CHAPTER 21

INDUCTION

As the wind blew lightly against Ange's face, her golden hair swished back as pink petals fell all around her like snow. Beneath her, the white Stallion broke into a light gallop as her younger sister Sylvia began to laugh in excitement from where she sat between Ange's arms. To her right, a dark brown shire raced past, a cocky grin on the face of her elder brother Julio as he overtook them.

"Surely you can do better than that sister." he grinned.

"Oh really?" Ange smirked back as the 2 broke off into a race.

"Go Angelise!" Sylvia cheered. "You can win this!" Ange gave her Stallion another kick as she and Julio sped off across the long grass fields. In the distance, beneath the shade of a Mango tree; their Father and Mother, Emperor and Empress of Misurugi, watched alongside Ange's maid Momoka with indulgent smiles.

Suddenly, without warning, her Stallion's shoe stumbled on an uneven patch of ground. On reflex, Ange gripped the reigns and shifted her weight to avoid being thrown off. Her riding lessons had prepared her for the unexpected but none of them had involved riding with a passenger. A sudden cry of alarm and the feel of weight shifting out of place was the only warning Ange had as she turned to see Sylvia falling towards the ground…

"Sylvia!" Ange yelled as she bolted up from her bed. Looking around her darkened room, she once again found herself in the cramped and cold quarters she had been assigned. And across the room, the male Norma was in the middle of getting dressed. Instead of his uniform however, he now wore green cargo pants with brown boots and grey elbow pads. Checking the clock on the nightstand, she saw to her confusion that it was almost 5 AM. "What are you doing?" She yawned.

"Oh, you're up." He said as he tugged a black tank top over his torso. "Good. Saves me the trouble of having to wake you."

"What are you talking about?" she groaned as she rubbed her eyes. "It's not even light out. Why are you up this early?" Remembering she was dressed in the male Norma's clothes she covered herself with the sheet, it's surface like sandpaper against her delicate skin.

"We got role call in three minutes. Then we're off for morning training." Cal told her. "So, you better get up or you'll get an earful from the inspector." Ange simply groaned in annoyance and plopped back onto the bed. "C'mon get up or you'll get both of us cleaning punishments for a week." Ange stubbornly yanked the covers and blanket over her head and closed her eyes.

"Okay have it your way then." Cal sighed. Grabbing a hold of the mattress, he tipped it over and dumped her onto the floor.

"Ow! What do you think you're doing waking a royal Princess like that?!" She snapped. Before she could scold him any further, Cal threw her a package at her feet.

"Get dressed and move," Cal said. "We've got morning training and I'm not going to be late because of you."

"I don't understand. What has this got to do with flying those Para… whatever they're called?"

"Training at Arzenal isn't just for piloting." Cal explained. "We're Norma. That makes us soldiers and we train like soldiers." Ange looked down and grimaced. She could already tell this was going to be a gruelling day. After changing, Ange tied her long blonde hair into a ponytail and followed after Cal. It was inhumane for anyone to get up let alone train at this time. As they reached topside, the cold icy wind hit Ange like a million icicles piercing her skin. Waiting for them was the rest of the squad minus the 2 younger recruits, a pile of large backpacks with full gear stacked on the ground beside them.

"Hey there sexy." Zola purred. "How's the princess been treating you? Is she as much fun as she looks?"

"Oh yeah." Cal groaned. "As much fun as the Inspector with a migraine."

"Aw if she's boring you already, you know where my room is." Zola teased pulling the neck of her tank top slightly with her finger to expose more of her tattooed breast.

"Captain!" Salia scolded. "Don't even think about it!"

"How did you find your room Ange?" Ersha asked trying to make conversation with the new arrival. "I hope you slept comfortably." Ange scowled and turned her head away.

"So, what's it like having Ange as your roommate?" Vivian asked.

"An experience." Cal admitted. "It's just an adjustment I'll get used to…hopefully."

"You never cease to amaze us." Zola chuckled. Ange however grimaced in disgust by how the Norma acted and talked about something so crass like it was normal. At that moment Miranda and Coco came running out of the base, Coco looking like she was ready to drop.

"Late night huh." Cal grinned

"I'm tired Senpai," Coco moaned, her body feeling stiff and achy.

"A lesson to be learned newbie." Zola told her. "Next time you won't make the same mistake. Alright everyone let's begin today's morning exercise." Everyone grabbed a backpack and followed Zola who took the lead. After nearly falling over from the weight of the pack, Ange grit her teeth and followed suit. The combination of waking up early and no breakfast made her even more irritable, but she was not about to let a bunch of Norma show her up.

Training began with a morning run around Arzenal's open fields and rocky slopes. Though her mind and body weren't use to being up this early, Ange managed to keep up. Despite her sheltered life as a princess, Ange was no stranger to physical exertion. Being Captain of her school's Iaria team had made her more athletic than most people gave her credit for. Still, the combination of trying to keep up with the Norma along with the weight of the backpack pushed her to her limits. Steadying her breath, Ange managed to keep a decent place behind Hilda and Salia. Up ahead, Cal and Zola broke into a competition for first place and the thought of being shown up insulted Ange's pride enough to push herself harder. Ahead, the path rose into a mud-covered hill and Ange dug in climb when suddenly, the one called Hilda, as if sensing her coming up from behind, kicked at the ground and managed to send up a patch of mud right into Ange's face. The sudden shock of impact threw Ange off balance and she slipped face first into the wet ground.

"Nice look burn princess." Hilda mocked as Rosalie and Chris snickered.

"Have a nice trip your highness." Rosalie called as they passed her.

"Your Highness, more like Princess Piggy." Chris added. 'I'll show you, bunch of filthy Norma!' Ange seethed once Rosalie and Chris disappeared over the hill. Before she could pick herself up Ange felt a small hand under her arm and saw one of the younger Norma with short green hair helping her up. "Here," Miranda panted. "Let me help you." Ange gritted her teeth and yanked her arm away as she scrambled to her feet and hurried to catch up.

"Hurry Coco!" Miranda called over her shoulder.

"I'm…coming…" Coco wheezed as she struggled up the hill. Once the run was finished, they took a short break to rehydrate.

"C'mon Coco it wasn't that bad." Miranda told her.

"Says…you…" Coco heaved as she lay spread eagle on the ground. "My legs…feel like they're…on fire." From where he sat on a large rock, Cal felt a pair of arms wrap around him as a pair of ample breasts pushed against the back of his head and the familiar scent of gooseberries and strawberries washed over him.

