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Curtis and the others arrived at Yamanaka Shrine under cover of darkness. Curtis: Ugh, what a disturbing place. Schneider: But an appropriate location to meet a suspicious stranger... Curtis took in a long breath, then turned to the shrine and called out. Curtis: Come out, Memory Collector! I have a contract for you! Curtis's cry echoed down the mountain. But as time passed, the Memory Collector did not appear. Bionic Soldier A: It looks like no one's coming... Bionic Soldier B: I figured it was a lot of nonsense. Curtis: Just be quiet. Curtis clucked his tongue, then called out again. Curtis: What's wrong, Memory Collector!? I've got a lot of memories for you! Curtis: If you don't come out, I'll happily burn your shrine to the ground!! He called out again and again, but no one appeared. Irritation showed itself on Curtis's face. Curtis: Okay! Prepare the fire! Bionic Soldier A: Sir! Curtis: You have five minutes to come out, or I'm setting fire to the shrine! ???: Goodness me. What a fuss you're making. Just then, a low voice resonated through the shrine grounds. All present turned to the voice. It came from an old man, quietly washing his hands in the fountain. ???: When you come to a shrine, you should first wash your hands. It's tradition, don't you know? ???: ...well, perhaps you don't. The bionic soldiers seemed taken aback by the old man's sudden appearance. Bionic Soldier A: Is this the Memory Collector...? Schneider: Some sort of indigenous god, perhaps. Curtis: Perhaps so. We have similar things in our country, too. Curtis's eyes shone with anticipation as he addressed the old man. Curtis: You're the Memory Collector, aren't you? Memory Collector: That's correct. I am the Memory Collector. Curtis: They say you can grant any wish in exchange for a memory. Is that correct? Memory Collector: But of course. Although, to grant a wish, I must take a suitable memory. Curtis: Then give me ultimate power! Give me the ultimate body, capable of living in good health for hundreds of years! Memory Collector: As you wish. What memory do you offer me in exchange? Curtis: She'll be providing the memories. Haruna: Ngh!? Haruna regained consciousness as Curtis kicked her. Haruna: ...ah...? You're the Memory Collector! Haruna's eyes opened wide as she recognized him. Curtis: Now, then... what memory shall we offer as payment for my wish... Haruna: Payment... you bastard. You're going to give him my memories!? Haruna began to panic as she realized what Curtis was planning. Haruna: You've got to be kidding me! Cut it out!! The bionic soldiers quickly restrained her. Curtis grinned, wickedly. Curtis: Oh, I know. What about every happy memory since the day she was born? Curtis: I'm curious to see what becomes of a person who loses all those memories. Haruna: Stop it! You can't have my memories! Memory Collector: Then just sign the contract. You'll need to make the girl sign it. Curtis: Do it. As Curtis gave the order, the bionic soldiers surrounded Haruna and shoved a pen into her mouth. Bionic Soldier A: Come on, just take the pen! Haruna: No! No, NOOOOOOO! Bionic Soldier B: Shut up and do it! Come on, hold her head! Haruna: NNNNNNNNNNNNNGH! They shoved the pen into her mouth, pressed her head in and forced her to make her mark. Memory Collector: The contract is acceptable. Haruna: Ah... aaaaah... The moment he spoke the words, an indescribable chill wrapped around Haruna's heart. Her memories were being ripped out one by one. Each happy memory surfaced, and in a moment, it was gone. In their place was a cold, swelling blackness. Haruna: AAAAGH, RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH! Haruna: No, they're disappearing... all of my memories are disappearing...! Just before they were all gone, she remembered the smile Mirror had shown her that afternoon. Mirror: I'll introduce you to all my friends. No one will ever tease you again... The next moment, that memory was gone as well. An amazing power began to gather around the little shrine. It unleashed with the radiance of the sun itself... The next moment, a bright flash of light drew our attention. Haruna: Kyah!? Mirror: What was that!? A moment later, there was a tremor like an earthquake. I shielded my eyes and looked toward the source of the light. It was like the sun had come up at the summit of the mountain where Yamanaka Shrine lay. It shone over the town, as bright as day. What was going on here!? It was pandemonium. Blood, entrails and machine parts littered the ground. But the insanity continued only for a moment. Yes... just a moment, before all went silent again. There was no one else to move. They had all been eaten. All except one. Curtis's eyes fell on the last human breathing on the wasteland. It was Haruna, slouched on the ground. But her eyes were empty, as if she hadn't seen a moment of the tragedy that unfolded. Curtis: So... you're the last one left. Curtis approached Haruna. He looked into her eyes...
i was sitting and holding my knees. they made me sign the contract. what happened next? want to vomit. so nauseous. feel sick. everything around me makes me sick. Haruna: ...resentment Haruna: ...sorrow Haruna: ...hatred Haruna: ...terror Haruna: ...humiliation Haruna: ...disgust Haruna: ...abhorrence all colors blur together into blackness. feelings spiraling inside me are nothing but darkness. the heavy black in my soul robs my strength and i cant move. they already untied me but i still cant move. dont want to move. if i move i will puke. already drooling. feel sick. cant see well but theres madness around me Schneider: Nngh! Stop... Please... Please stop!! Curtis: This hunger... I can't bear it... So hungry... Become one with me! the giant ate the shopkeepers arm. Schneider: AAAAAAAGH! ahh... it ate him all up i see all the men get eaten up in front of me i smell the blood and entrails around me but i dont mind. no... i like it. yeah... i like it. watching the men get eaten and their blood and guts spattering everywhere makes me feel less nauseous its so entertaining. watching it fills the emptiness inside me feels good. yeah. really good. one by one the giant gobbles up all the men. thats good... they deserve to die die... die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die ALL OF YOU DIE ALL OF YOU EVERY ONE OF YOU DIE now theyre all eaten and the giant crouches down and looks at me Curtis: ...well, my girl? How do you feel? Haruna: ...as terrible as ever. Curtis: Well, then... why don't you join me? You might be useful... Curtis: I can offer you money, prestige, men... anything you like. Haruna: Money...? Prestige...? Men...? Haruna: I don't need them... I just want to destroy. I want to destroy everyone happier than me. yeah... just destroy it all. want to destroy it all. then finally all the nausea will be gone Curtis: Then come with me and destroy it all. This country is full of those more fortunate than you. i nod and kick off the ground and hover in the air. yes... i will destroy it all. if it will heal this emptiness inside me i dont care if i have to destroy everything The light and the shaking settled a moment later. Sayaka: W-What? What just happened? An earthquake? Rin: Colonel, sir! Are you alright!? Roches: The hell is going on! We're tryin' to eat, here! The others came pouring out of the house. Then, we all stared in disbelief. The mountain was gone. The small mountain on which Yamanaka Shrine rested was now a wasteland. In the middle of the wasteland, it stood - an impossibly large man. A shining aura enveloped him. The man was... Sayaka: Is that... Curtis!? Sayaka gasped from beside me. She was right. Haruna had warned me that Curtis was alive. But I never expected to see him in a form like that... How could this have happened? Sayaka: HAHHHH! Stryker Ten!! The next moment, Sayaka equipped her Stryker Units. Rin: Sayaka-san!? Sayaka: He's going to pay for what he did to my fathers! Sayaka leaped into the air. Mirror: Wait! It's dangerous! He's more powerful than before! But Sayaka was too angry to listen. She shot through the air like a bullet, rushing towards Curtis. Mirror: Everyone! Support Sayaka! Roches: Yes sir, Colonel! After her, men! Phoenix: Right! Sayaka-san is gonna have trouble on her own! One by one, they all took off in pursuit of Sayaka. I readied myself and was about to follow them... ...but just then, something unbelievable entered my line of sight. It was a light, like a meteor, streaking out from Curtis's massive form. Mirror: That's... Haruna!? My bionic sight told me of the twisted hatred etched on her face. What had happened to her!? Mirror: ...ngh! I was about to fly after Haruna, but someone grabbed my arm from behind. I looked back. Mom had come out of the house. She was holding my arm. Mirror: Mom... Hiromi: You, get back into bed! Your heart could burst at any minute! Mirror: But Mom! Haruna's-- Hiromi: Absolutely not! Mirror: We don't know what she might do! I have to stop her! I have to be the one to go, mom! Hiromi: ...you said that I'm your mother? Well, I don't believe it for a minute. Haruna: Ma'am... Hiromi: Even so, I can't let you go and do this... Hiromi: If bad men are threatening us, we should leave it to the police or the national guard! You're still sick! What can you do!? Mirror: ...... Yes... that was mom. She always got this angry with me when I played pranks. I smiled brightly at her, then hugged her tight. She felt... so small. Or maybe it was just that I had gotten bigger. Hiromi: Ah... Mom tensed up in my embrace, but I didn't care. I just hugged her more tightly. Just like mom used to do for me. I could smell her familiar scent. Mirror: I missed your smell, Mom... so gentle and so warm... Hiromi: ...... Mirror: Mom. I finally remembered something I forgot. Mirror: Do you remember? I promised that I would become a superhero. Hiromi: .........you...... Yamato: Mom, when I grow up, I'm gonna be a real superhero! Then I'll protect you and Dad, for sure! Mirror: Mom, I have to protect Haruna. I want to become Haruna's hero. Did you forget what I used to say? Hiromi: No... You said it so often I got tired of hearing it. You said you would... become a superhero. I released her, then looked down into her face. There were tears in her eyes. Her hand tightened around my arm for a moment... Mirror: Goodbye, Mom. Nevertheless, I pulled away from her, and rose up into the air... Hiromi: Yamato...! Hiromi: YAMATO!! Mom called after me as I flew after Haruna.
hate... hate... hate... i hate without knowing what i hate i fly through the sky above the town with this maddening hatred and resentfulness eating me inside below me are the lights of houses. each light is another thing i couldnt have... another thing i lost. there are lights on in every house at this time of night. you can hear the voices of the happy families... Haruna: There are so many... Haruna: So many things I don't have! So many people with things I've never had! i swing senden to my hearts content. set its output to maximum. ash... turn everything to ash... then finally the nausea will go away. now go, burn, DIE! my body trembles with joy and i focus my power into my right hand Haruna: Stryker System... Gotenrai... there is a flash and the night sky shines blue. i knew i had it but i never used it. the weapon that reduces all around it to ash... i turn that power toward the houses below... A huge ball of light shone in the sky above. That light was... the Stryker System!? That weapon would reduce the town to ash! Not even its user would remain unscathed!! My eyes fell on Haruna, who was holding the ball of light. Her eyes were darkly clouded, her face twisted in anger. What was going on!? I raced toward her at full speed. My pacemaker groaned. The feeling of needles stabbing my heart grew stronger... but I couldn't worry about that now. I had to stop Haruna from firing that blast! Mirror: CUT IT OUT!! I rushed at Haruna to tackle her from behind. The force of the blow caused the power in her hand to dissipate. Haruna: Who are you!? Let me go! Let me go!! She didn't recognize me? Or rather... she had no memory of me? Haruna balled her hands into fists and screamed, trying to pull away. I refused to let go. We began to plunge toward the ground. Mirror: Why, Haruna!? Why are you attacking the village!? Why are you doing this!? Haruna: Crush! Destroy! Kill them all! These entitled brats all have things that I don't have! Haruna was in a frenzy. It was as if she couldn't even hear my words or see me at all. How... How did it come to this? What had happened after I left her? Mirror: Haruna... Haruna: Why am I the only one!? Why am I the only one!? Haruna screamed and cried. I tightly held her struggling body and prepared for the impact with the ground below. Haruna: AAAAGH! I hate it, hate it, hate it! Everything... Everything is horrible!! Disappear... I just want it all to disappear! Haruna: AHAHAHAHA! Yes, yes... Everyone should die! Everything should be destroyed! It should all just disappear! The entire filthy world that never paid me a second thought!! Haruna: Disappear... JUST DISAPPEAR!! That was when I realized it. Curtis's massive form... it was beyond anything humans could create. He had acquired it in a trade with the Memory Collector. And in exchange, he must have offered... Haruna's memories. Right now, Haruna had no memories at all. At least, almost none... no good ones... Mirror: You poor thing... They took everything important to you, didn't they? The ground was approaching fast. The next moment, we slammed into it. Mirror: Hngh!! Haruna: Nngh!? We rolled along the ground in a heap. We were in the vacant lot. My body bounced and collided with the earthenware pipes. Mirror: Hnngh...! The impact caused me to release Haruna. She pulled away from me... Haruna: DIE!! She hunched over, aiming sharp, repeated kicks to my abdomen. Mirror: ...ngh...! I couldn't dodge as she flung me across the ground. I crashed into the earth again and again. Haruna ended up straddling me, pounding down on me with her fists. Haruna: Die! Die! DIE! DIE!!! Her power was beyond that of a human... beyond even that of a cyborg. She was acting with no regard for her own body. She was attacking without any restraint. She was like a berserker as she pounded down on me. My cybernetic body began to scream. Her attacks were warping the frame of my internal mechanical organs. The assault was like a hurricane. I began shouting at Haruna in desperation. Mirror: Nngh...! Remember... Please, Haruna! Haruna: RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH! Mirror: Hnnngh! Would I... have to... fight her? Haruna's fists were stained with blood and worn down to the bone. Her face was twisted in rage. Mirror: Nngh, HNGAAAAAH! I couldn't do it... I just couldn't. I couldn't fight Haruna. I couldn't defend, either. All I could do was take her attacks. Haruna: ...... Haruna grabbed me and stood up, then dealt a smiting blow to my abdomen. Mirror: Ghnn...! I flew back almost ten meters, my body skidding across the ground. Haruna: ...die. Damn... I couldn't move. Haruna seemed to notice that I wasn't fighting back. Leisurely, she put her hand to the weapon on her hip. Haruna: Just die... Stryker... Drive... Shi--! Haruna: Stop it! The sudden interruption gave Haruna pause. I looked through blurry eyes in the direction of the voice. It was... Mirror: Ha... runa? Yes, it was the other Haruna... standing there, out of breath. Haruna: Are you okay!? Mirror: What are you... doing here? She jogged up to my side, then turned to my attacker, crying out in grief. Haruna: Why are you doing this!? Haruna: Die... everyone die... Haruna: What? Don't you remember me? I'm Haruna! I'm your friend, Haruna! Haruna: ...... Haruna: Did you just forget about him? He's been trying so hard to keep his promise to you!! Haruna: Prom... ise? Haruna: Yes! I know he made a promise to you! He promised he would save you!! Haruna: No one ever... saves me. She spat out the words, glaring at the other Haruna. Haruna: ...I don't know you. If you won't move, then you can die with him. Haruna glared at her double with all the malice she had inside her. The despair she must have felt was unfathomable. The Haruna at my side refused to give her ground. Why was she going so far? I couldn't understand it, but... Haruna: Look at me! Look at me carefully! Then listen to what I'm saying! Haruna: ...... Haruna: Please listen, Haruna! You're the other me!! Haruna: The... other? At the words, Haruna stopped, and answered slowly.
ahh... i was so close to killing the silver-haired man. why did she have to stop me my head is swimming. i can see the girl is protecting the silver-haired man. darn. so close to killing him Haruna: Look at me carefully! I look just like you, don't I!? the girl keeps shouting at me. so annoying... but her words tug at my mind. just like me? through my vision hatred warped i can see this girl haruna has my face Haruna: Why... Why do you... look like me? without thinking i ask her Haruna: It's because I am you! Because I was created based on you! what is she... talking about? Haruna: I am you, that's why I know! I know you're a nice person! You listened to my problems! You became my friend! Haruna: I don't have... friends... Haruna: Yes you do! We became friends! Look, we even exchanged e-mail addresses! Haruna: Exchanged... Haruna: Look! This is your address! Did you forget that, too!? the girl shoves her phone at me. letters on it look familiar. Haruna: You're not the kind of person who would do these things! so annoying... dont know what shes talking about... Mirror: It's not going to work! I think Haruna's lost all of her memories! There's nothing left inside her but resentment! She's not going to listen to you! I watched the two Harunas speak. They were identical as they faced one another. One face was concerned, the other twisted by hatred. It was less like a mirror and more like a warped funhouse reflection. Haruna: I'll tell you... I'll tell you everything you've forgotten... Haruna: ...... The dark Haruna remained still, uncertain. She seemed to be listening, at least. I wondered if she would really hear. Haruna: Yamato-kun's father told me. He said I was modeled off a girl that Yamato-kun played with when he was little. As she spoke, Haruna drew closer to her doppelganger. I knew it was dangerous, but I couldn't stop her. Haruna: So I know... I know that Yamato-kun is always trying to protect me... and that he always tried to protect you. As she continued her gentle words, her hand lightly brushed the other Haruna's cheek. It was like she was soothing a crying child. Haruna: I know that my memories are your memories. My memories of happiness are your memories. Haruna: Memories... of happiness...? Haruna: The boy back there promised you. He promised that he would protect you... Haruna: Your world has more to it than hatred. I'll tell you all about it... okay? Haruna: When I was feeling sad and alone because Yamato-kun and Sayaka-chan were getting close, you were the one who comforted me. Haruna: So now it's my turn. Listen, okay? Haruna began to speak. She told the other Haruna of her childhood - those warm, familiar memories. Haruna: And then Yamato-kun said... rain of... words... yes... with gentle words... she began to speak to me. ...it really was like a rain. The words fell in gentle drops on my dried, blackened heart. The rain was a balm on my fractured, barren soul. Haruna: No, it's nothing. Anyway... friends? I'm not sure if we'll be able to see each other again, but... Haruna: Well, it's fine. I'll give you my contact information. Haruna: Yay! Mirror: ...so, you know? I figure that as long as I'm still alive, I'll keep on protecting you. Haruna: Y-You're a complete idiot! Mirror: ...you think so? I don't really think I am! The rain of words soon became a flood of memories. It picked up strength, until the image of a boy appeared in my mind. Haruna: Are... are you okay, Yamato-kun? Yamato: Ugh... I can't take this anymore. I suck at protecting you, Haruna. Haruna: No you don't. You always protect me... all the time. It was... Yamato... kun. In a moment, he broke through the veil of forgetfulness and surfaced in my mind. The one who always protected me... my hero. But the next moment, I... Haruna: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH! Resting in the other Haruna's arms, Haruna suddenly screamed and clutched her head in her hands. Haruna: Haruna-san!? Mirror: Haruna!! What just happened? She had been listening so peacefully before... Haruna: No... they're gone again! They're all gone! I finally remembered, and then...! Remembered? The memories disappeared? Haruna's words raised a possibility in my mind. The memories that were stolen in the exchange... Haruna: WAAAAAAAAAAAAGH! AAAAAAAAAGH! Even if she managed to remember them, they'd immediately be taken again. The mere act of trying to remember seemed to cause incredible pain in the contractor... Haruna: I hate it... All I wanted was not to be hurt anymore! Why does it have to be like this!? Haruna: ...ngh...! Perhaps unable to take any more of the mental strain, Haruna fell limply to the ground, unconscious. Haruna: A-Are you okay!? Haruna-san! The other Haruna held her in her arms and peered into her face. And I... I looked down on the unconscious Haruna and thought. How could I save her? Mirror: ...what am I supposed to do? Dammit! A moment later, a light shone above us, illuminating our surroundings as bright as day. It tore across the sky from the shrine, racing for a peak across town. Mirror: W-What was that!? The next moment, we were hit with a violent shockwave. The shaking in the air hit us like a tsunami. Haruna: Kyah! The earth began to churn beneath us. It was like an earthquake. Haruna: The... The mountain...! Haruna pointed - the mountain was gone. A mountain that was there just moments ago... completely vaporized. Mirror: Is... Is Curtis behind this!? Haruna: W-What do we do? Mirror: I'm going to defeat Curtis. Maybe if I do... Yes... there was a possibility. If I defeated Curtis, whose power came from Haruna's memories... Haruna: ...but your heart... Mirror: This might be our last chance. We can still save Haruna. Mirror: That's why I have to go. Haruna: ...okay. Haruna looked into my face and nodded slightly. Haruna: Promise to come back... Haruna-san will be waiting for you. Mirror: I will. Anyway... I'm off! My heart was ripping in two, but I refused to let it show. I smiled at her. Then, I jumped into the air like a shot. My heart was in so much pain... but I couldn't think about that right now. Mirror: ...Haruna... wait for me... The damage Haruna had done to me had placed an even greater burden on my heart. It ate away at me. Before long, Curtis's massive form came into view. The others had him surrounded, but it didn't look like their attacks could do much to hurt him. Mirror: You'll pay for this... Curtis! Mirror: I'm going to make you pay! I ignored the strain on my heart and flew full speed to the battlefield.
High above Yamanaka Shrine, Curtis and the Balboran vanguard were locked in mortal combat. Hilko: It's no good! My attacks aren't working! Daniel: If we draw too close, we'll be devoured in the same manner as those bionic soldiers! Sayaka and the Balborans attempted to attack from a distance, but their attacks did little more than slow Curtis down. Phoenix: Damn! I think we could hurt him if only we could get in closer...! Roches: This sucks! At this rate he's gonna reach the village! Sayaka: Nngh...! Like I'm gonna let that happen! Sayaka lost her patience and charged Curtis head-on. Joseph: Stop! You can accomplish nothing by--! Curtis noticed her approach. He turned. He grinned with glee, drool dripping from his open maw. Sayaka: Take this, Curtis! Stryker System Tenrai...! Curtis: Don't mind if I do... The moment Sayaka activated Tenrai, Curtis drew towards her, mouth open. Sayaka managed to avoid his bite, but his teeth clamped down on her Stryker Unit. Sayaka: Damn! Don't eat that! Let go! Roches: Ditch the Stryker System! He's gonna eat you whole! Sayaka: Hnnngh...! Sayaka gritted her teeth and ejected the Stryker Unit. He munched on the metal weapon, then swallowed. Curtis: Delicious... Absolutely delicious! Swaying drunkenly from the pleasure, Curtis brandished his arm. There was a new metal device attached to it. Electricity began to crackle around his outstretched arm. The smell of ozone filled the air... Phoenix: Hey now, is that...? Sayaka: Look out! Scatter, everyone! Curtis: Stryker System! Tenrai! The massive ball of plasma ripped through the air where Sayaka had been just seconds earlier. It plowed into a mountain many leagues beyond her... Orson: Wuhhh!? Roches: Ugh, he blasted away a mountain in one hit! Sayaka: If that thing hits the town...! Sayaka stared at him in horror. Curtis: So much food... So much food to eat... Curtis began moving towards them, charging on all fours like a beast. Curtis: GRAAAAAAAH! Sayaka: Ahhhhh! Then, something ripped through the air. Sayaka: ...ah...! ???: Stryker System, Level Four Hiryuu! Curtis: GRAAAAH!? Curtis took the hit and rolled heavily along the ground. Sayaka stumbled backwards in relief. A black shadow caught her from behind. Jack: Are you well, Sayaka-dono? Supported by Jack, Sayaka looked up to see a young man adorned with the Stryker System. Sayaka: Yamato! Sayaka was radiant with joy. Her hero landed gallantly before her. Yamato: Sorry I'm late. Roches: About time, Stryker! What the hell took you so long!? Yamato: Just some minor business. Jack and I left Japan for a while. Yamato: The Balbora Empire's been a lot of trouble for us lately, so we thought we might cut them off at the knees... but when we looked, we couldn't find a trace of it. Yamato: Dad explained everything and it all made sense. It appears we're nothing more than characters in a story. Yamato's eyes flicked back to Curtis. Curtis: Impudent... fool... Curtis stood trembling, his hate-filled eyes focused now on Yamato. Yamato turned to Curtis and took a fighting stance, meeting his gaze without flinching. Yamato: That man there is the last remnant of Balbora. Yamato: So let's deal with him before he causes any more trouble for the people of this world... Yamato took a step towards him... But just then, someone grabbed his shoulder.
Mirror: GRAAAAAAAAAH!! Stryker System Hayabusa unleashed its hail of blows, pounding Curtis from top to bottom! Curtis: Heheh... What's wrong, Mirror? Is this all you've got? It was a relentless assault, but Curtis didn't flinch. He merely smirked down at my swarm of afterimages. Mirror: ...ngh! There was a tinny noise as the pacemaker in my heart snapped in two. Tha-thump. Tha-thump. My heart let out a groan. I had gone... too far... no! No, I hadn't! I could still fight! This was my... This was Dengeki Stryker's battle! Mirror: GRAAAAAAH! I forced myself another step beyond my limit. Hayabusa's afterimages continued raining down below. Just then, an eerie gleam came into Curtis's eyes. Curtis: I see it! I see the real one! Mirror: Nngh!? Curtis's hand lashed forward and grabbed me. The next moment, the afterimages disappeared. Mirror: Ah... dammit! My joints groaned as his massive hand squeezed. He looked down at me with an expression of twisted glee. Curtis: Hahahahaha, down the hatch you go! Curtis's mouth opened, dripping with saliva. I wrinkled my nose at the foul smell pouring out of it. Curtis's mouth was like a gaping cave of flesh as he brought it close to swallow me down whole. I had to...! Mirror: Ghh, HNNNNNNNNNNGH! I had to use all my power! Pain coursed through my body as I worked my artificial muscles to their limit. Nothing else mattered-- I had to break free! I barely made it. I freed myself from Curtis's hand just before his enormous teeth clamped down. Curtis: Heheheh... You're weak... You're so weak, Mirror! Unscathed from my assault, Curtis grinned down at me. My heart screamed in protest from the effort of my escape. Mirror: ...pant... pant... I struggled for breath, met Curtis's eyes, and readied a new Stryker Drive. Mirror: Stryker System Change! Hyaku-shiki! I concentrated energy in the Stryker System. If I couldn't beat him with numbers, I'd beat him with force! Stryker System Hyaku-shiki. ...JPNS-003 'Type-100' Hyaku-shiki. Compresses plasma around the fist, lending it punching power equivalent to a heavy tank gun!! It was a weapon Dengeki Stryker used in the manga I loved as a child. It had Stryker's greatest destructive power. I felt its energy flowing into me! The agonizing throb in my chest began to come shorter and harder. ...Not yet... Give me more time... Please! Mirror: RAAAAAAAAGH! Take this! Hyaku-shiki!! I tore through the air to smash my shining fist into him! Curtis: Heh, a pointless attempt! Curtis didn't seem concerned, sneering down at me as he took his defensive stance. But he underestimated me! I had set the output of the strike higher than my heart could handle! I was concentrating all my power into the blow! This attack was far stronger than the usual Hyaku-shiki! Curtis stuck his arm out to block my charge, but I vaulted it and slammed the Hyaku-shiki straight into his body. Curtis: Mmgh!? Mirror: HRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH! I let out a war cry as I struck him! A strike that could crush boulders, level mountains! Hyaku-shiki's might plunged straight into Curtis's chest! The next moment, the potential energy in my fist released itself. Curtis flew back, flipping over the edge of the crater! He scraped along the ground with the force of a cannon hit, kicking up clouds of dust. Mirror: pant... pant... What do you think of... that! There was a violent shockwave, followed by a tremor. Curtis lay motionless from the power of the point-blank hit. My heart was only barely hanging on... I had to reduce my output... Panting deeply, I looked over at Curtis's half-buried form. It had been a powerful hit indeed, but I thought it better not to move until I was sure he was dead. Operating in low gear, I slowly approached Curtis. But... Hilko: That's impossible! The attack was so powerful! Phoenix: God... Incredibly durable, isn't he... The attack had clearly hit him, yet he sat up immediately, unscathed. Motes of dust fell off him as he made his way to his feet. Curtis: Hahah... Can't you see that it's useless? Your attacks are nothing before the might of my ultimate body! Mirror: Not yet... I can still... Before I could finish, a new, seething pain seemed to rip through my heart. Mirror: Ghhhh!! I had really gone... too far this time. Was I at my limit? No... I could still move! I could... still... move! Curtis: Oh... Is your heart at its limit? You really are a fool to the end. Mirror: Don't underestimate me! I... Dengeki Stryker... will not lose to you! Curtis: Give up the brave act already. It's obvious you can barely even move. Daniel: Colonel! Is it his heart!? Roches: Aw shit! Everyone, back up the Colonel! He's gonna get himself eaten like this! The Balborans stepped forward to assist me. But-- Yamato: Don't interfere! Yamato threw a hand out and stepped forward to stop them. Roches: But--! Yamato spoke, cutting Roches off. Yamato: That man stands there in fulfillment of an ambition he has held since childhood. Be quiet and bear witness. I nodded silently to Yamato. Yamato nodded back. Jack: But... have you a plan, my friend? I heard a concerned voice close by. I looked over to see a black shadow standing beside me. I gave him a small smile. Yes... there was still a way. Mirror: If one won't work... then I'll use two. I changed my Stryker Drive. Mirror: Stryker System change! Shinden! I held my Stryker Unit high and activated the Stryker System. Storm clouds gathered in the sky above. Electricity crackled through them. The scent of ozone filled the air. Shinden manipulated plasma density in the atmosphere to call down lightning on a target. Curtis: Oh? Going to bring a lightning bolt down on me? A pointless exercise. Mirror: Pointless or not... Let's just wait and see!! I unleashed Shinden, choosing the target as 'myself.' Spears of lightning rained down on me like winding serpents. Mirror: NGAAAAAH! Stryker System... change... Shusui!!! Stryker System Shusui. A highly adaptable lightning blade. Shinden's lightning coiled around Shusui as it appeared. I worked on channeling the lightning bolt through Shusui itself. Then at last, I brandished them together, a massive sword of light. A lightning blade, fit to cleave the heavens themselves! The night sky shone as bright as noon! With this, maybe... Mirror: pant... pant... pant... My shoulders heaved with breath as I held Shusui aloft. With this final blow-- I would defeat Curtis! Mirror: GRAAAAAAAH!! Curtis: Hngh! Curtis raised his arm as he saw my attack coming. The arm transformed into a massive blade which he brought to bear against my ultimate Shusui. Curtis: Hahahahaha! A clever idea! But do you really think that sword can touch me? My shining sword collided with his blade. Our eyes met. Curtis: Die, Mirror! Mirror: Nngh! He could block... even this!? How powerful was he!? Curtis: Now, let's test your strength! How many seconds can you last!? My power... at its full! My heart was pounding wildly, but I ignored it. I focused all my strength into the sword. Mirror: Nnngh, HRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH! My body screamed in protest as I pushed it to its limits. A primal scream escaped my lips. I was doing all I could, but Curtis was so powerful... My heart was shrieking in pain... ...I ignored it and strained harder. Electricity danced between us. A scorching smell filled the air. Curtis and I glared at each other over our blades. I was pushing this body - praised as the Balbora Empire's finest - to its limits, yet Curtis matched me, inch for inch. Mirror: HRAAAAAGH! I poured all my strength into the sword. Slowly, Shusui's blade began moving in Curtis's direction. Curtis: ...Nicely done... Such power could buy you a place at my side... Mirror: Shut up! This is... Just a little more, a little more! I deflected Curtis's sword, then pressed in all at once! I raised Shusui's output to maximum, preparing the finishing blow! Just then...! Mirror: ...ngh! A pain like a million needles ran through my heart. Dammit! Did I go too far? My strength drained from my body. Damn... I couldn't... Curtis: ...hmm! Curtis seized on the fact that my strength had faded. His massive arm roared through the air, tossing Shusui and me back like a rag doll. Mirror: Ghh! I tore through the air, crashing through the trees of the forest until I finally collided with the ground. Yamato: Mirror...! Roches: I ain't watchin' any more of this! I'm goin' in!! ???: To go would be to die in vain. The soft voice washed over them like a cold wind. At some point, an old gentleman in a silk hat had appeared next to Yamato. Memory Collector: Goodness me. It's gotten quite messy, hasn't it? Yamato: Who do you think you are? Memory Collector: Who am I? I am the Memory Collector. Yamato: Ah... I see. They say you grant wishes in exchange for memories... Memory Collector: Indeed I do. And I believe you have a very powerful wish... Yamato: ...... Memory Collector: Tell it to me. I can grant any wish in exchange for a memory, you know. The Memory Collector fixed his gaze on Yamato. Yamato hesitated for a moment. If he traded away his memories, he could save Mirror, or even defeat Curtis. And yet... Yamato: No, thank you. Yamato's gaze returned to the silhouette of the man struggling to his feet. That man didn't want anyone's help. That man was standing proudly against the enemy for the right to save that girl. Yamato: Look at him. He doesn't need the likes of you. He isn't going to lose... No, he wasn't going to lose. Because he was... Yamato: Because he... he is the real Dengeki Stryker! This time, it was my turn to slam into the mountainside. It took all my power just to struggle to my feet. Mirror: pant... pant... Curtis: After all that, your little blade still couldn't touch me. There's no point in going on. Let me finish you off. I had managed to stand, but... Damn, couldn't move! My auto-repair systems were kicking in, but they couldn't keep up with the damage I was taking. I just stood there, frozen still, looking at Curtis with hatred in my eyes. Curtis: Stryker System... Tenrai. He proclaimed the words like a death sentence. His right arm transformed. ...this was... the attack that vaporized that mountain!? Oh no! If I didn't move... I would die right here! Curtis: DIE, MIRROR!! The cannon shone, then released its giant shot of plasma! Mirror: ...ngh! I quickly set up a magnetic field to knock Tenrai off course, but even the after-wave was enough to send a shock running through my body. No good... The damage was too much. The mechanisms in my body were going haywire. At this rate, I'd be frozen to the spot! Curtis: BAHAHAHAHA! You great fool! I'll roast you alive before I eat you! As he spoke, Curtis fired off Tenrai. His expression betrayed no doubt in his certain victory to come. Mirror: GRAAAAAAAH! I took hit after hit, my internal mechanisms screaming in protest. Incapable of mounting a suitable defense, my body simply soaked up the damage. My heart was well past its limit. It had been obvious I wasn't going to survive this, but now... now it was probably too late. But I couldn't... I couldn't lose yet. I couldn't give up yet! I would burn the last remaining seconds of my life. As the world around me grew dim, a familiar memory appeared before my eyes. Haruna: In sickness and in health... Yamato: ...'til death do us part. We intoned the solemn vow to each other, then exchanged the rings. I'm sorry... Haruna. I can't play with you anymore. But I... Mirror: pant... pant... Curtis: You're more stubborn than I thought. But you can't even move anymore. So I guess it's time to eat you up. Curtis: DOWN THE HATCH! Curtis's eyes opened, wide and bloodshot as he charged me. I would...!
Rin: Colonel Mirror!? Rin's words broke the silence. The group took off at once to Mirror's side. Mirror lay face down in the crater, the shadow of death hanging over him. Rin: Colonel! Please, speak to me! Yamato: Are you alright? Speak to us! Sayaka: Hang on! I'll give him CPR! Mirror: Not... yet... Mirror stopped Sayaka as she moved to help him, speaking in a husky voice. Mirror: There's still... something... I have to do. Please... take me to... the vacant lot... Then, with the others helping me along, we arrived at the vacant lot outside of town. I knew this place so well. This was where it all started... where it would all end. My vision clouded up. My mind was drifting... I was losing focus. Mirror: ...ngh. I struggled to hold on. If I fell asleep now, I knew I would never wake up again. My Haruna was sleeping peacefully in the vacant lot before me. Beside her was the other Haruna, who had been watching over her the whole time. Mirror: Haruna... there's one last thing... I have to do. Would you mind... leaving me alone with her? Haruna: ...sure. When she saw my condition, her eyes filled with tears. Did I really... look that bad? Mirror: ...thank you. I peered into the unconscious Haruna's face. She was pale and her breathing was shallow. She seemed healthy enough, but suffering terribly... Mirror: Haruna... Haruna didn't answer. Her eyes were clenched in pain as she remained asleep. There was one last thing I wanted to try. I cried out, desperately. Mirror: Are you there, Memory Collector!? I know you've been watching this whole time! Come out! I have to speak with you! Memory Collector: Oh, you realized that, did you? The Memory Collector had disappeared at some point, but blurred back into sight as I called out to him. Mirror: ...I knew it... You were watching. Memory Collector: But what could you want with me, here at the end of your life? You don't have enough memories to save yourself. Mirror: That's not it! I... I want to talk about... Haruna's... memories. Memory Collector: Oh? Mirror: What kind of contract... did you make with Curtis? Memory Collector: Hmm. I was to take all of the girl's happy memories and give him an ultimate, invincible body in return. Mirror: The man you made the contract with - Curtis - is dead! So... so the memories you took... are invalid! Give them back to Haruna, please! Memory Collector: I fear the death of the contractor is not sufficient to invalidate the contract. Mirror: You promised him... an invincible body, didn't you!? But I still beat him! Your contract is invalid! Memory Collector: ...indeed... I see your logic. However, memories, once taken, cannot be returned. Mirror: Why not!? Memory Collector: What is done cannot be undone. Memory Collector: Sending the memories to my collection means taking them from this world's reality. Once milk has been added to coffee, it can never be the same again. Mirror: ...then! Give my memories... to Haruna! Give her all my memories... Give them to her! Memory Collector: Hmm. Very well. I will transfer your memories into this girl. Memory Collector: But you understand that without your memories, your body will become an empty shell? Mirror: ...you said so yourself... I'm already... dying. You really think... I care about that? Memory Collector: You are quite correct. Then allow me to give your memory form. As the Memory Collector spoke, a small ball of light appeared in my hand. Mirror: ...this is... my memory? Memory Collector: Indeed. This is your entire life. Every memory you have ever had. Mirror: Haruna... you lost all your most precious memories, didn't you? Mirror: But... it's okay. You can have mine instead. Happy memories... sad memories... all of them... I crouched over her and touched my lips to hers. The ball of light in my hand passed through her chest. Haruna stirred faintly. Mirror: Haruna... I... I awoke, awash with warm, happy memories. Haruna: ...... In my empty soul, the earliest scenes showed themselves. It was like a distant fairy tale. The story of a girl and the hero who struggled to protect her. That's right... Yamato had always come to save me. Then they came rushing into me, faster. His faint, loving heart. That pure, straightforward affection he had for me. It cast a gentle light on the dark memories that lingered inside me. One by one, the memories came. The way he found himself inside a character from a story. His struggle with the evil inside of him. Fighting alongside the hero he so admired. Then, meeting me. His honest feelings toward me. His promise... and then... Haruna: ...Yamato... No, Mirror? That was his name. The man who had loved me, who had always promised to save me... My cheek was cold. I had started crying. My eyes gently opened. The man looking down at me had hair of silver... but his eyes were those of the little boy who had been my first love. Mirror: Haruna... did I finally... become a superhero? He spoke between halting breaths. It was far away, so far away, and fading... but somewhere in his eyes, I could see his recollection of that day. It was the day just before I moved out of the village. Yamato: I promise! Because I'm Dengeki Stryker! I'm the hero sworn to protect you, Haruna! Haruna: ...okay! You have to come. I'll be waiting for you! I'll be waiting for Stryker Yamato-kun to come for me! Yes... He... He finally came for me. I... Haruna: You've always been a hero! You've always protected me!! Yes. That memory had always been my shield. The memory I thought I had lost. No matter how hard things got, that memory remained inside of me. Supporting me. I cried, forgetting to wipe away my tears as I hugged him tightly to me. His warmth was fading in my arms... Mirror: ...really? I feel like... I always lost... Haruna: You always protected me! You saved me! You are... oh please, no... Mirror: Heheh... Then I guess I did... become a superhero. His hand gently stroked my cheek. Haruna: ......! It was so very cold. I could feel from his touch that the flame of his life had grown dim. Haruna: No! Please, don't leave me! You're supposed to protect me, remember!? Mirror: I'll always... protect you. From... within you... Haruna... I sat up as he began to collapse. His body was rapidly losing strength... Mirror: ...... At last, he was still. I held him to me, trying to keep from sobbing out loud. The tears streamed from my eyes and fell on his cheeks. Haruna: Ahh... ahhhhhhh!! I held him, then, bawling like a child. He breathed his final breath with a smile. Seeing that it was all over, Yuuki Yamato stepped into the vacant lot. Yamato: Now, then... Hey, Memory Collector. I'd like to speak with you. Yamato turned to the Memory Collector and addressed him sternly. Memory Collector: Oh? And what can I do for you? Yamato: I have a request for you. Memory Collector: What is it? Yamato: Rescind the contract you made with Yuuki Yamato. Return us to the world of the story. Hearing Yamato's words, everybody's eyes turned to him. Sayaka: Yamato!? Haruna: Yamato-kun? Rin: Yuuki-san, no! Yamato: ...I'm sorry, everyone. But isn't this for the best? We were originally characters from a story. Isn't it natural for us to return there? Phoenix: ...'s true, not much use for our powers here in this world. Roches: Wouldn't mind goin' back to a world where my home town exists. Hilko: ...hmm. There were some makeup products I would have liked to buy, but... ah, what about Duran? Joseph: He is convalescing in the apartment. Presumably he will awaken in Balbora with the rest of us? Daniel: Well, I think it's a fine idea. Given the choice, I should prefer to return to my homeland. Yamato: This isn't our world. If we remain in this world where we don't belong, we're likely to cause trouble for it again. Memory Collector: Hmm... But the contract wasn't made with you, exactly... Yamato: You made the contract with Yuuki Yamato, didn't you? I am also Yuuki Yamato. Memory Collector: But, well... the fact is that I carelessly dropped the memories you traded to me, and those memories are now in this girl... The Memory Collector mumbled to himself awkwardly as he explained. He ran himself in circles and at last threw up his hands with a loud sigh. Memory Collector: Ah, very well. I will make a special exception and free you from your contract. The Memory Collector opened his bag and took out a sheet of paper. Memory Collector: Normally, these contracts are absolute... but given the great number of irregularities in this particular case... Yamato: ...I appreciate it. Roches: Well, I guess this is where we say goodbye. Feels like kind of a shame... Sayaka: I don't mind going, if I can be with Yamato! Haruna: And maybe in the story, I can become the leading lady! Sayaka: What!? I don't know about that! I'm... I'm not giving you Yamato, you know! Haruna: giggle If I want him, I'll just take him. Right? Sayaka: What!? The Memory Collector watched as they spoke to each other, then tore the contract in two. Memory Collector: There! Contract rescinded. In that moment, a shimmer went through the air. The group's forms began fading away. The body in Haruna's arms also began to shimmer and fade. As Haruna found herself holding empty air, she heard a gentle voice in her ear. Yamato: Take care! Live on, and never give up! Haruna: Haruna-san, don't forget about me! Just before they all disappeared, Haruna looked up and called out to them. Haruna: Thank you, everyone! Haruna: I loved... I loved spending time with you all! The words came from the memories inside Haruna... the memories of Mirror's time with them. Yamato: Sure! Be happy! Whether or not she could see it, Yamato raised a finger and smiled. Sayaka and Haruna closed in tight on either side of him. Their bodies were wreathed in light, and then... And thus, the battle between Dengeki Stryker and the Balbora Empire came to an end.
The months passed, and spring came again. Back in Tokyo, Jack was still living in the apartment Yamato had left behind. Jack: Hmm, the greeting... 'haikei'... ahh, I know not the kanji for it... After finishing his morning patrol, Jack sat up on the roof, writing a letter to his mother back home. It was a year since the incident. Jack had taken on Yamato's mission to protect the peace of the city. Jack: Greetings, mother in Texas. My ninja work is proceeding as planned. Jack: Verily does my heart cry out to revisit my home in Texas one day... hmm. Jack: Verily...? Ah? 'Gozaru?' Jack: Oh no! Why am I writing to her in Japanese!? Meanwhile, back in Yamato's family home, Daisuke was sitting at his desk, scribbling with his ink pen. Daisuke: Ah! I ruined it! Hiromi: Oh, dear. It has been some time since you worked with the pens. Daisuke: Yeah, I'm just trying to get back in the habit. It's harder than I thought... He hadn't been able to do anything for Yamato and Mirror... but he could at least give them a happy ending in the story. In order to achieve that, Daisuke had gone back to drawing his manga. But it would be a long road to get there. As Daisuke sighed to himself, the sliding door in the back opened. Haruna: Good morning! Hiromi: Oh, good morning, Haruna-chan! Did you sleep well? Haruna: Yes, I feel so much better! Haruna gave her a carefree smile. After Yamato left, Haruna had come to live with Daisuke and Hiromi. Hiromi: We may have lost a son, but I'm glad we gained a daughter. Daisuke: You can stay here as long as you like, okay? Haruna: Yes! Thank you so much! They got along just like family. Eventually there was even talk of adopting her. Since moving back to town, she could barely remember the sad times she had spent in that vacant lot. But she still remembered "him" saving her. The happy memories of their time together remained alive inside her as always. Daisuke: By the way, Haruna-chan. What do you think you'll do from now on? Haruna: ...to be honest, there's something I'd like to be. I'm going to work hard to see it happen. Daisuke: Oh, it's good to have a dream! So, what do you want to be? Haruna: Well... I'd like to be a veterinarian. Of course, I'll earn the money myself. I don't want to be a bother... Hiromi: Now, now. What are you saying, Haruna-chan? You know that we don't mind. Haruna: What...? Daisuke: Yeah! Studying to become a doctor is hard enough on its own. It goes without saying that we'll support your dreams. Daisuke: Of course, we can't help you with the studying part! Hiromi: Oh, you silly thing. giggle Haruna: ...thank you so much. I'm so glad! The cheerful voices of children rang out from the front door. Kid A: Hey Haruna! You promised to show us the cup-and-ball today! Daisuke: Goodness, those children are early risers. Though I'm glad you're getting along, of course. Haruna: Hehehe! Well, see you later! Haruna picked up her cup-and-ball toy with a bright smile.
Yamato: Alright. I'll go shopping with you. Rin: Really?! Oh, thank you! Yamato: I'd already planned to go shopping, myself. There's no need to thank me. ...Is that a memo pad? Rin: Oh, I thought you could... give me some cooking tips while we walk. Yamato: Can you write while you walk? Rin: Yes! It's my miss-- I mean, it's a bit of a habit. When I want to remember something, I always write it down. Yamato: I see. Rin has always been a very dedicated learner. In that way, she was a model student. All of my neighbors - perhaps because they were foreigners - seemed to be working very hard. Yamato: I need to help them in any way I can. Rin: So, ah... Would you teach me? Yamato: I'm not sure how much I have to teach, but I'll certainly share with you everything I know. Rin: Thank you! With that settled, we set off for the supermarket. Rin: Hmm, hmm... So the key to the spaghetti you made was frying the garlic on low heat first! Yamato: Yes, the key is to use lots of oil. It keeps it from burning and adds flavor. Rin: How much salt and other spices should you add? Yamato: For that, you have to rely on instinct. Just keep trying until you get the hang of it. Rin: Ah, yes. I see. I explained how to make sakamushi clams, then went over the spaghetti I had made. I felt like we talking about clams a lot... I hoped I could teach her something else. Rin: Eating that spaghetti you made... it reminded me of my family. Yamato: That's right. You mentioned something about your parents, didn't you? Rin: Oh yes. My father and my mother... and... Yamato: ...Hm? Yamato: Is something wrong with your family? Rin: Oh... oh, no. I was just thinking about my big sister. Yamato: You have a big sister, Kazami? Rin: Yes, she's a wonderful sister. Rin: She's a little like you, actually, Yuuki-san. Yamato: ...Like me? Rin: Yes. She's a very... serious person. Rin: She's a bit rigid sometimes, even. That's how she reminds me of you. Yamato: ...Really? Rin: giggle See? You take everything seriously, in just the same way. Yamato: Well... Rin: But I think that's a good thing, in some ways. Yamato: ...I see. Well, I'm glad to hear that. Rin: If I can learn all about cooking from you, maybe I can even cook for my big sister someday. I felt happy to be a part of that. Though of course, I'd make sure it wouldn't distract from my mission. Rin: Oh, actually... That reminds me of a funny story about my family... The talk of her sister seemed to have turned Rin nostalgic. We continued our shopping, talking all about various subjects.
Yamato: I'm sorry. I'm a bit busy today. Rin: I see... That's too bad. Maybe some other time, then. Yamato: Of course. Kazami seemed disappointed as she left. I wondered if I had hurt her feelings. Yamato: ...But the most important thing is keeping the peace. I picked up my bag and left the classroom behind. Yamato: Anyway. Stewed java, please. Sayaka: What do you mean, 'anyway?!' Yamato: Hmm. You seem as irritable as ever, Ichimonji. Sayaka: That's because you're irritating! Haruna: Ahaha... Calm down, please, Sayaka-chan. Sayaka: You know, Haruna, he acts this way because you encourage him. Yamato: This is no way to act in front of customers, you know. Sayaka: You shut up! Haruna: Please don't be angry... Ah... Ah... Let's think of something more fun. Like what we're going to eat for dinner! Yamato: Excuse me, but I'm trying to watch the news. I haven't come here for leisure activities or conversation. Haruna: Ah... I'm sorry, Yamato-kun. Sayaka: I told you, stop apologizing to him! Yuuki! Watching television IS a leisure activity! Yamato: For laymen, perhaps. Sayaka: Then what is it for you, huh? Yamato: I'm sorry, but that's classified. Sayaka: Oh for heaven's sake! Why do you have to be such a--?!! Despite frequent disturbances, I remained at Cafe Ichimonji, gathering information. It was not a glamorous life, but a means to an end for the sake of world peace. Murray: It's time for our regular meeting. Rin: Ah... but why is it so dark? Daniel: It isn't for atmosphere this time. We are attempting to keep the electric bill down. Joseph: Truly, these are the depths of poverty... a wretched state for any creature. Duran: You're a dog! Roches: But it's fluorescent lighting. Does it really cost that much to run? Murray: ...He's got a point. Captain Daniel, turn on the lights. Daniel: As you wish. After a few moments, the light flickered on. Murray: Still, our financial situation is no laughing matter. We need a more reliable method to finance our meals. Daniel: Malnutrition can have a damning effect on battle prowess. I suggest we all try to think of a plan and present them at our next meeting. Hilko: sigh... It's just pathetic. Orson: Hmm. Duran: I do think Officer Orson wishes to eat soon, as well. Phoenix: It's a bad situation, yeah. Too bad some people around here are more than willing to waste food anyway Hilko: ...... A sense of danger filled the air as Hilko and Phoenix glared at each other. Fortunately, it didn't come to blows. Murray: I don't mind people venting their frustrations, but there's no need to pick a fight among allies. Phoenix: ...scoff Hilko: Very well... Rin: It's better not to waste your calories, anyway... Duran: Wah... So hungry... The bionic soldiers of Balbora were struggling through the depths of their poverty. Every day was a battle to remain properly fed.
Yamato: I'm sorry. I need to head home a bit early today. Rin: I see... Ah, I'm so sorry to have held you back. Yamato: Goodbye, then. Maybe we'll meet up back there. Rin: Ahaha... That's true. Goodbye, then. Kazami gave me a smile and a bow, then left the room. I picked up my bag again and headed home. When I finally got home, I saw that Jack was out. Protecting the peace of the Japanese Empire in his own way, I suppose. Yamato: I should prepare dinner, then get to sleep early... Hmm? I had just put down my bag when I noticed something. There was a bit of a commotion next door... It sounded like an argument. Yamato: They usually get along so well. What could it be? It didn't seem like my place to get involved, but I really was concerned about them. Phoenix: All I want from you is a glimmer of responsibility! Hilko: Hmph. We all know you're just being petty. Phoenix: What was that?! When I entered the neighboring room, I saw the two of them at each other's throats. Yamato: What... is going on here, exactly? Roches: Ah, we're just... Murray: I'm so sorry we've disturbed you. Yamato: No, not at all... Phoenix: This idiot's been wasting food again. Look at this! I looked down and saw a black lump on the table. It was indeed awful... I had no idea what it might have been to start with. Hilko: Everyone makes mistakes. It's not as if you haven't boiled things into mush before! Phoenix: I'd forgive you if you were sorry! But you keep on acting like a brat! Yamato: ...Why don't the others stop them? Daniel: If we were to stop them, the resentment would continue to smolder. Better to let them give voice to their dissent. Murray: More or less. Yamato: ...... There seemed to be some truth to those words. But there were some things people couldn't work out among themselves. Perhaps they needed a mediator. Yamato: If you need it, I'd be happy to cook for you anytime. Phoenix: Ah... Yamato: Please, just try to be nice to one another. You're probably just hungry, aren't you? That can make anyone irritable. Phoenix: Ah... Well... He seemed at a loss for words. Roches: But are you sure about this, Yuuki-san? It's gotta be a bother for you... Yamato: Neighbors help neighbors, don't they? Think nothing of it. Murray: Gracious. Yuuki-san is quite a man. Daniel: Truly a gentleman of the highest order. Duran: I admire him too, I do! Hilko: ...... That seemed to have quelled the argument. Only the girl who had ruined the dinner sat there in silence, a dissatisfied look on her face. Yamato: It's understandable, after what he said to her. Phoenix: Since Yuuki-san insisted, I'll let you off. Just never cook again, alright? Hilko: ...I beg your pardon? Roches: Well, it would be easier if you'd knock it off. Or get Yuuki-san to teach you, at least. Hilko: What?! Why do I have to-- Yamato: Please, just stop, everyone. Now, what would you like for dinner? I felt like the best thing to do was just to get everyone fed. For things in my house I could make quickly... it would have to be instant udon. Hilko: ...Ugh!! I realized she was glaring at me. It must have been a sign of their friendship that they could cut each other so deeply. Yamato: Making a new life in a strange country... It really must be hard. Rin: I'm home! Ah, Yuuki-san? Yamato: Kazami? I'm about to begin cooking now. Rin: Ah... Do you... think I could watch you? Yamato: By all means, of course. I returned to my room to gather the ingredients, then set about preparing the night's meal. The udon I made went over well, but I noticed that one person still seemed upset...
And so began my busy double life. On one hand, I had to remain on alert for Balboran invaders; on the other, I had to prepare the get-together. It was three days later, after class... Rin: Yuuki-san. How are the preparations for the get-together going? Yamato: Everything is under control. I intend to make this mission a complete success. Yamato: Have a look at this. I opened a piece of paper in front of Kazami. Rin: Oh... Where did you get that?! Yamato: It's a map, of course. I needed to get the lay of the land. Rin: Well, I can't argue with that, of course... Kazami nodded, peering at the map. Rin: But what do the arrows mean? Yamato: My investigations have revealed that location is of prime importance for flower-viewing. Rin: That's true. Yamato: Thus, the location must be secured in the quickest and most expedient manner possible. I am drafting a battle plan that will ensure our victory. Rin: Oh, I see! That's so amazing! Yamato: Luckily, our class has a high ratio of male students. Their lack of training may be a problem, but that can be easily fixed if we begin now... Rin: School events do seem to have a lot in common with military tactics. Yamato: The real question is how to make the best use of our classmates. Rin: It's true, that might be hard. You can't force people to do things they don't want to do. Yamato: Exactly. Rin: I know! Maybe I could help you? Yamato: You, Kazami? Rin: Yes! I have a big family, after all... Yamato: Ah, that is true. What of it? Rin: Yes! I thought maybe they'd be willing to help us. Yamato: But I'm not sure it's right to ask your family to help us with a class event... Rin: But they would! You've done so much for us, Yuuki-san. I'm sure they'd be happy to help! Yamato: I see... Kazami looked toward me, her eyes shining. As fellow transfer students, we had always seemed very much in tune. Perhaps she really could help me. Yamato: In that case, I welcome any help you can give me. Rin: Okay! I'll ask the minute I get home today. Yamato: Excellent! I hope it will work. Rin: Don't you worry! Kazami rapped on her chest. She really was a fine girl. I was glad that such a sweet, mild-mannered girl was doing so well. Sayaka: I'm not sure I want to get involved in that... Haruna: Yes... They're so excited, it seems wrong to interrupt them. Sayaka: You could help them if you wanted, you know. Haruna: Oh, well... I guess so. Sayaka: Well, if things start to go awry, we can step in and help. Haruna: Y... Yeah. Rin: ...and that's the whole story! Hilko: Oh? Duran: But why do we have to help out with the flower-viewing? Rin: B... Because Yuuki-san needs help! Hilko: Oh my! I thought you were into that playboy? Rin: D-don't say that about Colonel Mirror... He's just dignified! Hilko: I can't say I blame you. Better the man close at hand than a prince on a pedestal. Rin: Th-that isn't it, really! Hilko: Even so, Rin. Why are you so interested in helping our neighbor? Rin: W-well... it's just... Rin: I guess... because he's been so nice. Like... when I went to school the first time... Hilko: Ohhh? Duran: Oh my! Corporal Rin's going red, she is! Roches: Well, not like we got any problems helpin' Yuuki-san, either. Phoenix: I agree. We owe him for the sakamushi. Daniel: It would hardly be becoming for a gentleman to refuse someone in their hour of need. Murray: Right, let's put it to a vote, then. All in favor of helping Corporal Rin? Murray: ...The eyes have it. The motion is adopted... Well, doing things to blend in better can't hurt us at all. Daniel: And it will allow us to enjoy a bit of nighttime flower-viewing. Roches: Yeah. So it was that I secured Kazami's aid in making the preparations for the class get-together. Our primary mission was to secure light meals, snacks, and drinks, and convey them to the necessary spot on the day of the picnic. Ichimonji had agreed to help us with provisions. After all, her father ran a cafe. He helped us to obtain everything we needed for cheaper than expected. Our first objective was cleared. It was the evening before the class get-together. Dinner was a battle, as usual. I was casting an annoyed glare at my roommate's satisfied expression when we received an unexpected knock at the door. Who could it be, at this hour? Yamato: Yes? Rin: Good evening! I opened the door to see Kazami's petite frame and smiling face. Yamato: Kazami? What do you need? It's rather late. Rin: Right... I know we discussed it before, but I wanted to talk about our location. Yamato: That's right. Your family was securing the location, weren't they? Rin: Actually, they decided to go down to the river bank for some nighttime flower-viewing. Yamato: That's some impressive initiative. Rin: So I thought that if you wanted, we could meet up with everyone and carry the things we need down there. Kazami cast a glance into the corner of my room. The light meals we'd prepared for the picnic were there, sitting in a pile. ...It was true that I didn't trust foodstuffs alone in a room with Jack for long. If we already had a location secured, it might be best to bring them there. No - more importantly, I wanted to thank my neighbors in person for saving our spot. But still, I had a mission. I was supposed to do my evening patrol. As I thought it over, I heard Jack speak up behind me. I shall handle the evening's patrol, My Liege. Accompany Kazami-dono to the location in question. It was true that the Balbora Empire had been quiet lately. Hmm. Yamato: Very well. Let us gather up what we need and carry it to the location. Rin: Okay! With that, Kazami and I gathered up the food and began walking the night road. Daniel: My, there are quite a few people here, even at this time of night. Murray: It's one of the Japanese Empire's traditions, after all. Daniel: Tipping a glass before the falling sakura. It is quite elegant, indeed. Murray: It's not a bad custom at all. Murray tilted up her cup of sake. It really did feel elegant, with the sakura petals falling around her. Murray: Even so... I'm concerned about the others. They're clearly less discreet. Murray's eyes were fixed on Roches and the others, who were currently engaged in stealing dango from each other. Roches: Wait a minute! Those are my dango! Phoenix: ...No, you had three. This makes three for me, too. Orson: Hmmmmm! Murray: For pity's sake. Daniel: ...Well, we can leave formality aside for one night. Hilko: What I'd like to know is, where is Corporal Rin while we're holding this spot for her? Roches: Oh, think she was gonna go invite Yuuki-san and come back. Hilko: ...giggle Bittersweet, indeed. Murray: Goodness. I know this is part of her mission, but I worry about her. Duran: Corporal Rin's quite capable as well. There's no need to be worrying for her. Roches: Even so, we've been in this country for a while. It's pretty different from what the prelim intel said. Hilko: That's true. I thought it would be quite the backwater little country, but they've got quite a few fine shops. Duran: In many ways their technology exceeds the Balbora Empire's. Daniel: Well, it was our duty to investigate that intelligence, after all. Hilko: Oh, who cares about all that right now? More sake for me! Phoenix: Think it's about cooked, isn't it? Joseph: I would happily take some meat. Daniel: Wait a while longer. As long as we're here, we should do it properly. Phoenix: Still, the sakura are quite lovely... The way they fall, it's like sparks on the wind... The vanguard sat and drank. For each petal that fell, they poured another drink. Before long, they were all thoroughly intoxicated. When we arrived at the designated spot, our arms full of food parcels, we saw that the party was already in full swing. Rin: Excuse us! Sorry we're late! Yamato: Thank you for all of your help. There were a number of blue tarps spread out beneath the trees, with various groups spread out here and there. It seemed quite a few had decided to claim their territory in preparation for tomorrow. It was clear to me once more that asking Kazami's family for help had been the right thing to do. Roches: Hey, Yuuki-san! Nishe work... Mikhail-san's face was bright red. He was clearly completely drunk. Murray: Oh, it did take you quite a while. Murray-san spoke up from her place at the center of the tarp. She seemed to have taken in quite a bit of alcohol herself. Her cheeks were a deep crimson. Yamato: I'm sorry about that. It took us quite a while to get everything together. Murray: Ah, it's fine. We know you'd do the same for us. Phoenix: Well now, Yuuki-san! Feel free to help yourself. Yamato: No, thank you. I'm still on duty. Rin: Yuuki-san, you really do like talking like that, don't you? Yamato: R-really? I didn't think there was anything unusual about the way I talk... Hilko: hiccup Ahahahahaha, drink up, kiddo! Yamato: She reeks of alcohol! Hilko: I don't reeeeek! C'mon, you like how I smell, riiiight? Rin: P-please stop it! Let go of me! Duran: Ahhh, what a fine night it is! It's a night for revelry! Hilko: More! I want moooooooore! Murray: ...They certainly are enjoying themselves. But then, it's so rare that we get a chance like this. Daniel: It's not the finest sake I've had, but we were able to secure it in great amount. Murray: Well, it's a fine opportunity. We didn't even have to spend our own funds. Truly, there's nothing like a good neighbor. Daniel: Indeed. Allow me to pour you a refill, then. Murray: Well, aren't you considerate. The laughing voices echoed through the forest of cherry trees. They were such cheerful people, even after all they'd been through. I reclined against the root of a tree, watching over the lively party with an air of satisfaction. Rin: Here, I brought you some hot tea. Would you like a cup? Yamato: Please. It may be spring, but it does still get cold at night. Kazami poured me a cup of tea from a thermos. She must have brought it with her from home. Her consideration made me smile. Despite being a foreigner, she truly had the soul of old Japan. Rin: It really is beautiful. Sakura... the flower of Japan. Yamato: Yes... It blooms brightly and falls nobly. We truly love it. Rin: ...Japan's a nice country, isn't it. It's not at all like we imagined it... Yamato: How did you imagine it would be? Rin: Well... Kazami hesitated, her eyes glancing off to the side. Whatever they had imagined, it seemed, it was nothing favorable. But then, every country was probably different when you saw it with your own eyes. Moreover, they had left their own nation out of necessity. That would make anyone nervous about coming to a foreign land. Yamato: ...Hmm? I looked up and noticed that Kazami's family had all passed out on the tarp. They really must have been drunk. Yamato: I love how peaceful it is. Rin: Yes. I hope things can stay like this forever. Kazami smiled as she looked out over her family. Yet, there was a nervousness behind her expression. I wondered why that was... Yamato: Hey, Kazami. Rin: What is it, Yuuki-san? Yamato: Why did you agree to help me, Kazami? Rin: Oh, well... When I first transferred here, you were so nice to me. I guess... I wanted to return the favor. Yamato: Not at all. You made me that lunch, after all... You don't owe me anything. Rin: Well, I also think you're a lot like... someone I know. Yamato: Someone you know? Rin: ...My big sister. She's so busy with work that I barely see her. You always act like you're carrying some heavy burden... I think that's why you remind me of her. Yamato: Do I really seem that troubled? Rin: Yes! Like you're always carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders, Yuuki-san. Yamato: Your sister must be a rather severe person then, Kazami. Rin: She would give you a run for your money in that sense. I'm sure you'd get along. Kazami gazed into the distance at the falling blossoms. Rin: sigh ...I miss her. I miss them all. Living in a foreign country must have been even harder than I imagined. I wished I could reassure her, somehow. Yamato: Ahh... Well... Unfortunately, I had no idea what to say in this situation. Yamato: I... I think you're amazing, for everything you do. Rin: giggle Yamato: W-what is it? Rin: That awkward way you talk sometimes is also a lot like her. Yamato: R-really? Rin: I know we're the same age, but you feel like my big brother, sometimes. Yamato: Big brother?! Rin: I-I don't mean like my real brother, but just the way you act... If I had a big brother, I bet he'd be a lot like you, Yuuki-san. Rin: And I'd call you Yamato-niisan... Yamato: In that case, I suppose I'd call you Rin. Rin: Oh yes! You should do that - then we'd be just like family! Yamato: You want me to call you Rin? Rin: Yes, if you'd like, you can just call me Rin. Yamato: I... I see. In that case, you may call me Yamato, as well. Rin: Okay! I will! Rin shot me a dazzling smile. Yamato: Haha... That's strange, I feel like I'm blushing... Rin: giggle You smiled. Yamato: Hmm? Rin: Yuuki-san... I mean... Yamato-san... you always seem so bottled up. I'm glad that you get to relax and smile, at least once in a while. "The battlefield is eternal," they say. A soldier should at all times be stretched as tightly as a steel wire. That was a concept I'd been taught in my own world. I had always striven to live up to it. And yet... Yamato: Yes, perhaps that's true. It's a beautiful night, after all. Just then, a breeze blew through the falling blossoms. Rin: ...It is a little cold. I could see Rin shaking. Hmm. Yamato: You can lean against me if you want. In cold weather training, we learned that that's the best way to preserve heat. Rin: R-really? Kazami looked at me in shock, but drew close to me regardless. I felt Kazami's - felt Rin's warmth at my side. It was a reassuring feeling. With her warmth beside me, I found myself drifting off to sleep. ..... ..... ...... ..... ..... ...... Haruna: ...kun... Yamato-kun... Yamato: Mmm... I heard a voice calling me from a great distance. I slowly opened my eyes. Before me I saw Haruna, a slightly uncomfortable smile on her face. ...Had I fallen asleep without realizing it?! How could I have let my guard down! I felt a warmth on my left shoulder. Who could it be? Rin: Zzzzz... Rin was there, making the soft noises of sleep. It seemed we had both slept fully through the night. Sayaka: You two! I hope you didn't spend the whole night together? Ichimonji peered in over Haruna's shoulder. Her usual temper was in full force. Yamato: Hey, Rin. Rin: Mmgh... Ahh, g'mornin... Yamato-san... Rin smiled at me sleepily. There was a bit of dried drool around the corners of her mouth. She looked like a little child. Haruna: He... He called her 'Rin'... Haruna froze as if she'd received a tremendous shock. It seemed it was about time for the party. Our classmates were arriving in clusters of twos and threes. Haruna: Ohh... So you and the others have been flower-viewing all night, huh? Rin: Yes. I'm afraid it got a little chaotic. Haruna: That's nice... I wish I'd gotten to come. Yamato: ...It's true. The sakura were beautiful at night. Sayaka: It's inappropriate for high schoolers to spend the night flower-viewing... You shouldn't be so careless, Rin. Even if it is Yuuki, you can't spend the night with a man! Yamato: ...what exactly are you implying? Sayaka: ...Well, I doubt he'd try anything, of course, but still. Ichimonji looked at me skeptically. Rin: Well, it looks like we're all here! Do you want to get started? At Rin's words, the whole class let up a cheer. Everyone was smiling. I felt like we had done a fine thing. Rin: Yamato-san. Would you lead the toast? Yamato: Toast? I remembered that this was an official class gathering. Even just leading a simple toast was an important job. I would have to give it my all. Yamato: I understand. I will say something. Haruna: Good luck, Yamato-kun! Haruna sweetly cheered me on. She clearly did not appreciate the gravity of my assignment. I stood up amid Haruna's encouragement and my classmates' cheers. Yamato: Ahem. My friends, the world is not at peace. As I made my pronouncement, the whispers started up. Yamato: Since the dawn of time, the history of man has been a history of war. For this and other reasons, there are now people starving all over the world. Yamato: Throughout the world, there are those who die for lack of a morsel of food, a single cup of water. My classmates stared awkwardly down at their cups of juice and the snacks being passed around. Yamato: In this uncertain world, I treasure the bonds I have forged with friends such as you. Through this informal gathering, I wish to strengthen those bonds. Yamato: Now, let's all eat, drink, and be merry......... A toast, everyone! Sayaka: AS IF!! Yamato: Ghh! Ichimonji hit me out of nowhere. It was lucky that I managed not to drop my cup. Rin: Don't be mean to Yamato-san! Sayaka: Rin... You're really gonna defend him after a speech like that? Rin: I thought it was an amazing speech! Rin defended me passionately. Truly, she was a woman who understood the ways of the world. Sayaka: ...I guess you really are two peas in a pod, huh... Yamato: Nngh... Rin: Ehehe... Oh no, not at all... Sayaka: sigh Well, they're having fun. It's no big deal. Yamato: ...Then why did you hit me? Haruna: Yamato-kun and Rin-chan have really gotten close, haven't they? Yamato: Does it appear that way? Haruna: Yeah... I'm a little jealous, honestly. Yamato: Jealous? Of what? Haruna: Ah?! Oh, n-nothing! Nothing at all. Haruna was becoming rather flustered. Behind her, Ichimonji began leading a new toast, and everyone cheered. Haruna: Ah, Yamato-kun. Toast with me! Rin: Cheers! We brought our paper cups together. If they had been glass, they would have clinked, but of course the paper cups didn't make a sound. Yamato: Even so... They all seemed to be having so much fun. They chattered raucously for a while, and eventually took to song. I glanced up at the tree, and saw Jack sitting on a thick branch, eating a dumpling. I was glad they were all having so much fun. It was over before I knew it. Even without alcohol, my classmates seemed to get drunk off the atmosphere. I felt like we had all grown closer, as was the objective. Just being able to speak with the others had broken down some of the walls between us. The gathering came to an end as the sun hung low over the horizon. Everyone took home their own trash. I folded up the tarp and started looking around for anything I forgot. Yamato: I believe it's time for us to return, as well. Rin: Okay! We should really call it a day. Yamato: It was a true success, thanks to you. I must give my thanks to your family, as well. Rin: Oh, no... It was our pleasure. Yamato: Not at all. I'll make something to bring them later. Rin: I'm sure that would make them very happy. We all love your cooking, Yamato-san. Yamato: I see... That's wonderful to hear. Rin: Well, let's head home. Yamato: I'll walk you there. Rin: Okay! Thank you so much! Yamato: It's nothing. We're going to the same place, anyway. Rin: giggle I guess that's true... We walked off, together. It had been a truly wonderful day. I hoped that days like this would continue... into tomorrow and the next day, and every day onward.
Hilko: sigh... So bored... Hilko sat in the Balborans' apartment, murmuring to herself. The room was always packed at night, but during the day, it stood mostly empty, with most of the vanguard off on jobs or maneuvers. Duran: Er... We had better be taking our turn at work, very soon. Hilko: Work? Oh right, that silly little stall... Just go without me, Duran. Duran: Ah...? B-but we're to be doing it as a team, aren't we... Hilko: I am a beautiful woman of womanly beauties. That's why it's your job to pull the cart, not mine. Duran: That argument makes very little sense! And I cannot be running the stall by myself... Orson: Hmm... Duran: Ah, Officer Orson! Will you help me instead?! Orson: Hmm. Duran: Then let us be off! Hehe... If Orson and I do well at the stall, Lieutenant Hilko will be impressed, for sure... Hilko: Yes, whatever. Goodbye. Hilko saw the others off while she remained behind in the room. Hilko: Hmm. Finally, some peace and quiet. It's so hard to think with such noise. Now, then... Hilko's previously listless gaze turned to one of tight focus. Hilko: What shall we do with him... She whispered to herself, thinking of Yuuki Yamato. Hilko: He meant to show me up with that cooking of his... He won't get away with humiliating me. I fully intend to have the last laugh. Hilko: There's also the matter of money. I do need money. I can hardly keep up with the latest fashions, wallowing in poverty like this. Hilko: Hmm... I had thought joining the military elite would bring me all the money I could spend. How did I end up in this mess? Hilko's thoughts, as always, largely concerned herself. If her allies had heard her, they would have been ashamed. ...Or more likely, they'd dismiss it as business as usual. Hilko: He said he had money, thanks to his allowance. Perhaps I could take the pleasure of robbing him of that... She continued thinking, eyes narrowed. A moment later, she let out a triumphant laugh. Hilko: ...That's it! How could I not have seen it? Hehehe... You will rue the day you mocked me, little man. Hilko: Whatever will that meddling boy think when he realizes he's been deceived, I wonder? Well, he can repent all he likes. I won't forgive him. Hilko: Clothing, makeup, magazines, sweets... There're just so many things that I want, so many things I want to do. Never enough money for it all. Hilko: Really, I knew that I was beautiful, but I never knew I had such a devilish intellect! Ahahaha... Hahahahahahaha! Yamato: Hmm... that was rather strange. I was on my way back to the apartment. Normally I would have been off gathering information, but I had come up against an unexpected obstacle. Yamato: I never expected to see it so crowded... I had meant to watch TV as usual, but the cafe was packed. Ichimonji was so busy, she drove me away. It was certainly rare to see it so busy. Though I suppose even hell freezes over from time to time. Yamato: It's difficult to believe so many people would come together to drink stewed java... Could this be a Balboran plot? I couldn't rule it out... but I couldn't think of how drumming up business for a restaurant would be to their benefit. I decided to abandon the idea. Roches: Ah, Yuuki-san. Are you on your way home? Yamato: Ah, Mikhail-san. You've been... fishing? He was holding a fishing pole made from a string tied to a stick of bamboo; a truly simple implement. In place of a cooler, he had a styrofoam box. Roches: Yeah. I thought they might be good for cooking... Yamato: I see... Roches: I wasn't sure it would work out with a homemade pole, but I picked up quite a catch. Yamato: That's wonderful to hear. Roches: Japan's oceans seem to have plenty of fish. Yamato: We have regulations to prevent over-fishing. Roches: Ah... I see. I hope I didn't catch too many, then. Yamato: I doubt you did. The limits are much higher than any individual could manage. Roches: Ah, that's good to know. I might stop by every now and then. The question is whether the fish I caught are edible or not. Yamato: Hmm... Would you like me to have a look? Roches: Oh yes, of course. I think they ought to be okay, myself. Yamato: That's 'inada.' It's a fish called by different names depending on its stage of development. Roches: Different names, huh? I like the sound of that. Yamato: At this age, they make excellent sashimi. Ah... but do you eat raw fish? Roches: Ah sure, I love sushi, actually. Though I mostly get it from the supermarket manager's special sushi packs. Roches: I wouldn't mind eating it raw, but I don't know if I could prepare it right. We've got some people who are good at frying, so we could work that out. Yamato: I see... Would you like me to help you prepare it, then? I was busy with my mission of Japanese national security, of course, but that didn't mean I couldn't make time to help out my foreign neighbors. Roches: Ah, that would be very kind of you. Would you like to eat with us, then? I just hope there'll be enough. I don't know if these little ones and these weird ones are edible. Yamato: The little ones are called haze. The rather grotesque ones are magochi. They'll both be fine; they're quite delicious. Roches: Oh! Well, by all means, then. I'd love to learn more about cooking. Yamato: If you don't mind, then. I'd hate to impose. We made our way up to the apartment building, where we ran into Kazami, who was also on her way home. Rin: Ah, hello... Yuuki-san. I see you met up with R... I mean, Mikhail-san. Yamato: We seem to have a tendency to cross paths like this. Roches: Hey guys, time to celebrate! I caught a ton of fish for dinner tonight. Rin: Really?! Rin: Ah, but please don't fry it whole... Fish eyes really frighten me... Roches: Don't be such a baby. Yamato: No, it's a common feminine trait. I'll keep that in mind, Kazami. Rin: Thank you so much... but, ah? Are you cooking for us again, Yuuki-san? Yamato: Yes, it seems I am. As long as I'm not being an imposition. Rin: You're not an imposition! Your cooking is so delicious, we all love eating it! Yamato: Oh, I see... Well, I'm glad to hear it, then. I didn't think that my cooking skills were anything special, but it was nice to hear the praise. Roches: Anyway, come by later around dinnertime. Yamato: Yes, I think I will. Rin: Well, we should be getting back, now. Yamato: Right. We were heading for adjacent rooms in the same building, so we walked up the stairs together. When we reached our doors, we parted ways... or were about to, at least. As it turned out, another of my neighbors was waiting for me there. Yamato: Oh, hello there. Is there something I can help you with? Hilko: Hehehe... Hehehehehe... Rin: Er...? The neighbor girl burst out into giggles. Kazami tilted her head in confusion. I was feeling rather confused about it, myself. Roches: Hey! What do you think you're doing? Hilko: Listen up, neighbor boy! She ignored both my greeting and the others' inquiries as she thrust a finger in my direction. Hilko: Listen, you! I'm going to be your wife! Yamato: ...... Roches: ......huh? Rin: ......ah? Roches & Rin: HUH?! Kazami and Mikhail both stared at her in shock. I couldn't blame them... I was shocked, too. Rin: She... she... proposed! You proposed!! Hilko: Hmm? Did I? Rin: Yes, you did... That's exactly what you did... Yamato: Well, I'm sure there's an explanation behind this. She was clearly the only one who understood what she was talking about. That's why I wanted to talk it out quietly. I would need time to understand too.
