Chapter Seven
A Fated Partnership
As my fingers stroked away at the keys on my keyboard, I slowly drew near completion on an after action report from one of my last missions for Chaldea. Glancing down at the clock to see how long I had been at it, the time read 12:06 PM on 11/28/2020. I was working on two years at being at Chaldea Security Organization and it was still a mystery as to why I did what I did, it was only a little over a year ago that I learned that magic even existed. Now I spend my days playing soldier for this organization I've never even heard of. I was a Mechanical Engineer, not a soldier. I dealt in Science and Mathematics, not magic and things that should be impossible. This is never what I wanted to be doing with my life. Yet here I was. "I should have never listened to Lawrence back in College. I should have just waited the Market out..." I murmured. Just as I murmured that a file was slapped down in front of my face on my keyboard. "Hey!" I exclaimed as I looked up to face the culprit. "Oh Commander Anderson!" I exclaimed as I saw the commanding officer of my section standing over me. Anderson crossed his arms as he looked down at me. Anderson was an older gentleman from the United Kingdom, he and I got along pretty well together. Anderson never told me much about himself, but he was as normal as a guy as one could find around here. A lot of the people at Chaldea all came from prestigious mage families going back hundred of years and were versed in magic that was beyond my comprehension or skill level. Anderson and I seemed to stick out from the rest of the crowd as we were outsiders who acted like the men using matchlock rifles when Automatic rifles existed, everyone seemed to ruffle their eyebrows at the thought of not using mage craft to solve all our problems, but seeing as how Anderson was in charge nobody was given a choice. Which was fine in my book since I already preferred using guns.
I looked down at the folder on my desk which had a red seal around it, breaching the seal with a knife I looked back up at Anderson. "So what exactly is this?" I asked.
"Just read it before you ask any questions, okay. I know how inquisitive you can be." Anderson replied. I could only sigh as I looked back down at the folder and flipped open the folder beginning to read its contents. As my eyes ran down the paper my mind raced with questions. It wasn't until they reached the end of the last page did I finally open my mouth.
"Respectively speaking, what the hell is this Anderson? I never signed up to take on a partner!" I exclaimed as I threw the folder onto the corner of my desk.
"You're an officer Christopher, it's your responsibility to train new recruits and show them the ropes." Anderson replied. "A Fresh batch of recruits came in from training. So as a Veteran member, you along with all of the other officers are to take one on and train them." Anderson went on. "Also ever since that incident in Greece, it came from the Higher ups that no one is allowed to operate without a partner watching their back. So get used to it from now on." Anderson said and I rolled my eyes.
"One chick gets killed and everyone loses their minds! It was her fault anyway for being reckless. If she had been more careful she would have completed her operation without any trouble." I said throwing my arms behind my head.
"It's easy for you to say that not being in her shoes." Anderson said. "Now Orders are Orders. So quit your complaining and get ready for the new recruits to arrive. You'll be assigned your partner when they arrive." Anderson explained.
"I don't suppose you know who I'm going to be stuck with?" I inquired with a raised eyebrow.
"I won't be the one who's doing the assigning." Anderson responded. "So let us hope for your sake you are not partnered with a posh Mage from a prestigious family." Anderson chuckled.
"Yeah no kidding, I am the worst possible person to be teaching anybody anything." I said as I grasped my knees and pushed myself up. "I would likely learn more from the recruit than I would teach them." I added and this only caused Anderson to chuckle even more. "This is so stupid..." I thought to myself.
"Well you've survived this long and made your way to Officer so you must be doing something right." Anderson said as he patted me on the back.
"Yeah right, more like dumb luck carrying me this far. I should have died in training with that one dubious teacher..." I murmured as I passed Anderson by, hearing only chuckling from behind...
Fifteen minutes later.
I stood with my back against the wall near the entrance to the Security Department, waiting for these new recruits to arrive. I crossed my arms with anxiety plastered across my face to anyone who looked at me.
"Anderson must I really take on a Partner? I'm the wrong person to be teaching someone anything about magic." I asked as Anderson stood a few meters away from me with his hands behind your back.
"Quit your whining Christopher, I told you that every officer will be taking on a partner so it's not like you're being singled out." Anderson said as he turned to face me. "And you won't be teaching them magic; they've already been taught magic by the Mage Association and have had combat training. This is more kindle too a senior police officer taking on a junior police officer. You both watch each others backs and you teach him or her the ropes to this job, along with any valuable skills or lessons you might have to offer them." Anderson said and I could only grumble. "You never know, you might end up liking your partner so quit your grumbling." Anderson added. I mentally sighed as I looked down at the ground; bringing my hand up to my face I rubbed my eyes.
The sound of several pairs of footsteps caused my head to shoot up and I felt as I was jerked forward by Anderson to stand in line with the rest of the officers of the Security Department. I straightened out my suit jacket and my tie before I put my hands behind my back. Glancing to my right I saw several familiar faces of my fellow colleagues, all of them officers, but then again everyone in this department was a veteran member and officer as we had no new members since me and my group had first started working here. I returned my gaze forward to see a woman enter the room. She wasn't part of the security department as she was wearing that bland white outfit that one saw in Dystopia movies. The gaze behind her black rimmed glasses was cold and lifeless at best. Her brown hair was up in a ponytail and if she didn't seem like such a lifeless automaton she would have actually been pretty cute. Following in a single line behind her was several young men and women wearing the same Black and white Chaldea Uniforms. "God I hope they aren't as all lifeless as that lady is." I thought to myself as I gripped my hands tightly. The people who had followed the woman took their place across from us in a line. The woman leading the group stood in front of them and then turned around the face the members of the security department, looking us over she appeared to be judging us silently. The woman eventually made her way to the side of the two and stood in the middle.
