could use his group of humans as a decoy. It might be fun to watch their own kind rip each other apart.'
"I don't know what to do Cal." Salia sighed. "I've tried everything, and I can't get Ange to listen."
"I don't know what Ange is playing at." Cal rubbed his throbbing temple. "Why would she suddenly want to keep all that money for herself? I've never seen anyone charge into battle like that. Almost as if her life was dependent on it."
"Because she's selfish that's why!" Salia said heatedly. "I've had enough. If she doesn't follow orders, I'll have no other choice than to take Villkiss away from her." Cal was taken aback by this. Although he agreed Ange needed to be punished, taking Villkiss away was a bold but risky decision to make.
"I don't think that's the right move Salia." Cal advised, then finally voiced what was on his mind. "I don't understand this fixation you have on Villkiss. Why would you want to put a ban on Ange piloting it? Especially when we need both of them for when Libertus begins." Salia gave him a severe look.
"Because it's the one machine that Libertus depends on. What else am I supposed to do? Ange is way out of control and could damage it beyond repair." She felt a tinge of guilt as she wasn't entirely honest with Cal when it came to Villkiss.
"I don't know what can be done with Ange." Sighed Cal. "But you'll find a way, you always do." Salia's expression softened knowing Cal was coming from a genuine place as the pilot of Siegfried and Villkiss' knight to ensure Villkiss' protection. But someone like Ange didn't deserve to pilot Villkiss or have a protector like him. She had to show Jill she made the wrong decision and prayed she'd have a second chance to prove herself.
"Just forget it." She decided. "You're right, I'll have to find a way eventually."
"You know, you look kinda cute when you're flustered Salia." Cal teased. "Why don't you release some of that stress tonight." Salia didn't even protest or slap him for that as she was feeling rather pent up. The second Cal closed the door Salia leaped onto him causing the two to fall on the bed as Salia smashed her lips onto his and began to remove his cloths in a frantic rush. "Woah, slow down Salia." Cal laughed nervously, surprised by her aggression. But Salia burst open her tunic and kissed him fiercely again, her tongue battling for dominance until Cal gave in and let her have her way with him.
Far away from Arzenal, isolated from any inhabitant cities or villages, deep inside the forest mountains of Velda and Rosenblum, 'APEX' base was beginning to blossom anew. Lucas, his sister Lucia, and 10 soldiers, had almost transformed the place that was once struggling and now beginning to shine.
Inside the busy stone Cafeteria, the children and elderly of the base were the first to eat with a much bigger meal than normal, even if the food was the usual rations. Lucia sat at a large wooden table helping a feeble old Norma by spoon feeding her a bowl of trout, frog and wild onion stew.
"You've been a big help since you and your brother arrived." She complemented Lucia. "Thank you for helping an old bat like me."
"Don't be silly." Lucia said with a warm smile at the elder woman. "Everyone here deserves support." The happy atmosphere quickly wore off as the big brute Finn stomped into the cafeteria like he owned the place, butting in line between a young boy and tiny girl, filling himself a bowl of stew.
"Hey I was next!" The tiny girl wined.
"You'll get your food soon after I'm done." Finn ignored her, his bowl so full that bits of stew spilt from the edge of his bowl.
"My sister was next, get in the back of the line." The young boy yelled at Finn.
"You better watch your mouth runt." sneered Finn. "Or you'll be next on the hunters list for tomorrow's supper." The boy responded by kicking Finn in his shin, but this had little effect to a fully grown man. "You want to do better than that if you want to be a hunter one day."
"Finn why don't you grow up and show a better example instead of thinking about yourself!" Said Lucia furiously.
"I've done my hard days' worth of work and I don't need some big tits pretty girl to dictate what I do." Setting down his bowl, Finn got in her space and smirked arrogantly. "Why don't I show you a good time. You seem a little on edge." Lucia was about to headbutt the disgusting pig in the face when suddenly, Finn was grabbed and slammed face first into the table with a hard thud. Finn stumbled to the floor covered in the boiling hot stew and saw through his blurred vision Lucas standing over him.