"You're improving, but not good enough." Zola lectured.

"I almost had you." Cal huffed, wiping sweat off his head.

"I'm your Captain, you'll never beat me until I'm cold in the ground. Though I think I might take up Scarlett's offer for a few sessions. I can't have you overtaking me anytime soon."

"Yeah, you wish." Cal laughed. "Next time you're going down." As she rested against a nearby tree, Ange almost finished off her entire canteen. This was tougher than she thought but brushed the ache in her legs aside. 'I can do this all I need is to survive until my people come for me.'


After a light breakfast, the first squad headed back topside where Ange found out training wasn't limited to exercise drills but also involved hand-to-hand combat. To her relief, despite no small amount of insinuation from Zola that she would like to be her sparring partner, Salia managed to claim her first. Though she had no experience with martial arts, there was no way Ange was going to be beaten by a Norma. And she was especially determined to get her revenge on the girl who shoved her naked into the hallway.

Cal meanwhile sparred with Hilda. Swiping her foot, the redhead hoped to throw Cal off balance, but he stepped back out of the way, weaving his head left and right to avoid her two jabs until catching her fist in his hand. Before Cal could counter, Hilda leapt up and wrapped her legs around his neck to flip him to the ground before pulling him into an arm lock.

"You give up?" She panted as she tightened her legs around his throat. "Surrender!" Cal felt the air trap in his lungs and tapped his hand on the ground.

"Not bad." Cal complimented as she released him. "Those were some nice moves you pulled off."

"Muscle and brute strength are no match for brains and skills." Hilda smirked as she stood up. "By the way, what's up with your wrist making that sound?"

"Ah it just clicks when I move it." Cal explained as he rubbed the scar that encircled his forearm. "It was almost served to the bone, but Maggie said it's fine." Hilda's mind traced back to that night when Naomi died. She had just happened to be walking by when she heard the ruckus coming from his room. She remembered her shock at finding him sitting in the middle of his trashed room, his knuckles bloody from punching the wall, and most of all how he had collapsed against her. He was so out of it he passed out in her chest and she never told him that she stayed with him all night. To her relief, he didn't seem to realize it and neither did anyone else. If they did, she'd never hear the end of it. 'God why am I thinking about that night?' She wondered as she shook her head to push it out of her mind.

"Hey what's up with you?" Cal asked.

"Nothing, I was just wondering if her royal Highness didn't give you too much trouble." She grinned as she elbowed him lightly in the side.

"Well, it was an…experience."

"Aw, did she beat you up in the night after you tried to make a move?" Hilda joked.

"I'd rather make a move on you or Sadie and that's saying something." Cal fired back. Hilda responded by punching him in the arm her face flushed.

"You shit."

"I might have to do a search on you tonight." He pressed on.

"Oh, piss off will you!" Hilda warned ready to sock him in the face when she noticed Rosalie and Chris giggling. Ange meanwhile was having less than a fun time. Despite her vow to prove her superiority to the Norma, she lost against everyone except Chris and Miranda. Even Coco had completely dominated her, knocking Ange on her rear. Then to her horror, she found herself up against the male Norma.

"Wait a minute!" she argued. "How is this fair? He's a boy and twice my size!"

"Do you think the DRAGONS are going to go easy on you your highness?" Hilda sneered. "I've beaten him more times than I can count."

"It doesn't matter if you're fighting a DRAGON that's big or small." Cal explained. "The odds will always be against us. So the only way to win is to fight dirty. Find your opponent's weak spot and exploit it."

"I couldn't have said it better myself," Captain Zola nodded. "Begin!" Cal took position and beckoned for Ange to come at him. 'Find my opponent's weak spot.' She repeated in her mind, then looked down between his legs. The idea made her blush in embarrassment, but it wasn't as if she could think of anything else. Tensing her hip as hard as she could, Ange sprang forward and kicked her leg up as fast as she could, only to find herself thrown face first into the dirt as Cal caught her foot and twisted, sending her spinning like a top before she collapsed.

"Next time," he warned, "don't telegraph your attacks."


Three days into Ange's training, she still struggled which made her mood and attitude even sourer. Though she managed to score a 67% in target practice, the recoil from the rifles made her hands sore and raw with blisters. Every night, Ange found herself unable to walk properly as she limped back to the room she shared with the Male Norma. Everything about this place she detested, especially the food. As she sat on her own, far away from the other Norma, Ange stared at the food before her with disgust. It was nothing like the delicate royal cuisine she was served back home. Someone sat down across from her and she scowled as she saw Cal perched on the opposite side of the table. Across the mess hall, the others watched the two of them with curiosity.

"You think he's trying to make a move on that bitch?" Rosalie wondered.

"Nah, Cal's not that desperate." Chris said.

"Are you kidding he's like a horny dog. He's practically slept with you all more than once." Hilda said.

"I always wondered why you two haven't done it yet." Zola teased, pinching Hilda's cheek. "He still owes you for saving him."

"Oh shut it!" Hilda warned making Zola laugh, 'One day I'll play with both at you at the same time. Better yet maybe Scarlett might join in'. She then leaned over to see what Cal was doing and to no surprise was scoffing down his food. Hilda smirked seeing Ange looking horror stricken by how Cal ate.

'Ugh what an absolute pig.' Ange grimaced. 'How can he eat like that? Well that's to expected with Norma.'

"Hey you gonna eat that?" Cal asked with a mouthful.

"I can't eat this. Isn't there anything else?" Ange pleaded.

"Not unless you want to buy something from the mall," Cal answered. "Just eat. You'll need the energy during training. And it won't help going into combat on an empty stomach." Feeling her stomach rumble, Ange took one small bite of watery mashed potatoes and grimaced, her face turning a shade of blue.

"Ugh it's awful!" She cried. "How can you eat that?"

"What it's delicious." Cal said almost spitting a little bit of food at Ange. Ange pushed her tray of food away as Cal licked his lips. "Suit yourself." He told her, helping himself to the second helpings.

"Hey, I've heard about a Norma who's more athletic than you." Ange suddenly spoke up.

"Oh, you mean Scarlett?" Cal swallowed his food. "She's captain of the second squad."

"Yesterday I heard rumours that's she's your personal trainer."

"What are you asking? Cal raised an eyebrow.

"I want to train harder and improve on my strength and stamina." Ange shooting a nasty glare at Hilda, Rosalie and Chris.

"Hey, don't overdo it, you've just arrived."