Yamato: A... wife-for-hire? Hilko: Well, it seemed the most appropriate title! Hehe... It took me two hours to think of it! Yamato: Ah... Roches: Oh, for... Rin: Well... that's quite a long time. Or maybe not long enough? Roches: Seriously... Don't ask. Hilko: ...What's the matter? You're all looking at me like I've grown a second head. Roches: Well... it's just... y'know? Rin: Well... you said you would be doing chores, so... wouldn't that just be an assistant? Roches: Or, like... a maid? I heard on the TVs in the electronics store that that kinda thing's pretty big right now. Hilko: Ah, but you see. An assistant or a maid differs from a wife in terms of status. Rin: Ah... status... of course... Hilko: You see, 'assistant' refers to something very mundane, while a 'wife' is exceptional. To a true beauty such as myself, the difference is of utmost importance! Roches: ...You've got a healthy ego, I'll give you that. Rin: Ah, ahahaha... Hilko: Anyway. The point is, a student living away from his loving parents needs a wife to ensure his good health and happiness. Hilko: And while these people might like a wife, they can't always find one... That's why I've started my wife business. Do you understand? Yamato: ...Hmm. Yamato: It does sound like an assistant, more or less. I didn't quite understand what she meant about 'status,' and that term seemed appropriate to her description of the post. The important thing was, she seemed passionate about taking a job where she could help someone. Yamato: She seems the helpful, considerate type. What good people my neighbors are. If Ichimonji was anything to go by, there were fewer true ladies in the country these days. Such passion was truly admirable. Hilko: Well then, let me go on. Obviously, many people can live very happily on their own. For those who can't, of course, I imagine it's very stressful. Hilko: I thought that a person like that would be happy to hire a wife to work for them. You do understand, don't you? Yamato: Yes, I think I do. Rin: What?! You do?! A normal student living with his family wouldn't need it, but a student living alone - someone like me - would surely welcome such a thing. Of course, I was far from a normal student, and had no issues with living alone. How could I defend Japan from invaders if I couldn't even manage my own personal life? Hilko: If you sign up for this amazing service right now, I'll give you the discount monthly rate of 50,000 yen! For just 50,000 yen a month, the lifestyle I've described can be yours! Roches: Ah, I get it. It's about the money. Rin: Yes, I think you're right. sigh... It's almost a relief. For a minute there, I thought she'd become a good person. Hilko: Hush now, both of you! ...Well then, what do you think? Yamato: It's very kind of my neighbor to be worried about me. The fee didn't seem excessive. She surely earned more from her part-time job, so it couldn't have been about the money. Yamato: ...I believe you're a very kind girl. Rin: Ah?! Roches: Y-Yuuki-san?! Hilko: I said, be quiet! Hilko: Hehehe... well then, I assume you'll be hiring me as your wife? Yamato: Actually, while I appreciate the sentiment, I won't be needing your services. I have no complaints about my current lifestyle. Hilko: ...ah? Yamato: You should spend your free time doing things you would enjoy. Hilko: Ah... W-w-what? But I... I thought we were in agreement? Yamato: I would just feel like I was imposing on you. I don't want you to suffer for my sake. Hilko: ...Oh no! I made the pitch too appealing! Rin: D-did you really? Yamato: My mission is not just about myself and Japan... I'm protecting my neighbors, as well. That burden weighed heavily on me, but it was one that I was proud to bear. I will protect them from the Balbora Empire! This, I swear! Hilko: Ah, well... Really? You really don't need it? You won't regret not taking advantage of my limited-time offer? Yamato: No, I'm fine. But I'm very grateful for your concern. Hilko: Ah? Oh... well... n-not that I care, of course. Too bad for you, though! A wife-for-hire would be very useful to you! Rin: Wow... she's unflappable! Roches: I never knew she could be so stubborn... Yamato: While I'm not a perfect housekeeper, I handle my own cleaning and laundry, and manage cooking well enough. You don't need to go out of your way for me. Hilko: I... I see... I turned her down as politely as I could, but she seemed despondent. Yamato: She went out of her way to do something kind for me... I hope I'm not disappointing her. Roches: Well, that's how the cookie crumbles. Hilko: ...Quiet, you. Roches: Too bad that didn't go your way. Maybe Yuuki-san could've taught you how to cook a little. Yamato: ...Hmm? Yamato: I'm sure she doesn't need it, but this way, the transaction wouldn't be completely one-sided. It was true that despite her offer of becoming my 'wife-for-hire,' she didn't seem to know much about how to keep a Japanese household. Hilko: I... I don't need help with that! Rin: Ah, but maybe you could teach me about cooking, too! Hilko: I don't need anyone to teach me about cooking! I'm supposed to be helping you! Roches: Yeah, right. Hilko: It's the truth! Yamato: I see. Then I take back what I said. I will hire you. Roches: Well, too bad. Figures no one would wanna hire such a- Roches: Wait, you're hiring her?! Rin: R-really? Yamato: Yes, I am. Yamato: If fate saw fit to make us neighbors, then I should accept, both out of common courtesy, and to help her as I can. Hilko: There, you see? I knew you'd come around to my way of thinking. Rin: sigh... Well, I mean, if Yuuki-san is alright with it... Roches: Ah, well, so long as it isn't a bother to you or anything... Yamato: No, I'd be honored. After all, you never know when life may get overwhelming. Hilko: Hehe. Well then, let's get to it, shall we? Roches: You sure do make one bossy employee. Hilko: Oh, it's fine. I'll be taking good care of him, after all. Rin: It really is amazing how confident she is... Roches: Please don't learn from her. Don't need two of that runnin' around. Hilko: By the way, what is that thing you're carrying? Roches: Oh, now you notice... Well, whatever. Fruits of my little fishing trip today. Straight from the ocean. Rin: That's why Yuuki-san is coming over to cook today! Hilko: My... isn't that interesting. Perhaps I'll try my hand at cooking, as well! Roches: Oh, uh... n-no, you don't have to... uh... Hilko: What was that? Rin: We... We just think Yuuki-san should make it, since he offered, after all. And our kitchen's awfully cramped. Hilko: Hmph... Excuse me, neighbor. Would it be a burden if I cooked with you? Yamato: Let me see... Not if I make something simple. I'll use half of the ingredients. You can use the other half. Hilko: Yes, that sounds wonderful! Roches: Ahhhh... So much hard work, right down the drain... Hilko: That's a fine way to treat me. You'll see. I'll make you all a dish to cry for! Rin: A-anyway, let's start cooking! I just know I'll learn so much. Hilko: Hehe. You certainly will! Rin: Er... I... I meant from Yuuki-san, actually... Rin sighed, but the other girl didn't seem to take notice. Duran: Woaaaaah! Daniel: Hmm... Truly a splendid array. My neighbors seemed delighted by the food I placed in front of them. It was a simple dish that took little time to prepare, but perhaps it looked impressive to people not accustomed to Japanese food. Yamato: I was told you didn't have any problems with raw fish, so I prepared the inada as sashimi. Murray: My, impressive. This is professional quality. Yamato: Oh no, all I did was slice it. The excellent flavor comes from being bled out properly after it was caught. Murray: Bled out? Did you do that? Roches: The guy I fished with did it. He taught me how to do it for the future, though. Murray: I see, I see. It seems the people of Japan are all very kind, not just our neighbor. She nodded, seeming quite moved. I whispered a quiet thanks to that kindly, unknown fisherman. Phoenix: Hmm... I see we have two types of sashimi, then. Yamato: Ah, yes. The magochi is a fine fish, so I cut most of it into urazukuri. There wasn't much time to let them rest, but it should be tasty enough. Rin: Now I know that it's best to let them sit for half a day. I even wrote it down! Daniel: My! Learning how to cook, are we? Rin: Yes! I'm learning how to slice fish, and... Yamato: The parts I didn't use for urazukuri, I made into soup. Duran: That's delicious too, it is! Rin: I was a little frightened of the fishes' eyes while we were making it, but it really does make it so delicious! Roches: Well, if it bugs you, I'll handle everything before you slice it. Rin: Yes, I'd like that. Murray: It seems like we have some very fine meals ahead of us. Yamato: There are many preparation methods available based on what you catch. If you're ever unsure, don't hesitate to ask. Rin: I think I'm really going to like cooking! Phoenix: Heh, good training for marriage too, eh? Rin: Ehehehehe! Murray: Well, that's all very well and good. But what happened to the rest? Her gaze fell on the remainder of the food. Though... perhaps the word "food" gave it too much credit... It was more like ash. Roches: Ah. Well, that's... another story. Hilko: ...... Mikhail-san cast the girl a glance. It seemed her cooking hadn't gone quite so well. I had told her that the gobi was an excellent fish, and so she had chosen to work with it. But... Hilko: ............What? Daniel: Well, why don't we eat? It would hardly do to let it get cold. Phoenix: Ah, r-right... Orson: Hmmm! Duran: Oh, he can hardly restrain himself! Hilko: What is wrong with you people?! Yamato: Perhaps I should eat some to console her. Mikhail-san's statements had led me to believe she was a less-than-skilled cook, but it seemed it was worse than I'd imagined. As I watched the others smack their lips over the food I had prepared, I reached out with my chopsticks and had a bite of the meal she had prepared. Bitter. Hilko: ...hmph. I met her eyes for a moment, but she turned away in a huff. She must have been embarrassed. Murray: This food is really excellent. I hope you'll go out fishing more often. Roches: It's a good way to relax, too. I think I will. Phoenix: Think I might join you, myself. Roches: Sure. It's pretty fun, y'know? Would you like to join us, Yuuki-san? Yamato: Yes, I believe I would. I returned to my room after enjoying a lively dinner with the neighbors. Jack was there, looking like he had passed out from hunger... I wasn't especially worried about that, though. Hilko: Ugh, how exhausting. My back hurts, my hands are practically raw... Why do I have to do these ridiculous things? After finishing the washing, she finally took a seat. Hilko: For heaven's sake, this wife business is going to be harder than I thought. I'll have to cut corners where I can to make it worthwhile. She stared down at the table as she reassured herself. There was one plate remaining that hadn't been cleared away. In the end, almost no one except Duran had touched the food she had made. Hilko: Ridiculous... It's perfectly edible; you just have to give it a try... The bitter, spicy flavor assaulted Hilko's mouth. It was like crunching down on gravel. Hilko: cough, cough! Mgh... Well, it's a bit too base for my palate, but the others should find it acceptable enough. Phoenix: Sorry, not likely. Though if you wanna try suicide by food, I won't stop you. Hilko: If you knew what would happen, you should have spoken up earlier! Roches: Still, c'mon. If you're gonna act so confident about it, at least try not to serve up poison. Phoenix: Is it confidence, or arrogance? Hilko: Quiet, you! Cooking shouldn't be so hard! It's your fish that were the problem! Roches: You got a problem with the fish I caught?! Hilko: S-setting that aside! It's not as if I'm really marrying him. He'll eat what I make for him! Phoenix: ...Sure hope the neighbor didn't hear that. Hilko: Ah?! Hilko clamped a hand over her mouth. Yamato lived next door, after all. It was a cheap wooden apartment. The walls were thin. Roches: Yuuki-san's a good man. Don't make trouble for him, okay? Hilko: ...Which means more to you, your comrade or your neighbor? Roches: If I gotta choose one or the other......... Yuuki-san, by a long shot. Phoenix: We do owe him a lot, y'know. Duran: I-if you asked me, I would always take Lieutenant Hilko's side... myself... Hilko: No one asked you. Duran: How could you! After I was taking your side! Hilko: Well, you'll all see. I'm going to milk that man of all he's worth, from his allowance to his retirement fund! Roches: He's probably not savin' for retirement yet, y'know... Phoenix: Though, Yuuki-san being as responsible as he is... Roches: Anyway, can't really imagine Yuuki-san bein' too swayed by a pretty face, so it's probably no biggie. It's only Lieutenant Hilko. Phoenix: Hmm... True 'nough. Hilko: You really shouldn't underestimate me so. Are you forgetting that I am a beautiful woman of womanly beauties? Duran: Th-that's why I'm always taking your side... Hilko: Hush. Duran: A-at least spare me more than a single word!! Phoenix: Anyway, let me give you some advice, if I may. Phoenix: No good can come from a member of the proud Balbora Empire playing mind games with civilians. I'll tell you just this once: Lay off him. Hilko: Hmph... A little posturing won't dissuade me. Roches: Gotta say, I agree with him. Pride stuff aside, I don't really like you playin' these games with Yuuki-san. Hilko: Don't you worry. It's not as if I'm not going to make him happy. What's the harm if he's getting something in return? Roches: What's he getting in return, again? Hilko: Ah...? Well, obviously... any man would be happy to have a true beauty like me nearby! Duran: Indeed. Roches: ...... Phoenix: ...... Roches: Uh, wow. I think she's serious about that. Phoenix: Yeah... I got a bad feelin' about this. Hilko: What is the matter with you people?! Roches: Anyway, at least do the bare minimum, okay? You know, all the stuff you said you'd do. Hilko: Just the cooking and personal care, then? Very well. Phoenix: So long as you don't take your first paycheck and run... Hilko: Oh please, that would just be stupid. Roches: Well, I'm glad you recognize that much. Hilko: Well, obviously! I'd only get one payment if I did that. The idea is to take it from him slowly, over time. Roches: I guess an ethical reason was too much to expect... Roches sighed. Of course, it was all still about personal gain. Hilko: As I told you, I'm starting out on 50,000 yen per month. I pay for food and household expenses, and then I keep the rest. Phoenix: Hmm... That's not a bad plan, after all. Hilko: Of course not. I did my research and found out that food expenses generally cost around 40,000, and household expenses 10,000. Roches: Doesn't give you much left over then, huh. Hilko: Hehe... You only think that way because you're an amateur. Roches: An amateur, huh? Hilko: There's nothing to be done about household expenses, but it's 40,000 for food. The more I cut down on that, the more I can take for myself. Phoenix: Certainly a bold plan... Hilko: This plan is just another sign of my unparalleled genius! Roches: ...Not so sure about that, myself. Hilko: Hmph. Well, when my plan works out, you'll all benefit. I'll buy you a chikuwa with my amazing profits. Phoenix: Oh really... Hilko thought her victory was assured, but the others seemed less confident. Yamato: Hmm... I've finished all my homework. I suppose I should get some rest. Jack: Tut tut, My Liege! The night is still young! Yamato: Hmm... I suppose I could patrol for Balbora Empire activity. Jack: I refer not to that, but to the playing of hanafuda! Yamato: I'm going to bed. Jack: Oh! To have fallen so far in My Liege's estimation! Yamato: I don't mind if you want to do something to relax. Just don't get me mixed up in it. Jack: Hmph... 'twas my intention to be of service... Maybe Jack really was thinking of me... though it seemed more likely he just wanted to have fun. Yamato: If you're a ninja, then shouldn't you act like one? Jack: Mean you to say that I am not ninja-like? Yamato: Ninjas are hidden warriors. You should hide in the ceiling and come when I call you, right? Jack: To do so, I would first need remodel the ceiling. Yamato: Please don't. Jack: Prithee, My Liege, you were earlier engaged in some non-homework pursuit. What might that have been? Yamato: I was adding up the household expenses. I've started a log of our income and expenditures, to know what I need to cut out when unnecessary. Yamato: I never did it before, but I had a look at our spending today, and got quite a shock. It's just an estimate, but it isn't looking well. Jack: Oh. Such a dreadful thing. Yamato: It's mostly your food bill. Jack: Suddenly, the need for sleep overtakes me. Jack: Good night! Jack suddenly disappeared. He was certainly skilled in ninjutsu, but I wasn't sure how to feel about the fact that he mostly used it to flee from his lord. Yamato: Well, there's nothing to be done. I didn't really want to make trouble over it. Certainly Jack was a big eater, but he was helping me with my mission and asking nothing else in exchange. The truth of the matter was, I felt guilty for getting him involved in this. Yamato: Though if I ever told him how I felt, our food bill would just go up even more. I'll have to keep that to myself. At least Jack had gone to bed. I decided to sleep, as well. Yamato: My neighbor will begin working here, tomorrow. She's a good person. I don't want to burden her any more than necessary. Those thoughts rolled around in my mind as I drifted off to sleep. It seemed that my life was in for some changes.
Hilko: ...... Roches: Hey, what're you doing out here? Hilko: Isn't it obvious? This is my first day as a wife - as a newlywed, that is. It's only natural that I should meet my husband at the door. Roches: What's with the 'newlywed' stuff? Hilko: I thought it a more charming and suitable term. Roches: You really got no shame, huh? Hilko: There's no shame in telling the truth. Now go away and leave me alone. Shoo, shoo! Roches: I ain't your dog, y'know. Joseph would complain of speciesism if he'd heard that. Of course, Roches meant nothing by it. Hilko: ...I see you're carrying that pole. Going fishing again? Roches: Yesterday's dinner was a big success, so I thought I'd try some night angling. Then we'll have good fish for tomorrow. Hilko: If you're going fishing, try to catch something less difficult to cook. Perhaps something boneless that fillets itself. Roches: Doesn't exist. Hilko: Hmph... Useless. Roches: You think it's my fault?! Why don't you just become a less crappy cook? Hilko: What was that? Roches: Seriously, just let Yuuki-san teach you. Well, it might be too early for that. Maybe let Rin teach you the basics first. Hilko: Hmph. We will not have a repeat of yesterday, let me tell you. Roches: Oho... Hilko: I have a feeling things are going to go very smoothly today! Roches: You said the same thing yesterday! Hilko: No, this time is different. Anyway, my fine clothes and makeup are on the line here. I can't afford to fail! Roches: Whew... Yuuki-san's really got his work ahead of him with this one. Poor guy. Yamato: ...Did I hear my name? Oh, I see you're going out fishing again. Roches: Hey, Yuuki-san. I thought I'd go out for some night fishing. Anyway, you know... Good luck with her. Yamato: Her? Ah, you came out here to meet me? Hilko: Oh... w-well... not intentionally, of course! Meeting you here is just a coincidence! Yamato: Ahh, I see. Hilko: Hmph. Roches: You just said it was natural to meet your husband at the door... Hilko: Yes, well, goodbye! Roches: Hey, don't push me! Hey! Cut it out! Hilko shoved Roches aside and turned to face Yamato again. Hilko: Now, then. I'll start dinner right away. Yamato: Ah... Thank you. And so... Jack: My Liege... Yamato: What is it? You're looking awfully serious. Jack: ...I am coming close to the verge of dying of hunger. Yamato: Business as usual, I see. Jack: But might I ask, who is that woman in the kitchen? Yamato: She's our neighbor. You haven't met her before? Jack: 'twas not my question. What I mean to ask is, what is she doing in our kitchen! Yamato: Hmm... Well, first of all, it's not exactly 'our' kitchen... Jack: That is not the point! I ask this question as part of my responsibility for My Liege's protection! Yamato: I think you're more concerned for yourself. Jack: You seem not to answer me. Yamato: I have nothing to hide. The neighbor is... acting as my wife. Jack: What?! Verily, you have a wife?! Yamato: Please calm down. Jack: Truly did I think she was a vixen attempting to ensnare My Liege's heart. But a mistress of the house, eh... Yamato: It's just a role that she's playing. Practically speaking, she's more like a housekeeper. Jack: My Liege, I cannot treat the mistress of the house as a mere housekeeper! Yamato: What I mean to say is that we aren't really married. It's a business. She calls herself a 'wife-for-hire.' That's what she had said, at least. I knew it wasn't about business; she just wanted to help me out. What a fine woman she was. Jack: Verily, a challenging title... but I believe I understand. Yamato: She seems quite eager to please. Jack: Such consideration for others... an inborn trait of the true Japanese. Yamato: No... Despite her black hair, I believe she's a foreigner. Jack: Ah, again I am shocked! Yamato: Still, that's the situation. She's going to stop by here every day to take care of the housework. Jack: My understanding is complete! Knowing that she is a professional, I await now a sumptuous banquet! My stomach growls ever louder! Yamato: I see we're back to that. For Jack, it seemed everything revolved around food. The neighbor girl came to the table just then, as if she'd been waiting for a pause in our conversation. Hilko: It's all finished. Jack: So, the meal is to be laid out before us! I have waited an eternity, with breath bated! Hilko: Well, that explains why your expenses were so high. I never knew you had a roommate. Yamato: I see... I suppose I forgot to tell you. Hilko: Well, I know just how to deal with that. Don't worry your little head over it. Jack: Ah... Quite confident she seems... Hilko: I must say, that young man looks an awful lot like that pesky ninja fool... Jack: I must say, Milady most closely resembles My Liege's enemy... Hilko: ...... Jack: ...... Yamato: Hm... What is it? Hilko: ...Nothing. Jack: 'tis nothing indeed. Hilko: He does look like him, but he couldn't be... Jack: Resembles her she does, but she could not be... Yamato: ...hm? The neighbor girl and Jack stared at each other for a few moments, a befuddled expression on their faces. Hilko: Well, then! Let's get to the meal. Yamato: It seems to have taken you quite a while. I wonder what you could have made? Hilko: Hehe... Well, now that the table is clear, I'll bring it right in. Jack: Tremble I do, with anticipation! The neighbor girl disappeared into the kitchen again, then returned with a large plate in hand. Hilko: Well, here you are! On the table before us were several bowls of freshly cooked rice and a mountain of bean sprouts. Yamato: ...... Jack: ...... Hilko: I'm sorry for the wait. I had to learn the lay of your kitchen. Jack: W-what part of this took time in preparation...? Hilko: Didn't you say you were hungry? Go on, eat up. She seemed perfectly cheerful as she passed Jack his chopsticks. She... didn't appear to be joking. Jack: Ah... Th-this is all that you have brought? Hilko: Oh... Ah, I almost forgot. Jack: So you did! Of course this could not be the whole of the m-- Hilko: Here you are! Soy sauce. She plopped down a bottle of soy sauce. Jack looked at me with tear-filled eyes. Jack: M... My Liege... Hilko: W-what's the matter with you. Is this not good enough for you? Yamato: ...Hmm. Hilko: giggle... The best way to reduce expenses is to buy the cheapest ingredients possible. Hilko: What's more, I'll get my revenge for the way he humiliated me at dinner last night! What a genius I am! Jack: All else aside, such lack of any seasoning cannot be forgiven! Hilko: But there is seasoning! You have salt, soy, and regular sauce. Low-calorie meals are the secret to a healthy lifestyle, after all! Jack: It... It cannot be... Yamato: Of course. I had come to expect this kind of thoughtful decision from her. Even if it had just occurred to her, it would take a lot of consideration to put all this together. It just showed what kind of person she really was. Hilko: You don't like the dinner that I made? Yamato: I think it's a fine way to eat now and then. Hilko: Eh...? Jack: This is not a 'now and then' matter! Hilko: He isn't even angry... How can he be so calm? Yamato: Jack. Jack: What ask you of me? Speak, or I shall continue my protest of this food! Yamato: Go fetch sesame oil and vinegar. Jack: I hear and obey, and yet... Jack sulked as he went to retrieve my request. I put some bean sprouts onto Jack's plate, then sprinkled it lightly with sesame oil, vinegar, and soy sauce. Yamato: How's this? Jack: Such a small effort is not enough to satisfy me... b-but the aroma of sesame oil does appeal... Jack: I... I shall try it, then... Ah, 'tis a simple flavor, but... mmm, addictive in its way... Jack: Mmgh, mgh... Mm, mmm... How can this be! My chopsticks... I cannot stop them!! Hilko: ...My, he's certainly wolfing it down. Yamato: I'm afraid that has more to do with Jack than the food. Hilko: Ah... Yamato: That's enough sesame oil, I think. If I add more, it will defeat the point of the low-calorie meal. Now, a little vinegar and soy... I murmured a bit of gentle advice to her as I prepared my own portion. Hilko: ...oh, they're quite delicious, for just being boiled. Yamato: There are a lot of ways to prepare bean sprouts. My... 'mother' prepared them many different ways, as well. Much of what I knew about cooking, I had learned from the woman who had served as my mother. How I had ended up in that situation was still a mystery to me... but it didn't change my gratitude towards her. Yamato: Jack will eat anything. But he'll be happier if you season it yourself, rather than leaving it to him. Hilko: ...I see. Yamato: Cooking is a very complicated subject. Let's just take it one day at a time. Hilko: Hmph... Hilko: What's the matter with him?! Is he really trying to cover for me? Or is he just trying to rub his superior knowledge in my face? Hilko: J-just you wait! I'll show you just what I can do!! Jack stuffed his face while the two of us ate slowly. Before long, dinner came to an end. Afterward, she washed the dishes and prepared to take her leave. She was my wife by name alone, so naturally she wasn't going to spend the night. Forcing an unmarried woman to do something like that would be utterly disgraceful. Hilko: ...Well. I'll see you tomorrow, then. Jack: I await a more high-calorie meal, come the morrow! Hilko: We'll see. Jack: Mm... Mmgh... Yamato: Thank you for everything you've done today. Good night, then. Hilko: ......V-very well. Good night. With that, the neighbor went home. After leaving Yamato's apartment, Hilko didn't return immediately to her own, but waited for a while, outside. Hilko: He said... thank you... Hilko stared up at the night sky, almost in disbelief. No one had ever thanked her before. Not that she could remember, anyway. She had never even tried to earn anyone's thanks. Gratitude was almost like a foreign concept to her. Hilko: This is... strange. Though it doesn't feel... bad, exactly... Hilko spent some time in the night air before returning to her room.
The neighbor girl came to cook for me once again. Yamato: By the way. It occurs to me that I don't even know your name. Hilko: It's Hil... ah. Yamato: Hilah-san? I see. Hilko: H-Hilka, it's Hilka! Yamato: I see. Hilka-san, then. It may seem strange that it took so long to ask, but the truth was, I was not accustomed to changes in my lifestyle. Belated as it was, I felt as if I had begun to build a close relationship with Hilka-san. About a week had passed since she'd begun cooking for us. I was surprised anew by the earnestness with which she approached the job. She really was a caring person. Truly a model woman. Jack: Will tonight's meal be edible, I wonder... Yamato: Hilka-san's doing well, I think. Everyone makes mistakes. Jack: Too generous you are by far, My Liege. Yamato: I think the real problem is that you're too demanding. Jack: I only wish to taste of My Liege's cooking! Jack: Because of your teachings, I suffer on boiled bean sprouts and sesame oil alone... I require a greater variety of calories! Yamato: ...... I should have asked him to cook for himself, but that seemed likely to just make things worse. Yamato: Please calm down. Jack: No, I cannot be calmed! Prithee, My Liege, harden your heart, and... hmm? Yamato: Hmm... It smells like we're having fried fish today. Jack: Mayhaps... a dish besides bean sprouts?! A number of smells were wafting from the kitchen. Fried fish and white sesame... a pleasing combination to the Japanese palate. Though Jack was, of course, not Japanese. Yamato: Hilka-san must be expanding her repertoire. Jack: Hmm... 'If you do not see a woman for three days, you should reevaluate her.' So goes the saying. Yamato: You see her every day. And I think that saying is about a man. Jack: Regardless, I await this change in situation! Jack smiled suddenly, consumed by self-interest. I was glad to see him happy, at least. Jack: What is this mine eyes behold? Jack whispered in disappointment. On the table sat the usual pile of boiled bean sprouts... and some thoroughly charred object. Hilko: What do you mean? It's your dinner. Yamato: We're very grateful. Jack: Ah... My Liege?! I took up my chopsticks and placed my hands together. Hilko: Go on, then. Eat up. Jack: But... But this is... I cannot... Jack's attention was tightly focused on the black object. Hilko: For heaven's sake, isn't it obvious? It's fish! Fried fish. Honestly, what's become of education these days? Jack: This has naught to do with mine education! To think that fish could be mangled to such a wretched state... Hilko: It seemed the fish wanted to be served well done. Being the kind person I am, I wasn't about to tell it no. Jack: Do not cover for your failu-- Hilko: I wasn't about to tell it no. Jack: Milady, you reject the truth?! I cast a sidelong glance at Hilka-san and Jack's argument, then took some of the fried fish with my chopsticks. Yamato: Hmm... It's a little burned on the outside, but the inside is just fine. Use a lower flame next time, and it should turn out even better. Hilko: Hmph... Well, if you insist, I'll remember that for next time. Hilka-san didn't even look at me, but I knew she was making a note of it. She was earnest in that way. Jack: Hngh... 'tis edible, yet unpleasant... Hilko: The fish seller told me it was dangerous to eat raw, so I wanted to make sure it was properly cooked. Yamato: That was very considerate of you. Jack: Mmmmgh... Hilko: Ah, that's right. I decided to splurge a bit and add a new item to the menu. Jack: What is it this time? Hilko: Now, have a look... at this! Jack: Th-this is...! Yamato: Canola oil, olive oil, corn oil, safflower oil, grapeseed oil... Hilko: If you're tired of sesame oil, you now have the freedom of choice! Just pick your favorite and help yourself! Yamato: ...... I wasn't sure if this would work. Jack began trembling. Jack: My Liege... 'tis the caloric variety I have dreamed of! Yamato: Are you sure about that? Jack: 'tis a direct blow to my culinary weakness! Truly, your skills have evolved, Milady! Hilko: Of course they have! I'm a beauty, after all! Jack: I know not of beauty's relevance to the matter, but pleased I am by your confidence! Hilko: Hehe... Well, there are plenty of bean sprouts to go around. You can have as many as you want. Jack: Understood! Our nights passed by in peace and quiet. I didn't have a television, so there was no background noise to disturb the silence. Yamato: Let's see... I opened my textbook and notes and did my homework for the day. After a while, I looked around to check the state of the room. Jack: Hmm, hmmhmmhmm... Jack was maintaining his beloved ninja tools. At least, I could hear him working on them... I couldn't actually see him. Yamato: ...Jack, it's a bit unsettling when you go invisible like that. Please show yourself. Jack: Very well! Jack suddenly appeared in the corner of the room, holding his ninja tools. I never knew quite how he did that. Hilko: It's a shame you don't have a television... though my apartment's no different, of course. Yamato: But you have many more people living with you. You seem to have a lively time every night. Hilko: You can take some of them, if you wish. We have far too many. It was all a joke, of course. The fact that she could speak of them that way just showed how close they were. Yamato: My neighbors are all very good people. It only stands to reason. That small grain of happiness they shared was something I wanted to protect. Yamato: ...hm? I picked up the teacup. It was empty. Hilko: Oh, of course. The tea. Hilka-san stood up and walked to the kitchen, then returned with the teapot. Yamato: Thank you. Hilko: You're welcome. Jack: Ohh... Yamato: Hmm, what's wrong? Hilko: What is it? Jack: It appears to mine eyes... you are as a true meoto. Hilko: ...Meoto? Yamato: It means a married couple. Hilko: Ah?! B-but... we aren't married at all! Jack: Hmm... 'twas meant only as a compliment. Hilko: Ah... Jack: To appear as man and wife is the evidence that you have done your job with skill. Yamato: It does appear your efforts are bearing fruit. Hilko: W-well, I... I would hardly call them efforts... Yamato: If not, then it's amazing how much you've picked up unconsciously. Hilko: I... She vacillated for a moment under the words, then remained rather subdued for the rest of the night until she left for her room. She must have been shy. Yamato: Hmm... I see there's a crime wave going on. Sayaka: It's scary, but it's our business, too... The whole neighborhood's in a panic over it. I couldn't blame this particular incident on the Balbora Empire, although their existence seemed to have set the townspeople on edge. Their incidents seemed to be concentrated locally, which meant their base must be nearby... Yamato: I haven't heard anything suspicious on the news, at least. It was looking like I wasn't going to get any useful information today, either. Sayaka: I'm nervous that it might hit us, too. Yamato: I wouldn't have thought you were the type to get nervous, Ichimonji. Sayaka: What's that supposed to mean? Yamato: It's nothing. Pay it no mind. Sayaka: I'm not worried, it's just... distracting, I guess. What about you? Is your house set up? Yamato: Set up? The walls may be thin, but I don't think it's going to fall in just yet... Sayaka: I don't mean that, I mean like, security. It's not all violent crime, there's been a rise in burglaries, too. You haven't heard? Yamato: I had no idea. I had been so concerned with the Balbora Empire, I hadn't even thought about that sort of thing. I considered that sort of thing to be the domain of the local police, not a military man like me. Sayaka: ...I thought you didn't seem very worried. Yamato: I appreciate your concern. But even if someone did break in, I have nothing to steal. Sayaka: That's ridiculous... Then again, you do come to mooch off us because you don't have a TV. Yamato: I also have a roommate who's home most of the day. Sayaka: Oh, having someone there can help... Yamato: What about you, Ichimonji? Sayaka: We haven't set up any special countermeasures, but we lock up pretty tight. The door has two locks, even. Yamato: I see... Sayaka: Burglars usually avoid houses that seem like a lot of trouble, so just seeming like you've got security can be a big deterrent. Yamato: That's very responsible of you. Sayaka: It's because my dad's so absent-minded. I have to be the one to take initiative. Responsible, indeed. I pitied any burglar who made the Ichimonji household his target. Yamato: Well, I think I'd better-- Yamato: What's that? An arrow flew in through the window and plunged into the table. Sayaka: W-what the.. Sayaka: M-my table!! Yamato: A message tied to an arrow? Who could have sent a message by arrow? Actually... I had a feeling I knew. Sayaka: Someone you know? Ask them not to ruin my tables, next time. Yamato: I'm sorry. However, it may be an emergency. Sayaka: You can just use the phone for that, you know... I mean, they clearly know you're here. I opened the letter attached to the arrow. 'Burglar came. Return quickly.' Yamato: ...... Sayaka: What's wrong? Yamato: It seems there was a burglar in my apartment. I'll leave the money for my coffee here. Sayaka: What?! Are you okay? Yamato: I won't know until I stop by my home. Sayaka: Hm... Well, let me know if you need any help. Yamato: Thank you. Goodbye. I flew out of the cafe and headed for home. Murray: For heaven's sake... What's this world coming to? Daniel: I'd hate to think of what might happen if a burglar had entered our base. There was a bit of a commotion in front of the building. My neighbors were all standing outside their apartments, grim-faced. Roches: Oh, Yuuki-san. Yamato: I heard there was a burglar in my apartment. Phoenix: Seems he was after all the apartments in the row. Apparently a real lowlife. Yamato: Hmm... Daniel: Fortunately, we were at home, so he left without a fuss. Yamato: I see... I'm glad there was no harm done. Roches: Seems like he's on the run. We got the report in fast, so hopefully they'll catch him... Murray: If so, the police will come back to our apartment later. Hopefully this won't cast any suspicion on us. At times like this, it was easy to cast the blame on foreigners. To me, of course, it just seemed obvious they wouldn't leave their home unattended. Daniel: ...Hmm. I suppose I'll withdraw to the stall, then. Murray: Good idea. We'll head off to work and let Rin deal with any questions. Roches: I think I'll head out fishing... Geez, if we got robbed, I couldn't even cover our meals with fishing. Yamato: Hahaha... That's very true. There was one neighbor missing, however. Phoenix: Say, where's Hil... I mean, where's the other one? Roches: Hmm... Thought she was in the room, myself. Yamato: Are you talking about Hilka-san? I hurried to my room. Yamato: Hilka-san! Are you in here? We checked out the neighbors' room first, but we didn't find any sign of her, so I returned to my own. The glass of the window was broken. It seemed that someone had tried to break in. Jack: My Liege! Yamato: Jack. Are you alright? Jack: Mmgh... Mortified am I, to allow a vulgar thief to so vandalize our home... Yamato: It looks like he only got the window. Don't be so hard on yourself. I'm glad you drove the burglar away. Jack: My role was only in firing the arrow to warn My Liege. Yamato: Hmm... But that means... Hilko: I chased him off. Yamato: I see. Hilka-san... you aren't injured? Hilko: No, I'm well enough. I was preparing tonight's meal when I heard the glass break. I ran from the kitchen with the knife in my hand, and then... Yamato: The burglar was there? Hilko: I believe he ran when he saw the knife in my hand. Yamato: Ah, I see. I was glad that she'd happened to be carrying a weapon. If she hadn't, she might have been attacked. Jack: Ah, Milady! Such quick thinking! Hilko: If you had been here, I wouldn't have had to drive him off myself. Jack: I... I was merely... taking a leisurely stroll... Jack's eyes flitted about the room. He was probably grabbing a bite to eat, or something along those lines. Yamato: Don't blame Jack. But thank you, Hilka-san. Hilko: Well, after all, I am serving as your wife. A failure to defend my home would be an unsightly blemish on my usual perfection. Yamato: Just don't push yourself too far. It's a dangerous world out there. Hilko: I think I can handle one silly little burglar. Jack: Ah, such fine bravado! Hilko: Though, you are appreciative, aren't you? I wouldn't mind a token of that appreciation. Jack: What calculation! Yamato: I see. I'll think about it. Hilko: Hehe... Don't you forget, now. She laughed jokingly, as if to dismiss the subject. Hilko: Well, I'll get back to the cooking. Jack: Meat! The blood of my homeland rushes inside me, crying out for meat! Hilko: Next time, perhaps. Jack: Grrrrr... They seemed to have become quite close, as well. Yamato: Hmm...? Landlord: Excuse me. I've heard someone here drove off a burglar. The police have a few questions for her. Yamato: Ah, yes. Hilko: Ah!! We seem to be out of soy sauce. I really should buy some! Jack: W-where are you going? That way is the window! Hilko: Hah! Jack: She jumped?! No... I see her not... Yamato: She seems rather shy around people. What a modest girl. Jack: But what shall we do? Yamato: We know more or less what happened. We'll just explain it to them ourselves. Jack: I hear and obey! ............ ...... Daniel: The police seem to have finished their investigation. Roches: Geez. I figured they wouldn't try to pry too much, but it's still pretty hard to relax with a bunch of uniforms sniffin' around. Murray: There's not much to be worried about. The police don't seem to have grasped the scope of our great Balbora Empire. Phoenix: But wouldn't there be cause for suspicion, just having all these people in this one tiny room? Daniel: Not to worry. I've made provisions for that. Duran: But how did you deceive them, is what I'm wondering? Daniel: You're all aware that the police of this country are rather naive compared to those of other countries? Phoenix: Better than the crooked cops of some other countries, still... Roches: We gotta finish up our business with Stryker Zero, though. We're never gonna get a plan going with him around. Murray: Well, be patient. We can't make a move with this much surveillance, anyway. Roches: Feh. This burglar business's really put us in the spotlight. Murray: There aren't that many officers around, but it would be best to keep a low profile for a while. Daniel: Business at the stall is looking up. Let us focus our attention on that, for now. Orson: Ahh. Roches: Hmm, what's up, Officer Orson? Duran: Seems he wants to know what happened to the burglar. Daniel: I believe the police caught him in the end. It appears he was quite the repeat offender, so there's sizable evidence to land a conviction. Phoenix: Hmm... So he won't be causing trouble for a while, eh? Joseph: The police of this country seem to have fine noses. Though not as fine as my own. Roches: You're a dog. Whose is?
Rin: Ah, Hilko-san... Hilko: Oh, Rin. Heading home, are you? Rin: Yes. Sayaka-san invited me by the cafe. Hilko: You seem to be integrating quite well, then. Rin: Oh, yes! Everyone's so nice, and I'm having so much fun! Hilko: I'm happy to hear that, but see that you don't forget your mission. Rin: Of course I won't. Rin: I just... I hope things won't get too bad once we find him. Hilko: ......Well, we'll see about that. Rin: What do you have in the bag? Hilko: This? Soy sauce. We ran out. Rin: Th-that seems to be going well, then? Hilko: Are you suggesting it shouldn't be going well? Rin: Oh, n-no! Not at all! Ahh, I was just concerned about you! Hilko: Well, it's going quite well. He is naive, after all. Rin: Ah... Doesn't that make you feel guilty? Hilko: Not at all. I enjoy how easily he plays into my hands. In fact, today I managed to wheedle him into giving me a bonus. Rin: Oh my! That's amazing! Hilko: giggle Rin: Ah, but what about your cooking? Is Yuuki-san teaching you? Hilko: Well, he is offering a bit of advice. But I'm learning far more on my own. Rin: R-really? Hilko: You don't seem to believe me. ...Very well, why don't you join us for dinner tonight. Hilko: If you doubt that I can make a fine meal, you can just come taste it for yourself. Rin: R-right... Ah, but I wouldn't want to impose. I don't have to-- Hilko: It's an order. Rin: I'll be there. Rin squirmed as Hilko forced her into it. Rin: ...So, it looks like I'm joining you for dinner. Yamato: Hmm. Rin: It's not a problem, is it? I can always go back to my own room... Yamato: No, it's not a problem. It's nice to have the company. Rin: sigh... I see. Jack: Shall you both be cooking this day, then? Hilko: I'll be cooking, as usual. She's merely here to sample. Rin: Ah, that does appear to be the case. Hilko: Well then, I'll begin promptly. Rin: ...Ah, please tell me if you need help, alright? I don't know how much I can do, but... Hilko: Hmph. I think I'll be just fine. Jack: Prithee, what does today's menu offer? Hilko: I thought I would try a soup. Yamato: A soup... Miso soup, then? Hilko: Yes. It's a very economical dish, after all. Rin: ...You're really going to make it all by yourself? Kazami's eyes were wide in shock. It made me wonder what she really thought of Hilka-san. Still, it was none of my business. I waited leisurely as she finished the meal. Hilko: Well then, why don't we begin? It took her about an hour to finish it. One by one, she placed the dishes on the table. There was rice and stir-fried bean sprouts. Instead of fish, today, there was miso soup. Jack: Quite the change of pace, this miso soup is. Hilko: I really can do anything if I put my mind to it. Yamato: Hmm... Jack: White rice and miso soup... Verily, the quintessential Japanese meal. Happy am I, to have been born a Japanese! Yamato: You weren't born a Japanese. But there's no need to argue about it now. Jack: My Liege is ever tolerant of others' failings! Rin: Bean sprouts... and so many of them. Hilko: We eat them quite often. Jack: Yes! Today, test the olive oil shall I! Rin: ...sigh. Yamato: I see there's more variety in the side dishes than before. Hilko: Oh, yes. Fried fish, fried satsuma-age, fried chikuwa... Rin: All fried... Jack: But of late, they have shown so few signs of burning! Hilko: Yet another sign of my unparalleled genius. Rin: ...... Jack: Now, to begin the meal! This miso soup shall... Jack: Hmm? Yamato: What's wrong? Jack: Th... This miso soup... There is rather... an edge to the flavor... Rin: An edge...? Hilko: What does that mean? Yamato: Let me see... slurp... Hmm. Hilko: It's delicious, isn't it? Isn't it? Yamato: ...Hmm. It does seem a bit thin. Hilko: You're absolutely right! There did seem to be something missing. I think it's the miso that's at fault. Yamato: No, the problem is that there's no dashi. Hilko: Dashi? Yamato: When you make it from scratch, you need to boil some iriko, first. If you don't have it on hand, you can buy miso with dashi already in. Rin: Which means this miso didn't have dashi already in. Yamato: Correct. At some point, Kazami had brought out her memo pad again and was writing furiously. She certainly was sincere about cooking. Jack: Ah, nor has the miso dissolved in full... Hilko: Just eat it as a garnish, then. Jack: Hmph... Continue to the rice, shall I. Rin: Er... Yuuki-san, are you sure about this? Yamato: Hmm? What do you mean? Rin: Well, about... Hil... Hilka-san. Things don't seem to be going all that well. Hilko: Hmph... Nonsense. Yamato: There are many things she doesn't know, it's true. Hilko: Excuse me! Yamato: But I can tell that she takes every bit of advice I give her to heart. Yamato: It's true that this dish was less than perfect. But on the other hand, she's already mastered fried fish. Jack: Verily. 'tis an ideal preparation, even the salt! ...It was the sort of mistake anyone could make, of course... adding salt to salted salmon. Rin: ...So they really do need you here, Hilka-san? Hilko: O-of course they do! Jack: Become rather bashful, she has. Hilko: B-be quiet, you! Jack: Truly, Milady has grown in mine eyes! Hilko: ...I don't recall ever asking for your opinion, Jack. Jack: Foreigners come in many varieties. Those knaves of the Balbora Empire could learn much from Milady. Rin: ...Ah!! Hilko: ...... Yamato: But... you're also a foreigner. Jack: Ah! Forgotten that matter, had I! Yamato: But, yes. The Balbora Empire... The others were sitting very still. I wondered what had come over them. Jack: Curious it is, that we've not heard from them lately... Yamato: I'm grateful for the time to rest, but... Hilko: I-I wonder what they're thinking! Jack: What an unsettling matter their quietude is. Methinks they're cooking up a plot of some sort. Rin: Ah, that's very possible. ...Or maybe they're just short on funding. Yamato: I suppose they have their reasons for doing what they're doing. But it's the common people who suffer for it... It can't be allowed to continue. Jack: Indeed. It cannot! Rin: ...... Hilko: ...W-well, why don't I just take care of the dishes? Yamato: If you would. Ah... Kazami? You seem upset about something. Rin: Yuuki-san, have you ever met anyone from Balbora? Yamato: Well, no... I just know what I've heard on the news. Rin: ...But you really do think they're bad people? Yamato: At the least, they're bad for Japan. I can't approve of invading a foreign country, no matter what the reasons behind it. Rin: I see... That's true. Hilko: Rin, dear. If you have a moment, do bring in the empty dishes. Rin: Ah, yes ma'am! Right away! Hilko: I need the large dish and the pot. Rin: Yes ma'am. Yamato: The Balbora Empire... Jack: My Liege, what is it that consumes your thoughts? An Empire of cyborgs. My enemy... No, the enemy of the Japanese Empire. What were they up to right now? Hilko: ...I do hate how washing the dishes dries out my hands. Rin: Really? It doesn't make you feel accomplished? Hilko: I don't need that sort of accomplishment. A beautiful woman of womanly beauties simply can't suffer aged skin. Yamato: Hmm? Jack: What troubles you, My Liege? Yamato: That phrase you said... I think I've heard it before. Hilko: Ah? Yamato: That's right... I remember hearing a Balbora Empire woman say it, out in the city. Hilko: Ghkk... Rin: Ah, ahh... Well... Yamato: You don't think... Hilko: ...... Rin: Ah, well... That is... It's just... Hilko: Y-yes, it's not... Jack: Methinks the saying has caught on. A meme, is it called? Yamato: Yes, I'm sure that's it. I've always been awful at following trends. Hilko: Ah...? Rin: Er...? Yamato: Mm... Am I wrong? Rin: Oh no no no no no! Hilko: N-not at all! Er, that's it. Yes, a meme... more or less? Yamato: I believe I've heard it around school, as well. Rin: Y-yes, so have I! I-it's really catching on... Even I say it sometimes! Rin: As a beautiful woman of womanly beauties, I should carry nothing heavier than chopsticks! Yamato: Why did you say that while imitating Hilka-san? Rin: Er... Ah?! Hilko: Ah... Rin: I didn't mean any harm by it! Not at all! Hilka-san and Kazami seemed very close. I was glad to see my neighbors getting along so well. Yamato: ...I'm concerned about how that Balboran woman seems to have learned it, though. Jack: Verily, they must have spies in our midst. Yamato: Their intelligence officers must be without peer. Rin: Ahahahahaha... Hilko: sigh... We enjoyed a cup of tea after dinner, then went our separate ways. There was no more mention of the Balbora Empire. I suppose it wasn't an interesting subject for the fairer sex.
Roches: Hey, Lieutenant Hilko. What're you up to? One day, Hilko was walking around town when she ran into Roches and some of the others. Hilko: All the men together? What are you doing? Duran: We're going out fishing, we are. Hilko: Ahh? But why? Phoenix: Roches seems to have found a good spot. We were all free, so we thought we'd all go together and catch a few days' worth of fish. Roches: Wanna come with us, Hilko? You seem pretty free. Hilko: I most certainly am not. I'm very busy, in fact. Phoenix: Busy? Doesn't look like it. Hilko: I'm going out shopping for tonight's meal. Didn't you see my shopping bag? Roches: Still stopping by Yuuki-san's place, huh? Phoenix: We owe him lots, y'know. Don't make any trouble. Hilko: Why do you always act like I'm torturing him? I'm doing very well by him, I'll have you know. Duran: Ah, Lieutenant Hilko's as stubborn as always. Roches: Yeah, she's sure got her pride. Phoenix: Sure wish she didn't. Hilko: Listen, you. I'm learning everything there is to know about cooking, and soon you'll be reaping the rewards. Roches: Nah, we'll pass. Right guys? Phoenix: Yeah, I'm rather attached to my life and all that. Duran: I'd eat it, but I also fear it... Hilko: Hmph. Silly boys... Orson: Ahh. Roches: Hmm... Ah, sorry 'bout that. Guess we better hurry if we wanna make it in time for dinner. Orson: Ahhh. Duran: Oh, Officer Orson seems rarin' to go as well! Phoenix: Well, we'll go pick up dinner. As long as you're next door, make sure to look in on the place while we're out. Hilko: If I feel like it. The allies parted ways, waving to each other. Hilko: Ridiculous people. They don't know all I've been through... But really, this was supposed to be an easy way to make money. Why am I working so hard? Hilko thought for a while, and came to the conclusion that the purpose was "to get more money in the long run." This wasn't a scheme where she could get rich in a short time span. She was struggling today to reap greater profits tomorrow. Hilko: The best way to lower the food budget and get more money is to increase my cooking skill. The question is, how? ...I know! She smiled suddenly as the idea came to her. To put it into practice, she simply had to wait for a certain person's return. Rin: Whew. It's really gotten late... Hilko: It certainly has. What have you been up to? Rin: L-Lieutenant Hilko?! Ah, I was just... I... I had a lot of duties to take care of for class! Hilko: Well, I'm glad to hear that's going well. Rin: Th-thank you!! Hilko: Well, let's leave that aside for now. I have an important favor to ask of you. Rin: I... I don't have very much money... Hilko: It's not that. I want you to introduce me to someone. Rin: I-introduce you to whom? Hilko: Introduce me... to... mumblemumblemumble Rin: Er... What was that? I couldn't quite make it out. Hilko: I want one of your little school friends to... mumblemumble Rin: I'm sorry, you trailed off at the end there. What about my friends? Hilko: For pity's sake! I want to meet one of your friends who's good at cooking so she can teach me how to get better at it! Rin: A-a friend who's good at cooking? Hilko: Yes. If you know someone, tell me at once! This is an absolutely critical step in my plan! Rin: Ah... In that case, I think I know just the person. Rin: Now she wants to increase her cooking skill... to earn a bonus, I guess? Rin: Mother, father... perhaps I should have helped out more often at home, to learn more about cooking... Hilko: Anyway, ask around. I'd like to drop in on them. Rin: Y-yes ma'am... On obtaining Rin's agreement, Hilko's business there was finished. She returned to Yamato's room. The next day, she headed to the appointed destination. It wasn't a home or an apartment complex, though - It was a cafe. Sayaka: Welcome... Oh, are you the one Rin said wanted cooking lessons? Hilko: Yes, I am... and you're to be my teacher, I suppose? Sayaka: Yes. I like to think I'm a good cook... I do run a cafe, after all. Hilko: ...I see... I do recall the omelet rice being quite tasty. That was your cooking, then? Haruna: Sayaka-chan cooks all the food for the customers here. You'll be learning from a real pro! Sayaka: That's going a bit far. I just make light meals, it's nothing that impressive. Hilko: Even so, it's good enough that others pay for it, isn't it? Sayaka: Yes. Hilko: Rin recommended you, so I trust you. Please teach me all you know. Hilko's request was quite earnest. Anyone who knew her - including Rin - would have been shocked to hear it. Haruna: But why is it you want to get better at cooking? Hilko: I... I should say... Haruna: Hm? Hilko: I believe that a woman is useless if she can't even cook a decent meal! Sayaka: You've certainly got... enthusiasm. Haruna: But I really do admire a woman who can cook well. Hilko: Anyway, I wish to become as good as I can, as fast as I can. Sayaka: Well, as long as you're willing, I'm happy to teach you. Haruna: Ah, this sounds like fun. Can I learn, too? Sayaka: There aren't any customers, so we can cook here today. Haruna: giggle... Rin-chan says you don't have any customers because you drive him out yourself. Sayaka: Th-that one doesn't count. He only ever orders one coffee. We can't pull any profit off of him. Hilko: ...I hope I'm not causing any trouble. Sayaka: No, I'm happy to help out a friend. Shall we, then? Hilko: Yes. Sayaka: ...Well, first off. What was your name, again? I'm Ichimonji Sayaka. Hilko: ...Hil... ka. I'm Rin's roommate. Haruna: ...Eh? Aren't you Hilko-san from the bathhouse...? Hilko: Ah! ...You must have misheard Hilka as Hilko. Haruna: Ah, I see. I have trouble learning foreign names. Haruna: I'm Haruna. Hongo Haruna. Hilko: Sayaka and Haruna, then. A pleasure. Sayaka: The pleasure's all ours. Anyway, let's start with the basics. Hilko made very few mistakes for her first lesson. As a member of the Balbora Empire's elite, she had little problem picking up new things at speed. With a motive to learn cooking and a competent teacher, there was no reason she couldn't improve. Sayaka: You want to mix the eggs so they get really frothy, like this. Hilko: L-like this? Sayaka: Hmm... Tilt the chopsticks a bit more so it doesn't go flying. Haruna: Like this. Hilko: I see... Hmm, like this. Haruna: Yes. Great, great job! Sayaka: For seasoning, we want one part salt, two parts soy sauce. Once you get more used to it, you'll be able to eyeball these things, but for now, you should use measuring spoons. Hilko: I see. Not dissimilar to making gunpowder, then - It's less effective if you don't mix it in the right proportions. Sayaka: Sure, though that's a pretty weird example... Despite the occasional road bump, their lesson continued smoothly. Sayaka: Whew... Good work. I think that's enough for today. Hilko: I've certainly learned a great deal. I can't thank you enough. Haruna: Wah... The tamagoyaki looks so good. Not at all like when I make it. Hilko: Let me see... Ah. Mmm... Haruna: How is it? Is it good? Hilko: Quite good. The sweetness comes right to the fore... I've never had such delicious tamagoyaki. Sayaka: It's nothing. You must have been eating some awful egg dishes if you think this is special. Haruna: But it really is delicious! Sayaka: The dashi proportions are the key. Hilko: The dashi... One moment, let me write this down. Haruna: Me too! Sayaka laughed in amusement at their matching reactions. It was always fun to teach people who wanted to learn. Haruna: Hey, we should have a regular cooking class, just the three of us... Actually, we can invite Rin-chan, too. Sayaka: Good idea... I wouldn't mind - As long as the restaurant's not busy that day. Hilko: I'll ask her and see what she thinks. Sayaka: Okay. I'll make a list of great meals that are easy to make. Haruna: Ah, it's so late. I should get home. Hilko: Ah... I should go as well. Sayaka: Wait a minute, are you gonna go like that? Hilko: I thought I might? Haruna: The apron didn't keep all the mess off your clothes. You should wash them when you get home. Hilko: You're right... I was simply so absorbed in the cooking. Sayaka: Hmm... Just a minute. Hilko: What is it? Haruna: Oh, I bet I know! Hilko: What is it? Haruna seemed to have an inkling, but Hilko merely tilted her head in confusion. Sayaka's footsteps came back towards them. Sayaka: Would you like to take these clothes? Hilko: Oh my... What a charming dress. Why not? Sayaka reappeared with a rather girly-looking dress. Sayaka: My father bought this for me, but it's a little too cutesy for my style. Haruna: I still think it would look good on you... Sayaka: I can't wear this outside... Anyone who knew me would laugh. Sayaka: As much as I'm sure Father would like me to become the sort of person who could pull off a dress like this, it's not really me. Sayaka: I wore it in front of Father and Haruna once, but I haven't had many other chances... Still, it was a present, so I'd rather not throw it out. Hilko: Sayaka... Sayaka: As long as you're here, why don't you take it? It suits you better than me, and since there's someone you're learning to cook for, I thought... Hilko: Are you sure? Sayaka: Yes. Hilko: ...Thank you. I'll gladly take it, then. Sayaka: I'm going to get changed, and then we'll call it quits for today. Hilko: You know, this really isn't bad at all. Hilko couldn't remember a time when she'd had more fun. No killing, no competing with others. No jumping at shadows to keep from being cheated. She was finding that she liked this sort of thing. I was waiting for dinner in what had become our usual routine. Jack: I believe today, the smells from the kitchen have increased their appeal! Yamato: Hilka-san seems eager to try a new recipe she just learned. Jack: Milady has become far more devoted than she first seemed. Yamato: No, I think she's always been devoted. Jack: I see... Perhaps 'tis my memory that's at fault. Hilko: What are you two whispering about? Jack: W-we whisper of nothing! Hilko: Well, if you insist... Dinner's done, anyway. Yamato: This is the dish you just learned? Hilko: Tamagoyaki. I was a quite nervous, making it by myself, but it did turn out better than I expected. Yamato: I see. It looks delicious. Jack: Ahh... It is quite pleasant in appearance. Hilko: Of course it is. And not just in appearance. It tastes very fine. Jack: I feared that we might face another blackened object of nature obscure. Hilko: What was that? Jack: Ah, 'tis nothing, nothing! Yamato: Let's eat, then. She brought out white rice, miso soup made with proper stock, and the usual mound of bean sprouts. The tamagoyaki was new, and Jack and I both reached for it. Jack: Delicious! Such deliciousness does this tamagoyaki hold! Yamato: I agree. It's light and fluffy and cooked to perfection. The flavor is neither too sweet nor too salty. Jack: Never before have I tasted of such delicious tamagoyaki! Hilko: There. You see what I can do when I apply myself? Jack: My Liege! You have found yourself a fine lady! Yamato: Rare praise, indeed. Jack: Verily, such tamagoyaki as this brings tears to mine eyes! Hilko: ...I'll admit it. My early attempts were rather poor. Yamato: But you've made wonderful progress in such a short time. Hilko: Well, if you insist! Yamato: I really am glad you came to us, Hilka-san. Hilko: Y-you're embarrassing me... Still, my gratitude was real. It was clear that she had never needed my help, even from the start. Yamato: I've known her for such a short time... but why does being near her make me feel so warm inside? The people who raised me showered me with love as though they were my parents, but there had always been a distance between us. There was none of that awkwardness in the time I spent with Hilka. Yamato: Ever since you came here, this place feels more like home. Hilko: ...Surely you exaggerate. Yamato: Perhaps... Jack: 'twas a feast in every sense of the word. Yamato: Ah... Did you eat all of the tamagoyaki?! Jack: So delicious it was, my chopsticks moved on their own! Yamato: ...I would have liked to eat more than one, you know. Jack: Ah, but dinner is a battlefield. 'tis My Liege's own fault for forgetting that. Hilko: giggle... Don't worry. We have more eggs. I'll make more right now. Yamato: Would you? I'd appreciate that. Hilko: I'll be just a moment. Jack: My Liege, I await it hungrily! Yamato: ...You're not getting any more. Jack: What?! Yamato: Don't act so shocked! We passed a very enjoyable dinnertime together. The life that I should have been living for my mission was beginning to open to other possibilities.
I was on my way home from school, having completed my information gathering. There was a person on my mind as I made my way to my room. Yamato: She really is amazing. Her cooking had improved by leaps and bounds lately. She had always been good at picking things up from the advice I gave her, but her recent progress had been shocking. Hilko: Well, fancy meeting you here! Yamato: Hilka-san? What is it? Hilko: Are you free now? You are, aren't you? Yamato: I didn't have any particular plans... Hilko: Excellent! Wait just a moment, I'm going to get changed! Yamato: O-of course... I stared after her as she rushed for her room. Yamato: Changed? By the time I asked, though, she was already gone. Yamato: There's a sale, you say? Hilko: Yes! But it's only one bag per customer, so I thought you might be of use to me. She had brought me along to save money, it seemed, but I was certainly grateful for her frugality. Yamato: If I may say... Hilko: W-what is it? Yamato: It's nice to see you in a new outfit. Hilko: I-is it? There's no particular occasion, but I had it around, so I thought I would toss it on. Yamato: I think it suits you very well. Hilko: Of course it does. After all, I am a beautiful woman of womanly beauties! Roches: Hey! Headin' out with Yuuki-san today? Hilko: Ah... Yamato: Ah, Mikhail-san. Are you shopping, as well? Roches: There's a half-off sale in the shopping district. You heading there too? Yamato: Yes. We were just on our way. Roches: How about that... Mikhail-san cut off in mid-sentence, then stared at Hilka-san, as if in amazement. Hilko: W-what's the matter?! You look as if I've grown a second head. Roches: Nothing, sorry. Ah, Yuuki-san, how are things going with her? Yamato: Quite well. She's been a great help to me. Roches: Ohh... and the cooking and such? Yamato: She's improving, even without my help. I hope she'll cook for you some time. Roches: I see... Ah, I'd better get going. I know you're in a hurry to get to the sale, but take your time, okay? Yamato: Of course. Mikhail-san waved as he walked away, back in the direction of our rooms. I supposed he must have already been to the sale. Yamato: Well, we should hurry before it sells out. Hilko: R-right... Hilka-san stuttered a bit in response; perhaps she was tired. Even so, we managed to pick up some excellent items at the sale. We left the sale with one full bag each and started walking the road home. I had offered to carry both, but Hilka-san insisted on carrying one herself. We were just passing by the local shrine when Hilka-san began speaking. Hilko: We really did get a great deal. I imagine this will last us quite a while. There was a bit of sweat on her brow. Perhaps we'd bought a bit too much, after all. Yamato: Would you like to rest a moment? Hilko: I think so. We sat down on a bench in the shrine grounds. Hilko: If I keep up this sort of physical labor, my arms are going to get all muscly. Yamato: But if there were a sale like this every day, you wouldn't have to buy so much each time. Hilko: That's very true. Yamato: We should give thanks to the wives of the world... including you, of course, Hilka-san. Hilko: W-what are you talking about?! You know it's all business. Seriously, stop it, please. Yamato: I'm only trying to be honest. Hilko: B-by the way, could you please... stop that? Yamato: Ah...? Hilko: You always speak to me so formally, not like with Jack or Rin. I wish you'd be at ease and drop the honorific. I had meant to be polite, of course, but I was happy to speak to her as an equal if she wanted. Though, if that was going to be the case... Yamato: ...Very well, I'll speak to you normally. But I'd like to ask you a favor as well, Hilka. Hilko: Wh-what is it? Yamato: I'd like you to call me Yamato, too. You don't need the -san. Hilko: Very well... Ah, Yamato. Yamato: Right... Ah, that's right. As long as we're at a shrine, why don't we make a wish? Hilko: A wish? Yamato: You clap your hands in front of the god and tell them something you want. You can also make a pledge, if you want. Hilko: What do you mean? Whatever is the point? Yamato: It can be helpful... though of course, it's hard to prove the effects of karma. You never ask favors from gods where you came from? Hilko: We do, but I never quite understood the point. A person should control her own destiny, after all. She said, as if it went without saying. She was clearly a strong, dedicated person. Yamato: It can also help you to relax. If you feel like you're at a crossroads, sometimes praying can help. Hilko: Hmm... The words didn't seem to resonate with her at all. Yamato: ...Well, why don't we try it as long as we're here? Hilko: Very well. I have nothing to lose, after all. Yamato: Well, you lose money to the offering. Hilko: Really? Oh, whatever shall I do... Yamato: Well, it was my idea. I can pay for both of us, today. I threw some change into the offering box. It seemed to take Hilka by surprise. Hilko: You just throw out loose change? Yamato: You could call it a fee for the right to ask the god a question. It doesn't have to be a lot. Even 5 yen is enough. Hilko: I suppose God is quite a miser, as well. Yamato: ...You could say that. Though a bit blasphemous, it was so like Hilka that I couldn't help but smile. I clapped and offered up my prayer, and she did the same. Hilko: Can I truly wish for anything? Yamato: Within the realm of reason, of course. Hilko: What did you wish for, Yamato? Yamato: I'm afraid I can't tell you. If I say it aloud, the god might be angry. Hilko: Is that so? Yamato: Yes, that's so. Hilko: Really, what a shock. I didn't think you were the type of person to ask favors of gods. Yamato: I don't like overly relying on God. I believe that generally speaking, people should handle their problems on their own. Hilko: I feel the same way. giggle... We appear to have more in common than I thought. Yamato: I see. You may be right about that. Being with her was certainly relaxing. Perhaps we really were alike. Hilko: But if that's how you feel, then why do you pray? Yamato: Right now, I was more just checking in. I think that if I ever really feel powerless, that's when I'll ask God to step in. Yamato: If nothing else, it relaxes me. Hilko: Do you think God helps people? Yamato: Well... I suppose it depends on what's going on. Hilko: My, that's awfully convenient for God. Yamato: I suppose it is. She was a realist to the end. I couldn't help but smile, though. Hilko: It's gotten rather late, hasn't it... Yamato: Ah, that's right. Hilko: What is it? Yamato: There was something I meant to give you. I remember you said you wanted a token of my gratitude. Hilko: Th-that was... That was just a joke! I... I didn't mean for you to act on it. Yamato: No, please, don't refuse. It's... not what you think. It's nothing expensive - It's not even something with a material cost. Hilko: Ah? Then what is it? Yamato: This. I handed Hilka a small envelope. The size seemed to shock her. Hilko: This is... a front door key? Yamato: I had a spare made for my room. I thought that you should have it, as long as you're going to be coming and going so often. Hilko: A spare key... to Yamato's room... Yamato: As I said, it's not a material gift, but I was hoping that the sentiment might have some value. Hilko: Are you sure about this? Yamato: Yes. If you're willing, I'd like to keep things going the way they have been. Hilko: ...... Yamato: What's wrong? Hilko: ...Right. Well, if you insist, I can hardly refuse you. Though she acted grudging about it, she held the key to her chest as if it were something precious. Was she happy, I wondered? As I thought about it, I felt rather happy myself. Yamato: Well, let's go home. Hilko: Yes, let us be off. We took up our heavy bags and began heading home once more. Something about the exchange made the walk home in the glowing sunset feel easier than usual.
Sayaka: Well, today marks our seventh cooking lesson. Haruna: It's really become part of the schedule! The simple gatherings with Sayaka and Haruna had become a regular part of Hilko's routine. Hilko: I had thought cooking was something of a pain, but once you get into it, it's really quite enjoyable. Hilko had been more surprised than anyone to learn that. Hilko: ...though perhaps it's just a matter of finding a person to do these things for. Hilko's heart beat faster as she thought about that special someone, though she hurried to stifle it. Haruna: I like the cooking classes, but I feel a little bad about how you drive him away so we can do it. Sayaka: Oh, forget about him. He's not a real customer anyway. Haruna: Oh... Sayaka-chan, why do you always have to be like that? Hilko: I've grown so close to them, too... Perhaps it was a good thing that they'd never associated until now. If they had known her before, they might not be so close now. When she thought about it, it really was the first time she had made friends like this. Earlier, Haruna had asked Rin to join them, but she continually declined. She seemed to realize that this was Hilko's place, that her presence would only get in the way. Hilko: She really is quite perceptive in that way. She had never noticed it before, but she was very thankful for it. Hilko: Well, then. What will we be making today? Sayaka: I thought we might try nikujaga. Haruna: Nikujaga is the king of home-cooked dishes! Hilko: Is it, really? Sayaka: Men really do get obsessed with nikujaga. Hilko: Ah... In that case, I suppose it's very hard to make? Sayaka: Oh, not at all. It just appeals to male sensibilities, I suppose. It's not especially difficult. Haruna: Well, teacher. Please instruct us once again! Hilko: ...Yes, please. Sayaka: Sure thing, guys. Sayaka was right; nikujaga turned out to be easy to prepare. As long as one followed the instructions properly, there was little margin for error. Haruna: How is it, Hilka-san? Hilko: Mmm... Mmgh... The potatoes have such a wonderful flavor... This truly is delicious! Hilko: What do you think? Have I gotten the taste right? Haruna: Oh yes, it's delicious! I think you did a great job! Sayaka: I think you've mastered nikujaga on the first time out. Hilko: I believe I surprised even myself. Sayaka: You're such a fast learner, Hilka. It makes it very easy to teach you. Haruna: We've been learning together, but you're already so far past me... Hilko: D-do you think so? It's not just your particular teaching technique? Sayaka: I'm nothing special. You'll even catch up to me, soon enough. Haruna: There's someone you're cooking for, isn't there? Maybe that's the secret. Hilko: W-well... I could hardly say... Sayaka: She's blushing... I think you nailed it on the head. Haruna: Hilka-san must really like him... I wonder what sort of person he is? Sayaka: I hope you'll let us meet him some day. Hilko: C... Could we change the subject, please? Haruna: Ooo, look, she's blushing harder! Sayaka: You're so cute, Hilka. It's nice to see you have a cute side, sometimes. Hilko: Oh, please... do stop teasing me! Hilko turned her eyes away, but she wasn't fully dissatisfied. It made her wonder what Yamato would say when he ate the nikujaga she made. She couldn't wait to see. Hilko: Oh, welcome home. I came home to find Hilka preparing the evening's meal. The smell of soy sauce caused my stomach to growl. Hilka was giggling with excitement. I felt like she was smiling more often lately. That said, I was sure that if I pointed that out, she would just 'hmph' and look away. Yamato: Just watching her is so invigorating. My mission was to protect the Japanese Empire and the smiles of the people who lived there. Maybe that was why her smile filled me with such satisfaction. Ever since I had given her the spare key, Hilka had been coming by to make breakfast as well as dinner. Honestly, I was feeling a little bad about how hard she was working. Hilko: Yamato, could you come here a minute? Yamato: What is it? Hilka called out to me just as I was getting changed. When I went to the kitchen, I found her there, holding a plate. Hilko: I thought I might try a different dashi this time. What do you think? Yamato: Ah... Hilko: Obviously, I have no opinion either way, but since you're paying for it, I thought I would let you choose. Her tone was dismissive as she passed me the dish. Despite her attitude, though, I was sure that she was thinking of me. She really was a fine woman. Yamato: Let me see... Hmm, it's a fine flavor. Is this konbu-dashi? Hilko: Yes. Y-Yamato... do you prefer the usual? Yamato: I'm certainly used to the usual, but this is also excellent. If I must be honest, I would be hard-pressed to choose. Hilko: I see... Well, perhaps I'll vary between them from time to time. I'm glad you don't dislike it, though. Hilko: I... I suppose it's yet another sign of my prodigious cooking talent. Yamato: You may be right. It's a wonderful thing. Hilko: ...A-anyway... I've prepared something a bit different today. Yamato: Have you? Hilko: I'm really rather proud of it. I hope you're prepared for a treat. Yamato: I see. I'll try. Hilko: I'll bring it out soon, then. Yamato: Thank you. Hilko: Of course. There was no more false bravado behind Hilka's confident words. Yamato: Ahh... I was truly shocked by the sight before me. Her repertoire had been expanding lately, and today's meal was nikujaga. Jack: Ohhh! Om nom nom... Milady's skill at cooking is truly... om nom nom... truly without peer. I am moved to admiration once more! Yamato: You say that every day... and please don't talk with your mouth full. I thought about also asking him not to eat before everyone had taken a portion, but it seemed like a waste of time at this point. Jack: A nikujaga of such deliciousness, my chopsticks move of their own volition! Hilko: Don't eat it all, though. This is for Yamato - you're just extra. Jack: In some situations, they say the extras are of greatest importance! Hilko: We're not talking about kids' meal toys. Yamato: I don't know what any of that means. Jack: Regardless, I must insist that Milady's cooking has improved. Such a tranquil spirit it brings to our home! Hilko: ...Hmph. Yamato: I agree that the nikujaga is delicious. ...I really am sorry. Hilko: W-what are you apologizing for? Yamato: It just seems like you've gotten in the habit of cooking for us daily... Hilko: O... Of course I have. After all, I am... your wife. Hilka stopped eating, as she looked down at the table. Something about my words seemed to have touched a nerve. Hilko: Eat it, now, before it gets cold. Yamato: We can't have that, can we? Jack: If this meal is too much for you, I shall take on the rest myself. Surely I can find some room in my stomach! Yamato: I'm sorry to inform you, but I'm very hungry. You'll have to be satisfied with your own portion. Jack: Ngh... Vexing! Hilko: There should be enough for seconds. Jack: An angel you are, Milady! Hilko: You really are self-serving. Yamato: I would also like a second helping. Is there more? Hilko: Of course there is. I left just enough for you. Jack: Nngh... Preferential treatment most vile... Yamato: ...... Hilko: Whew. The kitchen's all cleaned up. Yamato: Thank you for your help. Hilko: It was nothing, of course. Yamato: I said it before... but you really have been a great help to me, Hilka. Hilko: Oh, it's nothing. That's why I'm here, after all. Yamato: Whenever I come home, I find you here... I never realized the warmth that it brings, knowing you have someone waiting for you. Jack: Does My Liege forget that I, too, await his return daily? Yamato: You are... not exactly the same. Jack: Verily, argh! Yamato: Now, now. Whatever you called Jack - my freeloader, my roommate - I knew that what he was really waiting for was food. Jack: Hmph. Yamato: What is it? Jack: My senses tell me that I'd best make tracks. Become a third wheel, have I! Yamato: What are you talking about? Jack: I shall take my leave... Farewell! Hilko: I've never heard of such a noisy ninja before... Yamato: He's a good man. He's just a bit odd, in certain ways. Hilko: He certainly doesn't seem the bad sort. But what were we talking about? Yamato: Ah... That's right. Well, first, could I ask for another cup of tea? Hilko: Oh, I didn't even notice. I'm sorry. Yamato: Thank you. Hilko: You're welcome. Yamato: ...... Hilko: ...... Yamato: Ah... That's right. I was talking about how you're always here when I come home. Hilko: ...Yes. I suppose that's true. Yamato: I wanted to thank you again. Hilko: W-what? Is that all you wanted to say? Yamato: There may be other things I wanted to say... but I've forgotten them now. Hilko: Goodness. How strange. Yamato: I guess so. It is rather strange. I wasn't entirely sure how I felt, myself. A part of me felt so relaxed in this setting; another part of me was utterly nervous. The feelings were so contradictory, I wasn't sure what to make of them. Hilko: Well, then... it's getting late. I suppose I'll be heading home. Yamato: I see... Tomorrow, then. Hilko: Ah? Yamato: Oh... Did you have other plans tomorrow? Hilko: It's not that... Yamato: Hm? Hilko: It's just... This is the first time you said 'tomorrow' as though it were a matter of course... It surprised me a little. Yamato: I've never said it before? Hilko: No, I don't think so. At least, not as far as I can remember. Yamato: ...I see. The words had seemed so natural, I didn't even realize. But to Hilka, they seemed to carry a special meaning. Hilko: But... I don't really mind it, either. Yamato: Yes, I agree. Knowing that when I return, you'll be here, sharing your warmth with me... Perhaps that was the kind of family I needed. Hilko: Family... Well, I'm not sure how well-suited I am to it, but perhaps that's for the best. Yamato: What do you... Hmm? What is it? Hilko: What is... what? Yamato: You're crying... Have I said something to hurt your feelings? Hilko: Ah...? Hilka placed a hand on her cheek with uncertainty. She seemed shocked when she felt the tears there. Hilko: That's strange... I didn't even realize I was crying. Yamato: But... Hilko: I don't... think you've done anything wrong, Yamato. I don't know exactly why I'm crying, myself... Yamato: ...... I silently offered her a handkerchief. Hilka took it and wiped the tears away. Hilko: Thank you. Yamato: Not at all... I wasn't entirely sure what to do with a crying woman. As I thought about it, only one idea occurred to me. I put my arms around Hilka and embraced her, as gently as I could. Hilko: Ah... Yamato: I don't know what you're supposed to do when your family is crying... This was the only thing that occurred to me. I'm sorry I can't be of more help. Hilko: ...It's not your fault. I don't know what's wrong with me, either... But this... It doesn't feel bad. Yamato: I see... I'm glad that I made the right decision. Hilko: Ah? Yamato: I'm not always certain how to deal with family. Hilko: Do you mean... Yamato: It isn't that my parents are dead. But one day, I found myself with people I didn't know, acting as my parents. Yamato: And I never... understood why. Hilko: Yamato... Yamato: I always thought that I would be alone forever. Hilko: ...... Hilka returned my embrace, tightly. For the rest of the night, neither of us said another word. I didn't know what to say... but then, perhaps nothing else needed to be said.