"Don't EVER speak to my sister like that!" Lucas snarled down at Finn. "And you'll fucking wait until the children have filled their bellies!"
"You little punk!" roared Finn as he scrambled to his feet, his face red from the hot stew. "That's it! I'm kicking your ass!"
"No one's stopping you." Lucas growled as he advanced on Finn. The two men stood face to face, so close their noses almost touched. Then from behind Finn's shoulder the rest of his gang of hunters stood behind him. "What are you waiting for? Your boyfriends? Take your hit hotshot. "TAKE IT!" He snapped making the hunters back off uneasily.
"You better watch your back boy." Finn threatened before being beckoned away by his gang.
"Wow Mr. that was amazing." beamed the young boy who looked up to Lucas star struck as Lucas knelt to pat the boy on the head.
"You're really brave standing up to your sister. She's lucky to have you." The rest of the cafeteria stared at Lucas as if he was a heroic savior, amazed by how he dealt with the local bully.
"Finn thinks he's so clever." Lucia grimaced. "That pig needs to learn some humility."
"Ignore him." said Lucas. "We've both dealt with worse."
"Is that guy still on your mind?" Lucia held her brother's hand seeing that all too familiar serious look he had.
"I can't get it out of my head." Lucas sighed, his scar tingled thinking about THAT monster, the same one that ordered the slaughter of the children of the Galia falls. The same one who gave him his scar. "I'm just worried I won't be there to defend Sanctuary if it got breached."
"Don't worry about it." Lucia reassured her brother. "The Sanctuary will never fall with Captain Jacob and Hosea running defenses. They're the best leaders we have."
"Right." Lucas smiled back finally able to take his mind off it as the two went their way to train the younger recruits.
"Unbelievable!" Inspector Bronson's voice screeched throughout the entire Cafeteria. Every Norma turned their head to watch as Momoka was serving Ange her homemade soup. "A human becoming a Norma's temporary servant! Momoka, you do realize this is an abomination don't you. If anything she should be serving you!"
"Just ignore her." Ersha told Cal who was clearly annoyed by the Inspector's rants.
"Honestly where does that…" a quick kick to his shin from Salia cut him off before he could say what he wanted'… "'woman' get off calling us abominations?"
"Be careful." Ersha hushed. "The Corporal is sitting right there." She pointed at the officers table where a sour looking Corporal Lawrence was eating veggie bacon and an unsweetened grapefruit due to his diet. He shot a nasty look at Cal, clearly outraged he managed to dodge punishment for giving him the shits. Cal waved back mockingly, his face gleeful with triumph. Even though the Inspector and Corporal knew he did it, there was no logical way they could prove that he did spike the potato chip.
"What's the Inspector's deal?" said Vivian. "She should be happy for 'Momo'. Now she gets to stay with Ange longer. I'm sure gonna miss her when she leaves next week. She's so funny, don't you think big bro?" Offhandedly, Vivian gave him a slap on the back and Cal flinched, still feeling the scratch marks Salia had given him a few nights ago.
"Yeah…she's not so bad after all." Cal winced.
"That's the spirit big bro." Vivian said happily when she suddenly noticed the dreary expression on Ersha's face. "Hey what's eating you?"
"Well the Festa is only 3 weeks away." Ersha answered. "The kids can't wait but I'm afraid I won't be able to afford anything for them."
"What's the festa?" Cal asked, intrigued enough to stop eating.
"Oh that's right it's your very first." Ersha said cheerfully. "It's the only day the Norma are allowed to take the full day off from duties. I still have to pick out my bikini. I don't know which…"
"They have the most amazing food and games!" Vivian interrupted. "It's the best day in the world with all you can eat grilled squid, burgers, BBQ ribs, spicey turkey legs…" Ersha put her hand across Vivian's mouth to stop speaking because Cal looked like he was about to drool all over the table.