"Don't patronise me!" Ange yelled in defiance.

"Ok fine." Cal groaned. 'Shit Gramps, I know you said that this girl would need support but she's a damn nightmare.'


"7…8..." Pushing with all she got, Scarlett gritted her teeth as she balanced the barbell across her shoulders. "9…c'mon Scarlett you can do this." With one final push and a yell of determination, Scarlett rose up from her final squat and settled it on the rack behind her. "10!" She panted, her hands on her knees.

"Increased your previous high by 5kg and succeeded 10 lifts. Good work." Scarlett smirked as she heard the cheeky voice behind her and wiped her brow as she turned to see Cal standing in the doorway dressed in his gym wear.

"Explain yourself for being 20 minutes late." Scarlett scolded. Then she saw standing behind Cal was that princess newcomer with a gloomy look on her face. "Oh I see you've brought a guest." Cal beckoned her aside and the two of them stood away for a private conversation.

"Listen the princess…Ange." He corrected. "She wants to do some extra training. She's kinda been struggling with her other attributes. You think maybe you could help her?" Scarlett spared a glance back at Ange. She was a pretty little thing and definitely athletic. And like most of Arzenal she had heard the news of Ange's piloting skills. Still, she wasn't surprised Ange was having difficulty in other areas. Training for combat was a lot different from everyday civilian life.

"Well, I guess I can allow her to join in. But you'll owe me later." Scarlett accepted as she approached Ange. "Okay listen up. If you want to become stronger and progress further, then I have a few rules." Ange looked up at the older Norma. She had the same tone Captain Zola adopted whenever she wasn't acting like a heinous pervert and trying to feel up Ange's body during sparring. She had never seen a more muscular woman in her life. The closest she could compare her to was some of the larger royal family bodyguards but this Norma looked like she would go toe to toe with them and win. "Number one, no crying and complaining. If you can't handle my workout routine beat it. Two, always arrive on time, I don't tolerate slacking off. Three, don't talk back or give me attitude. Give me grief and you'll get it back with interest?" Ange simply looked at her with a cold look. "Are you deaf? Give me an answer you spoiled brat!"

"How dare you talk to me with such disrespect!" Ange snapped back.

"Oooh you shouldn't have done that." Cal grimaced, shielding his eyes so he wouldn't have to look at the positions Scarlett twisted her into.

Ange learned the hard way that workouts with Scarlett made early morning training seem like a treat. Being slender and delicate, Scarlett focused more on Ange's arms, legs and back. The combination of cardio, cycling and light weightlifting made Ange feel like she could die. And since Scarlett made Ange do an extra set if she complained, so Ange learned quick to hold her tongue.

"C'mon only three left! If you fail, you'll do another set!" Scarlett barked. In both hands Ange held a pair of 5kg dumbbells as she finished off her final set of bench presses. Her body was soaked with sweat and she felt sick from the smell of her own body. "Not bad." Scarlett praised. "You did a lot better than some of my girls did on their first try." Ange didn't reply as laid against the wall and guzzled from her water bottle. 'I thought I was gonna die. I don't know how much more can I take. This place is evil!' "By the way," Scarlett said as she turned to Cal. "How's that new machine of yours holding up?"

"I'm still trying to work out all its mechanics and abilities," Cal said. "But just flying around in that thing in the simulator gets me fired up. I want to see what else it is capable of and taking out that red bastard wasn't enough. I need to find something just as big so I can see what Siegfried can really do."

"It's a really extraordinary machine." Scarlett admitted. "I thought you were a goner until it burst into a crimson light. And the way it flew afterwards, I've never seen a Para-mail fly like that before. How did you do it?" Cal thought for a moment and was at a loss. In the moment all he thought about was living, not for himself but for everyone else who was in the sky fighting with him and everyone at Arzenal.

"I really don't know." He told her. "I didn't even realise what had happened to the armour or the boosters. I just wasn't ready to die and I was so focused on killing that bastard that killed Naomi."

"You did what you could, never forget that." Scarlett, said as she laid a hand on his shoulder. "And with that monster DRAGON gone I hope it's made them more wary of what their dealing with when it comes to us Norma."

"Speaking of that, since I gave you all some of my winnings have you decided what you're going to spend it on."

"Me and Zola have plans to have a fancy expensive meal, maybe something her highness used to eat every day." As usual, Cal's attention perked up at the mention of food. "And we were wondering- well mainly Zola-since we owe you if you would want to join us."

"Deal!" Once Ange had caught her breath, she left along with Cal. "Don't worry Ange, just keep it up and you'll get used to it." Cal assured her as Ange looked with dismay at how raw and red her hands were. 'Damn that kid.' Scarlett mused. 'He always finds a way to brighten the mood.' One thing bothered her though. 'Siegfried huh? Where have I heard than name before?'


As the week progressed, Ange trained with Cal and Scarlett everyday and found that each day grew easier than the one before. Her legs and lower back became stronger, her hands toughened, and her soft thighs toned and suppled. Ange also managed to hold her own against Salia, Chris, Rosalie and even Hilda in sparring. Zola noted her progression as Ange raced up the rope climb alongside Miranda and Coco. The girl was a natural despite coming from such a soft background. From where he did his usual lifting and light calisthenics, Cal watched as well.

"How're Ange and Coco holding up?" He asked Salia who along with Zola and Ersha observed the three recruit's progress.

"Ange has impressive stamina for a new recruit. She even managed to keep up with us during our run." Salia admitted. "But she better keep her attitude in check. Defectives like her always get themselves into trouble with the Commander or the Inspector." The horrid memories of former Inspector Jadis came rushing back to Salia and how that terrible woman would target late arrivals who denied their existence as Norma. Trying to take her mind off the unpleasant memory, her eye diverted to the muscles of Cal's arms and resisted the urge to cop a feel.

"Hey why's your face red?" Cal wondered.

"Nothing!" Salia said in alarm making Zola chuckle.

"There something you like Vice-captain?" Zola questioned as she began to feel up Cal's arms. "Nice and firm. No wonder you were distracted." She teased making Salia blush in embarrassment.

Up on the wall, Ange gripped tightly on to the rope as she finally managed to take the lead. To her right the younger girl with purple twin tails tried to catch up but she neglected to watch her grip and slipped. As if an unknown force took over her, Ange stretched her arm out to catch Coco but just like Sylvia she was too late as the young girl's hand brushed against her fingertips. Coco meanwhile shut her eyes and braced for impact when she landed into something firm but with a strange softness. She opened her eyes to see the face of Cal who looked worried and realised he had caught her in his arms.

