Episode 1, Chapter 6
U.G.C 103 - Evening, Lyner's room.
"..."
"..."
"..."
With the exception of the small CAST maid tuning everything around her out and silently going about her business, the other three girls in the room were struck silent while trying to process everything Lyner just told them. 'Well, this is pretty much about what I expected so no surprise there I guess.' Though, the one he was most concerned about right now was Emilia as she was the one who this whole situation concerned the most and so couldn't help but settle his gaze on her now contemplative expression, arms folded and cute, shapely brows furrowed.
"...Emilia?" Claris asked, not at all used to seeing the usually energetic and somewhat flighty blonde so deep in thought, rapidly and quietly muttering to herself. Yakumo, likewise in the same boat but not sure what to do, simply took a 'wait and see' approach to the situation for now... and then, finally, Emilia looked up at Lyner.
"...So like, do you think I can talk to her? This, Mika person who's supposed to be inside me or whatever?"
A natural question to be sure, but not at all the reaction Lyner, or Claris and Yakumo either, expected.
"You're taking all this a whole lot better than I thought you would," Lyner admitted.
Emilia just shrugged. "Like, it sounds totally crazy for sure, but everyone's account of what happened lines up, even if it does sound way too crazy to believe. So, that either means everything you've said is true and I can meet this Mika... or this is all part of the most elaborate prank or mass delusion I've ever been part of. And I don't know about you, but I'd rather put my meseta on believing that this isn't just some joke being played on me, even if that is the more realistic option. Especially not after everything we've all been through already."
...
"That's, a very rational way of looking at things."
"...!"
"...Eh?"
"... Emilia, has a big sister? Or, is that her mom?"
And, true to Claris' observation, she and the others were now face to face with the ephemeral figure of an older, beautiful blonde woman who bore a striking resemblance to a now stunned and confused Emilia.
"... Wha, wha... WHAT!?"
"Ah, now that's the Emilia we all know and love," Lyner said with a chuckle as he saw his partner jump back in surprise, slightly trembling finger pointed at the ghostly Ancient in front of her.
"Hello there, Emilia. It's a pleasure to finally meet you."
"... Uh, yeah. Like, me too? So, uh... is it really true you're a ghost or something?"
Mika nodded. "Something like that, yes."
"Eh? What do you mean, 'something like that'?"
"You see, rather than a ghost, I am more like a complete digital copy of the original Mika's spiritual data. But, for all intents and purposes and simplicity's sake though, calling me a ghost is not wholly inaccurate either."
"...A complete digital copy of her spiritual data... ? How is something like that even possible...!? Wait, does that mean that the Ancients found a way to not just prove the existence of the spiritual concept we call the 'soul', but also map it out in such detail as to be able to make a copy of it using their advanced technology? But, how? What sort of insane scientific theories could even lead to something so incredible...!? Hm, is it similar to the phenomena behind the fully self-aware AI that gave rise to CASTs perhaps? Based on what we currently know, that'd be the most likely explanation but..."
Meanwhile, while Emilia was busy mulling over the mystery that was Mika's very existence...
"Wow! Emilia is using a lot of big words all of a sudden, and she's speaking really fast too...!" Claris noted.
"Mm. Yes, it really is quite a surprise, huh. I had no idea she had such an academic side to her," Yakumo added.
"Right? It surprised me too, the first time I saw it that is," Lyner said, recalling a similar reaction back at the RELICs site. "Still, it's crazy how well she's taking this whole situation. Impressive, really."
"It is," Yakumo agreed. "And interesting to see a new side of her too, so absorbed in the mystery of it all."
"Claris doesn't really get it but it's Emilia, and Emilia is cool," was all Claris had to say on the matter. As for Mika? Well, she simply smiled at the younger blonde, recalling her own days as a spiritual energy researcher. Still, as fun as it was to watch what could easily pass as a younger version of herself, there were many more pressing matters to attend to now that she was able to speak to her host.
"... Ahem!"
"...! Oh, uh... Like, sorry? I got a little lost in the sauce there, huh? Anyway, you're Mika right?"
A nod.
"... And you're also the reason Lyner was all healed, right?"
Another nod.
"Okay, well, thank you for that! Now, I 'want' to ask you about why you're inside me, but... I'm guessing it has to do with the memories I can't remember, right?"
... A slight pause, followed by a third, more reluctant nod.