"Commander Anderson." The woman spoke up. Anderson departed from my side and made his way over to the lady.
"Yes Jeanette I'm here." Anderson said as he strode up to her. The woman adjusting her glasses looked down at her tablet with an unamused expression permanently glued to her face.
"As per orders of Director Animusphere, the newest members of this Security department have arrived to bolster the Security and safety of Chaldea Security Organization and its members." Jeanette said before she looked up. "These members have been handpicked for this department after completing their required combat and magic training. I'm sure you'll find some of the best mages of our generation in this group." Jeanette said. "I highly doubt that, why the hell would some of the best mages come here in the middle of fucking nowhere to guard a base in the arctic and occasionally conduct operations in the outside world, which usually just involved murdering someone for doing something that is frowned upon." I thought to myself.
"I'm sure they will be; now you have the pairings on your tablet I assume." Anderson inquired.
"Yes that is correct; the pairings were made ahead of time based on recommendations to us so we might pair your staff members up with the right people to achieve the best results" Jeanette said. "If you'd like we can begin the pairings right now."
"Just let me say one thing before you begin." Anderson said and Jeanette nodded her head. Anderson took a step forward and glanced up and down both the rows. "Alright everyone I'm sure I don't need to repeat myself to all my veteran members of what is about to transpire and the new system being put in place. For you newcomers welcome to Chaldea Security Organization, you are about to be partnered up with your permanent partner here at Chaldea. They will look after you and teach you the ins and outs, so be respectful and pay attention." Anderson said. "Now then let us not waste anymore time. Anderson said looking over his shoulder at Jeanette. Jeanette nodded her head and stepped forward with her tablet in hand.
"Alright then. I will call your operating number so when you hear it please step forward, the operating number called afterwards will be your partner." Jeanette explained. "Once that is done please step up and greet each other before returning to your respectful position. Once we have finished pairing everyone up, officers, your new partners will be in your hands from there on out." Jeanette said and began calling out people's numbers. "Who am I going to get stuck with..." I thought to myself as my gaze went up and down the row. Everyone single one of the persons across from me must have been in their early twenties, I wondered if any had completed college and joined that dubious recruitment program like me or if they came from the infamous Mage Association. Would they really come from a prestigious Mage family, not that I really cared about so called nobility... or would they just be a regular person like me. As my mind wandered about who I could possibly be partnered with, I was brought back to reality...
"TK-3812 step forward." Jeanette said. I shook my head and straightened out my tie as I stepped forward. "TK-3812 you will be partnered up with TK-3814." Jeanette said as she glanced down at her tablet. "TK-3814 step forward." Jeanette said, my eyes scanned up and down the aisle. Everyone in the recruit line seemed to be doing the same as I was as individuals looked up and down their row. It was then when a figure emerged from the line of people and made their way over in front of me. The person standing in front me had a small figure, and they stood beneath me at around five foot four or five foot five if I'd have to guess. I couldn't see their face as they had their head lowered and the hood from the white Chaldea hoodie over their head.
"TK-3814 pull that hoodie down, its rude." Jeanette said as she walked over and pulled the figures hoodie down.
"Alright Sheesh, keep your skirt on Lady. I didn't know our robot overlords would be so demanding." The voice behind the hood exclaimed as their hood was pulled back. Under the hood was a woman with dirty blonde hair, on the browner side, with bangs down her sides and hair up in a bun. The room exploded with laughter as everyone couldn't help but break out chuckling, while I did my best to hold my composure. Geez who exactly did I get signed up with...
Jeanette let out a low grumble as she gave piercing eyes to everyone.
"Everyone quiet down!" Jeanette barked. The chuckling died down for fear of incurring the wrath of the automaton. Jeanette redirected her gaze towards the young girl standing in front of her. "And you TK-3814, I would punish you for your disrespect, but you are no longer my problem." Jeanette scoffed. "Now introduce yourself to your Partner so we can both be rid of each other."
"Nothing would please me more." The girl murmured underneath her breath. The girl turned around to face me and I straightened up as her gaze was now on me. The girl seemed to look me over with her hazel eyes and I felt as sweat rolled down the back of my neck. Then a smile formed on her lips, and I could not tell if it was disingenuous or genuine. The girl raised her hand up and gave me a respectful salute. "TK-3814 reporting for duty, I look forward to working with you Sir." The girl said.
I returned her salute before I responded. "Likewise, please trust your life in my hands." I said as I dropped my hand to my side, the girl closed her eyes and seemed to smile brightly at me as she cocked her head. I extended my hand, the girl opened her eyes and looked down surprised. After a moment she grasped my hand and we firmly shook. "I promise to do my best to watch your back and teach you all you need to know."
"Thank you." The girl said with another bright smile. Once we finished our handshake we returned to our positions in our rows.
"Alright then moving on." Jeanette said as she adjusted her glasses up onto her face. Jeanette continued reading off peoples ID's numbers and pairing each other up. Meanwhile I stood there with my thoughts. "It seems like I've been paired up with quite the troublesome girl, but she did seem genuine in her words to me." I thought to myself as I glanced at the girl who was standing at her position staring absentmindedly towards Jeanette. She must have noticed that I was staring at her as she met my gaze and gave me yet again a smile. I averted my gaze away in the direction of Anderson and Jeanette...
After the pairings had finally reached its conclusion the Chaldea employee departed at breakneck speed out of the Security Department. The rows broke down as the recruits found and linked up with their respective partners. All the other officers appeared eager to show their new partners around the facility as they funneled out of the Security department, I however went in the opposite direction as I returned to my desk.
"Shouldn't you be finding your partner? She might get swept away in the wave of people." Anderson said as I passed him by.