"That's awesome, I was wondering why Jasmine was stocking up all those bikinis at the mall." His face then changed to a pale blue. "No wonder the girls wouldn't stop pestering me during my shift today."
"What happened now?" Salia questioned.
"They offered to buy me some swimwear. Most of which were tiny speedos." Cal grimaced. "You wouldn't catch me dead in those things." Ersha and Vivian both roared with laughter, Salia however glowered at Ange.
"Well, none of us will be able to buy anything or take part in the activities if we can't afford it. No thanks to Ange." She pointed out. "What am I going to do with her?"
"Question is, what can you do?" Hilda said as she approached with Miranda, Chris and Rosalie. "No matter what punishment you throw at her, she's got the money to bail herself out. Just face reality, it's pointless."
"What's your point?" Salia bit. Hilda leaned behind Salia and whispered in her ear.
"Leadership, persuasion, perception, aren't you a bit lacking as a leader." Salia's hand gripped her fork tightly and it began to bend, her face going slightly red. "If it's too much I could always take over for you as Captain." Without a word Salia jumped to her feet and waked away.
"Will you give it a rest Hilda." Cal told her. "Salia's under enough stress as it is and you're not exactly helping."
"Not my fault the truth hurts." Hilda mocked. "Besides you should be just as pissed at Ange as the rest of us."
"Yeah, well you four aren't any better going off on your own during combat." Cal scolded. "We can't have the squad divided because you and Ange won't listen. The whole lot of you need to cool it."
"I'll cool it when the queen of skanks drops dead." Hilda said loud enough so Ange could hear, but Ange ignored her.
"I don't have time for this," Cal groaned. "For once just put your pride aside and start working with us. I told you already I don't want anyone else to die. Including you and Ange." Hilda's cheeks went slightly pink but she quickly turned away so Cal couldn't see.
"Whatever." Hilda dismissed.
"Are you blushing?" Chris snickered.
"Shut up!" Hilda hissed.
From the other table, Ange's stomach felt it was about to sink from guilt after overhearing Cal's words. 'You're always looking out for us, even me, despite the way I treat you.' She desperately wanted to tell him of her situation, but she vowed not to have Cal bare this burden. But it almost brought her to tears with gratitude that he was still looking out for her.
'They're all so selfish!' Salia fumed as she stormed down the hallways in a rage. 'I never chose to be Captain.' The overwhelming stress and tension were becoming too much for her to the point she and Cal were having awful sex. She felt guilty since Cal tried his best, but she couldn't find any pleasure since Ange came back to Arzenal. 'I have to try something else.' She decided and headed to Jasmine's mall which was slightly busier as the girls were picking out their bikinis for the Festa. With them all distracted, now was the best time to talk to Jasmine alone in private.
"Hey Salia, what can I get for you?" Jasmine offered. Salia handed Jasmine a larger stack of cash than usual.
"There's um…something I want to order." She murmured. "Something private." Jasmine raised an eyebrow. She had thought Salia had outgrown that old hobby of hers now that she had Cal. Oh well, cash was cash, and it wasn't any business of hers.
"You can use the one at the far left." Jasmine beckoned.
"No not that." Salia corrected her facing going even redder. "I need to order this." She handed Jasmine a note and Jasmine nodded in response.
"I'll do my best to keep this under wraps." She promised.
With March finally here and the cold winter air fading into the early warmth of spring, Ersha made sure to get the kids as much as possible outside during their free time to simulate their brains. Now that spring was here, Ersha thought it would be a good time to start regrowing some fresh produce in her private garden and was more than happy for the kids to help by turning it into a game. "I hope I grow the biggest tomatoes." Abigail laughed sprinkling the soil with the hose.
"My carrots will be as tall as a Para-mail." cheered a girl with orange twin tails.
Watching them Ersha felt slightly guilty but didn't give up hope that when the Festa arrived she'd be able to afford something special for the kids. Dressing up as a life size Perolina would make it the best day of their lives. That was all she wanted. To give them a happy childhood until they were sorted into their roles when they came of age. 'Poor Miranda, she always used to laugh and play like they do. Now she rarely smiles after Coco's passing.'