"...Okay then. I'll, save that for later then... Anyway, about what Lyner said. All that talk about the King of the Ancients wanting to find some keys to some device or something that could forcibly implant the souls of sleeping Ancients into our bodies... that's all true too?"
A fourth, firmer nod.
"That is what my foolish husband-Kumhan-is trying to do, yes."
"So, I'm guessing he's like you then? A digitized spiritual being? And does that mean he has... a host too, like I am for you?"
"Yes to both, though I only know that he's awake due to a fail-safe the original Mika created in the system that housed me and all other such digitized spiritual copies should he awaken before I did..."
"Which is why you had to ask Lyner for his help then, huh?"
"Yes."
"Alright then, well now that we know, can you tell us what exactly this Kumhan guy needs to pull off this crazy plan then? Like, there's still a lot we don't know, but the more info we do have, the better off we'll be in actually stopping him, right?" Emilia said, before turning to Lyner and the others. "You guys think so too, right?"
"Claris, doesn't really get it... but if Emilia thinks so, then Claris will do whatever she can to help, yes!"
"She's right. I can't say I understand what's going on either, but you and Lyner helped us without any hesitation, and even gave us a home when you had no reason to. The least we can do is lend you whatever help we can too," Yakumo said with a firm resolve in her eyes.
"Well, I did promise Kraz and Mika I'd look out for you, so yeah. Besides, I like my body as is, y'know? No offense to the Ancients or whatever, but... yeah, no thanks."
"Thank you, all of you. And thank you as well, Emilia," Mika said, bowing deeply in gratitude.
"Like, shouldn't we be the ones thanking you though? I mean, me and Lyner are only here because of you, and you warned us about your crazy husband's plans so we could stop him too, right?" Emilia reminded before turning to Yakumo and Claris. "Anyway, before we go any further, I need to ask... How are you two able to see Mika?"
"Huh? Um, Claris doesn't know...?"
"Maybe, it's because we were bathed in that strange golden light too?" Yakumo guessed. "After all, there was a lot of it."
"Hm, that might actually be the case, yes," Mika agreed. "Emilia's emotional state at the time, namely her desperation to save Lyner, resonated strongly with my own desires to help her and thus were amplified my healing abilities to much higher levels than normal. At any rate, while I hadn't planned or expected so many people being able to see and properly interact with me, I think this development will only help us in the long run. Now then, about what the Sun King is searching for... You see..."
xxx xxx xxx
The next day, early morning and outside one of Little Wing's dedicated training areas.
"... Yyyaaaawwwnnn~!"
"Oh? Still sleepy, Miss Emilia?" Lapis Unit Seven asked.
"...Hm? Yeah," Emilia answered with a sleepy nod. "Lyner told you about it, right? Everything about Mika and stuff? Like, it was just a lot to take in and really process, y'know?"
"He did, yes. Though I'd be lying if I said it's still hard to believe. Having said that, there's no denying that it lines up with the energy signatures my sisters and I detected from before we found you and last night," Unit Seven admitted. "Anyway, are you going to have enough energy to handle Mr. Vasque's training?"
"Like, it's not like I have a choice, right? Besides, Yakumo and Claris are here, so I can't really back out now... I'm their senior, y'know?"
"So it's a matter of pride huh? I didn't expect that sort of sentiment from you," Lapis Unit Eight said from her sister's right.
"Right?" Unit Nine added from her sister's left. "I mean, you always gave off the vibes of a lazy cat."
"... Hey! Like, even I... yawn... can be serious too y'know...!" Emilia protested. "Besides, it's not like I can be a 'lazy cat' anymore with everything going on, right? Besides, old man Kraz's been really pushy about me getting more serious and stuff too!"
"Speaking of which, aren't you going to say anything to Mr. Kraz? Besides being our boss, isn't he your guardian? Far be it for me to butt in, but shouldn't he know about what's happening?" Unit Eight asked.
There was a brief pause before Emilia finally shook her head before answering, grateful that Vasque hadn't arrived yet.
"Like, I get what you're saying, but put yourself in my shoes... would you believe me if I suddenly said that I was possessed by the ghost of an Ancient whose crazy husband is out to try and make everyone in Gurhal vessels for the sleeping souls of his people? Besides Mika herself being the last key, we don't know where the others are or who Kumhan's host is either. So, unless we have some real proof we can show him, I don't think it'd do us much good to say anything yet. Trust me, I've lived with him long enough to know that unless we have solid proof, he won't take anything we say seriously. Least of all from me, the 'lazy cat'."