Hilko: I'm back! Hilko took a moment to regain her composure, then returned to the apartment where the others were waiting. She almost never greeted them this way. Of course, she wasn't thinking about that at the time. Roches: Hey. Late night, huh? Hilko: Yes, we spent a rather leisurely evening. Roches: Geez. Lucky you. Hilko: What's that supposed to mean? Did I miss something? Roches: Just talking about fundraising and prepping our next operation. I'm not the greatest at that kinda stuff, myself. Duran: He forced all the planning on me, he did. Hilko: Hmm... A new operation? But we've had so little interaction with Stryker Zero lately. Phoenix: We've merely been avoiding him while we save up our power. If Captain Murray gave me permission, I'd happily take him to the slaughterhouse. Roches: I thought she put the brakes on 'cause it was too dangerous to take him head-on? Duran: We've had little choice, what with our resources being so slim. Hilko: Well, it's just one thing after another, isn't it... Phoenix: Acting like it's not even her problem... Duran: Lieutenant Hilko, Captain Murray and Captain Daniel were worried because you didn't show up for today's meeting, either. Hilko: It just so happens that I had a very urgent engagement at that time. She was referring to Sayaka's cooking class, of course, but she wasn't about to say that. Roches: Gettin' into it, huh... Well, Yuuki-san's a good guy, at least. Hilko: What's that supposed to mean? Roches: Noooothing. Right? Phoenix: Heh. Doesn't matter to me how Lieutenant Hilko earns her cash on the side. Duran: Ahh... In the end, it comes down to looks... Nothing but looks, it is... Hilko: S-stop it, Duran! What are you getting at, exactly? Duran: W-well... Lieutenant Hilko... you know that I... Hilko: Need I remind you that you're hardly my type, Duran? Duran: ...... Hilko: What now? Duran: ......Nothing at all. Roches: That's harsh, lady. Roches looked pityingly at Duran, cut off before he could even finish his confession. Hilko: That reminds me. What did you all have for dinner tonight? Duran: Tonight? It was... Phoenix: Corporal Rin made onigiri and tofu miso soup. Roches: I liked the okaka flavor the best. Phoenix: I rather preferred the ones with salmon inside. Duran: The tofu miso soup was also truly delicious! Hilko: Hah... You eat like peasants. Roches: Hey! You think you're better 'n us or somethin'? Phoenix: Did... Did Yuuki-san cook for you today? Hilko: No. I cooked, naturally. Duran: You were cooking for that man? Grrr, my jealousy's at its breaking point! Roches: Sorry, but learning that you cooked doesn't exactly fuel my envy. Phoenix: Agreed there. I think we may've had the better of it with Corporal Rin's onigiri. Hilko: giggle... Poor things. I'll have you know that tonight, I made nikujaga! Roches: N-nikujaga?! Hilko: Yes, indeed! Ni-ku-ja-ga! Roches: Ghk... You can't mean... Phoenix: Roches! Do you even know what nikujaga is? Roches: No clue. But it sounds tasty! Phoenix: I see. Then neither of us know! Hilko: ...If you don't know, then don't act so excited. Hilko murmured in annoyance, although she hadn't known until she learned about it in class either. Duran: But then, what's nikujaga? Hilko: It's a provincial dish, number one in popularity with the males of this country! Roches: Ohh... So you prepared it specially for Yuuki-san, huh? Hilko: D-don't get the wrong impression. It's not as if I learned it especially for Yamato... Phoenix: Yamato, huh? Duran: ......I'm feeling like I'm in a hole, I am. Hilko: H-hey! Don't look at me like that! You completely misunderstand! Roches: No, I think we got it. Phoenix: ...Really. Duran: I am... I am...! Hilko: Oh, you're all SO obnoxious! Hilko screamed at them in irritation, but that wasn't about to stop Roches and Phoenix. Yamato: Hmm... I looked at the clock. Hilko had gone out shopping for dinner some time ago, but she hadn't come back yet. Yamato: Hmm... I hoped she hadn't been in an accident on the way home from shopping. Or... could she have been a victim of one of the Balbora Empire's attacks? Yamato: They've been so quiet lately, though. I hope not... Lately, Ichimonji had been driving me out of the cafe quite a lot, so I was limited to my foot patrols. I hoped that wouldn't lead to disaster... Jack: My Liege. What is it that troubles you? Yamato: ...I'm worried about the Balborans' lack of activity lately. They may be avoiding obvious action to plot something behind the scenes. Jack: I see. We must be on guard in perpetuity... but is that truly the thought which occupies your mind? Yamato: What do you mean? Jack: To mine eyes, it seems My Liege's concern lies with something else. Yamato: Ah, well... Hilka's been out for quite some time. I was concerned that she might have gotten into an accident. Jack: Ah, it concerns Milady, does it? Then allow me to patrol the area and check for her. Yamato: No, please don't. I am a bit concerned, but my worries are groundless. Jack: I am My Liege's own trusted friend and retainer. You have only to order, and I will act! Yamato: Jack... I'm sorry, I didn't mean to bother you with this. Jack: I wish to seem capable, on occasion. Yamato: So you recognize that it's a rare thing, then. Jack: Egad! Dug a hole for myself, I have! Jack: Hmm, I hear an approach. Yamato: Hmm... Hilka wouldn't knock. I wonder who it could be, then? Rin: Excuse me! I... Ah, it's Kazami! Yamato: Oh, Kazami? Rin: Yuuki-san. Good evening. Yamato: What's the matter? Rin: Ah... Hil... ka-san... isn't there, is she? Yamato: She went out shopping. Do you need her for something? Rin: Ah, I see... Yamato: If you're in a hurry, we can look for her together. Rin: Ah... No, I do need to speak with her, but it's nothing very urgent. Yamato: I see. Rin: By the way... is cooking all that Hilka-san's been doing for you, lately? Yamato: She also makes my tea, but it is mostly cooking. Rin: Ah... It's just that lately, Hilka-san's been spending a lot more time with you, so... I... Yamato: Hmm... It did seem like she was spending more time in my apartment lately. She was coming by in the mornings, and in the evenings, she came earlier and stayed later. Since our apartments were adjacent, I had no need to fear her walking home alone at night... Yamato: It's true, though... When she spends so much time with me, it takes away from the time she spends with them. Yamato: Do you miss her, when she spends so much time at my place? Rin: Ah? Yamato: She really is a wonderful person. It's only natural that you should miss her. Rin: Ah... Miss her? Me? Yamato: Am I wrong? Rin: Well, I just... Hilko: I'm sorry it took so long. Goodness, that old man took forever to place the half-price stickers... Ah? Rin: G-good evening! Hilko: Ah... Rin? What is it? Rin: I have a message for you, Hilka-san. Hilko: What's going on? Rin: It's a message from Murray-san. She wants you to come back early today. Hilko: Hmm... I'm right next door. If she needs something, she can just call me herself. Rin: Ah... Well... Hilko: Hmm? Well, if you insist. As long as you're here, though, why not join us for dinner? Rin: Ah? Jack: Does this mean a reduction of mine own portion?! Hilko: Oh, be quiet. Hilko: Rin, I hope you don't think I'm bragging, but my cooking has become quite impressive as of late. Rin: Ahh... No, I need to go home. I'm on cooking duty today. Hilko: Oh, I see. Rin: I really would like to try it, but... well, goodbye. Yamato: Of course. Please come by another day. Rin: Sure! Jack: In quite a hurry, she was. Hilko: ...I don't know. Probably cooking duty? Jack: Ah, communal life is demanding, indeed. Yamato: I wonder why I've never seen you lift a finger around here, Jack. Jack: I serve as your home security system! Yamato: Well, that's true... Hilko: Well, I suppose I'll start on the dinner. Jack: Huzzah! We spent dinner together as usual. We rushed a bit due to Hilka's urgent business, but otherwise it was business as usual. While they were still eating, the Balborans had their meeting. The room was as packed as usual. Murray: Well, she should be back soon. Rin: Yes... I asked her to come back early. Daniel: Captain Murray... what do you intend to do with her? Murray: Hmm... Daniel: You've seen through her, haven't you? That's the reason you've put our operations on hold. Murray: ...I can't hide anything from you, can I? Daniel: Indeed not. Phoenix: Put our operations on hold... have you?! It did seem we were overly focused on saving up money... Roches: Can't act like I didn't guess the reason, myself... Phoenix: You did?! Duran: Lieutenant Roches, did you know? Roches: Don't act so surprised. I totally knew. I mean, it's not like I was trying to figure it out... Roches tilted his head, trying to express how he felt. Though it quickly became clear that only a few of them had been unaware of it. Murray, Daniel, Roches, and Rin were already well aware. Of course, some of them, like Orson and Joseph, had clearly not noticed at all. Murray: As long as there are enemies in our midst, we can't afford to show weakness. From now on, Lieutenant Hilko will... Hmm? I think I hear her now. Hilko: I'm back! ...Whew. I see we are having a meeting, then. Already started, have we? Roches: Kinda, yeah. Hilko: Well then. Am I permitted to join in? Murray: No... The meeting's about over, actually. Hilko: Ah... Is it? I suppose I should have come back a bit earlier, then. Murray: That's right. Lieutenant Hilko, let me ask you something. Are you enjoying your current lifestyle? Hilko: Well... I would still like a bit more money, but I'm quite enjoying myself even so. Whyever do you ask? Murray: ...It's just something I've been wondering. Hilko: ...hmm? Hilko tilted her head, but Murray asked her nothing more. Murray: Well, for now, I think we should continue to work on saving up our funds. That includes you, Lieutenant Hilko. Hilko: Yes, as long as I have time. Murray exchanged a glance with Daniel, but Hilko was too distracted to notice.
Something has changed within me. On my way back from school, I stopped by the cafe as usual to check for Balboran activity. It was my regular routine, after all. Yamato: ...... Sayaka: Welcome... Oh, it's just Yuuki. Yamato: The usual stewed java, please. Sayaka: Could you at least say 'the usual coffee'? She seemed to be baiting me. I refused to take it, but did take my usual seat. I had come to the cafe to watch TV... or at least, I had meant to. Sayaka: Let's see... You want your newspaper and the TV, right? Yamato: Yes. Sayaka: You never give up, do you? You're a real news junkie, you know that? Yamato: That's classified, I'm afraid. Sayaka: Right, right. Normally, I would skim through the newspaper while I listened to the news for some word on the Balbora Empire. But at some point, my thoughts had turned to Hilka. Yamato: I wonder how things came to this... Has the Balbora Empire's lack of recent activity caused my mind to wander to more personal matters? Sayaka: Something bothering you? Yamato: Yes... ah? I responded unconsciously. It was just then that I noticed a stack of cookbooks on the counter. Yamato: Are you trying to learn how to cook? Sayaka: What, this? I've actually been teaching someone. I want to make sure I'm teaching her properly. Yamato: Which means you need to study, as well. I see. Sayaka: Pretty much. I remembered Ichimonji was looked up to by her classmates. She really was a considerate girl. Sayaka: It's good for me to go back over the basics, too, and it's also a lot of fun. Yamato: Hmm... Yes, it's good for a woman to know how to cook. I heartily approve. Sayaka: Wait, huh? Are you hitting on me? Yamato: No, of course not. Sayaka: Don't answer so quickly, at least! You really need to learn some manners. Yamato: It's not that you don't have appeal, Ichimonji. But the fact is, my words were not meant as a pass at you. Sayaka: That sorta makes it worse... but I doubt you actually mean any harm by it. Yamato: Of course I don't. Sayaka: Geez... Well, I think I get it. You don't seem like the kind of guy who would ever like a woman enough to make a pass at her. Yamato: ...... A woman I liked enough to make a pass at? When I thought about those words, it was Hilka's face that appeared in my mind's eye. Was that how I really felt? Sayaka: Sorry. I didn't mean to hurt your feelings. Yamato: No, I think we'll just agree that the feeling is mutual. Sayaka: Sounds good. Our conversation stopped there. I went back to listening to the news while drinking the stewed java. It was bitter. I still couldn't see the appeal. Roches: Evening, Yuuki-san. Yamato: Hello, there. Are you heading off to work? Roches: Yeah. We tend to get the most customers at the stall around this time. Yamato: I wish you the best. Roches: Well, we're getting pretty used to it. Oh... By the way... Mikhail seemed to change the subject, then stopped himself. Yamato: What is it? Roches: Oh... Uh, nothing. Yamato: ...hmm? Roches: I'm not the kind of guy to pry into someone else's business... Yamato: Ah... Is there some sort of problem I should be aware of? Roches: Oh, no, no, it's not like that at all... Anyway, I should get going. Yamato: Right... He seemed to be acting strangely. I would have to speak to him about it another time. With the Balbora Empire being so quiet lately, I could make the time for such things. Hilko: Welcome home. I stepped in the door. Hilka came out of the kitchen to meet me. Yamato: Thank you. I had been greeted as I returned home before. My parents had done it, of course, and there was always Jack, as well. But something felt different when Hilka did it. Hilko: Dinner will be finished soon. Just give me a few more minutes. Yamato: Right... I looked around the room. Jack wasn't there. Yamato: He does disappear from time to time... This might be a good opportunity. I turned my eyes to Hilka, who was busy preparing dinner. Hilko: La la la~ Yamato: Hilka... could I have a word? Hilko: What is it? Can't it wait until after dinner? Yamato: Hmm... Actually, that might be best. I'll wait. Hilko: I'm afraid I can't stop right now. We'll talk after dinner. Yamato: Very well. Jack jumped down from the ceiling. Yamato: Were you sleeping above the ceiling? Jack: Dying of hunger, I am. Yamato: You came down because you smelled it? Jack: Nap though I may, my sense of smell shall never be dulled! Yamato: That's not what I call keeping up your guard... We were at peace, of course... but there was something unsettling about it all. Yamato: I'm sure the Balbora Empire is planning something... Yamato: It was truly delicious. Jack: Mmm. Filled up, I am! Hilko: Another notch on the belt of my genius. Jack: Such self-praise... Yamato: But it really was excellent. Hilko: I'm so happy to hear that. Yamato: By the way, Hilka... about the matter I mentioned before... I straightened up and turned to Hilka. Hilko: W-what is it? Jack: What concerns you? Yamato: ...Jack. Would you go out on patrol for a while? Jack: Oh... Ohh! An order from My Liege! I shall patrol with true determination! Jack disappeared with gusto. I was grateful for his skills, but I wished he'd calm down sometimes. Hilko: I... suppose this is a matter that requires discretion, then? Yamato: Yes, it is. I wanted to apologize to you. Hilko: Apologize? For what? Yamato: For making you cry. I've started to wonder if I've made trouble for you, somehow. Hilko: Oh, that. You don't have to worry about that. Yamato: Ever since then, I can't get you out of my mind. I don't want to leave things ambiguous like this. Hilko: Yamato... Yamato: I decided that if we're going to remain together like this, this is something I need to know. Hilko: To remain together... like this? Hilka murmured the words, seeming deep in thought. Then she looked at me, as if making a decision. Hilko: ...Very well. I'll tell you. Though to be honest with you, I didn't really understand it myself, at first. Hilko: I think... it's because I was happy. Yamato: Happy? Hilko: I was happy to know that you needed me. I never thought that anyone would think of me as family, or to want to share their warmth with me. Hilko: ...No... Rather... Until then, I never thought that there would be any point in such a relationship. Yamato: That's... a lonely way to live. But it was the same way for me. I had lived only for my mission, dismissing family as unnecessary. Hilko: The people I came to this country with, I told them I was born to a high station. But that was a lie. Hilko: The truth is... my parents died when I was young. I never knew a normal family life. Yamato: I see... Hilko: It's curious, isn't it? Neither of us knew true familial love. I think we detected that about each other... Yamato: ...... Hilko: I've made it this far without a family. I earned money for my schooling all by myself, and even made it to the top of my class. Hilko: In all that time, I never thought of myself as unhappy. But being with you, Yamato, I realized... Yamato: You realized...? Hilko: Yes. I wasn't really unhappy back then, but I wasn't truly happy, either. Yamato: Not unhappy, but not happy, either... Hilko: When I started the wife business, at first... I never wanted to learn to cook. I started it... to try bilking you of your money. That's all. Yamato: I... see. Hilko: ...I know it's too late to apologize. But I really am sorry. Yamato: No, it's alright. It's my own fault for not realizing it. It would be a lie to say her words didn't shock me, but Hilka seemed so pained by the confession that I couldn't help but feel for her. Hilko: But once I started studying cooking, and shopping... it all really started to feel worthwhile to me. Hilko: I thought it was just the pride of accomplishment at first... but now I know. The real reason these days have felt so complete... is because of you, Yamato. Hilko: This warmth, this happiness I feel welling up inside me... It's because I spend every day with you. Hilko: So... even though I know that you might hate me now that you know... Hilko: And even though you're so honest, I know I might not be worthy of you... but still, I... Hilko: Ah... Yamato: ...... I took her silently in my arms. It was an impulse, but it felt right. Yamato: If I don't do this, I might end up losing her... Her words felt like a confession. I was afraid she might speak them and run away... When I thought about that, I became so afraid. Hilko: I always... work so hard to put myself up... so that other people won't look down on me. That's just the kind of person I am. Yamato: ...I don't mind. I don't care who you are. You're the only person I feel this comfortable around. Hilko: And... there's something else I'm not telling you... Something I can never tell you, no matter how close we become... Yamato: ...I'm sorry. I have something like that, as well. I was referring to my being Stryker Zero. Despite our closeness - no, because of it - I wanted to keep her out of that part of my life. I held Hilka as tightly as I could. She buried her face in my chest. Hilko: Is it alright for me to stay with you... even with a secret? Yamato: ...As far as that goes, we're in the same position. But it's not impossible that we'll be able to tell each other, some day. Hilko: Yes... I think you may be right. Some time, far down the road... when we can both just laugh about it. Yamato: That would mean we'd have to stay together until then. Hilko: .........yes. Hilka nodded. In that moment, I felt like we truly understood one another. Hilka seemed to feel the same way. Even if she had lied to me, I couldn't regret it for an instant. Hilko: So I guess I'll keep up the wife-for-hire business. Yamato: You're still under contract, after all. Hilko: We'll continue the contract, if you want to. Forever and ever... For as long as you feel the same way. Yamato: I see... I could hear Hilka's heart pounding in her chest. I could feel her pulse quickening through my body against hers. Hilko: Hey. I could be... more of a wife to you. Yamato: Ah. But, you... Hilko: I want to be a real wife to you... Please. Yamato: Hilka... Hilko: Is that... okay? Hilka's question was shy and hesitant. I nodded, and released her. Hilko: Mmm... Hilka's eyes were closed, her lips lightly puckered. Even I knew what that meant. Hilko: Mmm, oh... smack... mm... Yamato: Mm, mmm... We kissed. It was the only place where our bodies were touching, yet it sent my heart racing. Hilko: Ahh... hahh... We broke the kiss, and looked into each other's eyes. Yamato: I'm going to make love to you, Hilka. If there's anything you don't like, please let me know. Hilko: ...Okay.
Yamato: Ah... Are you feeling alright? Hilko: I'm fine. I'm rather sturdy, as I said, so don't worry... M-more importantly, I suppose... we're like a real married couple now, aren't we? Yamato: I suppose so. Hilko: S-so... Yamato: We can't make it official while I'm still in school, but I'd like to, after I graduate. Hilko: ...Yes. I would love that. Hilka snuggled up against me and rested her head on my chest. Hilko: Hey, Yamato... Yamato: Hmm? Hilko: I love you... I do love you. Yamato: I love you, too... Yes. Spending this time with you, I understand what it means to love a woman. Hilko: Can we spend the rest of the night just like this? Yamato: Yes, if you wish. Hilko: ...Thank you. We spent the rest of the night together, just like that. The next morning, Jack might peer down from the roof and tell us to "verily, knock it off." ...but I would deal with that when it happened.
Jack: Hmm... Jack's arms were folded as he turned an appraising eye around the room. Jack: Makeup cases, storage boxes, a plenitude of clothing... Verily has this room acquired a woman's touch of late. Hilko: All absolute necessities. I've always thought this place was rather overly spartan, haven't you? Jack: Ninjas such as I need naught but our ninja trappings and tools! Hilko: Indeed. And that's why there's nothing of yours in the room, Jack. Jack: Impudence! A pariah, am I hence? 'tis the vilest of ninja discrimination... Hilko: Let me see, then... This time, I think I'll give my usual boiled bean sprouts a boiled cabbage upgrade! Jack: Hooray! The inclusion of cabbage shall further increase the elegance! Jack began rejoicing, and only then seemed to fully realize that Hilka was there. Jack: But Milady, what brings you here at this time of day? Hilko: I've been cleaning! The room looks very fine when it's tidy, don't you think? Jack: How industrious Milady is! And what a fine mood you're in today... Hilko: Could you tell? giggle Yamato said he'd take me out once he gets a day off. He says it's a reward for all I do for him! Jack: Oh-ho! How considerate is My Liege... In your collective absence, I shall guard this apartment with my life! Hilko: Well, isn't that nice of you. Jack: Hee hee hee... Upon my honor as a Texas Ninja, I shall fight any and all invaders to the death! Even the Balbora Empire shall taste of my blade! Hilko: Ah... Jack: Hmm? What troubles you? Hilko: ...Nothing. Please, do as you will. Jack: Understood! And I shall leave Milady to her work of producing an heir. Hilko: Heir...? Jack: A child! A baby, in the common parlance! Hilko: What are you talking about?! Jack: Ah? Is this not the reason for your outing? Hilko: Of course not! For pity's sake... Ah... You haven't been spying on us, have you? Jack: Urk! ...Verily. Hilko: You are such a little... Jack: Ninpo, Art of Silence! I say nothing more 'til my lawyer's arrival. Hilko: That isn't ninpo! ...And so it continued during Yamato's day at school. Both the city and the apartment remained at peace. It was Sunday. We were going on a hike as promised. Sad to say, the idea wasn't mine. It was Kazami who suggested I take Hilka out this way. Yamato: To give her a token of my thanks... She does seem very happy about it, just as Kazami said. I'm glad I invited her. It wasn't the sort of thing that I would think of on my own, after all. Hilko: This way, Yamato! This way! Yamato: Yes, I'm coming. Hilka was almost like a child as she rushed from here to there. Watching her get such pure enjoyment out of it made me truly glad we'd come. Hilko: The weather's so nice! Yamato: Perfect hiking weather, indeed. Hilko: Thank you so much for inviting me... I really am happy. Yamato: Ah, well... I was about to admit that it was Kazami's idea, but stopped myself. Kazami had told me not to mention her. Yamato: 'Pretend that it's all your idea. That'll make Hilka a lot happier'... she said. Hilko: Hmm? What is it? Yamato: ...It's to thank you for all of your hard work. As long as you're happy, that's all that I need. Hilko: Thank you. It's just nice to spend some time out in the sunshine, now and then. Hilka was wearing the beautiful dress she had worn on our earlier date. It wasn't exactly hiking gear, but at least we were walking a well-worn trail. Yamato: She's so beautiful... Hilko: Ah? What was that? Yamato: ...Ahh, nothing. Hilko: But now I want to know even more... Well, never mind. Her little pout was adorable. Yamato: Maybe I'm not right for a girl like her... Walking the sunlit path with Hilka, I found myself thinking: I could die at any time in service to my country. Was it really right for me to be with her, like this? Keeping this from her just felt like such a betrayal. I meant to protect her, of course... but that didn't excuse it. Hilko: Ah... I think this would be a fine place to eat our lunch, don't you? Yamato: You're right. It seems about that time. Let's open our lunch boxes. Hilko: Okay. Hilko: Here you go, Yamato! I'll feed you. Yamato: ...I'm not an invalid. I can feed myself. Hilko: I-it's just part of my wife-for-hire service. Come now, open wide! Yamato: Ah... Hilka certainly knew how to get what she wanted; once she made a demand, she never backed down. On her insistence, I allowed her to feed me. Hilko: I altered the seasoning a little since I knew we'd be eating it cold. How is it? Yamato: It's delicious. You've completely surpassed me as a cook. Hilko: That isn't true. You still know far more than I do... I do hope you'll continue to teach me. Yamato: That's true. I'll teach you everything I know. Hilko: I want to learn how to make more of your favorite foods, Yamato. Yamato: That reminds me. I notice you've even been buying underwear for me, lately. Hilko: That's right. Yours just seemed so ratty, I thought it might be nice. Yamato: I'm grateful for the thought, but how can you afford it? The storage cases and various articles all seemed rather pricey. Our food bill was already so high, thanks in large part to Jack, I wasn't sure how she had any left over. Moreover, if Hilka was spending the extra on me, there wouldn't be anything left for herself. Hilko: It's fine. Yamato: But if you... Hilko: I have some money saved up from when I was skimping on the food bill. And after all... you've given me something that money can't buy. Yamato: Hilka... Very well, I'll leave it to your discretion. But if you ever find yourself short of funding, please let me know. Hilko: I will. But don't worry. Now... Now that I'm living with you, I was thinking maybe I should get another part-time job. Yamato: As long as you don't overexert yourself. Hilko: Of course. If I did anything overly strenuous - that would mean less time that I can spend with you. Hilko: ...I hope to do this sort of thing more often. So, we both need to make sure we take jobs that give us a lot of free time. Yamato: That's a good point. I avoided giving her a proper answer. After all, how busy my work - my mission, rather - kept me, depended on what my enemies did. It wasn't long after the hike that Hilko went back to work as planned. Half of her earnings went to the Balbora Empire's operating funds, and half went to her life with Yamato. There was nothing left for Hilko to spend on herself, but curiously enough, it didn't seem to bother her. Hilko: Ah, I'm exhausted... Those old women went right for all the sale items I wanted. She arrived back at the apartment complex after shopping on the way home from work. Despite her idle moaning, there was a smile on her face. Hilko: Yamato won't be home just yet, and it's a little too early to start preparing dinner. If I were to start now, I'd just spend all my time watching Jack like a hawk. Jack knew all kinds of ridiculous ninja techniques, and he put them all into practice when trying to sneak early bites of dinner. Hilko: Last time, he actually used some kind of dimensional portal... Ninjas really are ridiculous. Oh well. Hilko: Ugh... If I'd known this would happen, I'd have worked an extra hour. Phoenix: Oh? Lieutenant Hilko? Roches: Looks like she's really gotten into the whole wife thing. Hilko: What's that supposed to mean? What business is it of yours? Roches: None, really. Phoenix: Agreed. I can't complain about you contributing to our operating funds. Hilko: See? ...But you are being awfully nice today. Roches: I had my doubts, sure, but it looks like you really stuck with it. Phoenix: Certainly, it's better than thinking about no one but yourself. Hilko: I suppose you could say that love has brought out the real me. While I am still a beautiful woman of womanly beauties, living as a wife quite agrees with me. Roches: Wonder what the old you would say if she saw you now. Hilko: I rather wonder that, myself. Hilko smiled, seeming genuinely delighted by the thought. The sight shocked both Roches and Phoenix. Hilko: ...Where are you two off to, anyway? Phoenix: About to go out shopping for dinner. We're out of what can be easily prepared. Roches: We knew Corporal Rin would be buyin' stuff, so we tried to hold off... but we can't hold out anymore. Hilko: Hmm... Well then, why don't I cook for you? Roches: Huh? Phoenix: Eh? Hilko: I should have some somen and eggs left over... How many of you are there? Roches: Us two plus Officer Duran and Officer Orson. Hilko: Four, then. I think I can handle that. Phoenix: A-are you sure? Hilko: Let's do it, then. I have nothing but free time until Yamato comes home. Hilko quickly entered the apartment. Roches and Phoenix exchanged a look, then followed after her. Hilko prepared a fast but simple lunch: cold somen and tamagoyaki. Duran: Oh... Ohhh... Why, this is even looking edible! Roches: Woah! This tamagoyaki is great! Phoenix: ...You haven't been spending all this time just learning tamagoyaki, have you? Hilko: Of course not, silly. Tamagoyaki is merely the first thing I learned how to make. I know quite a few recipes now. Orson: Hmm!! Duran: Oh! Even Officer Orson seems very satisfied, he does! Hilko: No progress on your own cooking? Roches: Corporal Rin knows a couple o' things. The rest of us... mostly fried fish and the sakamushi stuff. Hilko: So, no progress at all. Phoenix: Cooking is not a skill required by soldiers of the Balbora Empire. Hilko: I'm not sure about that. What about the supply line? Phoenix: Hngh... Roches: This is seriously good, though. Guess Yuuki-san wasn't just bein' polite when he said your cooking was good. Hilko: ...Don't you gossip to him about me. Roches: I'm not. Look, I'm Yuuki-san's friend, okay? Hilko: And I'm his wife! Phoenix: What are you even fighting over? Phoenix sighed. Roches laughed, brushing it off as a joke. Roches: Well, we dunno how long you'll be able to keep it up. So just make the most of it for now, okay? Hilko: I'm going to keep it up forever. That's right... What I really need to do is earn a high distinction before the Balbora Empire invades Japan. Hilko: Then Yamato can become a distinguished Balboran citizen... Why, I might even get to claim this city for myself. Hilko was thinking also of Sayaka and Haruna, and all the people who had helped her in the supermarkets and shopping district. They had all become very important to her. Roches: Woah... Aimin' pretty high, huh? Well, good luck to you. Hilko: I'm not going to need luck. Hilko: Oh, and perhaps if you beg me, I'll cook for you more often, whenever I'm free. Phoenix: Ohh...? Hilko: However, you must supply the ingredients. The preparation itself, I'll write off as furthering my education. Roches: Sure, sounds great. Hilko: ...Oh dear, is that the time? Yamato will be home soon; I really must go. Duran: ......And there she goes. Phoenix: Hmm... Lieutenant Hilko certainly has changed. Roches: Yeah... I guess you really can teach an old dog new tricks. Duran: I'm regretting that I wasn't the one to change her, though... Roches: C'mon, don't be so down. That was never gonna happen, anyway. Duran: That makes me feel no better! Hilko: I'm back! With the day's work over, Hilko returned, feeling very satisfied. Murray: You were out rather late. Is Yuuki-san working you very hard? Hilko: Well, perhaps a little... This wife business is far more work than I initially expected it would be. Murray: That is true. Hilko: Do you have experience with it, Captain Murray? Murray: Heh... I've been a woman all my life, you know. Of course I went through that period, as well. There was a wry smile on Murray's face. Hilko was too young to understand what it meant. Murray: I was hoping to have a bit of a talk with you, Lieutenant Hilko. Do you mind? Hilko: Talk? Sure, but... Murray: Sit down over there. Hilko: Okay... Where's everyone else? Murray: They're taking the stall out for the night. I told them I wanted to have a long talk, woman to woman. Hilko: ...... The thought of a 'woman to woman' talk made Hilko nervous. She turned to face Murray across the coffee table. Murray: I'm not going to beat around the bush. I'm going to come right out and ask you. Hilko: Right... Murray: Lieutenant Hilko. You've fallen in love with him... with Yuuki Yamato, haven't you? Hilko: ...Yes, I have. Murray: Are you serious about him? Hilko: ...... Hilko nodded meekly. Murray's wry smile resurfaced. Murray: I see. I suppose there's nothing to be done about it, then. Hilko: Ah...? Murray: Boy meets girl; it's the oldest story in the book. There's nothing unusual about your case. Hilko: ...You're not angry with me? Murray: You can't help who you fall in love with. Having been there yourself, I think you know that. Hilko: Well... I suppose... Murray: Still, Yuuki-san is a good man, and I can see how much you've changed in his presence. Until now, you never showed your true self, even to your own comrades. Murray's words caused Hilko's eyes to widen in shock. She had meant to keep that a secret. Hilko: Ah?! Did you know... about me? Murray: It was easy enough to guess. Of course, Colonel Mirror and I were told everything about the people who would be heading out with us... Murray: But there aren't many people who keep their personal history so tightly under wraps. I'm not saying this to censure you, of course. Murray: It was just a surprise to me. To see someone so guarded fall in love with someone this way. Hilko: ...I wasn't expecting it, either. Murray: Anyway... Down to brass tacks. I'm going to leave a form requesting military discharge on the table for you. Hilko: A discharge? W-why? Murray: You know why. A woman in love becomes soft. Don't pretend you don't know what I'm talking about. Hilko: That was just... Hilko was about to argue, but stopped herself. She remembered the conversation she had with the others. They'd all noticed she wasn't acting like herself. Even Hilko herself realized it. Murray: Lieutenant Hilko. You have a path to happiness in front of you. It's alright to choose it. Hilko: Is that why you want me to leave the army? Murray: I won't claim it's just for your sake. But supporting a soldier who's gone soft will put the entire unit at risk. Hilko: But... But I just... Murray: If you're afraid for your reputation, we can just say that you went MIA during an operation. What do you think? Hilko: I... She began to answer, but stopped herself. Hilko had never felt any particular loyalty to her country. She had joined the army to make a living, and entered the elite ranks to earn more money. Even so, she had her pride as one of those chosen to become a bionic soldier. That, at least, wasn't at odds with her feelings for Yamato. Hilko: I will not resign. Murray: Oh? Are you going to give up on the neighbor boy, then? Hilko: No! But I'm the one who chose to become a soldier. I don't intend to stop halfway to the top! Murray: ...This is an awkward situation. There was pity in Murray's voice. She had seen what happened when a woman came close to happiness, only to see it slip from her grasp. Murray: A woman who's found happiness with a man won't lightly throw herself into danger. Hilko: I won't throw away Yamato, or my identity as a soldier. They're both part of who I am! Murray: But you won't even reveal who you are to the person you love? Are you sure about this? Hilko: Yes. Murray: ...For heaven's sake. Murray seemed resigned. Hilko: I am a beautiful woman of womanly beauties. That's why I'm not going to compromise! I know that's the woman Yamato fell in love with! Murray: Lieutenant. This path you've chosen is the most dangerous one there is. One wrong move and you lose everything. You know that, don't you? Hilko: Yes. Murray: I can't give you any special treatment. You know that too, correct? Hilko: Of course. Murray: sigh... I see that your mind is made up. That will be all, then. Hilko: I look forward to our continued association. Hilko's language was more deferential than usual. She was truly grateful to her superior officer for accommodating her. Seeing that, Murray's wry smile deepened. Murray: We'll be counting on you. Do the best you can. Hilko: Yes ma'am! ...Ah, that's right. Murray: Hmm? Hilko: You once proposed a monetary reward and days off as compensation for success at a certain plan. Murray: Yes, that was the plan to reveal Stryker Zero's true identity. Murray's expression became bitter as she remembered the failed operation. But the next moment, she gasped. Murray: Lieutenant. You don't mean... Hilko: I am going to reveal Stryker Zero's true identity and finish him, once and for all. If I can do that much... Murray: Naturally, you'd receive a promotion and special privileges. But... can you do it? Hilko: I just have to think of a plan. But I intend to succeed... This is for my future with Yamato! Hilko's resolve was firm. There weren't any customers at the stall for the moment. The men remained, whispering to each other. That in and of itself might have seemed suspicious, if still in the range of normal. The real issue was that one of the voices was clearly coming from a dog. Joseph: ...That is the last of what I heard. Roches: Thanks for doing it... I guess Lieutenant Hilko's not gonna quit the army, after all. Phoenix: You really thought she'd settle for the life of an ordinary civilian? Roches: That's true, I guess. Still, it surprised me. Phoenix: Really? Roches: Well I mean, she seemed happy, you know? Not like us who've got nowhere else to go. Phoenix: At any rate, it was her decision. Duran: I feel a bit of relief, I do. Roches: You're persistent, I'll give you that much. Orson: Hmmmmm. Daniel: I see. I had no idea Lieutenant Hilko's cooking had improved so far. Roches: What do you think, Captain Daniel? Daniel: The matters between men and women can be unfathomable things... However. Phoenix: However? Daniel: I don't believe this is one we need concern ourselves with. Our neighbor, Yuuki-san, is a fine young man, after all. Phoenix: He's a bit too good for Lieutenant Hilko, if you ask me. Joseph: After that... Ah, yes, they talked of defeating Stryker Zero to receive special privilege. Phoenix: Oh? Roches: If Lieutenant Hilko's ready to fight again, I guess that means the cooling-off period is over. Phoenix: ...In that case, I guess I'd better get in on that. Joseph: Are you certain this is wise? Remember that it was Lieutenant Hilko who proposed the idea. She may not wish to share the reward. Phoenix: Captain Murray's giving Lieutenant Hilko special treatment, but I can't imagine lovesick little Hilko taking down Stryker. In that case, why not try for that reward myself? Roches: ...Come on, man. Phoenix: Hmm? Roches: If you're really that worried about Lieutenant Hilko, just come out and say it. Phoenix: I... I'm not...! Daniel: It's true that I cannot imagine Lieutenant Phoenix being overly concerned with monetary reward. Clearly, he intends to protect Lieutenant Hilko from Stryker Zero. Duran: Lieutenant Phoenix is quite considerate, he is. Phoenix: Th-that's not it, I'm not... It's just, if the cooling-off period's over, I want to put my own plan into action...! Roches: Sure, we get it. We aaaall get it. Duran: That's our Lieutenant Phoenix! Phoenix: ...hnngh! Daniel: Goodness me. Sometimes I can't tell whether our teamwork is magnificent or dreadful. Joseph: Humans are complicated creatures, indeed. Daniel: I agree entirely. The cyborgs of Balbora discussed their battle strategy while they waited for more customers to show up.
It was the middle of the night, when suddenly, the wailing of a siren broke through the silence. Yamato: This... This is...! I knew what it meant. They had been quiet for a long time, but I immediately knew it was them. Jack: My Liege! Yamato: The Balbora Empire? Jack: I believe it to be so. Yamato: Do you know the situation? Jack: 'tis the bionic man of hair as red as flame. If My Liege does not arrive within 10 minutes' time, he claims he shall continue his rampage. Jack: He may even turn the city into a blazing inferno. Yamato: There's little time to waste, then. What depths wouldn't they sink to, to get me out of their way? I quickly readied myself, then flew out of the room. Phoenix: Where are you, Stryker Zero?! Lost your nerve? Officer A: You, there! Put that fire out at once! Phoenix: More of the local police, eh? I've no use for you right now. Get lost. Officer B: W-what did you say? Don't you understand where you are, right now? Phoenix: Hmm... I believe I asked you to get lost. Officer B: You're completely surrounded. Stop in the name of the law! Phoenix: You've got no authority to order me around. Officer B: What was that?! Phoenix: I answer only to the exalted Emperor of Balbora! Is there no end to your ignorance?! Officer A: What are you talking about... S-stop resisting, at once! Phoenix: I don't think so. In fact, you should do as I say... and bring Stryker Zero here, at once! Officer A: H-how dare you! The police don't negotiate with murderers! Phoenix: Then get lost. The situation's about to get less than pleasant. Officer B: Damn... He doesn't respect us at all! Phoenix: Heh... Sounds like we're done here. I've no more time to spend chatting with you. Officer A: What was that? Phoenix: There you are, Stryker Zero! I'm right down here! As Jack had reported, the town was in flames. The red-headed cyborg - Phoenix - stood at the center of a ring of police officers. At least I knew my enemy. Phoenix: If it isn't our perpetual obstacle, Stryker Zero! We cannot fulfill the ambitions of the Balbora Empire until you're gone, you know! Stryker Zero: I have no interest in your ambitions! Nothing can be worth this much death and destruction! Phoenix: A few sacrifices are necessary in the name of any great cause. If you're a soldier, you should understand that much. Stryker Zero: I could never understand that! I will crush your ambitions, and save the people from the grip of evil! Phoenix: Bold words! But you won't find me the same man you faced last time! Stryker Zero: To the contrary! I already know all of your tricks. Phoenix: Silence! I cannot afford to lose this time... I challenge you, Stryker Zero! Jack: Forget not of mine existence, lest you find yourself caught unawares! Phoenix: I was hoping to take my revenge on you, as well. You're about to be cooked by my flames! Jack: Verily, we shall test the truth of the matter. Stryker Zero: Let's go, Jack! Jack: Understood! Phoenix: GRAAAAAAAAH!! Phoenix called upon his flames. Our battle began. Phoenix: ...Give it a try... Phoenix: Damn!! The battle quickly became extremely one-sided. Last time, we had been evenly matched. But having Jack's aid from the start made the result as clear as the flames dancing around us. Stryker Zero: Still, he's extremely passionate... A part of me admired him. He wasn't overconfident, but thinking clearly and calmly. In that case, he should have fled much earlier. Phoenix: Ngh... hngh... I won't lose... This is not enough... to stop me!! But no matter what we threw at him, Phoenix continued to stand. There was a determination in him not present in our last battle. Stryker Zero: What is this? What's driving him to go this far? The sight of his near-suicidal zeal gave me pause. Fearing the idea of the loss of my days with Hilka, I was terrified by this man's behavior. Jack: Time it is, to reap what has been sown... Prepare yourself!! In my place, Jack advanced toward the enemy. It wasn't too fast - even in his present state, the opponent should have just been able to dodge it... But just then... Stryker Zero: Hng?! I saw a flash of silver from the corner of my eye. Stryker Zero: ...Stop, Jack! Stryker System change! Shusui!! It was only by a hair's breadth, but I managed to slice through the sword that was headed straight for Jack. Jack: My Liege! I owe you my life! Stryker Zero: Thank me later! This battle isn't looking as easy as we thought. Keeping up my ready stance, I looked over at the new arrival... Silverado Roches. Phoenix: What are you doing here, Roches?! Roches: Sorry to butt in. You don't gotta throw your life away on this. Let's get outta here for now! Phoenix: But... if we withdraw now... Roches: If we don't, you're dead. No one wants that... except our enemies! Phoenix: ...feh. Stryker Zero: ...That's...! Jack: What is it?! A massive fireball appeared, then vanished just as quickly. When it did, the bionic humans were gone. Only the two of us remained. ...Or at least, that's how it appeared. Jack: A splendid engagement, My Liege. Stryker Zero: We'd fought them before, after all. I shouldn't have expected much more. Stryker Zero: How shall we pursue them? We pretended that we had let them escape to get them off the battlefield. Jack: In battling with them, I detected quite a number of distinctive odors. Stryker Zero: You can follow them by scent, then... that sounds remarkably like normal ninjutsu, for once. Jack: Such a cruel thing to say... Ah, of course, one would leave such things to one's ninja hound. But as I have none, I make do in my own way. Stryker Zero: Your nose is as good as a dog's? Jack: Hee hee hee... I hadn't really meant it as a compliment, yet Jack puffed up with pride. It was a rather amazing skill in its own right, though... so I didn't mind. Stryker Zero: Let's follow them, then. Jack: Understood! If possible, I wanted to finish this today. Those thoughts weighed heavy on my mind as Jack and I trailed the bionic humans of Balbora. Phoenix: Damn... Damn that Stryker Zero! Roches: C'mon, man. You shoulda been prepared. Phoenix: ...I'd been training since my prior loss. I thought that would be enough. Roches: I get it. Well, it mighta worked out if he'd been alone. Roches: You shoulda known you'd be at a loss there. Why didn't you just pull back right away? Phoenix: ...If I pulled back, I knew she'd end up fighting. Roches: Yeah, true. Phoenix: We were so close to getting that twit out of the picture, but now she's gonna fight and go whining when she gets a little facial scar. Roches: ...If you're worried about her, you can just say so, y'know. Phoenix: I... I'm not concerned about her! I just want her... gone... you know? Roches: Yeah, yeah. Geez, just be honest at some point. C'mon, you can lean on me if you want. We gotta hurry. Leaning on Roches for support, Phoenix dragged his broken body along. They seemed to know where they were going. Jack: My Liege. Shall I strike the finishing blow in this man's moment of weakness? Stryker Zero: No. If we try anything now, we'll just set them on their guard. Just keep following them without their knowledge. Stryker Zero: This is our chance to find their home base and strike the definitive blow. If we could take out their home base, it would ensure an end to the conflict. I could enjoy my days with Hilka. Jack: I hear and obey. Verily, I shall take care of everything! Stryker Zero: ...Please, just keep your voice down. Jack: Yes, My Liege, I shall. Jack: They seem not to have realized our presence at the moment. Stryker Zero: They're drawing further and further away from the center of town. Jack: Verily, 'twould follow they might choose an unpopulated area for their home base. Stryker Zero: But this is a residential district. Jack: A tree hides in the forest, so goes the saying. Stryker Zero: ...Of course. The men of the Balbora Empire are living weapons. They could easily hide out among a civilian population. Jack: Verily so. Stryker Zero: It's taking them quite a while... Jack: And if I may add, this location seems familiar... Stryker Zero: Yes. Our apartment is in this area. For a moment I thought it was a bold choice for the enemy. But then I realized that they didn't know where I lived. Jack: Ah... They are turning at that corner. Stryker Zero: Hmm... I scowled. Just ahead lay... Jack: ...Ascending the stairs, they are. Stryker Zero: Is this... where they're going? My feeling of foreboding was right on the money. I gritted my teeth. Jack: Ah... That is the place. Ringing the doorbell, they are! Stryker Zero: ...... Jack: My Liege? Stryker Zero: Jack... The room where those bionic humans fled to... Don't you realize where we are? Jack: Ah... But this is...! Stryker Zero: Yes... Shrub Manors, where we live... The apartment next to ours! Roches: Geez, made it back safe. Let's get some first aid going, here. Phoenix: I'm sorry... but, thanks. Phoenix entered the apartment, supported by Roches. Jack: It cannot be... Does that mean...? Stryker Zero: Ngh... I felt the strength draining out of my legs, and slumped to the ground. Jack: My Liege, take hold of your senses, I beg you! Stryker Zero: How... How could I have been so blind? The Balbora Empire's secret base was the room right next to mine. Which meant that my good-natured neighbors were the minions of Balbora. And that wasn't all... Stryker Zero: This means... Hilka, who lives with them... Jack: Might she be one of them, as well? Stryker Zero: Why... Why didn't I see it? I cursed my own obliviousness. The unbelievable truth stared me right in the face, sending my mind into turmoil. Yamato: sigh... I couldn't stop thinking about what happened. I couldn't believe the apartment next door was a nest of cyborgs. I prayed that it was some sort of misunderstanding, but there were too many things about it that made sense. It wasn't normal for that many people to be living together, clustered inside that dirty old apartment. I should have found it suspicious from the start. Yamato: What should I do? I wanted to trust Hilka... but the circumstances wouldn't let me. Haruna: Yamato-kun... you've been depressed all day. Is there something on your mind? Yamato: No, it's nothing. Please, don't trouble yourself. Haruna: But... I know how you feel. It must be hard... I feel the same way you do. Yamato: Haruna... Have you guessed what's on my mind? It was hard to imagine how a civilian could guess something like that. Had I let something slip without realizing it? Haruna: You're upset about tomorrow's quiz. Why does the classic lit teacher have to give us a quiz now, of all times? Yamato: Ah, y-yes... I'm upset about the quiz. ...A complete misread. But that was for the best. Haruna: Well, I'd better get going. I need to get home and study for tomorrow. Make sure you study too, Yamato-kun. Yamato: Ah... Yes. We'll both do the best we can. Haruna: Sure. Well, see you tomorrow! Haruna left me behind with a wave. Yamato: sigh Jack: My Liege. I bring tidings. Yamato: Jack. How are things at home? Jack: They are as always. Milady is in the house, cooking as usual. Yamato: Hilka... Jack: My Liege... How do you further intend to proceed? Yamato: What do you mean? Jack: I know not if your identity has been breached, but surely 'twas not without reason that she approached you. Yamato: Yes. I suppose we should assume the worst. But then, maybe she would have approached anyone. Or perhaps she did have some idea that I was Stryker Zero... Her reason would change everything. Jack: Verily should we steel ourselves for the worst case scenario. If she might make an attempt upon My Liege's life... Yamato: Stop that. Don't say anymore. Jack: But, My Liege... Yamato: I have an idea. But don't give Hilka or the neighbors any idea that we know their true identities. Jack: Understood. I play the fool most excellently. Yamato: Thank you. I claimed that I had an idea, but the truth was, I was lost. I wanted to act as though nothing had changed... but how was I going to act around Hilka now? Still, no matter how hard it was to face her, I had to go home eventually. My feet had never felt so heavy before. Hilko: Welcome home! Hilka came to greet me as always. Yamato: Thank you. Nothing had changed since the day before, yet the tension hung heavy in the air. Hilko: Dinner is almost finished. It'll be just a moment longer. Yamato: ...... Jack: 'tis a heavenly smell, yea. As promised, Jack treated "Hilka" as he always had. Hilko: Ah, that's right. I saw that you were out of clean clothes, so I washed them and dried them. Don't forget to pick them up later. Yamato: Ah... Yes. Thank you. Hilko: What's wrong? You seem rather depressed. Yamato: Ngh... Jack: There is a quiz in My Liege's class on the morrow. This knowledge upsets him, truly. Hilko: Is that all that's depressing you? Just study like you always do - you'll be fine. I was grateful for Jack covering for me. I thanked him with my eyes. Jack: 'tis nothing. Hilko: Hmm? Did you say something? Jack: I said nothing at all. As promised, dinner was done shortly. Hilko: I'm sorry. It's a bit on the frugal side today. The dinner Hilka made was laid out on the table. It was the usual pile of boiled bean sprouts, and a simple vegetable stir-fry. The miso soup contained nothing but onion. Hilko: I just have to make do until next month's allowance comes in. Please, bear it as best you can until then. Jack: Not at all, 'tis a fine feast to be had on very little money. Very thankful am I. Hilko: I'm happy to hear you say that. Yamato: ...... Hilko: Well, eat up, Yamato. Here we go! Jack: Here we go! Hilko: Yamato was utterly sluggish today. I suppose it's true, men need meat. I simply must do something about it. Phoenix: Talking about the neighbor again? Hilko: What, are you still alive? Phoenix: That's a fine way to talk to me... Hilko: I don't want to hear anything from a loser like you. Just sit back and heal, why don't you? Phoenix: Damn you... If I hadn't let down my guard, I could have eliminated the likes of Stryker Zero... Hilko: I already knew that you were going to lose. You weren't much of a herald, but I can handle the rest. Now take it easy. Phoenix: You got some kind of plan, eh? Hilko: You think I'm going to tell you? Phoenix: Why do I suspect you'll end up meeting the same fate I did? Hilko: We'll see about that. Hilko: I'm going to defeat Stryker Zero myself. Then I'll have the special reward... and give Yamato the best meal of his life!
Several days passed. The Balbora Empire had made no moves, and Yamato stewed in anxiety. Nevertheless, the day of reckoning approached. Hilko: There's something I'd like to ask of you all. One day, Hilko made an announcement to the group. Phoenix: Hmm? And what's that, then? Hilko: Well, not you. You're injured, after all. Phoenix: I'm not injured! This is n- nngh. Roches: Hey, keep still, man. She might be a jerk, but you're still hurt. Phoenix: Ngh!! Murray: Well? What's this request, then? Hilko: I'll need all of you to help me defeat Stryker Zero. Please... Please, if you would. Rin: L-Lieutenant Hilko just... Duran: She bowed, she did! Rin and Duran looked on in disbelief, but Hilko, as she was now, seemed perplexed by their reaction. It would be too hard for her to defeat Stryker Zero on her own. So, she would need the help of others... That much hadn't changed. But in the old days, she would have disguised it with high-minded words, so as not to show a hint of weakness. Roches: Hmm... Hilko: W-what is it? Roches: You sure have changed, Lieutenant Hilko. Well, in honor of the wedding, I guess I'll help out. Hilko: The wedding? I... I haven't... Roches: If it's not a wedding, it's a severance package. Hilko: Wait a minute! I have no intention of leaving the a-- Roches: C'mon, girl. You want kids, don't you? Hilko: Sexual harassment now, is it?! Roches: Sorry, but I'm bein' serious. Answer the question. Hilko: W-well... I suppose at times I think, I wouldn't mind having a child... if it was with Yamato... Rin: Oh, yes... and it isn't just that. I really do think that caring for a child is the very image of a woman's happiness. Hilko: ...Yes. I can understand that now. The old me probably would have laughed at it, but... Rin: Lieutenant Hilko... Hilko: If it were a boy, he would be as handsome as Yamato... If it were a girl, she would, of course, inherit all my beauty. It's not a bad thing to think about. Roches: ...I get it. Meanwhile, our battles are just gonna get harder. If you're in the military, you don't know what missions you might end up getting. Roches: You might even get asked to kill some children here. Hilko: ...ahh! At the mention of children, Hilko's expression froze. Roches: Lieutenant Hilko... Could you really hold your own child with the hands you used to kill someone else's? Hilko: W-well... We'll... We'll just cross that bridge when we come to it. Roches: By the time you get there, it'll be too late. Murray: I'm afraid I agree with Lieutenant Roches. Lieutenant Hilko, won't you give the matter another thought? Hilko: Captain Murray... Daniel: But it is unusual. I never thought that you cared so deeply about Lieutenant Hilko, Lieutenant Roches. Roches: ...I joined the army 'cause I wanted to, and I got no other place to be. Plus, I like it. But this life ain't for everyone. Roches: Yuuki-san's a good guy. If you leave the army to be with a guy like that, you'll probably be happier for it. Roches: I'm not such a rotten guy I'm gonna begrudge a teammate her happiness. Hilko: ...... Duran: ...I get it. I'll help too. If that'll make Lieutenant Hilko happy, I... I...!! Phoenix: Well, if that's the way it is. I suppose I'll help, too. Hilko: I said I don't need an invalid's help. Phoenix: ...nngh. Rin: I... I... I can't do much besides cheer you on, but I'll help however I can! Joseph: Hmm... He did raise the standard of eating around here. If it would return the favor, I would be glad to offer my assistance. Orson: Hmm!! Duran: Officer Orson's raring to go, as well! Hilko: Everyone... Thank you. Very well. I'll consider putting in my resignation. Daniel: Well, then. We've nothing to do but await the birth of the next generation of fine Balboran soldiers. Murray: Yes, indeed... I feel rather pleased by this turn of events. Hilko: Captain Murray... Why have you been so concerned about me, through this? Murray: Our line of work has a high mortality rate. But sometimes, a romance blooms in the midst of it. Murray: I don't want someone who could be happy retiring from service to die at the worst possible time. That's all. Hilko: ......I'm not going to die. I'm going to live, see this plan through, and find happiness with Yamato. Murray: If we can destroy Stryker Zero, this country is as good as ours. You can take it easy, then. Hilko: Yes ma'am! Then, allow me to fully explain my plan. Hilko began her explanation with gusto. In that moment, the hearts of the bionic soldiers of the Balbora Empire became one. My eyes traced the open newspaper, but I was barely reading it. I could see the words there, but they weren't registering in my brain. The Balbora Empire was on the move again. I couldn't falter in collecting information, yet I was finding it hard to concentrate. Sayaka: He's acting very strangely. Haruna: Yes... even though the quiz is behind us. Sayaka: Look, I'm pretty sure Yuuki's not the kinda guy to let something like that get to him. Haruna: Ah... You think so? Sayaka: It's more like he's at an impasse about something. Haruna: Ahh... Sayaka-chan, you must study Yamato-kun a lot. Sayaka: Huh? I d-don't study him, especially. I just make it my business to keep an eye out for my classmates. I knew Ichimonji and Haruna were worried about me, but there was nothing I could do about it. I drank down the rest of my stewed java. It was already cold. Sayaka: Ah, Yuuki, do you need a refill? Yamato: ...Yes. Thank you. I didn't want to go home like this, but it would make trouble if I just stayed out. Yamato: Besides, that won't solve anything. It was clear to me that I was just putting off dealing with the problem. I never thought I would turn out to be so indecisive. Sayaka: Here you are. Yamato: Thank you. I drank the refill of stewed java. For once, I was grateful for its bitterness. Sayaka: What's this?! Ichimonji was watching the news, when suddenly she let out a shout. I immediately turned my eyes to the screen. The neighborhood was in ruins. Haruna: M-maybe we should get home, quickly. Yamato: ...You should stay here. If the whole town's like this, it's better to stay in one place. Sayaka: For once, I agree with Yuuki. Haruna: Okay. But Sayaka-chan, where's your father? Sayaka: He went to the next town over to stock up. Right now, he's probably safer than we are. Haruna: I see... I guess that's good timing for him, then. Sayaka: I don't know about that. He knows I'm here, so he must be worried sick. Sayaka: Ah, that's right. Haruna, do you want to call home? Your family's probably worried about you. Yamato: Family... The word conjured images of Hilka. She had become my family... or so I had thought. Hilko: Excuse me. Can you hear me? You can hear me, can't you? Yamato: Ah!! That voice...! There she was, on the screen, standing among the ruined buildings. Hilko: We are the bionic humans of the great Balbora Empire! Today, we will defeat Stryker Zero, forging the first step in our control of this country! Yamato: I knew it... She was an enemy. Even in her battle uniform, I recognized her on sight. She was the enemy I had fought before. Yamato: And yet, I never realized... Perhaps... I didn't want to realize... Sayaka: Wait, Yuuki! Where are you going? Yamato: ...I need to be somewhere. I shouldered the sports bag that contained my Stryker Units. Ichimonji panicked at the sight. Sayaka: It might be dangerous for you to leave now! Yamato: Yes... But even so, I must go. I wasn't sure if I could fight against Hilka. But despite my doubts, I couldn't simply let invaders run rampant. Haruna: Yamato-kun... is this really something that urgent? Yamato: Yes. Sayaka: ...Well, if you insist, I won't ask. I don't know where you're going, but at least find a safe way to get there. Yamato: I will. I headed for the door. As I made my exit, I said, straight out. Yamato: Haruna. Ichimonji. Sayaka: What? Haruna: What is it? Yamato: Thank you for your concern. Sayaka: Hey... What a weirdo. What's wrong with you, Yuuki... Yuuki!! With my friend calling out to me, I began to run off. I had to make it to the battlefield - to fulfill my mission.
The Balboran cyborgs were wreaking havoc in the business district. Hilko: Run along, now... then I can destroy everything with impunity. With the people evacuated, Hilko was letting her telekinesis run rampant, destroying the buildings in a grand display. Hilko: Stryker Zero's still not here. Perhaps if I destroy two or three buildings in that region... Hahh! She focused her will. In an instant, all of the windows of a building blew out, the walls twisting and collapsing. With true motivation where before she had none, Hilko's powers had also reached new heights. Hilko: I can defeat him like this... no one can oppose me as I am now! Stryker Zero: That's enough! Hilko: There you are, Stryker Zero! Hilko joyously raised her voice as her mortal enemy came into view. The business district was in ruins. Buildings were leveled, asphalt had been torn from the streets. People were running in terror. Stryker Zero: Hilka did this...? We had walked this part of town together. The shopping district lay just ahead. We had walked there together, grocery bags in hand... Stryker Zero: ...ngh! Jack: My Liege! Stryker Zero: Jack?! Jack: I've sighted a female bionic human with a curious power just ahead. I believe she is... Stryker Zero: ...Very well. I'm on my way. A female bionic human. He didn't have to tell me that it was Hilka. Stryker Zero: Can I... Can I really fight her? I couldn't even be certain, myself. All I could do was move forward. Jack: My Liege! Look there! Stryker Zero: Hngh... A building nearby had begun to topple. Was this Hilka's power?! Barely a moment later, there was a huge explosion from a different location. Stryker Zero: It seems they're destroying things on a large scale today... Jack, you handle things over there! Jack: Understood! Fight well, My Liege! Stryker Zero: Right. Be careful! Jack: I hear and obey! Jack and I parted ways as I headed alone to Hilka's location. Hilko: I can defeat him like this... No one can oppose me as I am now! Stryker Zero: That's enough! Hilko: There you are, Stryker Zero! Stryker Zero: Stop this meaningless destruction! If you surrender now, no harm will come to you! Hilko: Heh... You want to take pity on me because I'm a woman? What an outdated attitude! Hahhhh!! A sign on one of the buildings twisted off and came flying at me. This was her power... psychokinesis. That meant she was controlling it directly. If I tried to dodge it on its trajectory, it would move to hit me anyway. In which case... Stryker Zero: Stryker System change! Tenrai! Tenrai atomized the sign in an instant, but before I could prepare for another shot, Hilka was already readying her next move. Stryker Zero: Rubble?! Hilko: Take this! Once more! Stryker Zero: Hnngh!! Wave after wave of rubble came flying at me. What's more, they seemed to track my movements. Stryker Zero: In that case...!! I ran behind one of the still-standing buildings. Hilka's control was limited by her line of sight, so I thought I could avoid them that way. Stryker Zero: These attacks are difficult to deal with... I barely have a moment to ready an attack of my own. And even if I did get a chance, I wasn't sure if I could bring myself to do it. I thought I would find it in me once I was on the battlefield, but in reality, my will to fight was already eroding away, wreaking havoc on my mental state. Stryker Zero: pant pant My mission was to protect this country! Any obstacles had to be eliminated! So then... why...?! Hilko: There you are. Has Stryker Zero become a coward? Perhaps you're simply afraid of facing me in a fair fight. Stryker Zero: Ngh!! Since I hadn't come forward, she had come to me. Even though she would be strongest at range, she had come to face me directly. Stryker Zero: ...Wait! Please, stop this! Hilko: Don't you dare... mock me! Stryker Zero: Ah?! There was even more rubble this time. The bits were smaller than before, but they were moving fast enough to be extremely damaging. Stryker Zero: GRAAAAH! Stryker System, change! Senden!! I knew I couldn't dodge the rubble, so I broke through it at high speed instead. Now, if I could just ready an attack against Hilka... Stryker Zero: ...ngh! Rather than attack, I took my distance. Hilko: Still underestimating me? Or are you just that badly off? Well, either is acceptable. Hah! Stryker Zero: Ah?! Another rubble attack. I leaped into the air to dodge it... or meant to, but the ground caved beneath my feet. Stryker Zero: Oh no! Her telekinesis couldn't just send things flying. She could also destroy things with direct applications of pressure. Hilko: Now! Roches: Hey! I owe you for what you did to Phoenix, too! Stryker Zero: What?! Countless swords came flying at me out of nowhere. With the ground caving in around me, there was no way I could evade them. Stryker Zero: Ngh! Stryker System change! Shusui! HAHHHH! One, two... I knocked the swords away. There was one I couldn't quite block, though; it cut deep into my side. Stryker Zero: Nngh...!! Roches: Sorry about this, Stryker Zero! But we're more interested in results than appearances right now! Stryker Zero: Ngh... You think I'm going to lose to you?! Hilko: Let's drive him into a corner! Roches: Right! Stryker Zero: Ngh... At this rate... things could get ugly! Not only was it two against one, but if Hilka guessed what I was doing, she could target me right as I was about to act and throw me completely off guard. In order to avoid that, I would just have to act in ways she couldn't predict... Stryker Zero: Stryker System change! Shinden! A powerful lightning bolt crashed down into the center of the conflict. I had hoped to use it like a flash grenade to regain my-- Hilko: Do you think we'll be distracted that easily? Roches: Sounds like he still doesn't think much of us! Take this! Stryker Zero: Ah?! Two swords came flying at me through the dust clouds. I retreated as fast as I could, but I couldn't dodge them both. My poor attempt at a diversion just deepened the hole I was in... Stryker Zero: In addition, they're recovering far quicker than I expected. I have to get my distance, or else... Trying to blind them didn't work. In that case, I'd need to bring down the thunderbolt much closer! Stryker Zero: Once again... SHINDEN!! Roches: Not good enough! The man released his sword in that very second. It ended up channeling the lightning bolt in an unexpected direction. Hilko: Well, what will you try now, Stryker Zero? Stryker Zero: I need... to fight back... If I didn't, I would die. And if I died here, the peace of Japan would be lost. Stryker Zero: Fight... I have to fight! Because... I am Stryker Zero! Stryker Zero: GRAAAAH! Stryker System, change! Tenrai!! I turned my hand to the cyborgs and unleashed Tenrai's powerful blast. Roches: Won't hit us at that range! The man dodged easily and charged at me. But there was a reason I had fired from that range. Stryker Zero: I can't repeat blasts at full strength... but if I fire from a distance, I could charge up the next blast while he's moving in! And then...! Roches: STRYKER ZEROOOO!! Stryker Zero: Hnngh!! Who was he? A bionic human of Balbora, yes, but... he was my neighbor... Stryker Zero: Nnngh! I dodged his sword. His attack, like Hilka's, followed me, but I was still able to dodge it by a hair's breadth. Roches: Heh! You're still pretty good! Stryker Zero: ...ngh!! Hilko: But is he really the only one you're worried about? I could hear the confidence in her voice. I had to run, before Hilka could unleash her attack! Stryker Zero: Ah?! But the next moment, I found myself distracted. In the corner of my vision, I saw a child running from the fight. Stryker Zero: If I dodge, the attack will hit that child! Hilko: Take this!! Stryker Zero: GRAAAAAH! I gave up on dodging and ran towards the child. That way, I could use my body as a shield. Stryker Zero: GRAAH!! Child: AAAAAH!! Hilko: A child?! Roches: Feh... Didn't get out in time, huh? Child: ...H-hey mister! Are you okay?! Stryker Zero: Are you... okay? Child: Y-yeah... but... are you...? Stryker Zero: It's just a scratch. This place is dangerous, boy... You have to run, quickly! Child: You're... a superhero, aren't you? Stryker Zero: ...... The boy looked me in the eyes as he asked, his gaze full of faith and admiration. Stryker Zero: That's right... I have things I must protect. The defenseless... the peace of this country... I could not betray this boy's faith in me. Stryker Zero: ...Yes. I'm a superhero. So... I'm going to save all of you. Believe in me, and run away! Child: Right!! Stryker Zero: Good boy. The boy ran swiftly. For some reason, the Balboran cyborgs didn't press another attack. Stryker Zero: ...ngh. I felt a stinging pain in my back where the attack had landed, but I couldn't let that stop me. I shook off the last of my hesitation. Stryker Zero: I see you waited for me. Hilko: ...It wasn't for you. We'd be more than happy to stab you in the back, but that child hasn't harmed anyone. Roches: We'll need their support once the Balbora Empire takes over Japan, anyway. So they had their own reasons, I suppose. Stryker Zero: Shall we resume, then? Roches: Yeah! Stryker Zero: Stryker System change! Shusui! I produced my plasma sword and closed the distance between us. Roches: So, you're done runnin', huh? Interesting! Hilko: But have you forgotten? This battle is still two against one! Stryker Zero: I'm well aware of that!! I deflected the man's swords one by one. Now that I had shaken off my hesitation, my movements had changed. Roches: What?! He's sharper than before... But how about this?! Hilko: W-wait a minute... From this position... Hilka could see that I was placing the man between her and me. That would make it harder for her to interfere. Stryker Zero: GRAAAAAH! Roches: What?! This is... Damn, who is this guy?! My opponent controlled seven swords. I had only one. But I was far more determined than him. Stryker Zero: I... I... I will repel the Balbora Empire, and protect this country!! Roches: GRAAAAAH! Hilko: Lieutenant Roches!! Roches: Feh... Too slow... Hilko: Get back! I'll take care of this myself! Roches: S-sorry... The man began moving away from the fight. I wanted to pursue him and finish him off, but Hilka wouldn't allow it. Hilko: You're certainly prepared... but just as you carry this country on your shoulders, I have a burden of my own! Hilko: So... I'm not going to lose! Stryker Zero: COME AT ME!! I was distinctly exhausted. The damage from earlier was catching up to me, putting me in a dangerous position. But I couldn't run away now. The people I was protecting had no defenses at all. Stryker Zero: Hilka... Even if you are fighting for the people of Balbora... I still will not lose!! Hilko: HAHHHHH!! Stryker Zero: GRAAAAAH! One step forward, one step back... No, with my injuries and exhaustion, it was more like two steps back... I was able to dodge Hilka's attacks, but I wasn't able to fight back at all. Just getting the man out of the fight had done nothing to eliminate the gap in our abilities. Stryker Zero: pant... pant... pant... Hilko: You seem to be in pain, Stryker Zero! Don't worry... it will all be over soon! Stryker Zero: If I worry too much about my own safety, I won't be able to see the right chance. I'll just have to push myself to the limit! Stryker Zero: ...hngh! I began to withdraw, as if I were planning to run away. Obviously I was just trying to bait her, but Hilka didn't seem to realize that. I just had to withdraw a little further... to the largest building in town. Hilko: You won't get away... I will destroy you... here! Just as I'd hoped, she pursued me. I moved behind the building just outside of Hilka's line of sight, then changed my Stryker System. I switched over to Senden. Then I rushed at top speed around the building, to get behind Hilka. Stryker Zero: I only have one shot at this... In which case...!! I could see her back. But she began to turn, as if realizing I was there. Seeing that, I didn't slow down. I rushed up to her instead. Hilko: Ah?! Stryker Zero: Stryker System change! Tenrai! As she turned to face me, I swapped my Drive. I was close enough to touch her. Close enough to kill her. Stryker Zero: Hilka... nngh! I threw off all my hesitation. I concentrated my power, and... Hilko: I won't lose! I can't lose... for Yamato!! Stryker Zero: Ah!! Hilko: AAAAAAAAAH!! Hilka screamed and unleashed all her power. Its focus was the building just behind me. The top half instantly turned to rubble, which began to fly at me. There was no way that I could dodge. When Stryker Zero had first started to withdraw, Hilko was already aware it was a feint. The reason was simple: Stryker Zero would never run away. He was strangely dependable, in that regard. When she realized he was going to use the large building, she had decided to use that building's size as a weapon. So the moment Stryker Zero unleashed Tenrai, Hilko knew that she would have to die to defeat the enemy. Or that's how it should have happened. Hilko: He missed... intentionally?! She didn't know what was going on. But she knew that it wasn't simple luck that had saved her. There was no way he could miss at that range. There was no reason why Stryker Zero would intentionally miss. The building no longer needed Hilko's psychokinesis to bring it down. It was now falling under gravity alone, ready to crush Stryker Zero beneath. Hilko: Why...... Ah? Hilko gazed at Stryker Zero. Then, she realized the firm, gentle gaze of the eyes upon her. Hilko: Yama... to...? Hilko: It can't be... Yamato?! Ah... Stop! STOP!! She unleashed all of her power at once to stop the building's collapse, but not even Hilko could stop something falling with that much force. If Stryker Zero were in top condition, he might still have been able to dodge... But Roches' and Hilko's attacks had robbed him of that ability. Hilko: In that case...!! Hilko applied her power to herself, and took off at top speed. Ignoring the falling rubble, she flew the short distance to where Stryker Zero was. Hilko: Hnngh! Ahhhh!! Carrying Stryker Zero in her arms, she plunged through the rain of rubble. Somehow, she managed to avoid being pinned beneath it. But she could already see that he was gravely wounded. Hilko: Ngh... ahh... pant... ngh... Hilko landed on the ground, staggering and holding Stryker Zero's body, weak from loss of blood. Hilko: Why... How could... Why didn't I realize it sooner? Ah, ahhhh... Murray: sigh... That ninja certainly is fast. Hmm? Ah, Lieutenant Hilko! You did it! Hilko: Captain... Murray... Murray: Hmm? Daniel: You're acting strangely... What happened? Roches: Ow... Keh, figured you'd be on top of the world. Duran: I thought it would be a celebration, I did... What's the matter with you? Hilko: Captain Daniel... Lieutenant Roches... Duran... One of you... Save Yamato! Please, save Yamato! Roches: ...No way! Murray: Stryker Zero's true identity... was our neighbor?! Hilko: Ah, ahhh... There's so much blood... He won't stop bleeding... He's... Yamato is going to die!! Hilko: I... I killed him. I just wanted to be happy with him! I... I... AAAAAAAAAAAH!! Daniel: Calm yourself, Lieutenant Hilko! Hilko: But... But...!! Murray: Officer Duran! Duran: I've got it! Daniel: Stryker Zero is a cyborg, much like us. He's not likely to die easily, but his mechanical parts will make it difficult to treat him at a hospital. Roches: But you think Officer Duran might know how to deal with it, huh? Murray: There's a chance of it, at least. What do you think, Officer Duran? Duran: This is... quite bad, it is... Hilko: Duran, please... save Yamato! Save him! Duran: I promised I'd do what it takes to help you, Lieutenant Hilko, so I want to do what I can... but I'm not sure there's anything I can do... Duran: If it were just the metal parts, I could work with it... I think. But their connection to the biological parts is so badly damaged. Only their creator, I think... Hilko: Oh no! Duran: All I can do... is prolong his life a little bit. But the only person who can save Stryker Zero now... is God himself. Hilko: God... Praying to God... Hilko stood up, her eyes unfocused. Then, wavering on her feet, she began to walk. Hilko: I... I have to go... Daniel: Where are you going, Lieutenant Hilko? You're not looking well. Murray: He's right. You need to rest. Hilko: ...I'm sorry. Please take care of Yamato, everyone. Roches: Want to be alone, huh? You sure you're not gonna stay with Yuuki-san? Hilko: Yes... Because I know that you... my friends... will be here for him. With that, Hilko began to stumble along on her uneasy legs.
It was so noisy. It was worse all around me... What was going on? My body felt so strange... What... What was going on? The pain running through my body brought a groan from my lips. But it also pulled me to consciousness. I was... Yamato: Ngh... hnngh... Duran: He's awake, he is! Yamato: I... nngh. You... You treated me? Duran: ...It was nothing but damage control. I can't fix you myself. Yamato: ...Thank you. I suppose my identity is compromised, then... Roches: You're... Yuuki-san, right? Yamato: Yes. I am. Murray: Had you figured us out, Yuuki-san? Yamato: After the most recent battle... was that... Flame-san? I saw him return to this apartment... Roches: ...So it was me and Phoenix that gave us away. Murray: So you lived all this time with Hilko, not knowing who she was. Yamato: Hilko...? Ah... That's right. Where is she, now? Murray: I'm not sure she can face you. She's gone away. Yamato: I see... Tell her I forgive her, please. Murray: ...Yes. I'm sure I will. Duran: Ah? That's odd... Murray: What is it, Officer Duran? Duran: I'd meant to stop the bleeding in his arm, but though the sleeve is soaked with blood, there's no wound here at all. Murray: ...What do you mean? Captain Daniel! Daniel: She seemed pale and she was staggering... You don't think... Roches: She's losin' a lot of blood. If we don't stop it... This ain't gonna be good! Murray: Where is Officer Joseph? Daniel: I believe he and Officer Orson went to the suburbs to distract the police. Murray: Call him here at once. We need to find Lieutenant Hilko! Yamato: I'm... I'm going, too. Duran: You cannot be moved! Yamato: I know better than anyone what my own condition is... So please, let me use what I have left to save the person I love. Duran: Yuuki-san... Do you really... care for Lieutenant Hilko, too? Murray: ...Thank you for taking care of my officer. Yamato: I don't need thanks... This is what I want to do. I pulled myself to my feet, enduring the pain. Just the act of standing was agony, but my body kept moving. Jack: My Liege! Yamato: Jack! I'm going to look for Hilka... for Hilko. Please, help me... Jack: I cannot do that! Rest, you must! Yamato: ...Jack. Jack: Ah... Yamato: This is my... This is your lord's... final order. Jack: ...Understood. For a moment, Jack closed his eyes, as if in pain. Then he disappeared as always. Murray: Alright. Let's hurry and search. Roches: Yes ma'am... Duran: Lieutenant Hilko wandered off somewhere, talking about 'praying to God'... The bionic humans of the Balbora Empire split up to search for Hilko. Yamato: Praying to God... It can't be... Then, Yamato remembered. Yamato: It's worth a try... That's the only clue that I have. Despite the intense pain, I put one foot in front of the other. My wounds were likely fatal, but I was grateful that the pain served to keep me conscious. Hilko had made her way to the shrine where she had once gone with Yamato. Hilko: pant... pant... When you don't know what else to do... you pray to God... right? All she wanted was to be with Yamato. Why did it have to turn out like this? Hilko: God... please... save Yamato. I don't need anything else but him... so please... please... Memory Collector: Oh... Nothing else, eh? Are you sure about that? Hilko: ...Who are you? Memory Collector: I am the Memory Collector. I am not God, but I can grant your wish. Hilko: Can you?! Memory Collector: But of course, it comes with a price. Hilko: I'll give you anything you want! I'll even give you my whole life! So, please... Save Yamato! Memory Collector: Hmm... I see. Then let us review the contract. We must have a proper contract, of course. Hilko: Hurry... Please... gasp... If you don't... Memory Collector: Your wish is for Yuuki Yamato to be saved, correct? Now, as to the matter of payment... The Memory Collector held the contract in hand as he explained the situation. Hilko listened in, silently. I hurriedly climbed the steps. It would be hard to climb them all, even for a normal person in good health, yet I made it to the shrine grounds somehow. Yamato: Ah... There were two people there. One was an old man in a black suit. The other... Yamato: ...Hilko! I wrung out the last of my strength to approach her. Yamato: She's holding a pen... What is she...? Memory Collector: Hmm... Very good. Our contract is now complete. Hilko clasped her hands together as if praying. The area around her was bathed in light. Yamato: What is... all this? Standing in the light, she looked truly beautiful. But despite the wondrous sight, something about it felt wrong. Yamato: ...Hil... ko... My voice was faint, but it seemed to have reached her. Hilko realized I was there. She smiled faintly. Hilko: It's alright... You're going to be... alright... Yamato: What are you... d... Hilko: I'm saving you... I'm doing whatever it takes... because I... because I am... Hilko: I am your... your wife... The light faded, and Hilko collapsed to the ground. Yamato: Hilko!! I cried out as I ran to her. Yamato: She's still breathing... but what was that? What's going on here?! Memory Collector: The girl offered up everything she had to save you, Yuuki Yamato-kun. Yamato: ...What are you?! What did you do to her?! Memory Collector: I believe you know the answer to that very well. Yamato: What?! Memory Collector: Are you in pain at all? Yamato: Ah... What? My body... is healed?! Memory Collector: I am the Memory Collector. I can grant any wish in exchange for a memory. Yamato: ...So Hilko made a contract with you to save me? Memory Collector: Yes. She offered up all of her memories. Her entire life has been wiped clean. Yamato: But then... make a contract with me, too! I want you to save Hilko... I'll give you everything I have! Memory Collector: Hmm... I'd like to answer your wish, but... Memory Collector: I can only make one contract with a person in their lifetime. And Yuuki Yamato-kun, I already have a contract with you. Yamato: What?! He already had a contract with Yuuki Yamato? I had no memory of that... but then, maybe I had given him that memory. Yamato: ...I am not Yuuki Yamato. Memory Collector: Oh? Yamato: I am... Stryker Zero! Make your contract with Stryker Zero!! Even I knew that it was an illogical request. But it was all that I could do. There was no one else to ask. Memory Collector: Hmm... Stryker Zero, eh? In that case... The Memory Collector narrowed his eyes in thought. I didn't know what was going through his mind, but at last he nodded. Memory Collector: Very well. It's a special case, but I'll allow it. Yamato: Just do it! If you don't, she's going to die! Memory Collector: Then, let us be clear. In exchange for saving Hilko, you're offering up all of your memories? Yamato: My memories, my power, just take it all! Just save Hilko, please! Yamato: I don't need any special power! I just want her to live, to smile, to be healthy again! Memory Collector: Very well. Then please, sign the contract. Yamato: I will! I signed the contract. As I did, the same light as before filled the area around us. Yamato: ...Hilko... Please, live! As Stryker, I was a failure. I had promised to protect Japan from the Balbora Empire, but I had thrown away my mission. Moreover, I had no regrets whatsoever. Yamato: Ahh... I wrapped my arms around Hilko. As I did, I felt a sense of loss permeating my body. Where had I come from? What was I doing? Who did I know? What did I like to eat? My memories were disappearing. A thick fog was permeating my mind. Yamato: Hilko... The last thing I remembered was that name. The name of the woman I loved most in the world. Yamato: Hilko... I love you... Even if I lose everything... I... With that, my consciousness left me.