Once the sun began to set and the kids finally tucked into bed, Ersha went to tend the infants on the other side of Arzenal, but Miranda still preyed on her mind. 'I must find a way to make her happy again.' Losing a close friend who was like a sister was something she experienced when she was Miranda's age, almost bringing her to tears thinking about Ann. Wiping her eyes Ersha took a deep breath, not wanting to look sad in front of the assistant nursery staff. To her surprise she saw Ange and Momoka were helping with the babies. Especially Serra who was whining fussily in Ange's arms.
"What's the matter with Serra?" Ersha asked taking the baby in her arms and noticing her cheeks were very flushed.
"We don't know, she's been like this for two hours." said Ange with a frustrated tone. "She won't stop crying. She's not hungry and her diaper is clean. We've tried everything and nothing works."
"What's going on in here?" Everyone turned to see Inspector Bronson and Corporal Lawrence standing at the doorway. "Aren't the babies supposed to be asleep now?"
"It's Serra, she won't calm down Inspector." Ersha explained rocking the baby lightly, hoping this would ease her. To their surprise, Corporal Lawrence stepped forward and put his large hand across Serra's forehead.
"She has a temperature." He said with a frown. "How did any of you do not realize that?"
"Are you sure?" The inspector said, taken aback by her bodyguard's concern for a Norma of all things.
"Trust me, I know Ma'am." He insisted taking the baby away from Ersha who was reluctant to hand Serra over but the way he handled her was surprisingly gentle. "We better get her to the Infirmary, she's burning up." Five minutes later Inspector Bronson, the Corporal, and Ersha took Serra to Maggie's infirmary who was surprisingly sober for a change.
"Poor little one." Maggie cooed. "Let's see what's wrong." Maggie carefully took Serra from the Corporal's arms and Ersha glimpsed at his hands that were shaking slightly, almost if he was reluctant to let Serra go. "Poor dear, she has a high fever." Maggie confirmed checking Serra's temperature with a digital thermometer.
"Will she be, okay?" Ersha worried.
"She'll be fine, but I'll keep her here overnight to treat her." Maggie told them and ordered Ersha to bring her crib.
"Well, that's good news at least." Inspector Bronson commented.
"Nice to see you care." Maggie teased with a wide grin. "Are you planning on having kids of your own since you have a man in your life now?" Emma's face turned white as a sheet.
"Knock it off!" Inspector Bronson hissed. Once Maggie dismissed them, Ersha glanced back at the Corporal who was still peering through the glass at Serra. On the way to the infirmary, she had glimpsed the edge of his eyes behind his black sunglasses and what she saw forced her to stifle a gasp. He was sad, almost like he was longing for something that was lost to him. 'Why do you look so upset?' Ersha wondered.
(One week later)
Sweating and panting until her lungs burned Miranda concentrated with all her might to finish off the Galleon and final three Corvettes in her simulation training and passed with a 96% accuracy. Vice-Captain Hilda's training was paying off well, but only made her resent Ange more by the fact she was stealing all the kills.
"You're improving well newbie." praised Hilda, patting Miranda on the back. "I must say I like the new you. Red goes well on you." She admired Miranda's new cherry red and violet plug suit, but this compliment didn't seem to lift the recruit's spirits. "Hey what's the matter, you think I'm doing a bad job?"
"No Vice-Captain!" Miranda blushed. "I just…I've never killed any other class other than a Schooner no thanks to Ange." She said bitterly. "At this point I'll be at the bottom of the food chain." Despite Hilda's best-efforts to cheer her up, Miranda's sour mood didn't improve after their post training shower when Ange tried to pull her aside for a private chat.
"What do you want?" Miranda scowled.
"I know we haven't talked much lately, but I want to make things right with you." Ange said carefully. "I don't blame you for attacking me last week. I'm really sorry for what happened to Coco. I know what it's like to lose someone you love."