"If she's smart she'll make her way to me." I replied and I heard Anderson let out an uh huh from behind. I made my way back to my desk and I swiped a chair from one of my colleague's desk, bringing it into my cubicle. I set my rear down in my chair and faced my computer, tapping a button on my keyboard the computer screen lit up once more and I returned to work on my after action report.
"Hey!" A voice came from my side and I glanced to see the girl standing over me in the entrance to my cubicle.
"Oh good, there you are." I said.
"Yeah here I am! No thanks to you, after you didn't even bother to come and get me." The girl exclaimed.
"Yet you will still able to make your way to me, so that at least means you're somewhat capable on your own." I said with an amused smile. I heard as the girl let out a sigh and plopped down in the desk chair resting her head down on the back of the chair.
"Mmmm... I don't have to wear this stupid uniform anymore do I?" The girl asked and I chuckled.
"No you don't, nobody wears those uniforms except those weirdos in the other departments." I replied and the girl chuckled in response. I heard as she pulled down the zipper on hoodie and pulled it off tossing it onto my desk. Out of the corner of my eyes I saw that underneath was a black turtleneck and around her neck was a necklace with a cross. I returned my gaze to my computer screen and finished the remaining sentences of my report, after spell checking it I clicked send and it was off. I closed out of my email and swung around to face the girl, resting my arm on my desk I looked the girl over. She had a very young looking face, but did not possess the body of a child as the rest of her features were... Mature. However nowadays I couldn't tell if that meant anything with the way women were growing up.
"Are you sure you're old enough to be working here? You didn't sneak in did you?" I inquired. As soon as I finished my question a vein popped on the back of the girls head and she gritted her teeth.
"YES I AM!" The girl exclaimed shaking her fist at me. "For your information I happen to be Nineteen!" The girl said placing her hand on her chest proudly. I sat there scratching my cheek. "Yeah I guess she does look Nineteen. It's just that her face seems so young." I thought to myself.
"Alright, Alright. I'm sorry." I apologized.
"Apology accepted." The girl replied.
"Now then I assume you don't wish to call each other by the ID numbers Chaldea gives us." I said and the girl nodded her head. "I'm Christopher, it's a pleasure to meet you." I said extending my hand. The girl looked down at my hand and grasped it.
"I'm Raelin, and despite your rude question earlier, it's a pleasure." Raelin said shaking her hand.
"So Rae may I ask where you're fro...?" I asked and just then I felt her grip on my hand tighten.
"What did you just call me?" Raelin exclaimed as yet another vein popped on her head.
"I said Rae...!" I replied in agony as her hand was crushing mine.
"Don't call me Rae! I don't need a nickname when Raelin is literally only six letters long! Are you so lazy that you can't say a six letter word?" Raelin exclaimed.
"Ah! Alright, Alright! I'm sorry Raelin! It won't happen again, so please stop crushing my hand!" I said as I patted Raelin's hand. Raelin released the grip on my hand and I retraced it too my side and shook it in the air before grasping it. Raelin crossed her arms still looking at me irritated from earlier. "So Raelin, where are you from? Your accent sounds a little bit... Southern United States." I asked once more.
"And so does yours." Raelin replied. "Except yours has been buried beneath a mix of other accents." Raelin added and I rubbed the back of my neck.
"You could say that perhaps a long time ago somewhere down South was my Birth place." I said.
"Well then I could equally say that somewhere down south I too was born and raised." Raelin said. Raelin's southern accent was far more heavier than mine, but it had a charm to it. "I'm just glad that I've been partnered up with another American, it's been ages since I've even seen an American! Everybody at the Mage Association was some pompous Brit, some European, or someone from Japan." Raelin said and I couldn't help but chuckle.
"I'm glad you're an American too, it was starting to get lonely up here being the only freedom lover." I said and Raelin began to chuckle amused. A few moments passed us by before Raelin spoke up once more. "So shouldn't this be like when you as my senior officer give me like the "talk"" Raelin said adding finger quotes around talk.
"Well... I don't know what there is too talk about? I'm kind of new at this." I said rubbing the back of my neck. "I mean what do you want to know? Have they informed you about what Chaldea is about?" I asked.
"Of course I know what Chaldea is about, I didn't choose to come work here by accident!" Raelin replied. "Chaldea Security Organization is a research and development organization that studies some aspect of mage craft." Raelin added. "Well that's more than I knew when I started working here, but then again I still don't know very much." I thought to myself with a mental sigh.
"And yet here you are working in the Security Department." I pointed out.
"Well I didn't want to be a research, because... Because that stuff is boring. I wanted to use my mage craft for fighting and protect the facility. They mentioned that the Security Department conducts missions and operations!" Raelin exclaimed with raised fist.
"Well it's true that we conduct operations, which usually consist of investigating incidents involving mage craft and killing some rogue Mage risking the knowledge of mage craft being exposed to the outside world..." I said running my hand through my hair. "We're not going to be doing any operations anytime soon." I said and a frown formed on Raelin's lips.
"Why not?!" Raelin exclaimed.
"Because I want to know what you're capable of before I even consider letting you out on the field with me." I said and Raelin furrowed her eyebrows.
"What do you mean? I'm more than capable!" Raelin exclaimed. "I have plenty of experience in the use of mage craft." Raelin added.
"It's not mage craft I am referring too. Nothing they teach you at the Mage Association can prepare you for actual field combat." I said as I pushed myself up out of my chair. Raelin's eyes followed me as I stood up and looked down at her. "Come on, let's go." I said as I walked past Raelin out of my cubicle.
"Some equal partnership this is..." Raelin murmured as I heard her stand up and follow behind me.
"It isn't, I'm the Senior officer and you're the junior in this partnership so that means you follow my orders." I said and I heard Raelin grumble as she reluctantly followed behind me.
Several Minutes Later
"Where are we going?" Raelin asked as I heard her boots clicking behind me.