Jack: This way! I smell My Liege and Milady here! Murray: ...What kind of man has a better sense of smell than Officer Joseph? Joseph: Hmm... I have underestimated humanity, it seems. Roches: Nah, it's the damn ninja that's a freak. In a hurried panic, a man dressed as a ninja and a party in military uniforms entered the shrine grounds. There, they saw a fallen man and woman, lying in each other's arms. Duran: Ahh! They really are here! Daniel: ...ah? But what is all of this? They approached without delay. The man tilted his head as he took in the scene. Daniel: Captain Murray... contact a hospital and prepare to have them admitted! Murray: What good would that do? They're both... Daniel: Actually, about that... He told them what he'd found. When he did, a clamor arose from the assembled group. About a week passed. A white van stopped in front of the apartment where they had all lived. They were carrying several pieces of furniture. Roches: We sure did make a lotta money during our cooling-off period. Phoenix: We were even able to rent a van for our move. Duran: We paid the hospital bills, as well! Murray: Now, now. Stop jawing and get the furniture moved. They'll be coming home soon. Rin: But I'm really glad I could be useful... At the time, all I could do was help people evacuate... At least I got Lieutenant Hilko's uniform out of the hospital. Murray: Yes. You did wonderfully, Corporal Rin. Rin: Eheheh... But what happened in the end? Roches: We ain't really sure... By the time we found 'em, their wounds were totally healed... and they'd both become ordinary humans. Phoenix: It is a curious story... I've never heard of anything turning us into normal humans before. Murray: Perhaps he exists, after all. Phoenix: Who exists? Murray: God, or something like him. Daniel: In that case, perhaps we should give more careful consideration as to how we all live our lives from now on. Roches: Maybe I'll become a fisherman. Phoenix: You really like fishing, eh? Roches: Sure. Nothin' wrong with loving what you do. Rin: But... do we really have to keep from seeing Lieutenant Hilko ever again? Duran: There's no choice about it. If they find out we're the ones who destroyed the town, Lieutenant Hilko will be in danger. Roches: That's why we gotta break ties. This way, even if they catch us, she'll be okay. Rin: Right... Murray: Captain Daniel. That reminds me, how are we doing? Daniel: The furniture that Officer Orson and I are carrying should be the last of it. For so many people living there, we had very little furniture. Orson: Hmm!! Duran: Fine work today, Officer Orson. Murray: Very well. Let's head out. Captain Daniel and I will take the van. The rest of you follow on the trains. None of you take a taxi, now. Rin: Yes ma'am! Phoenix: Roger that. Murray: Let's get moving, Captain Daniel. Daniel: Yes ma'am. Roches: Right, let's get movin'! The noisy crowd took their distance from the apartment. As they did, they passed by a man and a woman, led by a ninja. Roches: Be happy, you two. Yamato: ...hmm? I turned back to the sound of the passing voice. But the lively group continued to move away, paying us no mind. Yamato: Maybe he wasn't really talking to me. Hilko: What's wrong? Yamato: No... I thought those people said something to me. Jack: 'twas a mere figment of your imagination. Yamato: Perhaps. Jack: After such pains we took to get our stories straight. Would that they had disappeared without another word! Yamato: Ah? Jack: 't-tis nothing at all! Hilko: But those people seemed to be having fun. Yamato: Yeah... but that apartment can't be that big. They looked like they were all moving out, but they must've been living in different apartments. Hilko: They didn't have that much furniture... Maybe they were just helping out a friend? Yamato: True... Could be that. Hilko: But we did live in the same apartment complex, so maybe they recognized us. Yamato: But then they would've said something to us, right? Hilko: Ah... That's true. Well, maybe we just weren't that close to them. Jack: Even so, your life hence will be quite trying. Yamato: That's true... It had been a bit over a week since the two of us had lost consciousness and had to be carried to the hospital. When we woke up, we found that we had lost our memories completely - we didn't even remember our own names or where we lived. We were in a panic. It was our freeloading roommate and friend, Jack, the mysterious ninja, who helped us. ...At least, he acted like a ninja, anyway. He told me my name, and that I had parents. I was glad to know about it. The greater problem was the woman who I learned was my lover. Jack knew very little about her. All I knew was that any time we weren't holding hands - as we were when they found us - we both felt anxious. Because of that, we were able to take it at face value that we were a couple in love. Hilko: Your parents said that they would come down here for a while. Jack: Good people they must be, to become guarantors of Hilko-dono's identity. Though soon she may too be their daughter. Hilko: D-daughter? Yamato: Don't tease us, Jack. Jack: Everyone who came to see you at the hospital was very jealous! Hilko: Haruna and Sayaka, right? I guess those two were friends of mine, right? Yamato: The strange thing is that they didn't seem to know that Hilko and I were lovers. Jack: You had kept it from everyone except for I, who was your roommate. As you can see, even your parents didn't know. Yamato: Well, that makes sense... I had eventually come to accept it, but it was still quite a surprise. Hilko: I wonder if I might have come from some terrible upbringing... and that's why you kept it a secret... Jack: Ahh, no, it is merely that Yamato-dono was terribly shy! Yamato: ...hahaha. Haruna and Ichimonji told me that I used to be a very reserved, brusque person. I wondered who it was I had really been. Yamato: Well, anyway. It seems like we've lost a lot of things, but we can make happy memories from now on, right? Hilko: Yes... My words brought a smile to her face. Just seeing it set a fire in my heart, and I knew how much she meant to me. Yamato: Wonderful weather today... Hilko: Let's take a walk later. We need to buy something to make for dinner, too. As we chatted, we entered our apartment. It couldn't be called pretty, but it was our home. Our new life was about to begin.
Lightning raced through the dark clouds. Amidst the buffeting winds, two figures faced each other. Computer Voice: Initiate data collection. Computer Voice: Environmental conditions prevent proper readings. Conclusion unreachable. Aborting data collection. One of the figures stood carefully guarded. Its body was covered in metal. His long coat and scarf flapped in the wind. The cloth over his chest bore a deep gash. Beneath it lay impenetrable steel. He was the All-Terrain Strike Support Ranger - Stryker Ten. Stryker Ten: The weather makes it impossible, then. Stryker Ten: You could have ambushed me in this weather, yet you approached me from the front. You remind me of a comrade of mine. Mysterious Fencer: ...... The other figure was a fencer, her arm crafted from steel. She was the one who had appeared in front of Stryker Ten and delivered that gash across his chest. She fixed her eyes on her mighty opponent, evaluating the distance between them. Stryker Ten: However, you wear the uniform of the Balbora Empire. I cannot allow an enemy cyborg to pass unchecked. Stryker Ten: I shall destroy you! An enemy of Japan had to be eliminated. His metal body tore through the raging winds, charging straight for the enemy. Mysterious Fencer: ...... If he hit, the force of the blow would break all the bones in her body. The fencer did not vacillate, but moved cautiously, her sword gripped in hand. The sword was crafted from a super alloy, strong enough to pierce even Stryker Ten's armor. And its user had the skill to match. Mysterious Fencer: Moving out... to battle! Bionic Soldier: Brigadier General. We've lost contact with the Lieutenant Colonel. Curtis: Gone back to the old habit from her rank-and-file days, eh? Curtis: My officers have a habit of evading my authority. Well, at least the ones we sent in advance are out of our hair now. Bionic Soldier: But General, can we be sure that the entire vanguard was really destroyed? Curtis: The vanguard was destroyed in combat against the enemy. They did some damage to the city structure, but caused very few human casualties. Curtis: Hm. I guess they really were useless. It's better to be rid of trash like them, Mirror included. Curtis: Japan can enjoy their short-lived victory over the vanguard. Give them a false sense of security while the main force approaches... Heh, I guess even trash has its uses. Bionic Soldier: What of the Colonel, then? Curtis: Leave her be. I always meant her to act on her own, to mount a swift invasion and plug the hole left by the vanguard's incompetence. Curtis: With the vanguard defeated, she will make a fine distraction for the enemy. While she lands in Japan, I can focus on my own goal. Bionic Soldier: But we're talking about an enemy that destroyed the vanguard. Are you sure we shouldn't support her in some way? Curtis: Hahaha, HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Curtis: No need to worry about that small fry. We're dealing with a one-woman invasion force, here. Curtis: Balbora Empire Exclusive Bionic Human, Lieutenant Colonel Clie. Also known as Iron Clie. Curtis: I expect she's dealing with the enemy forces right now. She'll make a fine decoy to keep them busy. Clie: -- Hahh! Stryker Ten: Destroy! Clie: Hnn, HAHHHH! The battle was at a stalemate. They continued trading blows, but neither dealt decisive damage, and neither showed any openings. They were buffeted by the wind and rain. Only the occasional strike of lightning served to illuminate the field. Gradually, the world around them fell into darkness, as if to foretell an end soon to come. Stryker Ten: I must be wary of that left arm. His eyes, equipped with complicated sensors, detected a strange energy building up there. Ten reinforced his guard. Though he knew she was strong enough to pierce his metal hide, he could not afford to stop pressing his attacks. Stryker Ten: GRAAAAH! Clie: ...Hmm! Stryker Ten: ...Not enough! In the chaotic weather conditions, Stryker Ten's sensors gave him an advantage. Though faint, he could detect a slight disruption of his enemy's defensive stance. He used the opportunity to strike. He cut the distance between them and lashed out repeatedly with his fist of steel. The force of his blow knocked the fencer back, putting new space between them. Stryker Ten: There's no turning back now! Stryker System change! Tenr-- Stryker Ten: Hmm! The fencer was still flying back, propelled by the shockwave. Sparks were flying from her left arm. Clie: Roar, talon of steel! Stryker Ten: Ngh! Tenrai's not fast enough! Her steel hand shot out, cutting through the black clouds as it unleashed bolts of lightning. Stryker Ten's reaction came a moment too late to dodge the unforeseen attack. Stryker Ten: Hngh! He was unable to dodge. The high voltage electrical current shot through his body. Tens of thousands of volts ran through him. He barely avoided being torn to shreds, but the fencer continued to press the attack. Clie: ...You're mine! Her freely-moving fist grabbed Stryker Ten's arm, allowing her to cease her backwards momentum. And then, with opposite force, it retracted, pulling her towards the enemy at high speeds. Stryker Ten: Still relying on the frontal approach! Her body tensed, drawing power into her sword as she closed in at high speed. Stryker Ten shook off her metal hand just as he felt the bite for her sword - and in that moment, he returned the blow. Stryker Ten: Then, allow me to meet you! Stryker System change... Stryker Ten & Clie: Hyaku-shiki!!" "ZAN! The force from the violent release of power drove all the clouds away. There was a blinding flash, with enough force to drive away the wind and rain around it. For a moment, they were two shadows around a tiny sun about to fade. But despite that air-rending explosion, neither of them was injured. Stryker Ten: Well done, imperial cyborg. Clie: ...... Stryker Ten: You seem to like that frontal charge. You really are much like an old comrade of mine. Stryker Ten: But I am a cyborg tasked with the protection of Japan. Destroying the cyborgs of Balbora is my mission. Stryker Ten's internal calculations began reading the weather again. He was waiting for a moment when his opponent's vision would be most compromised. He then called upon what power he had remaining, forcing his superhuman strength to explosive limits. Stryker Ten: This strike will decide the battle. The fencer noticed the change in her enemy's stance, sheathed her sword, and began to focus her strength. The air was oppressive around them. Suddenly, a flash of lightning pierced the silence and the dark. Stryker Ten: Destroy the Balboran cyborg! Cutting through the air, the rain flying around him, rending through the black clouds... He charged forth at the speed of lightning, focusing all the power of his steel frame into his fist. Stryker Ten was focusing on the first opening he had seen in his enemy, and intended to strike the final blow. Stryker Ten: ...Ah! Clie: You're open. His steel fist stopped just short of his enemy's face. What he intended to use as a killing strike was stopped short as the enemy drew her sword in the blink of an eye. His severed arm disappeared into the storm. Stryker Ten didn't even realize he had lost his arm. His vision was beginning to go dark. Clie: Balboran Sword Arts, Clie Special Technique... Clie: ......JINRAI! Stryker Ten: ...ah... The black clouds covered them both. When they cleared, all that remained was Stryker Ten's body, tattered and broken. Clie: I've won. The bionic human's battered body fell to earth. Clie landed, remaining on guard as she checked to ensure that her enemy had drawn his last breath. There on the ground before her lay what was unquestionably the remains of a cyborg. Stryker Ten, his body shredded like an old tin can, lay below, silent and unmoving. Clie: No life sign readings. Elimination of enemy bionic human confirmed. Clie: ...I thought he had a spine, but it seems I was mistaken. He showed his weakness in the end. Clie could not fully conceal her disappointment. She had thought he seemed a strong opponent. Just then, she caught sight of a familiar form, and reached out her hands to grab it. Clie: A migratory bird, eh? I see... I suppose you were what caused his hesitation. There had been a pause just before Stryker Ten's attack landed. Perhaps the bird's approach had caused some fluctuation in his sensors. It was that tiniest of distractions which had determined the victory. Clie: Luck is a part of skill, as well. The Japanese Strykers are nothing to be concerned about. Clie felt a sting of disappointment as she reevaluated her enemy. Then, anger began to swirl behind her eyes. Clie: I will see the vanguard avenged. With the anger I hold inside me... Clie: Rin... Your killer will pay! Clie rushed through the sky. Tearing through the clouds, she was focused on her goal.
A week had passed since the battle. Mirror had scarred the city deeply, but the recovery was proceeding apace. The fact that very few lives were lost in the conflict helped to soften the blow. Child: Stryker on the scene! Prepare for retribution, evildoers! Yamato: ...'outdoor creatures' as they say. The children were running around the field, pretending to be Stryker and the Balboran vanguard. Had my neighbors been here to see it, they might have been proud. I was still conducting my daily patrols, but I found very little of significance. Since the Balbora Empire didn't exist, there didn't seem to be a main force on the way. In the meantime, the world was at peace. My mother and father had returned to the country. Jack had found my mother's cooking so delicious that he prodded them for a while to stay in the city, but in the end, it was back to just the two of us. Yamato: I wish that ninja pig would control himself, sometimes. I was gradually transitioning to the routines of an ordinary life. With no more Balboran invaders in this world, I had no further need to act as a soldier. My patrols became fewer by the day. If things kept up this way, I realized that I would no longer need to become Stryker at all. In that case, perhaps I could pass my days as an ordinary man. And then, there was... Rin: Welco-- Oh! Yamato: Rin. How are you doing? Rin: You're here earlier than usual, Yamato-san. Did you finish your patrol early? Yamato: I just took a walk around. The town appears completely at peace. Rin: It sounds like time to take a break. Ah, Sayaka-san is in the back; let me call her out. Yamato: ...She seems to be doing quite well. Rin was one of the only survivors from the vanguard. She had lost her homeland, as well. Murray was also despondent. She had parted ways with Rin, trying to find some way of contacting the Balbora motherland. The apartment next door had been so lively when the vanguard lived there, but now, everything was silent. Jack and I went to call from time to time, but Rin couldn't hide her loneliness from us. Yamato: She needs my support, now more than ever. Sayaka: Welcome. What can I get you today? ...Well, I suppose there's no point in asking. Yamato: Stewed java, please. Sayaka: Yep, yep. The usual cheap stuff. Even though it's Sunday and we're expecting our best business. Yamato: Hm? But that's why I'm ordering. Sayaka: You know our business has been in the toilet ever since that incident. If all people see is you scowling and drinking our coffee, they might think it's no good. Yamato: Well, it is quite bitter. Sayaka: Well... of course it is, it's black coffee. I guess you'll never get it, though... Haruna: Excuse me! Sayaka: Welcome, Haruna. Haruna: Sorry I'm late! I guess Rin-chan's already here, huh? Sayaka: Ah, just a minute. She's carrying in the stock for me. Sayaka: Rin! Leave the stock alone for a minute and come here, would you? Rin: R-right! I'm comi- Rin: Wah, ahhh! Yamato: Perhaps I could be of some assistance? Sayaka: Don't worry, I'll clean it up later. Beginners are allowed a few mistakes. Rin: S-sorry... All the cans fell over... Sayaka: Oh, it's fine. Anyway, come on out here! Rin: R-right... Haruna: Oh, Rin-chan! You look so good in that uniform! Rin: R-really? It's just the apron, but... Haruna: Oh no, you look just like a real waitress! I bet you agree, Yamato-kun, don't you? Yamato: Yes, though I'm afraid I'm not much good at appraising the fashions of women. Rin: Th-thank you so much... Myself, my father, and Haruna had explained everything to her, about the Memory Collector, and how things had come to this. Rin had been very understanding, and was glad to have an explanation for some of her doubts, but it didn't actually solve the problem. Ichimonji had invited her to work at her cafe, so she could make money and get along. It was hard on her, balancing it with school, but it seemed to take her mind off all the fear and loss around her. Yamato: Even so, she's not as cheerful as she once was... Rin: But... are you sure it's okay for me to work here? I just feel like such a bother, Sayaka-san... Sayaka: What are you talking about? You can't let one or two little mistakes get you down. Sayaka: Having you here gives my father more free time, plus we've been pretty busy lately, so you came here at just the right time. Sayaka: So don't get so upset when you make mistakes. It's only been a few days, but if it hadn't been for you, we'd be up to our necks. Rin: Sayaka-san... Yamato: Weren't you just complaining about business being down? Sayaka: Hey. Nobody asked you, buddy. Yamato: I'm just stating the truth. Sayaka: And whose fault do you think that is, anyway? Sayaka: Well, I guess that incident has something to do with it, too. Sayaka: Here. One cheap coffee and one cola. Yamato: ...I didn't order a cola. Sayaka: Jack-san will be by, won't he? I put in plenty of ice. Yamato: I see, that's very thoughtful of you. Sayaka: sigh... It's Sunday, yet the only customers are people I know. I wish some of our regulars would come back, at least. Jack came by eventually. We passed a lazy afternoon together. Rin: Yamato-san. Would you like another refill? Yamato: Oh, thank you. Rin: Oh, no... This is my job, after all. Just a minu... Rin: ...Oh! Yamato: There's no rush. Rin: S-sorry... It's all still so new to me... Rin: Th-there we go... It overflowed a little, but... Yamato: I can still drink it. You did much better than yesterday, at least. Rin: I-I'm so sorry about that... I spilled it all over you... Haruna: Yamato-kun. You were here yesterday, too? Yamato: Not just yesterday. I come here every day. I've been trying to keep an eye on Rin. Jack: We see her off to school, as well. 'tis but the neighborly thing, to aid one another in times of need. Haruna: Oh... well. I see. Sayaka: Haruna, what's wrong? Haruna: N-nothing! Really, really, there's nothing wrong at all! Sayaka: Hmm... Well, if you insist. Sayaka: Yuuki. Aren't you going to watch the news? Most days you'd be begging me for it. Yamato: There's no need today. Sayaka: Huh? Yamato: I no longer need to watch it. Sayaka: ...Wait a minute. Ichimonji narrowed her eyes suspiciously, and pressed a hand to my forehead. Sayaka: You don't have a fever... Jack-san, did he eat anything suspicious yesterday? Jack: This night last we supped upon fine pork fried with bean sprouts. 'twas nothing compared to the feasts of My Liege's mother, but the seasoning was very fine! Jack: And in such quantities as not to be believed! On sale it was, at the grocery store! Sayaka: I see. So no spotted mushrooms or anything like that... Yamato: What exactly are you doing? Is it so very strange that I don't want to watch the news? Sayaka: Well, you just always ask me for it. Isn't that why you come here, in the first place? My protest only seemed to deepen her suspicion. Despite my not asking, she turned on the television anyway. Sayaka: Here, how's this? There's no one else here, so it's okay to have it on. You just have to ask. Yamato: ...... Sayaka: What's wrong? This is the only channel playing the n- Yamato: Are there any variety shows on? Sayaka: ...Excuse me? Yamato: I want to watch a variety show. I think it would be more pleasant. Sayaka: My head hurts... Haruna: S-Sayaka-chan, are you okay? Sayaka: Sorry. I'm going to clean up in the back. Sayaka: Rin... Call me if any other customers show up. And... Yuuki, I'll prepare you a nice, balanced meal, okay? Yamato: I don't have any money. Sayaka: It's on me, today... Okay... Watch over the shop, you guys... Haruna: Sh-she's gone... Jack: A shrewd tactic, My Liege. Keeping things normal. Haruna: But why do you want to watch a variety show? I actually sympathize with Sayaka-chan, here. Yamato: I told you why. I thought it would be more pleasant. For Rin, as well. Rin: ...ah... Rin: Th-thank you... That's so considerate of you... Yamato: It's nothing. Merely the neighborly thing to do. Haruna: Hmph. Lucky Rin-chan...
Haruna: Well, see you tomorrow. Yamato: Yes. Be careful. Haruna: Right. You guys be careful on the way home, too. Yamato: Shall we head home, then? Rin: Th-thanks for everything... but you don't always have to walk me home... Jack: Mention it not. We two have an abundance of time, of course. Yamato: Besides, we're going to the same place. There's no need to thank me for simply walking home. Rin: R-right... Jack: My Liege, what shall we eat for dinner this eve? Yamato: You already ate half of mine at the cafe. Aren't you full yet? Jack: 'twas truly delicious, yet insufficient was the portion. Could I not have a 200 yen increase in my snack allowance? Yamato: Hmm? What was that? Rin: I-it came from the trash over there... Yamato: Tomorrow isn't even trash day. It seems someone in the neighborhood has very poor manners. Jack: How horrible. What sort of fiend rifles through garbage in the middle of the night? Yamato: Yes, it's not like anyone here has any experience with that... Rin: Aha, ahahaha... Yamato: But we cannot simply let this stand. Even if they are hungry, we cannot allow them to strike a blow to our city's image this way. Yamato: Beast of the black. I bear no grudge against you, but you must leave this... Bird: Caw, caw! ???: Stay still! Have you forgotten who saved you, back in the storm? ???: I am taking this fish for myself! You did not help me in battle against that black beast! You have no right to it! Bird: Caw! Caw, caw! Yamato: ...... ???: I see. So you have no intention of relenting to me... ???: You are a fellow warrior. If you wish to take this fish, you must take it from me on the field of battle! ???: Know now the reason why I am known as 'Iron'! I will protect this fish with my-- Yamato: Stryker Kick! Strength to bend steel! ???: Ah! Bird: Caw! Caw, caw, caw! Jack: Retreated with the fish, it did! Yamato: Ah! I acted without thinking in a repeat of a previous scene! ???: T-to attack from behind... A coward's act... Yamato: F-forgive me! Are you h-- Ah?! What was this stench?! Like fetid morning rainwater... I had smelled it somewhere before, in fact. It was not as bad as my first experience with Jack, but it didn't incline me to get any closer. Yamato: A-are you alright? You seem rather... troubled. ???: D-do not... concern yourself overmuch. It is merely that I was already hungry when I took that hit to my stomach... Yamato: I... I see. I'm sorry that I exacerbated your situation. ???: This... This is no great blow to my pride. I will not fall... to mere hunger... Jack: Yet spied you, I did, vying with a bird over a single fish. Yamato: Jack. Please try to remember your own history, and be considerate of others. Rin: ...... ???: I-if I may, there is something I wish to ask of you... Yamato: W-what is it? I'll answer as best I can. ???: Everyone else I ask simply says 'I don't have time to play along with your coss play.' I still don't understand what they mean, but... Rin: It... It is you... ???: This is the question that I put to you. Does there live, in this town, a man named Stryker? Rin: Onee-chan! ???: ...E-excuse me? Rin: Onee-chan, it's me! Rin! Clie-oneechan, it's me, your little sister! Jack: W-what... what is the meaning of this? Yamato: I... have no idea. Rin's big sister? What did that mean? Were other characters appearing, in addition to the vanguard? Clie: I... I thought that you were dead. The General's reports said... Rin: No, I'm alive! Everyone else is gone, but I'm doing my best to live on in their place! Rin: I'm so glad... sniffle... I thought I would never see anyone ever again... Clie: Rin... Rin: I'm so glad to see you again... sob... I'm so glad... Rin: sob... sob... Wahhh, wahhhhhhhh... All of the emotion that Rin had kept inside since the vanguard's disappearance poured out of her now. She was sobbing breathlessly, tears streaming down her cheeks. I had never seen this side of her before. On and on she wailed, wiping fruitlessly at her cheeks to stop the tears. Clie: ...I did not mean to bring you sorrow, dear sister. As she spoke, she held out her arms to embrace Rin. Clie: Come to me. Allow me to ease the pain inside. Rin: O-Onee-chan... Jack: Never have I witnessed such a moving scene... Yamato: Indeed... Neither have I. I regretted that we could not have done more for her, but there was no bond stronger than blood. Yamato: Regretted? I should be happy for her... I watched as Rin threw herself into her sister's waiting arms. Rin: O... Onee-chan... Onee-chaaaaaan!! Rin buried her face into the woman's chest, pouring out all of the loneliness she had kept inside until now. Clie: S-sadly... Rin: O-Onee-chan! What's wrong, Onee-chan? Clie: I... am just... so hungry... Rin: Ah...? Jack: Such a shame, to see the moving scene spoiled. Yamato: I should remind you of your own history, once again... Clie: Ngh... nngh... Clie: W-where am I? Rin: Oh, you're awake! Rin: I'm sorry, Onee-chan. We'll have dinner really soon. Clie: You're... Rin. So it wasn't a mere dream... Rin: That's right... I'm right here. Clie: ...I heard that the vanguard was completely eliminated, but it seems that information was incorrect. My sister is right here, and alive... It was a warmth she could only share with those closest to her. Clie smiled more easily than she usually permitted herself. To her, it was as if her sister was back from the dead. Clie: If it allowed me to find you alive, then I am glad that I defied orders to come here. Rin: Onee-chan... Clie: Where are the others? You can't be here all alone. Rin: Oh... well, I... Captain Murray was with me for a while... but she went off on her own... Clie: What did you say? You mean to say you're living alone? Here, in this filthy hut? Rin: Y-yes... Clie: How horrid... All this time, I never knew... Clie: Ngh! I am a failure... as a soldier of Balbora... No, as a sister! Rin: O-Onee-chan! Stop it! You're going to break the wall! Clie: B-but... Rin: Um, well, it has been hard living alone, but my neighbor and the people from my class have been a big help to me... Rin: M-my neighbors are the people you met before... They helped me carry you here. Rin: I go to school close by, and a friend at the local cafe is letting me work with her. They're all so nice... I have a good life here, thanks to them. Clie: ...... Rin: Onee-chan? What's wrong? Clie: You've matured in my absence. Back in the Empire, you always seemed rather faint of heart. Although that, too, was very charming... Rin: I'm just doing the best I can... but I'm so glad you're here. Clie: I see. I am grateful to ease your heart in some small way. Rin: Ah, you're hungry though, right? It'll be done soon, so please eat your fill. Clie: Ah, I'm so sorry... Making you cook for me on such short notice... Rin: Here you go. Clie: ...What is this yellow object? Rin: It's okara. It's the residue you get after squeezing out soy beans. I get it for free in the shopping district. Clie: The... residue? Rin: I put in an egg too, because you were here. I always buy them right before they expire, so I get them cheap. Clie: R-right before they expire? Rin: It doesn't look like much, but it tastes just fine. See, I've even learned a little about cooking! Rin: Actually, I get the ends of loaves of bread for free, too... I could make it taste better if I had curry powder and sugar, but I'm out of them both right now... Clie: I... I really am a failure to you. Letting my sister live in such poverty... Clie: Worry not! You need struggle no longer! Clie: As you can see, I have brought Imperial currency. I haven't yet exchanged it for local funds, but it should be enough to carry us comfortably. Clie: Let us leave this filthy hut and find a new living place. I have saved up quite a bit, as I very rarely spend it. Rin: Um, umm... Landlord: Rin-san! I know you're in there! Rin: Ah, y-y-y-yes ma'am! Landlord: Haven't paid your rent yet, eh? You defaulted last month, too. Rin: Sorry sorry sorry sorry! I can get an advance at my job tomorrow! Please just hold on! Landlord: Well I certainly hope so. But repairing the wall between you and your neighbor was expensive, so please, pay as soon as you can. Rin: I really am sorry! I promise I'll pay it tomorrow! I will! Landlord: If you would. But I do have to wonder how the wall got broken so badly... Rin: sigh... I have to talk to Sayaka-san tomorrow... What am I going to do? Clie: What are you talking about? With this Imperial currency, you won't have to... Rin: Onee-chan, there's something I really need to tell you. Rin: Japan doesn't take Imperial currency! Clie: W-what? Then, all the money I brought with me... Rin: It's just... scrap paper. Clie: How terrible... so I can do nothing to aid you. Clie: Moreover, though I came here to defeat the cyborg of Japan, I can pay no one to obtain the information that I need... Rin: W-what did you... Clie: I'm referring to the cyborg who destroyed the vanguard. I have taken it upon myself to avenge them. Rin: The cyborg of Japan... She means Yamato-san, doesn't she? So, my sister came here to destroy Stryker... Clie: Rin. You saw the enemy, didn't you? If you know anything, please, tell me-- Rin: O-Onee-chan! Smack! Rin: We can't eat if we don't work! We need to firm up our footing before we can act! Clie: R-right... Rin: In Japan, there's never enough money for everything! Before, it took the whole vanguard working just to earn enough! And I can't do it alone! I just can't! Rin: I would end up having to turn to some awful line of work, and then, and then... I could never show my face to mother and father again! Rin: S-so please... umm... let's work hard together, until we can eat hamburgers every day! Rin: Ahh, father and mother in my homeland, forgive me... I've done a horrible thing to protect Yamato-san... Clie: ...You may be correct. We need to strengthen our economic situation, first. Clie: If nothing else, I must act to liberate you from this crushing poverty. Will you teach me all I need to know about Japan? Rin: Oh, yes! Jack: 'tis a fine thing, to hear lively voices next door once again. Yamato: Yes. I'm glad that Rin is feeling better. I could hear the sounds of welcome conversation from the room next door. I genuinely felt a bit of regret, but there was no beating the ties of blood. Jack: Clie-dono she called herself... A curious one she is, yet quite fair of face. Yamato: Yes... Yamato: A soldier of the Balbora Empire... Another character from Dengeki Stryker. Yamato: Which means that battle wasn't the end of it... On that day, I had locked my Stryker Units away in the closet. I never thought I would need them again. Yet now, I pulled them out, mentally readying myself for a new battle to come. Yamato: ...... As I touched the Stryker Units, memories of my "past" came flooding back to me. Those memories - none of them real, all of them written onto the pages of a comic - yet they came so easily to my mind. ???: Zero. What are you doing? Stryker Zero: Oh, it's you. As you can see, I'm doing maintenance on my Stryker Units. ???: This is a grievous injury. Did it happen in the last battle? Stryker Zero: I didn't have enough firepower for the number of enemies I faced. I kept them off the coast, but I wish I had been stronger. ???: If you had called for reinforcements, I would have come. You should go to headquarters for proper repairs. Stryker Zero: But if I do that, I won't be able to fight. Leaving my post would just make things more dangerous for everyone. ???: And yet, you're happy to get wounded in the line of duty. Do you want to end up with a body like mine? Stryker Zero: Why would you say that? Your body is a mark of pride. It's not something to be ashamed of. ???: ...I'm simply worried about you as a comrade. I want you to be able to remain human. Stryker Zero: You're human, too. You're my irreplaceable comrade. Stryker Zero: I can't shake my reservations about this equipment, though. Some day, I might meet an enemy I can't beat. I need to be ready for then. ???: In that case, you should petition R&D directly. Stryker Zero: R&D? I appreciate the sentiment, but I doubt they have the time to think about my requests. Stryker Zero: I've heard they're working on the next generation of Stryker System. They're probably focused on that. ???: That's exactly why I'd do it. ???: They're developing new Drives to go with the new model. From what I've heard, one candidate is being called an 'All-in-One' system. Stryker Zero: ...An 'All-in-One'? I've never heard of such a thing. ???: The Stryker System has one major flaw. You're probably well aware of it, yourself. Stryker Zero: ...I see. It's the opening created while we install each new Drive. ???: The All-in-one Drive compensates for that weakness. Just equip it, and you can manage multiple abilities at once. ???: However, it places quite a strain on the user. I don't know which unit will be chosen for the new generation, but it would be worth putting your name down. Stryker Zero: I see. I understand what you're saying. But why would an ordinary soldier like me receive such special treatment? ???: You're a protector of the Japanese Empire. They won't refuse you lightly. Stryker Zero: ...I hope not. ???: We have to watch each other's backs. It's alright to rely on others sometimes. ???: That's right. You're not alone. Don't forget: Someone is waiting to hear your voice. Yamato: Thoughts of the old days... My memories, the experiences of "Dengeki Stryker"... I thought back on the battles I fought at my old comrade's side. A nostalgic smile came to my face. Yamato: This is... As I picked out my battle uniform, a Stryker Drive rolled out from it. JPNS-007, Stryker Drive, Ohka. It creates a magnetic field of highly compressed plasma, clearing out surrounding enemies in a single sweep, but at the cost of the user's life. A suicide device, used to keep the user from falling into enemy hands. Yamato: Since arriving in this world, I've been training to keep my skills up. I've never had to use it... The world was so peaceful, I had forgotten about its existence. I hoped I wouldn't find a chance to use it in the future, either, but I still had to keep it maintained. Yamato: I don't want to have to return to battle. And yet... Time waited for no man, regardless of my feelings about it. I thought of my neighbor, who was no longer my enemy, and clutched the weapon in my hand.
Classmate: Stand! Bow! Yamato: Whew. It's finally over. School was finished. My classmates broke up to go their separate ways. The school had felt the impact of the incident for a few days, but more recently, it had gone back to its regular routine. Now, the incident was merely an occasional topic of conversation. Yamato: But that just shows that the battle we fought was worthwhile. Rin: S-sorry... Yamato: Hm? Rin: I really am sorry! I only just started working for you and I already have to ask for an advance... I feel so ashamed... Sayaka: Don't worry about it. I'll just add it onto your pay for today. Rin: Th-that's true, but I keep breaking things and spilling things... Sayaka: I told you, you don't have to be perfect from the start. You're improving at a good pace. As an employer, that's all I care about. Rin: Sayaka-san... Haruna: Rin-chan's going through a rough time... Sayaka: Sure, but that's why we have to work hard to support her, right? Yamato: I don't know what's going on exactly, but they seem to have worked out the problem. I would have liked to lend her some money, but I had my own life to support. I had considered getting a job myself, but I knew I couldn't - not with the possibility of new Balboran assassins arriving at any time. Rin: Yamato-saaan! Rin: pant pant Are you heading home, now? Yamato: I intended to. How can I help you? Rin: I was going to stop by my apartment. Do you think we could walk home together? Yamato: I don't object, but I'm not sure I'll be very good company. Rin: Of course you will. I think you're a very interesting person. You're very kind, too... Yamato: Kind? I'm not sure about that... Rin: You don't have to be sure. I am. Yamato: Anyway, shall we go? Rin asked if we could take a detour through the shopping district, so I obliged her. Having her family back in her life had cheered Rin up significantly. When she smiled at me, I could tell it was completely natural. Yamato: May I ask why you wanted to walk this way? I'm always happy to help carry things, of course. Rin: Oh no, it's not that... I just wanted to check in, actually... Yamato: Check in? Do you know someone here? Rin: Y-yes... Actually... my sister got a job here... Yamato: ...Clie, do you mean? Rin: Y-yes... When she learned I was having trouble with money, she offered to do it... She started asking people in the shopping district first thing this morning. Yamato: She has tremendous initiative, but that is to be expected from a soldier of the Balboran Imperial Army. Rin: It's not really an army thing, it's just who she is... She's always been a very decisive person. Rin: Oh! But don't you worry, Yamato-san! She said she was just going to focus on earning money for a while! Yamato: ...I appreciate your help. Rin: Oh, n-no... I guess it's just, because you all told me that story, but I still have a hard time accepting it that easily... Rin: I know it's wrong of me as a soldier, but it's hard for me to bring it up with my sister, just in case it turns out that it's wrong, maybe... Rin: Ahaha, I guess it really is strange. But I mean, I'm right here, walking home with someone who's supposed to be my enemy... Yamato: Rin... Rin: Onee-chan really is so amazing, though... She just made a decision and got a job on the spot... Rin: Not like me, always needing other people to do things for me... I know I need to become more independent, but... Yamato: No, it's understandable that you should feel conflicted. You don't have to be so hard on yourself. Yamato: But I really am grateful to you. As your classmate and neighbor, I want to help you as much as I can. Rin: ...Thank you so much. Yamato: Well, then. Where is your sister working? You brought me here to see her, didn't you? Rin: Oh, yes! She's working at the Super Gekiyasu I always shop at, actually... She looked around. Rin: Ah? That's strange... The shop owner said he was going to have her handing out tissue packs... Yamato: ...By any chance... Could that be her? Rin: Ah? ...Ah, but that's... Cat Mascot: ...... Child: Hey, mom! There's a weird cat person in front of the supermarket! Mother: Goodness, I haven't seen Gekiyasu out in quite some time. Someone must have needed a job. Child: Graaah! Stryker Kick! Gekiyasu: ...mm. Child: Kick, kick! Justice always triumphs! Gekiyasu: ...ngh. Mother: Stop that, now! There's a person in there. Child: Yeah, right! There's no one in there! Mother: Get back here, you! ...I really am sorry. Gekiyasu: ...... Gekiyasu: A proud soldier of the Balbora Empire, reduced to handing out shopping advertisements... Even for money, there are limits to what dignity can bear... Gekiyasu: No, this is for my dear sister! I must propel Rin from the depths of her poverty! For her sake, I shall do as I must, even if it means crawling through mud! Child: Stryker Punch! Gekiyasu: ...... Mother: Hey, you! I told you to cut that out! Gekiyasu: This... This is merely another of life's trials. I shall think of my sister, and feel no pain... Gekiyasu: I must fulfill the mission provided to me by the local proprietor. I still have my pride, as a soldier of the Balbora Imperial Army. Rin: We can't eat if we don't work! Rin: Onee-chan, it's not easy to find work in Japan! And finding a job is even harder for foreigners like us! Clie: Even so, a soldier has pride. Performing hard labor would tarnish my shining medals of meritorious deeds. Clie: In addition, this Japanese clothing you've prepared... I'm grateful for the consideration, but it seems... overly informal. Rin: Someone in the shopping district gave them to me for free. I think they were returned goods... They weren't my size, though, so I'm really glad they fit you! Rin: They really suit you! Clothing's really expensive, so take good care of it, okay? Clie: They... suit me? I fear I cannot agree, but I will trust your judgment on the matter. Clie: However, there is something else I wish to say. Rin: Ah? What is it? Clie: I have a mission. I must partition my time such that I can continue my search for the enemy base. Whatever job I get must allow me free time. Rin: Onee-chan, let me give you a tip. Rin: Your pride will not put food on the table! Rin: If your medals won't let you work, then take them to a pawn shop! Clie: Ngh... H-how could I be reduced to this... Thud. Clie: To think that I, Clie of the Balbora Empire... should have to stoop to performing menial labor in Japan... Rin: I'm working at a cafe right now, but someone in the shopping district offered me a job too. He said you don't have to talk to people, so it might suit you. Rin: I'll ask tomorrow, okay? I'll also leave breakfast and lunch in the fridge for you before I go. Rin: Oh, and make sure you unplug the fridge after you eat. We don't want to waste electricity. Clie: ...No. I'll head out first thing in the morning. Rin: Ah? But... Clie: I cannot abandon all of my pride. However, I cannot let you exert yourself on my behalf. Clie: I will perform the manual labor. On the honor of this arm of steel, I swear, I will see my mission to its rightful end. Shop Owner: So, you want me to hire this girl instead of you, Rin? Rin: Y-yes. I know it's sudden, but is it okay? Shop Owner: Oh, it's fine. I think it's kind of you to move to the city to take care of your little sister, dear. Shop Owner: 'course, I can't pay much with the economy and all. But it should be enough to pay Rin-chan's expenses. Let's see... Clie: My name is Clie. I am grateful for your kindness. Clie: Though you are a citizen of an enemy nation, I do not wish to see your destruction. When our invasion force arrives, I shall entreat them to spare the shopping district. Shop Owner: Ahahaha... ha. You're a strange one, dear. Rin: I-I'm sorry... Thank you for indulging us. Shop Owner: Well, I think I'll have you hand out tissues. Shop Owner: Give one to each customer that passes by. Simple enough, right? Clie: I see. There's an advertisement on the pack to help customers remember you. Clie: Tell me, proprietor. What do we charge for them? Shop Owner: Hmm? They're free. Clie: W-what? I never knew that Japan was such a prosperous nation... Shop Owner: You'll want to wear this costume while you hand out the tissues. Clie: Hmm... Shop Owner: C-Clie-kun? Why are you touching the costume? Clie: The material is quite malleable... it would seem capable of repelling considerable blunt force attack. Clie: However, it also appears quite restrictive. Well, I suppose civilian battle uniform design would pale before that of the military... Shop Owner: Umm, did you hear anything I said? Clie: But to have battle uniforms prepared for civilians, too... Given the population density, this nation is clearly far more prosperous than our intelligence knows. Clie: I do not know how many civilians are in possession of these. I will need to investigate and... Clie: ..Ah! Clie: Of course... The childlike appearance! And why it sacrifices mobility for defense! Clie: Civilians wear these uniforms to act as human shields! Knowing that there were innocent inside of these, we would be powerless to fight them! Clie: Ugh! You shall pay, Japan! To sacrifice innocent civilians is a coward's game! Shop Owner: C-Clie-kun? Why don't we get started... Clie: Rest easy, sir! Shop Owner: M-ma'am? Clie: I shall protect both you and your shopping district! I swear on my title as a member of the Balboran Imperial Army, your kindness to Rin shall be repaid! Shop Owner: Ah... hah. She really is a strange one... Gekiyasu: Yes... I must see my mission through. This occupation will allow me to gather information on the enemy nation, as well. Student: Blah. There's nothing fun to do... Gekiyasu: ...... Student: I don't want any tissues. Bye bye. Student: Blah. There's nothing fun to do... Gekiyasu: ...... Student: Um? I thought you were behind me before... Gekiyasu: ...One per customer. Student: I... I said I didn't want one. Go bother someone else, geez... Student: Maybe I'll head into town... I dunno... Gekiyasu: ...... Student: W-why are you bugging me again? Gekiyasu: ...One per customer. Student: I said I didn't want one! I keep telling you, I don't want one! Salaryman: Hey, if you don't want one, can I have them all? I never seem to-- Salaryman: Guh! Student: gasp Gekiyasu: ...One per customer. Student: M-mom! Help me!! Gekiyasu: ...hmm. Rin: O-Onee-chan! What are you doing?! Gekiyasu: ...hmm? Rin: You can't touch the customers! And you can't make them take tissues they don't want! Gekiyasu: ...... Rin: O-Onee-chan... didn't you hear what I said? Gekiyasu: ...The owner said not to be overly conversational. Rin: Th-that doesn't mean you can treat them like this either, okay? You're gonna make trouble for the people at the supermarket. Gekiyasu: But I have received my orders to distribute one to each customer. Those who selfishly attempt to take more than their share must be eliminated. Rin: I-if that happens, just give it to them so they don't get mad. Gekiyasu: I will execute my mission. That is my duty as a soldier. Rin: O-Onee-chan... Yamato: Are you alright? Salaryman: Ah, yeah... Though I have no idea what just happened... Yamato: You may be tired. Why don't you go home and rest? Salaryman: I... I believe I will. I feel like I was doing something, but I don't remember... Yamato: Whew. I'm glad it didn't turn into a scandal... Clie: The visibility could stand to be improved. I'll propose that to the development team after we seize them. It was Clie's break time. She appeared, having removed her mascot suit. Rin wanted to re-introduce us in a setting with somewhat better light. Rin: Onee-chan. This is my neighbor. He's the one who helped you yesterday. Clie: You... I see. You do appear trustworthy, just as she said. Clie: My name is Clie. Perhaps Rin has already informed you; I am her elder sister. Yamato: My name is Yuuki Yamato. You may call me Yamato. Clie: In that case, please call me Clie. I thank you for watching over my sister in my absence... Yamato: Hm? Is there something on my face? Clie: That determination in his eyes. It reminds me of something... The pictures I saw in the reports the General gave me... Rin: Wahhh!! Clie: What's wrong, Rin?! Are you hurt? Rin: Oh, um, ummm, ahhh! Rin: Th-this man is my neighbor! He's also my classmate and he's helped me out with lots of stuff! Clie: You already told me that. Rin: S-so what I'm saying is he's just a completely unremarkable civilian! He has nothing at all to do with reports of any kind! Clie: I didn't mean to suggest that he did... Well, never mind. Rin: Ahaha, ahahaha... Yamato: I'm glad to know that Rin has family nearby. I've done what I can, but family is always best. Yamato: Oh, I've dropped my Stryker Dri-- Rin: AHHHH, AHHHHHHH! Yamato: What's wrong, Rin?! Are you hurt? Rin: Yamato-san! For pity's sake, please don't give her PROOF! Yamato: S-sorry... It's just been so long since I had them out with me... Rin: You really do have to be careful... I don't want to see you two fight... Clie: That sounded like metal. Did you drop something? Rin: N-nothing at all! He really didn't drop anything! Clie: Hmm. I'm glad to hear it... Clie: Yamato, was it? I'm going to be living with Rin for quite a while. As improper as it is to ask, I hope you shall continue to aid her. Yamato: If you wish. Just let me know when I can be of assistance. Clie: I am grateful for your kindness. On the honor of this arm of steel, I swear: Some day, I shall return it. She extended her non-metallic arm in a handshake. As I gripped her hand, some of the harshness in her eyes eased. Clie: Well, then. I must withdraw for the moment. My break is to end soon. Rin: Onee-chan, make sure to pick up some bread ends from the bakery on your way back home, okay? Clie: Understood. Yamato: You have a fine sister. Rin: I know she can be awkward sometimes... but I really do love her. Rin: My sister made her own way in the army, rising from enlisted soldier to Lieutenant Colonel. Rin: She distinguished herself in battle and earned a lot of medals, hoping to make officer... I've heard some others on the fast track even resented her for it. Rin: She's appeared on a lot of broadcasts for the Empire, too. It's made my family so proud. She's the reason I joined the army. Rin: I'm really not worthy of her... I wish I didn't make her worry so much. Yamato: I see. Though she is my enemy, there is much to admire about her. Yamato: She is fighting merely for her homeland and her family. Her artificial arm alone is a symbol of her dedication. Rin: Ah, actually... That's not from combat. Yamato: Hmm? Really? Rin: A long time ago, she was in an accident. They had to treat her there... They say she got lucky with a good doctor... Yamato: I'm sorry, I shouldn't have assumed. But I'm glad she received the help she needed. Rin: Yes... It was just awful when I heard she went missing. I used to be such a crybaby. Rin: I cried when I heard they were all in an accident, I cried when I learned mom and dad were okay, I cried again when I learned Onee-chan was okay... Rin: And I cried when I saw her with that metal arm for the first time... I cried the whole time until they all came home. Yamato: ...I see. No matter the country, it is a tragedy to see civilians harmed. Rin: I think we were really lucky. Onee-chan said so too. Rin: In the end, she never learned who the doctor who treated her was... but I'm sure she would want to thank him if she could. Yamato: She appears to be a person of great integrity. Though I suppose that makes her hard to please, as well. Rin: ...... Yamato: Hmm? What is it? Rin: Yamato-san... you really are just like her. The way you're always so straightforward, the way you seem awkward but you're really kind. Yamato: I'm not sure about that, personally... Rin: You should look in the mirror sometime, then. Or ask Haruna-san or Sayaka-san. I'm sure they'd tell you the same thing. Yamato: Hmm... Rin: You'd really get along with her, I bet. I hope you two can try to be friends. Rin: Oh, but be careful not to do anything like you did today, okay? Rin: My sister is really devoted to her duty. If she knew that you were Stryker Zero, she'd probably challenge you to a fight! Rin: In the Empire, they say she's a fighter on par with Colonel Mirror... I feel awkward saying it, but I'm not sure if you could beat her... Yamato: ...... Rin: And... whichever one of you won, I know it would make me sad, so... Yamato: I understand. Rin had already lost many dear friends. It was natural that she didn't want to lose her sister after finally seeing her again. Yamato: This is not the world we came from. If there is no Balbora Empire here, I have no reason to fight her. Rin: Yamato-san... Yamato: You were once my enemy, too, yet here we are. I hope that one day, I can have the same relationship with your sister. Rin: Thank you so much... Yamato: It is nothing to thank me for. I am merely doing what I believe is right. Rin: Well, I should get going. Thank you for everything, today. Yamato: Not at all. It was the least I could do. Rin: I have to work today, so I should head out right away. If you have some free time, stop by the cafe, okay? Yamato: Well, I suppose I should return to my room. I performed maintenance on the Stryker Units that had gone unused in my closet, returning them to working order. I needed to keep them in top condition in case anything happened. Obviously, I hoped that nothing would happen, but that wasn't something I could control. It was better to be safe than sorry. Jack: Ah, five minutes do pass in a moment's breath... Jack: Held off on snacks for three days I did, to purchase this Cup Noodle Queen... The smells that waft 'neath the cover do set my appetite a-tingle... Jack: The professionals recommend leaving three-minute ramen for five minutes... The noodles, having bathed long within the soup, become truly sumptuous... Jack: Already set my alarm clock, have I! Now, I need only wait! Yamato: Hmm. I really must be out of practice... It seemed like the maintenance was going to take some time. I hadn't committed to going to the cafe yet, but I set my alarm so that I wouldn't forget. Yamato: An hour should be sufficient. Yamato: ...There we go. I'll continue my maintenance until the alarm goes off. Jack: So excited... Can't wait... Jack: Ah, at last, five minutes have passed! Jack: My long-awaited dinnertime... Raging for carbs is my stomach! Jack: My hunger was such that it felt akin to an hour... but 'tis a trivial problem! Jack: Now begins Jack's Food Time! I shall enjoy my hard-earned meal! Jack: ...Horrible. Yamato: Hmm. Is it time, already? I set my work aside. There was still some detailing to be done, but they were more or less in working order. Yamato: Hmm? Jack, are you eating between meals again? Jack: Three days' worth of snack allowance... Six popsicles... Yamato: I don't know what's going on, but you seem to have over-steeped them. You should follow the timing on the package when you make instant noodles. Jack: I... I shall do that next time... Jack: So... So tepid they are... So undelicious they are... Yamato: ...I have a few mini packs in the closet for emergencies. You can eat one, if you wish. Jack: C-can I, truly?! Yamato: They're our disaster store, though. You can have one now, just don't make a habit of it. Jack: I hear and obey! This time, satisfy myself on Japanese Junk Food I shall! Yamato: For pity's sake... I'm going out. Please look after things here. Jack: Snacks! Snacks! Snaaaacks! Yamato: Noodles aren't snacks, you know... It wasn't healthy to stay in my room all day. Normally, I would head out on patrol or to the cafe. I wondered which I should do today.@
Yamato: Rin did invite me, after all. I can't simply neglect her. It might be worthwhile to watch the news, as well. I could acquire information while checking in on Rin. Rin: Welcome! Rin: Oh, Yamato-san! You came! Yamato: Yes. I see Haruna is here, as well. Haruna: Ehehe, I thought I might give them a little business. Sayaka: We really appreciate you ordering cake again today. But if you eat it every day, it'll show in the numbers, you know? Haruna: Ah, ahh... Don't remind me... Rin: Yamato-san. You want the usual coffee, right? Yamato: If you would. I see you've gotten used to waitressing, as well. Rin: R-really? I don't know, but if you think so... eheh... Sayaka: You haven't made a single mistake today. Pretty soon, we can take off your training wheels. Rin: Oh, oh no... I'm just at the starting line, really... Sayaka: Really? I think you've got it down pat. We can probably get you started on your next job soon... Oh. Sayaka: I just thought of something. Yuuki, how about you be her guinea pig? Haruna: Ah? Guinea pig? What do you mean? Sayaka: I think she's got making coffee down finally. Normally I'd give free samples and ask feedback, but there's no one else here. Yamato: I have no money. Sayaka: I said it was on the house. Rin, why don't you brew him up something? Rin: B-but I don't want to bother him if it's not good... Yamato: Not at all. I'm happy to help out a classmate. Rin: Yamato-san... Yamato: I'd be honored to drink your first coffee. I may not be able to offer the most useful criticism, but I'd be happy to try it. Rin: O-okay! I'll do the best I can! Haruna: Rin-chan... So jealous... Rin: H-here it is... Rin: I just learned by imitation... b-but try it if you want... Sayaka: Hmm, doesn't look too weak or too strong. If you followed the steps I told you, it's probably just right. Rin: D-do you think so?! Sayaka: Well, we'll see how it tastes. Though I wouldn't expect great feedback, given the taste-tester. Rin: So nervous... So nervous... Yamato: Well, then. Let's try it. I'll drink it, happily, with Rin's blessing. Rin: H-how... was it? Sayaka: He's just gonna say "it's bitter." I don't have to ask. Even when I make it, he-- Yamato: Delicious! Sayaka: Huh? Yamato: This flavor... I've never tasted anything like it! This java is truly amazing! Rin: R-really? You're not just trying to make me feel better? Yamato: I would never lie. This is the greatest stewed java I've ever tasted. Yamato: You're amazing, Rin. I never expected that you would surpass Ichimonji on your very first try. Rin: Oh, oh no... I just did it the way she told me, it's nothing... Yamato: No, you mustn't be humble. This is, at last, a masterpiece worthy of the name 'coffee.' Rin: O-okay... I'm so happy to hear it... Rin: Ah, mother and father in my homeland... Yamato-san gave me a compliment... Sayaka: W-wait a minute, here! Let me have a taste of that coffee! Yamato: I cannot allow that. Rin poured me this coffee. It's mine. Sayaka: J-just let me try it! My pride as a restauranteur is on the line, here! Sayaka: W-what is this... It's so sweet... Rin: Yamato-san says he doesn't like the bitterness of coffee.. so I decided to put in a whole lot of sugar... Yamato: Yes, it's truly excellent. Sayaka: So... So that's it. He really is a child. Haruna: Yaaaamato-kun! Haruna: Do you want to try this coffee? I made some for you, too! Yamato: Is this... stewed java? But it's not black... It looks golden. Haruna: I put some milk in it. I'm sure you'll like it, so won't you try it? Yamato: Hmm. In that case... Haruna: How... do you like it? Yamato: Ohhh... Yamato: This is fantastic! Ichimonji's stewed java could never compare! Haruna: Hooray! Yamato-kun said something nice about me! Rin: But... Yamato-san just complimented my coffee, too... Yamato: I have lost my taste for any other form of stewed java. Now I can drink here daily with no issue. Sayaka: Heh... heh heh... heh heh heh heh... Well... We'll see about that. Yamato: Ichimonji. It seems you have a lot to learn. This cannot be called bitter in any way, shape, or form. Sayaka: THI Sayaka: I Sayaka: Sayaka: OU Sayaka: M Sayaka: PRIDE Sayaka: YO Sayaka: Sayaka: Sayaka: T!! Sayaka: You can't just cover up the taste with sugar and milk! I want to make you appreciate proper, black coffee! Rin: S-sorry... I should have asked first... Sayaka: Step aside, Rin. My pride is on the line, here. Slam! Sayaka: I'm going to make you take back what you said! You're gonna see that my coffee's the best around! Yamato: But I told you, I don't have any money... Sayaka: It's on the house! Yamato: I... I see. Yamato: Rin. A refill, please. I could get used to this. Rin: O-okay! Haruna: Yamato-kun, Yamato-kun! My coffee's good too! I'll put even more milk in it, this time! Yamato: Yes, I believe I could get used to that, as well. Rin: Th-then I'll put even more sugar into mine! Haruna: Okay then! I'll put sugar in mine, too! Rin: I-I'll put milk in mine, too! So please, drink my coffee! Haruna: Yamato-kun! Drink my coffee too, okay?! Rin: No, drink mine! Yamato: Mmgh... Sayaka: I... I will not lose... I'll use those beans I've been saving for a special occasion... What followed was a strict explanation of stewed java from Ichimonji. Although when made with sugar or milk, I didn't consider it bitter at all. Yamato: If she prepared it that way, I would happily drink many cups...
I hoped I wouldn't find anything, but I wanted to have a look around. In general, it seemed like it would be best to return to my usual patrols. Yamato: I'll just walk around the area to be safe... I walked toward the shopping district, and stopped in front of the Super Gekiyasu. I caught sight of a familiar mascot suit, and decided to watch Clie at work. Gekiyasu: This battle uniform lacks ventilation... It does not seem suited for long-term use. Gekiyasu: How could this issue not have been corrected in the planning stages? No matter. Upon completion of my day's tasks, I shall request improvements to be made. Tug! Gekiyasu: ...Hmm? She felt a sudden pull on the sleeve of her costume. She realized she had gotten in the way of a young child wandering along the street. She cast him a glance. Boy: Moooom... Mooom, where are youuuu... Gekiyasu: A lost child... They must have been separated while shopping. Gekiyasu: Even in an enemy nation, a child is a child. Though I am in the middle of my work, I cannot simply let this stand. Gekiyasu: ...What is the matter? Boy: I... I can't find my mom... I went to look at the toys in the store and she was gone... Gekiyasu: Hmm. Your mother told you to do this? Boy: No... No... She said to stay where I was... Gekiyasu: I see. I believe I know what happened. Gekiyasu: Your mother will never return to you. Boy: Huh? Gekiyasu: This store employs something known as a "Flash Sale." It is a time when women go mad and turn into monsters. Gekiyasu: Your mother must have been one of those consumed by its madness. She likely used the last of her power to get you to safety. Gekiyasu: She is already lost to you... Even if she returns to you, she will not be the mother you knew. Boy: My... My mom's okay! She said... she'd be back... sniffle sob... Gekiyasu: Do not weep! Do you wish to take your mother's gift for granted? Boy: sob... B-but... Gekiyasu: Your mother has left you to carry on in her name. As every mother does, she wishes for no more than the survival of her child. Gekiyasu: Do you intend to forsake that final wish? Your mother lives on, inside your heart! Boy: G-Gekiyasuuu... Gekiyasu: A man must stand on his own two feet! If you cannot carry out your mother's final wish, it would be better for you to die here! Boy: ...I... I can do it! Boy: I'm a man! I'll keep going, even without my mom! Gekiyasu: Well done. You are a man, indeed. Gekiyasu: Hide your tears. Show them only to darkness, and to those that you hold most dear. Gekiyasu: You are now a full-fledged warrior! Hold your head high and live your life to the fullest! Boy: Okay! Gekiyasu: A confident response. I hope that some day, we shall meet again on the battlefield. Mother: Where did you go?! Stop hiding and get out here! Boy: It's... It's my mom! Gekiyasu: Ah... So she escaped the demon's madness. It appears your mother has a will of iron. Boy: Yeah! That's my mom! Gekiyasu: Wonderful. Be good to your mother, and obey her wishes. Boy: Okay! Bye, Gekiyasu! Gekiyasu: Take her hand, quickly... You need not become a warrior this day. Yamato: I see they found each other safely. Gekiyasu: Ah. You are... Yamato: I wasn't sure if the mother was still in the supermarket, but it appears the gamble paid off. Gekiyasu: Gamble? You mean, what transpired here... Yamato: I had them announce that there was a lost child outside. I'm glad they found one another. Gekiyasu: I see. I must offer you my thanks. Yamato: Anyone would have done the same. But shouldn't you get back to your job? Gekiyasu: Ah, it nearly slipped my mind. Gekiyasu: I thank you again for your efforts. Though I hope there are not many men like you here. Yamato: Hmm? What does that mean? Gekiyasu: No, it's nothing. Perhaps, if you one day defect from your empire, I will tell you. Gekiyasu: Well then, I shall depart. I must distribute my remaining inventory. Yamato: ...She's the exact opposite of Rin... But she was definitely a good person. Perhaps she could integrate into this world, as the vanguard had. Yamato: I hope it means that we won't have to fight...
The deep night swallowed up even the lights of the city. While wiser men were sleeping, I remained awake, passing my quiet hours. Jack: Zzzzzzz... Yamato: Jack, don't sleep on the floor. You'll get drool on the tatami mats. Jack: Cannot help it... Mmmgh... So enticing, the smell of the soft rushes... Yamato: Those are cheap tatami... Well, I'll move him to the futon for the night. Yamato: Come on now, sleep on the futon. I won't have you catching a cold. Jack: My Lieeeege... Yamato: For pity's sake. He's nothing but a child. Yamato: Hmm? Who is it? Rin: Ah, ahh... It's me... Yamato: Rin? I'm coming, just a moment. Yamato: What's wrong? Out of soy sauce again? Rin: Oh, no... I just... um... She squirmed. Yamato: Hmm? Can I help you with something? Rin: I... I knew it was late, and I wasn't sure if maybe you were asleep, and I didn't want to bother you, but your light was still on, so I thought... Rin: I know it's not good to be out this late, and I know you have to sleep soon because we have class tomorrow, but I couldn't sleep, and my sister's already out of it for the night... Rin: S-so I was wondering, if... if you might want to take a walk with me... Yamato: At this time of night? Rin: N-no, I'm sorry! I knew it was a bother! Just please forget I said it! Yamato: No, I haven't been able to sleep, either. I'll happily walk with you. Rin: A-are you sure? Yamato: We are neighbors, after all. Rin: Th-thank you. I'm so glad that I asked... Yamato: It's nothing to thank me for. Let's begin. Rin: O-okay! We took a walk around the neighborhood, with no particular destination in mind. As we walked the deserted riverbed together, I glanced up at the cloudless night sky. Rin: It really is pretty... Rin: A world without the Balbora Empire... It is a world at peace. Yamato: ...That's true. I stopped by Rin's side. We remained there for some time. There was something nervous in her manner as she studied the starry sky. I cast a glance at her and spoke. Yamato: Was there something you wanted to speak to me about? Rin: Ah?! H-how did you know that?! Yamato: As you said, it's not good to be out this late. You're not that kind of girl. Yamato: I'm happy to talk to you, if you like, though I'm not sure I can be more help than your sister would be. Rin: Oh, oh no... I can't talk to anyone else about this. And... I especially can't talk to my sister about it... If it was something she couldn't tell her sister, then I knew what the subject had to be:"Dengeki Stryker." I decided to listen to Rin's story. Rin: But... it's not a really big thing. I just... I'm not sure what I'm going to do with my life. Rin: I don't have a home. I don't have a mission. I don't even know why I'm here. Rin: It's like I've lost everything I was living for. And I've lost the vanguard, the people who always supported me. Rin: It's hard to put it into words, but I don't know... I don't know how I should live. I don't know if that's something you can help me with, but... Yamato: No, I understand what it is you're saying. I've also lost my mission of national defense. Yamato: This world doesn't need Dengeki Stryker. Once I realized that, I lost what I was living for. Rin: Yamato-san... Yamato: But I'm still alive, here and now. Even if I am just a character from a comic book. Yamato: And there are people in this city that I have protected. I'm trying to make a happy life of my own here, to remind myself of why I'm doing that. Rin: I'm so jealous... Yamato-san, you already found something new to live for... Rin: I'm so hopeless... Even though my sister's here now, I still don't really know what to do... Yamato: What are you talking about? Rin: Ah? Yamato: It's not just the Strykers that protected this town. It was you and the vanguard that helped us keep it safe. Yamato: It's alright if you don't know what to do yet. In the meantime, why won't you join me? Rin: W-well... Yamato: Make a happy life here, as I do. Eventually, we may find something else worth living for. Rin: With... Yamato-san... Yamato: You can search with Clie, as well. At the least, it is more productive than simply worrying all day. Rin: ...You might be right. I can't spend all my time just worrying. Rin: Yes! Starting tomorrow, I'm going to have a whole new outlook! Yamato: Good, that's the way. Rin: Thank you so much for everything! When I talk to you, I really feel like I can get through this. Yamato: I'm not sure I'm the best person to be giving advice, but I'm glad to hear it. Rin: Y-you're the perfect person to give advice! There's no one else I could talk to about this... Rin: giggle You really are just like my big brother, Yamato-san. Yamato: A brother... That doesn't seem accurate, to me. Rin: Well, you don't have to think it, I just do. I wouldn't want you for a real brother, anyway. Rin: ...Why don't we head home? We don't want to be late to school tomorrow. Yamato: That's a good idea. I was about to broach the subject myself. Rin: I think I'll be able to sleep now, thanks to you, Yamato-niisan. I hope we can talk like this again some time! Yamato: Of course, any time you wish. Though the battle with Mirror was finished, our daily life continued. As long as things remained that way, we simply had to find a life. So that we didn't lose everything we had fought to protect. Yamato: That is what I am living for... Clie: Accursed Japanese sonic weapons... Clie: Heh... Heh heh... Now I can... zzz... ...... Yamato: Rin! Are you still asleep? Rin: Mmgh... mm... Yamato-san... Yamato: It's Saturday. Did you forget we have class from morning until noon? Rin: Ah? But... The alarm clock didn't... ...... Rin: AAAAAAAAAAAAH!! Rin: O-Onee-chan! Wake up, wake up! We're late, we're late, we're so late!! Clie: What's wrong... Don't you know what time it is... Rin: You're gonna be late for your job, Onee-chan! You have to wake up, come on! Rin shook her. Clie: Mm, mmgh... Rin: We don't have time to eat breakfast! I have to go, so please just grab some bread and go! Yamato: ...I hear a ruckus. Is everything alright? Rin: Y-yes! I'm coming, just a minute!! Rin: I'm so sorry I'm late! Yamato: We're a bit pressed for time. We should hurry. Rin: Ah, did... Did you wait for me? Yamato: My alarm clock didn't go off, that's all. Rin: giggle Just like mine... Yamato: As neighbors, maybe we have something in common. Now let's run so that we aren't late. Rin: Sure! It had only been a few days since Rin's sister, Clie, had arrived. Things were lively in the apartment next door again, and Rin seemed to be gradually regaining her old spirit. Things weren't exactly like before, but they were at least moving in that direction. I hoped they could find a peaceful life here. I prayed for it.
Sayaka: Rin, your sister's coming by the cafe? Rin: Yes... She said she wanted to see me at work. If it's not too much trouble, she was thinking of coming today... Sayaka: You don't have to check with me. I'd like to express my appreciation to the sister of my best employee. Rin: Oh, thank you. But I'm sure I'm not your best... Sayaka: What are you talking about? We've got all kinds of new customers thanks to you. Sayaka: You've been handing out those homemade flyers, greeting potential customers on the street... Your advertising has made a huge difference. Rin: Oh no... I'm just trying to work hard so I'm not too much trouble... Haruna: Hey, can I come too? I'd really like to meet Rin-chan's big sister. Sayaka: Cafe Ichimonji is always happy to serve. I guess you're coming too, Yuuki? Yamato: Hm? I hadn't planned on it. Sayaka: Just come, then. I'll even let you drink Rin's coffee again if you want. Yamato: ...I don't know why I need your permission. Rin: W-well, it's not fit to serve just yet... right now you have to order it special. Haruna: Oh, Rin-chan, you're really working hard. Sayaka: She'll be graduating pretty soon. So just come along, alright, Yuuki? Yamato: Roger that. I have no other plans, so I think I will. Sayaka: ...He really has gotten pretty good at interactions. It used to be classified this, classified that... Haruna: H-he's just gotten more social. I think he's even more tense than before. Sayaka: Really? He seems pretty relaxed from time to time, to me... Sayaka: Well, anyway. I'll be waiting in the restaurant, so come by soon, okay? After class, I stopped briefly by my apartment, before heading out again. I ran into Haruna on the way there, and we made our way to the cafe. Haruna: Rin-chan's big sister... I wonder what kind of person she is... You... met her before, didn't you, Yamato-kun? Yamato: They're true opposites in personality. Rin seems to think that she and I have a lot in common. Haruna: Yamato-kun and... She's from Balbora, isn't she? Yamato: ...Yes. Haruna: Oh... I see. She seemed to feel the same anxiety that I did. Haruna's expression clouded over for a moment. Then, she shook her head as if to clear it, and smiled. Haruna: It really is nice, though. Rin-chan's been all alone for so long. Lately, she seems so cheerful, I just know it's because of her sis-- Yamato: Don't worry, Haruna. Haruna: Ah? Yamato: No matter what happens, I will protect this city. I protected it once before, and it's important to me. Yamato: I will protect you too, Haruna... I don't want you to feel so helpless, ever again. Haruna: Y-Yamato-kun... Yamato: After all, you are my dear friend. Haruna: ...... Yamato: What's wrong? You seem upset about something. Haruna: Nnnnnngh... Yamato: W-what is it? Have I said something amiss? Haruna: ...Just forget it. You're so thick-headed, there's no point in explaining. Haruna: Stupid jerk... He just doesn't understand how I feel. And lately, he's been getting so close to Rin-chan... Yamato: Hmm? What was that? Haruna: I didn't say aaanything. Anyway, let's go in, or people will think we're weird. Yamato: Hmm. I just don't understand her... ???: Why would you serve this sewage water to a customer? Haruna: W-what's going on? Did she get some kind of weird customer? Yamato: N-no, that sounds like... Sayaka: H-hey, wait a minute! We don't serve sewage, here! Clie: Then what is this I'm drinking?! If you think people would consume this, even for free, you're entirely mistaken! Sayaka: B-but... This is a drink. It's called coffee... Clie: I have never heard of it. You'll find that you can't fool me so easily, proprietress. Sayaka: Y-you don't even know what coffee is? Where the heck did you come from, anyway? Clie: I came here to express gratitude to my sister's benefactor, but I never imagined she would find employment at a restaurant that serves raw sewage... Ugh! Clie: Ah, mother and father back in my homeland... I have allowed my dear sister to go astray. Clie: Rin. You are forbidden to work here any further! I shall cover our expenses with my own income! Rin: O-Onee-chan, calm down! It really is a drink! They even make it with really expensive beans! Sayaka: Th-that's right! If you would just take a sip of it, you'd see. Rin: And we have a lot of regulars here! They all think Sayaka-san's coffee is delicious! Clie: How... How could this be? Do there really exist such deviants who would come here to drink raw sewage? Sayaka: D-deviants? Clie: That's what I said. Deviants. Sayaka: Ngh. C-calm down, Sayaka... This girl is Rin's big sister. Be tactful... Rin: S-sorry sorry sorry sorry! Onee-chan's just not used to this kind of thing! Sayaka: D-don't worry about it. I'm perfectly calm. Yuuki's built up my resistance to this sort of thing, after all. Clie: If this were my homeland, I would put a stop to this at once, but you are Rin's classmate. While it pains me to think of her in this deviant establishment, I will overlook it just this time. Clie: However... I cannot permit the serving of sewage to innocent civilians. Even for an enemy nation, that is going too far. Sayaka: Ngh... hnnngh... Clie: Rin, let us go. I can remain here no longer. Rin: Onee-chan! Wait! Wait a minute! Clie: What is it? You can't wish to remain here. Rin: Please, just try one cup! You'll see how good it is! Clie: You wish me to drink this sewage water? Rin: It's coffee! It's not sewage water! Please, try just one sip! Clie: ............Very well. Clie: It's bitter. Sayaka: Heh... heh heh... heh heh heh... Rin: S-Sayaka-san, please calm down! I'll try to tell Onee-chan to be good! Clie: Truly this is a peculiar institution. To attach such a high price to sewage water... Clie: I'm glad that I realized this early. I would not wish to let Rin remain here in this nest of deviants. Rin: ...Ah. Sayaka: ...Get... Sayaka: GET THE HELL OUT RIGHT NOW!! ...... Rin: Here's... your refill of coffee. Yamato: Ah, thank you. Yamato & Clie: It's bitter. Yamato: ...Hmm? Clie: Ah, you agree with me? Yamato: That is the way of the stewed java. I've long since given up on it. Clie: What was the creator of this sewage water thinking? It's not suitable for human consumption. Yamato: Everyone has different tastes. There are even those who enjoy this peculiar flavor. Clie: Hmm. Truly the drink of deviants, then. If it weren't for the free refills, I wouldn't order it, either. Yamato: We are in agreement there. Clie: It appears we have quite a lot in common. Perhaps we should further our interactions, as we live in such close proximity. Rin: Aha, ahahaha... Haruna: S-Sayaka-chan, are you okay? Should I refill your water? Sayaka: D-don't worry about me. That sound you hear is just my blood boiling. Sayaka: I never knew there could be another person so similar to Yuuki in the world. It's just like the first time he came here... Rin: I really am really really sorry. My sister's saying so many awful things. Sayaka: I-it's okay... It's my job to try to please people like that, anyway. One day, I'll make a convert out of Yuuki, too... Haruna: You know, Sayaka-chan, it would be easy if you weren't so obsessed with serving it black... Rin: sigh... After everything you've done for me... Are you sure it's okay for me to keep working here? Sayaka: Oh! Hang on a minute. That has nothing to do with this. Sayaka: It's true that your sister gave me a shock, but we really do value your help here. You're an indispensable part of Cafe Ichimonji, you know? Rin: Sayaka-san... Sayaka: Let's forget everything and start over, okay? Fighting doesn't solve anything. Rin: O-okay! Onee-chan, come over here! Clie: Understood. Clie: Proprietress. I apologize for my rudeness. I simply had never experienced anything like that sewage water before. Sayaka: D-don't worry about it. I've actually dealt with people like you before. Yamato: Those sound like very rude people. Sayaka: It was you. You... Clie: At least, the working environment appears pleasant. You have my gratitude for taking on a foreigner like Rin. Sayaka: Oh no, we're friends, after all. We were a bit understaffed anyway, so she's been a big help. Haruna: She's getting along in class really well, too. She has tons of friends aside from us! Clie: I am glad to see that she is blessed with such friends. It seems my sister has made a fine life for herself. Clie: I hope you will continue your close association. She is quite co-dependent. Rin: O-Onee-chan... Don't say that... Clie: It is the truth. Ever since you were a child, you clung to my sleeve so I wouldn't leave you behind. On stormy nights, you even climbed into my bed, and... Rin: B-but you don't have to say it! Don't bring that stuff up here! Clie: I do not see why it must be hidden. Sayaka: giggle I guess she is a good person, after all. Haruna: I think so, too. Hajime: It sounded a little busy in here. I see we have a new customer. Sayaka: D-Dad... You're not staying out late, today? Hajime: I found what I was looking for a bit earlier than expected, so I thought I'd come back early. Haruna: Did you buy something? I see a big bag behind you... Hajime: Oh yes, it was a real lucky find. I thought it would make a good decoration for the shop. Sayaka: ...Dad, we don't have money to waste, here. Don't buy things we're not sure we're gonna sell. Hajime: Ah, ahaha... You really are strict... With that, the proprietor set the new item on the corner of the counter. I turned to look at it, but Ichimonji clapped her hands to get my attention. Sayaka: Well, I say this is a day worth commemorating. Clie-san, would you like to try my best dish? Clie: I'm afraid I don't have the money to pay... Sayaka: I'll give it to you at the employee rate. Don't worry, Rin covered the cost. Clie: ...Really? Rin: You've done so much for me, after all. It really is delicious, so I hope you'll enjoy it. Sayaka: Besides, I really don't want you to think this is a place for deviants. I want you to enjoy the best we have to offer. Clie: It is my duty to care for my sister... but if you've already paid, I have no choice but to accept. Clie: I will enjoy it, along with Rin's kindness. I rather anticipate it, now. Rin: Okay! And I'll pour you a refill of coffee, too, so-- Clie: No, I will pass on the sewage water. Sayaka: Nngh... Someday... Someday, I'm going to make you like it...