"I don't care!" Miranda spat, the hatred bubbling to the surface. "You could apologize forever and it still won't bring back Captain Zola OR Coco! So just leave me alone!" Tears rolled down Miranda's face and Ange reached for her.
"Miranda." Ange tried to say, but her hand was slapped away.
"Just stay away from me!" Miranda rushed to her room not wanting anyone to see her break down. 'What is wrong with me?' She thought as she slammed the door shut. 'This isn't me. I never used to be this angry.' It was if she was finding more excuses to hate Ange just to have something in common with her squad mates so she wouldn't be alone. But at the cost of pushing away the people who were trying to look out for her. She reached under her bed and held the packaged lilac and indigo pilot suit that was meant for Coco. 'I wish you were here Coco, you always knew how to make me happy.'
What would Coco think if she saw her now?
"Shh there you go." Maggie soothed cradling baby Serra whose head rested peacefully on Maggie's shoulder. Her fever had finally gone down and was a bustle of energy in the infirmary to the point Maggie had to keep the nursing staff from holding her as it distracted them from Charlotte who was still recovering the loss of her arm. "Now aren't you a cutie." Maggie pinched the baby's nose who laughed happily. "Your very lucky to have so many big sisters to look over you in this hellhole." She said softly. During the first Libertus before she was head doctor she often treated and looked after the infants alongside another girl named Vanessa. How she longed for a chance of having a child of her own back when they had contact with the Ancient Folk.
"You're really good with her." said a voice from the door and Maggie saw it was the Corporal. "I assumed that you wouldn't have a gentle hand after the way I've seen you treat your patients." Maggie gave a bemused smirk at the large man's sense of humor.
"I'm not all bad. I just like to release some tension." The nursing staff and Charlotte grimaced. "Where's the Inspector?"
"We have separate duties at the moment." Corporal Lawrence answered. "I'm to observe the classrooms. But first I'm taking Serra back to the nursery."
"Well be gentle with her." Maggie cautioned, not trusting a human to handle a baby Norma. But as he took Serra from her arms, his large powerful hands were so tentative, and Maggie felt her heartbeat faster as his hands brushed hers.
"You did a great job taking care of her." Corporal Lawrence said and everyone stared in astonishment that a human was complementing a Norma.
"Thank you handsome." Maggie purred as he departed. 'What is this feeling?' Maggie put her hand to her chest as her heart wouldn't stop thumping loud. It was a feeling she hadn't felt in 10 years.
Now that APEX base was getting back on its feet, Captain Harper could finally take a moment to relax. Thanks to Lucas, Lucia and their comrade's assistance; the sickly had been treated with the right medicine and almost everyone went to bed with a full stomach.
"I never thought I'd see the day when this place would shine back to its glory days, before the Princess was exposed." Harper sighed. He and Lucas were sharing a drink in the Command office overlooking the landing bay.
"At least the non-combatants will be okay for a little while." Lucas said. "Hopefully it won't be long until we have Arzenal behind our backs. I just hope Jacob's got a plan to convince Alektra."
"Don't worry about that." Harper reassured. "Jacob is smart. Plus Hosea always has his ways of finding common ground between two groups." After his chat with Harper, Lucas went down to one of the storage rooms to better organize it and hopefully keep his mind off of Gaz's kid piloting Siegfried. But that man, the one with the orange flamed eyes still played on his mind like a never-ending nightmare. 'I won't let you hurt my people again.' Lucas vowed clenching his fist. Suddenly, the sound of a loud clang caused Lucas to wheel around in alarm. Standing at the now locked door of the storage room was Finn and his gang of hunters. "Something I can help you with?" he asked.
"Just stay right there," Finn snarled, cracking his knuckles as a few of his lackeys charged their hands with the Light of Mana. "It'll make it easier beating your face in." Lucas snorted with disdain and shed his jacket to toss over a nearby crate.