"Nice catch. Guess you're taking officer training serious." Zola praised, finding the whole situation adorable.

"You okay? That could have been a nasty fall." Cal said. Coco stared awestruck at him and felt herself blush. He was like a knight in shining armour who just saved her like in a fairy tale.

"I'm fine Cal-Senpai." She gulped as he let her down.

"Coco are you hurt?" Miranda panicked as she ran over to hug her best friend. Overhead, Ange watched the scene in a state of confusion. 'Why did I just do that? Trying to save a Norma of all things.' Her mind traced back to Sylvia when she fell from her horse. 'No, that Norma is nothing like Sylvia.'

So then why was her heart pounding against her chest?


"The new recruit has shown incredible physical fitness, reflexes, and fighting abilities. And she's picking up tactical combat scenarios extremely well. In fact, all of her talents are above average." Inspector Emma Bronson read from Zola's report of the former Princess, which she handed to Commander Jill. Jill checked over the report and knew it had a few of Salia's touches since Zola always found reports and paperwork trivial.

"Hmm, she's got some potential." Jill commented with a smile.

"Not bad…for a Norma." Jill didn't show any reaction to the bluntly condescending tone and the two simply saluted to each other as they went their separate ways. Once Emma was out of sight, Jill headed deeper into the base where rows of Para-mail were being fixed and equipped with new weapons, armour and upgrades. Two new standard Glaives in particular were being tuned by the armourists for Ange and Coco. Though if things worked out, Ange would soon trade up for another unit.

"The Princess definitely has potential." Jill said to herself as she walked further and further into the hanger. Reaching into her cloak pocket she pulled out a silver ring with a gleaming green gem set in the centre, the same ring she took from Ange the night she arrived. "She might even become a great Para-mail pilot. That's worth recognizing." Coming to a dead end, Jill looked up at a single unit covered in a tarp. The years of it sitting idle made it age and rusted. One look at it and anyone would think it was a hunk of junk. But only a handful at Arzenal knew just how special it was. "She may be what we've been looking for all these years."


After a quick shower, Cal went straight to his room. Ange still refused to shower with him so she waited for everyone to finish which gave Cal a little quiet time as he fell backwards on his bed. A light knock on the door made Cal lean up from his pillow. "Come in." The door opened and who should he see but Ersha.

"Hey." She smiled warmly. "Are you busy?"

"Nope, just needed a little rest. All my training and Ange being a pain has taken it out of me." Ersha chuckled as she perched on the edge of his bed and patted his mattress.

"Here get on your stomach. I'll give you a massage." Cal did as she told and Ersha helped remove his jacket and tunic. "I have to admit Ange is quite extraordinary. She has no experience in anything we do at Arzenal yet she's doing rather well for a new recruit."

"If only we could do something about her attitude." Cal said, giving a sigh of relief as Ersha dug her knuckles into the muscles of his back. "Ange's pilot and shooting seemed to be her strongest attributes so at least she'll be beneficial to the rest of the squad."

"I hope so too. I'm quite surprised with Zola. She's been quite tame compared to how she used to be with new recruits."

"I think maybe that has to do with her and Scarlett are dating again." Ersha however smiled sadly at Cal. 'You fool. It was because of you. You showed her that her life meant something after all she had been through with Jadis and life here.' Cal sensed the awkward silence and looked over his shoulder at her. "What?"

"Oh, it's nothing. I was just concerned. Ange didn't aggravate you or say anything that would…"

"Nah." Cal reassured. "I've dealt with worse from Hilda when I first arrived."

"You two seem to be getting on very well lately." Ersha giggled. She knew deep down Hilda was a sweet girl and it was nice to see her show it a little more around Cal. Though she wouldn't admit it, Ersha could tell Hilda was missing Naomi too so that had helped bring her and Cal closer.

"She still has her moments, but it's nothing I can't handle." Cal said.

"She can be a nice person when she wants too" Ersha replied.

"Not as nice as you." In a burst of movement, Cal flipped over and grabbed Ersha by her back and leg, spinning her around onto her back as she let a squeal of surprise. "Now how about I give you a massage of my own." His fingers traced gently up her soft stomach and reached under her tunic.

"Nothing is stopping you." Ersha giggled, as she wrapped her arms around his neck and her legs around his waist. Ersha leaned up to kiss him though she could sense a slight hesitation from Cal. It looked like he was still hurting from the loss of Naomi. However, the moment was lost as a high-pitched shriek cut through the air. They looked up and who should they see but Ange standing in the open doorway, her hand covering her face.

"What are you doing you…pervert!?" Ange shouted.

"Have you heard of knocking?" Cal cried pulling his tunic and jacket back on.

"This is my room too!" She pointed out.

"Sorry about this Ange." Ersha apologised in embarrassment. Cal just rolled his eyes in annoyance. He had been so used to having his quarters all to himself that he forgot Ange now was his permanent roommate. 'Guess I'm gonna have to be careful from now on for some privacy.' Cal noted.

"Did you want something?" he asked.

"Yes! You said you'd show me where to get some new clothes." Ange reminded him. "I don't know how to use those silly pieces of green paper remember."

"Couldn't you maybe come back in an hour?" Cal requested, earning a chop on the head from Ersha.

"Be nice," she told him.

"I am a princess and I've been wearing your underwear all week!" Ange snapped as she stamped her foot. "Now take me to get some proper clothes now!"

"It's not what it sounds like," Cal explained as Ersha raised an eyebrow. "She doesn't have anything to sleep in, so I let her borrow some clothes." Ersha giggled and pinched his cheek.

"I know you don't have to explain yourself. You're always looking out for other people."

"Hurry up will you!" Ange demanded.

"Okay keep your panties on." He joked, Ange kicking him in the shin as they both left. Before she left, Ersha had a chance to observe Cal's latest drawings. She felt the tears well up in her eyes as she saw one of her former roommate, drawn in a way that almost made Naomi seem alive again. 'I wish you were here Naomi.' Ersha sighed. 'We miss you so much. But I know we'll be fine because of Cal. That's what you would want.'

Once Cal and Ange arrived at the mall Ange was quite fascinated by the amount of items that were displayed. Unlike the shops she frequented in Misurugi which specialized in a single product, the Norma Mall was a mishmash of everything from clothes to weapons. "So this is where you use these pieces of paper?" she asked.