"Fair enough. But even so, to think you house the spirit of one of the wives of the Sun King... By the way, what is she like?" Unit Seven asked.
"Huh? Oh, right. You can't see or hear her... Um, let me think..," Emilia began, finger to her chin and deep in thought as she stared up at the ceiling. "Um, she's like a mom I guess? Like, all super caring, patient and mature. Oh, and she's really pretty too!"
"I see. Hm, that reminds me. Lyner said that she looked like an older version of you, that you could even pass off as her daughter. How do you feel about that?"
Emilia couldn't help but blush at the though. "Like, I dunno..."
Just then, before the Lapis trio could press Emilia any further, or Emilia could come up with a way to change the subject, Claris called out to them.
"Hey, hey! Mr. Vasque is here!"
"Oh, looks like break time's over," Unit Eight said with a chuckle.
"...Ugh...!" groaned a less than enthused and still tired Emilia.
"Heheh! Hang in there, okay? Listen, if you make it to the end, I'm sure Lyner'll treat you and the others to something nice! Like a fancy lunch or something!" Unit Nine suggested. "Heck, me ant the others will even vouch for you, so how about it? Sound good?"
"...You promise?"
The three Lapis sisters nodded.
"Yup! You get to show off your pride as a senior mercenary or whatever, and get rewarded for a good job to boot! What could be better, right?" Unit Seven added before adding the last bit of icing on the cake. "And more importantly, Lyner really likes strong and capable girls, y;know?"
"... Really?"
'Hook, line, and sinker! So easy!' Unit Eight thought. 'Then again, I guess we aren't so different when it comes to him either.' "You bet! After all, that's why we're here too."
"... I see."
"Yeah, he may not be the most handsome or whatever, but it's hard not to like the guy anyway, so we totally get it. I'll warn you now though, he's a total pervert so be careful if you end up falling for him too," Unit Seven warned.
"...Pervert? Him? No way!"
Naturally, Emilia couldn't believe that. Sure she might not have known him all that long, but nothing about him struck him as perverted or anything like that.
"Oh, yeah. For sure. We've known him for awhile now so we can totally confirm it. Guy's a total pervert. But, pervert or not, average looking or not, Lyner's the most reliable guy you can have around in this line or work, on or off the clock. He's not really pushy either and is good with going with the flow, so really, the good definitely outweighs the bad with him," Unit Nine clarified.
"... Huh."
"What, did that scare you off?" Unit Eight teasingly asked.
...
"... Strangely. No...?"
"Heh. Thought so. Cuz, the only girls he actually tends to attract are weirdos like us."
"Hey! That's-"
"-... ahem!"
"...Eep!"
"Ladies. I apologize for interrupting what I'm sure is a riveting conversation, but it's time for training...," Vasque said in his by now typical to here stern and educator like tone. "Now, since you were all so new to this, I was planning to go easy on you today, but seeing as you all have so much energy."
"...Ugh! Like, really?"
"Yes, now come along."
"...Yes sir..." (x4)
xxx xxx xxx
Little Wing Office, Kraz's desk.
"So, any questions?" Kraz asked after Lyner finished reading the job request details for the week.
"I mean, normally I'd think it'd be too soon to have Yakumo and Claris taking on any jobs yet, but given their skills and the level of the jobs, I think we should be able to handle it so no, not really. Though, I am wondering why my team is so big..."
"Ah, right." Kraz nodded in understanding. "Normally, we'd only have smaller squads of four or so to take on jobs, but with so many new members now, we've had do some change how things work around here. You haven't met her yet, what with her being so busy and all, but Ursula, the lady actually in charge around here, was ecstatic to learn that those CAST sisters of yours were great at handling stuff like clerical work and mission control, which actually prompted the boss lady to start a recruitment drive to better make use of the new hires. Feh, means I got more work on my plate though, but whatever. Hell, even that brat Emilia seems to be taking things more seriously, so I guess that's fine. Anyway, you and your group are actually somethin' of a test run for seein' if we can properly make use of this new, larger team model along with makin' any adjustments based on your performance reports and feedback."
"Then, will us being Little Wing's guinea pigs count as a job?"
Kraz chuckled, totally expecting that question.
"Yeah, about that. Normally it wouldn't, but the boss lady decided to do you guys a solid and have everyone on your team's rent paid up for the rest of the year in lieu of direct compensation. Though, that's only as long as you're with Little Wing, that is."