"I told you. We're going to see how capable you actually are." I replied and more grumbling was heard from behind me. Raelin and I walked down the halls of Chaldea passing by employees, we exchanged greetings as we passed by.
"So long have you been working here?" Raelin's voice asked from behind and I looked over my shoulder to see Raelin with her arms behind her head looking at me.
"I've been working here for around two years." I replied as I returned my gaze forward.
"Hmm so are the benefits Chaldea Security Organization offering you any good?" Raelin asked and I once again glanced over my shoulder at her.
"What do you mean? You should already know what benefits they offer you, they tell you during the interview." I said and Raelin tilted her head.
"Yeah I know, but they told me that I don't start getting any until I've worked here for at least half a year." Raelin replied. That must have been something new, they didn't tell me that when I started working here. "And as someone who's been working here for awhile, I wanted to know if the benefits got better with time." Raelin added.
"Well I mean yeah, the pay is good and steadily increases the higher up the ranks you climb. They offer you good healthcare coverage along with free health services on base, and you get paid vacation and sick leave." I replied as I faced forward.
"I see, guess I'll just have to wait to see how mine is." Raelin said. "So tell me, do you reside stateside or do you live here?" Raelin inquired.
"I reside stateside when I'm off work." I responded. "I'm already here long enough as is, so why on earth would I want to live here?" I said and Raelin chuckled amusingly. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Raelin emerge on my left side as she matched my pace, walking side by side with me.
"So where exactly do you live?" Raelin asked.
"Stateside." I replied and Raelin ruffled her eyebrows.
"I know you said stateside, but where exactly stateside." Raelin asked once more.
"Somewhere north stateside." I said.
"That's not very specific!" Raelin exclaimed and It was my turn to chuckle amusingly.
"I'm not going to tell you my address if that's what you're hoping for." I said and Raelin looked up at me unamused.
"It's not like I'm going to come and dox you, idiot." Raelin said and I looked back at her. "Anyways does it snow here often?" Raelin asked her eyes shifted to the passing by windows.
"Pft! Yeah it snows here like almost every day! We're in the Arctic Circle you doofus, this isn't exactly Florida." I said and Raelin narrowed her eyes at me.
"I know that." Raelin grumbled.
"Why do you not like the snow?" I inquired.
"No it's not that, I do like snow!" Raelin exclaimed. "Where I lived it was always hot and humid." Raelin added. I knew what she meant, it was always in the upper 90's where I was born and some days it was so hot that it looked like heat was rising from the asphalt. "Do you not like the snow?" Raelin asked bringing me out of my thoughts.
"What!? No I love the snow!" I exclaimed, I don't know why I had got so defensive all of a suden, but I'd be damned if someone said I didn't like snow. I came to a stop before turning around to face Raelin. "Well we're here." I said and Raelin looked up and down the hallway. I placed my hand on her head and turned it to face the opening in the wall which lead into a room.
"Oh!" Was what escaped from Raelin's mouth. "That still doesn't tell me where we are? Or why?" Raelin said as she redirected her attention towards me.
"We're at the Chaldea Security Organization Armory." I said as I slid my hands into my pockets. "Now come on and let's go inside so we don't block the hallway." I added as I stepped inside the corridor.
"Okay sure..." Raelin said and a few moments passed and no footsteps were heard behind me so I turned around to see Raelin staring off down the hallway fixated on something.
"Raelin!" I exclaimed her name. Raelin appeared to either not hear me or ignored me as I called out her name. I peeked my head out and looked down the hall in the direction she was facing. Nothing was down the hall as it was completely deserted. My gaze returned to Raelin whose mind appeared to be elsewhere. "Raelin come on, I don't have all day." I said as I placed my hand on her shoulder and lead her into the room.
"Yeah alright." Raelin said as she dragged her eyes away from down the hall. "I just swore that I saw a pink haired girl..." Raelin murmured.
"Pink haired girl, don't be ridiculous Raelin. I've never seen anyone with pink hair in my entire two years working here." I said as Raelin walked past me into the armory. I couldn't help however but glance down the hallway myself to see myself, but as I expected no one was even in the hallway. "Pink hair isn't even a naturally occurring hair color..."
Raelin and I approached the counter to the armory and I leaned against the counter facing Raelin. Raelin seemed to pay me no mind as she stared intently passed the bars into the armory. Raelin seemed to have a twinkle in her eyes as she looked into the armory.
"Hey Raelin, don't drool over the counter." I said.
"Huh?" Raelin murmured as she faced me. Raelin must have come to her senses just then as she rubbed her mouth and the counter with her sleeve. "I wasn't drooling!" Raelin exclaimed.
"Mm hmm, whatever you say." I said. I pounded my fist down on the counter and called out. "Hey Eisenhart you didn't die back there did you?" A moment passed by before a grumbling was heard and an older man in his Late Thirties approached from the other side of the counter. The older gentleman approached the other side of the counter and stroked his black beard.
"And you haven't gotten yourself killed on a mission yet?" Eisenhart retorted. The two of us stared at each for a few moments until neither one of us could hold it in anymore and started laughing. "It's good to see you Christopher!" Eisenhart said after our laughter finally died down.
"It's good to see you too Eisenhart. " I replied. "How have you been?" I inquired.
"I've been good, just been minding my own business as usual." Eisenhart replied. "So what about you, last I heard you were on a mission." Eisenhart said.
"I was, but I wrapped it up a few days ago and recently I've been just writing after action reports and doing the follow up process." I said leaning forward on the counter.
"What was it this time?" Eisenhart inquired.
"Nothing big this time, just some arrogant guy who was using magic to rob banks. He managed to steal a few millions before the Mage Association finally picked up on the suspicious circumstances and had Chaldea investigate it." I said. "He was a bit of a tricky bastard, tried to pull a fast one on me, but his legs didn't run as fast as his mouth." I said amusingly.