"I was hoping you'd be smarter than this." Lucas warned. "But I guess there's no cure for stupid other than a good beating."
Cal found it very hard to avoid any of the girls during his shift at Jasmine's mall that day. Every minute they ambushed him, begging him to wear whatever swimwear they offered to buy.
"Girls will you stop disturbing my staff!" Jasmine's irritated voice screeched, making them all scatter. "Just buy some trunks now. It will save yourself the trouble." She advised Cal who was eager to get away when Jasmine's temper was tested. "Hey, don't try the bikinis on in the open. Wait in line!" She cried as she ran over with the death stick in hand. As Cal stocked up the last of the gifts, he felt a tug on his sleeve jacket. To his relief, it was Salia who looked rather nervous. "Hey Salia, I'm just finishing up. Do you want to hang out afterwards?"
"Yes…can we go to your room soon for…some stress relief." said Salia shyly. "There's something…I have a surprise for you."
"My room? What if Ange or Momoka comes in."
"She won't, she's busy with Momoka." From the other side of the mall Cal saw Ange was picking out a few clothes for Momoka. In the past few days, Ange had for some reason sold her old bed and replaced it with a dual level bunk. As for why Cal had no idea. Even if it made their sleeping arrangements easier, the maid would be gone in a few days anyway so he really didn't see the point. Now it looked like she was buying the maid some sleepwear. And judging by the line of girls leading to the changing rooms, the two of them were going to be kept occupied for quite a while. So Cal quickly packed up the boxes into storage and he and Salia left without the crowd noticing.
"So, what's this surprise?" Cal asked excitedly once they arrived in his room.
"It's a secret but you'll love it." Salia insisted. "Could you turn around for me."
"Urm ok…" said Cal turning away to face the bared window. Behind him he could hear Salia open his closet and take out something. Next the sound of tearing cardboard followed by Salia wince. "Oh no."
"Salia are you…"
"Wait don't turn around yet!" She shrieked. Now panicking inside, Cal was at a loss as to what Salia had planned. Finally, after a few more seconds and more awkward silence she finally spoke. "I'm ready." Cal turned around and felt his cheeks burn as his eyes widened. Standing in the middle of the room, Salia was wearing a tight black leotard with a white cotton rabbit tail at the back, a white collar and red bowtie, dark transparent stockings, red high heels with ankle-straps and a pair of white shirt cuffs. On her head, she wore a black headband with black rabbit ears. However, it looked like Salia had ordered the wrong size as her bust didn't fit the chest area that left a considerable amount of space which she tried to cover.
"Well…erm…you look…" Cal spluttered, the blood rushing to his head. "Why are you dressed like that?"
"This is so embarrassing." Salia sulked covering her face with her hands, everything she had hoped for in this moment was now ruined. "I'm so sorry Cal. I just wanted to impress you."
"What do you mean?"
"I know my breasts are small and that my body is not as sexy as the other girls. I just thought that this would make up for that." Salia felt as if the whole world was crashing down on her. But to her utter surprise Cal didn't look disappointed at all.
"Yeah well so what?" Cal asked. "I don't care about that." Salia felt his hands cup her cheeks and gently lift her gaze back up to her. "It doesn't matter to me what size your breasts are or if you're in a costume or plug suit Salia." said Cal gently. "I think you look fine just the way you are."
"You…mean it?"
"Have I ever lied to you? Why compare yourself to the other girls? They have their good points and you have yours. It doesn't make you less sexy. Just sexy in your own way." He then grinned cheekily. "Besides, I think you've got the best ass and legs on this base." Salia cried a little as she wiped her eyes and managed a smile.
"Pervert!" she half sobbed before she leapt forward and hugged Cal tightly, her slender body pressed against his as her leg moved in between his. "Woah? Salia what are you…?" One hand reached underneath his tunic while the other opened it up to expose his firm chest. "Wait!"