"Yep just pick something out you like and we'll come to the other part later." Cal instructed. As Cal waited, he felt something hot and wet then looked down to see Vulcan licking his hand. "Hey there boy." Cal said stroking the dog's head.

"You showing the princess the goods." Jasmine mused. "How have you two been treating each other?"

"Are all defectives like her?" Cal asked, Jasmine chuckeled.

"They are a handful to deal with, but they eventually come around." Jasmine smiled as she thought back to when another princess had arrived a lifetime ago. "By the way, what have you been up to? She doesn't look to happy with you."

"Oh…um." Cal mumbled as he flushed. "She kinda…barged in at a private moment."

"Salia?"

"No…Ersha." Jasmine smiled slyly.

"You know," Jasmine suggested. "If you wanna have a few private nights you could always rent out one of the empty rooms. 900,000 a night."

"You'd do anything for cash."

"I'm just trying to help you out." Jasmine chuckled. "And if I can make a profit from it, even better."

"I'll think about it."

As she continued to browse, Ange was fascinated by how everyone did things differently here. Without the light of Mana, Norma couldn't have anything they desired with the simple touch of a Mana screen. Ange came across rings, necklaces and other jewellery, clothes that were below standard to her liking and other accessories like plushies of some weird looking stitched up bear and a few that were of the Male Norma. Passing by a certain section in which many girls gathered around, she noticed a stack of small rectangular boxes and gasped in horror seeing they were contraceptives. 'Have these Norma no shame?' she shuddered. 'Just how many women is that pervert sleeping with?' Finally, she found the underwear and went into one of the free changing rooms to change out of the Male Norma's boxers. Now that she had some proper-if rather course-underwear, she exited and found Cal waiting outside.

"Excuse me," Ange called. Cal looked up just in time for Ange to toss the boxers he had loaned her right in his face.

"I have a name Ange." Cal frowned.

"I'm done here." Ange said as she walked off. "I'm going back to the room so find somewhere else to bring your women.

"Hey wait a minute you're suppose to pay…" But before he could stop Ange leaving the mall, he failed to notice the danger that was surrounding him.

"Oooh are those real?"

"Can I touch them?"

"They're a lot different from what girls wear." An army of girls from pilots, armourists and base personnel began to surround Cal with very hungry looks in their eyes.

"Woah wait hold on a minute girls." Cal pleaded as they closed in, not that it did any good. "Ange, Jasmine?" But Ange had disappeared down the hallway and Jasmine was busy with Vivian who was buying a new model assault rifle for her Razor. Cal was like a tiny rabbit about to be eaten alive by an army of hungry wolves. 'Desperate times called for desperate measures.' He guessed.

"Go fetch!" Cal threw the boxers he was holding, and they landed inside the basketball net.

"What do you think you're doing?!" Jasmine bellowed as she saw. "This is a mall not a strip club!"

"Sorry!" Cal called making a mad dash for the hallway once he saw an opening. The girls meanwhile circled the basketball pole trying to reach for the underwear, Jasmine brandishing the death stick and smacking a few of the girls who tried to fish the piece of black fabric from the net.

"I saw them first."

"No fair, I wanna know what they feel like."

"Hold me higher I've almost got them!"

"Get out the lot of you!" Jasmine yelled.


The cafeteria was livelier than usual that day. The clouds had blown away, allowing daylight to flood in and elevating everyone's mood. Queuing behind everyone else for their food, Coco's face beamed with excitement when she saw dessert for today was pudding.

"You're gonna save it for later again, aren't you?" Miranda asked. Coco had a habit of stocking up her favourite food and had stacked a pyramid of puddings beneath her bed.

"It's a waste to eat them right away don't you think." Coco giggled placing it in her satchel.

"It's only pudding, you're such a child Coco." Miranda winked.

"Hey, you act like you're my big sister. I plan to grow as big as Senpai."

"Eating Pudding will only make you grow fat." Miranda laughed.

"That's mean!" As they walked up the stairs to the cafeteria balcony, Coco and Miranda halted as they saw Ange sitting alone and looking very gloomy. With what little cash she had, Ange had no choice but to eat for free at the cafeteria. Ever since she arrived, she spent all her money at the vending machines, though it took a while to figure out. She bought potato chips and burgers, and on a few occasions sneaked a few chocolates from the heart shaped boxes under the Male Norma's bed, which she guessed was from the other Norma.

Struggling to get through the slop they called food, Ange sighed and rubbed her forehead. It had been a week and yet no action had been taken to getting her out of this place. She heard no news of what happened to her sister, Momoka, her father or even if her mother was really dead. The very thought made her stomach clench. 'I can't afford to think like that,' she told herself. 'Misurugi has the best hospitals in the world. There's no way they would let the Emperess perish.'

"Well, well, if it isn't her royal highness." Ange looked up to see Hilda strolling over with Rosalie and Chris. Throughout the week, Ange had begun to detest the red head the most as she had been Ange's main tormenter. Ange didn't know why out of everyone the three of them singled her out for harassment, but Ange had a guess it had something to do with how their Captain Zola had taken a liking to her. "Aw it appears that little miss perfect student is a picky eater." Hilda mocked.

"That's a bad trait if you don't eat then you won't last a minute in combat." Rosalie grabbed Ange's tray scooping all her food into her own tray.

"That would be a shame wouldn't it." Chris smirked. Ange couldn't hold back anymore as her frustration and anger finally boiled over.

"Well, I guess this pig slop is only suitable for Norma." Ange said coldly. Rosalie eyes narrowed while Chris gripped her fork tightly, her fist shaking with anger.

"I'm sorry. I guess the food here isn't worthy for the royal palette." Hilda said with distain.

"You think you're better than us!" Rosalie yelled throwing her water cup at Ange who dodged, letting it splatter on the wall behind her and making everyone sitting on the balcony stare at the sudden commotion. "Screw you bitch!" Rosalie spat grabbing Ange by the collar of her jacket.

"Cut it out Rosalie." Hilda warned. She didn't like the princess's attitude any more than they did but it wasn't worth getting put on cleaning detail.

"Okay that's enough." They all saw Cal appear up the stairs. "You guys need to cool it." Rosalie tched and let go of Ange.

"She started it." Rosalie argued. "Saying we Norma only eat pig food."

"So, you decide to throw food at her like a chimp in a zoo?" Cal countered. "I understand why you're frustrated, but you need to chill out."

"Are you serious?" Chris gawked. "Do you think we're just gonna let her walk all over us, especially the way she treats you like her servant?" Cal sighed, tired of the conflict between the girls all week.