"And the results?" Eisenhart asked as he stroked his beard.
"One crippled man delivered to the Mage Association." I said with a smirk and Eisenhart nodded his head in approval. "So then who is this lassy who is salivating over my counter?" Eisenhart inquired as he turned to face Raelin. Before I could even respond Raelin quickly wiped her mouth with her sleeve and puffed out her chest.
"I am Raelin! And I was not salivating over your counter you old man! Your ailing eyes must just be seeing things!" Raelin exclaimed and I was about to scold Raelin for being so rude, when Eisenhart burst out in laughter.
"Oh ho ho! Aren't you the feisty one!" Eisenhart said with a hearty laugh. I sighed and slumped against the counter as I scratched my head furiously. "Do you know this Lass Christopher?" Eisenhart asked.
"Unfortunately yes. This is my new Partner." I said as I held my face in my hands.
"HEY! What is that suppose to mean!" Raelin barked as she pointed her finger at me angrily. Then Eisenhart broke out in a hearty laugh again interrupting Raelin before she could release anymore anger built up on me.
"So you finally got yourself a partner eh? You two seem perfect for each other." Eisenhart said chuckling. "So what can I get you today? Or were you trying to make me jealous with your new lady friend." Eisenhart said and I scooted forward closer to the center of the counter.
"Yeah. I'm planning on getting her out on the range, so I need to get her a weapon." I said leaning forward with my arms crossed on the counter. "I was thinking since this will be her first time that we should start off with a lower caliber. To probe her abilities and skill." I said as I glanced back at Raelin who was looking at me with narrowed eyes. "Also because she has a smaller frame I was thinking it would be best to give her a more smaller handgun to fit in her hands." I said.
"HEY! Just because I'm smaller than you doesn't mean I can't handle a more powerful round." Raelin snapped and I glanced at her as she glared at me angrily.
"That's more than likely true, but I still think we should start off small." I said and a low growl emitted from Raelins lips as she crossed her arms. "Eisenhart can you go get my M9A3? I think I'll start her off with that one." I said and Eisenhart nodded his head as he pulled out a piece of paper and pen, pushing it towards me before he disappeared. I clicked the pen and started fillig out the paperwork.
"I can handle a more powerful round." I heard Raelin mumble.
"Stop whining, you're acting like a child." I said as I kept my gaze in the paperwork. A few moments passed before Eisenhart returned, I pushed the paperwork towards Eisenhart and Eisenhart pushed a black polymer gun in a holster towards me in return along with a box of ammo.
"Thank you Eisenhart." I said as I grasped the gun and box before I turned around heading off to the left. I heard Raelin's rushed footsteps behind me as she caught up with me.
"Wait where are we going now!" Raelin exclaimed.
"You two have fun!" Eisenhart voice came from behind, followed up by some more chuckling. Raelin and I continued walking off to the right passing by some windows until we reached a door. Next to the door was a table with several earmuffs and glasses. I picked a pair of earmuffs up and glasses off the table and tossed them to Raelin. Raelin was taken aback, but caught them in her hands. "At least you have some sharp reflexes. So you've got that going for you." I said amusingly as I opened the door for Raelin. Raelin grumbled as she put the glasses on her face and ear muffs around her neck before she walked passed me into the shooting range. I put on my own safety protection before I followed in behind Raelin closing the door behind me.
Inside was a well lit range stretching as far back up as 300 meters. The shooting range was divided up into eight firing positions for people to shoot from and some benches were against the wall in the rare case that the range was packed. It was well kept and clean, thanks to Eisenhart and mages aversion to Firearms. I walked up to one of the dividers and placed the holstered gun and ammo down on the table. I turned around to face Raelin who had her arms crossed as she looked at me, still apparently annoyed by my comments from earlier.
"What are we doing here at a Shooting range?" Raelin inquired.
"I care little for your skills you as a mage. I am more interested in your combat capabilities." I said crossing my arms. "Mana will run out, but your skills as a marksman will carry you further than mana ever will." I added.
"But don't bullets also run out?" Raelin asked cocking her head with a look of confusion.
"Well what would you rather be? The mage out of bullets with full mana or the mage with no mana at all?" I asked rhetorically and an ooohhhh escaped from Raelin's lips. "In my experience most mages won't have a firearm or weapon on them, and besides the only limit to bullets is how many you can carry." I said amusingly.
"That's certainly a unique way of looking at things." Raelin said.
"Now granted not every mage is going to be as wasteful as some and might catch onto you, so you shouldn't be wasteful with your bullets either, so sometimes you might need to use some clever tricks." I said. "Or put some magic of your own in play." I added and Raelin nodded her head in understanding. "However for today we will remain focused on bullets and not clever tricks" I added.
"Most mages I've talked too have never even picked up or looked at a firearm." Raelin said. "Well that's too be expected; those fucking wizards at the Mage Association look down at guns." I thought to myself.
"Here at Chaldea Security Organization, everyone is required to have extensive firearms training and Security personnel are to carry one at all times." I said. "Now then I'm going to go through the firearms safety, so listen carefully." I said as I poked Raelin in the forehead. Raelin rubbed her forehead before speaking out.
"You really don't have..." Raelin exclaimed, but it was already too late. I had started my Firearms Safety 101 course...