"Cal, take off your clothes." Salia said quietly, the beam of light from the sunset making her look radiant. Cal obliged and Salia bit her lip lightly seeing his now toned muscular torso that was riddled with scars. "I…I never noticed before…but you've changed so much." She brushed her fingers across his six pack. "Hold me Cal." The two embraced and Cal looked into Salia's beautiful bronze eyes, and his stomach gave a weird lurch as though he missed a step going downstairs. But this warm feeling, it was something he hadn't felt in a long time, since…Naomi. But this time the grief didn't feel so heavy and crushing anymore. "I'm so happy now, because of you." Salia smiled as she leaned in towards him. "Thank you."
"That's a relief." Cal whispered back before losing himself in Salia's deep kiss. It was sweet and passionate, and Cal dipped down to kiss her neck. Salia let out a soft moan as she gripped the back of Cal's hair, then froze as if her entire body had shut down. Staring back at her from the corner of her eye was Ange who stared at them for a few seconds before she shut the door.
"What's wrong?" Cal asked as he felt her start to shake. "Salia what's…?" But Salia was too numb with humiliation to answer and sank her teeth into his shoulder to Cal stifle her scream. 'She…she saw us.' She dreaded. 'What if she tells everyone?' She imagined Hilda and her gang in fits of laughter.
'Who knew our prim and proper Captain was into such kinky stuff.' Hilda mocked. Then she pictured the disappointment in Jill's face when she found out. 'There's no choice, I must stop her.' Salia vowed.
"Ow Salia! Teeth! Teeth! Teeth!"
Wanting to forget the awkward scene she walked in on, Ange decided to take a bath. "Is that comfortable Milady?" Momoka asked as she scrubbed Ange's back.
"Yes, I'm fine." Ange answered. 'Honestly, he's such a pervert. Couldn't he at least leave a sign out?' At that moment the sliding doors opened, and the two girls turned to see Salia. She had changed back into her uniform and she looked livid.
"Um, is something wrong?" Momoka asked just before Salia pulled her knife and lunged for them.
"You're dead!" Shoving Momoka behind her, Ange grabbed a nearby wash bucket and managed to catch the knife on its basin.
"What the hell's wrong with you?!" Ange yelled.
"You saw me you have to die!" Salia seethed, her eyes shining with killing intent.
"I didn't tell anyone!" Ange cried as she blocked Salia's swipes
"How do I know you won't!" Salia snapped, her knife hammering on Ange's makeshift shield
"Who do I hang out with besides Cal?! What you do with him is none of my concern!"
"None of your concern!?" Salia shrieked, the repressed tension and frustration boiling over. "All you ever do is cause me trouble and you say it 'doesn't concern you'!?" In the midst of their struggle, Ange lost her footing and grabbed onto Salia's jacket, causing the two girls to fall into the onsen.
"Lady Angelise!" Momoka gasped. Ange shot to the surface in a sputter, her hand still gripping Salia's tunic that had been torn open as the two still continually tried to kick and punch each other.
"First I was forced to be Captain!" Salia raged. "No one listens to me! You take Villkiss away from me and now you saw me like that!" Her hand accidently grabbed Ange's left breast and Ange in retaliation ripped open Salia's tunic exposing her bare chest. "It's all your fault!"
"My fault!" Ange argued back when the door suddenly opened and Cal walked out with Vivian and Ersha.
"Oh my goodness!" Ersha gasped. Momoka shrieked in horror as she tried to cover herself from Cal.
"Hey, hey, Hey!" shouted Cal who jumped into the onsen to split the two girls up, only to find himself under attack from both sides as Ange and Salia continued to punch and swipe at each other. "Knock it off! Break it up!"
"Um, maybe we should help him," Momoka suggested.
"Well." Ersha mused as she reached into the shower. "The least they could do is clean up afterwards. Catch ladies." A pair of scrub brooms were tossed towards Ange and Salia which they then used to whack and parry each other like in a kung fu movie.
"Ersha!" Cal cried as she along with Vivian dragged Momoka away. "Woah watch where your hitting!" he yelled as one broomstick struck his hip.