Clie: It was truly a splendid day. After finishing her meal at the cafe, Clie watched Rin at work for a while longer. Once her shift was over, the three of us chose to walk home together. Clie: I never knew that Japan had such delicious food... I must reevaluate my initial impression. Or perhaps it is merely the craftsmanship of that restaurant. Yamato: Their napolitan is truly excellent. I always order it any time I have the money on hand. Clie: I agree. And they have an information terminal, as well. It seems a convenient place to acquire intelligence. Clie: I shall make time in the near future to come and stay abreast of your nation's current events. That seems the most efficient use of my time. Rin: O-Onee-chan! Just don't come by without ordering anything, okay? Clie: Their sewage water is inexpensive. As long as I order that, I may remain there without unnecessary expenditure. Clie: If only the taste were better... Ah, but one gets what one pays for. Yamato: Indeed. And the refills are free, as well. Clie: Yes. It seems we truly do have a great deal in common. Rin: Ah, ahaha... This is going to be hard on Sayaka-san... Rin: But Onee-chan... There's something I've been wondering about... Clie: Hmm? What is it? Rin: sniff... sniffsniff... You smell kind of funny. Rin: Onee-chan, have you taken a bath since you got here? You said you were okay, so I haven't been asking, but... Clie: Do not worry. I have been washing myself in the river nearby. Rin: Huh?! You've been bathing in the river?! Clie: Exactly. Japan is a land rich in clean water. I can clean myself anytime I wish. Clie: In the last country in which I fought, the water was so foul that I could only bathe once a week. This is a world away from that. Rin: B-b-but you can't do that! What if someone saw you?! You're a woman, Onee-chan! Clie: I wash before sunrise, after confirming the absence of prying eyes. Rin: Th-that's not the problem! There are cameras and telescopes and all kinds of awful things they can use against you! Clie: Do not worry. I am sensitive to being watched. Rin: But that's not the problem! You're a girl, so you need to have some shame and some modesty! Clie: But, on the battlefield-- Rin: You're not on the battlefield! Clie: Hmm. Rin: Girls here have to keep their bodies clean. I always take a bath every day, despite the expense. Clie: But there is no bathtub in our room. Where do you clean yourself? Yamato: The com-bath. Clie: ...W-what? Yamato: There's a com-bath nearby. Rin and I always use that. Clie: Rin... Is this true?! You go into combat with this man?! Rin: O-only when we're both free at the same time... We go together because it's dangerous at night. My friends at the cafe come sometimes, too. Clie: I... I cannot believe my ears. To have made such allies in this country already... and they've agreed to go into combat with you! Clie: To take such initiative without my watchful eye... Then to cover for me during my period of transition, and to go into combat yourself... Clie: Ngh... I could not be prouder of you as a sister! To think that you have grown so much! Rin: O-Onee-chan... It's just... It's just about bathing, you know? Clie: Say no more, Rin! I understand everything now! Clie: You spend your days bathing in the blood of the enemies that come at you... How could I have been so blind to your pain, all this time... Smack! Clie: Yamato! Allow me to offer you my gratitude once more. I know that it is your aid that has allowed my sister to survive this long! Yamato: Ah, well... Clie: I see that those who stand by you do not merely seek personal gain. Rather, they risk the slanderous title of 'traitor' to give you their aid! Clie: I swear, from this moment forward, I will guarantee your safety! On the honor of this arm of steel! Yamato: Well, I'm not... Clie: Say nothing more! My heart swells with gratitude! Yamato: R-right... Rin: O-Onee-chan, you seem to have gotten the wrong idea about this... Clie: Rin! Rin: Wh-what is it? Clie: There is no more need to worry. I will now accompany you into combat. Rin: W-wait a minute. I really do think there's some big misunderstanding, here... Clie: The country appears peaceful on the surface, yet it is already consumed by the fires of war. To think that you and your allies have already begun fighting here... Clie: Perhaps I've been overprotective all this time... To think of how you've grown... It brings tears to my eyes. Rin: Y-you're not listening to me at all... Clie: Now, let us make haste! I will show you, Japan, the true might of Clie of Balbora! Clie: ............What is this place? Rin: It's the com-bath. Clie: ............I do not see anyone fighting here. Yamato: The com-bath. Community bathhouse. It's a place where people go to bathe. Yamato: It's for people who don't have bathtubs of their own. Clie: ............Hmm. Rin: I was afraid there might be a misunderstanding about that... Rin: We weren't talking about COMBAT! Clie: Nngh... Rin: I knew it... Clie: I... I thought that something seemed amiss. I now see what you mean... Rin: I'm a spy, you know? I don't fight the way you do. Clie: But, you said you had allies... No, it was I who jumped to that hasty conclusion. Yamato: Now that you understand, would you like to join us? Rin: Um, isn't Jack-san coming today? Yamato: I wanted to bring him along, but he ran from me. He seems to dislike bathing with others. Rin: Th-that must be hard on you, Yamato-san. Yamato: I'm about to give up on it altogether. As long as he keeps clean somehow, I don't really mind. Rin: Well, I think we should go in, then. It's rude to loiter in front of a place of business. Yamato: Yes, we should enter, then. Yamato: There doesn't seem to be anyone here. This should be very relaxing. Yamato: It does tend to be empty at this time of day. It's nice to get a private bath at the community price. Yamato: Though I wish Jack would have come with me. It's difficult to understand what his objection is. Yamato: First, I need to shower off. I must not contaminate the communal bathwater. Rin: Y-Yamato-san! Yamato: Hmm? What is it? Rin: Um, umm, I forgot my soap again... Can I borrow yours? Yamato: Yes, I don't mind. I'll throw it the way I usually do, is that alright? Rin: I-it's just fine! I'll catch it, I'm sure! Yamato: Understood! I'm throwing it now! Clie: What are you doing? It would be easier to fetch it directly. Rin: Huh? Directly? Clie: I'll assist you. The wall isn't that high - I can vault it easily enough. Splash! Clie: Grab onto me tightly. I don't wish to see you injured. Rin: Huh?! Wait, wait a minute! That's the men's-- Yamato: What?! Rin: cough cough... Where... Where am I? Clie: Hmm... We appear to have made a safe landing. Yamato: W-what are you... Rin: Huh? That... sounds like... Rin: AAAAAAH!! Rin: AAAH! AAAH! YAMATO-SAN! YAMATO-SAN! YAMATO-SAN!! Yamato: Hey! Wait! Stop throwing tubs at me! Rin: D-don't look at me! Just don't look at me! Clie: As I would expect of Yamato. His reflexes are magnificent. Yamato: C-Clie! Stop watching and help me! Clie: Hmm... As you wish. Clie: Rin, you're making a mess. Bathing time is a time for calm. Rin: Th-that isn't the problem! Why did you jump us into the boy's bath?! Clie: It's impolite to borrow something without looking the other person in the eye. This way, you can take it from him directly. Rin: B-but that doesn't mean we needed to come to the men's bath! What would we do if someone else was here?! Clie: I listened in advance. It was clear there was no one here but Yamato. Yamato: I don't think that makes it okay... Rin: Hey! D-don't look at me again! I'm never gonna get married now! Yamato: S-stop that! Let's just talk this out calmly! Rin: We're going! We're going right now, so just turn away! Yamato: J-just stop throwing the tubs at me! Slip! Yamato: ...Ah! Rin: Y-Yamato-san! Speak to me! I'm sure he's not that badly hurt... Yamato: Regret... Rin: Oh no! Open your eyes, please! I won't throw anything else! Clie: To slip on the soap... An unfortunate lapse of caution. Yamato: A-CHOO! Rin: Y-Yamato-san... Are you okay? Yamato: D-don't worry... It was only a sneeze. Clie: We may have been responsible. You were forced to leave the bath before you warmed up properly. Yamato: I just slipped. It's nothing for you to-- a-CHOO! Clie: You appear to be catching a cold. Rin: I'm sorry I'm sorry! I'm sorry I keep causing so much trouble for you! Rin: Um, umm, I wish I had a coat to give you... but I don't have anything to take off... Yamato: I have a hardy disposition. It would take more than this to bring me down. Rin: B-but it's our fault, so... I wish... I wish I could warm you up, somehow... Rin: ..ah. Rin: That's it... Umm... Please excuse me! Rin nodded, as if making a decision, then grabbed my hand tight. Yamato: R-Rin... Rin: At least this way your hand will be warmer... I feel like I owe you, so I'll do my best to keep you warm until we get back to the apartment. Clie: Hmm, a fine idea. Squeeze. Clie: Then I will also make it up to you by warming your hand. To allow a man to whom I owe such a debt to fall sick would tarnish the medals on my chest. Yamato: ...You really don't need to do that. Rin: But I can't bear to just stand by and do nothing... If it doesn't bother you, we can just walk like this the whole way. Yamato: ...As you wish. Rin: Thank goodness... Eheh, it's like we're a family walking home together. Rin: Yamato-niisan and Clie-oneechan. Walking home with you this way makes me so happy. Clie: So, I've gained a little brother, then. Perhaps I could train Yamato to follow in my footsteps. Clie: I'm sure you could become a fine warrior like me. With a fine man like you guarding my back, I would have no cause for complaint. Rin: Ahahaha... Onee-chan, it sounds like you're going to turn Spartan on him... Clie: Indeed I shall. He's my beloved little brother. Yamato: ...... Rin: Sorry, is the conversation bothering you? Or do you not like holding hands like this? Yamato: No, I don't have any brothers or sisters of my own. I was thinking, it might be a nice way to live. Rin: ...I'm sure we'll have a lot of fun this way. It's always better to have more family and friends... Ah. Rin: I almost forgot to ask you something important... Yamato-san, do you have plans for tomorrow? Yamato: Hmm? What is it? Rin: I won't say it's a thanks for everything you've done for me, but I wanted to make you breakfast. It won't be a very nice one, but I was hoping... Yamato: Breakfast? Rin: Is that... inconvenient for you? Yamato: I'm sorry, but I do have plans for tomorrow morning. I expect to be out all day. Rin: I... I see. I guess we'll have to pass this time, then. Yamato: I'm sorry. I hope you'll invite me again some other time. Rin: O-okay! I'll invite you next time I get something really good to eat! Rin: Today was a little hectic, but it was also a lot of fun. I hope we can have more days like this. Yamato: As do I. I'll also hope for a nice quiet bath, some time.
Rin: Onee-chan. I'll be coming home late tonight. Clie: Hmm? You're going to that cafe again? Rin: No... It's something else, today. I'll wrap your food up for you, so you can eat like normal. Clie: Will you be alright without me? It's a dangerous world out there. Rin: I can only go there by myself... I've gone there a bunch of times before, though, so don't worry. Clie: As you wish... Take care. Rin: Right. Onee-chan... See you later, okay? The Balboran vanguard were characters from a comic book. All of them, except for me and Captain Murray, had disappeared - literally - during that last battle. The only proof that they ever existed were in the city, and my memories of them. Someone had to honor them. Rin: Hello, everyone. I'm sorry I'm late. There was a small memorial set up for the Balboran vanguard. Captain Murray and I had set it up in a corner of a graveyard before we went our separate ways. Rin: I bought you some manjuu today. I couldn't decide between flowers or wine, so... Rin: Ah. Next time I'll bring raspberry pie just like the kind Lieutenant Hilko likes. I found a shop in town that makes them really cheap and good... Only Captain Murray and I knew about this place. That's why I had to look after it. Rin: I'm sorry - I've been busy with work lately, so I'm going to stay all day today. I'll get everything all tidy so that you can rest easily. I sat down to take a break, a plastic bottle full of water next to me. I wanted to clear away all the weeds that had grown around it. Rin: Ah, it's here again today... There was a single flower in front of the grave. Every time I had come, I found a new, fresh flower there. Someone must be putting one there every day. Rin: Was it... Captain Murray? There's no one else who knows about this... Rin: Ah... Someone's coming... It didn't sound like Captain Murray. I ran off in the opposite direction and hid, so I could see who it was. Rin: Who could it be? I never told anyone about this... Rin: ...Ah. Yamato: ...... Rin: Y-Yamato-san... It was Yamato-san who appeared at the grave. He exchanged the flower for a new one, and stood for a moment in silence. Rin: It's Yamato-san who's been leaving those flowers... So he comes here every day... Yamato-san didn't say anything. Instead, he closed his eyes in silent prayer. Was he talking to the members of the vanguard? Saying something to them? His brow was furrowed like he was troubled, but he never spoke anything aloud. Yamato: ...I'll come again. Quite a bit of time had passed. After whispering his promise to return, Yamato-san began to walk away. I waited until he was out of sight, then returned to the grave myself. Rin: ...... No matter how often I saw him, he always kept that burden hidden so well. The man who had always encouraged me and supported me, even when it was awkward for him. It was the first time I had ever seen the feelings he kept hidden deep down. Rin: Yamato-san is just like me... He still hasn't forgiven himself for killing Colonel Mirror... I wasn't the only one who felt the weight of Colonel Mirror's death, and the deaths of the vanguard. Yamato-san was suffering under the weight of what he'd done, just like me. Rin: ......ah. I felt a tightening in my chest. Something I'd never realized before was taking form in front of me. Rin: What... What is this... feeling... I didn't know the name of the feeling that was boring itself into my heart. I stood there for a while, remembering how pained he looked as he walked away. Once I finished what I'd gone there to do, I began walking the road back home. I was just arriving back at the apartment complex when I heard a familiar voice in front of it. Clie: Ah, what magnificent craftsmanship. Clie: You've completely restored the tear in my sleeve. And there's no trace of repair whatsoever. Woman: Just a trick I picked up, long ago. I worked as a seamstress in my younger days. Clie: I see. Your being a professional would explain your prodigious skill. Clie: This clothing was a gift from my sister, so it is important to me. I would be at quite a loss if you hadn't repaired it. Woman: I just happen to have the right tools on hand. I'm simply glad to be of help to my foreign neighbor. Clie: No, I must show my gratitude somehow. Is there nothing that I can do for you? Woman: Your happiness is my best reward. It must be hard for you, coming to a country that's so unfamiliar. Clie: But... Woman: If you must do something, then please, just come to love Japan. Clie: ...As you wish. Woman: Well, then. I'll be going, now. I hope we'll meet again. Clie: This country is a warm and welcoming place... Yamato: You were speaking to the neighbor woman? Clie: ...Yamato? You have already returned? Yamato: I finished my business. What were you doing, Clie? Clie: As you can see, I was asking the friendly woman next door to repair my clothing. Yamato: I see. There are many kind people in this neighborhood. If you ever need any help, you can feel free to ask. Clie: Their number includes you, of course. This nation seems lacking in battle readiness, yet its people are warm. Clie: It's nothing like what I was told... How could the motherland have been so misinformed? Yamato: Clie... Clie: Forgive me... I'm speaking to myself. Could you pretend you didn't hear that? Yamato: ...Roger that. Clie: Rin and I owe our lives to the kindness of the local citizenry. I am truly grateful to them. Rin: Ah, Yamato-san... Rin: You're home already? I thought you wouldn't be home until tonight. Yamato: I finished what I needed to do. Rin: Ah, ahh... Where did you go? Yamato: ...I just took a walk. I discovered a new route I'm quite fond of. Rin: I... I see... Clie: You were out late, Rin. I thought you would be home earlier than this. Rin: S-sorry. It took a little longer than I thought it would. Clie: I am glad that you are safe. I wish that I had gone with you, though. Rin: N-next time, maybe. I would like you to come with me, sometime. Clie: Understood. In the meantime, I will be patient. Haruna: Ah, I thought I heard someone! It's you guys! Haruna: My, my! What a coincidence! Meeting you guys here - it must be fate! Sayaka: Haruna, dial it down a notch. Haruna: Ah, ah. Rin: H-Haruna-san, Sayaka-san... Do you need something today? Haruna: Ah, well... We weren't sure if you wanted it or not, but... Haruna: I thought maybe you'd like to eat with us. Rin: Wow! So much meat and vegetables... Yamato: Th-this is... You assembled it yourselves? Sayaka: It was Haruna's idea, and we've been getting it ready for a while. We wanted to celebrate Clie-san's arrival together. Sayaka: Oh, and don't worry about the cost. They were irregularly shaped, so the supplier let us have them for cheap. Rin: B-but there's so much... We just can't accept it... Haruna: Oh no. We did it so we could all enjoy them together. I was also thinking it would be nice to give you a really nutritious meal. Haruna: The best thing you can do is make people smile, right? Let's all eat a delicious meal and get our energy up. Sayaka: Besides, I can't exactly return it now. I'll make something that'll keep for a few days, so if you have any extra, you can eat it tomorrow. Rin: Haruna-san... Sayaka-san... Yamato: You never told me... Sayaka: It's not like you could split the cost anyway. Letting you in on it would have made things more awkward. Yamato: I can't deny that. Sayaka: Anyway, let's have a mini-party. You'll join us, right, Clie-san? Clie: ...... Sayaka: C-Clie-san? As long as you aren't busy, I mean... Clie: This country... truly is welcoming. Rin: Onee... chan? Clie: Of course I'll join you. Your cooking is without peer, Sayaka. Sayaka: Don't you worry! I'll put everything I have into this! Haruna: I'll help out, too. I want to make at least one thing for Yamato-kun to eat. Jack: I, too, shall join you in your meal! Yamato: Woah! Where did you come from? Jack: Jack could ne'er remain hidden at the mention of fine foods! Yamato: You never change... Sayaka: Well, then, let's get cooking! You can help out, too, Rin. Rin: Okay! I'll do absolutely everything I can! Yamato: We'll return to our room, then. Rin: Okay! Today was so much fun. Jack: 'tis a formidable meal that can sate even mine own stomach! I await another such invitation. Yamato: You made a pig of yourself already. Rin, I'll see you tomorrow. Rin: It's all over... It makes me a little sad... Rin: Onee-chan... I'm going to wash the dishes. Could you help out? Clie: ...... Rin: What's wrong? You were spaced out all through dinner... Did you catch a cold? Clie: This country... Is this the Japan I know? Rin: Ah? Clie: In the Empire, we were taught that Japan was an empire of evil. Governed by tyrants, the common people are enslaved to suit the whims of politicians... Clie: We were taught... that the Balbora Empire was the image of righteousness. Rin: Onee-chan... Clie: But... the Japan that I've experienced is a wholly different beast. The populace is happy in their daily lives. They show kindness even to members of enemy nations. Clie: Rin... Is Japan truly an evil empire, worthy of invasion? I feel, at this moment... that I have no answer to that question. Rin: ...I think that's a good thing. Rin: You can take your time and figure it out. I think that's the best way for you. If you learned everything all at once, it would just be overwhelming, like it was for me... Clie: Everything? Is there something else that you know? Rin: There is. There's a lot I know that you don't... Rin: But there's no need to rush it. Time passes slowly in this country, after all... Clie: ...You've surpassed me once again. Rin: Ah? W-what do you mean? Clie: Ever since I came here, I have noticed that there are times when you seemed terribly mature... I don't know why, but when it happens, I feel as if you've gone beyond me. Rin: R-really? I don't think I've changed very much, but... Clie: I feel it when you talk about this nation and the vanguard... and about Yamato. Rin: Ah?! E-even when I talk about Yamato-san? Clie: You haven't realized? You were watching him all during dinner. Rin: I-I was just checking if he needed refills. It didn't mean anything serious... Clie: Serious? What do you mean? Rin: J-just that Yamato-san has been a whole lot of help to me, and he's given me a lot of advice, and I think of him as a big brother sometimes... Rin: What I mean by 'serious' is like liking him like a girl for a boy. But it's just that he's helped me a lot, and I saw a new side of him today, so... Clie: Hmm? You're skirting the issue. Rin: W-what I mean is, it's nothing! Just don't worry about it! Clie: ...If you insist. Clie: What a beautiful sky... I suppose it's the same sky that we see in the Empire... Rin: ...Yeah. It is.
Yamato: Clie's working again, today? Rin: Yes. Apparently she's getting the hang of the costume. I hear she's getting really popular in the shopping district. Yamato: I'm pleased to see that she's integrating well. Rin: She said she was handing out pamphlets today. The costume is out for cleaning, so she gets to look like herself. Rin: I was going to stop by the shopping district. Would you like to come with me? If you don't have plans, or anything... Yamato: If you'll have me, I'd be happy to accompany you. Rin: Thank goodness. Well then, let's go and see what Onee-chan is d--? Woman: AAAAAH! Yamato: Ah! What's that voice?! Clie: Handing out pamphlets is less efficient without the battle uniform. I was carrying out the proprietor's orders as usual. I was exchanging a light greeting with an acquaintance, when a scream broke through the peaceful atmosphere. Woman: AAAAAH! A car was rushing out of control down the pedestrian street. It was afternoon, so there were fewer people there, yet it still represented a clear danger. Clie: Hmm! That's... A young boy of elementary school age stood in the car's path. He was kicking a stone at his feet. He hadn't noticed the impending danger. Clie: Hng! Can I make it in time?! There was no time to think! If I couldn't stop the car, that boy would be dead! Clie: But I'm too far away! Driver: What's goin' on here?! The brakes ain't workin'! Boy: ......Ah? Driver: Shit! No way! I can't stop! Clie: No? I shall make it in time! A shadow ripped through the air between the runaway car and the boy. I leapt off the ground with both feet, focusing my power in my artificial arm. Clie: Fasten your seatbelt! I don't want you getting whiplash! Clie: HAHHHHH!! My metal fist tore through the air. The shockwave broke through the ground at my feet as the runaway car was sent flying off in the opposite direction. It flew through the air, heading for an unoccupied area nearby-- Clie: Oh no! From around the corner came a man on a bicycle. He was right in the path of the descending car. At that distance and in my current situation... Even with my speed, there was no way I could reach him! Clie: No, I have to to-- Stryker Zero: Stryker System, set! Shusui! I was just charging forward when I saw the glint of a shining blade. The runaway car fell cleanly into two neat parts, which crashed into unoccupied sides of the street. Stryker Zero: It seems that I made it in time... Clie: That... That's... The dust cleared, revealing an image from the picture enclosed in my report. A sword of lightning in his hand, his long scarf fluttering in the wind... Clie: You must be... Stryker Zero: ...... Clie: I know you... You're one of Japan's Strykers! You're Stryker Zero, aren't you?! Stryker Zero: ...I am. Clie: I've been searching for you... for so long! My hated enemy... The Balboran vanguard's murderer! Clie: With this sword, I shall avenge my fallen comrades! If you call yourself a warrior, then face me in a duel! Stryker did not respond to my challenge. He quenched his lightning sword and stood there, watching me. Clie: Ready yourself! Do you intend to mock me?! Stryker Zero: ...... Clie: No answer, then? In that case, I'll open your mouth with my sword! It was a one-in-a-million encounter. Refusing to let my good fortune slip away, I charged toward him, eager to take first blood-- Boy: WAAAAAH!! But before I could, I found the boy I had saved, clinging to my leg. The terror from the runaway car incident was finally setting in. Bawling wildly, he refused to let me go. Clie: L... Let me go! I must do battle with that man! Boy: I... I'm scared! I'm scared of the car! Clie: I told you to let me go! Didn't you hear what I just said?! Boy: Wah! Waaaaaaaah!! Clie: Ngh... The enemy is right in front of me, and yet I can do nothing!? My actions only seemed to frighten the child further. He clung to me even tighter than before. Clie: But I can't give up here! It is my mission to eliminate the Japanese Strykers! Clie: W-w-what... Stryker Zero: Nngh... Clie was struggling to brush the child off so that she could challenge me to battle. Her metal arm grabbed the child by the neck and ripped him off, then continued to hold him in midair. Boy: O... Onee... cha... n... The boy began struggling, unable to breathe. There would be no turning back after something like that! Stryker Zero: Stop this! I didn't think you were that kind of person! Clie: I... I'm not! My arm... I can't control my arm! Stryker Zero: W-what?! Clie: What's wrong with it... What's wrong with my arm?! She tried to force it off using her right arm, but her left was far stronger, and wouldn't budge. Clie was bewildered and trembling, but she was clearly doing all she could to save the child. Stryker Zero: What should I do?! If I use the Stryker Units, I might injure the child, as well... Stryker Zero: But... I'll have to take that chance! Clie: You! What are you going to do?! Stryker Zero: I'm going to sever your arm with Shusui! Remain still, if you wish to escape harm! Clie: W-what?! You think I'm going to trust you?! Stryker Zero: We have no time to argue! If you want me to save the child, then just remain still! Clie: ...ngh! How could I be forced into trusting my life to an enemy bionic human?! I had to be precise! I swung Shusui, aiming for the base of the artificial arm. I would save the child in a single stroke! Stryker Zero: Shusui! HAAAAAAHHH! Stryker Zero: W-what?! Rather than severing the arm, it merely caused it to crackle with tens of thousands of volts. As the electricity flowed into the child, I desperately tried to think of a solution. Stryker Zero: At this rate, it's going to kill him... but Shusui's currents are too strong for a child... Stryker Zero: What can I do?! Must I leave the child to fate?! Jack: My Liege! Allow me to handle this! Jack: ...Hah! Clie: Ah?! A blowpipe dart flew at Clie from behind. She was so focused on her malfunctioning arm that she couldn't even try to dodge. The dart hit her in the neck. Clie: A-attacking from behind... A coward's... move... Clie wavered on her feet for a moment, then fell. As soon as she lost consciousness, her left hand relaxed and released the child. Jack: My Liege! Is the child safe? Stryker Zero: ...Don't worry. He only seems to be unconscious. Jack: A truly close shave, it was. Grateful I am to have been of use. Jack: I have seen as well to the driver's safety. He is injured, but nothing severe. Stryker Zero: I see... What did you put in that blowpipe dart? Jack: An anesthetic to knock out an elephant in a second, times ten. Stryker Zero: Is... Is that safe? Jack: A cyborg can more than resist it. As you see, Clie-dono did not even fall to sleep instantly. Stryker Zero: ...That is true. Thank you for your help, Jack. Jack: It is no more than my duty to My Liege! Rin: O-Onee-chan?! Rin: Y-Yama... I mean, Zero-san! What happened to my sister?! Stryker Zero: Ah. About that... Jack: My Liege, the people will come soon. Let us leave the explanations for later, and move for now. Stryker Zero: That may be for the best. Rin, I'm sorry, could you...? Rin: She's working in the shopping district, right? I'll tell the owner what happened. Stryker Zero: Thank you. I'll return Clie to your apartment. It had been too soon since the incident. People would remember me. I wanted to disappear before it could turn into a panic, so I picked up Clie and carried her away. Jack: Relax for now, we may. Yamato: Yes. I was worried for a minute, there... The device was not only strong enough to withstand Shusui, but was insulated to function even under an electrical charge. It was clear that this was no ordinary prosthetic. A theory was forming in my mind. Yamato: I'll have to try it... Jack: W-what do you intend to do? Yamato: There's something I'm wondering. I hope I'm wrong, but... Even so, I had to check. I used the connection point to examine its internal mechanism. It confirmed my hunch. Yamato: It... It can't be... Jack: H-have you realized something? Yamato: This arm... It's made with the same technology as the Stryker System! Jack: B-but how can this be?! Why would a bionic human of Balbora have that technology?! Yamato: I don't know what's going on... Were the plans for the Stryker System somehow leaked? No, there was very little chance of that... If the technology had leaked out, they would have used it to make bionic humans just like the Strykers. If that wasn't the case, then the arm must have been unique enough that they couldn't have analyzed the technology... Yamato: If only Ten were here... I simply don't know enough about this... Jack: Ten? An acquaintance of yours, My Liege? Yamato: An old comrade of mine. Ten could solve this mystery for us... Clie: Nngh, hnngh... Jack: Ah, awakened she has. Clie: W-where am I? I... I thought Stryker had me... Yamato: You're awake. Can you move? Clie: I think I'm alright... though I still feel a bit numb... Jack: After anesthetic of such potency... Truly formidable are the cyborgs of Balbora. Clie: But how did I get back to my room? Yamato, what are you doing here? Yamato: Ah. Well, you see... The next thing I knew, Jack was gone. I thought for a few moments on how to explain things, and decided to tell her I'd found her passed out on the ground. Clie: I see... So you were the one who saved me from that man. Yamato: N-no, I... Clie: Even if it was to save a child, to lose consciousness in front of the enemy... I was certain that he would have killed me. Clie: I owe my life to you. Allow me to thank you, somehow. She hadn't realized my connection to Stryker Zero. I still felt uneasy, but at the moment, it seemed better not to press the issue. Yamato: ...It was nothing. I merely carried you back to your room. Clie: Nothing at all? Even after you saved my life... Clie: Your humility resonates within me. Not only have you helped Rin, but you've proven your kindness once more. Yamato: It's merely the truth. Anyone could have done something like that. Clie: If all men of Japan are like you, I may need to reevaluate certain things... Clie: ..Ah! Clie: Yamato! Wasn't there a child beside me? And a driver in that car! Yamato: Don't worry. I checked - they're both fine. Clie: I... I see. That man saved them, then... Clie: I suppose I should get up. If Rin sees me like this, she'll worry... Clie: Ngh, nnghh... Yamato: Don't force yourself! I don't know what happened, exactly, but you appear to be badly injured... Yamato: Your mechanical arm seems to have been damaged, as well. You need to rest a while longer. Clie: Damaged? Clie: Ah... This is nothing severe. My old friend and I have seen many battles together. Clie: Though I would never trade him for a child's life, I am glad he will remain to fight with me. That arm... She was willing to sacrifice it to save the child's life. Yet it seemed it wasn't merely a tool of battle. She stroked it gently, with genuine warmth in her eyes. Yamato: About that arm... Clie: Hmm? What of it? Yamato: Rin said you acquired your prosthetic arm after you were injured in an accident when you were younger. Clie: ...... Yamato: Forgive me, I shouldn't have asked. Forget what I said. Clie: ...I owe my life to you. It's no matter to tell you such a simple story. Clie: But I can't tell you very much... I have almost no memory of events before and after the accident. Yamato: No memory? But Rin said you saw a doctor... Clie: I had to tell her that to set Rin at ease. It is true that someone treated my injury and gave me this artificial arm. Clie: But my memory cuts off in the moment of the accident, and resumes once the arm is in place. It seems I was gone for several months; back home, people thought I was dead. Clie: After many complications, I was able to reunite with my family. I will never forget that. Rin cried for days and refused to leave my side. Clie: I swore in that moment that I would never make her cry again. I then embarked on a rigorous training program to become stronger than anyone. That is why I am who I am today. Yamato: I see... Clie: It is an uninteresting tale. My own bad luck caused pain to my dearest family. Yamato: No, it's a wonderful story. At least, that's what I think. Clie: ...I see. Then I'm glad I told you. Clie: If you would, don't tell Rin about this. She always begins crying when she thinks of that time... Rin: Onee-chan, are you okay?! Rin: I... I heard from someone in the shopping district! They said you fainted in the street! Clie: ...Word travels quickly. I was hoping I could hide it from you. Rin: You aren't hurt, are you?! You're awake and you're okay?! Clie: Please, calm down. I'm still a bit sluggish, but it's nothing serious. Rin: I will not calm down! You collapsed in the street! Clie: Actually, I encountered a Japanese Stry-- Rin: ...Onee-chan? Clie: ...You're right, I give up. I know I can't win when you get like this. Rin: You're my sister - of course I'm worried. You always act so reckless and make us all worry... Clie: Mm... Rin: Thank you too, Yamato-san. I appreciate you looking after her. Rin: You... You weren't hurt, were you? Yamato: No, I'm fine. Rin: I... I'm so glad. If you were hurt, I would never be able to face you again... Clie: ...Ah? What are you two talking about? Rin: A-about you, Onee-chan. The man at the store said you could go early, so just take the day and rest. Clie: But, our income? Rin: ...Onee-chan? Clie: I... I understand. I'll rest for today. Rin: Geez... I thought that once I got back, we could take it easy... Yamato: Now that Rin is here, I'll return to my room. Let me know if I can be of any more use to you. Rin: R-right! Just as long as I'm not bothering you at all. Yamato: An artificial arm, made of the same technology as the Stryker System... Yamato: There's no easy way to solve this mystery... If Ten were here, I could ask him, but as things are, there's nothing I can do... Yamato: Whatever the story is, it won't be a simple one...
Rin: If all the dreams vanished out of the world... If everything I believed went away... Rin: I'd keep fighting and fighting, with all that I had... I'd never give up on... Clie: You seem to be in a good mood, today. Rin: Oh? D-do I? Clie: I may lack in empathy at times, but even I can notice you singing while you cook. Are your Japanese classes so enjoyable? Rin: Oh, well... Yes. They teach us different things than they do in the Empire, so I'm learning a lot. Clie: I heard you did it to blend into the local population, but it seems to be bearing fruit. Gaining the trust of a person like Yamato requires immense personal virtue. Clie: Heh, how nostalgic. I was that age once, myself. Rin: You've always carved your own path, though. You were popular at school, but you always ignored all the boys. Clie: Did I? I remember very little of my youth. Rin: You really forgot? You don't remember that thing you said every day? Rin: 'I will marry no man who is not stronger than me!' Rin: I felt so bad for all the boys who came calling on you. Clie: ...I have no memory of that. Rin: You're just being bashful... I know you'll find a really good man, some day. Clie: I have no interest in that now. But there truly are a lot... Rin: Huh? O-of what? Clie: Lunch boxes. You don't intend to eat all of those, do you? Rin: Oh, umm... Clie: The size seems to suggest it's for two people. Who else are you preparing it for? Rin: Oh, umm! Lately I'm just eating a lot more. All that thinking really builds up an appetite, so I eat enough for two people. Rin: Also, also, we still have some leftovers from what Sayaka-san made for us, so I know we have to eat it all before it goes bad, or else it wouldn't be fair to her, and um... Clie: Um? Rin: I... I thought maybe Yamato-san might like some... Clie: I see. All is explained. Rin: I-it's not what you think! It's just supposed to be a thank you for everything he's done for me, so don't get the wrong idea, okay?! Clie: I don't know what you're referring to exactly, but I'm glad to see you being so polite to our neighbor. Rin: R-right! That's the only reason... Ahaha... Rin: Oh, it's time! I have to finish and get to school! Clie: Don't panic! You'll just ruin it. Rin: I-I know! But I have to finish or I'll be late! Rin: Ah, ahhhh! My tamagoyaki is burning! And I bought the large eggs specially for today! Clie: Goodness. Never a dull moment. Rin: O-okay, I'm going now! Clie: Right. Take care of yourself. Rin: Be careful with the stove, Onee-chan! If you start to feel weak again, make sure to take a break! Clie: She's been flustered all morning. I'm glad she's so energetic, but... Hmm? Clie: This... It can't be... The school day was half over and it was time for lunch. I was just getting ready to eat, when for some reason, I saw Rin approaching timidly. Rin: Y-Yamato-san... Do you mind if I join you for a minute? Yamato: Hmm? Of course not. What is it? Rin: Um, umm... Well... Rin: Ah, mother and father back in my homeland... Please, give me a fragment of your courage... Rin: Um, um! Are you going to eat lunch in the cafeteria today?! Yamato: Ah. Well, actually... Rin: So nervous... Yamato: I brought a lunch today. Rin: Oh... I see. Mgh... Sayaka: You don't usually bring a lunch. Usually you just buy bread at the cafeteria. Yamato: I had a bit of free time today. Generally speaking, cooking for yourself is more economical. Sayaka: Hmm. That's a surprise. I never figured you for the cooking type. Yamato: Cooking is tied to your health. One must know the basic techniques to achieve adequate nourishment, regardless of circumstance. Sayaka: I should have known you'd have a weird reason for it... Haruna: Hey! As long as we're all here, why don't we eat together? Since Yamato-kun brought a lunch, we can do it like before. Sayaka: That's not a bad idea... What do you think? Yamato: I don't mind. Haruna: Okay, it's a date! Wanna eat with us, Rin-chan? Rin: Oh... Huh? Where'd it go? Rin: I know I put my lunch box in my bag... I hope I didn't leave it in my room... Haruna: Rin-chan? What's wrong? Rin: Oh?! Um... It looks like I forgot to bring my lunch... Sayaka: You can't just skip lunch! I'll split mine with you, if you want. Rin: Oh, I c-couldn't! I brought a little money, so I'll buy something at the cafeteria. You guys go on ahead... Boy A: Woah! Who's that girl? She's gorgeous! Boy B: She ain't from our school, though. You think she graduated? Girl A: You never forget a beauty like that! What a dignified onee-sama! Yamato: ...There appears to be quite a stir in the hallway. Rin: It sounds like there's some stranger in the building? I hope it's nobody suspicious... ???: This is the room? Rin: Ah...! Clie: Is Kazami Rin here? Tell her that Clie has brought what she forgot. Rin: O-Onee-chan?! Clie: Ah, there you are. My efforts will not be in vain. Rin: W-what are you doing at my school?! Aren't you supposed to be working now?! Clie: I'm on my break. I wanted to bring this to you. Rin: Ah... Clie: I told you that you would forget something if you didn't calm down. After working so hard to make lunch for Yamato... Rin: AHHH, AHHHHH! Yamato: ...What's wrong? You seem to be rather disturbed. Rin: N-n-n-n-n-nothing! It's nothing it's nothing it's nothing! Yamato: I... I see. I'm glad to hear that. Rin: Onee-chan! Don't say that in front of Yamato-san! Clie: Why not? I'm only speaking the truth. Rin: Th-that's why you can't say it! It was nice of you to help me out, but you don't have to tell him everything! Clie: ...I don't understand. Rin: Oh, ohh... I hope Yamato-san didn't hear that... Sayaka: Ah, excuse me... What exactly did you need? Clie: That's classified. Sayaka: C-classi... I haven't heard that line in forever... Clie: Rin has instructed me to say no more on the matter. Respect you though I do, I cannot grant you that information. Sayaka: Um, look... It's pretty obvious from Rin's reaction what the deal is... Haruna: She brought a homemade lunch box... I wish I had made one for Yamato-kun, too... Yamato: It's truly kind of you to deliver what your sister had forgotten. Clie: I'm merely doing my familial duty. I would have liked to have observed you at your studies, but I must return to my work immediately. Clie: But I see that Yamato has brought a lunch. I regret that your hard work will go to waste... Rin: D-don't say anything about it. Please, just don't say anything more. Clie: Hmm... Clie stroked her chin as she eyed my lunchbox. She hit her fist into her palm as if coming up with an idea, then approached me. Clie: Yamato. Is there anything in that lunch that you absolutely must eat? Yamato: No. It's just leftovers from yesterday. Clie: In that case, would you mind giving it to me? Without a sound, Clie took my lunch box in her hands. Clie: You may eat the lunch that Rin has prepared. I don't know why, but she seems to have exerted herself all morning working on it. Rin: O-Onee-chan!! Clie: giggle I have preserved the classified nature of the matter. Now, I shall withdraw before retribution strikes. Rin: Come on, I told you not to say anything... Yamato: In that event, I appear to have little choice. May I share your lunch, Rin? Rin: Ah? A-are you sure? Yamato: Of course I'm sure. If I don't, I won't have a lunch. Rin: I'm s-so sorry... My sister made so much trouble for you... Clie: I meant well, you know. Yamato? Clie tossed something to me with just the flick of her wrist. I caught it, reflexively. Several black, solid objects wrapped in plastic. Clie: Hmm. Just as I supposed, your reflexes are excellent. Yamato: What is this? Clie: Rin's example has shown me that it is courteous to prepare handmade food for those you respect. Clie: And so, I have followed in her footsteps by making you rock candy. This is my thanks to you for the aid you provided me the other day. Yamato: ...Gratefully accepted. Clie: Please enjoy it after your meal. ...Though I cannot vouch for the flavor. Clie: I shall now take my leave. I will pray that your afternoon transpires peacefully. Sayaka: She sure knows how to make an exit... Yamato: But Rin has a lunch now, thanks to her. Rin: Th-that's right. I probably left it behind in my rush to get to class. Yamato: Despite what Clie said, are you certain you're willing to share it? Rin: O-of course! I've been hoping so much that you would! Yes! Yamato: Then I believe I'll help myself. Haruna: Now it's not just Rin-chan, but Clie-san too... Neighbors really do get all the breaks. Yamato: Haruna... What are you doing? Haruna: Nothing at all. I'm not jealous at all! Yamato: ...Ah? It's true that there's no gelatin here. Sayaka: There's dense, and then there's this guy. Yamato: What are you talking about? She mentioned a lack of gel, and so... Sayaka: Yeah, right. Just do something about this 'gel' before it congeals too bad. Yamato: Hmm... I don't seem to follow your meaning. Class was over for the day. My classmates began going their various ways. The incident was slowly fading from conversation. Instead, everyone was now talking about the runaway car. It seemed that very few people had spotted me there, which was reassuring. Most of them focused instead on Clie's brave actions. Most of them had simply heard about the incident in the shopping district, as they didn't recognize her on sight earlier. But there could be no doubt that the story was spreading. Yamato: I hope it will help her to blend in here... I had no particular business today. I could return to my apartment. On the other hand...@
Yamato: ...I think I'll stop by the cafe. Perhaps it was time to resume gathering intelligence again. I could also procure my usual cup of stewed java on my way home. Rin: I guess it's really not edible... Yamato: Hmm? What's that? Rin: This grass is the wrong color, and this one has a flower... I guess you'd really have to go into the mountains... Rin: Ah, this grass is edible! It matches the picture in the book, so maybe I could turn it into grass soup... Yamato: That's a poisonous weed. Rin: Ah, Yamato-san... Yamato: I thought you were at the cafe. What are you doing here? You don't have work today? Rin: Ah, yes, I do... but I thought I saw some edible grass here, so I... Yamato: It's difficult to judge wild grass and mushrooms with the naked eye. I understand the thought, but you should stop before you make yourself sick. Rin: I... I guess you're right. I should have known that, I just... Yamato: ...Is... Is your situation really that dire? Rin: Ah, well... yes. Before now, I had everyone else's income to live on, but now... Rin: The stall is still there, but I can't run it by myself... so now it's just sitting idle... Rin: B-but I've been making do on the allowance Captain Murray left me! And now that Onee-chan's here, I should have enough to live on! Yamato: But it still seems rather difficult on you... Rin: I have to watch every cent. But I'm happy just knowing I have food to eat. Yamato: Hmm... Rin: I thought that if I could get some ingredients for free, I could afford to splurge a little in other areas. I can't rely on the kindness of the people in the shopping district forever. Rin: And everyone else has been so kind to me... I really do have a happy life because of it. Yamato: If you lived in my apartment, we could cut your living expenses in half... Rin: That's true. That might work out. The rent is cheap, but it's still a monthly expense... Rin: I mean, whaaaaaaat?! You want me to live with you?! Yamato: Hmm? It seemed like a fine plan to me... Rin: B-b-but I can't! I-if... If we lived together, then... Rin: Then... We'd be living together... Yamato: Hmm? I couldn't quite hear that. Rin: N-n-n-n-n-nothing! Rin: A-anyway, I'm very grateful for the offer, but I don't think it's right for me to live with a boy. Yamato: You lived with quite a few men when you were in the vanguard. Rin: Th-that was more like a military operation, or maybe like a family, and besides, we were split into boys and girls for sleeping and changing and such... Rin: S-so, I'm sorry but... there's really no way I could live with you, Yamato-san... Yamato: I see... I only hoped to alleviate your burden, Rin. Rin: I'm very glad for the sentiment. Actually... Sayaka-san said that maybe I could live with her, before. Yamato: With Ichimonji? I see... It seems my offer was unnecessary, then. Rin: Oh, n-no... I passed on her offer, too, at least for now. I just don't like taking charity all the time... Rin: Anyway, I want to do as much as I can on my own! I don't want to rely on everyone's kindness forever! Yamato: An admirable position to take. There is much that I could learn from you. Rin: Oh, n-no... It's true that I'm still kind of spinning my wheels right now... Rin: But... What if we really did live together? I just know that Yamato-san would take good care of me... Rin: I'd wake up early, and wake him up... I'd make breakfast every morning, and he'd tell me how delicious it was, and when we leave the apartment... Rin: ...W-what am I thinking?! I couldn't do that with Jack-san and Onee-chan around! Yamato: Rin? Have I made you uncomfortable somehow? Rin: I-i-it's nothing! I'm sorry I'm such a vulgar woman! Yamato: Ah... Ah. I don't really know what you're talking about. Rin: Oh, ohh... I... I really am sorry... Yamato: But I respect your decision. Do you think I might help you in some other way? Rin: Ah, of course. But what do you mean? Yamato: Some time when we're both free, let's head for the nearby mountains and pick grass together. I know enough that we won't find anything poisonous. Rin: I... I appreciate the offer, but I couldn't take up your time like that... Yamato: There's no need to rush it. Just any time we're both free. Rin: Yamato-san... Yamato: Well, then. Let's head for the cafe. I don't want to keep you talking here for long. Rin: D-don't worry about it. You saved me from making myself sick eating poison grass, after all... Rin: I hope you'll order a coffee again today, Yamato-san. I'll make it for you with all my heart.
I didn't have anything in particular to do today. I decided to return to the apartment. The runaway car incident had been dealt with, but people were still talking about it in the shopping district. Tales of Clie's gallant deed seemed likely to spread through the whole city. Policeman: Excuse me, miss. Could you wait a moment? Yamato: Hmm? I turned to look at the nearby conversation. Clie: ...What do you want? Policeman: W-what do I want? I could ask you the same question... Why are you dressed like that? Clie: ...Hmm? What do you mean, precisely? Policeman: Your clothing. It's some sort of cosplay, isn't it? Are you on your way to a convention of some sort? Clie: This is my uniform. It is not this 'coss play' thing of which you speak. Clie: I am patrolling the area for signs of enemy activity. For military business, it is natural that I should wear a military uniform. Policeman: Ah, I get it. It's that kind of story, huh? Clie: Story? Exactly what are you talking about? Policeman: I'm going to ask you to drop the character and show me some form of identification. I'll also need a look at that sword you're carrying. Clie: Ah, you mean to take my sword? My precious sword, forged with my steel arm in the flames of battle? Clie: Exactly who are you? What authority do you hold in this nation? Policeman: I told you, drop the character act. You might be a foreigner, but you must know what a police officer looks like. Clie: Police officer? I see... You are the local peacekeeping authority. That's why you called out to me. Clie: So you've finally become aware of my presence. No... or perhaps you've been tracking me all this time, in hopes of finding any others... Policeman: N-no, listen... Clie: Then I shall see for myself how capable you are. Policeman: W-what are you doing? You're gonna hurt someone, lady! Please, put it away! Clie: If you will not come at me, then I shall take the lead. At last, Japan will know the name of Iron Cl-! Yamato: Clie! What are you doing? Clie: W-what are you doing here? Yamato: I saw you talking to the policeman. There seems to be some kind of issue? Policeman: Ah, you know this girl? Yamato: Oh, I do. She lives in the apartment next to mine. Clie: W-what are you talking about? You mustn't give him that information! Yamato: Listen, just leave this to me. I won't get you into trouble. Clie: B-but... Clie: I cannot allow this... If they learn of my association with Yamato, they will realize he's a traitor... Does he not know that he's speaking to a local authority? Clie: I cannot allow Yamato to be taken into custody... For Rin's sake... No, for his sake, I must sever all connection between us! Clie: I do not know this man. Yamato: W-what?! Clie: I have never seen nor heard of him before. I don't know why he's intruding in my business. Policeman: Ah, contradicting stories. Do you really know this girl? Yamato: Y-yes. She's the sister of my classmate. We've even dined together. Clie: I tell you, I do not know this man! Officer, you must not trust his word! Yamato: C-Clie... Please, try to calm down. Clie: I have never given you permission to address me so informally! In fact, Clie is not even my name! Policeman: Hmm... What's going on, here? Clie: Good, the police officer appears confused. He won't be able to confirm that Yamato is a traitor. Clie: One more push should do it... proof that we are not associated. Hah! Clie: ...Yamato. Forgive me! Yamato: Ah! What are you-- Clie: You lecherous wretch! Do you think you can ensnare me by taking advantage of a lonely foreigner?! Yamato: What... What are you... Clie: Have you forgotten the three times prior that I have rejected you? I'll seal that lecher's mouth of yours once and for all! Yamato: W-wait a minute! I don't even know what she's talking about! Clie: Enough! I shall hear no more excuses! Policeman: Ah, I see. You're in the middle of some sort of lover's quarrel. Yamato: No! I'm not... Yamato: Ghh! Clie! Stop this at once! Clie: I shall not stop! Policeman: Listen, kids, just don't make trouble for the neighbors. I'll let you off with a warning, this time. Policeman: Well, I'm going now. In the future, please leave the sword at home. Yamato: W-wait a minute! At least listen to my--! Yamato: He... He's gone. Clie: ...The danger has been averted, it appears. Clie: Yamato... I'm sorry. To protect your safety, I attacked you without warning. And I even called you lecherous... Clie: My deepest apologies. I promise you I will make up for the humiliation I have caused. Yamato: No, please, I understand why you did it... Clie: I see. But I still insulted you. Clie: To call a fine man such as yourself a lecher... Even to deceive the enemy, it cannot be forgiven. Yamato: ...Please, don't worry about it. I'm just glad we avoided any trouble. Clie: It's a relief to hear you say that... However, I must advise against such reckless action in the future. Clie: Even to save me, you should not have confessed your connection to me... Don't you realize you are branding yourself a traitor? Yamato: Listen. Regarding that... Clie: Say no more! Your bravery shall go without question. However, I have my own feelings in the matter, and I cannot let you throw yourself into danger! Yamato: I... I see. If you insist, then... Clie: I'm glad that the danger has passed. It seems the officer did not recognize me after all. Clie: Which means we can continue in our current lifestyle. It is curious that I should feel such regret at the thought of losing it. Yamato: Clie... Clie: Yamato. I thank you again for saving me. Next time you intervene, please try to do it more safely. Yamato: Right. I promise I will.
The Stryker System propelled me through the air at high speed. I broke through the cloud layer and began my patrol, high in the skies above Japan. I had gone on patrol every night since taking my Stryker Units out of storage. But now, I was patrolling a much wider area than just the city itself. Stryker Zero: ...... Ever since Clie's arrival, a possibility had been weighing on my mind. I was hoping it wouldn't come to pass, yet every day, I flew my patrol around the designated area. Stryker Zero: Nothing today... No signs of the enemy. After confirming the area was secure, I returned to the city. Yamato: Hmm. I still haven't found them. Yamato: No... Perhaps it's good that I didn't find anything. If I want my life to continue this way, I... Yamato: Jack. I'm home. Jack: My Liege! A late return this eve, is it not? Yamato: I went out far today. I'll get things ready quickly - just a moment. Jack: Yes! I hear and obey, My Liege! Rin: Ah! Ahhh! The pot's burned!! Jack: It appears things are lively in the next door dwelling. Yamato: Things were so quiet over there for a while, it's comforting to hear friendly voices. To think that Clie's presence has had such an effect... Jack: ...Ah? My Liege, what troubles you? Yamato: Jack. Why aren't you pressing me the way you usually do? Jack: O-of what do you speak? As My Liege has promised speedy cookery, so I shall wait patiently, and nothing more. Yamato: Normally, your stomach would be rumbling. I haven't heard a whisper from it, today. Jack: Ngh! Yamato: And why is the ventilation fan running? Jack: Ngh! Nngh! Yamato: Jack, what have you been eating? Jack: ...As My Liege was out late, I... Yamato: You...? Jack: I... ate of the junk food emergency stores... Yamato: ...... Jack: A-about three... Yamato: Jack. Jack: W-what do you wish of me? Yamato: Starting today, no allowance for a month! Jack: Mgh... 'tis a cruel demand... Yamato: What are we going to eat if an emergency strikes? At least hold out until I can replenish the store. Jack: Oh... Ohhhh... Yamato: For heaven's sake... If you ate three, surely you don't need din... Yamato: Ah, yes? Who is it? Clie: It is I. Might I have a word? Yamato: Ah, Clie. I'll be there in a moment. Clie: Forgive me for troubling you this late. Yamato: It's not late at all. I was just preparing dinner. Clie: I see... That makes it even harder to ask you this... Yamato: Hmm? Does this have to do with dinner? Clie: The truth is, the candy that I made the other day burned the bottom of the pot. I was hoping we might borrow yours, if only for the day. Yamato: Ah, so that's what that was about. It would be difficult to cook without a pot. Yamato: In that case, please take it. Just return it when you're done. Clie: But... If you haven't used it yet... Yamato: I'm not actually hungry yet. You can use it before I do. Clie: No, I couldn't inconvenience you that way... Jack: My Liege, a fine plan have I! Yamato: What is it? Let's hear it, at least. Jack: Sir! 'tis a trivial thing. If only one pot do we have, let us cook such that we need only one! Clie: Hmm? What do you mean, exactly? Jack: I speak of... Jack: My Liege! The time has come to partake! Rin: ...... Yamato: I haven't had hot pot in some time. We have ponzu and vinegar soy sauce, so dip in whichever one you'd like. Clie: I believe I shall opt for the vinegar soy sauce. Jack: Mine own taste is to mix a touch of sesame oil in with the ponzu! Rin: Ah... Well... Yamato: Hmm? You would prefer more tofu, Rin? Rin: N-no, it isn't that... But how did we end up eating dinner with Yamato-san? Clie: Yamato has only one pot. We discussed the matter, and concluded that sharing it would be the best method. Rin: W-why did you do that? I asked you to just borrow it... Clie: I attempted to demur, but they both insisted. I can hardly refuse such kindness from our neighbors. Jack: Many can eat from one pot. Now, eat, drink, and be merry, Rin-dono! Rin: B-but... Yamato: Jack has the right idea. If you don't mind, we really would like you to join us. Rin: Oh n-no! It's not that I mind at all! Yamato: It's decided, then. Let's all throw reservation aside, and eat! Jack: Now, here you are! Tofu and ponzu are as ever an ideal match. Rin: O-okay... Umm... Thank you... She ate. Rin: Ah... It's so good... Yamato: I'm happy that you like it. Clie: It's been several months since I arrived in this nation, but I enjoy this simple meal. I could eat it every night. Yamato: I agree. Back home, we often ate this with the vegetables my father grew in his field. Rin: Ah, Yamato-san! It's bad manners to wolf down your food like that. Yamato: Mm... Jack: It is as Rin-dono says. Proper conduct dictates that the ingredients must be savored! Jack: Ah, how long has it been since the taste of vegetables so permeated me, through and through... Rin: Jack-san, don't speak with chopsticks in your mouth, either! Jack: I... I beg your forgiveness. Clie: ...giggle Rin: O-Onee-chan? What are you laughing at? Clie: It's wonderful to see you so lively, Rin. It's as if we're back with our family. Rin: R-really? I don't feel like I'm acting any different... Clie: No, you appear far more at ease than you usually do. You always do, when you're around Yamato and those girls. Clie: I'm glad that you have found a safe harbor in Japan. You once seemed so uncomfortable in front of people other than our family. Rin: Onee-chan... Clie: It has been some time since I returned to our hometown. I hope that when we clear up our business here, we might return there together. Rin: ...Right. I'd like to. Clie: When that time comes, I shall invite the two of you to visit. Our nation will treat you as honored guests. Yamato: Yes. I believe I'd like that. Jack: But for now, the feast is all we need think of! If you will not eat, I shall take the tofu all to myself! Clie: I shall not allow that. I am invoking my right of privilege. Clie: Bear witness to the reason behind my title of Iron. I intend to defend my tofu from your villainous clutches. Jack: A challenging foe you may be... yet I accept your challenge! Rin: Onee-chan, please mind your manners! And you calm down too, Jack-san! Yamato: ...This is quite enjoyable, as well. Jack: Zzzzzz... Rin: Mm... Yamato-saaan... Clie: It seems they've gone to sleep. Yamato: They both seem fast asleep. I expect them to stay that way all night. Clie: I can't apologize enough for the trouble. After all that, we've also monopolized your room. Yamato: I intended to sleep on the tatami anyway. I don't mind if Rin uses the bed. Clie: ...I see. Then I shall comment no further. After Jack and Rin fell fast asleep, Clie and I had stayed up together, enjoying the quiet evening. Neither of us felt particularly tired, so we stared up at the starry sky through the window. Clie: Yamato... Do you remember the subject I brought up at dinner? Yamato: Hm? Clie: I mentioned that Rin acts more like herself in front of you and the other girls. But the truth is, there's something more than that. Clie: Rin always appears... uncomfortable in my presence. Yamato: ...... Clie: At first, I thought it was due to our long separation, but that does not appear to be the case. The more time we spend together, the thicker the wall between us becomes. The source of the conflict... "Dengeki Stryker," most likely. Until Rin felt comfortable revealing the truth to Clie, she would always feel that wall between them. Clie: I've done everything I could to fulfill the responsibilities given to me. I've exposed myself to danger time and again, all to become strong, so that she might never again feel sorrow. Clie: But my doing so meant that I was not always there for her. From that perspective, perhaps it's natural that there should be some distance between us. Yamato: ...That isn't true. Clie: Yamato... Yamato: The bonds of family are stronger than anything. Until you appeared, Rin felt very distant to me, as well. Yamato: The reason she can act as she does is because she has her sister by her side. You have no reason to chastise yourself. Clie: ...I hope that you're right. Yamato: I guarantee it. Clie: I will trust in your words. My own feelings aside, I must do all I can to support Rin. Clie: Rin has told me nothing, but I am certain that something is troubling her. I want to ask you to be there for her. Yamato: ...Why me? Clie: Rin cares for you. Rin: Mmgh... Smells like Yamato-san... Clie: Additionally, I trust you. I wish to see you guide Rin along the right path. Yamato: But... Clie: Hmm? Yamato: I'm not the fine man you think I am. I'm not certain that I'm worthy of your trust. Clie: Everyone has their own merits. That does not diminish the value of any one individual. Clie: Yuuki Yamato. I trust you. I believe that to be the only reason that I need. Yamato: ...I see. The trust she placed in me caused my chest to tighten. I wasn't sure why, but I felt her words carve themselves into my heart. Clie: I'm feeling a bit sleepy... I believe I may take my rest, after all. Clie: Ahh... The stars are truly beautiful tonight. It is enough to sweep my heart away. Yamato: ...I feel the same way about your smiles. I heard the quiet sounds of sleep. As I watched my two neighbors dozing in my room, I thought them very much like that starry sky. Rin: Onee-chan said that? Yamato: Clie isn't the sort of person who would put it into words, but it was clear from her behavior. Rin: I was trying to act normally, but I guess she could still tell... I didn't mean to make her worry so much... Yamato: It isn't your fault. The subject isn't an easy one to address. Yamato: Clie and I are similar people, so I know that she's unlikely to accept the truth without tangible proof. Rin: Onee-chan is so devoted to her mission... She probably wouldn't believe me if I just told her. Yamato: I suppose not. Rin: I'm sorry, Yamato-san. I know I should have taken care of this sooner. Rin: I keep thinking, if only she stays here a little longer, comes to love Japan a little more... and so I kept on drawing it out. Rin: I know I have to tell her soon, but... I guess I really am a pretty bad person. Yamato: No, not at all. It's up to you to choose the best time to tell her. Yamato: You're Clie's sister. You understand her better than anyone else in this world. Rin: Yamato-san... Yamato: That's why I don't intend to tell you what to do. Though I would be happy to be of assistance where I can. Rin: ...I'm happy to hear that. You've been so helpful to me, no matter how dense I am. Rin: Lately, it occurred to me... I've had people watching over me all of my life. Rin: When I was a child, after I came here with the vanguard... after they all went away, and after Onee-chan came here for me... Rin: So I want to become the sort of person who can protect others. Haruna-san and Sayaka-san, Jack-san, Onee-chan... And you too, Yamato-san... Rin: I want to protect you all... I want to become the kind of person who can protect you all. Rin: But to get there, there's another step I have to take. She spoke the words to herself, determinedly, her eyes downcast. When she turned her eyes back to me, I saw a new fire behind them. Rin: You'll really do anything I ask? Yamato: Yes. I'll do anything you need me to. Rin: Then... There is something that I want from you. I know it might be unfair to ask you now, but... Rin: Before I talk to Onee-chan, there's something I need to put behind me. And I might need your help for that, Yamato-san... What little determination and courage she had inside her, she was bringing to bear. Rin clasped her hands over her chest nervously as she spoke. Rin: Yamato-san... Will you go to visit a grave site with me? Rin: I bought a raspberry pie... And next, um... Yamato: You still have more to buy? After class, the two of us headed to the shopping district. Rin was buying things to offer at the vanguard's grave. I was there to help her carry them. Yamato: This is adding up to quite a lot. Are you certain you can afford it? Rin: Yes, I've been saving up for it. I'm splurging a little more than usual, today. Rin: Next, something for Lieutenant Roches... I can get that at a vending machine on the way... Yes, I think that's everything we need... Rin: Sorry about the wait! We can go now. Yamato: Wait. I'll carry that bag for you, as well. Rin: B-but, I can handle this... Yamato: I don't know where we're going. I'll have to follow you anyway, so it doesn't matter if it slows me down. Rin: ...You liar. Yamato: Hmm? What was that? Rin: Oh, nothing. Well if you insist, I'm happy to let you carry it. Yamato: Right. I've got it. Rin: It's going to be a pretty long walk. Let me know if you start to get tired. The graveyard lay rather far outside of town. We arrived at the grave marker, which stood conspicuously by itself, far from the others. Rin: I'm sorry I'm late. I brought a lot today, so it took a while. Rin: I brought Yamato-san, too. If there's anything you want to say to him, I guess this is your chance. Rin spoke to her sleeping comrades at the grave. Her eyes fell on the flower lying in front of the grave, and a knowing smile came to her lips. Rin: Yamato-san. The truth is, the only people who know about this place are me and Captain Murray. Yamato: ...I see. Rin: There's a new flower here every time I visit. It never seems to wilt, so the person must bring a new one here every day. Rin: It must be Captain Murray, right? I'd like to thank her, but I never seem to bump into her. Yamato: I'm sure you'll see her again some day. You're both part of the vanguard, after all. Rin: ...Right. Yamato: Might I help you today? I'd like to thank you for showing me this place. Rin: Please do. I'm sure they'll all be happy to see you here, too. Yamato: I hope so. I'll try to do it neatly, so there can be no cause for complaint. We each took half the grave site, and silently cleaned the grave. We exchanged a few words now and then, but otherwise kept to our own thoughts. Yamato: ...... After the battle, the vanguard had completely disappeared from the world. Even if they were just characters from a comic book, I hoped that their noble spirits still rested within this grave. Rin: Now we lay down the offering. She had bought quite a bit, both in the shopping district and on the way there. She took each of the items out, one at a time, and lay them down before the grave. Rin: Lieutenant Hilko, I brought you the raspberry pie I promised. I think it's really delicious, so I hope you like it. Rin: You told me the secret when you were really homesick, remember? You loved your mother's pie, but never admitted to it because it wasn't ladylike... She placed the slice of raspberry pie she'd bought in the shopping district on a plate. Rin: For Captain Daniel, I brought Japanese sake. I thought about bringing wine, but I think this might be a little tastier. Rin: I wanted to thank you for forming the team with Captain Murray. And guiding me through whenever I felt lost. She poured out a cup of sake, and placed it next to the dish so that it wouldn't spill over. Rin: Cigarettes for Lieutenant Roches. And I brought some sakamushi for Lieutenant Phoenix. Yamato-san made it, of course. Rin: Please share it, and don't quarrel. You were the two who always kept things exciting. Cigarettes, sakamushi, dog food, candy... One by one, Rin placed the offerings for each member of the team, and spoke a few words. Mirror came last. She took the final item out of the bag. Rin: Colonel Mirror... I really did admire you. I wanted to become a strong person like you, someday. Rin: I wanted to be of use to the Empire... to everyone in the vanguard. I wanted to fight with all of you back then, too... Rin: Yes... That's what I wanted... Her shoulders began to tremble. She balled her hands into fists, as if to hold back those feelings buried deep within her heart. Even so, she twisted out the words, addressed to all of her sleeping comrades in the grave. Rin: Why... Why didn't anyone tell me? No one told me anything... and by the time I found out, it was all over... Rin: I... I wanted to help you all... If I'd known... maybe I could have saved at least one of you... The words began pouring out of her. With it came all of the grief she had felt about the loss of her allies. This was no mere expression of sorrow, but a true attempt to ease an unfathomable emptiness within her. Rin: W-why?! Why didn't any of you talk to me?! Did you really think I couldn't be of any use to you?! And at last, here they came - the feelings she had kept locked up in the deepest part of her heart. Rin: W-wasn't I a member of the vanguard, too?! Maybe I could have thought of a way to stop Colonel Mirror, too! Rin: You just left me behind, you spread out, then you all disappeared... Wasn't there another way... Wasn't there some way we could have all stayed together?! Rin: Lieutenant Hilko... Why did you have to die before me?! Captain Daniel... Lieutenant Roches... Lieutenant Phoenix... Why?! Rin: Hey! Someone, answer me! Why... Why did you leave me... Tears began to well in her eyes as she declared her thoughts to the vanguard. The pain of being left behind, the grief at feeling useless... It all came spilling out, as ceaseless as her tears. Rin: I want to go back... sob... to the way things were... Being with all of you... Living together... Yamato: Rin... Rin: But... Thanks to all of you... I'm still alive. I'm lonely, but... I'm fighting as hard as I can to live on... Rin: This is... a very nice city... The people in the shopping district... All my classmates... Yamato-san... They've all been so nice to me... I almost forget how lonely I am... Rin: This is the place that you all kept safe... So please, don't worry about me... Because... I'm going... to keep living on... Rin wiped at her unceasing stream of tears with her sleeve, finally stopping up the emotional well. She turned to me, her eyes stained red, and bowed down low. Rin: Yamato-san... Thank you so much. I couldn't have come this far if it wasn't for you. Yamato: But... I... Rin: Please, don't say anything more. She placed a finger on my lips, and shook her head slowly. Rin: To think that Colonel Mirror was your true self... To be honest, that's the thing I have the hardest time accepting. Rin: Even so... I felt like I really have to thank you for what you did back then. Rin: Yamato-san... I owe you my life. No matter what happens, that will never change. Rin: So please... Don't think of me as a burden. You've already done absolutely everything you could. Her gentle words resonated in my soul. I felt a warmth welling up in my chest, and looked up at the sky as if to slow its forceful spread. Rin: Y-Yamato-san? What's wrong? The fight to protect the city, to protect Haruna, and the characters of "Dengeki Stryker." The fight with Mirror, who held the memories of "Yuuki Yamato." That wasn't the kind of fight that made people heroes. And yet... Yamato: No... It's nothing. It's nothing at all. There were so many thoughts etched deeply in my heart. It was still nothing to be proud of, but Rin's words had served to ease my burden slightly. Rin: And... Thank you for coming to visit their grave every day. I know they've been happy to see you. Yamato: You knew about that? Rin: Yes... I happened to see you, just a little while ago. Rin: But today, I wanted to give up the offering myself. Now, I've finally made up my mind about something. At last, Rin smiled. Rin: Do you remember what you said before? That we should make a happy life here? Yamato: Yes. I did say that. Rin: I think I want to do that, too. I want to live in this city that the vanguard helped to keep safe, and do it with a smile. And so... She spoke again, and though there was a faint flush in her cheeks, her expression was utterly serious. Rin: This time, would you let me be there for you? I want to carry at least half of your burden, if I can. Yamato: Rin... Rin: When this all started, I saw you as similar to Colonel Mirror. I was just trying to get close to you as part of my assignment, but... Rin: But as a fellow transfer student, and then as a neighbor... you were always so nice to me. So even after I learned who you were, I still wasn't sure how to take it. Rin: Even so... you've always been so kind to me. Even though I know you've been through just as much as I have, you never said a word... Rin: And then lately, I realized... I have no idea what you're thinking. Rin: I love you, Yamato-san. I really love you, as a man. Rin: So I want to be here for you. Not as a friend, but as something more. Her love was so pure. She was such a kind girl. Her straightforward words shot straight through my heart. Yamato: ...... I had to be honest with her. I took a moment to think, then gave her my answer. Yamato: ...I'm sorry. Rin: I... I see... Rin's expression clouded over for a moment, then brightened immediately to hide it. I made my words heartfelt, hoping to soften the blow. Yamato: I'm so happy that you feel that way. But I can't return your feelings just yet. Rin: ...Is there someone else you're in love with? Yamato: No. But right now, it isn't the right time. I couldn't hide anything from her now. I wrestled for a moment with my thoughts, then revealed to her the doubts I'd been harboring ever since Clie's arrival. Rin: The rebirth of the Balbora Empire? But I thought it didn't exist here... Yamato: During the battle, Roches did say that the Balbora Empire didn't exist. I went to check for myself, and confirmed that he was correct. Yamato: That's why it's so strange. I'm sorry to put it this way, but Clie simply shouldn't be here. Rin: ...... Yamato: Perhaps my wish called characters from the manga into existence. I don't know for certain, but it's possible that more enemies could still appear. Yamato: I must take responsibility for what 'Yuuki Yamato' did. I must protect this country, as Stryker Zero. Yamato: It's possible that the enemy may target me. When that happens, I can't have someone close to me that I have to protect. Rin: Ah... Yamato: This is my battle, and I don't want you getting caught up in it. If the enemy appears, it will be because of the wish that I made. I spoke aloud the thoughts that had consumed me, but which I had not spoken to anyone. Somehow, putting them into words made my heart grow a little bit lighter. Yamato: Rin. You are my neighbor, and you're important to me. I hope you can understand why I feel this way. Rin: ...It's not a real rejection, right? Yamato: Hmm? Ah... That's... I suppose it's not... Rin: Then I'm okay with it. Even if now isn't the right time, maybe I'll get a different answer if I ask again. Rin: Yamato-san, I'm not giving up on you. I'm a lot like my big sister in some ways, you see. Yamato: ...Yes. You're a strong woman, as well. Rin: giggle That talk was really refreshing. I think I'm going to have a whole new outlook on life, starting tomorrow. Rin: From now on, I'm going to work to make a happy life here. With you, and with everyone... Is that okay with you? Yamato: Of course. After all, you, Roches, and the others ensured it. Yamato: I'd like to continue coming here with you. Perhaps Clie could join us next time, as well. Rin: ...Okay! The light clouds cleared, and a beam of sunlight shone down on the grave marker. And then, it kept shining, honoring the actions of the vanguard who had kept the city safe.
Clie: Your methods are misguided! Clie: Why would you let innocent civilians get wrapped up in combat?! We could have evacuated them before the operation commenced! ???: If we'd done that, the enemy might have seen it coming. Doing things this way guaranteed a success rate of close to 100%. Clie: You monster... Have you no soul? ???: Whatever do you mean? My job is to outsmart the enemy while ensuring minimum casualties on our side. ???: You're the one that disobeyed orders again. The enemy came very close to guessing our plan. Clie: ...... ???: I never imagined you'd go around evacuating the civilians personally... Goodness, you really are every bit the 'hero,' aren't you. Clie: ...Sarcasm. ???: Well, you do have a habit of sabotaging my plans. You'll forgive a bit of sarcasm on my end. Clie: In that case, come up with more proper plans. At least something that doesn't put innocent civilians in danger. ???: sigh What are the field officers of Balbora coming to? They never should have given you that commission. Clie: Say what you wish. But do not forget my words. Clie: I will not allow such cruelty to continue. No matter how many times you try, I will continue to stop you. I came to the shopping district early in the morning. The "Shopping Mall" was a powerful enemy, but I had been working hard day and night to oppose it. I had seen my enemy. Now I had only to fortify my defenses and bide my time. Gekiyasu: ...... I changed into my battle uniform and devoted myself to my advertising duties. I would not allow a place that had shown such kindness to a foreigner like me to be stamped out. Rin: Onee-chaaan! Rin: I was hoping I'd find you here... I was surprised when you weren't in our room... Gekiyasu: ...... Rin: O-Onee-chan? No one's here. It's okay for you to talk to me... Gekiyasu: ...Our advertising appears to be focused on targeting young people this week. Rin: Oh, so that's why you're out so early. You could have left a note so I'd know where you were... Gekiyasu: I'm afraid I forgot. I'll be more attentive in the future. Rin: I hope so. Just remember to stop back at home when you have a break, okay? Gekiyasu: And my lunch will be waiting for me on the table, correct? I am aware. You need not remind me. Rin: Well, that's good... There're some side dishes in the refrigerator, too, so if it's not enough, you can help yourself. Rin: Well... I'm heading off to school, now. I have work today, so you can stay out a little late if you want to. Gekiyasu: ...Rin. Rin: Ah? What is it? Gekiyasu: Are you...... happy? Rin: ...Yes. Now that you're here. Gekiyasu: I see. I'm glad to hear it. Rin: Well, I'm going now! I'll bring some napolitan back with me! Gekiyasu: ...She does seem to have cheered up quite a bit. Gekiyasu: Rin's worries have alleviated, and our allies in this nation grow by the day. I must make my move, and soon. Gekiyasu: The moment I finish my advertising duty, I must begin my search. My prime directive is to clear the way for invasion by defeating the Stryker of Japan. Clie: Mission complete. That battle uniform does appear effective at drawing enemy attention. Clie: I must find out how many there are. We may need to destroy or seize them during the invasion. Shop Owner: Clie-chan, might I have a word? Clie: Hmm? I have completed my day's mission. Is there more? Shop Owner: Oh, it's nothing important. We had a lot of children in here today thanks to you. I wanted to give you a token of my appreciation. Clie: The battle uniform does most of the work. I merely handed out the tissues and pamphlets. Shop Owner: No, no, the kids seemed very pleased. I believe you may have some secret male fans, as well. Clie: I merely attempt to be of service where I can. I am pleased if it has helped your shop's business to thrive. Shop Owner: You're as humble as your sister. This is just between us, but I heard about the runaway car, too. Clie: ...I did nothing of importance. Quite the contrary; I nearly made the situation worse. Shop Owner: What are you talking about? The people saw what they saw. Shop Owner: Well, it's not much in the way of thanks, but... Shop Owner: Here. I have some perishable items that didn't sell today. I think they should still be in good shape, so you can take them if you'd like. Clie: B-but... Our agreement for labor recompense does not include this. Shop Owner: Please, take it. It's a gift, from me to you. Clie: Ah... Right. Clie: Rin should be pleased to see all of this, at least. Perhaps we can give some to our neighbor, as well. Housewife: E-excuse me! Clie: Hmm? What do you... Housewife: You're Clie-san, aren't you? You saved my son the other day. I just can't thank you enough! Clie: Ah, the boy from that day... Clie: You have no need to thank me. I merely did as anyone would... Though I'm not certain that I helped, in the end. Housewife: That isn't true at all. If you hadn't been there, my son might be... Clie: What... What is this? Housewife: The people in the shopping district told me your situation. I wanted you to have this, as a token of my thanks. Clie: B-but... I could not accept this from you... Housewife: Please, you must take it. Share it with all of your friends. Clie: ...If you insist, I suppose I will. Housewife: Thank you so much! My son and I will be by to see you again, I promise. Clie: It appears my hands are full... Clie: Ah well. I'll simply stop by the apartment before beginning my search. Woman: My, my. It seems we meet again. Clie: You're the seamstress... Allow me to thank you once more for mending my clothes the other day. Clie: The stitches haven't come loose at all with the passage of time. Truly, you are a professional. Woman: It's nothing. There are machines to do the same thing nowadays, and they'd provide a stronger stitch. Clie: But this method is more intimate. I remember your thoughtfulness every time I wear it. Woman: That's very kind of you to say. I was hoping that I would run into you here. Clie: Do you require something of me? Woman: It's not a requirement, exactly... Clie: Th-this is... Woman: An old friend of mine gave me this tea. I thought you might like some. Please drink it with my blessing. Clie: B-but... You've been of such service to me already. I couldn't accept this... Woman: All I ask in return is that you come to love Japanese tea. Please, do take it. Clie: ...I am truly... in your debt. Woman: Not at all. It's more than I could drink by myself, after all. Woman: Well, I must be on my way. If you need anything, please stop by. Clie: I will. But the next time we meet, allow me to be of service to you. Woman: I simply can't wait. Oh... I forgot to ask you. Woman: Have you grown to love Japan, as I asked? Clie: ...Far more than ever before. Woman: I'm so glad. Next time we meet, I'll ask you how you feel about the tea. Clie: My hands are so full, I can barely move... Clie: ...... Clie: I... I suppose I can conduct my search tomorrow. There's no need to rush it. Clie: We can invade this country any time... Until then, it can remain a welcoming, peaceful land...
Rin: Yamato-san, here's your coffee! Yamato: It's always appreciated. Rin: It's just my job, that's all. Haruna-san, you wanted cocoa, right? Haruna: Oh, thanks! You're really getting the hang of the waitress thing, huh? Rin: I owe it all to Sayaka-san. She really taught me everything from square one. Haruna: But you're the one who worked so hard to get it down. I hope I can try your cooking, sometime! Rin: I-I can't cook at all yet! I'm still learning... Coffee is more than enough of a challenge, I think. Yamato: So, what was the reason you called us here? Is there something you need? Rin: Oh... Yes! Actually, there was something I wanted to ask you both... Haruna: Not just Yamato-kun, but me too? I wonder what it could be! Rin: Well... It's about my sister, actually... I was thinking I might tell her, soon... Haruna: Oh... She meant about the truth... That we were all characters from a comic book. It was a difficult subject, yet Clie had to know. Still, I could tell that Rin was anxious about it. Rin: I've finally worked up a little courage. Because I've decided to face my future. Rin: Yamato-san and Haruna-san... I guess I feel like I can talk to you because we're all the same... And if I don't do it now, I'll just be putting it off more... Rin: P-please! Won't you help me find a way to make Onee-chan accept the truth?! Yamato: Yes. I'll be happy to help you any way I can. Haruna: Me too. I think it's best for her to know the truth, anyway. Rin: Th-thank you so much! Yamato: It's nothing. I'm sure you'd do the same for us. Haruna: But... How are we going to do it? Make her read the manga? Yamato: She might mistake it as a book of prophecy, as the vanguard did. I suppose we couldn't simply explain things directly? It would be easy to explain if the Memory Collector showed up, but there was no guarantee that he'd come if I called him. I didn't particularly want to see him again, anyway. Haruna: Hmm... Well then, what about this? We each pitched out various plans and discussed their likelihood of success. But no matter what approach we took, we couldn't imagine it convincing Clie. We were in a deadlock. Rin: We still don't have a plan... Haruna: Clie-san is so straightforward... Any sort of roundabout way would probably backfire, right? Rin: So then... Our only choice... Yamato: ...Is to explain things to her directly. Rin: Directly... Yamato: Hmm? Does that present an issue? Rin: It isn't that... But I'm not sure how to do it. If I just told her... She might think I'm joking or something... Rin: And lately, she's been thinking a lot. She's probably realizing how different Japan is from what the Empire's reports said. Rin: That's why I want to clear this up quickly! It's probably really hard on her! Haruna: Maybe that's where Yamato-kun comes in. Yamato: Me? But something like this would seem to call for family... Haruna: I think for something like this, someone who's not so close to her might be better. I'm not strong enough to do it, so you'd be the best candidate, right? Haruna: Besides, everyone knows you don't lie. I'm sure she'd believe you. Yamato: Hmm. Rin: Oh... Oh no, I couldn't put you through that. This is between my sister and me, so I need to tell her myself... Yamato: But I'd like to be of help, if I can. Rin: Y-Yamato-san... Yamato: Though only if you give your consent, of course. It's a sensitive issue, after all. Yamato: I may not be the most well-spoken person, but Clie and I have similar personalities. I might be able to help you. Rin: ...I really do owe you so much. Yamato: Do you mean... Rin: Would you tell her for me? Obviously, I'll keep close by to support you if you need me... Yamato: Understood. Rin: I really can't thank you enough... After everything you've done for me already... Yamato: We are neighbors, after all. Rin: ...Is that the only reason? Yamato: Hmm? Should there be something else? Rin: Oh, n-no... It's nothing... ahaha... Haruna: Hmph... He and Rin-chan are closer than ever, now... Sayaka: What's with all the whispering? You guys mind letting me in on the fun? Rin: Oh, Sayaka-san... Sayaka: You've even got Haruna in on it. I'd be happy to help with whatever you're planning. Yamato: It's a secret. Sayaka: Classified again? What could be classified between the-- Sayaka: ...Wait, what?! Yamato: I said, it's a secret. We can't tell you. Sayaka: I... I see. Well, if you insist... Sayaka: Not classified... but a secret? Yuuki's really changed, lately... Yamato: Then it's settled. We just have to put the plan into action. Yamato: Ichimonji. Could we use your restaurant tomorrow? I believe it would be a fine place for a quiet talk. Sayaka: You don't have to make reservations or anything. We're just a normal cafe. Sayaka: Rin, you can go after this. I can handle the rest. Rin: Ah! But I haven't cleared the tables yet! Sayaka: Sorry, but we don't pay overtime. I'll start making your napolitan, so go get changed, okay? Rin: O-okay! Well... I guess I'm off, then! Sayaka: Well, then. Looks like it's all up to me now. Sayaka: Listen, you two. I don't know what you're planning, but I hope you've thought it through. Seeing the two of you together makes me nervous. Haruna: Hey! Sayaka-chan, that's mean! Sayaka: It's not mean, it's the truth. I'll be keeping you in my prayers, though. Haruna: Hmph. I can do stuff when I set my mind to it... Yamato: Ichimonji is a perceptive person. We should take her words to heart. I couldn't be sure if Clie would take me at my word or not. She hadn't begun to disappear as the others had, so I had little real evidence to show her. In other words, I was entering a fight with very long odds. Yamato: But I don't have a choice... Clie: I'm a failure as a sister. To worry Rin so, as I have... Clie: She seems to have realized the source of my worries. Truly, you cannot deceive your own kin. The next day, I put the plan into action, inviting Clie to Ichimonji's restaurant. Telling her the truth right off wouldn't help her to believe me; it would just set her on her guard. First, I would offer to listen to her concerns, then use that to tie into the subject at hand. Clie: I seem to be asking so much of you. I asked for you to be a confidant to Rin, now I'm asking of you the same for myself. Yamato: We're all in this together. But you don't mind, Clie? Clie: Hmm? Mind what? Yamato: This seems to be a personal matter. Do you feel comfortable confiding in a mere neighbor? Clie: You are not a 'mere' anything. I trust you very deeply. Clie: I chose to wear my uniform as evidence of that trust. My usual clothing feels much less restrictive. Clie: Besides... I couldn't possibly tell Rin about this. All it would do is bring her sorrow. Yamato: I see. Then I'm glad. Yamato: The cafe should be empty at this time. That would be a good place for us to talk. ...... Sayaka: 'Closed.' There we go. Haruna: I'm really sorry, Sayaka-chan. I hope I'm not hurting your business this way... Sayaka: We never get customers at this time, anyway. I don't really know what's going on, but it seems pretty important, right? Haruna: R-right... I think it might be really important, actually... Sayaka: Hmm... Well, I'm worried about the thought of anyone asking Yuuki for advice, but... Sayaka: Well, let's see what he's got. I'll be praying that no trouble comes of it, though.