Several Minutes Later
"And I expect you to remember to practice safety with firearms at all times. I don't want to get my face shot off because you were being stupid." I said as Raelin stood there with her cheeks puffed out and arms crossed listening to me go on with an annoyed expression on her face. "Now that the boring part is out of the way, let's start with some practice." I said as I pulled the black polymer pistol out of its holster and held it out in my open palms. Raelin's eyes fixated on the gun with awe and I saw another sparkle in her hazel eyes. My finger moved to the ejection button and the magazine dropped into my other hand. I placed the gun back down on the counter as I began to push the 9mm bullets into their magazine. Raelin watched me intently, a little too intently might I add, but at least she was enthusiastic unlike most mages I knew. After a few moments the magazine had a few 9mm rounds inside of it and I patted the magazine into the handgun. Pulling the slide back I clicked the safety onto the pistol and placed it back down on the table. Reaching over I pushed a button on the side of the wall, a rattling sound was heard as human sized paper target grew closer to the counter.
"Alright Raelin come here." I said as I reached over and grasped her by her shoulder pulling her closer. "I've filled the magazine with 8 rounds and I want you to try and get a good grouping here on the center." I said as I circled my hand around the black center of the target. Raelin nodded her head in understanding. "I just want to get a feel for your shooting skill." I said as I turned around and grasped the pistol by its grip. Turning around I faced Raelin with gun in hand. "Alright Raelin I'm handing you a fully loaded firearm, this isn't a toy so be careful. Do you need me to show you how to operate the safety?" I asked her as I held out the gun towards her.
"I know how to use a gun, I'm an American not some sissy European who has never seen a gun before in their life." Raelin scoffed as she grasped the pistol by its grip and kept the gun pointing down. I mean that wasn't entirely true, I knew quite a few Europeans with guns of their own and trained with them.
"Yes you certainly are an American." I said with an amused grin as I pressed the button on the panel sending the target back down range. I took a step back from Raelin and pulled my ear protection on. Raelin turned around and faced down range with her gun held downwards. With one hand Raelin pulled her earmuffs on and proceeded to take a firing position. Raelin took a deep breath before raising her pistol and taking aim, I watched as Raelin's finger rested against the trigger guard. Raelin's finger inched back, curling around the trigger. Raelin's eyes narrowed as she looked down the sights and ... BAM. Raelin fired her first shot down the range and the empty cartridge hit the floor with a ding. I crossed my arms and observed her hands and feet movements as she squeezed the trigger seven more times. After the last cartridge hit the ground Raelin clicked the safety on and rested her pistol down on the table before she pulled off her ear muffs.
"Alright then, let's see if you actually hit anything." I said walking up to her and pressed the button bringing the target towards us. Upon reaching the table I examined the target closely. "It seems like you're shooting a bit to the right Raelin, do you need glasses Raelin?" I asked.
"No I don't need Glasses!" Raelin exclaimed.
"The groupings are also a little too spread out, but it does appear that you managed to hit the target with all eight rounds." I said cupping my chin. "You said you knew how to use a gun." I said turning to face her judgmentally.
"I know how to operate a gun, but I've never gotten the chance to use one much." Raelin replied crossing her arms.
"Well It's not bad for someone with little to no experience with a firearm." I said. "I mean technically when you aim for someone you want to aim over here in the right, since that's where their heart is. However for the sake of practice we'll continue to aim for the center." I said as I pulled the paper target down and folded it up. I handed the folded up target to Raelin. "Here you can keep it if you like for reference." I said and Raelin took the folded up target in her hands and stuck it into one of her hoodie pockets.
"Thanks." Raelin said. I pulled another paper target out and clipped it up before sending it back down range. I reached into jacket and pulled out my Colt 1911 and placed it down on the table next to the M9A3, Raelin's eyes following the gun the entire time with fascination. "A 1911! Well aren't you fancy!" Raelin exclaimed mockingly. "World War II called and it wants its gun back old timer." Raelin said jokingly.
"Ha Ha Ha aren't you funny." I said with a fake laugh. "Now pay close attention! I'm going to put the same 8 rounds down range and I want you to watch me carefully." I said sternly. Raelin nodded her head in acknowledgement. I pulled my ears back on and turned around facing down range. Grasping my pistol I brought it downwards before pointing it down range. "Now pay attention to how I'm holding the gun, I'm going to show you two ways that I find are the best for when getting a proper grip." I said and Raelin watched closely. "Firstly you want to make sure you have a nice firm grip no matter which stance you choose, try and make it where the gun is centered down your arm also." I explained. "The first stance is called the weaver stance, you want to take your shooting arm and hold out completely straight with your elbow locked, and then you want to grasp the bottom of your gun. This is generally how I shoot, but you may prefer the other way." I said shrugging as I lowered the pistol back down to the resting position. "Now the second possibly stance is the is Isosceles stance, this stance is where you position the firearm down the center of your body with both hands gripping your pistol firmly, in a way that if I was too look down at you it would look like your arms were forming an Isosceles triangle." I said and then proceeded to show Raelin the stance. I also showed Raelin the two different feet positions all the while Raelin paid close attention. "Alright now that I've showed you the basics, I'm going to fire my groups so put your ears on." I said and Raelin nodded her head as she pulled her ear muffs up. I turned around and took up my preferred shooting stance as I took aim down my sights. Taking a deep breath I concentrated on the target down range, my finger wrapped around the trigger. I squeezed the trigger and...
CLICK
"Whoops! I forgot to turn the safety off!" I said as I lowered the pistol.
"You idiot! Aren't you suppose to a Professional?" Raelin exclaimed angrily shaking her fist at me. I couldn't help but laugh in response which only annoyed Raelin even more.
"Even professionals make mistakes." I said still amused. "So learn my mistakes and be a better professional." I added. With an annoyed Raelin now watching me I turned around and clicked off the safety. Taking aim I wrapped my finger around the trigger and squeezed off a round, seven more rounds followed in short succession. Clicking the safety back on I placed my handgun down on the table and brought my target towards the bench. "Not bad for a "professional"." I said amusingly as I examined the tight grouping in the center of the paper. Raelin examined my target and then looked back at me.