"You watch your hands buddy!" Ange yelled as she whacked him on the head for accidentally grabbing her breast.
"Cal you pervert!" Salia cried as she slapped him. Finally, Cal knocked the broom out of Ange's hand and grabbed her around her waist so he could drag her out. However, her wriggling around like an eel caused them both to fall against Salia as all three vanished underwater and an agonizing howl shook the entire base.
Following the roar of pain, the Inspector and Corporal walked in on an unpleasant scene and dragged Salia and Ange to the Command Centre while Cal had to go to the infirmary. "You Norma are always unruly but this is a new low!" Inspector Bronson shouted herself hoarse. "I expect a 50-page apology by tomorrow morning from both of you!"
"And you both will split the cost to cover Cal's Day out of commission since its your fault he's injured." Added Corporal Lawrence, who was still disturbed by what he saw. Ange and Salia reluctantly saluted, shooting each other nasty looks.
"I'm very disappointed in you Salia." Jill glared.
"It was an accident." Salia mumbled.
"I didn't do anything." Ange said with a sneeze, feeling her cheeks starting to burn up.
"Both of you, get out of my sight." Jill growled. As the two girls left, Emma shook her head and rubbed her temples.
"I still don't understand how they managed to jab the broom up…"
"I don't even want to know!" the Corporal Lawrence shuddered. When Ange returned to her room, she was dreading talking to Cal who laid on his stomach. Momoka had a special tube of cream that was from the infirmary and she was helping tend to Cal's injury.
"Ow, ow, ow, careful!" Cal griped.
"Cal please stop squirming," Momoka begged as she tried to apply the ointment. "Maggie says it will help you heal."
"Quit being a baby." Ange grumbled. "It wasn't that bad."
"What do you mean it's not bad?! I'm not gonna be able to sit down for days! DAYS!"
Wiping the sweat from his forehead Dutch let out an exhausted sigh while Jeffry lay heaving on the floor, blood dripping down his chin from his split lip. "Looks like your training is paying off boy." Dutch held out a hand to assist Jeffry to his feet. "But you lower your guard when you manage to get the advantage."
"I'll keep that mind." Jeffry said. "By the way Commander, when is our next operation for flushing out the underground?"
"Once we have their location. We just have to let Jadis work on the prisoner a bit longer." Dutch told him. As if on cue, who else should call but his second in command. "Speak of the devil. Jadis, what have you got?"
"Some good news." Jadis answered through her Mana screen. "The Norma you sent me, we got her talking once we threatened to rip out the filth in her womb. Breaking a pregnant Norma is a lot easier than I…"
"Yes, yes, just get to the point Jadis." Dutch cut her off. Jadis sent him a map where a large red circle marked a section of the forested hills and mountains between Velda and Rosenblum. "Looks like their base is inside those mountains." Jadis informed. I've already had my sources scan out the place with cloaked Mana drones and we've found entrances made from reinforced steel doors."
"Is there anyway we can get in without drawing attention?"
"It took some time, but I finally got the Norma to talk." Jadis lips twisted into a disturbing smile. "She said there is a power grid in the mountain's base. Once shut off, the doors will open."
"So we have to get on the inside before we can clean the place out." Dutch concluded. "I'll contact you once I have everything prepared. Send me all the intel you have." Jadis ended the call and Dutch rubbed his chin thoughtfully. 'How are we supposed to get inside the place without anyone noticing?' he wondered, just as he received another call from his assistant Ms. Yung-Si.
"Hello Mr Villson, we've picked up another confirmed Norma from Misarugi. We're currently transporting her to the airfield to be shipped off to Arzenal." Then it came to him.
"Belay that. Instead, keep the Norma at the airfield. I've got a better use for her."
"I'll let the NMB know right away sir." Ms. Yung-Si said as she hung up.
"Commander?" Jeffry asked as Dutch turned to him with a grin.
"Pack your things soldier. I have a mission for you."