Clie: ...I notice that Sayaka isn't here. Yamato: She's in the back. If we sit down, I'm sure she'll come to take our order. Clie: That's true. There's no need to rush this, after all. We sat down at the table, facing one another. A few minutes passed with neither of us saying anything. There was nothing awkward about the silence. Perhaps it was because we were on a similar wavelength. Clie: Yamato. I'm... not certain whether I should tell you this. Clie: It would make you an accessory to my crime. Though I know you sympathize with our cause, I do not wish to burden you. Yamato: You don't think I can handle it? Clie: No... It's because I find you so dependable that I fear I cannot tell you. If you hear this, it may shatter your image of me. Clie: It makes me tremendously anxious to even consider that possibility. It might even break the trust you share with Rin, and I could not bear that. Yamato: That would never happen. Yamato: We haven't known each other long, but I know the kind of person you are. You're honest and loyal. Clie: Yamato... Yamato: I don't know what it is that's bothering you, but I came here to hear everything. So, please tell me. Clie: ...I suppose I can't win against you. Clie let out a long sigh, as if releasing all her tension. She then fixed her eyes on me, and opened her mouth decisively. Clie: I no longer know how to live my life. Clie: Japan is a wonderful country. Even to a foreigner like me, everyone has been so kind. ...Well, not everyone, obviously. Clie: But... I do feel surrounded by kindness. The days I have spent with Rin in this city... I would never trade them for anything. Ever since reuniting with Rin, Clie had spent day and night trying to earn money to support both of them. When she spoke about the people she had met during that time, her smile faltered. Clie: But... The mission I was given is not compatible. I cannot fulfill it without destroying the life I have now. Clie: To do so may bring sorrow to Rin and the friends that I have made in this nation.. Even so, I cannot simply abandon my mission. Clie: Please tell me, what must I do? The more I think about it, the more I feel trapped within this quagmire... Torn between her life and her mission. It was that innate honesty and loyalty of hers that made it impossible for her to find an answer. Yamato: You cannot simply treasure them both? Clie: Both...? Yamato: Complete your mission without destroying the life you have now. I believe that is something you can do. Clie: No... They cannot coexist. She shook her head and released a self-deprecating sigh. Her expression bore so many contradictory emotions, yet among them, I could see the faint light of regret. Clie: My hands are already stained... I have no right to make a life for myself in this country. Clie opened her hands before me, then closed her eyes, as if to escape the sight of the invisible blood that stained them. Clie: Upon my arrival in Japan, I encountered an enemy. A noble patriot trying to preserve the peace of this nation. I fought him... and in my selfish desire to avenge Rin, I killed him. Clie: I have no right to make a life here at all... There is nothing here for me but to complete my mission. Clie: And yet... This nation is... I wondered, who could be the enemy that Clie had killed? Such an incident would surely have had people talking, yet I'd heard nothing around the school. Yamato: I wonder... Could it be another character from "Dengeki Stryker?" She wasn't ready to accept the truth. She needed more time. While I certainly didn't want her focusing on her mission, I wasn't sure it would be a good thing for her to learn the truth while struggling with something like that. First, Clie would have to come to value her life here more than anything. Yamato: It may not be the time to tell her, yet... But the right day might not be so far off. I turned my eyes to Rin, who was waiting behind the counter. I decided to change our plan. Yamato: I have a hard time believing that. Are you telling me the truth? Clie: It is the truth. I killed an innocent man. Clie: There can be no justice in an invasion that brings such sacrifice. It is an unpardonable act for a soldier. Clie: That mechanized Japanese Stryker... he must have been fighting for some great cause... Yamato: ...Mechanized? Japanese Stryker? Clie, is your story true? Clie: Yes... That is the sin of which I am guilty. Yamato: It... It can't be. So he's come to this world, as well... ???: Cyborg of the Empire! There is no need to bear the burden of a crime you did not commit! Clie: What?! That... that voice! A voice suddenly boomed from a corner of the counter. The voice was familiar to both Clie and me. We both turned to see a robotic head placed there. It occurred to me that Ichimonji's father had placed it there earlier. But... Yamato: Ten! Is that you, Ten?! Stryker Ten: It is, my friend! Stryker Zero, it's a fine thing to see you again. Yamato: Y-you... What are you doing here?! And where's the rest of you?! Stryker Ten: It would take far too long to explain. My first matter of business was to assure you of my survival. Stryker Ten: Cyborg of the Empire, I heard everything that you said just now. I saw the righteousness in your heart, and the pain that you felt for me. Stryker Ten: But you need not feel the burden of that sin. As you can see, I am very much alive. Clie: ...That's... impossible. Clie began to sway in her seat, clearly rattled by Ten's sudden appearance. She stared at him in disbelief, then looked over to me. Clie: You... and that Japanese Stryker... are comrades? What does 'Stryker Zero' mean? Yamato: ...Ah! Clie: You don't mean to tell me... that you are Stryker Zero! Clie: Tell me, Yuuki Yamato! Have you been lying to me all this time?! Yamato: I... I haven't... Clie: Your reaction tells me... it is the truth. You masqueraded as my neighbor to deceive me. Clie: And after tiring of Rin, you sought to win me over as well... You played at ignorance in order to seduce me to your side! Yamato: No! I never intended to lie to you! Clie: I will not listen to such wretched excuses! Clie: You have betrayed me! That... That is all I need to know! Yamato: Wait, Clie! Please, listen to me! Yamato: Hngh! I need to go after her... I can't leave her alone right now! Stryker Ten: Zero! A moment. Yamato: Later! I don't have any time to lose! Stryker Ten: There is something I must tell you about that bionic human. You can follow her after. Yamato: B-but... Rin: I'll go! Yamato: Rin... Rin: Yamato-san, you talk to him. I need to stop my sister! Yamato: ...I'm sorry. Rin: No... this really is something I have to do myself. I'll see you later! Stryker Ten: ...I suppose I was too forward with her. Yamato: No... It did seem to clearly ease her pain. I only wish the timing could have been better. Yamato: But what happened to your body? From what I know, it seems it must have something to do with Clie. Stryker Ten: It does. That Balboran cyborg defeated me in combat and left my body in shambles. Stryker Ten: Hajime saved me and brought me here. If it hadn't been for him, I would surely have been left to rust. Yamato: ...The owner? But why would Ichimonji's father do something like that? Stryker Ten: You see... Hajime: Professor. Do you think I might be allowed to explain? Hajime: I'm sorry, Yuuki-kun. I should have told you all this much earlier. Yamato: Sir... Hajime: The truth is, I was part of the Stryker development team. I was an assistant to Stryker Ten... to the professor. Yamato: That... That can't be! You mean to say that you and Ichimonji are also characters from that story?! Hajime: That seems to be the case. It was a bit shocking when my body started disappearing in the middle of evening service. Hajime: Later, your mother came by to say hello when she found out you always stopped by here. That's when I heard the rest of the story. Hajime: Ah, I've had a look through Dengeki Stryker as well. It's certainly a strange feeling, seeing myself in print that way. Yamato: But then... Does Ichimonji know? Hajime: She doesn't seem to realize it yet. She slept through most of it, then afterward, she was working so hard to find her friends, she didn't notice. Yamato: I see. I'm sorry... This is all because of the wish I made. Hajime: Oh no, no. I'm making a life here for myself. If I'm going to get a second chance, I'm happy that it's in such a blessed world. Stryker Ten: It is because of Hajime that I too understand the circumstances I find myself in. This may not be the world I come from, but that doesn't mean it isn't worth protecting. Hajime: You have a tendency to put unnecessary burdens on yourself. I'd like you to remember that most people feel the way I do. Hajime: But please, keep this a secret from Sayaka. I want to spare her the shock, if I can. Yamato: ...Understood. Stryker Ten: Setting that aside, you did a fine job battling the Balboran invasion. Yamato: I had the help of the vanguard as well. But what have you been doing, all this time? Stryker Ten: Regarding that, I must apologize. I could not join the fight because I was looking for the Stryker Headquarters, which I thought I would find here in the capital. Stryker Ten: That is when I realized that this world was not the world we came from. I was just considering what to do next when the cyborg appeared. Yamato: Rin told me she was the equal to Colonel Mirror. For her to defeat a warrior like you in a one-to-one duel... I can see that she was correct. Stryker Ten: No, there is another reason that I lost. That is part of what I found necessary to tell you. Stryker Ten: ...The technology that her artificial arm comprises is not Balboran technology. It is based on the Stryker System. Yamato: What?! That matched what I had seen of Clie's arm when I examined it before. Even so, I could not fully conceal my surprise at having my hypothesis confirmed. Yamato: How... How could that have happened?! Was the technology of the Stryker System leaked after all?! Stryker Ten: No. Not at all. Stryker Ten: These were the events of the story, long before we came to this world. Back when I still had my old body, I created several prototype inventions. Stryker Ten: This was back when there were still diplomatic relations between Balbora and the Japanese Empire. They sent us a subject on which to test our developing cyborg technology. Stryker Ten: She was a young foreign girl, hanging between life and death. We were told she had been in an accident. Yamato: ...It can't be... Hajime: It's exactly as you think. We didn't know who the girl was at the time, but we tried the prototype on her in order to save her life. Hajime's expression was grave. Yamato: You mean to say... that was Clie? Hajime: Yes, it was her. Stryker Ten: The experiment succeeded. But the arm we attached was too powerful, and went out of control. She was still unconscious when she destroyed the facility and escaped. We never knew what happened to her after that. Stryker Ten: So Clie was her name. When I fought her, I saw that young girl's face again. And that arm. I was too distracted to fight her. I showed an opening and lost. The accident in Clie's past in which she had lost her arm. The threads of our pasts were braiding together here in the present. Yamato: That's one mystery solved... So her arm went out of control because the prototype was defective. Stryker Ten: Out of control? Has something happened to her? Yamato: Yes. It was some time ago, but... I told him about the time her arm had gone out of control. Hajime: Professor, do you think... Stryker Ten: Yes. There can be no doubt about it. Yamato: Ten... Is there something I should know? Stryker Ten: Her emotional state influences when her arm goes out of control. When she escaped the laboratory, it was because of her overwhelming desire to return home. Stryker Ten: From what I've seen of her, she doesn't seem like the type of person who would attack a defenseless child. In other words... Stryker Ten: There is a chance that her arm was modified by the Balbora Empire. Yamato: So that's what happened... Hajime: Yuuki-kun. I'm not sure what caused her to lose control. But if they did modify it, it could be dangerous. Yamato: I understand. Ten, thank you for the information. Stryker Ten: Not at all. I feel responsible for her, you know. Stryker Ten: Zero. It was good to see you again, after so long. Once you have resolved things with her, I hope we can spend time catching up. Yamato: Yes! I fully intend to. There was no reason for me to wait around any longer. I flew from the cafe, hoping to catch up with Clie.
Rin: Onee-chan, wait! Don't go! Rin: I finally caught you... Onee-chan... You walk so fast... Clie: ...... Rin: Now we can finally talk... There really is so much I want to talk to you about... Clie: ...Have you been deceiving me, too? Rin: Ah? Clie: Have you been working me over, as that man has? Trying to convince me to betray the Empire? Rin: N-no! That's not it, Onee-chan! Clie: Then what IS it?! You've betrayed your Empire and befriended a Japanese Stryker, haven't you? Clie: So many things that have gone unexplained. The people of an enemy nation going out of their way to be so kind to me... What is it you've been hiding from me... Clie: It was all an act... A massive conspiracy to win me over. Rin: O-Onee-chan... Clie: To think that my own sister would betray me... I could never have imagined such a thing. Rin: Th-that's not what's going on... It's not... You still don't understand! Rin: It's true... that I have been hiding something from you. But that was just because... I wasn't sure if you would believe me. Rin: Today, I was going to tell you everything... The reason behind everything you've been feeling... Clie: Stay away from me. Rin: Ah... Clie: I cannot look upon you kindly, now... So please, just stay away. Rin: No... Clie: Rin... Rin: I can't stand having you think of me that way... because I love you so much, Onee-chan... Rin: So I'm not going to run away... I'm going to stay right here, until you listen to me! Clie: It doesn't matter what you say. I will never believe you. You have betrayed the Empire. That is the truth. Rin: ...I haven't betrayed anyone. The truth is, the Balbora Empire doesn't exist in this world. Clie: W-what are you talking about? Have you gone mad? Rin: No. It's true. We're all characters from a manga called 'Dengeki Stryker.' Rin: You, me, Yamato-san... the vanguard, Haruna-san, everyone... We're all fictional characters who don't really exist in this world. Rin: The others all disappeared before you came here, but Yamato-san... Stryker Zero risked his life to save me. That's why I'm still here. Clie: If you're going to lie to me, at least come up with something plausible! Do you really expect me to believe that?! Rin: You thought it was strange, too, didn't you, Onee-chan? I know you've been trying to contact our homeland... and you've never gotten in touch with them, even once. Clie: ...Hngh. Rin: I didn't tell you because I knew it would be hard to accept. I was hoping you'd grow to understand it as you grew to love this country... Rin: Onee-chan. The Japan we're in now isn't the Japan that we know. No matter where we go in this world, we'll never find the Balbora Empire. Clie: That... can't be... Rin: When I learned about it, I was sure I'd never see my family again. That I'd never see mother or father or grandmother or grandfather... Rin: It was so painful, I felt like I was going to fall to pieces. But then, when you showed up... That's when I finally started to feel happy again. Rin: That's why... This time, it's my turn. Clie: R-Rin... What are you doing?! Rin: This is the only way I can make you believe me... By putting my life on the line. Rin: If you really think that I'm lying... then run me through with your sword. Clie: Y-you know I can't possibly do that! Rin: But I'm a traitor. You know it. Clie: You know that I can't kill my own sister! How could you say such a thing, even in jest?! Clie: L-let go, now! Let go! Rin: But I have to show you... or else you'll hate me... Rin: You're the only family I have in this world... My beloved sister... Back with me after all this time... Rin: I don't... I don't want you to leave me. I can't live, knowing that you hate me... Clie: Rin... You... Rin: So please, believe me... I want to make a life with you... Clie: ...I... Stryker Zero: Clie! Stop this! Clie: Ah! Clie: You... Stryker Zero: Killing her won't change anything! This world isn't the world that you know! Clie: ...Rin has informed me. Rin: Ah! Clie shoved Rin away from her sword, sending her flying back. Rin: O-Onee-chan... Clie: She says that we are merely characters from a story. That the Balbora Empire does not exist, and that this is not the Japan that I know. Stryker Zero: ...that's right. Clie: Did you really think I would believe such a story? Stryker Zero: Not easily, I know. But it is the truth, and we cannot change that. Stryker Zero: There is no reason for us to fight! We should live here in Japan, together, in peace! Clie: In peace? You are telling me to forget my Empire, my family, my friends, and make a life in this country... Clie: No... I could not possibly accept that! There can be no world where the Balbora Empire does not exist! She readied her sword and turned to face me. She was clearly too enraged to listen to anything we had to say. Rin: Onee-chan, stop! There's no reason for you to do this! Clie: Not another word! I... I am a soldier of the Balbora Empire! Clie: Yuuki Yamato... No, Stryker Zero... On the honor of this arm of steel, I challenge you to a duel! Stryker Zero: ...As you wish. Rin: Y-Yamato-san?! Stryker Zero: If that is the only way to satisfy you, then I will fight you. Clie: Bold words. But do not mock me by taking me so lightly! Stryker Zero: ...... Clie: I will make you regret those words! Your naive hope will not save you from me! Clie: Iron Clie... To battle! She rushed at me like lightning. Her pure speed seemed to send her flying low over the ground. Clie: HAHH! It was a straightforward attack, suited to the person she was. It was as if she was testing me. She brought her steel fist to bear, unleashing all the power of her arm in one mighty punch. Stryker Zero: Ngh, hnnngh!! The force of the blow sent me flying back, rolling head-over-heels across the ground. I felt a dull throb of pain across my entire body. I gritted my teeth and staggered to my feet. Clie: H-how dare you! Why didn't you dodge?! Stryker Zero: You know why... Because there's no reason for us to fight! Clie: I am your enemy! I'm a member of the Balboran imperial army leading an invasion of Japan! We have thousands of reasons to fight! Stryker Zero: Ngh, hnngh... Clie: Fight me! You're a Japanese Stryker, aren't you?! It is your duty to oppose the Balbora Empire! Stryker Zero: Ghhk! Clie: If you don't defeat me, your country will be invaded! Are you saying you won't fight me, even then?! Stryker Zero: cough Gnn... Clie: You have a mission, don't you?! You extended me friendship because you hoped to win me to your side! That's the only reason why! Stryker Zero: No... That isn't true. Clie: Don't lie to me! Are you telling me you approached me with no ulterior motive?! Befriended a mortal enemy, for no benefit to yourself?! Clie: It can't be true! It can't possibly be true! You are an enemy, a warrior I must defeat! Clie struck at me recklessly with her fists. She refused to use her sword. She hit me again and again, each blow resounding with her own uncontrollable emotion, as if to physically release her rage. Each hit sent my body flying back, cutting a swath through the surrounding scenery. Stryker Zero: pant pant... Rin: Onee-chan, stop it! Please, don't hurt Yamato-san! Clie: Get out of my way, Rin! It's time I settled things, once and for all! Rin: Why... Why won't you just believe us?! Why aren't our words enough to convince you?! Clie: ...... Rin: If you're going to keep fighting, then I will protect Yamato-san! I can't let you keep doing this when you don't know anything! Stryker Zero: Rin... It's alright. I don't need you to cover for me... Rin: B-but... Stryker Zero: This is something I have coming to me... as the person who called you all into this world... My body was in agony. I did all I could just to remain standing. The pain was so bad that one small slip in focus would cause me to fall to my knees. Through sheer willpower, I bore it. Stryker Zero: Clie... For what does your power exist? Clie: What... What are you... Stryker Zero: My power exists to protect the ones that I love! To keep the world at peace! Stryker Zero: You are not my enemy. You are the beloved sister of my classmate, Rin. Don't you know the sorrow it would bring to her, if she were to lose you?! Stryker Zero: I don't care if you're a Balboran! I just don't want to see any more senseless death! I shouted the words in between gasps for breath. They were my true feelings, honest and without embellishment. I prayed that the unchangeable reality of our situation would reach her - the one person Rin cared about most in the world... Clie: These... These lies... Would you really go so far to deceive me?! Clie: The Balbora Empire doesn't exist?! I... I'm just a character from a story?! How can you expect me to believe this?! Clie: To destroy the Japanese Stryker... To pave the way for our invasion! That is the mission I was given! A definite aura of hostility was beginning to envelop Clie's body. She pulled her sword from its sheath, the sharp blade glinting in the sunlight. Clie: I don't believe you! How... How could I possibly believe you?! She raised her blade high, then brought it down, swiftly enough to rend the air itself. It was a strike designed to take my life. I remained exactly where I was, gazing into the eyes of a woman wrought with indecisive emotion. Rin: NOOOOO!! And then... Clie: ...... I felt the cold pinch of steel at my neck. The tip of her sword was at my throat, a mere hair's breadth away from cutting into it. Clie: ...Yamato. Stryker Zero: ...What? Clie: ............You say... that the Balbora Empire does not exist in this world? Stryker Zero: Yes. Clie: ...............And you say that I... am a character from a story? Stryker Zero: ...Yes. Clie: I... see. The words you said to me... They were the truth, then... The sword slipped out of her hand and clattered to the ground. Her body went very still. Her frayed emotions seemed to leave her in an instant. Inside, only an emptiness remained. Clie: Haha... Hahahahaha... Clie: That means... I am not a real person. My memories of my family, of Rin... They were all the product of someone's imagination... Clie: And all this time, I have been ignorant, acting like a fool... reliant on the kindness of Yamato and Rin to support my delusion... Clie: I'm truly a deplorable creature... If you hadn't gone this far, I would never have believed any of it... Rin: Onee... chan... Clie let out a self-deprecating laugh. Rin approached her and put her arms around her. As she did, her body seemed smaller than ever before. Her arms wrapped her sister's body tightly, as if to ease that emptiness, so vast that it threatened to consume her entirely. Rin: It's the same for all of us... We're all going through that pain... Clie: Rin... Rin: You don't have to bear it all yourself... I'm here. We can bear our sadness, together... Rin: So, it's okay... It's okay to cry at times like this... Clie: ...Ngh... Clie: Ahh... Ahhh... Mm... Tears began to well from her eyes. As the tears fell, unceasing, they seemed to carry with them the last fortification over her pent-up emotions. Clie: Ahhh... Ahhh hahhhh hahhh hahhhhhhh... Yet her sister remained, arms tightly around her. The bond between them was unbreakable. Clie: ...Forgive me. I have acted shamefully in your sight. Some time passed. At last, Clie regained her calm. She seemed rather embarrassed, if anything. She was unable to meet my eyes as she spoke. Clie: Rather, my behavior has been shameful ever since my arrival in Japan. But it is only now that I truly feel ashamed. Clie: Can you still move? If it's difficult, you can lean on me. Stryker Zero: I believe I'm fine. It does hurt to move, but I don't think I'll need your help. Stryker Zero: Let me add that I knew from the start that this wouldn't be easy. The fact that I'm still alive means that I consider the injuries minor. Clie: I see... Your magnanimity is truly limitless. Rin: That doesn't mean that I forgive you for this, though! You really went too far this time, Onee-chan! Rin: You beat poor Yamato-san to pieces... You weren't actually trying to kill him, were you? Clie: No. Had there been any deception in his eyes, I would have killed him without hesitation. Clie: But Yamato's eyes were the same as yours, Rin. No matter how ridiculous the truth may seem, if he would risk his life for it, then I cannot help but believe him. Clie's acceptance of the truth seemed to have alleviated her burden. The wall between the two sisters had vanished. Clie turned towards me again with a serene expression. Clie: Furthermore, I wish to thank you anew. Clie: I do not know what twist of fate it was that brought me to this world. This world, where Rin suffered alone in the knowledge of what she truly was. Rin: Onee-chan... Clie: A world with no Empire, no family, and no friends. A world too cold for one girl to inhabit alone. Clie: But thanks to you, Rin was not alone. I am glad that you will have each other from now on. Stryker Zero: I see... Clie: It is clear that you feel some responsibility for her situation. That is why I feel I must tell you this. Clie: Yamato. Thank you for allowing us to see each other again. She bowed to me. Her words of thanks seemed heartfelt. Hearing her words, I felt my own response die in my throat. I said nothing. At last, she gave me small nod, then smiled, as if evaluating something. Clie: I suppose I must strive to fit in here as well. There is much I have yet to do to make a proper life in this world... She cut off. Her gentle expression was replaced by a stern one. Clie: This is bad... Rin: O-Onee-chan... What is it? Clie: Yamato. The battle isn't over! Even if the Balbora Empire no longer exists, the main invasion is still on its way! Stryker Zero: W-what?! Clie: It's the air fleet commanded by General Curtis. They were going in search of something, which is why they sent me on ahead, but... Clie: If that force reaches this place, we will still be drawn into war! I must speak to General Curtis of this, and stop the meaningless bloodshed before it starts! Stryker Zero: Hngh! What's that sound?! Rin: Th-the city's on fire... That's... That's the cafe! Clie: Ngh! We're too late! Stryker Zero: No, we're going to make it! I won't let this city fall into danger!
Cafe Ichimonji had suffered an unexpected attack from the Balbora Empire. Stryker Ten-san and I had somehow made it through the first wave, but now we were completely surrounded. Hajime: Nngh, hnn... Sayaka: Dad, hang in there! We'll get you bandaged up soon! Hajime: I... I'm alright. It's nothing severe... Sayaka: W-what are you talking about? You're clearly in pain! I can't just leave you like this! Hajime: No... If we move now, we'll just draw attention to ourselves... Sayaka: B-but... Stryker Retsu: Sayaka-chan. Try to hold on just a little while longer. I'm going to beat this guy myself. Sayaka: H-Haruna... But... Why are you... Stryker Ten: I'll explain later. Right now, what we need to do is break out of here. Curtis: One woman and one tin can. Do you really think the two of you stand a chance against me? Stryker Retsu: ...... Curtis: Enough of this useless resistance, woman. Hand over the girl and I'll make your deaths easy. Stryker Retsu: I'm sorry. I have nothing to say to a man who hasn't even introduced himself. Curtis: Heh heh heh heh... You're unworthy to know my name. ...That would be a fine line right now, but I actually don't care. Curtis: My name is Curtis. I am a Brigadier General serving the glorious Balboran Imperial Army, and the commander of this current operation. Curtis: All I want right now is the woman. If you hand her over to me right now, I may choose to spare your life. Sayaka: H-Haruna... Stryker Retsu: ...Don't worry. Curtis: Now! I have given you my name. What is your reply? Stryker Retsu: Sayaka-chan is my friend. I would never hand her over to the Balbora Empire. Which means... Stryker Retsu: My answer is no. Curtis: I see. Die, then. Stryker Retsu: Ah! He's so fast! Curtis: First, this one. One strike should be enough. Stryker Ten: No, you will go no further! Curtis: Hmm! Curtis: ...heh. So the tin can can fly. But I see you can't do more than slam into me. Stryker Ten: Retsu, keep up your guard! This man is far stronger than any of us! Stryker Retsu: ...I will. Curtis: Well, then. You want to protect the girl, don't you? Then cease the worthless prattling and come right at me! Stryker Retsu: You don't have to tell me twice! Stryker Drive, set! The tension in the air was tangible. That alone told me how powerful he was. My opponent took a loose, but composed stance. I installed my Stryker Drive, and flew at him. I lashed at him with punches, kicks, and blasts of lightning. This was only my second battle and I was acutely aware of my lack of experience. I knew I couldn't afford to hold back an inch of my power. I unleashed everything I had right from the start. Stryker Retsu: He's so strong... I'm not sure I can match him... Stryker Retsu: But... I won't let you have Sayaka-chan! Curtis: Heh, you appear to be a completely untrained novice. To send such a woman into the field, Japan must truly be desperate. Stryker Retsu: That's not true! Curtis: Then try and dodge this one. Just keep squawking like the little bird you are. Stryker Retsu: Ngh! Curtis: What's the matter? I thought you wanted to protect the girl! Curtis: Can't you see how far I'm stooping to entertain a novice like you? You should be flattered! Stryker Retsu: I... I'm not through yet! Stryker Ten: You've forgotten that I'm here, too! Stryker Ten rushed in to support me and block some of Curtis's attacks. He danced through the air at high speed, bashing his steel head into the man anywhere he saw an opening. Curtis: Ridiculous gnat! Tin cans belong on the ground! Curtis's blade cut through the asphalt like butter, unleashing shockwaves that ripped a swath through the surrounding area. He swung his sword nimbly, forcing us to walk a tightrope between attack and defense. Stryker Retsu: I need to get the drop on him somehow... If I could just score one hit, maybe I could shift the tide of battle... Curtis: Can't land a single blow on me, eh? Hmm, perhaps we need some stakes to make the battle worth it. Curtis: I'll fire at the girl and her companion. That should bring out an interesting reaction. Stryker Ten: You will not! The man turned around to fire at the two people behind him. Stryker Ten made use of his excellent agility to block the bullets, sparing the two from harm. Stryker Ten: Nngh... hnngh... The blocked bullets went flying in all directions. His steel chassis was beginning to show wear, but he refused to relent before Curtis's onslaught. Stryker Ten: Data analysis complete... Now! Curtis: Oh-ho... He was analyzing the rebounding bullets' trajectory. As the Gatling gun bullets hit their obstacle, they suddenly began to rebound back at Curtis. Curtis: An impressive attempt, for a disembodied head - but it means nothing if it doesn't hit. Though he hadn't predicted the counterattack, Curtis still dodged it effortlessly. But it was still a momentary opening - the first one he had shown. Stryker Retsu: This is it... My only chance! Stryker Retsu: Stryker System change! Taizan! Curtis: Hmm? I installed the Drive that increased the powers of the Stryker System exponentially. With Taizan equipped, I felt an overwhelming power burst free from the Stryker Units - power I needed to defeat my enemy. This was it! My only chance to defeat Curtis! Stryker Retsu: HAHHHH! I struck at him with all my might! This was my one-in-a-million chance! With strength enough to level a building, I unleashed my power at him! Curtis: ...Heh. Curtis: So, you had a trick up your sleeve. Clever, for a novice. My attack brought to bear the full power of Stryker Retsu. It was power enough to forge a crater in the Earth, but Curtis merely blocked it with his sword. Stryker Retsu: It... It can't be! Curtis: ...But a novice you still are. And far too stupid to understand how to use the power in your grasp. Stryker Retsu: I... I'm not done yet! You haven't seen what Taizan can do! Curtis: I'm bored. Stryker Retsu: AHH! Stryker Ten: Retsu! I will not let this continue! Curtis: You're in my way, too. Stryker Ten: HRNNGH! Curtis: Enough games for now. I hope you realize just how powerless you are. Stryker Retsu: Ah... Ahhh... Sayaka: Haruna?! How dare you! Curtis: Just training the novice on the art of combat, my dear. Don't forget that she insisted on it, after all. Sayaka: Hngh! I don't know anything about Balbora or Generals or whatever the hell you are, but you can take your freaky cosplay somewhere else! Curtis: You have a strong will. I'm surprised your determination stands after what you just saw. Or perhaps you don't believe your own eyes... Curtis: Heh. In that case, let's try it this way. He turned his blade to Hajime-san, who was helpless, thanks to his injury. Curtis: I hope this helps to put things in perspective, my dear. Sayaka: Ah! Y-you can't... Curtis: I dislike meaningless chatter. I believe I was very polite in humoring that worthless opponent before. Sayaka: I don't know where that sword came from, but put it away already! What are you going to do to my father?! Curtis: If you do not answer my question, you will die. It's just one simple question. Answer me truthfully, and this will all be over. Stryker Retsu: D... Don't do it, Sayaka-chan... If you do what he says... Curtis: ...Of course, the fate of your friend and the tin can are riding on this, as well. You understand what I'm saying, don't you? Sayaka: J-just ask the question. Curtis: I'm glad you understand. Now, I want you to tell me everything that you know. Curtis: Where is the Stryker Laboratory? Sayaka: W-what are you talking about? Curtis: My entire fleet has been searching, but hasn't caught sign of it. I thought it might be quicker to just ask someone who knows. Curtis: So please, do not play dumb. I know very well that you know where it is. Sayaka: I-I told you, I don't know! First of all, Stryker is just a manga character! Sayaka: There is no laboratory! If you just want to do your stupid cosplay, do it somewhere else! Curtis: Hmm. You seem rather unwilling to answer. Sayaka: B-but I told you, I don't know! I don't know what you want to accomplish by hurting my father and my friend! Curtis: Just clearing my way of obstacles. I was hoping it would get me what I wanted... but you leave me no choice. He let out a sigh, and lifted his blade. The sunlight glinted off its silver edge as it rushed for Hajime-san. Curtis: Perhaps killing one of them will open your eyes. Sayaka: Ah! S-sto-- Curtis: Too late. Diffidently and without hesitation, he brought the blade down. I was helpless to stop him. Stryker Ten had no way of interfering. All I could do was watch as the scene unfolded before me, as if in slow motion. The blade moved, to cut Hajime-san in two... Curtis: Hmm... The blade sliced through the asphalt, digging a deep trough. Hajime-san was gone. He and Sayaka-chan disappeared, pulled away by a shadowy figure. Sayaka: Y-you... You're... The shadow landed with a great stirring of wind, then stood before us, protectively. He was holding Sayaka-chan in his arms. He set her down, then turned to me. There was fire in his gaze. Stryker Zero: You did well today, Haruna. Stryker Retsu: Y-Yamato-kun... I had hurried at full speed to Cafe Ichimonji, hearing about the cyborg named Curtis on the way. They all seemed to have sustained injury. Fortunately, I had managed to reach them before it cost anyone their life. I looked around to confirm that they were all safe, then turned my gaze back to the enemy in front of me. Curtis: ...So you must be the Stryker Zero mentioned in our reports. That explains why the woman put up such a poor fight. Stryker Zero: You're a cyborg of the Balbora Empire, aren't you? Curtis: I am. Allow me to say that it's a pleasure to meet you. Curtis: But... Something is strange. There's still an anomaly in my information. My most recent intelligence... Curtis: ...did not mention the presence of a traitor in our ranks. Clie: ...... I asked Jack to keep watch over Rin while Clie rushed to the scene with me. She did not move immediately to support Curtis and the Empire, but stood at my side to protect our friends. Curtis: Clie. I believe that I tasked you with the annihilation of the Stryker and the infiltration of Japan. Why are you standing against me to protect these people? Clie: ...... Curtis: Are you a traitor? Betraying the Balbora Empire? I appointed you to this post due to your unwavering loyalty to our mission. Clie: ...I pray you forgive my rudeness, General. I am doing this so as to prevent a potentially grave misunderstanding. Curtis: Misunderstanding...? Clie: Sir! Japan is not the evil empire described in our reports. It is a vibrant, peaceful nation, rich in kindness and hospitality. Clie: Furthermore, Japan bears us no ill will. To conquer this country would be a stain on the honor of the Balbora Empire. Curtis: ...... Clie: General, this is a meaningless battle. I implore you to lower your sword. Curtis: Hmm. Are you trying to tell me you are not a traitor? Clie: I am a soldier of the Balbora Empire. I have no intention of betraying that. Curtis: Then, let us handle it this way. Japan surrenders unconditionally, handing over all of its technology, beginning with the Stryker System. Stryker Zero: What?! Curtis: This will allow us to avoid a pointless struggle in which civilian lives will be lost. A cheap price to pay, wouldn't you say? Stryker Zero: The Stryker System was created to serve the national defense! I will not hand it over to evil such as you! Curtis: It appears negotiations have broken down. Clie, please kill this obstacle. Clie: W-wait a moment! There is no reason for us to continue this fight. Curtis: You're trying my patience. Are you attempting to buy time? Clie: O-of course I am not! Surely you've realized it, General! Clie: The Japan you see before you is not the Japanese Empire we know! The Balbora Empire does not exist in this world! Curtis took a step back, as if reeling from a physical blow. Clie: Your fleet must have already confirmed the disappearance of the continent. Your communications aren't getting through, either. Curtis: ...... Clie: This is not the world that we came from! The truth is, we are fictional characters who should not exist here! Curtis: ...How do you know this? Clie: The destruction of the vanguard was the result of it. They worked with Stryker Zero to ascertain the cause, to save this city and Corporal Rin. Clie: If you look, you will find a great deal of evidence of this fact. I am certain that you have noticed strange things about this world, as well. Clie: With no Empire, there is no need for us to invade! General, please, make a home here in Japan with the rest of us! Clie simply told him the truth, praying that he would believe her. Curtis made a great show of considering her words, resting his chin in his hand. He then looked at us skeptically. Curtis: Clie. Please, answer me one question. Clie: Sir! What is it? Curtis: If your story is true, then what is our purpose in life? Clie: ...Forgive me, sir. I only recently learned the truth, myself. Curtis: Then let me ask you a different question. Are we the only bionic humans in this world? Clie: To my understanding, yes. We and Stryker Zero are the only bionic humans in this world. Clie: General... The Japan of this world is a peaceful nation. Let us live on, and make happy lives here together! Curtis: I see. How very interesting. At last, all of the pieces have fallen into place. Curtis: It is difficult to believe that our existence is a mere fiction, but it is true that communications with the motherland have been lost, and the continent has disappeared. Curtis: Colonel Clie. I thank you for this very valuable information. Clie: Then... General, you... Curtis: Yes. Our unit will now change its objective. Curtis: Our objective is total world domination! In place of the Balbora Empire, I will reign as emperor over all! Stryker Zero: W-what?! Clie: G-General, what are you saying? I just told you, this is not our world! Curtis: That is why it's so convenient! Neither the Empire nor the Emperor exist in this world! If we are the only bionic humans here, that only makes it better! Stryker Zero: H-how dare you... Curtis: Cyborgs of Japan... No, my fellow fictional beings. As warriors from the same set of circumstances, will you not join with me? Stryker Zero: ...... Curtis: I have already caught a glimpse of your power. With circumstances as they are, I'm willing to put all this nastiness behind us. Curtis: Now, take my hand. I promise to accept you as my field officers. Stryker Zero: I refuse! Stryker Retsu: I could never work with you! My power exists to protect the people most precious to me! Curtis: ...I see. What a shame. If you had agreed to join me, it would have eliminated the last of my potential obstacles. Curtis: Ah, well. Clie, what do you have to say? Clie: ...Forgive me, General. I have no intention of invading this land. Curtis: Carried away by emotion. I see you never fixed that habit from your NCO days. You shame those medals on your chest. Clie: These medals are the proof of my honor and duty. If I had to commit immoral acts to achieve them, I would happily rip them from my chest! Clie: General, there is no honor in this! Sheathe your sword; put an end to this pointless battle! Curtis: I am uninterested. If you intend to side with this world, then I will simply have to kill you. Curtis: However, I thank you for the information you have provided. As a token of my gratitude... I will destroy this city, first. Stryker Ten: Ah! These readings... Sayaka: I-it can't be... What is that? From his place in Ichimonji's arms, Stryker Ten seemed to notice something. They both looked up as a massive object blocked out the sun.
Dozens of airships hung in the sky above. Balboran bionic soldiers were pouring out of them, moving to surround us. Stryker Retsu: A-are all of those... enemies? Curtis: I need to start by putting some anxieties to rest. After all, you might make trouble for me down the line. Curtis: My air fleet boasts a thousand bionic soldiers. They will easily ground you into dust. If you do not wish to die, simply hand over the girl. Stryker Zero: I told you, I refuse! We will protect Ichimonji and this city! Sayaka: Y-Yuuki... Curtis: Then die. We have nothing further to discuss. He spat out the command without mercy or hesitation. In that moment, the bionic soldiers moved in on us. The area around us was about to be engulfed in the fire of battle. Stryker Zero: Haruna, let's go! We need to defeat them before they destroy the town! Stryker Retsu: Right! That's what Dengeki Stryker is for! A truly overwhelming force was pressing down from the skies. Too many for us to take out by ourselves. Stryker Zero: But we have to do this! If Curtis is allowed to run rampant, the city will fall into chaos! There were a thousand of them. That meant we each had to defeat as many of them as possible. Stryker Zero & Retsu: Stryker System change! Senden! The flow of electric energy in our bodies began to accelerate, pushing our reaction time to its limits. The invaders' movements seemed to slow to a crawl as the electricity sent our synapses into overdrive. Stryker Zero: I'll thin out their numbers as much as possible! Haruna, you keep the enemy away from Ichimonji! Stryker Retsu: I think I can handle that! I want to help you as much as I can, Yamato-kun! Leaving Haruna to look after Ichimonji, I took off into the sky. I was in the thick of them before they could even ready their defenses. Bionic Soldier B: Hngh! How could you? Stryker Zero: Not fast enough! Bionic Soldier B: Hnngh! The force of my punch strained my muscles to their limit. I knocked the enemy out of the skies on my first hit. Bionic Soldier A: Fire! Hit him! Stryker Zero: You can't hit me that way! Bionic Soldier A: Hnngh! Bionic Soldier C: W-we'll just hit each other! Stick with melee attacks only! Stryker Zero: Try it, if you dare! I moved at top speed, taking care to always keep an enemy behind me so that they couldn't get a proper target. Physical strikes weren't my most powerful attacks, but there were so many, I had to keep them concentrated around me! Stryker Zero: HAHHHHHH! I used my enemy's body as a platform, kicked off of him, and leaped into the sky. Bionic Soldier C: All units! Take aim and fire! They assumed a formation in the air, all aiming their guns at me. With nothing left to stop them from firing on me, they readied their guns and moved into a crossfire formation. Stryker Zero: I told you, you can't hit me! Stryker System change! Tenrai! Before they could open fire, I readied a massive plasma blast. Stryker Zero: Clustering together just makes you an easier target! It was the enemy that limited themselves by packing together that way. I took aim at the group's tight formation and fired. Bionic Soldier B: GRAAAAAH! With no room to dodge, the bionic soldiers were swallowed up by the light of Tenrai's blast. I flew through the hole created by the blast to ascend higher into the sky. Bionic Soldier A: F-fire! Fire! Fire!! Stryker Zero: Too late! I'm right here! Bionic Soldier A: Ghhk! I unleashed a kick at the bionic soldier who stood highest in the air, taking the high ground for myself. With all enemy eyes on me, I changed my Stryker Drive once more. Stryker Zero: Stryker System change! Hiryuu! Full power! Hiryuu's rage engulfed my body. The electricity began to flow from my feet, coursing through me. Sparks crackled, ionizing the air around me. Stryker Zero: I will defeat you all here! Listen now to Hiryuu's cry! Electricity cracked from the Stryker Unit, concentrating itself into a single point. Stryker Zero: HRAAAAAAAAAAHHHH!!! Lightning speed, in every sense of the word! I was thunder itself, tearing through every enemy within my line of sight! Stryker Zero: Hng, nngh, hnnn... As I crashed into the ground below, the electricity diffused from my body into the surrounding area. Stryker Zero: Thirty... No, forty... I can reduce their numbers, but diving in recklessly may be too dangerous... Bionic Soldier C: Shoot him! We can hit him now! Stryker Retsu: You will not! HYAH! Bionic Soldier C: D-damn you... The bionic soldiers set their sights on me while I was still dazed from the impact. Haruna, keeping watch over Ichimonji, reacted instantly, and knocked each of them out with one hit. Stryker Retsu: Yamato-kun, are you okay?! Stryker Zero: Yes, I believe so... Stryker Retsu: You really are amazing, Yamato-kun... You totally know how to use your power, unlike me... Stryker Zero: No... It's better not to know how to use it. That's not the world we want to live in. Stryker Retsu: ...Yeah. You're right. Stryker Zero: But now's not the time to speak of that. We must first deal with the recklessness of the other newcomers to this world. Stryker Retsu: Okay! Stryker Zero: Come at me, cyborgs! I will show you how I protect my city! The enemies continued to pour out of the airships. There seemed to be no end to them. Still, while their numbers were overwhelming, we continued to push back. We knew we had to protect Ichimonji and her father. Any time a bionic soldier tried to break from the group to enter the city, we took care of him first. Yet still, the enemy assault continued. Curtis watched us from the distant sky above, calmly appraising the battle. Clie: Stop this! You have no reason to fight us! The Japanese Empire does not exist in this world! I watched as the battle unfolded between my Balboran brethren and the Dengeki Stryker. But my kinsmen were loyal only to the General's words, and failed to hear mine. Clie: How could it have come to this? How... Sayaka: G-get off! Bionic Soldier A: There, I've got you now! Listen up, you, if you don't want me to hurt this woman... Clie: You won't touch her! Bionic Soldier A: Nngh! T-traitor... Sayaka: Th-thank you... Clie: ...It is nothing. I merely cannot allow one of Rin's friends to come to harm. Clie: But... It gives me such pain... That man was once my own comrade-in-arms... Sayaka: Clie-san... Rin: Onee-chan, are you okay?! Jack: Texas Ninja Jack arrives upon the scene! Clie: W-why did you both come here? Jack: Verily, mine ears did catch the story. But 'twas Rin-dono who insisted upon our return. Rin: Yes... I don't just want to run off and be safe. I want to help protect the city with the rest of you. Rin: Onee-chan... Please, do what you have to do right now. I know it will be the right thing to do. Clie: Even though you knew how dangerous it would be... I'm surprised by how much you've matured. Rin: I just take after my big sister. Clie: ...in that case, I suppose that I must change, as well. My sister's words loosened the tangled emotions running through my brain. Each of my vanquished brethren set a new pain welling in my heart, yet I shut it deep inside me. I would show only the determination befitting my title of Iron. Clie: The battle has already begun. Words alone will not stop it... However! Clie: If I defeat the General, the battle will end! The instant I drew my sword, all of my hesitation vanished. My mind was like the stillness of a quiet pond. I flew straight into the sky, resolving in my heart to end this pointless fighting. Clie: Iron Clie... Moving out, to battle! Bionic Soldier B: That's the traitor, Clie! If we defeat her, we'll get a two-rank promotion! Bionic Soldier A: All she has is a sword! Shoot at her! Just keep shooting! As I neared the General, the bionic soldiers rushed to intercept and surround me. My beloved comrades, the men with whom I had celebrated countless victories... all pulled the triggers on their machine guns. Clie: ...Behold, the reason I am known as Iron! Bionic Soldier B: Ah...! A hail of bullets sped toward my body. I cut through them in an instant, reducing them to iron scrap. Clie: Get out of my way! I have no desire to kill my Balboran kinsmen! Bionic Soldier A: Let's just rush her all at once! Not even Clie can handle a mob like this! The bionic soldiers closed the distance quickly, attempting to attack me from all sides. It was a reckless attack; they just seemed intent on slamming into me. Yet to my eyes, their charge was painfully slow. Clie: All those who stand in my way shall be my enemies. My regrets will not stop me from ending you! Clie: If nothing else, I will make it a painless end... Clie: ZAN!! Bionic Soldier A: GRAH! The super alloy of my blade could cut through anything. I sliced a clean line across a bionic soldier. Paralyzed, he plummeted. Clie: In addition, there is something that you do not know. Clie: You don't know that my arm is not a mere decoration. That it does not merely endow me with superhuman strength! A torrent of power began to well within my prosthetic arm. Sparks flew around it. As the bionic soldiers moved to surround me from afar, I plunged into them, releasing all of that power. Clie: Howl, talon of steel! My steel fist roared forth, unleashing its high-pressured electric current with a deafening noise. Tens of thousands of volts roared from the claws as they streaked toward the enemy force. Bionic Soldier C: HNNGAH! Bionic Soldier B: Grrhh... Hnngh... It was a merciless attack that tore through the enemy at high velocity. The hand of steel mowed down all that stood in its way, then paused briefly amidst the thick of the crowd. Bionic Soldier C: W-what?! Why did it stop?! Clie: ...Paralyze! Bionic Soldier C: GRAAAAAH! Thunder leapt from the steel. The high-pressure electric current stored up in my prosthetic arm exploded in all directions, devouring every enemy in its immediate vicinity. Bionic Soldier A: Guhh... Hughhh... Those outside of the blast radius were merely paralyzed from the electric shock. But I was not such a fool as to leave it at that! Clie: ...SHI! Bionic Soldier A: Ughhh! Clie: Hyahh! HAHH! Bionic Soldier B: Hurghh... As long as there were people who needed my protection below, I could not afford to stay my hand. I kept my killing blows decisive to minimize suffering and preserve my own energy. Clie: If you don't wish to die, then move out of my way! My target is the General, nothing more! I continued to race upwards, I drew closer to the General, who looked down on me from the sky above. I tried to keep the pressure on, slicing through the bullets fired my way and any soldiers who approached me. I wanted to damage the bionic soldiers' morale by demonstrating the clear difference in our abilities. But rather than dispersing, the loyal soldiers quickly formed a thick wall to impede my progress. Clie: There's no end to it... In order to reach the General, I will simply have to break through. I stilled my racing heartbeat, bringing my emotions into perfect tranquility. Clie: ...Forgive me. I transferred my sword to my left hand, calling upon all the power that rested in my artificial arm. The arm began to shake, growing slowly into a deafening roar like a herd of runaway stallions. The counter-current it produced through my body caused me tremendous pain. It was difficult to concentrate. Clie: ...... If I didn't remain perfectly calm, that power could spiral out of control. While maintaining careful control over my artificial arm, I unleashed its energy upon the wall of enemies in front of me. Clie: Balboran Sword Arts, Clie Special Technique! Clie: ...JINRAI! Bionic Soldier C: ...Ah... Nngh... I charged at them, going from rest to full speed in an instant. My left arm sliced through the air with the speed of an angry god. Over and over again I unleashed shockwaves of force, sending the wall of enemies scattering. Clie: That is the blade that slays thousands! With the thick wall dispersed, I caught sight of the General once more. The other bionic soldiers, having seen what came before, seemed hesitant to face me. Clie: Keep away if you wish to live! I am after one man alone! Bionic Soldier A: Sh-she's so strong... So that's why they call her Iron Clie... Curtis: What are you doing? Get out there before she reaches me. Bionic Soldier A: B-but... Curtis: It is not for rank-and-file to question orders. Or do you want me to kill you before she does? Bionic Soldier A: S-sir! Resume formation one more time! Not even Clie could pull off that move again so quickly! Curtis: It's pathetic. So much effort to take out one little traitor. She really might reach me if things continue this way. Curtis: However... I have something else on my side. I hoped not to need it just yet, but perhaps it's time to bring it out. Bionic Soldier C: Ngh... Damn it... Clie: pant pant pant... The use of Jinrai had burned through my stamina. My movements had grown less precise. My enemy did not hesitate to regroup, and they reformed their wall. Clie: But... I'm so close... I'm so close to the General! He was the sole commanding officer present in this world. If I could defeat General Curtis, the bionic soldiers would lose their reason to fight. Clie: Forgive me, my General... but we are mere fictional characters. We cannot be allowed to disrupt the peace of this world! Clie: General, prepare yourself! I gathered power in my right hand, then unleashed it. I prepared another slicing shockwave, ready to breach the final barrier, and-- ???: Still haven't changed from your rank-and-file days, I see. Clie: W-what?! My blade's super alloy, capable of cutting through anything - was blocked. The block had come from the stem of an ordinary steel pipe. There was a figure standing above me. ???: Always defying orders in the name of your 'honor'... You've always caused such trouble for me. ???: The interfering woman, always finding fault with all my plans... If you weren't such an excellent soldier, I would have dealt with you long ago. Clie: Y-you... Then even you have come to this world... Curtis's most trusted subordinate... A staff officer in charge of strategic planning. The often barbaric nature of his plans had brought the two of us into conflict time and time again. Out of the entire Balboran Imperial Army, he was the man I hated the most. Clie: Staff Officer Schneider!! Schneider: A pleasure to see you again, Colonel Clie. Though I suppose I don't need to call you 'Colonel' now. Schneider: What a relief that I don't have to give you a comrade's indulgence anymore. It means that I can proceed unhindered. Clie: I could say the same thing of you! Clie: You're a villain who manipulates people's hearts and treats their lives as toys! You were the one person I hoped I'd left behind! Schneider: Your words wound me. I merely attempt to bring victory to my Empire. Unlike you, showing pity to all, regardless of friend or foe. Clie: Liar! Did you really think your diabolical nature escaped my notice?! Clie: All of my petitions for your dishonorable discharge were rejected... I fought to see you face judgment, over and over again! Clie: If you so demand, I shall gladly make you my enemy! I shall remove you from this world! Schneider: You certainly do like your displays of force. But I'm afraid I could say much the same thing about you. Schneider: I tried to have you dealt with quite a few times, myself. Besides, you were always... one step behind! Clie: W-what... My hated enemy's artificial eye glimmered wickedly. I felt my heart jump suddenly in my chest. It was as though there was a hand squeezing my heart. I couldn't breathe. I couldn't even think. Schneider: It seems the enemy's indoctrinated you with some nonsense or other. A soldier's only real commodity is their loyalty to their mission... Schneider: But don't worry about that, now. I know that you haven't really betrayed us. Clie: W-what are you... talking about... Schneider: There, you feel that hatred welling up from deep inside? You want to kill all the Japanese cyborgs, don't you? With each beat of my heart, my artificial arm sent new sparks flying. Clie: GRAAAAAH! Schneider: I'm sorry to say, I was prepared for this eventuality. That's why I implanted a special program inside your artificial arm. Schneider: I call it the Berserker Program. It's similar to the one I used for Colonel Mirror's attack persona. Clie: H-how dare you!! Clie: AAAAAAAH! Schneider: Now, fight in the name of our glorious General! Take the girl! Complete your service to the Balbora Empire! Jack: My Liege! Clie-dono is acting amiss! Stryker Zero: W-what do you... Jack and I were high in the air, attempting to stave off the bionic soldiers' attack. I had watched as Clie had charged through the air to take on Curtis, only to suddenly stop and reverse course. Jack: She appears to be approaching us... Readied for combat is she! Stryker Zero: Jack! Move out of the way! Clie: ZAN! Her bearing made it clear what was coming next. I warned Jack out of the way. The next moment, Clie's blade released a shockwave. It sliced through the air where we'd been just moments ago. Jack: B-but why would Clie-dono target us? Stryker Zero: I don't know... But what I do know is... Clie: Hnnnnnnnngh... Stryker Zero: Clie is not in her right mind! Jack: Verily... It is so... Clie stood off against us, her expression a violent mask like none I had ever seen from her. It was clear that she was beyond listening. I moved into a tight battle stance. Stryker Zero: Jack. I need you to restrain her, without hurting her, if possible. Jack: Truly, a difficult request... Yet I shall do as I must. Clie: Japanese cyborgs are the enemy... I must destroy the enemy of the Balbora Empire... Clie: ALL OBSTACLES WILL DIE! Her artificial hand grasped her sword. As she raised the super-alloy blade, my danger senses began to tingle. Stryker Zero: Ngh... This isn't good! Clie: ZAN! It was truly a hair's breadth. The sword sliced through the air. The shockwave cut a deep score in the ground below, a physical reminder of the attack's destructive power. Stryker Zero: This... This power. This is Clie, unrestrained... Jack: My Liege! Clie-dono is... Stryker Zero: Ngh! Damn! Clie wasn't after us. As soon as I realized that, I quickly began moving backwards. Stryker Zero: Clie is after Ichimonji! Haruna can't possibly beat her! Jack: I hear and obey! Let us join her and-- Bionic Soldier C: FIRE! While the enemy is still exhausted! Jack: Ah! The enemy has sealed off our path of egress! Stryker Zero: Damn them! Is there nothing we can do to stop her?! Clie: Target acquired... Capture and return. Sayaka: C-Clie-san... Why... Clie: Capture and return. Stryker Ten: ...Sayaka, Rin. Take Hajime and run. Sayaka: Ah? Stryker Ten: Zero cannot join us in his current state, and the two of us are not strong enough to protect you. Rin: W-we can't do that! To run away and just leave you here... Sayaka: She's right! After everything we've seen today, don't tell us to just leave you now! Stryker Ten: B-but... Stryker Retsu: I'm going to protect you. Sayaka: H-Haruna... Stryker Retsu: I'm tired of being the one protected by everyone... I don't want to watch from the sidelines again. I couldn't stop trembling. I knew she was powerful. This was going to be a real battle. The fear brought goosebumps on my neck as I moved to cut her off. I wondered if this was how Yamato always felt. Stryker Retsu: Yamato-kun said that I was just his 'dear friend.' But I... I...! Stryker Retsu: In sickness and in health, 'til death do us part... I want to fight alongside Yamato-kun! Stryker Retsu: Stryker System change! Taizan! I had no experience in battle. This was the only way I could fight. The Stryker Unit increased my abilities many times over. I felt the power rushing through my body. Clie: Stryker Retsu. Cyborg of Japan. My enemy... The enemy of the Balbora Empire! Stryker Retsu: Come on, Clie-san! Even if I can't beat you, I can at least hold you off! I leaped off the ground, charging her at top speed. Stryker Retsu: She's better than me in every way... I have no idea what attack she might use, but... But if I didn't set the pace, I wouldn't have a chance at all! Stryker Retsu: HYAAAAAAAH! I unleashed all of my power in a single kick. I spun around, adding in some centrifugal force. The kick's power shattered the asphalt below. Clie: ...... Clie-san saw right through me and effortlessly dodged the blow. Her gaze showed nothing but malice. The sword in her right hand moved in a flash of silver. Clie: ...ZAN! Stryker Retsu: I can see through that, too! Taizan gave me improved senses, too. I could predict where the slash was going, which gave me the initiative. I couldn't just dodge it the way Clie did. Instead, I struck the flat of the sword to knock it away, then lashed out a punch with all of my strength behind it. Stryker Retsu: HAHHHH! Stryker Retsu: Hahh! Hrahh! Clie: ...Destroy! We exchanged blows, again and again. I kept using broad, brute force attacks. Clie-san continued dodging them, weaving in to slash at me wherever she saw an opening. I deflected the strikes, always with brute force, then evaded widely before pressing in another attack. It wasn't exactly a battle of equals, but somehow, like a miracle, I was able to hold my own against her. Stryker Retsu: I'm just... fighting her? Maybe I really can be useful to Yamato-kun! Stryker Retsu: Hahh, HYAAAAAH! Clie: ...Laughable. Stryker Retsu: Ah? She sheathed her sword, then took a stance before me, this time with only her bare fists. A chill ran down my spine, warning me of some approaching danger. But right then, I couldn't afford to just run away. Clie: ...SHI! Stryker Retsu: B-but... I can still see-- Stryker Retsu: N-no... I can't see it?! Not even with Taizan?! Stryker Retsu: Ahh!! The fingers of her artificial hand drilled through the air to pierce through my body. I managed to dodge enough that the strike missed my vital organs, but I couldn't avoid it completely. Rin: H-Haruna-san?! Stryker Retsu: I... I'm okay... I can... still fight. Stryker Retsu: Ah, AAAAAAH!! Clie: I will eliminate the cyborgs of Japan. Sayaka: Clie-san, stop it! What do you think you're doing?! Clie: ...... Sayaka: I thought you were a good person who loved her sister! How could you do something like this?! Sayaka: Please, just cut it out, already! Stop hurting my friends! Clie-san ignored Sayaka's tortured plea and approached me, preparing to eliminate her final obstacle. I struggled to ready myself, but my injury was making it hard for me to move. I didn't know what to do. I could only watch as Clie-san made her way up to me. Stryker Retsu: S... Stryker System... Change... Stryker Retsu: Ah... Ahhh... Clie: I will kill the cyborg. Her artificial hand could easily block any of Taizan's attacks. Clie-san took the same stance once again, storing up power for another piercing strike. Stryker Retsu: Ahh... I guess there's nothing else I can do... Stryker Retsu: I'm sorry, Yamato-kun... I guess I couldn't really help you after all... The strike came, aimed for my heart. The pain was so bad already. There was no way I could dodge it. In front of me was a hand, painted red with blood. A scarlet stain spread out on the concrete. It wasn't until I heard the voice that I realized whose blood it was. The voice of someone I loved dearly. Rin: O... nee... chan...... My sister was there. Blade-like fingers were piercing her shoulder. She murmured my name. The blood dripped from the wound. Clie: Who... Who has done this? Who's done this to my darling Rin... Clie: ...........................Ah. The memories came drifting back to me. It was my artificial hand that was stained with her blood. That was when I realized it. It was I who had done this to her. Clie: Ah... Ahh... Ahhhhhh... Ahh... Rin: Onee-chan... You're back... to... how you were... To my dear... sweet... sister... Rin: Ahh... I'm so... glad... Clie: Ah... Ahh... Ahh... The Berserker Program installed in my artificial arm was attempting to re-engage. Sparks began to fly. The black feelings flooded back into my mind, attempting to overwrite my consciousness. Anger, hatred, jealousy, resentment... All the negative emotions that had been controlling me... Clie: AHH, AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!! Sayaka: C-Clie-san?! Clie: You! This is all your fault!! But you're NEVER GOING TO CONTROL ME AGAIN!! I held down my left arm, trying to keep it restrained. My body burned. The pain was unbearable. Yet I released all of the safeguards, one by one. Clie: GRAHHH, AAAAAAAAAAAH!! If I could fry the circuits in the arm, the program wouldn't have anything to run on! I channeled all of the negative emotions towards the arm, trying to send it into overload! Sayaka: Clie-san, stop it! You're going to kill yourself! Clie: I don't care!! Anyone... Anyone who hurts my sister...! Clie: N-no matter what it is... GET OFF OF ME!! Clie: Ah, AAAAAAH!! Clie: Ah... Ahhh... Hahh... Smoke rose, sparks flew, and my artificial arm fell limp. I was beginning to black out from the pain. I began to sway on my feet. But despite everything, I was able to look over and check that Rin was still dimly conscious. Clie: Ahh... I'm so... glad... I was prepared to embrace the endless sleep of death. Stryker Zero: Clie! Are you alright, Clie?! I had cleared away the bionic soldiers blocking my path, but it was too late. Clie was lying on the ground. It was clear she was in critical condition. Rin was hanging on, but they both needed treatment immediately. Stryker Zero: They won't last long in this condition! We need to get rid of those forces! Jack: My Liege, we can hold out no longer against them! Retreat we must to lick our wounds, or 'tis game over for us! Stryker Zero: I know that! Haruna, Ichimonji! Can you still move?! Stryker Retsu: Y-yeah... Enough to run away, at least... Sayaka: If we're gonna run, let's do it now! Before things get worse! Bionic Soldier A: You're not going anywhere! Stryker Zero: No, we're going now! Haruna! Stryker Retsu: Right! Stryker Zero & Retsu: Stryker System change! Shinden! Maximum output! Bionic Soldier B: Th-they're gone... Bionic Soldier A: Spread out and search! They can't have gone far! Schneider: ...It seems they got away. Curtis: Heh. Putting it lightly. That's what you were after, wasn't it? Schneider: Oh no, you've got it all wrong, General. Schneider: As Staff Officer, it's my job to ensure success no matter how things turn out. Strategy is a many-layered thing, you see. Schneider: We've lost one of our game pieces, but we've dealt them a sizeable blow, as well. Your goal is still in sight. Now we just sit back and watch. Curtis: As you wish. I don't mind waiting, as long as we get what I want in the end. Curtis: Heheheheheh... And until then, we can watch the little gnats struggle.
Jack: My Liege, I have ensured that the area is clear of threats. Yamato: Good. We should be able to rest, at least for a while. Yamato: Jack. I'm sorry I couldn't join you on the reconnaissance. Jack: 'tis a trivial thing. I live to be of service to My Liege. Yamato: Thank you. This should buy us some time to think things over. We had slipped out of the enemy search network, and escaped into a dilapidated, abandoned building. Rin had led us there, half-conscious. It would give us some protection from the enemy's sight. With the shadows of airships still visible overhead, we worked at regaining our stamina. Sayaka: There we go. Rin, does it hurt very badly? Rin: I... I think I can still move, but... I feel pretty faint... Ahh... Sayaka: Just... Just don't move for a while, okay? You're hurt a lot worse than dad is. Jack: But to think that this was Mirror's hideout. Truly fortuitous we were to have Rin-dono's knowledge. We were able to use the first aid kit he left there to treat Rin's and Hajime's wounds. Rin's injury was very grave, but the threat to her life had passed for now. Stryker Zero: So this is where Mirror... There was something familiar about it. It looked like the living room of the house I had grown up in, as it appeared directly after my arrival in this world. Then, this was the work of the memories of the true 'Yuuki Yamato'... Stryker Retsu: Yamato-kun... Stryker Zero: ...Don't worry. I have no time to dwell on sentiment, right now. Sayaka: You don't need any first aid, Haruna? Clie-san got you, didn't she? Stryker Retsu: I'm okay, I've got my Stryker Units. Taizan has already stopped the bleeding. Sayaka: I... I see. Well... That's good. As Sayaka spoke, she looked down at Clie, who was still badly injured. Her injuries were more than a first aid kit could handle. Hajime and Ten were seeing to her, including her artificial arm. Stryker Ten: Hajime, how does the wiring look? Hajime: It's completely burned out. She sent it into overload herself to stop something that had been programmed into it. Stryker Ten: Even though it put her own life in danger... Truly, she possesses an impressive will. Rin: She... She's gonna be okay, isn't she? She'll be back to full health soon, won't she? Hajime: There's no way to know at the moment. We'll do everything we can. Rin: O-okay... Sayaka: ...... Ichimonji scowled thoughtfully as she watched her father go about treating Clie. She had been attacked by an unknown enemy, seen her friends both turn into Dengeki Stryker, then been sent on the run, with no explanation for any of it. So many things she didn't understand. She bit hard on her bottom lip, trying to restrain her emotions. Sayaka: Stryker Zero is Yuuki... and the other one is Haruna. But I thought Dengeki Stryker was a comic book... Sayaka: And then there's Ten-san, who's a robot head flying around, and dad, who seems to know those enemies, and there's something going on with Rin and Clie-san too... Sayaka: Why were they after me? What have you all been hiding from me? Hajime: Sayaka... Sayaka: Hey, dad... Just what am I? Please, stop hiding things from me! Stryker Ten: There are some things you don't need to know. You are... Sayaka: No way! You want me to just sit by, passive and ignorant, while everyone protects me?! While Rin and Clie-san and Haruna are getting hurt for it?! Sayaka: I just can't do it! At least tell me what's going on! I don't want to be the only one left out of this! Hajime: ...If you insist. Stryker Ten: Hajime! Hajime: She's an adult now. There's no reason to keep this from her. Stryker Ten: But... Hajime: Please, trust me. I know it's going to be difficult, but I raised my daughter to be a strong woman. Stryker Ten: ...I suppose that's true. Hajime: But Sayaka, we don't have much time. I'll have to cut right to the chase. Sayaka: I know. What I want to know is why those people were after me. Hajime: Right. I'm going to be treating her while I explain, so please listen quietly. As he spoke, he continued to repair Clie, using anything he could find in the room. Hajime: As that cyborg mentioned, our enemy is after the Stryker Laboratory, which holds all of Japan's technology for creating bionic humans. Hajime: Curtis likely wants something inside that laboratory. I believe that's why his air fleet was searching for it. Sayaka: B-but... Isn't Dengeki Stryker a manga? Why is it all happening for real? And why do you know all this? Hajime: Because we are a part of it, as well. Sayaka: What? Hajime: You won't believe me, but we're characters from that manga. Somehow or other, we've ended up here, in the real world. Sayaka: Y-you can't be serious... What are you talking about? This isn't some movie. That kind of thing doesn't just happen... Ichimonji looked around for backup, but all she saw was me and Haruna equipped with our Stryker Systems. Our appearance was so far away from the reality she had known, she realized she couldn't deny it. Sayaka: B-but... There are other possible explanations... Maybe some country got the idea from the manga! Stryker Zero: ...... Sayaka: Yuuki, that's what's really going on, isn't it? That's all that 'classified' stuff you're always going on about... It's some sort of weapon the country's been developing in secret, right?! Stryker Zero: ...I'm afraid not. Sayaka: I-it can't be... Something about my words seemed to have shaken her. She looked like a woman in shock. Her shoulders trembled, but it wasn't with anger. It was something she had never felt before. Sayaka: It's not just me... You're all characters from the manga... So you're saying... We don't really exist in this world? Stryker Retsu: ...That's right. We almost disappeared before. Sayaka: H-Haruna... Stryker Retsu: I wasn't sure how to take it at first, either. But given the situation, I couldn't really deny it... So in the end, I just had to accept it. Stryker Retsu: But fortunately, you aren't in that situation, Sayaka-chan. It's natural that you wouldn't believe something like this right away. Stryker Retsu: Yamato-kun and I are going to protect you, Sayaka-chan. So don't worry, okay? Sayaka: ...... Stryker Retsu: You probably never read the manga, but Dengeki Stryker is really strong. And I'm pretty strong in my own way, too. Sayaka: ...Yeah, right. I saw you. You panicked until Yuuki had to come and cover for you. Stryker Retsu: W-well, that was just... I wasn't very used to fighting. And Yamato-kun is really strong! Sayaka: I know. I saw it myself, after all. Sayaka: ...So I'm a character from a manga, huh? Given the givens, I guess I'm a secondary heroine or something. Sayaka: You too, right, dad? And everyone else here, right? Hajime: ...Everyone, except for Jack-san. Sayaka: I see... I get it. Ichimonji sat for a few minutes, looking up at the ceiling and thinking. Then, she gave a slight nod, and slapped herself on both cheeks to steady herself. Sayaka: Right, I get it! I think I get the gist. Sayaka: That explains why that Curtis character is after me, too. Given how these stories go, it probably means I'm the key to something he really wants, right? Sayaka: If it's in the Stryker Laboratory, it's probably some sort of power-up item, right? Is he related to the laboratory in some way, too? Stryker Zero: We... We don't know, but... Sayaka: If it's a manga, it's probably something like that. That's how these things always go down. Stryker Zero: I'm not sure we can afford to think of things that way... Stryker Ten: ...This is quite surprising. Hajime: It seems we don't even have to explain everything after all. That's my Sayaka. Stryker Ten: Yes, it is... Sayaka: I got it, right, dad? My guess was on the money? Hajime: ...Absolutely right. That's going to spare me a bit of explanation, then. Sayaka: I read a lot of manga as a kid. Though I guess they weren't the ones from this world. Sayaka: I was pretty pissed about what they did to our cafe for no reason, too. So at least that's one mystery solved. Stryker Zero: ...That's our Ichimonji. Sayaka: Flattery will get you nowhere. By the way, sorry for treating you like an idiot when you came by to watch the news. Stryker Zero: It's nothing. I'm a difficult man to deal with, after all. Hajime: ...There we go. I think she's stabilized. Rin: R-really?! Is Onee-chan going to be okay?! Stryker Ten: No, we've only gotten her out of the critical stage. If we don't do something more, she will eventually die. Rin: Oh... Oh no... Jack: Is there nothing we can do?! Sayaka: Dad! Isn't there anything we can do?! Don't you have a secret lab or something underneath the cafe?! Hajime: I wish we did, but I'm afraid it's just a normal restaurant. Sayaka: Then... There's nothing we can do? Stryker Ten: Don't worry. We've prolonged her life just long enough to get her the treatment she needs. Stryker Zero: Ten, is that true?! Stryker Ten: We can treat her using the Stryker Laboratory's facilities. Of course, they're after that structure, as well. Stryker Ten: They let us escape so easily. Their airships are likely monitoring the area, knowing that we'll go after it. The moment we make a move, they will know. Stryker Retsu: Which means... We're going to have to fight them again. Stryker Zero: And it's going to be a hard battle... Even if Clie survived her treatment, we would still have to take out Curtis's air fleet. Right about now, the presence of the fleet was likely throwing the city into a panic, as well. We had to act before the enemy took more devastating measures, without them taking the laboratory. It seemed a next-to-impossible task. Stryker Ten: Don't worry, Zero. We still have a way to turn this around. Stryker Zero: W-what do you mean? Stryker Ten: I lost my body during the battle with Clie. Which means I've lost most of the weapons at my disposal. Stryker Ten: But we do still have one weapon. If we use it well, we could deal a crushing blow to the air fleet. Stryker Retsu: B-but... That means we don't have to give up yet?! We really can save everyone?! Stryker Ten: Yes. I guarantee it. Rin: I'm so glad... Stryker Zero: Ten! What is the weapon? What do you mean to do to the Stryker Laboratory? Stryker Ten: I'm going to send the laboratory's large nuclear reactor into overdrive, causing it to self-destruct. Stryker Retsu: S... Self-destruct? Stryker Ten: The fleet will surely move to surround the laboratory. If we wait until they're in position and then self-destruct it, we can destroy the entire fleet. Stryker Ten: The laboratory's programming already contains a self-destruct code. We have only one chance at it, but it could definitely deal a convincing blow. Stryker Zero: I see... So that's our trump card. Jack: Verily, a sacrificial attack... Backed into the corner as we were, this was our one chance to turn the situation around. A plan that could save Clie's life and crush our enemy's plans of world domination... Faint though it was, it was still a glimmer of hope. Curtis: Japanese Strykers! You can hear me, can't you? Stryker Zero: Ngh! That voice... Jack: My Liege! Look to the sky! Curtis's face dominated the sky above. He called out to us in our dilapidated hideout, seeming to look down on the whole city from the sky above. Curtis: Did you enjoy your downtime? I wanted to give you enough time to say your final goodbyes. Curtis: I hope you're grateful for my generosity. That traitor should be drawing her last breath about now, after all. Sayaka: He's just being a big asshole. Curtis: But even generosity has its limits. I think it's time to begin my operation. Curtis: You have ten minutes. If you do not show yourselves within that time, I will destroy this city. Stryker Retsu: Oh... Oh no! Stryker Zero: I was afraid they might try something like this... Curtis: If you don't wish to see that happen, you'll come out quickly. If it happens that she's still alive, I'll even save her in exchange for the laboratory. Curtis: Ten minutes, starting now. I await your response. Jack: Truly, he has us in a corner... Sayaka: What a big creep. He's clearly the villain of the piece. Jack: Devoted he is to his villainy, indeed. He leaves no room for negotiation. Stryker Retsu: Yamato-kun, we have to do something! Stryker Zero: I know. And there's only one thing we can do! Stryker Zero: If we split into two teams, we can prevent damage to the city. The decoy will keep the bionic soldiers occupied, while the real team heads for the Stryker Laboratory. Sayaka: That's a good plan. Stryker Zero: Ten! You'll have to show me the way. We need to take Clie in for treatment as soon as possible! Stryker Ten: No, that won't be necessary! Stryker Zero: What are you talking about?! Who else would know the location of the laboratory besides you? Stryker Ten: That isn't what I mean! I'm saying, we won't have to go anywhere! Sayaka: W-what's that shaking?! Stryker Zero: Th-this can't be... Stryker Ten: Once I learned the truth, I expected something like this would happen... That it would not only be the Strykers that appeared in this world! Stryker Ten: The cyborgs of the Balbora Empire are evil personified! We exist here to crush their ambitions! Stryker Ten: Come out, Stryker Laboratory! Break through the clouds, and show yourself before us! Breaking through the thick clouds came a massive spherical object. It descended, to hover over our abandoned building hideout. We stepped out onto the balcony to look up at it. Its size was unbelievable. Stryker Retsu: That's... the Stryker Laboratory... Sayaka: I-it's so big... is that what the enemy is after? Stryker Zero: Has it been here this whole time? Stryker Ten: No, the Stryker Laboratory is a mobile facility. I moved it away from here in advance, fearing that something like this might happen. Stryker Ten: I will now begin moving the laboratory away from the city, to the ocean. If we can keep the enemy away from it long enough to activate the self-destruct, then we will have won. Stryker Ten: Meanwhile, I can work on treating the girls. The older sister does not have much time remaining, but if we act now, we can make it. Stryker Zero: So it's still a race against time... Jack: My Liege! Their air fleet has changed formation! We must act now, or they shall reach the laboratory ahead of us! Stryker Zero: Right! We need to hurry up and save Clie! Stryker Zero: We know what we have to do. I want you all to work with me, so that we can protect the city! Jack: To be sword and shield for my master - that is the duty of shinobi! Stryker Retsu: I'm going to fight, too. This time, I'll prove that I can be useful to you! Stryker Ten: Then it's settled! Sayaka: Let's move it! Sorry, but I think someone will have to carry me... Hajime: I think... I'm going to stay back here. Sayaka: D-dad... Why? Hajime: It's too many people with me. If I go with you, that will be four people going to the laboratory. With the enemy so close by, we can't afford to take that risk. Ichimonji, Rin, and Clie, then. Carrying three meant we'd have one person free to guard us on our way to the laboratory. If we took Hajime, that wouldn't be possible. Hajime: This is the safest way. I'm not needed, and I'm also injured. I'd just be a burden to you. Sayaka: B-but... Then there's no one to run their treatment... Hajime: Don't you worry about that. Sayaka: What? Hajime: You'll do it, Sayaka. You have that power inside you. Sayaka: I-I'll do it? Jack: Sayaka-dono, we must make haste! Hajime: You'll do it for me, won't you? Give those enemies a scare, okay? Sayaka: ...I will. I'll do everything I can in your place, dad. Stryker Retsu: Yamato-kun. The enemy's on the move! Stryker Zero: Right! Let's go, everyone! We're going to destroy the air fleet and protect the city! All: Right!