"Yeah not bad, when you remember to turn the safety off." Raelin snickered as she raised her hand up to her mouth.
"Laugh it up some more why don't you. We'll see who's laughing in a few minutes." I said. "Fill up your magazine and take up a firing position." I said and Raelin obeyed. After a few moments Raelin was taking up stance with her gun in hand. "Now take aim as if you were going to fire, but don't actually shoot off a round." I said and Raelin nodded her head.
"Like this?" Raelin asked as she raised her pistol up.
"You need to lock your elbows Raelin you need to keep them straight." I said and showed Raelin what I meant as I stepped forward and patted her elbows. Raelin and I went back and forth as I criticized and helped her in her stance. Eventually Raelin began firing shots off range until the ammo box was completely empty.
"So how did I do chief?" Raelin asked eagerly as I examined her target.
"You're certainly improving, but I think we need to keep at it." I said. "Let me go get some more ammo from Eisenhart and we'll keep at for the afternoon." I said jerking my thumb over my shoulder and Raelin nodded her head.
Several Ammo Boxes later
Raelin placed the handgun down on the table and I pulled my ear protection off. Raelin pushed the button on the panel and brought the target towards her to examine her work.
"Well Raelin I think that's going to do it for today's training lesson." I said and Raelin turned to face me. "You didn't do too badly, but you still have some work to do." I said and Raelin nodded her head. "I think that you still need to work on your grip and keeping the gun steady." I added.
"Understood Sir." Raelin said.
"Don't call me Sir, just call me Christopher." I said scratching my head.
"Understood... Chris." Raelin said with a cheeky smile. I sighed mentally and picked the handgun off of the counter. I slid the handgun back into its holster and I held it out turned around with the grip pointing towards Raelin. "This handgun is yours now and I'm entrusting that you will take care of it. Understood." I said. Raelin's face lit up in surprise and a large smile formed on her lips as she reached out and grasped the pistol by it's grip and brought it too her body. Raelin had a stupid grin on her face like a child in a candy store.
"Thank you very much Chris! I promise to take good care of it!" Raelin said nodding her head.
"You're welcome." I said nodding my head. "You may explore the facility at your own free will." I said as I reached over and patted her on the head. "Just keep out of trouble okay, with free will comes responsibility. So don't abuse it okay?" I said.
"I won't... And if you don't mind. I'd like to continue practicing." Raelin said.
"I don't mind; if you want some more ammo just go ask Eisenhart for some." I said. "Just be careful and don't shoot yourself in the foot." I added and Raelin nodded her head.
"I understand." Raelin said. "But what are you going to do?" Raelin inquired.
"I'm going to go get something to eat and then probably retire to my room." I said.
"Where can I find you if I need your help?" Raelin inquired.
"I'll show you where my room is tomorrow." I said. "Besides I'd like one afternoon of peace and quiet." I said jokingly with a stupid grin. Raelin furrowed her eyebrows at me and I chuckled in response. "If you need me that badly you can find me in room 113." I said as I reached over and ruffled Raelin's hair. Raelin swatted my hand away and stroked her hair back into place.
"Alrighty then Chris. I'll see you tomorrow." Raelin said.
"Tomorrow we'll be really assessing your skills so you better not stay up late." I said and Raelin nodded her head eagerly. "See you later Raelin." I said turning around.
"See you Chris." Raelin said with a smile as I opened the door and headed out...
Before heading out I chatted up with Eisenhart to inform him that Raelin had requested to use the range some more and I asked if he could keep an eye on her. Upon making sure Raelin was in good hands, I headed out of the armory. As soon as I exited the Armory I made a right hand turn instead of heading towards the Cafeteria. I put my hands in my pocket as I made my way back towards the Security Department. It was a brisk walk down the halls before I arrived back into the Security department. Looking around I still found it too be mostly abandoned, everyone was likely still out and about showing their new partners around. Except for Anderson, I could see him sitting at his desk in his office behind the glass windows. "Maybe I should have stayed with Raelin a bit longer... But we spent all afternoon at the shooting range. I really shouldn't breathe down her neck." I thought as I made my way to my desk. As I approached my desk I found another folder lying on my desk, I pulled back my seat and sat down. Examining the folder I picked it up and pulling out my pocket knife I broke the seal to the folder. When I flipped open the folder I was greeted by a picture of Raelin along with a long list of information. I skimmed the first page, most of what she had already told me today. She was indeed 19 and she had been born, but her place of birth was mysteriously absent other than saying she was a US Resident, which was a bit concerning, but not all that important. As I flipped over to the next page I found her credentials and education. I examined it closely as my eyes widened a little bit.
"She studied seven years at the Mage Association." I murmured as I ran my hands through my hair. For someone to study seven years at the mage association she must be really good or failing pretty bad. However as I looked at her ranking, the latter was not the case. Raelin was ranked almost at the top of her class, not quite 1st though. My Partner wasn't some idiot like me when it came to magic; she had years of experience and training in mage craft. As I was looking her record over I felt as a pair of arms made their way around my neck and something soft pressing up against the back of my head...
"Your new partner is rather cute, seeing someone as cute as her with you makes a woman jealous." A voice whispered from behind into my neck slightly blowing on my neck teasingly.
"I don't know what you're talking about Shizuka." I said paying no mind to the white haired woman clinging around my neck as I slammed the folder shut. "Whether or not you get jealous is up to you, I do not care either way." I added.
"You're so cruel Chris." Shizuka said teasingly.
"You're the only one who tells me that." I replied as I crossed my arms on my desk.
"That's because I'm one of the only other people you talk too." Shizuka snickered and I grumbled running my hand through my hair.
"That's not true, there's Anderson... Roman... and Ummm." I said scratching my head. Shizuka began to giggle amused as I sat there scratching my head.