"At least I'm not constantly trying to seduce him," Ange countered.

"Ange will you do me a favour and just…"

"No, you listen!" Ange interrupted him. "I have dealt with your disrespect all week. I don't need your sympathy." She tried to storm off but Hilda stepped forward to cut her off.

"Listen Princess, I'll give you a word of advice." As she spoke, Hilda grabbed Ange's pudding the only remaining food Ange had left. "This isn't the perfect world where you came from and if you don't get that through your thick skull, you're dead meat." The two girls glared at each other menacingly but thankfully Ange took herself out the situation and left, wanting nothing more than to get away from the Norma. Though Rosalie and Chris watch her leave with angry looks, Hilda smirked in satisfaction that she put that spoilt bitch in her place.

"See like I told you, defectives talk all big like they're above us." Rosalie growled.

"Why do you let her talk to you like that?" Chris asked Cal.

"Believe me, I'm sorely tempted to smack her sometimes," Cal admitted. "But I can't. It's not just for her, it's for all our sakes. I don't want another incident like what happened with Naomi or what almost happened to Zola. The only way that can happen if is we all work together."

"You need stop trying too hard and just accept a bitch like her will keep treating us like shit. She'll have to accept reality soon or she's dead." Hilda advised. Cal sighed knowing that Hilda was right. 'What am I going to do Gramps? How do I support someone who doesn't want my help?' Then his mood brightened when he saw the dessert Hilda was holding.

"Oooh it's pudding today, give me a bite."

"Get your own!" Hilda yelled.

"I'll take you on a date if you give me the pudding." Cal teased.

"Get lost!" The whole cafeteria roared with laughter as Hilda's face turned redder than her hair. From off the side however, Coco and Miranda watched the entire scene in stunned silence.

"Why is Ange always so bitter?" Coco asked.

"She's not like us Coco," Miranda remined her. "She grew up in the world of Mana remember? Remember how she called Cal an abomination when she first arrived." Coco looked down at her pudding and frowned. She couldn't really believe Ange was as mean as she seemed to be. After all, she had tried to catch Coco when she slipped during training. 'Maybe she's just lonely,' she thought. If so, then maybe all she needed was someone to be her friend.


Exhausted and barely able to catch her breath Hilda lay panting on Zola's bed. After her little drama with Ange, she found Zola and dragged her to her luxurious quarters. The two had been at it until past midnight. Hilda lay on her side drenched in sweat as Zola leaned up from her pillow somewhat curious but also concerned with the way Hilda was acting. She had been more aggressive in bed since the day Zola almost drowned during the DRAGON attack. Almost as if trying too hard to make Zola satisfied.

"You okay there?" Zola soothed running her finger through the bangs of Hilda's loose red hair. "Hey, come on talk to me. You haven't been acting like yourself these past few nights."

"It's nothing." Hilda said quietly. Zola however pressed herself against Hilda's side and wrapped her arm around her. Hilda's eyes widened as Zola had never hugged her after sex before. The feeling felt so familiar, warm and soothing. A feeling she hadn't experienced since she was a little girl. Back when it was her and Mama.

"Hey Zola." Hilda said quietly.

"Yeah." Zola drowsily answered. Though her mind said, 'promise that you'll never abandon me,' the words failed to escape Hilda's mouth.

"Never mind." She murmured. What was the point in even asking? Zola already had someone she had genuine love for and not just sexual pleasures. She knew she was just delaying the inevitable. Zola and Scarlett would be back together and she would have no one for comfort or protection. A single tear ran from her eye and down the side of Hilda's cheek as she heard Zola's soft snoring and drifted off to sleep. Then in the darkness she felt another hand take her own. But it didn't feel soft and smooth like a woman's. It was larger and felt stronger. She looked up and too her shock saw that goofy but gentle smile beam back at her.

'Cal?'

Hilda's eyes burst open and blinked as the crack of dawn shone through Zola's window. 'What the hell is wrong with me.' She wondered.


Another day had come to an end. Walking down the hallways, Ange left as everyone else showered. Despite the Norma's lack of grace and disregard for propriety she would not lower herself to showering with him. It was aggravating enough that she had to share a room with him and couldn't even get a moment's privacy with him sticking his nose into her business like some mother hen.

"Oh, Miss Ange." Ange turned and who should she see but two small girls who she recognized as the youngest in her squad. The smaller of the two with purple hair done in twin tails approached her with a cup of pudding in her hand.

"Yes?" she asked.

"I just wanted to thank you for the other day," she said. "I almost fell and you tried to save me. Here. It's from my secret stash." Ange raised an eyebrow but cautiously accepted it.

"Oh, thank you. What are your names again?" Ange asked, slightly taken aback by the girl's relatively good manners for a Norma. At least they were more respectful than Hilda and her two friends.

"Yeahhh…I guess you don't remember our names huh?" The girl with short green hair said as she nervously rubbed the back of her head. "I'm Miranda and this is Coco." Coco bowed too shy to say anything. "Come on you said you wanted to make friends." Miranda pressed on making Coco fidget with her hands. "This goofball is totally infatuated with you."

"I just think you're so incredible Miss Ange." Coco beamed. "You're smart and strong and very pretty. And you even used to be a real Princess which I thought only existed in fairy tales."

'Used to be a real Princess!' Ange thought bitterly.

"Basically, we thought that since we're all new recruits we could be friends." Miranda said.

"If there's anything you don't understand or anything that you need, please feel free to ask us okay." Coco offered. Ange thought for a moment then realised she did need something. Something that would help her dearly.

"Well in that case, there is something I need help with."


Amidst the large crowd, Ersha pushing a wheeled cart around the mall looking for various things for the kids. Unlike the other pilots who used their extra cash from Cal on weapons and upgrades for their Para-mails, Ersha decided to use it entirely on the kids. The club rooms were repainted and decorated, and she was now looking for new toys, books and puzzles.

"Hey, could you get me that giant game of Jenga." She requested to Cal who was in the middle of his shift.

"This one?" He asked as he handed it to her.

"Thanks. Hey when you finish will you help me out later?"

"Yeah I'd be happy to."

"Thanks. One of the nursery volunteers has taken ill with a fever so we need help with the babies. Serra especially has been very irritable." 'Must be hard on her,' Cal thought as he watched her walk off. 'Always worrying about the kids and trying to give them a happy childhood. She has enough stress with battling the DRAGONS. I don't know how she does it all.' Once again, the anger boiled up inside as he thought of how the humans treated the Norma. Even if they were just babies like how he was almost killed at birth because he was the most different of them all.