We left the ruined building behind and flew off in the direction of the laboratory. I looked back at the cloud of airships drawing closer to it, and increased my speed. Stryker Zero: Rin. How are you feeling? Rin: I... I'm okay. I feel this... throbbing, but... Stryker Zero: The wound's opening again. I'm sorry, but please try to bear it for now. Rin: R-right... I'm okay... I feel safe in your arms, Yamato-san... Sayaka: T-Ten-san... This is pretty scary... It's going to be okay, right? Stryker Ten: I have more than enough propulsion to carry us. Just hang on tightly! Sayaka: I'm trying, but there's not much to grab onto! Stryker Retsu: We'll be there soon, so just hang in there! You too, Rin-chan. I've got Clie-san held tight, too, so don't worry! Rin: Th-thank you... Sayaka: I'll do the best I can! Though I'm not gonna be looking down any time soon... Sayaka: Ah! Ahh! Stryker Zero: It looks like the enemy's made its move! A hail of fire appeared in our path. I turned my eyes downward, to see the ground-bound bionic soldiers taking to the air to fire at us. Bionic Soldier A: We've located the Strykers! Don't let them reach the laboratory! Bionic Soldier C: The General said we should shoot to kill! Eliminate them all with great prejudice! Sayaka: S-so much for generosity! He's just trying to kill us! Jack: As to be expected from a villainous man! But my maneuverability will handle them! Jack: Ninpo! Shuriken Storm! Feel now the sting of the rain of swords! Bionic Soldier B: GYAHH! Bionic Soldier C: Don't hesitate! We can handle one ninja and his little flying carpet! Bionic Soldier C: H-he dodged it?! How?! Jack: 'tis your own folly to underestimate me. With bullets so slow, I can dodge with my eyes closed! Jack: Shuriken Storm! I shall throw off remaining pursuit! Bionic Soldier C: Hnngh! Bionic Soldier A: Feh! You think that's going to work twice?! Jack: ...A fine dodge, it was. Bionic Soldier A: W-why are you? Bionic Soldier A: GRAAAAAAH!! Jack: Texas Ninpo Branch Technique, Rain of Fire! Neglect not the gunpowder hidden inside the swords! Jack: Now, come at me if you wish! I shall not allow you to trespass one step hence! Bionic Soldier B: F-fire! Fire, fire! He can't stop all of us! Sayaka: That's... That's amazing! I never knew Jack-san was so powerful! Stryker Zero: He hides it well, after all... But we're almost at the laboratory! Rin: R-right! Stryker Zero: Is this the entrance? Rin: Ah... Ahh... Stryker Retsu: There's fresh blood on her clothing... I guess they couldn't stop the bleeding for long. Stryker Zero: Rin. Can you walk for yourself? Rin: Y-yes... I think so... Stryker Zero: Right. I know it's going to be hard, but try to keep going. Sayaka: You can lean on me. Come on, don't be afraid. Rin: Thank you... It feels like my head is swimming... Stryker Ten: She's likely anemic from blood loss. We may lose her too if we don't treat her soon. Sayaka: Let's get inside, quickly. Ten-san, you'll show us the way, won't you? Stryker Ten: Right! Ichimonji walked up to the entrance, guiding the dazed Rin. As she reached for the door, though, she realized that the rest of us had remained behind. Sayaka: Yuuki! What are you doing? If you just stand there, you'll just be a target! Stryker Zero: Haruna and I are going to hold off the enemy here. Sayaka: W-what are you talking about?! They totally had you on the ropes last time! This time, they might kill you! Stryker Retsu: That doesn't matter! Sayaka: H-Haruna... Stryker Retsu: If we don't fight, those two girls... the whole city will be done for. We have to do this. Stryker Zero: We'll put our lives on the line to defend you, so that they can receive the treatment they need. There were so many of them. If they got inside, they could split up, and we'd have no way of dealing with them. Since Ten was the only one who knew the facility's layout, that would be a mortal blow. The enemy was after the laboratory, so it was unlikely that they'd destroy it indiscriminately, but we still couldn't rule out the possibility. Anything that resulted in preventing the girls from getting treatment and the laboratory's self-destruction would be a loss to us. Stryker Zero: Ichimonji, go quickly. Don't worry about the two of us. Sayaka: B-but... What about Clie-san? Stryker Zero: Right. In that case... Jack: Distraction complete! Jack: My Liege, the enemy is regrouping! 'tis only a matter of time before they return again! Stryker Zero: There you are! Stryker Zero: Jack. Go with Ichimonji and carry Clie. Keep the enemies out until the treatment is finished, then get Ichimonji out before the facility self-destructs. Jack: But alone, the two of you... Stryker Zero: I don't know if we can stop them all together. We need a safeguard of some sort in case we can't. Stryker Retsu: Jack-san. Please! Jack: ...A wise allotment of resources. Jack gave me a nod, then took Clie from Haruna, carrying her in his arms. Stryker Zero: Take care of Rin and Clie, please! Jack: I hear and obey. I wish for your safety, My Liege, and for that of Haruna-dono as well. Jack caught up to Ichimonji at the entrance, leaving Haruna and me behind. Beyond those doors lay our final glimmer of hope. With a slow, rumbling sound, the huge doors of the laboratory began to open, as if to greet its noble visitors. Stryker Retsu: I think they'll make it. Stryker Zero: ...Yes. Stryker Retsu: Are you sure you don't want to go with them? You're not worried about Rin-chan and Clie-san? Stryker Zero: Of course I am. That is why I must protect them here. Stryker Retsu: You could have gone in instead of Jack... but I guess that's who you are, Yamato-kun. Stryker Zero: Did you say something? Stryker Retsu: Nope! I'm just happy to see you being yourself. Stryker Retsu: We'll keep it safe. For our friends, and for the city. Stryker Zero: Of course we will. That's the reason I was born. Curtis: Brave of you, to come out before even five minutes passed. If you give us the laboratory, I'll spare the city. Stryker Zero: ...There he is! Another figure appeared amidst the bionic soldier army. Gazing down at us from the far side of their ranks hovered the Balboran imperial cyborg. True evil personified, brought here by the wish I had made. Stryker Zero: ...Curtis!! Curtis: It looks like you've called the Stryker Laboratory right here. I applaud your integrity. Curtis: Schneider-kun's plan worked brilliantly. He knew you'd reveal the laboratory's location to get the woman treatment. Curtis: But I never expected to find it hidden just above us like this! Hahaha, truly, it was right under our noses! Stryker Zero: How dare you... Is that why you manipulated Clie?! Curtis: As he said, it would have worked out either way. But those sounds she made as she came to her senses were certainly entertaining. Curtis: It's too bad, after all that trouble to reactivate the program... I was hoping to give her back her right mind after she killed all of you. Stryker Retsu: That... That's awful. Stryker Zero: Have you no humanity inside of you?! Curtis: ...Humanity? Heh. What's the point? All it does is create traitors like Clie. Curtis: I've heard the vanguard met its end protecting this city, as well. To protect a country you were sent to invade... It's pure comedy. Stryker Zero: ...... Curtis: A dog's death, a death in vain... Whatever words you assign it, they were all worthless. If you were going to call people into this world, I wish you'd called someone more useful. If Curtis ever put his mind to it, he wouldn't hesitate to turn the whole city into hell on Earth. Not just that - if we lost, he wouldn't rest until his violence had consumed the whole planet. Stryker Zero: You... Curtis: Hmm? He could not be allowed to remain in this world. With every part of my mind screaming those words, I channeled them into pure hatred towards Curtis. Stryker Zero: I am going to defeat you! Not in the name of Stryker Zero, but of Yuuki Yamato! Curtis: Heh! Quite determined, I see. I suppose you have no intention of handing over the laboratory, then. Stryker Retsu: We'd never give it to you! You won't get past us! We're going to get you back for everything you put Clie-san through! Curtis: You aren't? But if you want to reach me, you'll have to defeat my thousands of bionic soldiers... Are you really capable of that? Stryker Retsu: ...I can. Because I'm Stryker Retsu! Curtis: Hahahahaha... What a clever joke. Did the shock of your loss erase your memories? Curtis: ...As you wish. I was hoping to do this with as few casualties as possible. Still, I suppose I'll let you struggle a little bit more. Curtis: Take them, bionic soldiers! Destroy the Strykers, and take the laboratory! The moment their commander gave the order, the horde of bionic soldiers fell upon us. It hadn't been long since the previous battle. We hadn't fully recovered our strength. To take out all the bionic soldiers, then face Curtis after that... It seemed an impossible task. However... Stryker Zero: We will protect this world! I had my dearest friend by my side. The two of us equipped our Stryker Drives. My will was not that of the character Dengeki Stryker, but of Yuuki Yamato, the man who signed a contract with the Memory Collector. This was my responsibility. I had to see it through.
Jack: ...It appears the battle has begun. Stryker Ten: Not only a formidable force of bionic soldiers, but Curtis as well. Even with two Strykers to face them, they won't last long. Sayaka: Fighting, huh? I feel like we're in a different world. Jack: And yet the world around us is surely real. Sayaka: I know. Treating this like a dream won't get us anywhere. Rin: Ngh... Hngh... Sayaka: Rin... Are you still in pain? We can slow down the pace if you need to. Rin: pant pant... Rin: I'm... sorry. I... I don't... think... I can... Sayaka: H-hey! Stay with us! We're not where we need to be yet! Jack: This is truly bad! We must hurry, or we will not make it in time! Sayaka: Ten-san! Aren't we there yet? We need to hurry if we want to save them! Stryker Ten: We will reach the core soon! Sayaka, carry her! Sayaka: Just what I was about to do! Rin: ...Ah... Ahhh... Sayaka: Rin... Just hang in there a little longer, okay? We're gonna get help for you and Clie-san soon! Stryker Ten: Through this corridor! It's right ahead! Sayaka: You said we were almost there, but it's still so far away! Rin's really starting to fade, here! Sayaka: Oh, come on! Why can't we catch a single break?! Jack: Sayaka-dono! I see a light ahead! Sayaka: We've made it! Now we can finally get them treatment... Sayaka: Where... Where are we? Stryker Ten: The core of the Stryker Laboratory. We can begin their treatment here. Sayaka: The core of the laboratory? Then... This giant heart... My eyes fell on the massive heart hanging just above us. I could tell that it was mechanical, but its complexity was almost impossible to believe. Sayaka: But... There's something familiar about this place... Images floated up in my mind. The memories began leading me somewhere, when a rumble ran through the laboratory and the sounds of battle outside brought me back to reality. Jack: Sayaka-dono! We must make haste! Sayaka: I... I will! Ten-san, tell me what to do! Stryker Ten: Right. Place them both on the surgery platform. Sayaka: There? ...Rin, this is going to sting a little. Please try to hang in there. Rin: S... Sayaka... san... Sayaka: What is it? Is there something you want to say to me? Rin: If... If I... If I die... Please... tell... Yamato... san... Sayaka: Don't be an idiot! If you say one more word, I'm gonna slap you! Sayaka: I'm going to save you, Rin. If you want to tell Yuuki how you feel, then you'd better stay with me. Rin: B-but... Rin: Ahh! Sayaka: Where's Cafe Ichimonji going to be without you, Rin? Dad's hurt, so I'm gonna need you to stick with me. Sayaka: So don't say anything that's gonna break my heart. You've still got lots of stuff to do, right? Rin: ...Yes. Sayaka: Good, that's just what I wanted to hear. I know you're scared, but please, just trust me. As Rin shelved the last of her hesitation, I placed her gently on the operating table, trying to minimize the pain. Rin: ...mgh... Sayaka: I'm sorry. Does it hurt? Rin: I... I'm fine. I'm pretty... faint, so... it... it doesn't hurt... very much... Sayaka: Okay. You're doing great, Rin. Try to hang on, just like that. It was only once I let her go that I realized that my hands and clothes were stained with her blood. The unreality of the situation was disorienting, but I knew I had to stand firm. Sayaka: This is where I have to man up. I'm Ichimonji Sayaka... I'm the only person who can save them. Jack: Preparations are all complete. It all falls to you now, Sayaka-dono. Sayaka: Right. I'll take care of them. Sayaka: Right! Here we go! Bring on the slings and arrows! Sayaka: Ten-san! Tell me what to do, okay? I'll need your help to save them both. Stryker Ten: Very well. You can save them both at once. First, you need to stop the bleeding on Rin's chest. Sayaka: What do I do now? Stryker Ten: You need to replace the burnt-out wiring in the artificial arm. You'll find the replacement parts in... Sayaka: Here, right? I'm pretty sure that's it. I continued treating the girls while Ten-san instructed me. I knew nothing about repairing machines or treating injuries, yet my body seemed to move on its own. Sayaka: ...... Normally, this was the sort of situation I would run from in terror. But right now, one of my best friends' lives was on the line, as well as her sister's. Sayaka: ...Hey, Ten-san. Stryker Ten: What is it? Sayaka: Why is it that I can do this? Stryker Ten: There is no time to explain it to you now. Just know that you are the only one that can save your friend. Sayaka: Okay. Then why don't you tell me when this is all over? I'd like to know the kind of person I really am. Stryker Ten: ...Very well. Sayaka: When you talk to me, it makes me feel so calm. Even doing all this awful work... Sayaka: Did we know each other, once? You seem really close to my dad, after all. Stryker Ten: ...Perhaps we did. Sayaka: I'd like to know more about that. I'd rather not have to read some manga to find out, after all. Stryker Ten: That seems to be for the best. There are some things there you would likely rather not know. Stryker Ten: Next, you must repair the circuitry. Do it quickly, but be careful. ...... Stryker Ten: They've lost too much blood. If we can't stop it soon, we'll run out of the artificial blood in the lab! Sayaka: I... I know. I know all about it, just don't rush me. Jack: If my blood might be acceptable, I would happily donate... Sayaka: I'm grateful for the sentiment... But I think right now, I just need to hurry. ...... Rin: Ahh... Hahh... Stryker Ten: Her heart rate is slowing. If we don't hurry, her body's going to give out! Sayaka: Stop being a downer and tell me what to do! Once I finish here, we're done! Sayaka: Rin, don't you dare give up on me! We're almost there! You're going to be alright! ...... Rin: Hahh... Hahh... Ah... Sayaka: I've finished stitching the wound... That should be the last of it. Stryker Ten: Well done! That means the danger is past. Jack: Shall Rin-dono be saved, then? Sayaka: No... We can't relax just yet. I haven't finished fixing up Clie-san! Sayaka: I just have to repair her artificial arm... Ten-san, let's wrap this up at double speed! Rin's heartbeat was stable, but faint. I heard quiet breaths drawing through her lips. I was going through the last repairs on Clie-san's metal arm. I was just about to re-engage the circuit that joined the arm to the flesh at the shoulder, when Ten-san's instructions stopped. Stryker Ten: Th-this is... Sayaka: W-what's wrong?! I need you to tell me what to do! We were continuing to administer the artificial blood and medicine, but Clie-san's heartbeat was slowing. My body was bathed in sweat. I felt the burden of both of their lives on my shoulders. My willpower was reaching its limit. Stryker Ten: This is bad... How could the Balborans have ingrained it so deeply... Sayaka: W-what are you talking about? We just have to reconnect the arm and it's over, right? Stryker Ten: No... First, we need to remove the alterations that the Balborans made there. Stryker Ten: I believe he called it the Berserker Program. If we can remove that from the circuit, we can truly complete the treatment. However... Sayaka: However... What? Stryker Ten: It's embedded deeply in the control circuit that forms the core of the arm. We can't simply remove it here. Sayaka: Oh no... We can't just take out the circuit?! Stryker Ten: We can take it out. However, that would remove the mechanism that manages the output of the Stryker Unit. It would cause her heart to stop. Stryker Ten: We don't have any more of this model of control circuit in the laboratory. There's no way to rewrite the program in the short time before her heart gives out. Sayaka: ...We can't just reattach it as-is, then? Stryker Ten: If we do that, the Berserker Program will just reactivate. If that were to happen, we lack the people here to stop her. Stryker Ten: She could use her own will to resist the program again... but it would take every inch of her concentration just to stop it. Jack: All ways are sealed off, then... Sayaka: W-we really can't do anything?! Hey, Ten-san! I thought this was the Stryker Laboratory! Stryker Ten: ...... Sayaka: Come on, please! I don't care how hard the operation is! If you tell me how to do it, I can do it! Rin: You... You can't save her? Sayaka: Ah... Had my shouting woken her up? Rin's eyes opened slightly. She spoke to me in a faint voice. Rin: You can't save... my sister? She's going to... Sayaka: D-don't you worry. I'm going to save her, I promise. Rin: Please... Squeeze. Rin: You can use... anything you need from me... just... save my sister, please... Jack: Rin-dono... Rin: Please... I don't want to live... without my sister... Stryker Ten: ...There is a way. Sayaka: R-really?! There's a way we can save Clie-san?! Stryker Ten: It's a risk. If we fail, they will both die. Sayaka: What? Both of them? Stryker Ten: Rin. Are you willing to put your life on the line for your sister? Rin: ...I'd do... anything. Stryker Ten: I see... Then I will accept my fate. Stryker Ten: Jack! Jack: What would you ask of me? Stryker Ten: We won't need you here any longer. Go defend against the enemy! Jack: But... For me to face My Liege with the surgery yet incomplete... Stryker Ten: You must go where you are needed. The treatment is almost complete. Stryker Ten: There is something I want you to give to Zero. I've been keeping it here especially for him. As he spoke, Ten-san led Jack into the back of the laboratory. When he returned, Jack was holding something cylindrical in his hand. Jack: Might this be... a Stryker Drive? Stryker Ten: JPNS-013. Stryker Drive, Kamui. Stryker Ten: One of two developed exclusively for Zero, here at the Stryker Laboratory. The other was destroyed, but he can use this one. Stryker Ten: Curtis is an extremely powerful cyborg. But with this... he may stand a chance. Jack: ...A mission of true gravity. I hear and obey. Stryker Ten: ...... Jack: Then I shall take my leave in this moment. I shall also place traps on the way, should they be needed. Stryker Ten: ...Wait! Jack: ...Something else you need give to me? Stryker Ten: No. Something I want you to tell Zero. Stryker Ten: Tell him... You're not alone. Don't forget: Someone is waiting to hear your voice. Jack: ...I hear and obey. Ten-san watched as the ninja raced away from the core. His expression showed no great emotion, but there was something sad in his voice as he gave the message to his comrade. Stryker Ten: Now, are you prepared? If you do just as I tell you now, we can revive Clie. Stryker Ten: However, you must understand this. If we fail, the both of them will... Sayaka: Stop! I know. You don't have to say it again. Sayaka: I'm going to take the responsibility and treat them myself. Ichimonji Sayaka gets stubborn when people get hurt on her watch. Stryker Ten: Fine words indeed... Rin, do you accept this as well? Rin: Yes... I'll do anything to save my sister. Stryker Ten: Then let us begin! On my name as Stryker Ten, I shall save you both!
The battle with the bionic soldiers raged on. Their numbers seemed inexhaustible, but we continued to keep them away from the laboratory. No matter how the enemy tried to crush us, the two of us stuck together, protecting each other's backs. Stryker Zero: Stryker System change! Shinden! Bionic Soldier C: GRAAAAH! A peal of lightning tore into the enemy horde. Many of them were hit by the blast. The crowd around me dispersed once more. Bionic Soldier B: Ngh! Don't worry about the ones close to him! Just keep shooting! Stryker Zero: You intend to murder your own allies?! Stryker System change! Senden! The bionic soldiers opened fire en masse. Before the bullets could reach me, though, I activated Senden, confusing the enemies with my high-speed maneuvering. Bionic Soldier B: D-don't let his speed fool you! Compensate for his trajectory! They continued to fire, but at my speed, they couldn't take proper aim. However, one man among them took careful aim, seeming to get me in his sights. Bionic Soldier A: ...I've got you! I can hit you now! Bionic Soldier A: I did it! Now I'll get my promo-- Ahh?! Just as the bullets seemed about to hit me, I vanished. Bionic Soldier A: I-it can't be! I thought he was right there... Stryker Zero: Your field of vision is too narrow! What he had seen was an afterimage produced by his eyes, which were unable to perceive my super-speed. With the enemy wide open and vulnerable, I didn't hesitate to press my attack. Stryker Zero: Stryker System change! Shusui! HAHHHHH! Bionic Soldier C: Ngh! We'll get our revenge for that! Stryker Retsu: You will not! Stryker System change! Tenrai! Bionic Soldier C: GYAAAH! The bionic soldier was moving to shoot me from behind when he was suddenly engulfed by a ray of light. Haruna had equipped Tenrai to cover for me as I strayed from the laboratory. Stryker Retsu: That's what you get for dropping your guard against us! If you don't like it, then GO AWAY! Bionic Soldier A: HRAAAH! Bionic Soldier B: Th-that firepower! There's no way we can get close to them! Bionic Soldier C: No, the enemy is tiring! Another push should take the laboratory! Stryker Retsu: W-we're not done yet! Bionic Soldier C: GRAAAAH! Tenrai and the machine guns traded fire. Tenrai's firepower was truly immense, but Haruna couldn't aim it well - she was still too inexperienced. The enemies were gradually getting closer, and more and more of them were closing in around me. Stryker Retsu: Ngh, hnn... Bionic Soldier A: Now's our chance! Let's get in there before Stryker Zero gets back! Bionic Soldier B: Fire! Fire! Stryker Retsu: I'm not sure I can keep this up... I know I can't let them into the laboratory, but... Stryker Retsu: ...Just kidding! Bionic Soldier A: W-what?! Stryker Retsu: I finally got you right where I want you! I've been waiting for this! Bionic Soldier A: O-oh no! Withdraw! Withdraw!! Stryker Retsu: Too late! Stryker System change! Shinden! Stryker Retsu: HAHHHHHH! I called down a bolt of lightning from the sky. It crashed through the tightly-packed crowd of enemies. It then moved on to smash into the airship that was just below them. The airship burst into flames, crashed into a distant mountain, and exploded. Stryker Retsu: I... I guess I really can handle this... Stryker Zero: Haruna! Are you injured? Stryker Retsu: Thankfully, just a few scratches. I know I'm not skilled enough to go into close combat like you, Yamato-kun. Stryker Retsu: I was more worried about you. You really shouldn't have rushed out there like that. Stryker Zero: We'll get in trouble if we let them pick at us from afar. But it looks like there's no fear of them getting inside right now... Stryker Retsu: We've barely made a dent in their forces, though. I had destroyed all the enemies that had been dogging me, then reunited with Haruna. We stood back to back again, checking the layout of the battlefield. I bit my lip as I watched them adjust their battle formation. Stryker Zero: As I expected, they're aiming for Haruna... That's why they kept moving forward, trying to provoke her... We had broken into advance and rear guard to cover for each other. If I had been on my own, they'd have had me on the ropes in an instant. We were just trying to buy time, so there was no need to charge out into them... but I couldn't let them realize we had other plans besides the treatment. Stryker Zero: I'm worried about the fact that Curtis hasn't done anything... Has he realized what we're trying to do? The laboratory had moved away from the city and out over the ocean. Regardless, he had done nothing more than surround it with his airships. When I analyzed the situation, there were a lot of things about it that worried me. Stryker Zero: But we don't have any choice but to fight. Stryker Retsu: Right. We can't just collapse here! Stryker Zero: Haruna! Hold off using Taizan as long as you can. We want them to think we're not worried. Stryker Zero: I'm going to charge in! Keep me covered! Stryker Retsu: Got it! Regardless of what the enemy was planning, it didn't change what we had to do. I dove into the thick enemy formation, trying to break it apart. Bionic Soldier C: There he is again! Keep careful track of his movements! Stryker Zero: Do you really think that's going to stop me?! With my super-senses heightened by Senden, their bullets seemed to come at me in slow motion. Evading each of them in turn, I unleashed my quick attacks on the enemy. Stryker Zero: Stryker System change! Shusui! HAHHHHH! I focused my attacks on the enemies that seemed to be targeting Haruna. When I couldn't make it in time, I used my own body as a wall. Constant use of the Stryker Drives had worn down my stamina. My movements were losing some of their precision. But any time I fell into danger, Haruna had my back. The two of us continued to work in perfect unison, driving back the bionic soldiers. Stryker Zero: I'm going to keep going... Until their treatment is done, until they overload the reactor! The fierce battle raged on. Their forces were unending. But we would oppose them for as long as was necessary, to protect the people on the ground below. Curtis: They're quite clever, for such small fry. Curtis: For pity's sake. I wish they'd just hand the laboratory over... I don't know why they continue to be so stubborn. Bionic Soldier A: General! The 43rd warship has been shot down! We've lost an entire battalion in this battle already! Curtis: ...So what? Bionic Soldier A: S-so maybe we should rethink our plan? If you'd only let us attack the laboratory, perhaps... Curtis: We can always get more soldiers. However, that laboratory is unique. You understand what I mean, don't you? Bionic Soldier A: I-I do... Curtis: Then open fire. If nothing else, we want to keep them occupied. Bionic Soldier A: Y-yes sir! Curtis: Losing just one ship sets them trembling. If all the soldiers catch that coward's disease, they'll be no use to me at all. Curtis: Now, then... What could they be planning? What trap are they setting for me beneath those innocent little faces? Curtis: ...Hmm. Perhaps it's time for a change in plans. The battle had seemed to go on for ages. The two of us were backed into a corner. While we Strykers used up energy with each attack, every bionic soldier we defeated was immediately replaced by a fresh one. Bionic Soldier C: Die, Stryker Zero!! Stryker Retsu: S-stay away from him! Stryker System change! Tenrai! Bionic Soldier C: GRAAAAH! Stryker Retsu: Hahh... Hahh... Hahh... Bionic Soldier A: Take the woman out first! She's already exhausted! Stryker Zero: No, you still have to reckon with me! ...Stryker System change! Shusui! Bionic Soldier B: D-damn you... It was obvious where the battle was going. We were slowly being pushed back. Soon, the fight would reach the laboratory again. Stryker Zero: Haruna! Get back! You can't fight like this anymore! Stryker Retsu: I... I can't! If I do, then you'll be left fighting alone! I can still fight, even if I have to use Taizan! Stryker Zero: Don't use it! They're trying to wear us down! Stryker Zero: Just support me from the door! I know how to fight alone! Stryker Retsu: Y-Yamato-kun... Stryker Zero: Now, get back! Leave the front-line fighting to-- Curtis: This seems like a good time. Stryker Zero: Hngh! Stryker Zero: Y-you... Curtis: Oh, you parried my blow? And here I thought you had reached your limit. Stryker Retsu: Get off of Yamato-kun, you jerk! Stryker System change! Hyaku-shi-- Stryker Zero: Stay away, Haruna! If you get closer, he'll just target you instead! Curtis: Good instincts, too. Killing either one of you would be just as good for my bionic soldiers' morale. Curtis: Stryker Zero. You are truly a fine cyborg. Why not simply surrender, and work as my subordinate? Stryker Zero: You can stop asking! I have no intention of joining you! Curtis: I see... Then die. Stryker Zero: HNGGH! Stryker Retsu: Y-Yamato-kun?! Curtis: Didn't he tell you to stay away? Curtis: Then I'll fill you with holes! If you don't want to die, you'd better dodge them all! Stryker Retsu: I... I can still handle that! Stryker System change! Tenrai! Stryker Retsu: Ah! W-where did he-- Curtis: You're so full of openings, I'm not sure which to pick first! Stryker Retsu: Ahh! Curtis: Now, I'm going to cut you to shreds! Very slowly, so you remember it all! Stryker Zero: You will NOT! SHUSUI! HYAAAAH!! Curtis: Hmm! Stryker Zero: HAHHHHHH! Curtis: Oh-ho. You're as skilled as I imagined. How unfortunate. Stryker Zero: Ngh... Curtis: Goodness, you certainly are persistent. You'd be better off just giving in to me, you know. Stryker Zero: I've already erased the word 'surrender' from my personal vocabulary! Curtis: Heh, very clever! But how can you hope to oppose me, when you're already exhausted? Stryker Zero: Ngh! I was gradually running out of power. If I tried to fight him, I would end up... No, rather, I was already in danger. Damn... Wasn't there something we could do? ???: Are you ready? ???: Yes. As long as I'm with you, Onee-chan. ???: Let's pave the way for them. To protect Yamato-san, and the world. ???: Then let us go forth. I do not know when death will come, but I shall not fear it if I face it with you. ???: Yes... ???: Because now, we are one! ???: Stryker Drive, set! Tenrai! Curtis: W-what was that?! Suddenly, an enormous blast of plasma rocketed up from below. The beam of light filled my line of sight, accompanied by a blast of atmospheric compression that sent Curtis flying. Curtis: That light... Impossible! There are only two Strykers here! ???: Did you forget what they call me? Curtis: Hmm...! The source of the Tenrai blast was there, hovering in the air. A long scarf trailed in the wind. Electricity crackled in the air around her. Her steel arm shone with light, channeling her righteous anger into power. ???: I am born from steel. My other name is Iron. Defender of the innocent, crusher of evil. ???: Yes... For wherever I stand, evil cannot reach. Curtis: You... It can't be... ???: General... No, Curtis! From this day forth, I shall be known by another name! The black clouds around the laboratory dispersed, and the sun shone down like hope on the battlefield. Bathed in that light, the figure called out in a proud voice. With the will of steel reflected in her eyes, she had appeared at our side. Stryker Hagane: My name is Hagane! Prototype Stryker Unit, Stryker Hagane! Stryker Hagane: Hear me, evil invaders who would overturn the peace of this world! On the honor of this arm of steel, I vow I will protect it! Stryker Retsu: ...Clie-san! Stryker Hagane: I'm sorry to have worried you. You have my gratitude, for watching over us. Stryker Zero: ...... Stryker Hagane: While I stood at death's door, I had a dream. A dream of such kindness, of such happiness I've never known... Stryker Hagane: Yamato. There is much we need speak of. Might we discuss it when this battle is over? Stryker Zero: ...Yes! Curtis: A third Stryker, eh? How did a member of the Balbora Empire acquire that kind of power? Curtis: Rather... Why hasn't the Berserker Program been activated? You shouldn't have been able to extract it from the artificial arm. Stryker Hagane: You're exactly right, Curtis. The Berserker Program was buried deep within my artificial arm. Stryker Hagane: Fortunately, I am not fighting by myself today! ???: I'm here, fighting with my sister! As long as we're together, we have nothing to fear! Stryker Zero: Th-that voice... Is that you, Rin?! Rin: Yes, it's me! I'm sorry to have to talk to you from here. Her voice was ringing out from Clie's metal arm. I couldn't conceal my shock at the sound of her voice. Stryker Retsu: B-but... Why... Rin: The Berserker Program was embedded deep inside the control circuit. We didn't have time to erase it or rewrite it. Rin: So we transferred my consciousness into it, so I could focus on keeping the Berserker Program in check! Rin: So now, Onee-chan has become Stryker Hagane! She can use her real power, the power of a Stryker! Curtis: I see... Using another's will to keep the artificial arm under control and resist the program. Stryker Hagane: Curtis. Your schemes of world domination end here. For as long as you remain in this world, I will oppose you. Curtis: Heh. Not half an hour with your new power and you've acquired unnecessary confidence. Do you think just three of you are enough to make me hesitate? Curtis: Two of you are already exhausted. The presence of a single reinforcement won't change anything. Curtis: Bionic soldiers! What are you staring at? Just destroy the traitor, already. Bionic Soldier A: S-sir! All units, get her in a crossfire! At Curtis's order, the bionic soldiers unleashed their fire. The shots came in a crossfire from both sides, walling Clie off from approach. Stryker Hagane: ...You'll fight 'til the bitter end, then. I bear you no ill will, but you will fall before my rain of fire. Stryker Hagane: Rin. Let's go! Rin: Right, Onee-chan! Stryker Hagane: I will show you the power of Clie reborn. Stryker System change! Shusui! Stryker Hagane: Howl, talon of steel! My fist of steel blazed hotter than ever before. It shot out with a speed that tore a vacuum through the air, each claw a sharp blade that roared with electricity. Stryker Hagane: HAHHHHHH! Bionic Soldier B: GRAAAAH! Bionic Soldier C: HNGGH! Each finger was an oversized Shusui blade. It tore through any enemy that got close, racing for the thickest crowd of them. Bionic Soldier B: Prepare the insulators! She's going to fire electricity from her hand! Stryker Hagane: You seem to have learned a few things... But it's not enough! Stryker Hagane: ...BURST! Bionic Soldier B: GRAAAAH! The massive energy channeled into my steel fist suddenly exploded outwards. All of the bionic soldiers in the vicinity were hit by the explosion. Robbed of their power, they all fell to earth. Stryker Hagane: Curtis! I shall show you just you how useless those numbers of yours are! Clie's steel fist returned to her arm. Then, she opened her hand and thrust her empty palm towards the front line. Stryker Hagane: The 6th airship... There! Stryker Hagane: Stryker System change! Tenrai! Maximum output! A light raced from the base of her artificial arm to her palm, collecting an even greater power mass than before. The next moment, it unleashed a beam of light that swallowed up the carrier waiting in the air beyond. Beam after beam hit it, until the airship exploded into flames. With its control mechanism destroyed, it crashed into the mountains and erupted into flames. Stryker Retsu: That's... amazing... Stryker Zero: Is that... Clie's true power? Bionic Soldier A: My General! The 6th airship was carrying bionic soldiers! All those on board were destroyed in an instant! Curtis: Hmm... Seems she's using her head. Stryker Hagane: Do you see what I mean about how useless they are? Curtis: Heh. Still just small fry. One person may put up a struggle, but you will always be overwhelmed in the end. Stryker Hagane: We'll see about that. Jack: ...My Liege! Just then, I heard Jack calling to me. I heard something speeding toward me, and caught it. It was a Stryker Drive I had never seen before. Stryker Zero: W-what's this? Jack: 'tis a Stryker Drive meant for Zero, developed in that laboratory! Ten-dono left it for you, along with a message! Jack: 'You're not alone. Don't forget: Someone is waiting to hear your voice.' Jack: That was Ten-dono's message to you. Stryker Zero: Ten said that... It was the same advice he had given me long ago. Stryker Zero: I see... You lost your body, so... I knew the meaning behind those words. My thoughts raced to my comrade, still inside the laboratory. Jack: I must prepare for Sayaka-dono's egress! My Liege, leave everything to me! Jack closed the heavy door and returned to the laboratory once more. We were surrounded by ocean on all sides. All that remained was to blow up the laboratory. Stryker Hagane: Yamato, Haruna. Can you guard this area yourselves? Stryker Zero: ...What are you going to do? Stryker Hagane: I shall fight Curtis myself. The two of you are too exhausted to be any match for him. Stryker Hagane: If I can defeat Curtis, we need not destroy the laboratory to drive the enemy back. To prevent damage to the surrounding area, that method would be preferable. Stryker Zero: No... Please, let me fight Curtis. Rin: Yamato-san... But... Stryker Zero: I'm the one that called him into this world. Please, let me take responsibility for my actions. Stryker Hagane: I see... In that case, I shall guard this location. Rin: My sister and I will protect the laboratory. If you get into trouble, we'll come and save you, okay? Stryker Hagane: The procedure will take some time to finish. We must hold out until then. Stryker Zero: ...Roger that! Stryker Hagane: Then, let us go! We shall crush Curtis's ambitions, once and for all! Without hesitation, Clie turned, leaving Curtis to us. She dove into the enemy front line. Though the line was still sparse, diving in alone seemed almost like suicide. Stryker Hagane: Stryker Hagane... Moving out, to battle! Bionic Soldier A: Hngh! There was a glint of silver from the super-alloy blade. Wielded by a warrior who had cast all reserve aside, there was nothing that could stop it. Stryker Zero: Haruna. Can you keep going? Stryker Retsu: We just have a little bit left. I think I can handle that much. Stryker Zero: Right. Let's show Curtis what we're made of! We only had a little bit of stamina remaining, and could not push back the enemy any further. As long as Curtis was away from the battlefield, we couldn't use our trump card, and the situation would just keep getting worse. Stryker Zero: But we still can't give up. If they capture the laboratory, the world has no future. Curtis: Finished your little conversation? Stryker Zero: Yes, thank you very much. Curtis: I thought it would be easy to get what I wanted from the laboratory, but I suppose I waited too long. She awoke before the bionic soldiers could complete their mission. Stryker Retsu: Sorry, but I guess your plan's down the drain now! Stryker Zero: We shot down the airship carrying your bionic soldiers. That cuts into your reinforcements. Which means we're going to keep the laboratory safe! Curtis: Hahahahaha... You seem to have misunderstood something. Do you really think this ends once you destroy the bionic soldiers? Curtis: Using the bionic soldiers was just a bit of entertainment. If they prove useless, I'll just try a different method. Curtis: Bionic soldiers. I want half of you to target that traitor. Keep her from doing as she pleases. Bionic Soldier A: Sir! Roger that! The bionic soldiers formed into a thick formation to charge at Clie. The ones surrounding us thinned out. That meant the line between us and Curtis had also grown thinner. We could make him out in the skies just above, looking down at us. Curtis: Well, now. As a reward for your perseverance, I'll honor you with a duel. Curtis: If I kill you both, we'll be able to take the laboratory easily. Someone needs to teach those bumbling bionic soldiers how a real fight is done, after all. Stryker Zero: If you think you can do it, then go ahead and try! Stryker Retsu: Maybe we'll teach you a thing or two! We're not going to lose to the kind of person who sits and watches while others die! Curtis: Hah. You know that you can't win with brute force alone. Especially not as exhausted as you are. Curtis: Now, let's begin our clumsy little dance! I hope to get a little fun out of it! Our battle with Curtis began. We charged toward the enemy line, to drive from this world the one who could not be allowed to remain.
Sayaka: I think my work here is done... I finished the treatment on Rin's unconscious body. I had implanted a device inside her that transferred her consciousness into the artificial arm, then sewed it up without a trace. If their wills were not entirely compatible, both of their personalities would disappear. But as sisters, they proved to be a perfect match. While the connection was active, Rin's body would lose consciousness, but they would both be active as Stryker Hagane. Sayaka: Whew. Finally done, I guess... With my work finished, the tool I was holding slipped out of my sweaty hand and fell with a clang to the floor. I was exhausted, like I had been running from one place to another all day. Sweat dripped from my body. I slumped forward onto the operating table just to avoid falling over. Stryker Ten: You did well, Sayaka. You saved both those girls. Sayaka: Only because you instructed me, Ten-san. I never could have done it without you. Stryker Ten: No, you deserve the praise for this. To operate on your own close friends is no small feat of will. Sayaka: ...... Stryker Ten: I feel truly proud of you. You've done an excellent job of restoring them both. Sayaka: ...This is weird. Stryker Ten: Hmm? Sayaka: When you praise me, I feel so strangely flattered. I'm not sure why, seeing as we've only just met. Sayaka: We did know each other, didn't we? It seems like we'd have to, if you knew my father. Stryker Ten: ...Perhaps we did. Sayaka: I guess the battle's still going, out there... Stryker Ten: She should be joining the battle just about now. It should turn the tide in our favor. Sayaka: I hope so... Sayaka: Hey, Ten-san. How do we send the reactor into overdrive? It's that giant heart, isn't it? Stryker Ten: ...... Sayaka: So what do we do? Is there something you have to do to get it activated? Stryker Ten: Sayaka. Sayaka: Ah? W-what? Stryker Ten: There is something I must ask you to do. Ten-san spoke to me in a quiet voice, moving over to a console. Stryker Ten: Sayaka. You must destroy the laboratory. Sayaka: M-me? Why can't you do it, Ten-san? Stryker Ten: ...Normally, we could use a different method, but the control has been lost. In other words, this is a backup plan. Stryker Ten: One mistake at the controls could result in an immediate explosion. You'll need to follow the correct procedure to give us time to escape. Sayaka: W-wait a minute. What are you talking about? How am I supposed to do that when I don't even know how it works? Stryker Ten: The procedure is in you. If you wish to do it, your body will act on its own. Sayaka: B-but... You're right here, Ten-san. Why do I have to do it? Stryker Ten: Because... Ten-san hesitated. He was about to speak, when the light in his eyes flickered. Sayaka: T-Ten-san? What's wrong?! Stryker Ten: It appears my life support system is finally reaching its end. Sayaka: L-life support system? Are you saying... you're going to die? Stryker Ten: ...Correct. Sayaka: W-wait a minute! Why didn't you tell me that earlier?! We're in a laboratory - we might be able to save you! Stryker Ten: ...... Sayaka: Ten-san! Tell me how to fix you! If you just tell me how to do it, I know I can handle it! Stryker Ten: It's no longer possible. Sayaka: What? Stryker Ten: My dynamo unit was destroyed long ago. Hajime worked hard to prolong my life, but there is nothing left to be done. That I have lasted this long is miracle enough. Sayaka: N... No... Stryker Ten: Now that the others are recovered, my work here is complete. I have no further regrets. Sayaka: D-don't say that! You can't give up this easily! I thought you were Yuuki's partner! I thought you were my father's friend! Sayaka: They're all going to be sad to see you die! Please, don't get all philosophical about this! Stryker Ten: Sayaka... Sayaka: After... After everything we did to save the others... You can't do this. If we can't all get out of this safely, then everything was meaningless... Sayaka: Come on... Just tell me how to do it. I know you can show me... Just like you did before. Nothing that I accomplished seemed to matter anymore in the face of this helplessness. I blurted out all of the sadness which I'd kept stored deep down in my heart at him... This man whom I had only met today. Stryker Ten: Even science has limits. Stryker Ten: There are some fates that cannot be defied, no matter how much technology you bring to bear. And some fates that should not be. Stryker Ten: It was after I acquired this body that I realized... I have already outlived my time. Sayaka: B-but... Stryker Ten: However, I have received a blessing. This body means that you could be here to mourn my passing... Sayaka: Ten-san... Was there really nothing I could do? I couldn't pretend that I wasn't frustrated about it, but the contentment in his voice helped to ease the pain. Stryker Ten: Sayaka. I have one final favor to ask. Sayaka: ...What is it? Stryker Ten: I have given Zero a new Drive. It is possible that we will not have to destroy the laboratory. Stryker Ten: Even so, however... This facility should not exist. If it fell into the hands of a man like Curtis, the world would descend into chaos. Stryker Ten: The self-destruction program is written into this console. If the others make it through this safely, I still want you to destroy the laboratory, far over the ocean. Sayaka: ...I will. Stryker Ten: I'm sorry to ask so much of you... But with that done, my final business... The light in his eyes flickered again, then dimmed. It didn't restore itself, this time. As the light continued to dim, it was the last of his life slipping away. Sayaka: Ah... The weight of life, too heavy for one person to carry alone. Yet I bore it, bathed in that light - the sign of a life given to him by machinery. Stryker Ten: We need not think so little of ourselves... Though we may be fictional characters, we still draw breath in this world... Stryker Ten: Yes... This peaceful world. I am certain that you will find happy days here... Stryker Ten: S-Sayaka... Sayaka: ......What? Stryker Ten: P-please... be... happy... Sayaka: Rest well, Ten-san... The last of the light went out of his eyes. Without another sound, Yuuki's friend and companion passed on into eternal sleep. I felt the warmth of his body dim, and a single tear rolled down my cheek. The battle was still on. I turned to place my hand on the console, the will I had inherited from Ten-san shining in my eyes. Stryker Hagane: HAHHHHHH! Bionic Soldier A: GRAAAAH! Stryker Hagane: Out of my way! Do you think your pathetic numbers are enough to stop me?! Stryker Hagane: I am Stryker Hagane! No man shall stand in my way! Bionic Soldier B: Hngh! Stop her! Don't let her destroy any more of our airships! The enemy formed thick formations to guard the airships surrounding the laboratory. I had already used Tenrai to send several of them crashing into the ocean. Unwilling to simply watch it happen, the enemy charged at me en masse. Even Curtis's personal guard left him to help the others surround me. Bionic Soldier C: Overwhelming her seems to work best! Let's finish this already! Stryker Hagane: There is one fundamental thing that I have and you lack. Without that, you cannot hope to find victory! Bionic Soldier B: Power and experience have nothing to do with it! Just overwhelm her, quickly! Stryker Hagane: You still don't seem to understand. The difference between us... Bionic Soldier B: Ghn! How did she dodge all those bullets... Stryker Hagane: ...is RESOLVE! Stryker Hagane: Roar, talon of steel! Bionic Soldier B: GRAAAAH! I continued moving, using the information fed to me by Rin to weave through the surrounding enemies. My job was to draw as much enemy fire as possible while still protecting the laboratory. Our trump card - the laboratory's self-destruct mechanism - was still in play, so I didn't even need to bring my full power to bear. Rin: Onee-chan, the 41st carrier is at 9 o'clock! If you act now, you can break through the wall! Stryker Hagane: Then I shall break through! HYAAH! Bionic Soldier A: HRAH! I broke through the enemy wall in the place she indicated, then descended on the defenseless airship. Stryker Hagane: There it is! I knew from memory that it would be holding a number of bionic soldiers. I unleashed all the power I had at it, hoping to deal a crippling blow to the enemy forces. Stryker Hagane: Stryker System change! Tenrai! I thrust out my open palm and unleashed the power of my artificial arm. Normally, that power would simply run wild. But Rin channeled and controlled it, turning it into a focused beam of light. Stryker Hagane: I simply cannot allow your forces to remain in such numbers! Forgive me, but I shall send you and your ship to eternal rest! A carefully-aimed blow to the control mechanism would force it into an emergency landing in the ocean. I took my aim, then fired. Rin: A direct hit to the control mechanism! It won't be able to remain airborne! Stryker Hagane: Then let us move on! We must destroy any enemy who approaches the laboratory! Rin: Right! In the skies above the laboratory, three figures remained. Sometimes they rammed into each other, sometimes an explosion resulted from their unleashed power. Stryker Zero: Stryker System change! Shusui! Tens of thousands of volts collected in my hand. I flew through the air, lashing out with a powerful slash at Curtis's calmly composed form. Stryker Zero: Take this, Curtis! Curtis: Too slow. Stryker Zero: Feh! Then what about this! Curtis: ...I said, you're too slow. Stryker Zero: Ghn! He blocked that one, too... I rushed at him with slash after slash, yet he parried them all effortlessly. All the while, it took all the power I had to keep him from forcing me back. Stryker Zero: Hngh, nngh... Curtis: Well, what now? You seem to have lost that bravado of yours. Curtis: Are you telling me that this is all you have? After all those bold proclamations, you can't even land a single hit? Stryker Zero: ...No, I'm not through yet! Stryker Retsu: Stryker System change! Tenrai! HAHHHH! Suddenly, a blast rocketed forth from behind me. The moment I sensed Haruna's attack, I moved away, letting Curtis take the blast full on. Several beams of light shot out at once, ready to engulf the enemy before me. Curtis: Quite an impressive output. ...But it means nothing if it doesn't hit! And yet, Curtis dodged them all without even breaking a sweat. Blast after blast exploded forth from Tenrai, but not a single one landed. Stryker Retsu: W-why?! Why can't I hit him?! Curtis: Hah! Typical of a novice, to fail to factor in your opponent's evasive movements. Such power is wasted on you! Curtis: I had thought about taking you alive, but never mind! You can just die here! Stryker Retsu: Ngh! Stryker System ch-- Curtis: Too slow. It always took a moment to set the Drive in place. Curtis didn't miss his chance. He covered the distance between them in a split second, preparing to slice through her. Curtis: Too bad. I think I'll just cut off the arm and take the device. Stryker Zero: You will not! Stryker System change! Hyaku-shiki! I activated Hyaku-shiki, ready to strike at my enemy from below. As fast as I could, I cut the distance between us, readying all my power into one punch. Stryker Zero: HRAAAAAAAAAAH! An electrified punch, crackling with compressed plasma. I struck at his blade with enough power to pound a crater in the earth. The impact sent both of us flying. Still, Curtis seemed unfazed by the attack itself, and looked down on us both with a leisurely expression. Curtis: Do you see how helpless you are, now? That anachronistic equipment of yours didn't even leave a mark. Stryker Zero: ...... Curtis: You're clever enough for small fry, but this has all been pointless from the start. You simply cannot beat me. I had been engaging Curtis directly, with Haruna supporting me from behind. It was the best arrangement, given the circumstances, but Curtis was still making sport of us. Stryker Zero: But they've likely already begun the reactor overload... If I can just hold Curtis off until then... Curtis: You had to protect the laboratory because you wanted the woman to live, didn't you? If you had just let her die, you'd have spared yourselves a bit of trouble. Stryker Retsu: If we'd done that, you would still have destroyed the town! That's what you said you were going to do! Curtis: Oh, I had completely forgotten about that. I was so busy focusing on getting that lab. Curtis: I can deal with those struggling little worms down there any time I want to. ...Including now, of course. Stryker Retsu: What kind of person are you?! Curtis: If you don't want it to happen, you can stop me anytime. If you surrender to me now, I might spare the people of your city. Stryker Zero: No... This isn't over, yet. We were just buying time until the laboratory could self-destruct. Until that could happen, we had to keep their army from getting in while holding Curtis in place. Stryker Zero: Our equipment might be old-fashioned. As we are right now, we're no match for you at all. However! Stryker Zero: Do not underestimate Japan's technology... or its Strykers! I still had the Stryker Drive that Ten had entrusted me with. I took it from my belt and inserted it into my Stryker Unit. Stryker Zero: Ten... It's time to use the power that you gave to me! Stryker System change... KAMUI! Stryker Zero: Gh... HRAAAAAAAAAAH! The moment I equipped the drive, I could feel the electric current flooding through my body. The Stryker Units roared to life, sending a current racing through my body like a lightning bolt. Stryker Retsu: Y-Yamato-kun?! Every nerve in my body was on fire. The pain was indescribable. If I let down my guard for one minute, the power would stampede out of control - yet I reached out with my mind and took a firm grip on the reins. Stryker Zero: D-don't worry, Haruna. This pain... is not enough to stop me... Stryker Zero: I will... protect this world from Curtis! Curtis: Oh-ho... The current running through my body stabilized, coming to rest inside of me. The intense, constant current put out by Kamui transformed my body into a living thunderbolt. Stryker Zero: It's so powerful... Ten really did keep his promise, then... It was an all-in-one Stryker Drive. It couldn't be equipped on the next generation of Stryker System, like the kind employed by Retsu, but Ten's last wish had given me the power that I needed. Curtis: So that's what you've been keeping up your sleeve. Stryker Zero: ...Yes. Curtis: Hmm. Perhaps there's a bit more fun to be had from you. I was getting rather bored, after all. Curtis: Let's see what this power of yours can do. After all that buildup, I hope I won't be disappointed! Stryker Zero: Very well! I will show you the power that Ten left to me! Stryker Zero: Kamui... ROAR! My Stryker Drive fired a massive blast of plasma, far more powerful than Tenrai. It crackled through the air, leaving behind the smell of ozone. Curtis: Hah! Is that all? Stryker Zero: No... There's more! Curtis: Hmm? I closed in with speeds exceeding those of Senden. The blade of Shusui appeared on my arm. The electricity within my body was mine to command as I saw fit. I had no need to change Stryker Drives. Stryker Zero: HAHHHHHH! Curtis: Hmm! Stryker Zero: There's still more! Curtis: Do you think those reckless attacks are enough to hit me?! Curtis: Well now, I think it's my turn! Let's take that arm of yours! He parried my sword, then took advantage of my moment's pause to slice down at my arm in a single stroke. He had me forcibly pinned, leaving me nowhere to dodge as the blade cut through the air, down to my arm-- Curtis: Hmm?! But the moment the blade reached me, I disappeared, my form fading like an afterimage. Stryker Zero: Reckless attacks? It seems you're guilty of the same thing! Senden's movements left afterimages as I was behind Curtis in a flash. I stored up Kamui's radiance in my fist, then unleashed a punch with all the explosive power of a heavy tank gun. Stryker Zero: Take THIS! Curtis: ...This seems like it will be quite interesting, after all. Curtis couldn't dodge it, but blocked it with his blade. The force sent him flying back. He seemed to have managed to roll with the strike enough that he didn't seem especially wounded. Curtis: HOWEVER! You still cannot stop me. Your defeat is a foregone conclusion. Stryker Zero: Your overconfidence will be your undoing. Do not underestimate the power of the Strykers! Curtis: Then show me. If you think that you really can defeat me. Stryker Zero: I fully intend to! Kamui... ROAR! Kamui continuously refilled the power that I had expended, giving the illusion of an unlimited supply. In exchange, I felt something dimming inside of me - but I endured the sensation and brought my power to bear once more. Stryker Zero: I am going to defeat Curtis myself! Even if I sacrifice my own body to do it! The reactor was about to overload. Nevertheless, I continued to fight with all the power I had.
The two figures dove at each other, crossing paths in the air, slamming into each other at high speeds. I watched from a distance, but they were too fast for my eyes to follow. Stryker Retsu: ...... I kept readying my support blasts only to find Yamato-kun diving into the way again. Without anything to do, I was left to worry and wait, destroying any bionic soldiers who tried to get near the laboratory. Bionic Soldier A: Damn! Why won't any of our shots land?! Stryker Hagane: Your approach is entirely misguided. You cannot hit me simply by adding more firepower. Rin: Don't look down on Stryker Hagane! This may be a prototype system, but we're as powerful as any other Stryker. Besides... Stryker Retsu: I've got her back, too! Bionic Soldier A: GRAAAAH! I released a Tenrai blast, which crashed through a small crowd of enemies from behind. The group trying to surround Clie was gone in an instant, freeing her up to do what she wanted. Stryker Hagane: As you can see, I have powerful friends! Bionic Soldier B: Th-they can't hold us off with just two of them! Just beat them, and get to the laboratory already! Rin: Sorry, but we're not letting you get one step closer! We're going to stop you all! Clie had destroyed the open carrier, but the enemy soldiers just kept coming. I was fighting with all the power I had, sending out Tenrai blasts over and over again. Stryker Retsu: I can't help Yamato-kun... But... I hated how useless I felt. At the same time, something else was nagging at the corner of my mind. Stryker Retsu: He can't keep fighting like that... If he does, Yamato-kun is going to be destroyed... It was clear that his new power was taking him past his limits. If you just looked at him, you might think he was an even match for Curtis. But I also knew he couldn't keep it up forever. Stryker Retsu: He probably knows that, too... So why? All he had to do was hold out until the laboratory blew up... The shadow which had hung over him, ever since the battle with Mirror-san. I saw it from time to time, and it always made me nervous. It was why I knew I couldn't take my eyes off of him. After Clie-san appeared, he sometimes opened his heart again, and seemed more at ease... but it never fully went away. Stryker Retsu: I finally understand what he was thinking... What he's been thinking, ever since then... Knowing that tore at my heart. I wanted to rush to his side and tell him how I felt. But as I was now, there was nothing I could do. If I got involved in the fight, I would just be a hindrance. Stryker Retsu: Yamato-kun... I... The battle was still on. There was nothing I could do but support him with everything I had. Stryker Zero: Slash! HAHHH! Curtis: Hmm! Curtis: Heh! Is that all you know how to do? Speed alone doesn't determine what lands. Curtis: Allow me to give you some advice. This is how you use a sword! Stryker Zero: That's my line! Kamui! Cry out! Curtis: ...Behind me again! Stryker Zero: HYAAAAH! With nowhere else to go, the huge buildup of power simply exploded. The shockwave threw me backwards, letting me regain my distance before I set my sights on Curtis again. Stryker Zero: Kamui, ROAR! Curtis: I never thought you'd give me this much of a challenge. Hngh! The shockwave from Curtis's slash cut through the massive blast of compressed plasma. After that, it kept coming at me. I dodged it, barely, then bridged the distance between the two of us in an instant, producing the sword on my hand once more. Stryker Zero: This isn't over yet! Curtis: Let's put joking aside, for now. It's very clear that your power won't hold out for much longer. Curtis: The moment your power runs out, the laboratory will fall. With you gone, no one else can oppose me. Stryker Zero: I will not fall! And you seem to have forgotten about Clie and Haruna! Curtis: Hah! It's time to get over those delusions of yours! The all-in-one Stryker Drive 'Kamui' turned my body into a thunderbolt, allowing me to bring out multiple abilities at once. It forced an electric current through the body, so at a glance, its power appeared to be unlimited. Stryker Zero: If this means I can defeat Curtis and bring peace to this world... then I will fight, even if it burns out my life! My entire body was glowing now, the radiance gifted to me by Kamui to vanquish the demon before me. I ignored the pain running through my body once more, cast aside my hesitation, and flew at Curtis, hoping to keep him on the defensive. And then-- Curtis: Hmm? That's... Stryker Zero: Something in the air has changed... Could this mean... we made it in time?! In that case, I was free to use up the last of my power! Stryker Zero: Kamui! FULL POWER! Lightning ran down my arm. My lightning sword contracted and focused. Before Curtis could ascertain the source of the shaking, I dashed through the air and slashed at him. Stryker Zero: Curtis! I will end you with this blade! Curtis: Hmm! Curtis: Oh-ho... So you had another hidden move, eh? He blocked my blade of lightning. We stood close, swords locked. The electricity flowed into him in the place of contact. Stryker Zero: I'm going to keep you held down! Not even you can move with this kind of current running through you! Curtis: ...So you've got me held down. Then what? Did you forget about the bionic soldiers and the air fleet? Stryker Zero: You've known that from the beginning... There's no way that we can beat a force of that size. Stryker Zero: However! That's why we exist! To defeat you all! Sayaka: Sorry I'm late, Yuuki! Stryker Zero: ...There it is! Ichimonji's voice sounded out from the laboratory as the rumbling in the air grew more violent. There was apprehension on Curtis's face for the first time. I continued to burn out my power, trying to hold him in place. Curtis: Th-that voice... It's coming from the Stryker Laboratory! Stryker Zero: That's right! This is the power we need to defeat you! Sayaka: You bastards... You hurt my father! You hurt Rin! You hurt Clie-san! You hurt everyone in the city! Sayaka: You'll pay for what you've done, a hundred times over! With the power given to me by Ten-san! Another strange vibration ran through the air. The bionic soldiers began to show some hesitation. The radars in their airships must have picked up the abnormal spike in energy. While the entire army paused to appraise the change in battlefield conditions, Ichimonji spoke the words that would signal the counterattack to come. Sayaka: I'm turning off all of the reactor's safeguards! Beginning energy release! The self-destruct program is now engaged!! Immediately, the power stored inside the laboratory's massive reactor began to release itself. The energy poured out in waves, crackling through the air as it sought freedom in the surrounding atmosphere. Bionic Soldier B: W-what... What is that?! The whole laboratory was shining like an enormous energy ball. Lightning shot from it indiscriminately, like a wrathful god answering our call. Bionic Soldier C: GYAAAAAAH!! The energy discharge targeted enemy and ally alike. Having insulation systems ourselves, we were unaffected - but the bionic soldiers and airships had nothing to save them. Bionic Soldier A: HRAAAAAAAAAAH! Bionic Soldier B: H-help! HEEEELP! The bionic soldiers were swept up by the energy storm, fodder for the ever-growing lightning strikes. Bionic Soldier C: Th-the airship won't move! It's out of control! Furthermore, the electro-magnetic field generated by the plasma release caused the surrounding airships to lose power. Stryker Zero: You've let your guard down, Curtis. Curtis: It does seem I underestimated you. I never anticipated a sacrificial attack... Curtis: Even so, it means nothing... Your destruction is still inevitable. Stryker Zero: It's too late for you to turn the tide. I've still got you locked down! I increased the electric current I was pouring into my sword, making sure he couldn't budge. The runaway reactor continued pouring out its power as my electricity flowed through Curtis's body. Sayaka: Curtis... It's time for us to show you our power! This is our revenge for all of the people you hurt! Despite the energy pouring into the surrounding area, the power concentrating at the laboratory's nexus was far greater. All of the facility's power, concentrating into a single point... Our final power, the power that would take out the airships. Stryker Zero: Not even you can survive that kind of blast. If you think you can just tank through it, you're wrong. Curtis: ...... Stryker Zero: Curtis... We have won! Ten's power had given us the victory. Still, I had to make sure that I didn't drop my guard until that victory was truly won. I squeezed out the last of my power, holding him-- Curtis: Is that all you have to say? Stryker Zero: Wh-- There was a flash of silver, bright enough to burn my eyes. Curtis's blade cleaved through my electric sword as if it was paper, then pierced my flesh. Curtis: Pitiful... Did you really think such meager power was enough to hold me? Stryker Zero: Y-you can't... It's not possible! Curtis: As you wish, I will seal that trump card of yours... using your own body! Curtis smiled his unflappable smile, then swung at me, using the flat of his sword. I couldn't hide my uneasiness. If Kamui's power wasn't going to work, then I had no means to oppose him. Curtis: Now... Blow up the laboratory, if you wish! But you'll be taking Stryker Zero with it! Stryker Zero: GRAAAAH! He hit me so hard, it was like all of my earlier resistance had been a lie. I was completely unprepared to block it, but just went flying backwards with incredible force. The next moment, Curtis was at my side again, the barrel of his Gatling gun pressed against my body. Curtis: Here's your reward! I hope you enjoy it! Stryker Zero: GRAAAAH! The empty shells went flying as his bullets tore indiscriminately through my body. The pain was unbearable. As my back slammed into the laboratory wall, I felt my consciousness fading away. And then-- Curtis: Too bad, Stryker Zero. Stryker Zero: Ngh... He had me completely pinned. I couldn't move at all. Knowing Ichimonji, she wouldn't let the laboratory self-destruct if she knew that I was there. Our plan would fail. We would lose our one chance to cripple their air force. Curtis: In the end, you're just a soldier, with no skills beyond fighting. Did you really think I didn't know what you were planning? Curtis: Do you know why I gave you a time limit when calling you out? Did you think it was really just to speed your hand? Stryker Zero: W-what are you... Curtis: Knowing my objective, you would never lead me to the laboratory so easily. You would try to treat them on the ground first. Curtis: But you came out long before the time limit expired. That made it clear that you had something up your sleeves. Curtis: In addition, you went out of your way to move it over the ocean. How stupid would I have to be not to realize what you were doing? Sayaka: Let go of Yuuki already! Do you not care what happens to your airships?! Curtis: A headstrong girl, as ever. You don't seem to realize that I hold this man's life in my hands. Curtis: If you don't want Stryker Zero dead, just give up quietly. You don't want to kill your own comrade, do you? Sayaka: Ah! You cheater! Curtis: Not cheating, simply strategy. I was not so stupid as to fly in here without a plan. Curtis: That new Stryker Drive of Zero's briefly put me on my guard, but it quickly became clear that it wasn't enough to defeat me. Stryker Zero: HRAH! Curtis: Your trump card is gone. You have no way of turning the tide. If you turn the laboratory over to me peacefully, I may yet spare your lives. Sayaka: You know we can't do that! Curtis: Then, we'll have to put this man through a bit of pain. Stryker Zero: Hng... Ghahh... Sayaka: Yuuki?! Y-you monster! Jack: My Liege! I entreat to save you! Bionic Soldier A: Shoot him! Don't let him reach the General! Jack: Ngh! The bionic soldiers are blocking my way! Stryker Retsu: Yamato-kun! Hang in there, Yamato-kun! Curtis: Well? Your friend is calling for you. Stryker Zero: HNGAHH! Curtis: By all means, scream louder. If you don't, she won't be able to hear you. I couldn't muster up the strength to fight him - one of the side effects of using Kamui for so long. Maybe Curtis was aware of that, or maybe he wasn't... but rather than finishing me off, he continued to mock me. Sayaka: S-stop it! Stop it, I said! Don't hurt Yuuki! Curtis: Well, then... Will you give me the laboratory? Sayaka: I... I can't... Stryker Zero: D... Don't do it... Curtis: Don't speak. Stryker Zero: HGRAAH... Ahh... Sayaka: Y-Yuuki... Stryker Zero: D-don't... Don't give it... to him... If... it falls into... Curtis's hands... the world is... Curtis: I said, don't speak. Stryker Zero: Hngh! Curtis: I think I'll cut a hole in you. Your screams are truly entertaining. Stryker Zero: Hnnngrr! Hnnngh... Sayaka: S-stop it! Just cut it out already! I'll give you the lab, just let him go! Stryker Zero: I-Ichimonji! Don't give it to him! Sayaka: Ah! Stryker Zero: We... We aren't of this world! That means we must take responsibility for protecting it! Stryker Zero: We cannot let other characters from 'Dengeki Stryker' take it over! It doesn't matter what happens to me! You cannot let him have it! Sayaka: Y-Yuuki... But... Stryker Zero: D-don't give it to him... If you want to save me, then... Curtis: Bold words. But how long will they hold up? Stryker Zero: A-as long as it takes. Curtis: Then let's test that, shall we? Stryker Zero: HNGRAAH! Curtis shot me a sadistic smile as he struck down again at my prone form. He hit me with enough force to send me flying, then stamped down on my stomach to pin me back to the wall. Then he cut into my body, just deep enough to ensure that I wouldn't lose consciousness. He ground his blade into the wound, increasing the pain. Stryker Zero: I cannot fall here... Not until I defeat Curtis... Curtis: If that story you told me is true, then I must thank whatever called us into this world. I've never seen a place so ripe for conquest. Stryker Zero: GRAAAAH! Curtis: If I can just get rid of you, there will be no one left to resist me. I will be truly unrivaled in this world! Curtis: No irritating enemy cyborgs to deal with. A true paradise! I could conquer it all by myself! My eyes began to glaze over. The world was going dark. An image from my past drifted into my vision, as I tried to bear the pain running through my entire body. Mirror: Sh-shut up! I don't wanna hear it! Mirror: I made that wish... to become a superhero... To become Dengeki Stryker! Mirror: And then you just... You just... You just stole my wish!! Mirror: Give it back! Give it! Give me back my wish! I'm the one who gets to be a hero! It shoulda been me! Stryker Zero: Yes, that's right... I did steal your wish... And then I had killed him, to save Haruna and the other characters from the manga. No matter how I tried to convince myself, there could be no justification for that. Stryker Zero: ...Ahh... Hnn... I had no right to call myself a hero. My wish had brought forth the Balbora Empire. I had killed Mirror, the true 'Yuuki Yamato.' Ever since then, all I had cared about was protecting those who had survived that battle. Stryker Zero: That is why... I must carry this responsibility. Why I must put everything on the line... and defeat Curtis... Stryker Zero: ...Ghh... Ghhh... Sayaka: Yuuki! Hey, Yuuki! Speak to me! Stryker Zero: I... I'm fine... Sayaka: S-stop playing tough! This is no time for false bravado! Sayaka: Come on, I'll give it to you! You just want the laboratory, right?! Curtis: No, I've changed my mind. I'm not going to stop until HE says 'yes.' Sayaka: No... Please... Curtis: Now, let's try this again. Just say that I can have the laboratory. Stryker Zero: I... I'm fine... It will all... be over... soon... Sayaka: Y-Yuuki... What are you... Curtis: ...Seems like his near-death experience has made him a little muddled in the head. I'll have to wake him up again. Stryker Zero: GRAAAAH! Curtis: Wake up. I'll have you know I've been very careful to preserve you from death. The sudden, violent pain brought the unraveling thread of my consciousness back into tight focus. When I opened my eyes, I saw my enemy before me. I remembered my final objective. Stryker Zero: That's right... I must defeat Curtis myself. Stryker Zero's one remaining power. The drive that I had forgotten about until Clie appeared... With my last bit of strength, I reached for it... JPNS-007. Stryker Drive, 'Ohka.' It creates a magnetic field of highly compressed plasma, while costing the user their life. He couldn't run away from it. It would destroy Curtis without a trace. Stryker Zero: If I use this... I can finally take responsibility for what I've done... Curtis: I'm rather tired of this. Stubbornness can only remain entertaining for so long. Curtis: I'll ask you one last time. Will you give me the laboratory? Curtis raised his sword, prepared to strike the finishing blow. Ichimonji and Jack seemed to be saying something, but whatever it was, I couldn't hear it. Stryker Zero: My answer... is no. Curtis: I see... Then I have no further use for you. I placed my hand on Ohka...
Curtis: Hnngh...! Stryker Zero: That... As my hand found Ohka, there was suddenly a massive blast in the sky above. It was a thunderbolt, the power of Shinden - and it caught my attention in an instant. Bionic soldiers exploded all around it. When the light faded, I saw among them the figure of a girl. Stryker Retsu: ...Yamato-kun, you jerk! Stryker Zero: Haru... na... It was Haruna who had used the attack. The look in her eyes was something I had never seen from her before. Her body trembled with a violent anger. Stryker Retsu: Yamato-kun, are you going to run away? Are you going to die alone and leave all of us behind? Stryker Retsu: You think this will all end if Curtis is dead? You've got another thing coming if you think you can just die happy like that! My fingers around the Stryker Drive hesitated. I wasn't sure if she could see the motion at that distance. Regardless, she clenched her fists tightly at her sides. Stryker Retsu: So that is what you were going to do... You were going to die and leave us here... Even though you promised you'd watch over me... Stryker Retsu: I'm not going to let you be so selfish! I'll never let you do that! Bionic Soldier A: Don't let her get close to the General! Block her path with gunfire! Stryker Retsu: That isn't going to work on me! Bionic Soldier A: GRAAAAH! Haruna didn't even try to evade. Instead, she rushed in, recklessly knocking the soldiers left and right. Here and there a bullet cut into her - but that didn't seem to stop her. Stryker Retsu: I told you to get out of my way! HYAAAAAH! By the time she reached the back line of reinforcements, her body was nearly in shreds. Still, she showed no sign of feeling any pain. She just called out to me, over and over. Stryker Retsu: You said we'd live here together! You said you were going to protect everything the vanguard had fought to save! Stryker Retsu: Then why... Why are you going to throw it all away and run?! Was everything you said to me a lie?! One by one, Haruna's words stabbed into my chest. The pain seeped into my heart, admonishing me for what I had almost done. Curtis: Heh. The fool. Stryker Zero: GRAH! Curtis: The weak will always cluster together to try to resist. But all you do is cover each other's weakness and lick each other's wounds. Truly a band of fools. Curtis: Stryker Zero... Are you one of them? I don't really care what you're going through, but there are limits to self-delusion. The weak should be ground into the dirt. Stryker Zero: Ngh... Hngh... Curtis: Which means I should get rid of that noisy little bird as soon as possible. Curtis's sword transformed into a Gatling gun. He turned the barrel to Haruna. With the bionic soldiers clustering around her, she had no way to see it or dodge. Curtis: I'm just going to alleviate your suffering. With her gone, you'll have nothing left to fear. Stryker Zero: S... Stop it... Curtis: No, I won't. I want to see which of you I can reduce to tears first. He laughed off my words, then took his aim. He opened fire on Haruna - the person who had shaken me out of my despair, who was even now calling to me... Stryker Hagane: ...You will not! Curtis: Oh-ho... So you did come to stop me. She swung her sword, deflecting all of the Gatling gun's bullets. While Curtis's attention was focused on Haruna, Clie had covered the distance between us and positioned herself between them, sword at the ready. Stryker Hagane: I pity you. Curtis: Why? Her expression wasn't one of anger, but merely pity. Clie took a ready stance toward the enemy before her. Stryker Hagane: Having been thrown into this world, we have lost everything. We have no home, no family, no friends. This is a world that doesn't need us. Stryker Hagane: Why is it wrong to feel despair? Why is it wrong to lick our wounds and share our loneliness with others? Why is it wrong to make friends that will help us make a life in this world? Stryker Hagane: We are completely alone! We are human! And being human is not a sign of weakness! Then, she called to me. The pain which raced through me was now not only from my wounds, but also the words that stung my heart. Stryker Hagane: That is why we are still alive! We may have our moments of weakness, we may hate ourselves from time to time, yet we shall always rise again! Stryker Hagane: Yamato... Your weakness is not a crime! It is merely what makes you human! Stryker Hagane: That is something I love about you. So, please... There is no need for you to sacrifice yourself! Stryker Zero: Clie... Curtis: Heh... Just more excuses from weaklings. These emotions of yours exist only because you lack a strong heart like mine. Stryker Hagane: You are not human. You are filth. Curtis: Let your whining platitudes be your comfort if you wish. But even if you get close to me, there's still nothing you can do. He swapped his gun for a sword and pointed it at me. From his position, he could cut me down in an instant. Clie knew that he would do it the moment she tried to make a move. She was helpless to interfere. Curtis: I've had just about enough of this pointless chatter! Stryker Hagane: Hngh! Curtis: I am the ultimate cyborg! I am entirely unlike you spineless creatures! He fired at her, over and over again, leaving her no room to counter. Clie had managed to get in close, but the rain of bullets drove her away once again. Curtis: This man is a fool. And you are the same as him! Rin: Allow me to correct that statement! Rin: Yamato-san is not a fool! He is living his heart out, carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders! Rin: That's why I want to carry that burden with him! Even if I can only relieve a little bit of its weight! Rin: You have no right to say anything about Yamato-san! You have no right to call him a fool! Curtis: In that case, why don't you show me your power? I was on the verge of death, yet my friends were throwing everything away to try and save me. Their feelings permeated my spirit, bringing to mind the events that had brought me this far... Yamato: This world doesn't need Dengeki Stryker. Once I realized that, I had lost what I was living for. Rin: Yamato-san... Yamato: But I'm still alive, here and now. Even if I am just a character from a comic book. Yamato: And there are people in this city that I have protected. I am trying to make a happy life of my own here, to remind myself of why I'm doing that. That wish could not come true, now. Not just this world, but the characters of 'Dengeki Stryker' had all become casualties... And that selfish wish of mine had been the cause of it. Memory Collector: The signatory accepts all liability for any issues that come up in the fulfillment of the terms of contract. Memory Collector: In the event of a breach of contract, the problem must be remedied by the signatory within eight hours of notification by the Memory Collector. Memory Collector: In the event that the breach cannot be remedied, the contract will become void. I had killed Mirror, the holder of 'Yuuki Yamato's' memories. I had been unable to save most of the vanguard. I had done incomparable damage to the people living in this world. I had no right to live a carefree life. I had thought that if this moment ever came, I would have no choice but to sacrifice myself. Hilko: Ah... M-mother... I've... I've come home... Hilko: ...Mother... I've been waiting to taste your raspberry pie... It's... my favorite... Duran: Little one, I've got a sister just your age, I do... Duran: If you live through this, please tell her... Tell her that her brother wishes for her happiness! Duran: Little Jessie, living on 3rd Street in the Balbora Empire... Please, tell her! Phoenix: Hey, you were kidding about that stuff about our town not existing, right? Phoenix: That's good, don't answer. Let me keep my hopes up. Phoenix: See ya 'round. Back in our old hometown. Roches: Take that, you punk! Roches: That one was for you, Phoenix... If we gotta die here... we're takin' his arm! All of the people I wanted to save. All of the people I couldn't save. I had to bear that burden, even if it meant sacrificing every part of myself. If it meant I could protect this world, I would gladly sacrifice my life. I could have no regrets ...Or so I thought. Hajime: Oh no, no. I'm making a life here for myself. If I'm going to get a second chance, I'm happy that it's in such a blessed world. Hajime: You have a tendency to put unnecessary burdens on yourself. I'd like you to remember that most people feel the way I do. But... If they would let me... If it was alright for me to live on... Rin: Yamato-san... I owe you my life. No matter what happens, that will never change. Rin: So please... Don't think of me as a burden. You've already done absolutely everything you could. Clie: It is clear that you feel some responsibility for her situation. That is why I feel I must tell you this. Clie: Yamato. Thank you for allowing us to see each other again. If it was alright for me to continue protecting this world as long as I lived... Curtis: After all this, you're still struggling. I don't know why you're so eager to invite death. Curtis: But I need to thank you for all the fun you've given me. The moment one of them reaches me, that's when you'll die. Stryker Zero: ...... My body had already lost all feeling. My willpower alone kept my consciousness focused on him. With my fingers on the Stryker Drive, I looked up at Curtis. Stryker Retsu: You decide everything on your own, and now you're going to die on your own? You're going to die and leave us behind, after YOUR wish called us here?! Stryker Retsu: We all live our lives bearing our own pain and sadness... You know you're not the only one... but you make decisions like you were! I hate that about you! Stryker Retsu: Hey! Answer me already! Tell me it's not true! Answer me! Yuuki Yamato!! The memories flooded into my heart. The fading light inside me began to shine again, warmly. I had regained something... Something I had lost during the fight with Mirror. Curtis: Hmm... As if called into being by my thoughts, electricity began to run through the Stryker Units again. Curtis: Don't interrupt the game! Just stay quiet! Responding to that smallest of changes, Curtis didn't hesitate to bring the sword down at me. He was about to stab me through the shoulder to pin me to the wall, when suddenly-- Curtis: Y-you... I caught his sword between my hands. Curtis's sword stopped just inches from my face. The Stryker Units channeled electricity through my body once more, jump-starting my slowing heart. Stryker Zero: I had forgotten... why it is I am living in this world... Curtis: Hnngh! And what can a half-dead little worm like you hope to accomplish? The uncontrollable current continued to surge through my body, drawing out new power. I began to push back against the sword. Stryker Zero: Are you jealous, Curtis? Stryker Zero: Remember this, Curtis... Everything you're feeling right now. This is all part of me. I had regained my will of iron. As my strength came back to me, my eyes opened. Once again, I could see the world around me. Stryker Zero: This light is my power... The light of Zero, the man who will destroy the Balbora Empire. I saw Haruna. She had seen the change in me, and was now trying to reach me as fast as she could with her battered body. Stryker Zero: This heat is my heart... The anger to smite those that would deceive the innocent... I heard the voices of Ichimonji and Jack. I remembered the bonds I shared with my beloved friends, who had always been there for me. Stryker Zero: AND!! I pushed his sword aside, and shouted. Stryker Zero: This power is my soul... My way of life, that will never let me yield before evil! Not to die, but to live. This was my vow - to live on for as long as I drew breath, to make a life in this world with the bonds I had formed... Stryker Zero: HRAAAAAAAAH!! The power of the Stryker Units came forth in a torrent. I surrendered my body to it, and screamed. The electric current was so fierce, the power so immense, it turned everything in my vision to white. Curtis: Oh-ho, that's a surprise. I never thought he might have any power remaining. Curtis took a step backwards, and looked down on the place where I had been just moments ago. Then, he readied his sword in one hand, put back on the alert by the sight of a half-dead man regaining such power. And then... The wind blew. It blew with the strength to drive storm clouds away, to blow away all burden and suffering. Yet, my scarf remained around me, fluttering in that wind, as if to remind me of the hardships that I still faced. Stryker Zero: Prototype Imperial All-Terrain Strike Support Ranger. Code name: Stryker Zero! Taking the field! I, Stryker Zero, was standing in the wind. Stryker Retsu: Yamato-kun! They saw me, too. The two that had saved my life came rushing up to me. We stood with our backs to the laboratory, facing Curtis's army once again. Rin: Yamato-san! Are you okay?! Stryker Zero: Yes. I'm sorry I worried you... I can't say I'm at my full strength, but thanks to Kamui, I can still act. Stryker Zero: I am not going to die. In order to truly make amends, I need to see this through to the end. And yet, I forgot that. I was on the verge of throwing everything away. Stryker Zero: Thank you, everyone. You opened my eyes. Stryker Retsu: Oh, no... I just wanted to protect you. Stryker Retsu: I'm so glad you're back with us... You're your usual kind self... Stryker Zero: I can't agree with you there. I am not a man suited to kindness. Stryker Retsu: This time, just listen to us. We're all going to give you the same answer, after all. Stryker Hagane: You showed kindness to your enemies, to myself, and to Rin. Do you require further explanation? Rin: She's right. Yamato-san. It's because of you that we can be together this way. Stryker Zero: Clie... Rin... Stryker Retsu: And even if it's not true, then maybe you can become kinder? We have plenty of time, after all. Stryker Zero: Perhaps... That might be very nice. Stryker Zero: However, we must finish this, first! Curtis: How irritating. My careful little game, come to nothing. Stryker Zero: I'm sorry to tell you, Curtis, but I have no intention of playing along with you! Curtis: Heh. As you wish. You're showing some enthusiasm again, but surely you don't still intend to beat me? Curtis: Even at full health, the best you could do was scrape by. Or do you mean to say you have... further unexplored depths? Stryker Zero: ...I do. Curtis: ...What? Stryker Zero: I will live in this world, protecting it 'til the bitter end. I will not die until then. Stryker Zero: In addition... I still have the power to beat you! Haruna! Clie! Stryker Retsu: Right! Yamato-kun! My childhood friend from the world of 'Dengeki Stryker.' Called into this world by my wish; one of the few that supported me in the fight against Mirror. And the sister of Rin, who appeared with the Balboran vanguard. My trusted neighbor. We made eye contact, bumped our fists together, then turned to shout at Curtis, defiantly. Stryker Zero: Stryker Drive set! Kamui! Stryker Retsu: Stryker Drive set! Taizan! A roar grew around us, like the sound of a thunderclap. The electricity we produced began to run through the sky. In addition to multiplying our limited power several dozen-fold, it bathed our bodies in light. Stryker Zero: Ichimonji, do you hear me? Sayaka: What is it? Stryker Zero: I'm sorry that I worried you. This is almost over, so please, just wait a little longer! Sayaka: ...Oh, for heaven's sake. Just stop trying to look cool for once, okay? Stryker Zero: Jack! Jack: ...What would you have of me, My Liege? Stryker Zero: You're tasked with protecting the laboratory. Keep it safe until the battle's over. Jack: ...I hear and obey! Curtis: ...Haha... Hahahahahahaha! Curtis: You really DO think you can beat me! Your conceit truly knows no bounds! Curtis: You should have simply handed over the laboratory when you had the chance! I'm going to slice your bodies to shreds! I will make you regret your defiance! Stryker Hagane: ...Haha. Curtis: And what is so funny? Stryker Retsu: You really don't know the kind of people we are... The impressive display of electricity concentrated itself inside our bodies as the power welled up inside of us. Haruna and I were both wrecked to pieces. We didn't know how long we could keep up the fight. And yet, somehow, we knew we had nothing to fear.