"I'm one of the three whole people you talk too, or make that four now." Shizuka said with a smirk.
"Whatever. What are you doing here? Besides stalking one of your former students." I said as I got up out of my seat being dragged along by Shizuka we made our out of the Security Department and down the hall with Shizuka attached firmly to my arm.
"I'm not stalking you." Shizuka pouted. "I'm merely observing my favorite student and making sure he's not doing a bad job at teaching his new partner." Shizuka joked.
"I don't need you back seat teaching. She's my partner and my responsibility." I said. "Not yours." I added.
"Hmm I wish she was one of my students. She's really cute." Shizuka teased.
"Mmm I guess then it's a good thing she's my partner and not one of your students." I said scratching my cheek. "I have to shield her from mischievous teachers who might taint them." I added jokingly.
"You had no problem being tainted by this mischievous teacher." Shizuka teased as she squeezed my arm.
"I wasn't tainted; it was more like I was the only student who could put up with you." I said teasingly.
"Hmph... So tell me about your new Partner?" Shizuka inquired and I ran my hand through my hair.
"Her name is Raelin. She's an American from down South." I said.
"Mmm Raelin? And an American at that?" Shizuka said. "I see that now I don't stand a chance against another American." Shizuka teased.
"Would you stop that." I said and Shizuka only smirked.
"So how old is she?" Shizuka inquired.
"She's Nineteen!" I spurted out and all of a sudden Shizuka raised her hand up to her head and gasped dramatically.
"Nineteen! Now I know I don't stand a chance against someone as young as her. Oh I can see it now! The older woman will be pushed aside for the young beautiful maiden!" Shizuka said dramatically as she sniffled, rubbing her eyes in a pitiful fashion.
"Just stop, you're being over dramatic, I'm not trying to date her. I'm not dating anyone!" I said. "And would you let go of my arm!" I exclaimed and Shizuka cast aside her fake sadness and a devious smirk appeared on her face as she only tightened her grip on my arm.
"If you're not dating anyone than why should it matter if you're seen with a woman grasping your arm?" Shizuka inquired.
"B-Because then people will get the wrong idea!" I stuttered and Shizuka giggled amused. I let out a groan as I smacked my forehead knowing she was getting a kick out of this. It was also becoming apparent to me that we were heading down the living quarters hallway.
"Shizuka did you come to nag me about my new partner or did you have something important to talk to me about." I inquired.
"Do I need a reason to come bother my favorite student" Shizuka said putting on some charm.
"Yes, yes you do." I replied and Shizuka pouted.
"I just wanted to make sure you looked after your new partner, Raelin is a very skilled mage. She graduated near the top of her class. However she still needs proper guidance, which is what you should be doing!" Shizuka said sternly. She was telling me stuff I already knew...
"If you knew her name, then why the hell did you ask me?" I exclaimed as I ran my hand through my hair. "Also I don't need to be breathing down Raelin's neck constantly, that's not a good way to start a partner relationship." I added and Shizuka smirked deviously. I could only imagine what dirty thoughts might be going through her head.
"Whatever you say, you're the teacher so you must know best. What would I possibly know from all my years of teaching?" Shizuka said dramatically and I rolled my eyes. "And I asked for her name because it gives me a good excuse to tease you." Shizuka snickered and I sighed. "I also wanted to see your handsome face and talk to you." Shizuka said as we came to a stop. Shizuka let go of my arm and spun around in front of me before she came to a stop, practically falling on me she laid her hands on my chest.
"More like I'm the only one you can talk too." I said jokingly. "You really should find some better ways to relieve stress than come pester me." I added.
"It's your fault for making me quit smoking. I used to never have any problems handling stress until you came along and started nagging me about my health, so you have to take responsibility and help me." Shizuka said as she ran her fingers down my chest.
"I didn't make you quit one addiction to form another." I said scratching my head as I felt my cheeks begin to fluster.
"It's not an addiction, I just really enjoy being with you. Stress relief is just a good excuse." Shizuka teased with a giggle. I felt as my face began to turn a deep shade of red. I looked around to see we were the only ones in the hallway and that we were in front of my room.
"Shizuka surely there are other men for you to talk too." I said.
"You're the only man I talk to Chris... Why? Do you not enjoy talking to me?" Shizuka said and I snapped my attention back to her. I angrily flickered her in the forehead and she pouted, rubbing her forehead pitifully.
"Of course I enjoy talking to you, I wouldn't be talking to you if I didn't." I said and a smile formed on Shizuka's lips as she giggled.
"That makes me very happy to hear." Shizuka said and I felt as her leg slowly pushed itself in between my own and my back was pressed up against my door. "You're so cute when I tease you." Shizuka said.
"You're the only person I let tease me." I replied as I cupped Shizuka's cheek. Shizuka's face flustered and she leaned in towards my face, our lips grew closer until we finally made contact in a passionate kiss. My hands began to move on their own as they made their way down her backside and underneath her skirt, I grasped Shizuka's butt cheeks and felt them up as we passionately kissed one another.
"I-If you enjoy me this much, why don't you just hurry up and marry me." I said as our lips parted ways and Shizuka burrowed into my neck kissing it.
"You'll have to propose first." Shizuka whispered into my ear before sucking on my earlobe sweetly.
"F-Fat chance. You're too troublesome to marry." I murmured as Shizuka drove her leg up into my crotch. Geez my mind is going numb already. We need to get out of the hallway. I reached over and aimlessly smacked at the door panel until I pressed the correct button on the side panel and we stumbled backwards into my room still holding onto one another. The door closed behind us as we disappeared into my room. As I did I second guessed myself, This is not the sort of behavior you'd expect from a senior officer. What would my new partner think if she saw this...?
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