Across the mall, Coco and Miranda showed Ange how to use money and tempted Ange to do it herself. Once Ange found what she was looking for she went to Jasmine and handed the woman three slips of cash. "Here you go, one pen and letter set." Jasmine handed to her. "Let me know if there's anything you want. I can get anything." Relieved she finally got what she needed; Ange was about to get to work until she was stopped by Coco once more.

"So, it's true that as a Princess, you never went out to buy things for yourself?" Coco asked. She was always curious about the world outside of Arzenal but the stories Senpai had told her about him and his Gramps on their home island only told her so much. With Ange however, now she could finally get some real answers.

Setting a few boxes of crates down, Cal saw Ange talking to Coco and Miranda and wondered what they were talking about. Seeing Ange being so nice was unnatural and he listened carefully.

"Everyone in my land has everything they could ever want." Ange began, the memories of her life in Misurugi playing across her mind. "There is no inequality, violence or discrimination." Both girls looked surprised but Cal wanted nothing more than to take Ange and knock some sense into her from how ignorant she was.

"Nothing bad ever happens, everyone is full of happiness and purity. We can have anything we desire and become anything we want to be. Because are world is enriched with the Light of Mana"

"So there is a magical world out there." Coco said dreamily with sparkles in her eyes.

"Hey!" Cal said firmly stomping over to Ange, Coco and Miranda flinching from his hard tone. "What do you think you're doing? Stop filling their heads with lies!"

"Lies!" Ange cried, outraged by Cal's sudden outburst. "How dare you! Someone like you would never understand our world!"

"Oh I understand plenty." Cal folded his arms. "You say your world is perfect yet they treat us like monsters the moment we're born."

"Our world is nothing but piece, a world without war." Ange proudly stated. "It is the nature of humans to live with peace and compassion. Unlike you Norma who reject the light of Mana to live on your own strength. Because you are violent cold-blooded creatures." Everyone who heard started muttering to each other in shock and anger. Even Coco and Miranda looked extremely hurt by Ange's comments.

"What a bitch!"

"Just who does that skank think she is?"

"You're a Norma too bitch!"

"Your world and people are nothing but a bunch of hypocritical cowards!" Cal growled the fury rising in him. "We can't help how we're born. Humans are the problem. Taking away innocent children from their parents all because they can't use some stupid magic light!"

"If they didn't then you Norma would destroy the world in a day!" Ange argued back. "You would kill innocent people without reason just to satisfy your own bloodlust."

"That's where your wrong princess." Cal growled, making Coco flinch. It was so full of cold malice and rage that she barely recognized him. "I once lived in peace with the only person who took care of me. My Gramps. We never bothered anyone. And it was humans who took all that away in one night."

"Please don't make me laugh." Ange scoffed. "It would have been a matter of time before you would have caused a disturbance in our peaceful society."

"So what does that make you? Why don't you cut the bullshit and accept you're a Norma too." Cal stepped closer and Ange stared into his sky-blue eyes burning with wrath, but she was determined not to let him intimidate her

"There has been a terrible mistake." Ange grumbled. "By tomorrow I'll be out of this place and back to my kind"

"The same people that killed your mother?" Cal coldly remarked. Ange's face turned white, astonished of how he knew about that, before the anger and grief came over her.

"Don't you dare…Don't you dare talk about my mother!" Ange said in a low and deadly voice, her eyes filled with angry hot tears.

"You're not the only one who lost someone Ange. We've all lost someone because of the way human society disregards the Norma. It's the humans who are the problem!"

"You Norma are everything that is wrong with this world, especially you!" Ange pointed fiercely at Cal the tears now streaming down her face. She felt every eye upon her and saw the hurt in Coco's face that reminded her of Sylvia as she turned and ran off down an adjacent hallway. Unknown to her a certain luxuriant blonde captain was watching from behind the scenes with a grim expression. 'If you won't listen to words, then I'll have to teach you a lesson little princess.' Zola decided. Cal meanwhile was about to chase after Ange until he felt a small hand take his.

"Don't Senpai." Coco pleaded. "Don't fight, I don't want to see you angry." Cal felt his temper lower in seconds as he saw the worry in Coco's brown eyes.

"Sorry," he sighed. "I guess I got a little caried away."

"Is it true what Ange said? Did she mean all of that." Coco sniffed.

"Hey, don't let her get to you." Cal put a hand on her head and ruffled her hair lightly. "Look I know you always asked me if there's anything else out there for us. But the truth is there never will be." Seeing Coco upset by this made Cal's heart break, then he thought of something that might cheer her up. "How about after your first sortie, I'll buy whatever color you want your pilot suit to be."

"Really?" Coco beamed. "Lilac and Indigo!"

"You got it. Just promise you'll forget about the outside world. You have to realise the humans won't allow us to live in their world. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to get back to work before Jasmine wallops me."

"He's right Coco, it's best to forget about it." Miranda told her. "Now why don't we play some games. I'll give you some tips and tricks big sister Naomi once showed me." Coco nodded but looked back to Cal. 'I'm sorry Senpai, but I have to see it for myself.' Coco vowed. 'Not all humans can be bad and treat us like we're monsters. You told me that Senpai. Your Gramps is proof of that.'


Slamming the door behind her, tears streamed down Ange's face. 'That bastard! That heinous barbarian! Who does he think he is?!' Ange thought with disdain. He had no right to talk about her mother or how humans were the problem. Setting the letters, pen and pudding that Coco had given her down on the window edge, she looked at the desert and without a second thought threw it in the trash can before she began to write. She could no longer stay here and wanted nothing more than to get back home as soon as possible. Wet tears splashed onto the paper and Ange could not stop herself, thinking about Father and Sylvia, of her brother Julio and how he betrayed her, and of her mother and if she was really dead.

Her mind was in no state to concentrate so she stopped what she was doing and headed for the showers to help clear her head. Once Inside the locker room, Ange removed her uniform she hated so much, grabbed a towel and entered the showers. As the hot water rushed down her hair and body, Ange let out a tired sigh. She didn't even hear the sound of a door opening or notice the presence behind her until she felt a hand lightly stroke her back. Ange jumped and turned, the shampoo and water blurring the tall naked figure standing in front of her.

"Wha…what are you...?" Ange choked as Captain Zola grabbed her wrists and shoved her against the shower wall.