"...So, an advance loan huh? That Ursula lady is shrewd..," Lyner said, genuinely impressed by the level of thought that went into the whole arrangement.
Kraz heartily laughed while nodding. "You bet your ass she is! Shrewd and smart as she is gorgeous! Really knows how to tie a noose around your neck without even noticin', huh? How else do you think it was that I ended up in charge around here? Well, it ain't all bad to have some motivation, right? 'Sides, the rent wasn't that high to begin with and I don't see any reason for you to worry. Solo mercenary work is fine and all, but having an organization's resources has its perks too."
"Fair enough," Lyner agreed. "Besides, Little Wing is the only reason I can properly look after Yakumo and Claris, considering their circumstances and all."
"Right, and that blonde brat would never let me hear the end of it if we couldn't do somethin' for you all. Plus, you did save her, so there's that too."
"You really do care about her a lot, huh?"
"Meh, 's nothing that noble. Honestly, she's more like something that got dumped onto me just because I have the credentials to be her legal guardian... Well, I do get a small stipend to help pay for expenses so there's that..."
"So, it's just a job to you?"
"Maybe, maybe not. After all, I still had the right to refuse, even if Ursula and Chelsea woulda bitched about it."
"Oh, do not listen to Monsieur Boss! He adores Little Emilia as much as Madame Ursula and I do and is just being very shy~!" Chelsea interjected.
"Ah, shut up you!"
"Heh. Well, alright then. I'll go finish getting things ready on my end then."
"...Yeah, yeah. Oh, right. Here, take this." Kraz said before tossing a blue activation key over to Lyner.
"What's this?"
"Keys to your transport ship. All the newly organized teams are gettin' one."
"Oh, nice. Right then, later Boss."
"... Feh. Just be sure to come back safe, or I'll never hear the end of it!"
xxx xxx xxx
Little Wing training ground... AKA, Vasque's Training Camp From Hell', shortly after Emilia and the others' grueling morning training session.
"... Huff, huff...! Ugh...! ...Huff...! FINALLY!" Emilia tiredly, and loudly, exhaled while lying spread eagle on the cold, hard floor and staring up at the ceiling.
"... Indeed..! F, finally..!" Yakumo agreed, laying next to her, face just as flushed and covered in sweat as her friend's. "St, still. This, this is much better than what I was able to do before so, so I'm very happy to be this tired from a good workout...!"
"... Huff, huff... Huh? Oh, right. You mentioned being all sickly or whatever before coming here, right?" Emilia asked between breaths.
Yakumo nodded. "Yeah, huff, I was. My poor constitution was what kept me from being a shinobi back home, but ever since coming to this world, I've never felt healthier. It's strange, but I won't question it. Though, I.. huff... I think I still might have overdone it... Haha..."
"Emilia and Yakumo okay? Need something to drink?" Claris asked, looking down with concern on her two friends, water bottles (provided by Vasque) in hand.
"Hm? Thanks! Um, like, how are you doing Claris?" Emilia asked back while taking the proffered water bottle. "Oh, and it's nice and cool too!"
"Claris is feeling great! Not tired at all!"
"...Ugh."
"Hehe. Thank you, Claris-chan! By the way, where are the Lapis sisters?" Yakumo asked, looking around but not seeing Units Seven, Eight, and Nine.
"Mm? Oh, Red sisters were called away, so they left. Anyway, what are you gonna do now?"
"Shower, grab some food, and then laze around for a bit!" Emilia listed off. "Then maybe find some easy jobs for us to get you two used to working with Little Wing as mercenaries."
"Oh? Sounds good," Yakumo nodded.
"It really does, but-"
"Eh? Lyner"
"Ah!"
"Yay! Lyner is here!"
"-the boss man already gave us some jobs to take care of asap, so yeah... Time to get to work. Oh, but you guys can still take a shower and grab something quick to eat first though."
"... Um, is it at least an easy job...?" Emilia asked/hoped.
Lyner chuckled. "Guess we'll see, won't we. the boss man picked 'em out after all."
"... Ugh...!" 'So much for taking it easy... Dammit Old Man!'
xxx xxx xxx
A/N:
And... DONE!
A bit shorter than I thought/expected, but a good place to leave off a setup for the missions!
Emilia and crew already know the gist of the evil plan, but without knowing where the big bad is or what to look for where, the group can only fly blind and hope they stumble onto a clue... which, if you've played the game or know the story, will be coming up soon enough.
Anyway, hope you enjoyed and see you next update!