"If you can't accept your circumstances, you won't last long on the battlefield." Zola told her. "You'll have to accept reality that you will never leave this place."

"I am going back home to my empire!" Ange yelled as Zola leaned right into Ange's face.

"If you won't listen to words, I'll have to teach you physically." Ange tried to fight back but her Captain's strength was too great for her. Zola pinned Ange's wrists over her head with one hand as she began to trace her finger in Ange's hair then kissed her lightly on her elegant neck. "Do what I tell you and I'll show you pleasures you never dreamed of." Ange's eyes exploded in shock as she felt Zola's free hand grab her breast. Ange yelled in shock and with all her strength, pried her wrist free and slapped Zola across the face as hard as she could. Something fell onto the floor and Ange gasped in horror as she saw a green prosthetic eye gazing at her up from the tiles. Zola simply laughed lightly, a gaping black hole where her eye should be.

"Good…very good." Zola hummed. "Now you're fighting like a Norma." Ange covered her hands over her body frozen in fear.

"But I'm not a Norma!" Zola turned to pick up her prosthetic eye and Ange finally saw the horrific pale scars across her Captain's back.

"We may lose an eye or an arm, or a friend or a loved one; but this bloodlust always remains. It's the one thing the humans allow us to keep." Zola let the water run over her eye then popped it back into place. What her Captain just said. Did a human do that to her? "Our blood only burns for battle. That's how we Norma live." Ange turned away trying to cover herself. "Getting excited, are we?"

"I am not!" Ange yelled. Then both of Zola's hands crept up to grab her breast again and gave them a rough squeeze. "Let go of me!" Ange cried.

"You must have been so lonely and unsatisfied in that shallow, pretentious world of yours." Zola teased. "Why else is you heart pounding so fast?"

"That's not true!" Zola snickered and let go of Ange.

"I think I've made my point." Before Ange could argue further, she was cut of by Zola who kissed her full on the mouth, her tongue dominating over Ange before she broke off and grabbed a spare towel by the door. "Once you've accepted the truth you'll eventually come around. Oh and by the way, if you thought this was cruel, be thankful you never had to deal with THAT woman." Once she was gone, Ange's legs gave way as she wept. Never had she felt so dirty. It was bad enough having been violated by the Commander. Now a Norma had stolen her first kiss and ran her filthy hands over her. 'I have to get out of here now!' She thought spitting out the taste of Zola's kiss

Once she calmed down, Ange dried herself off and hurried back to her quarters when she heard the cry of a baby. Once again, an unknown force took her over and bid her follow the sound until she came to a door that read 'Nursery.' She opened the door slightly to peek in and saw several pink cribs, half of them with babies that looked not even a year old. She recognized Ersha from first squad who along with a few older Norma tended to the babies but the one that Ersha held was kicking up a fuss.

"Come on little Serra calm down." Ersha soothed trying to shush her.

"Here Ersha I'll lend a hand." said a familiar voice. Ersha handed baby Serra to Cal who tried to calm her down. "C'mon Serra that's enough." Cal shushed softly. This seemed to work as the infant quieted down and nudged herself against the Male Norma.

"You're a natural, like a big brother." Ersha smiled warmly. Ange felt she could be sick. That baby it looked so familiar, the light brown hair and crystal blue eyes. Then in a rush the memory came back…

A group of cops surrounded a woman in her late 20's. She had short brown hair and desperately clung to the baby in her arms. "Please it's a mistake, she just hasn't learned to use her Mana yet!"

"That proves that it is." Ange stepped from the crowd who gasped that their royal princess had appeared before them. "This cannot be overlooked for any reason. Humankind has evolved to use the light of Mana, but Norma reject it because they are violent and dangerous. They must be purged from this world immediately."

Without warning the mother threw her baby'js bottle at her but Momoka formed a Mana shield to prevent the object in hitting her princess. Ange watched as the police snatched the baby from her mother's arms and placed her in a NMB vehicle. As it drove off the mother bellowed in anguish.

"Serra! Please let me go! SERRA!"…

…Returning to her room Ange placed her written letters under her bed and laid down, the whole week on this wretched island was a nightmare that would soon be over. 'I am not that baby, Nor are they like us. I am Princess Angelise Ikaruga Misarugi. And I WILL return to where I belong.'


As the sun began to rise, Scarlett squinted her eyes and let out a loud yawn as she looked over to see Zola peacefully sleeping beside her. Out of the blue, after doing a few pre-bed push ups, Scarlett got a knock at her door and when she opened it, Zola burst into her arms. The night they shared was so passionate it made Scarlett want her more and to never leave Zola's side again. As she leaned over to kiss her, she felt Zola stir and pulled away just as she woke up.

"Hey," Scarlett whispered. "Time you got up. We both still have duties as captains."

"Aw just 5 more minutes." Zola moaned playfully.

"So what made you come here?" Scarlett asked.

"Let's just say I really needed to feel you beside me." Zola said. Scarlett swung her legs over the side of her bed, giving Zola a clear view of her whip scars across her back. "I can tell you have nightmares about her too." Zola said as she gently kissed Scarlett's shoulders. "You stir in your sleep."

"It happens sometimes." Scarlett admitted. "How that bitch beat us down. I always blamed myself for not helping you enough even after what she did to you after losing your eye." A single tear ran down Scarlett's cheek as her pent-up feelings came pouring out. "I wanted to kill her, but I was too weak. That's why I started to use all my time at the gym. And after seeing how that bitch took your dignity away I still couldn't…"

"Hey, it doesn't matter now." Zola urged as she wrapped her arms around her toned core. "The past is gone and now is the only thing that matters. It took me a while to realise that. Now I have to bear responsibility for my own actions. Especially with Hilda."

"What will you tell her now that we're dating again?" Scarlett asked. "She'll know that you and her won't be permanent after this."

"I'm her Captain and I always will be. It's my responsibility to watch over her." Zola told her. "But I know in my heart she'll be just fine. Especially with Cal to keep her happy. Maybe this is just what she needs to push her to him." Both girls laughed at that last bit. Hilda could hide it but they could tell she felt more for Cal than she let on.

"I'm looking forward to our first date in years. Though I found it odd you wanted Cal to come along."

"Hey, he said we owe him a nice meal. Plus I don't plan on letting him go anytime soon." Scarlett shook her head in bemusement. It was okay with her since Cal was the only man on Arzenal, but she could tell in Zola's eyes that maybe she was hiding something else.