Stryker Retsu: We are Dengeki Stryker! The righteous heroes who smite evil! Stryker Zero: Let's go, Curtis! We are going to defeat you, and save this city... save the world! Burning with the passion dwelling deep inside our souls, we raced into the sky. Curtis: Bold words from a bunch of half-dead rats! I'll cut you all down, together! Stryker Zero: Then, let me show you. The light of Zero-- Stryker Retsu: -- and the roar of Retsu! Curtis: W-what?! We started up a combination attack, using Taizan and Kamui at their full capacities. We released sonic booms as we moved. Not even Curtis could follow us. Stryker Hagane: And, the cry of Hagane! Curtis: Hngh! Stryker Zero: HAHHHH! Curtis: Ngh! It's not enough! You still can't dodge my attacks! Stryker Hagane: ...I can! Curtis: W-what?! Stryker Hagane had employed Senden to match our speed. It was made possible by Rin's support. She could draw out the maximum potential of the Stryker Unit. Stryker Zero: Alone, not even Kamui's power is enough to beat you. However! Stryker Retsu: Right now, Yamato-kun still has us! Curtis: Hmmgh... One of us he could follow, but when several of us were moving at the same speed, he lost us. Curtis switched from sword to gun and began firing indiscriminately at us. However, his bullets did little more than graze us. Moving at supersonic speeds, we unleashed punches rivaling Hyaku-shiki in power. He could do nothing to stop us. Curtis: I... I can't catch sight of them?! And not just Zero and Hagane... but that novice, too?! Curtis: This is impossible! How could that n-nothing move the way Zero does?! Stryker Retsu: Nothing is impossible! Because we exist in this world! Stryker Zero: HYAAAAH! Curtis: Always the same! We continued our exchanges, circling the enemy as we continued our attacks. Each time we passed, an electric current ran between us. Curtis used that sound as a clue to counterattack. Curtis: I see... Electric signals! Is that what you're using to tell the novice how to move?! Stryker Hagane: Just because you know that doesn't mean you can stop it! Curtis: GRRR! In that case... Hnngh! Curtis took a kick to the back and went flying. He turned around and lashed out with his sword, hoping to use the shockwave to drive us apart. Curtis: It just means that I have to stop you from passing! Stryker Zero: But can you keep up with our speed?! Try it, if you wish! Curtis: Do not underestimate me! I'll defeat you! I shall reign over this world as Emperor! Curtis began reading our movements, varying between attack and defense, trying to throw us off our pattern. He was resisting well enough, but against the power of three Strykers, he couldn't win. The remaining bionic soldiers were still attacking the laboratory, but Jack kept them at bay. Meanwhile, the laboratory continued its plasma discharge, holding the airships in place. Curtis: Ghh! How could you have reduced me to this?! I am the strongest cyborg in the Empire! Stryker Hagane: Then let us tip the scales further! Know now the true evil that you planted in my arm! Stryker Hagane: ...Berserker Program, activate!! Stryker Hagane: GRAAAAAAAAAAAAH!! As the program activated, her arm began to fire off electrical current, igniting the smell of ozone. It was an energy supply that she couldn't unleash normally, but it turned Clie into the berserker. Curtis: W-what?! You activated the program yourself?! Then, the out-of-control energy focused itself in her fist of steel, and the light of sanity returned to her eyes. It was a move that she could not have performed without Rin there to establish control. Clie: This is the true power of Stryker Hagane! A will of steel, that no man can tear asunder! Stryker Hagane: Now, feel my ultimate power! Stryker Hagane: Stryker System change! Hyaku-shiki! Hahhhhhhh! Curtis: Y-you...!! Stryker Hagane: Curtis. You are strong... It is true that I could not beat you by myself. HOWEVER... Curtis: Hnnngh! Stryker Hagane: ...I have allies beside me! I have precious friends to support me, to help me grow! Their power has turned my heart to steel! Stryker Hagane: That is the source of Stryker Hagane's strength! That is something that someone who lives alone could never understand! That is ultimate power! Curtis: Nghhh! You think that I could fall to something like that?! Stryker Hagane: If not, then I shall continue until it reaches you! Stryker Hagane: More power!! Curtis: Hnngh?! Stryker Hagane: Harder! Sharper! Stryker Hagane: Stronger! Stronger, stronger, stronger!! Curtis: I-It can't be! Hnngh... You cannot... surpass me... Stryker Hagane: I will surpass you! No matter how high I must go, my steel heart is unbreakable! Rin! Rin: Stryker Unit, all safeguards released! Hyaku-shiki, maximum output!! Stryker Hagane: Understood! HAHHHHHH! Curtis: How dare you!! My... My power is... It will not fall before you!! Clie poured out all the power she had in that punch. Her will of steel focused into her fist, and she excelled past Curtis's defenses. And then... Stryker Hagane: This is it... The blade that slays thousands! In the moment of impact, the shockwave released a massive explosion. We were all blown back by the blast, and something from the core of the explosion blew back into us. Curtis: Ngh... Hnngh... Curtis: I-impossible! My power will not be exceeded by a traitor like Clie! Stryker Zero: She is no traitor! Curtis: Ngh! Stryker Zero: She is Stryker Hagane! She is my indispensable friend, and my ally! Curtis: W-what?! A voice rang out from far above Curtis. Silhouetted by the sun above, two figures broke off in either direction, then quickly passed each other. Stryker Zero: Let's go, Haruna! Stryker Retsu: Right, Yamato-kun! The power of Hiryuu enveloped them, turning them to lightning. With the scream of a heavenly dragon's roar, charging itself, the drive readied them to crash into the ground below. Stryker Zero & Retsu: Stryker System change! Hiryuu! Full power! The rage of Hiryuu tore through the air. Curtis: Hah! Do you think that's going to hit me?! An attack as obvious as that... I'll shoot you both down, right now! Curtis: Now die, like the dogs you are! No matter what you do, I cannot be defeated! Stryker Hagane & Rin: Balboran Sword Arts, Stryker Hagane Special Technique... Stryker Hagane & Rin: ...Jinrai! Curtis: W... What?! Suddenly, another figure appeared before him. Blindingly fast, the slashes landed, carving themselves into Curtis's body. He trembled violently. Stryker Hagane: That was easy. I suppose it was worth it to cut down your flagship. Curtis: H-how dare you! How dare you!! How... How could you cut through me like this?! With the gun in his hand cut to bits, he had no way to counter our attack. He attempted to create a new weapon, but in the meantime, he was fatally vulnerable. Stryker Zero: The light surrounds us, the atmosphere trembles... Stryker Retsu: The twin dragons descend, the lightning trembles... We unleashed the final blow, glowing with the light of life. As each dragon descended from the heavens, they overlapped, seemingly melding into one. To punish he who had earned that heavenly dragon's wrath. In that moment, they unleashed their power, banishing that final threat to the world.
Stryker Zero & Retsu: Stryker System, Hiryuu... Double Helix... Stryker Zero & Retsu: TWIN DRAGONS!! Curtis: I-impossible... Something is wrong, here... I couldn't possibly lose to... Curtis: It... It can't be! It can't be!! Curtis: Ah... Ahhhh! HRAAAAAAAAAAH!!
Stryker Hagane: It's all over. The battle with Curtis was over. We returned to the city to check for any damage. The members of the air force were left with no place left to go. We left them to the authorities, and at last, it felt like the battle was over. Stryker Hagane: There is no future for any force that's lost both its commander and its Emperor. They should surrender immediately. Stryker Hagane: Now, we truly have no reason to fight each other. I am grateful that the lives of my brethren were spared. Stryker Zero: That's true... Stryker Hagane: ...Incidentally. There is something I wished to ask you. Stryker Zero: Hm? What's that? Stryker Hagane: It's nothing very important, it's... ahem. I wanted to know... You and Haruna are... Well... Stryker Hagane: Very... close? Stryker Zero: Close? I'm not sure I grasp your meaning, but Haruna is a dear friend to me. Stryker Hagane: I... I see. Just friends, that's all. I'm very glad to hear that. Stryker Zero: But what kind of question is that? I thought that would be very clear. Stryker Hagane: Oh, no... It's merely something that Rin wished me to ask you. Rin: Onee-chan, that's mean! Don't use me as an excuse to ask! Stryker Hagane: But it is the truth. I do not lie. Rin: Onee-chan, you're the one who wanted to ask... Child A: Ahh! It's the real Dengeki Stryker! Child B: I thought that was a new attraction! Modern technology is so cool! Child C: Hehe! I know what it is! It's a Hollywood movie! Child B: I knew that! You could even see the strings! Stryker Hagane: ...It seems we kept their smiles safe. Stryker Zero: With our power, yes. This city will no longer be in peril. Stryker Zero: Now, let us go. Ichimonji and Jack are no doubt waiting for us. Child A: Hey mister! Come back! Child C: Say the line and do the thing! That's why we were lookin' for you! Stryker Zero: W-well, I'm not sure about that... Stryker Retsu: Just do it. Stryker Zero: H-Haruna... Stryker Retsu: You're the hero of a manga, after all. It's your job to give the children something to dream about. Stryker Hagane: People will gather, soon. You'd better do it quickly, if you don't want to crush the children's dreams. Stryker Zero: ...If I must. I thought of Yuuki Yamato's childhood, lost forever with his memories. Perhaps I had once been the same way. A child whose eyes shone brightly in admiration of someone just like me. Stryker Zero: Beginning today, I intend to keep living. Perhaps not as what you wished to be... but I do wish to protect people, just as you did. Stryker Zero: That is all the recompense I can give you for now. I will continue to protect this world, carrying this burden with me all my life. Stryker Zero: Prototype Imperial All-Terrain Strike Support Ranger. Code name: Stryker Zero! Stryker Zero: They call me... Dengeki Stryker! Taking the field! Time passed after Curtis's defeat. The members of the air force had surrendered at first, but they seemed to have gone off into hiding. At the same time, I learned that no traces were found of Curtis's body. Perhaps the battle was not truly over. I resumed my patrols, like in the old days, to protect the peace of Japan. We used the technology of the Stryker Laboratory to hide it high in the sky. We had intended to destroy it immediately in accordance with Ten's wishes, but the Curtis incident had caused such a panic already... We talked it over together, and decided to wait until things had calmed down, so as not to cause further trouble. I'm sorry, Ten. We'll grant your wish, very soon. And then...
Rin: Yamato-san, listen to this! Yamato: Why are you bursting into my room? And what's all the fuss about? Rin: The truth is... Onee-chan's having her debut! Yamato: D-debut? As what? Rin: She's become a mascot idol in the shopping district! The people there all begged her to do it! Rin: She's an idol, an idol! We're finally going to have enough to live on! Rin: Oh, mother and father back in my homeland... I think we're going to pay our rent and our electric bill on time this month... Yamato: An idol... You mean, singing and dancing, then? Rin: Yes! Exactly! Yamato: ...Clie doesn't seem suited to that. Will she be alright? Rin: W-well... I don't really know. I just heard about it yesterday, so I don't know the whole story yet. Yamato: She got the offer yesterday, and she begins today. That means she must have accepted immediately. Rin: She said 'I'm happy to be of service, and it will raise our income, so I have no reason to refuse.' She really seemed excited about it! Yamato: That's Clie for you. Rin: Would you like to come and watch? I'm sure Onee-chan would be happy to see you. Yamato: I think she'd rather see you, myself. Rin: Oh no, I think you'd be much more effective. If you have time, please stop by, okay? Yamato: If you insist, then I'd be happy to stop by. I'm always glad to see Clie happy. Yamato: Business does seem to be booming today. The street of the shopping district was swarming with people. Surprising, as it wasn't even Sunday. I waded through the tide, searching for Clie, when I realized the reason for the change. Yamato: I see. So that's what it is. There was Clie, looking rather uncertain as she went through her dance practice. When she felt my eyes on her, she took a break and approached me. Clie: Yamato! Are you here shopping? Today's 5 PM flash sale is highly recommended! Yamato: I'm afraid I just came to offer my support. I hear you've started as a mascot idol. Clie: You heard about that? I had hoped to inform you after I had taken the time to practice. Clie: I'm not especially skilled in the arts of singing and dancing. In truth, I fear I may make a poor showing of it. Yamato: Everyone has to begin somewhere. You should know that as well as anyone, Clie. Yamato: That's why I came to encourage you. For your first time out, you need all the support you can get. Clie: ...Your kindness warms my heart. Clie: Ever since that day, I have regained my love of everyday life. I am happy to spend it with Rin. And because I have accepted the truth, I have no reason to fight with you. Clie: I received the proposal from the shopping district, and my pay has increased. The world is at peace. I can offer few complaints. Clie: But is it acceptable for me to feel such happiness? I feel moments of doubt, from time to time. Yamato: ...I have experience with that. I fight with myself the same way. Clie: Yamato... Yamato: We may be forced to fight again, some day. But until then, we should enjoy the life we have. Yamato: I'm going to continue my patrols. Then, if anything happens, we'll be able to respond quickly. Clie: ...That is true. I will enjoy the peace I have now. And I shall pray that it will continue on like this, in perpetuity. Yamato: Yes. I feel the same way. We chatted a while longer. It was then that I noticed a small stack of bouquets and letters beside her. Perhaps Clie had picked up some young fans who had heard word of her idol debut. I tilted my head to ask what was going on, when a young man appeared at her side. Man: Ah... Ahh... Clie-san! Clie: Hmm? What is it? Man: Would you please read my letter? You don't have to write back if you don't want to! Clie: Hmm. Another one. Yamato: Did you know that man? It seems that he handed you some sort of letter... Clie: I've never seen him before, but it's likely to be a love letter. With the flowers you see there, that's the fifth one today. Yamato: Hmm? Today... You mean, this happened yesterday, too? Clie: There are even more lately. I normally wear the costume, so they shouldn't normally be able to see my face, but... Yamato: That just shows how passionate they are. Do you believe you'll return any of their feelings? Clie: I will marry no man who is not stronger than me. Yamato: Stronger than you, eh? That seems like quite a difficult hurdle... Clie: ...Actually, there is one before me now. Yamato: What was that? Clie: Just talking to myself. If I may change the subject, what is your opinion of older women? Yamato: They are brimming with life experience. Regardless of their gender, I always respect my elders. Clie: Th-that is not what I was referring to. I'm asking your opinion as a member of the opposite sex. Yamato: Opposite sex? I don't have any particular opinion. Clie: Hmm. Then I wish to move to the next question. Clie: This is a hypothetical question... It may seem rather specific, but it's a purely hypothetical question... Yamato: Ah, right... Clie: I suppose... you would never consider entering a romantic relationship with a woman with a prosthetic arm? Yamato: ...That's an extremely specific hypothetical. Clie: Please, do not nitpick the question. All that I want is your honest answer. Clie: Well... What is it, then? Please, tell me plainly. Yamato: Well... It doesn't matter to me if they have a prosthetic arm or leg. I never really gave it much thought before, but... yes. Yamato: I believe that I would want a woman who could fight by my side, or a woman whom I would want to protect very much. Clie: I... I see. Yamato: But I'm not entirely sure what you're after. Any man would be extremely fortunate to earn the favor of a woman like you. Clie: ...Really? Do you truly think so? Yamato: A prosthetic arm would be no deterrent. At least, that's how I feel. Clie: ...Then I suppose that makes you a fortunate man. She gave me a satisfied smile, and murmured something to herself. I couldn't quite hear what she said, but I was glad that she seemed to find my answer satisfactory. Yamato: I won't interrupt your practice any longer. I should be on my way. Clie: Right. If I receive any more gifts today, I'll bring them to you. Yamato: ...You don't have to do that for me. Clie: But I choose to do it. If you wish for me to bring them by, then leave your door unlocked. Yamato: Very well. I will. Clie: ...So, it begins. The battle of love. Clie: Yuuki Yamato... Prepare yourself. When I set my sights on something, no man is spared. Clie: And I will take your heart. For I am the woman who can fight by your side.
Rin: Yamato-san. I'm sorry to call you out on a Sunday. It was a clear day, not a cloud in the sky. Rin and I had planned to visit the vanguard's grave, and Sunday seemed the best day for an outing. Yamato: Not at all. I wanted to go. Rin: But... You don't get very much time off... and I'm even making you carry everything... Yamato: That's the most efficient way. You can lead the way, after all. Rin: Well... If you insist, Yamato-san. Yamato: I do. Are we almost finished shopping? Rin: Well, there's the candy for Officer Orson, the popsicle for Officer Joseph, and for Officer Duran... Yes, I think I have everything. Rin: But um, you recommended natto toast for Colonel Mirror... Are you really sure he'd like this? Yamato: I'm not completely certain. But if he's like me, I'm sure he'll enjoy it. Rin: ...I think it'll be okay, then. I was never really sure what to bring him. Yamato: He'll get bored if you always bring the same thing. Just change it up often, and I'm sure he'll be pleased. Yamato: Well, we should get going. We don't want the vanguard to go hungry. Rin: Right! Rin and I went to visit the grave together for the second time. We cleaned it, as usual, laid down our offerings, and spoke a few words. Time seemed to pass so quickly ever since the Curtis incident. Before we knew it, night had fallen. Rin: Yamato-san... Do you remember what we talked about that time? Yamato: Hmm? What do you mean? Rin: The time I confessed to you. You remember what you said to me? Rin: You said you didn't want me getting caught up in your battle. That's why you couldn't accept my feelings. Yamato: That's right... Rin: I have the power to fight now, too. I'm just one part of Stryker Hagane, but I can still fight, alongside my sister. Rin: I won't hold you back anymore. I think... I can really help you, in fact. Rin: Yamato-san... What do you think of me now? Do you still think of me as someone who just needs protecting? Yamato: ...That's a difficult question. Rin: You still won't accept me... even as part of Stryker Hagane? Yamato: No, you have become stronger. We couldn't have won that last battle without you. Yamato: But... I don't know how to say this, exactly... Yamato: I've never looked at you that way before. I'm not sure of what to say. Rin: ...It's easy. Rin: Just fall in love with me, little by little. And then... some day, you'll know just what to say. The moonlight streamed over her face. She was still as petite as ever, but now, beneath that tiny frame lay a heart of steel. Was it meeting with Clie again that had matured her? Or the battle with Curtis? ...But seeing her now, somehow, it took my breath away. Rin: I'm not giving up on you, Yamato-san. I'm going to keep attacking, until I make you my own. Rin: I'm going to be the most important person in your life, someday... No matter what obstacles we face, I won't give up. Because... Our days were transient. They could come to an end at any moment. And yet, maybe something could blossom there. I couldn't be sure at that moment, but when I looked at her, I felt something new take form inside of me. Rin: Because I love you, Yamato-san!
Yamato: The usual, if you please. Sayaka: Right, right. And a cola for Jack-san, right? Jack: With many an ice cube within! The fizz created by the ice's entry sets my pulse ever a-race! Sayaka: You know, it dilutes the flavor if you put too much in... I guess I'll give you some on the side. Jack: Ah, Sayaka-dono's magnanimity is as boundless as the seas! Rin & Haruna: Yamato-san! Good morning!" "Morning, Yamato-kun! Rin & Haruna: ...Ah. Rin: Haruna-san. Why do you have two cups of cocoa? Haruna: I thought I would give one of them to Yamato-kun. Why do you have two cups of coffee, Rin-chan? Rin: Well, I do work here. It's my job to have the customer's order ready when they want it. Haruna: That's not the cheap stuff he usually orders. Rin: I-it's my treat! Haruna-san, you added extra sugar to that, didn't you? Haruna: W-well, Yamato-kun does like it sweet, after all... Rin: My coffee is sweet, too. Is it okay if I take it on ahead? Haruna: I can't let my cocoa go cold, either. Is it okay if I take it on ahead? Rin: But your cocoa is sweeter! If he drinks yours first, my coffee won't mean anything! Haruna: Mine won't mean anything if he drinks your coffee first, either. Rin: Grrrr... Haruna: Rrrrgh... Yamato: ...I was hoping to enjoy my break. What's taking those two so long? Jack: My Liege's obliviousness is the greatest in all Japan. Yamato: Hmm? What was that? I just wanted my usual stewed java to hydrate with. Clie: Here, I've brought it. Please, drink. Yamato: Thank you. Well then, I'll drink it quickly. Yamato: It's bitter. Clie: Well then, I believe I'll do the same. Clie: Hmm. It is bitter. Haruna & Rin: Ahhhhhh! Haruna: Y-Yamato-kun and Clie-san are drinking the same coffee! I wanted him to drink with me! Rin: That's mean, Onee-chan! You sneaked in ahead! Clie: You have only yourselves to blame. Your mutual stalling handed me the initiative. Sayaka: You guys don't know when to quit. It seems like it might be a while; should I turn on the TV? Clie: Oh, I nearly forgot. I must watch the news to gather intelligence. Yamato: As must I. We cannot let our guard down, even for a moment. Sayaka: It's like having two Yuukis... Is it weird that that's kind of reassuring? Sayaka: Here, is this okay? Haruna: Hey! They're doing a special on Dengeki Stryker! I guess it's really getting a second life on the shelves! Rin: It's a little strange, hearing them report about things I never did... Sayaka: I feel the same way. I haven't even read the manga. Clie: Yes. I see I have received no mention, myself. Rin: That's because you don't show up in the story until later, Onee-chan... Newscaster: We've just received an urgent bulletin. Jack: Ah! It appears to be an incident! Sayaka: At a time like this? I hope it's nothing serious... Newscaster: A mysterious continent has just appeared in the Pacific Ocean. We do not have the details, but aircrafts have picked up the following images. Yamato: ...A mysterious continent? A tension ran through the room at the newscaster's words. We all turned to face each other, the anxiety written clearly on our faces. Rin: Onee-chan... Isn't that... Clie: It might just be... Yes, it seems distinctly possible... Newscaster: We have a reporter live on the scene. How are things looking over there? Clie: Th-this is... Rin: It can't be... It just can't be... The TV flicked through the aircraft and satellite feeds. The continent showed signs of human life and civilization. The reactions of the two sisters told me all I needed to know. Yamato: The Balbora Empire... The enemy base, which had not previously existed, had finally shown itself.
Rin: My run-down heart is revving up again... Preparing for a battle only I can fight... Rin: Breaking free of this Moebius loop of hope and despair... What awaits me on the other side? Rin: Awaiting me on the other side... is Yamato-san, I bet! He'll be all, 'oh, that lunch you made is so good'... Rin: And then... And then he'll say, 'please eat it with me, Rin'... Rin: ..Um, I mean, of course not! W-what am I even thinking about?! Rin: Oh, mother and father back in my homeland... I have become a truly shameless girl... Clie: ...You seem in especially high spirits, today. Rin: Oh, ohhh, Onee-chan?! You're awake already?! Clie: I smelled something wonderful on the stove. And of course, we have reason to be out early this morning. Rin: That's why I was making lunch. It's a 'thank you' for everything they've done for me. Clie: A truly considerate act. Had I the requisite skill, I should like to help you, but... Hmm? Rin: W-what's wrong? Clie: I see one extra lunch box here. Yet it is the same color as the other... Do you intend to feed someone else? Rin: Th-that's for me! I've been such a glutton lately, it's just awful! Clie: But yesterday, you told me you were on a diet... Rin: R-right, th-that's why I'm so hungry today... Ahaha... Clie: Hmm. There is logic to your words. Even if you prepare large portions, we will likely have little left over. Rin: It is... a special day, after all. Clie: Precisely. It will be a busy day, so we must be prepared. Sayaka: Welcome! Haruna: Ehehe... Sorry for coming in so early. Sayaka: Oh, hey, Haruna. It's not quite time for the meeting yet, is it? Haruna: I ended up waking up early. I didn't have time to go back to sleep, so I thought I might pass the time here instead. Sayaka: Hmm. That's a surprise. You usually sleep in late any chance you get. Haruna: Hey, that's mean. I wake up normally like everyone else. Sayaka: Except for all the times I've had to go and wake you up. Well, I'm happy to see you, at least. Sayaka: Morning coffee, or cocoa today? Haruna: I think I'll have my usual cocoa. By the way... Sayaka: ...Yuuki isn't here, yet. Haruna: Huh?! H-how did you know? Sayaka: I'd be crazy if I didn't know. He'll come right on time as always, so you wake yourself up in the meantime. Haruna: Am I really that easy to read? Sayaka: It balances well with a stuffed shirt like him, though. I think you make a good pair, myself. Haruna: Well... I hope you're right... Sayaka: You have to do more than just worry about it. Anyway, thanks for helping out today. Haruna: Oh, right! I've been training ever since then, so I've got your back. Don't worry! Sayaka: I think carrying me should be enough. Unlike the rest of you, I can't fly. Sayaka: But I'm glad the day is finally here. We've put it off long enough. It's time to see Ten's last request through. Sayaka: It's our responsibility to destroy the Stryker Laboratory. Yamato: The city is finally restored. Jack: Returned to a pristine state, it has. Even the scars from the battle with Mirror have healed. Jack: It took some months for the people to calm after Curtis, but move the laboratory we now can. 'tis a fine time to see Ten-dono's wishes fulfilled. Yamato: ...That's right. Jack: ...My Liege? Does something trouble you? Yamato: Every time Ichimonji sets foot in that laboratory, something seems to weigh on her mind. I had hoped we could help her find the reason for it, but... Jack: 'tis Sayaka-dono herself who petitioned to see it destroyed. If she allows it, that is all that is required. Yamato: ...That is true. Perhaps I'm overthinking the matter. Jack: Yet that is ever why I adore My Liege. Yamato: I'm afraid I'm just a busybody. Regardless, the matter is already decided. Yamato: We must destroy the laboratory before it can be used for evil. If not Curtis, then someone else will surely be after it some day. Yamato: It doesn't belong in this world. When this task is finished, I can breathe easy again. Jack: Yea, verily. Yamato: It's about time for the meeting. We should return quickly before we're late. Jack: Sir! We shall proceed apace to the cafe! Sayaka: There, right on time. Yamato: The usual, if you please. Sayaka: Right, right. And a cola for Jack-san, right? Jack: With many an ice cube within! The fizz created by the ice's entry sets my pulse ever a-race! Sayaka: You know, it dilutes the flavor if you put too much in... I guess I'll give you some on the side. Jack: Ah, Sayaka-dono's magnanimity is as boundless as the seas! Yamato: It seems everyone is already here. We must be the last to arrive. Rin & Haruna: Yamato-san! Good morning!" "Morning, Yamato-kun! Rin & Haruna: ...Ah. Rin: Haruna-san. Why do you have two cups of cocoa? Haruna: I thought I would give one of them to Yamato-kun. Why do you have two cups of coffee, Rin-chan? Rin: Well, I do work here. It's my job to have the customer's order ready when they want it. Haruna: That's not the cheap stuff he usually orders. Rin: I-it's my treat! Haruna-san, you added extra sugar to that, didn't you? Haruna: W-well, Yamato-kun does like it sweet, after all... Rin: My coffee is sweet, too. Is it okay if I take it on ahead? Haruna: I can't let my cocoa go cold, either. Is it okay if I take it on ahead? Rin: But your cocoa is sweeter! If he drinks yours first, my coffee won't mean anything! Haruna: Mine won't mean anything if he drinks your coffee first, either. Rin: Grrrr... Haruna: Rrrrgh... Yamato: ...I was hoping to enjoy my break. What's taking those two so long? Jack: My Liege's obliviousness is the greatest in all Japan. Yamato: Hmm? What was that? I just wanted my usual stewed java to hydrate with. Clie: Here, I've brought it. Please, drink. Yamato: Thank you. Well then, I'll drink it quickly. Yamato: It's bitter. Clie: Well then, I believe I'll do the same. Clie: Hmm. It is bitter. Haruna & Rin: Ahhhhhh! Haruna: Y-Yamato-kun and Clie-san are drinking the same coffee! I wanted him to drink with me! Rin: That's mean, Onee-chan! You sneaked in ahead! Clie: You have only yourselves to blame. Your mutual stalling handed me the initiative. Yamato: What are you two barking about? We may be the only ones here, but this is still an eating establishment. Clie: My understanding is limited, but there seems to be some kind of custom attached to the sharing of morning coffee. The two have been competing for it since the time of their arrival. Clie: However, I appear to have won that privilege myself. Though I cannot understand how drinking sewage water together in the morning could hold any special meaning. Yamato: I agree. It is a mystery to me that stewed java could be regarded as special in any way. Sayaka: ...Would you guys please stop calling it by those names? I put my heart into those drinks. Sayaka: Here. One coffee, one cola. And please, reconsider your plebeian tastes before you comment any further. Jack: Ah, my long-awaited fizz! Yamato: Bitter. Sayaka: Y... You are just... Sayaka: Well, forget it. Sayaka: Everyone's been waiting for a certain someone to show up. Have a little consideration and come sooner sometimes, okay? Yamato: Hmm? Are you referring to me? Sayaka: Who else would it be? Yamato: I don't understand what you're saying. My coming earlier would not alter our ability to meet. Yamato: This way, we are all here together at the appointed time. I don't understand how this is not sufficient. Jack: M-My Liege... Sayaka: Th-this guy... I think he needs a blow to the head to bring him to his senses. Yamato: ...Hmm? Why are you two looking at me that way? Have I said something inappropriate? Sayaka: Yeah, but I'm not surprised. sigh It's nice to know I'm just a supporting character. It means I don't have to waste the effort. Jack: And as ever do I sympathize with the feelings of the third wheel. Sayaka: Well, it's not like I can tell you to do anything. Yamato: By the way. Are the preparations complete? Sayaka: For now, yeah. We've ported everything we need from the lab to here. Sayaka: Dad's modifying the storeroom in the basement right now. Even if we're destroying the laboratory, there are some things we need, after all. Jack: Of what do you speak? Sayaka: Things for repairing the Stryker Units and treating you guys' injuries. We don't know what the future might hold, but I want to help you where I can. Sayaka: I'm a character from 'Dengeki Stryker' too, after all. I can't just sit back and leave everything to you guys. Haruna: Sayaka-chan... Rin: Thank you so much! This means that even if you guys get hurt, it'll still be okay! Clie: Your consideration is truly boundless, Sayaka. We can now act with confidence. Sayaka: Just don't get reckless, okay? This is more a 'just in case' scenario. Yamato: It seems it's time for us to head out, then. Sayaka: Sure, once you've finished your drinks. It seems like it might be a while; should I turn on the TV? Clie: Oh, I nearly forgot. I must watch the news to gather intelligence. Yamato: As must I. We cannot let our guard down, even for a moment. Sayaka: It's like having two Yuukis... Is it weird that that's kind of reassuring? Sayaka: Here, is this okay? Haruna: Hey! They're doing a special on Dengeki Stryker! I guess it's really getting a second life on the shelves! Rin: It's a little strange, hearing them report about things I never did... Sayaka: I feel the same way. I haven't even read the manga. Clie: Yes. I see I have received no mention, myself. Rin: That's because you don't show up in the story until later, Onee-chan... Jack: 'tis far more heartening news than reports of terrorist incidents. ...Ah, an additional print run is it getting! Haruna: Hey Yamato-kun, they said I'm the main heroine! I guess that's the childhood best friend for you. Yamato: Ah... Yes. I'm afraid these things are rather beyond me... Rin: Th-that doesn't mean it's how things will turn out in this world... Clie: Yes, this world changes everything. The outcome is not determined until the battle is over. Jack: Oh, sparks fly betwixt the three! Yamato: I don't know what they're so worked up about... Sayaka: No major news today, it appears. Once you've finished your drinks, we can probably head-- Newscaster: We've just received an urgent bulletin. Jack: Ah! It appears to be an incident! Sayaka: At a time like this? I hope it's nothing serious... Newscaster: A mysterious continent has just appeared in the Pacific Ocean. We do not have the details, but aircrafts have picked up the following images. Yamato: ...A mysterious continent? A tension ran through the room at the newscaster's words. We all turned to face each other, the anxiety written clearly on our faces. Rin: Onee-chan... Isn't that... Clie: It might just be... Yes, it seems distinctly possible... Newscaster: We have a reporter live on the scene. How are things looking over there? Clie: Th-this is... Rin: It can't be... It just can't be... The TV flicked through the aircraft and satellite feeds. The continent showed signs of human life and civilization. The reactions of the two sisters told me all I needed to know. Yamato: The Balbora Empire... The enemy base, which had not previously existed, had finally shown itself. All over the world, news stations were reporting on the mysterious continent that had risen from the sea. There had been no signs of an undersea land mass there, so it was natural that it would create quite a stir. Sayaka: Even this channel's switched over to the special bulletin... Normally they'd just keep playing whatever program was on. Jack: A reflection of the incident's enormity! 'tis common sense that a continent can ne'er appear from the void! Haruna: I guess we're the only ones who know what this really is... Clie: We... and Curtis. Though he did not seem to believe our story... The reporters on TV were all putting forth their own theories. Theories that we all knew to be false. Scholar: Please, look at these documents. None of the activity that would produce a continent of this size - earthquake, volcanic, or tectonic plate activity - has been reported. Scholar: Furthermore, these satellite and spy plane images reveal clear signs of human civilization. We can even see signs of human beings themselves. Newscaster: The old-fashioned buildings do seem to suggest the presence of a living human culture. It's almost as if it's always been there. Scholar: Precisely. I have had a look at all of the information presented, and come to a conclusion. Newscaster: And what is that? Scholar: This is a warning to humanity! It is a sign that there is life out there in the universe; that it is sending its messengers to Earth! Scholar: That's nonsense! That can't possibly be true! Scholar: Well then, what's your explanation? Use your precious physics degree to tell us what IS going on! Scholar: It's obvious. Though I'm afraid it can't be easily explained by the sham science that you practice... Scholar: We are going to explain things logically. This sort of phenomenon has clear precedent in the past. You see... Sayaka: I don't think we're going to get any new information at this rate. Jack: Aye, verily... Ichimonji changed channels, but it was just different sets of talking heads. In the end, we just left it on one of them. We remained in the cafe, our eyes all glued to the screen. Yamato: ...So... They have come. Clie and the Balboran army had not existed during the prior battle; they had materialized after the fact. Ever since then, I had harbored my concerns that the Balbora Empire mainland would also materialize at some point. Yamato: I always knew that it would be a possibility... But to see it actually transpire... Yamato: It seems we'll have to change our plans for the day... Sayaka: Yeah, we don't have time to worry about the laboratory now. Too bad. Yamato: Clie, Rin. Quickly, could you please tell me everything you know about the Balbora Empire? Rin: R-right. I'm only a Corporal, so I don't know a whole lot about the army, but... Clie: The cities themselves are largely unchanged since diplomatic relations with the Japanese Empire ceased. However, army installations have been added to increase military readiness. Clie: Our Imperial Navy was once said to exceed the Japanese Empire's in power. The military ports held lines of warships to increase the citizens' fighting spirit. Rin: It's not quite like our life here, but the citizens there have good lives. Having bionic soldiers and bionic humans means that military service isn't that hard. Rin: The streets are always busy and full of people, and the bars do good business. Regular people and soldiers get drunk together and walk home together, arm in arm. I see it a lot. Sayaka: It's nothing like I imagined it... Haruna: Yeah. I imagined something a little more authoritarian. Clie: We clamp down on such behavior where we must. It was my duty to punish soldiers who got drunk that way. Haruna: R-really? Clie: I'm a self-made soldier, after all. I know very well how ridiculous the rank-and-file can be. Clie: But I have also witnessed the brutality of the elite officers. Especially those such as Curtis and Schneider. Sayaka: Yeah. I think I can imagine... Clie: At its core, it is not so different from the Japanese Empire. Though, while it is difficult to admit to its dark side, there is a reason why the Balbora Empire plays the role of the villain. Yamato: I see... Rin: But... If the Empire is here now... Does that mean we might get to see our family? Jack: If there is truth to the reports, the possibility seems high, indeed. Rin: That's right! You're right! And all my friends from the military academy too, right?! Clie: ...Perhaps. Rin: O-Onee-chan... Aren't you happy? After all this time, we'll get to see everyone again... Clie: My concern is that people who might cause harm to this world will also appear. Rin: Ah... Clie: Yamato. Yamato: What is it? Clie: I stand before you as Stryker Hagane. If any danger to this world should present itself, I shall stand against it, time and again. Clie: However, I am also a soldier with loyalties to the Balbora Empire. I wish for you to bear that in mind. Yamato: I understand. I would prefer to avoid unnecessary conflict, as well. Clie: Thank you. Understand that I have no intention of betraying you. Rin: O-Onee-chan, where are you going? Clie: I intend to return to the Balbora Empire to stave off further conflict with Japan. I shall request an audience with His Imperial Highness, explain the situation, and attempt to persuade him. Clie: I have never had the fortune of meeting with him before, but he is surely a wise man. Unlike Curtis, I believe he will hear me out. Clie: If that happens, then we can continue our lives as before. A re-establishment of diplomatic relations would permit easy travel back and forth. Yamato: ...In that case, I believe I will accompany you. Clie: Yamato... I am grateful for the sentiment, but you... Yamato: Going there with an enemy at your side will lend credence to your story. They may take me into custody, but I'm prepared for that. Clie: But... Yamato: You cannot be allowed to go alone. They may already have received reports about you. If so, my presence may help you to clear up any doubts. Yamato: You do not have to bear this burden alone. We are all here for you. Clie: ...If you insist, I see no reason to refuse. Jack: It is my role to be always at My Liege's side. Naturally, I too shall accompany Clie-dono. Clie: I am grateful for your kindness. Then the three of us shall set out at-- Rin: Onee-chan! Take me, too! Clie: Not you. We cannot bring a non-combatant into such an uncertain situation. Rin: I'm a member of the Balboran Imperial Army, too! I might not be a fighter like you and Yamato-san, but I can still help! Rin: Besides, you can't use your Stryker Units without me, right? You might need me there! Clie: B-but... Rin: We're a two-in-one pair, after all. Besides, I can't just let you see mom without me. Yamato: ...It's settled, then. Clie: Y-you too, Yamato... This isn't a nature hike, you know... Haruna: Well, it's settled then! We'll all head for the Balbora Empire together! Sayaka: Sounds like things might get hairy. I'll pack up some tools, just give me a m-- Yamato: Not you two. Sayaka: W-what?! But I'm a part of this, too! Haruna: Sh-she's right! I might not be able to fight as well as you, but I'm still a Stryker! Yamato: You heard what we said before. We don't really know what things will be like there. Yamato: Haruna has little battle experience, and Ichimonji is a non-combatant. We may be forced to take Rin, but there is no possible reason to take the two of you. Haruna: Th-that's not fair! I wanna protect everyone too! Sayaka: She's right! I might not be able to fight like you, but you need me for repairs and maintenance! Yamato: B-but... Haruna: Yamato-kun... You know you can't just leave it at that. We deserve a fair chance, like everyone else. Sayaka: Yuuki. I'm going to help you any way I can, okay? You know how much it cost to remodel our basement, don't you? Yamato: Ngh... Haruna: Yamato-kun. Sayaka: Yuuki. Yamato: B-but I can't allow you to come! I need you to take care of things here! Jack: It appears My Liege has become the easily dominated type. Yamato: Jack. You are not helping. Clie: The decision has been made. The question is, who is going to transport Rin? Yamato: I will handle it. We'll need you to lead the way, Clie. Rin: Hahh?! Y-you're going to carry me, Yamato-san?! Yamato: Hmm? Is that unacceptable? Rin: N-n-n-n-no, not at all! Just please hold me tightly so I don't fall! Rin: Ahh, mother and father back in my homeland... When I return home, I know the first thing I'll tell you... Haruna: Y-Yamato-kun! Yamato-kun, Yamato-kun! Yamato: W-what is it? I thought everything was settled. Haruna: I could carry Rin-chan myself. That will free you up to handle anything that comes our way, right? Yamato: W-well, that is true... Haruna: I'll do my best, okay? I'll look really bad if I just run away all the time. So please take me, okay? Okay? Yamato: Hmm... Haruna: So nervous... So nervous... Yamato: No, I can't allow it. Haruna: Y-Yamato-kun... You jerk... Sayaka: There's a difference between being concerned and just not trusting someone. I didn't know you had so little faith in Haruna and me. Yamato: Ah! Sayaka: Too bad. You looked pretty cool back when we were fighting Curtis. I was really happy to know how much you trusted us. Yamato: Ngh... Sayaka: But I guess that's what you really think of me, in the end. Right, right. I understand everything now. Yamato: Nnngh... Jack: M-My Liege is breaking down... Rin: As long as I get carried nice and tight, I'm okay... Yamato: Y-you two are going to stay here! I will not change my opinion on this matter! Yamato: Jack, Clie, Rin. Let's go! We need to request an audience with the Emperor before someone beats us to it! Sayaka: ...He ran away. Haruna: Hmph. I really wanted to go with them... Clie: Don't worry, you two. I promise you that we shall return safely. Jack: The reports do suggest a lack of danger, indeed. There is little need for fear, my friends. Sayaka: ...I hope you're right. Rin: Anyway, we're going, now. We'll be back as soon as we can. Yamato: Are your preparations complete? Rin: Y-yes. I'm ready anytime! Yamato: If you begin to feel ill, let me know. I'll attempt to slow down. Rin: I-I won't get sick... It's already like a dream... Yamato: ...Hmm? Well... I'm glad you feel alright. Jack: But My Liege, is it truly acceptable that we should leave the others behind? Yamato: A small group can move more efficiently. Rin and Clie are citizens of the Empire, so they'll be less at risk. Jack: You'll be in for it upon our return. Yamato: ...I haven't done anything wrong. If anything happens, we'll deal with it then. Clie: If we leave now, we could make it there by nightfall. We should plan to rest on an island on the way. Yamato: Right. I'll count on you to lead the way. Clie: That is assuming we fly continuously in a straight line. We should attempt to avoid as many distractions as possible. The Emperor, leader of the Balbora Empire... I didn't know what sort of man he was, but if we could persuade him to our side, we could stave off a great deal of trouble. Yamato: But we must also be prepared, in case we fail. In my heart, I felt that a new battle was just ahead. I tried to shake that feeling off as I raced into the sky with my friends.
Haruna: Stupid Yamato-kun. It was the day after they left. I had stayed up all night, but no one came for me. Haruna: I can't believe he just left me behind. I waited all night and everything... Haruna: sigh I guess I really am useless... I thought I did a pretty good job in that last fight, too... Haruna: No... No! I can't let myself think this way. Yamato-kun is just worried about me, that's all. Haruna: I'll just focus on looking after things here! You never know what might happen while they're gone! Sayaka: Welcome! Sayaka: ...Oh. Hey, Haruna. You're here early. Haruna: Y-yeah... Sayaka-chan, you seem... Um... Sayaka: Yeah, I guess. We're probably thinking the same thing, right? The TV was already on in the cafe. The same news from yesterday was playing on it. The mysterious continent still had everyone in a panic, but there was no new news. Right now, everyone was talking about the delegations that the UN and UNESCO were planning to send. Sayaka: Yeah. I tried to keep it off because it still pisses me off a little when I think about it. But I ended up turning it on anyway. Sayaka: I can't believe they just wrote me off as a non-combatant. It's pretty rotten to tell your own teammate 'just wait here like a good girl,' you know? Haruna: ...... Sayaka: Hmm? What's wrong? Haruna: S-Sayaka-chan, I've been wondering, but... Do you... like Yamato-kun? Sayaka: .........Huh? Sayaka: N-no, no! He's just a friend! It's not like that! Haruna: Oh... Oh, I see. I guess it was my mistake, then. Sayaka: Well, yeah. It's true that I'm seeing him a little differently after everything that happened, but I'm not gonna get in the way of what he's got going on. Sayaka: That's not why I'm so mad at him. I guess it's frustrating that he doesn't seem to trust me, or maybe I just don't like being coddled. Sayaka: I made up my mind about this and made all these preparations, but he still doesn't see me as an equal. I feel kinda left out. Haruna: ...I feel the same way. I'm a Stryker just like Yamato-kun... Sayaka: Well, I guess I can see what he was getting at, though. If anything bad went down, we'd be the ones he'd have to protect. Sayaka: It'd be one thing if the laboratory had combat capabilities, but it's not like I can use it like last time. That's way too dangerous. Haruna: I guess there's really nothing for us to do. Sayaka: Well, complaining won't get us anywhere. Dad's taking care of the basement, so I still need to run the cafe. Sayaka: Let's just hope for things to turn out okay. I feel a lot better after talking to you, anyway. Haruna: I still wish we had some way of getting in touch with them. I haven't been able to talk to Yamato-kun all day... Sayaka: C'mon, no grumbling. Just have a nice cup of cocoa and calm down. Haruna: Okaaaay. ???: ...Cafe Ichimonji, eh? It looks like a dump, but beggars can't be choosers. Sayaka: Welcome! ???: Morning coffee, please. If you have a value menu, I will take that. Sayaka: Our morning coffee is very cheap. I recommend the Morning Eye-Opener, especially.. Sayaka: Huh? ???: ...What is it? Is there something on my face? Sayaka: N-no... It isn't that... Haruna: Sayaka-chan, is that an old friend of yours? You look like you've seen a ghost... Sayaka-chan looked at me, then back at the customer who just arrived. I turned to look at her to find out what was wrong. When I saw her, I knew just what it was. Haruna: Ah... It was a girl in a black Stryker outfit. But more than that, her face... ???: Hmm? They say that everyone has a doppelganger. This girl must have been mine. Sayaka: Um... Take your time, please. Sayaka-chan laid down the girl's order and a daily coffee, then retreated behind the counter. The girl who looked just like me... I felt a strong affinity with her, so it wasn't long before we were talking like old friends. Haruna: Wow! We even have the same name. Of course, I write mine in hiragana... Haruna: Not just our faces, but even our names are the same. It's an interesting coincidence. Haruna: It must be like fate or something. By the way... Haruna: Hmm? Something about my outfit? Haruna: Well, actually... A-are you a... Stryker, by chance? Haruna: I suppose the costume was rather conspicuous. Well, the manga's become popular, after all. Haruna: A-are you saying, you fight against the Balbora Empire to protect the peace of the world?! Haruna: The peace of the world? You idiot. Don't mix up comic books with real life. Haruna: This is just cosplay. I happen to like it, so I wear it a lot. Haruna: B-but... Haruna: You're the type who likes to shout out attack names, I guess? That's a little childish, though. Haruna: Hmm? This is quite good for daily coffee. Good aroma, too. Sayaka: R-really?! Haruna: Why would I lie? There are a lot of cafes willing to serve bad coffee, but I can see you're not one of them. Sayaka: Th-that's right! Our coffee really is good, isn't it?! Sayaka: Ahh... Finally, someone normal... It makes sense that Yuuki and Clie-san would be the weird ones, really... Haruna: How about recommending me another? I'm about to head out on a long trip, so I want a big pick-me-up before I go. Sayaka: Right! I'll make you the absolute best coffee we have! Haruna: Well then, let me give you some advice: Set the kid's stuff aside. Some day, a crafty adult might use it to take advantage of you. Haruna: Th-that's not it... That's not the reason I asked. Haruna: ...What are you talking about? What other reason could there be? Haruna: Well... Those Stryker Units are real, aren't they? Haruna: ...You're just not getting it, are you? Haruna: The truth is... I'm a Stryker, too. I can tell the real thing on sight. Haruna: You really need to knock it off. Anyone else would laugh at you for something like that. Haruna: Well... Will you believe me if I show you proof? Haruna: ...Proof? Haruna: Same face, same name, same Stryker. This can't really be a coincidence, can it? Haruna: So I really don't want you to get the wrong idea about me. I'm going to show you proof, so please believe me, okay? Sayaka: H-Haruna... What are you going to do? Haruna: It's okay. I just know she'll believe me. Maybe I just felt a natural empathy with her. This wasn't the kind of thing I'd normally tell someone I just met, but for some reason, I felt like I didn't have anything to hide from her. Haruna: ...Fine, do as you please. Haruna: Okay. Just wait a minute, okay? As I spoke, I ran off into the back room. Inside my bag, that I always carried with me... Haruna: I'll need a little courage to put this on... Haruna: ...That's a pretty dedicated cosplay. Stryker Retsu... That's the Stryker that only appears in the 'Dengeki Stryker Encyclopedia'. Haruna: Stop that! Don't act like your outfit is something cool and mine is just stupid! Haruna: ...And? Haruna: breathe breathe...... Here I go! Haruna: Stryker System! Hyaku-shiki! Haruna: Y-you're not... Haruna: It really does work, see? Haruna: The... Stryker... System? Haruna: ...How did you... get that? Haruna: See? I really can fight. My friends all treat me like a novice, but still... Haruna: ...... Haruna: You do believe me, right? Haruna-san, you accept what I am, don't you? Haruna: ...I can't deny it, after that. Did you make a deal with the Memory Collector? Haruna: Um... Umm... I guess that would be the simple explanation for it... Haruna: It really is a small world. Coincidence can be a terrifying thing. Haruna: Coincidence can also be a wonderful thing! Haruna: ...You might be right. Haruna: You're going to the Balbora Empire? R-really? Haruna: Yes. I don't know whose wish brought it here, but that continent is obviously the Balbora Empire. I want to go there and confirm it for myself. Haruna: ...D-do you know something special about it? Haruna: Hmm... Haruna: So nervous... So excited... Haruna: sigh I don't have any obligation to tell you, but it seems harmless enough. Haruna: The truth is, according to the story of Dengeki Stryker, there's a huge treasury in the palace there. Haruna: T... Treasury? Haruna: That's an underwhelming response. Normally I'd expect someone to act pretty shocked. Haruna: S-sorry... I thought maybe you were going to tell me about some great hidden danger... Haruna: No, it's apparently more like a great hidden treasure. I haven't read the entire series yet, but it's probably a crown covered in precious stones. Haruna: Or maybe a diamond the size of my fist. Of course, there'll be huge gold bars, and probably mountains of gold coins, too... Haruna: Oh... So that's what you're after, Haruna-san? Haruna: ...Don't judge me. I'm just going there to see for myself. Haruna: But, well... If it is true, I could make a real killing. A Stryker like me could haul a lot back. Haruna: Then I could escape my sad little lifestyle and live like a queen.. Haruna: No, after I set up a savings account. It's a tough world out there, and you never know what might happen. Right. Sayaka: I think she's drooling... Haruna: Haruna-san has been through a lot, I guess... Haruna-san was going to the same place as Yamato-kun. I had given up on the idea before, but having her speak to me like this brought it surging back to me. Haruna: ahem Anyway, that's the deal. I need to go there, at least to satisfy my own curiosity. Haruna: ...Um, excuse me! Haruna: What? I'm about to go, so I don't have much time to talk. Haruna: C-could you take me along with you? Sayaka: Haruna, you can't ask her to do that. You just met her! Haruna: I trust her. Besides, I really don't think I can just wait around here. Sayaka: Oh, geez. I just told you to be good and wait here... Haruna: ...You want me to take you? And why should I? Haruna: I have the same power as you. At the very least, it's not like I'm going to hold you back. Haruna: ...... Haruna: Please! The person I love is in the Balbora Empire, so I want to go after him! Haruna: Your allies left you behind because they thought you'd be a hindrance. I have no intention of dragging you around, and no obligation to do so. Haruna: If you're after money, I can help you find the Balbora Empire's treasury! Haruna: ...... Haruna: I won't even ask for a share! Just help me protect the person I love, okay? Haruna: ...A childish request. I get suspicious of people who say they don't want a share, but somehow I feel like she's telling the truth. Haruna: Same face, same name, same Stryker. Normally I would have no reason to indulge a stranger I've only just met... Haruna: Protect the person you love... I feel like I've heard that somewhere before... Haruna: ...You really don't want a share? Haruna: Nope! Haruna: I'm not going to let you change your mind later, okay? I protect this person you love and we're even, right? Haruna: Of course! Haruna: ...You really are naive. It's pretty clear why your friends left you behind, but... Haruna: Well, alright. I'll grant your request. Maybe it's a sign, that we look so much alike. Haruna: Ah! Thank you so much! Haruna: However, my priority is finding the Balbora treasury. Don't expect me to keep you around while I look for it. Haruna: That's fine! And in exchange, I want you to help out Yamato-kun! Haruna: Fine, I get it, I get it. Haruna: I'm leaving the money on the table, ma'am. And I'm borrowing your friend, too. Sayaka: R-right. She'll probably just make trouble for you, but I wish you both the best. Haruna: Having another Stryker will likely be useful to me. I'll get her back in one piece, don't worry. Besides... Haruna: Take this to settle our bill. And keep the change. Haruna: H-Haruna-san... Haruna: I've always wanted to say that... That's one more dream made real... Haruna: It's not too much to pay to rent the girl. 1000 yen in exchange for the treasures of the Empire... Sayaka: Um, excuse me... Haruna: What is it? I believe I told you to keep the change. Sayaka: This is 10,000 yen... are you sure? Haruna: Ah... She froze up. Sayaka: I'll give you your change, don't worry. I really can't accept this from you. Haruna: I... I told you to keep the change! Sayaka: B-but... Haruna: I don't have time to worry about such trivial things! I'm about to become filthy stinking rich! Haruna: Let's go, Haruna! That money should cover you, too! Sayaka: M-Miss! I really can't accept this! ...W-what am I going to do? Haruna: Don't worry. We'll stop by on the way home, and then you can treat us, okay? Sayaka: Hmm. Yeah, would you? It's one thing to round up to the nearest ten, but this is too much. Haruna: Right! Well, we'll be back soon! I'll bring a souvenir! Sayaka: There she goes... Sayaka: sigh I guess I'm left here all by myself. If only I had some way to fight with them... Hajime: You're looking a bit lonely today. Sayaka: D-Dad... Did you finish the modifications to the basement? Hajime: I reached a good stopping point. If Yuuki-kun gets badly injured, we should be able to treat him. Sayaka: D-don't say that, you'll jinx it. I'm just feeling depressed about being left behind. Hajime: Haha. Well, I'll take over here. You can take a break. Sayaka: Right. I'll be in my room. Let me know if you need me. Sayaka returned to her room with a sigh. For the first time, she really did feel like a supporting character.
It had been a whole day since we left the cafe. We had been traveling the entire time, with a few breaks in between. Around noon, we arrived at our destination. Below us was the continent we had seen on TV. Haruna: Haruna-san. That's the Balbora Empire, right? Haruna: Yes. There's no mistaking it. Haruna: Well, let's get down to the city and... Haruna: Wait! Don't you know what that place is?! Haruna: ...The... Balbora Empire? Haruna: Not that. It may just be a place out of a story, but it's still an evil military empire. What do you think they'll do if we just barge in, unannounced? Haruna: Ah... Haruna: Japanese Strykers would probably be shot on sight. We have to be careful about this. Haruna: Th-that's true... I guess I forgot about that. Haruna: Oh, for the love of... I think I understand why this Yamato of yours left you behind. Haruna: S-sorry... Haruna: Just follow me. Even if I'm wrong, we need to keep a low profile. Haruna: Wow... So this is a Balbora Empire town... Haruna: ...... Haruna: But we haven't passed many people. That's weird, this didn't seem like a rustic area... Haruna: This is strange. Haruna: Huh? W-what is? Haruna: We've made it way too far. I had expected the enemy to be on us already. Haruna: We're already in the city... Maybe they don't want to attack us here? Haruna: You're way too trusting. We're in the heart of enemy territory. Haruna: Besides, look around you. Don't you think it's a little too quiet? Haruna: That's true... I don't really sense any enemies, either. Haruna: I feel the same way. I thought we'd be besieged on all sides, but that doesn't seem to have happened. Haruna: Something must have happened to the Balbora Empire... The city shouldn't be this quiet... Haruna: Um... Where are we, exactly? Haruna: ...We're in a fairly major city on Balbora's coastal region. At this time of day, it should be swarming with soldiers and citizens. Haruna: So, maybe we should go in a little deeper? We might still run into someone eventually. Haruna: W-wait a minute! You can't just rush in, not knowing what we're going to encounter! Haruna: She really is fearless. It's like she doesn't even understand where she is... Haruna: Ah, well. Her lack of subtlety might be an asset in this case. We remained on our guard as we moved further into the city. We saw a lot of buildings, but still, no sign of people. Haruna: Ah... As we turned a corner, we suddenly saw them. We had finally found people... but there was something strange about them. Haruna: What are these? Haruna: I think it's the people... Haruna: Of course it's the people. You don't have to tell me that... Although... A number of Balbora Empire citizens were there. However, they seemed utterly frozen in place. Haruna: This is extremely strange... Even standing still, living creatures make some slight movements. They look more like wax figures. Haruna: ...They are alive, aren't they? Haruna: I'm not sure. We'll have to look more closely. Haruna: If you're afraid, you can remain here. I'll investigate on my own. Haruna: I'm going! I came here to help out, after all. Haruna: Then just be careful. It's possible that this might be a trap. Haruna: R-right... I walked behind Haruna-san as the two of us drew hesitantly closer. There was a group of men who looked like fishmongers. They showed no reaction as we approached. Haruna: E-excuse me... We'd like to ask you a few questions if we could... Haruna: ...No response. They're like corpses. Haruna: Huh?! Y-you think they're dead?! Haruna: That was a joke. But this is... Poke poke. Haruna: They're too detailed to be sculptures. But... I don't hear a heartbeat... Haruna: They really seem alive until you look closer. What could be going on, here? Haruna: ...I don't know for sure. I don't remember anything in Dengeki Stryker about a city full of statues. Haruna: Is there more to this than just the continent appearing? I don't know whose wish this might have been, but it really is a strange one... Haruna: Do you want to go in a little further? We might find some moving people there. Haruna: But we can't afford to stand out any more than this. Haruna: If we head downtown, we might find a clue. I just can't bear to leave things at this. Haruna: I... I told you to be careful! Haruna: Haruna-saaan! Come quickly or I'll leave you behind! Haruna: Don't just shout like that... sigh Well, I made my bed when I brought her along. We made it to the downtown area, but it was all the same there. In the park, there was a singer, frozen with his hands on his instrument. A young man was frozen nearby, listening to the music with a liquor bottle in his hand. A hustler surrounded by women in sexy clothing, evaluating the men around them. All frozen. It was like they had all stopped in the middle of whatever they were doing. We looked and looked, but we couldn't find a single moving person. Haruna: It's all the same, no matter where we go... Haruna: Yes. It really is disturbing how extensive it is. Haruna: No sign of enemies, either. Kind of anticlimactic, after all that preparation. Haruna: What are we going to do now? Should we keep searching? Haruna: No, I don't want to waste time. What I'm really after is the treasure, after all. Haruna: That said, I'm getting tired. We should take a break somewhere before heading for the cas... Haruna: Ah... Ahh... Haruna: ...We can eat something, too. Haruna: I... I'm so sorry about this... Haruna: Don't worry about it. I expected this when I agreed to bring you along. Haruna: Well, let's see if we can find a place to rest... Hmm. That looks like a bar up ahead... Haruna: Haruna. Let's take a break at that bar. They might have a few things to eat, too. Haruna: R-right! Though I hope the proprietor is a moving person... Haruna: Hmm? Why? Haruna: We can't pay him otherwise... Haruna: ...... Haruna: Ah? Did I say something strange? Haruna: No... I was just thinking, you're really beyond my understanding. Haruna: E-excuse us... Haruna: I guess they really are all frozen... Haruna: Yes, as I expected. At least we won't have to explain ourselves. Haruna: ...The food still seems to be edible. To be on the safe side, we should avoid anything perishable. As she spoke, Haruna began eating some food that was left out on the table. Haruna: You should start eating, too. We don't know what might still await us. Haruna: Umm... How about this person? Haruna: ...Hmm? What are you doing? Haruna: I was thinking, I'd really like to pay. Hmm... Ah, there we are. 500 yen. Haruna: Here you go, sir. I don't know the price, but I hope this will cover it. If it's not enough, I'll come back with more later. Haruna: You're a pretty honest person. You don't really have to pay, you know. Haruna: Yes I do! If we don't pay for our food, we're just stealing. Haruna: You're just so naive. There's a thin line between honesty and stupidity, you know. Haruna: You can't think that way. If you live an honest life, you'll be rewarded for it, some day. Haruna: That's just a fairy tale adults tell children. If you act that way in real life, you're just setting yourself up for pain. Haruna: It'll happen to you too, someday. You'd better learn how the world works before you cause more trouble for your allies. Haruna: I don't agree. I think you're the one who needs to learn some integrity, Haruna-san. Haruna: sigh I guess there's no talking to some princess in her high tower... Haruna: Normally, I would just let a comment like that slide off my back. I think working with her is making me funny in the head... ???: ...sob... Haruna: ...Haruna. Haruna: Right. I heard it, too. Haruna: ...The table in the back. Haruna: I can't see very well from here... What do we do? Haruna: We haven't seen any moving people here at all. But... There's a slight possibility... Haruna: Haruna. You'll have to take care of yourself. I might not have the luxury of looking after you. Haruna: R-right... The soft sound of crying came from a table in the back of the bar. I readied myself for a fight, then slowly went to check on it. Haruna: Ah... Murray: sob... sob... choke... Haruna: M-Murray-san! Haruna: You know this woman? Haruna: I don't know if I could say I know her, exactly, but... she was a member of the Balboran vanguard! Haruna: I heard she split up from Rin-chan, but I never thought we'd run into her here... Haruna: The Balboran vanguard? You've met characters from the manga? Haruna: Um... Umm... It would probably take too long to explain everything... Murray: sob... I feel like I've seen you somewhere before... Haruna: Ah! I'm Hongo Haruna! I'm Rin-chan's classmate... Stryker Retsu, Haruna! Murray: Ah... Yes, Corporal Rin told me much about you... I'm glad she found friends... sob... Haruna: W-what's wrong? Murray: Everything is wrong! Day after day, I've been searching for the Balbora Empire, and when I finally found it, look at what was waiting! Murray: I returned to my home, to find my children, my grandchildren, frozen like stone! I go outside, no one is moving! I visit the neighbors, it's all the same! Murray: I thought I could make Corporal Rin happy, but this is exactly the opposite! I don't know what to do anymore... choke... gulpgulp... Haruna: D-don't drink so much, it's bad for you! Please, just try to calm down for a minute! Murray: What can I do now but drink? I want to forget everything... sob... sob... Haruna: Y-you really have to sober up! I'm going to bring some water, so put the bottle down already! Haruna: We've finally found a clue... but it's going to take some time to get answers out of her... Haruna: So you're saying you came back here the minute the continent appeared, but even then, it was in the state we see here now? Murray: Yes. I've been walking around for some time; the conclusion seems inescapable. Haruna: In that case, it's possible that they weren't actively frozen; they just appeared like this... Haruna: What have you been doing all this time, Murray-san? Murray: Just as I told you. I've been working to find the Balbora Empire. Murray: I can't say for certain, but Corporal Rin seemed so heartbroken after the vanguard disappeared. I wanted to find something that would give her hope. Murray: After all that, this is all there is. I don't think it will be much comfort when I tell her. Haruna: ...I don't think that's true. Rin-chan's actually feeling really good right now. Murray: Is that true? Haruna: Yes! The truth is, after you left... I explained everything that happened while she'd been gone. Murray: I see... Lieutenant Colonel Clie and the Brigadier General as well... Haruna: So please don't worry. Rin-chan's doing really great right now. Murray: ...It seems I've caused even more trouble. I thought going off on my own would be for the best, but I see now that I should have remained. Murray: The shock of losing my team made me forget what was really important. Allow me to thank you again. Haruna: Oh, n-no, it's nothing... I just thought it would cheer you up... Haruna: ...You're in this deeper than I could have imagined. Haruna: Huh? You mean me? Haruna: Who else? You have the Stryker Retsu equipment, you know the vanguard personally... You're more than just some fan. Haruna: Haruna. Just what are you? You're really not just a person like me, who made a deal with the Memory Collector for power, are you? Haruna: W-well... Actually... Murray: I don't understand quite what you're arguing about, but I need to ask you to get along. You're the only people I have to talk to, after all. Haruna: ...We're not arguing about anything. Murray: You're still young. You should be celebrating your youth, not wasting your breath on petty squabbles. Haruna: I told you, we aren't arguing! Haruna: Aha... Ahaha... Haruna: sigh So, Murray, is it? What do you intend to do now? Murray: I was looking for some way to restore the Balbora Empire to normal... but it looks like I've about reached my limit. Haruna: I see. I can't say I don't understand the impulse to run to a liquor bottle. Murray: Liquor is the cure for all ills. It can also be quite a pick-me-up. Haruna: Not very convincing from a weepy drunk... Haruna: Umm... Do you know a lot about this place? Murray: A fair amount. I've spent my life here, after all. Haruna: That's good to hear. We're looking for something. If you wouldn't mind, maybe you could show us the way? Haruna: H-hey! What do you think you're doing?! Haruna: Huh? But she'd probably save us a lot of trouble... Haruna: We're here to raid the Imperial treasury! Why would an Imperial citizen agree to help us with that?! Haruna: Oh... Th-that's right... Haruna: You really are... Look, we can't let her know the story. Let's think of a cover. Haruna: Huh? Is someone co... Murray: W-what are these things?! The door to the bar opened, slowly. In the door frame stood an amorphous figure. Haruna: W-what is this thing? Haruna: Finally. That's what I expected to see in an enemy base... Its silhouette was roughly humanoid, but there was something strange about it. It had no set shape. It was translucent and pulsating, like an amoeba. It projected no malice or sentience, yet it turned to us, as if confirming our presence. Haruna: Haruna, prepare yourself! If the woman doesn't recognize them, they're probably hostile! Haruna: R-right! Haruna: Murray, isn't it? It looks like we're in this together. Get back! Haruna: H-Haruna-san! The enemy is coming! The amoebas charged at us. Haruna-san reacted immediately, drawing out her cup-and-ball weapon. Haruna: Still, I'm happy for the warm-up! I'll destroy you all at once! Haruna: Stryker Drive, set! Shiden! She attached her Stryker Drive. Electricity ran down the string to the ball. The ball transformed into a crackling orb of light. Haruna-san brandished her weapon. Haruna: Get back! HAHHH! The glowing ball smashed through the amoeba at high speed. It hit the ground and didn't move. Haruna: ...Weaker than I thought. Maybe my concerns were for nothing. Haruna: Haruna-san, there's still a lot more outside! Haruna: Oh, they're the strength-in-numbers type! Don't let them into the bar! Haruna: R-right! Stryker Drive set! Taizan! I equipped Taizan and leaped into battle with the amoebas. The power welled up in my body, giving me the strength I needed. Haruna: Here I go! HYAAAAH! With the power now in my hands, I smashed through the creatures trying to enter the premises. Haruna-san and I took them on together, trying as best we could not to damage the bar. Haruna: What are these things after? They're not even fighting - they just leap at us! Haruna: M-maybe they're just Dengeki Stryker fans?! Haruna: This is no time for joking around! You really are fearless, aren't you! The amoebas didn't seem to have any weapons. They just tried to grab us. Murray: You shouldn't come where you're not invited! You really have no manners, do you... Murray-san was throwing liquor bottles to support us, but the enemies kept appearing, driving us back. There had been only a few to start with, but now there were enough to take up most of the bar. Haruna: Ngh! Soon, we're gonna be trapped in here! Haruna: D-do you want to try to get outside and see?! Haruna: Look how they stick! If they grab us before we get airborne, we'll just get dragged down! Haruna: We should reduce their numbers as much as possible until we don't have a choice! If it gets bad, we'll destroy the bar to escape! Murray: W-wait! What are you doing?! Stop that! Haruna: Ah! Murray-san! The amoebas had made it into the bar. A few of them had grabbed on to Murray. She was struggling in their grasp. Haruna: Let go of Murray-san! Haruna: Take this! Take this! Take this! I hate people who don't know how to treat a lady! Haruna: W-wait a minute! We can't let down our watch of the entrance! Hah! Haruna: Ngh! There's too many of them... We can't keep them all back! Haruna: Haruna! Break through the ceiling! Take the woman and- Haruna: Ah! Haruna: H-Haruna-san! Haruna: ..Ah! The amoebas flooded the restaurant and grabbed onto us, as if to drag us off. Haruna: Y-you jerk... Get off of me! Get your disgusting hands off me! Haruna: I c-can't move... I'm going to suffocate... I couldn't change my Stryker Drive. Their bodies pressed down on us so hard, we couldn't even move. Murray: I told you to leave me alone! Where do you think you're taking me?! Excuse me! Are you even listening to me?! Haruna: They're trying to take her away! Haruna: I... I won't let them! If only I could move... Ugh... I just can't... Haruna: I won't be captured here either! I have my dreams of being filthy rich! Haruna: In that case, I'll just wreck the whole bar! Haruna, get your head d-- Suddenly, a huge explosion rocked the bar. The force of it sent the amoebas outside flying through the air like leaves. Haruna: W-what?! I haven't even done anything yet! ???: Stryker Drive Hyaku-shiki. You can all go flying. Haruna: Th-that voice... That sounds like... Murray-san had gone flying along with the enemies, but I saw a familiar shape grab her tightly and steady her. ???: Aha! Know now that your opponent is I! I heard a familiar voice. A black figure ran past. As the shadow raced through the bar, some of the amoebas were sent flying, some were cut in two. One by one, they all disappeared. ???: My Liege, I confirm that all enemies are slain. ???: Good. I'm glad she doesn't seem to have been injured, either. ???: Wait a minute. There's something moving inside the bar. We should go inside to check. ???: She wasn't the only one here, then? I thought everyone here was frozen... Haruna: Ah... All the enemies were gone, but a figure stood in the doorway. The most important person to me, the reason I had come here. Haruna: Yamato-kun! Yamato: ...Haruna?! He looked at me in surprise.
I glanced outside, carefully enough as to not attract any amoebas' attention. Yamato: ...I don't detect any enemies here. Yamato: Rin. I'm sorry, but we'll be needing your house for another night. Rin: Oh no, don't worry about it. I was hoping we'd be able to use my house if we got into any trouble. Yamato: I'm grateful for it. We could never have predicted something like this would happen. After saving the three women, we returned to Rin's house, where we had spent the previous day. It was locked up tight, to prevent the amoebas from entering. Yamato: I don't know how well it will keep them out, but we need as safe a place as we can find to rest up. Clie: They seem to have given up, at last. Yamato: Only if things remain as they did yesterday. I hope they won't find us before morning. Yamato: By the way, Haruna. What are you doing here in the Balbora Empire? Haruna: W-Well... see... Yamato: I told you we didn't know what we might find here. What about that didn't you understand? Haruna: Ah, well... I just... Yamato: It's not as if I left you behind out of spite. It's because I didn't want you to be injured. Yamato: You saw those things in the bar. The moment those amoebas see us, they come after us in droves. We spent all day yesterday fighting them. Yamato: We still don't know what they are. You have so little battle experience. If they were to attack you... Haruna: ...sob... Yamato: H-hey. Why are you crying? Haruna: B-but... Yamato-kun... sob Jack: Ah! My Liege has made her cry! Murray: What kind of man makes a woman cry? Yamato: W-what are you talking about? I'm just thinking of Haruna, here... Rin: Poor Haruna-san... I feel sorry for her. Clie: Regardless of the details, she came here knowing of the danger. I acknowledge Haruna as a fellow warrior. Yamato: B-but... Haruna: sob... Wahhh... Yamato: F-fine! Fine, then! I'm not angry anymore, just stop crying! Haruna: B-but... I... I was bad... sob... And I got in your way... Yamato: I... I didn't say that. I only wanted you to stay behind because I care about you! Yamato: Please, just stop crying! I don't know how to deal with this kind of thing! Haruna: O-okay... sob Jack: My Liege appears destined to be ruled by his future spouse. Yamato: Jack. You really aren't helping. Haruna: ...sigh I think they're in cahoots. Yamato: And your name was... Haruna, as well? I'm grateful to you for protecting my friend. Though I have some questions about your uniform and your appearance... Yamato: I won't ask them. For now, thank you. Haruna: Just part of my contract. I'm not like you people. Haruna: Haruna. You've got your happy reunion now, right? I think this is where we part ways. Haruna: Ah! W-wait a minute! I haven't kept my promise to you yet! Haruna: It's easier for me to work on my own. Haruna: Besides, it's clear to me that you're pretty useless. Whether you're with me or not won't make much of a difference. Haruna: I'm dissolving our contract. I don't think I can stick around in a place like this for long. Haruna: No! You can't! Grab! Haruna: L-let me go! I have no intention of staying with you people! Haruna: I made a promise to you, Haruna-san! After coming this far together, you can't just say goodbye now! Haruna: I'm just sick of your idiocy! That's the only reason I need! Haruna: No! I am NOT letting you go! Haruna: I t-told you... Ugh! You really are freakishly strong... Yamato: Haruna. Do you have any place in this city to go? Haruna: .........No. Yamato: Then spend the night here, at least. We can decide later if we'll split up or not. Haruna: ...... Jack: It is as My Liege has said. In addition, there is much to eat here. Jack: Lo and behold! And far more awaits in the kitchen. Yamato: Y-you... Where did you get all that food? Jack: At the bar! Naturally, Clie-dono left the payment for it. Clie: At last, my Imperial funds were useful. We can remain trapped here until autumn and still have sweet potatoes to bake every night. Murray: As the saying goes, we're all in this together. You don't have any reason to refuse us. Haruna: Haruna-san... Haruna: ...One night, no more. Haruna: R-right! Thank you so much! Haruna: For the love of... Fine. There was something I wanted to ask you people, anyway. Yamato: What is it? Haruna: I want to know what's going on in this city. And what you people really are. Haruna: Lieutenant Colonel Clie, Corporal Rin, Captain Murray... Why do you all look like characters from Dengeki Stryker? Yamato: ...Very well. In exchange, I wish to hear about what it is that brought you here. Haruna: A trade of information, then? I see you know how to bargain, unlike the other Haruna here. Haruna: Hmph. I just ask favors like a normal person... Yamato: Then I'll tell you everything from the start. First, as to how we came to be here...
I told her what had been going on in Japan, and explained that we were people from another world. I told her that the world of Dengeki Stryker had become fused with this world due to a wish I had made as a child. Haruna listened to my story with a skeptical expression on her face. Haruna: ...I see. So it was your wish that brought this about. Yamato: ...You seem to have accepted this rather easily. Haruna: I'm very familiar with the Memory Collector. I'm sure he could make something like this happen. Haruna: But... Haruna-san, why did you become Dengeki Stryker? Haruna: ...I had a hard life. I thought if I had some power, I could turn it around. Haruna: I'm not sure what memory it was that he took, but I have my life now. It couldn't have been anything important. Although... Yamato: Is there something on your mind? Haruna: ...No... It's nothing. This is the first time we've met, so it's probably just my imagination. Haruna: He couldn't be from Yamanaka village... That's my hometown, but I've never seen him before... Haruna: It was a small country village, so I knew most of the people there... Maybe he just reminds me of someone? Haruna: Haruna-san, what's wrong? Haruna: ...I'm just organizing the information in my mind. Haruna: Yamato. This was all part of your wish. Do you understand why this has happened to the Balbora Empire? Yamato: I have no idea. Rin: We don't know why everyone's frozen up, either. I've never seen this before... Yamato: Could it be some sort of Balboran disease? Murray: That's not possible. I lived in this city a long time, and I've never seen anything like this. Clie: I have heard no reports of the Empire developing biological weapons, either. Nor about those amoebas that patrol the city. Haruna: There's so much we don't know... Rin: That's true... We couldn't find any clues in town, either... Clie: Still, we have only one objective. Murray: Yes, returning the people of the Empire to normal. I can't let my family and friends remain frozen like this. Clie: Yes, precisely. It is a change from our initial goal, but we cannot allow the civilians to remain like this. Rin: I'm sorry, everyone. I'm just making more trouble for everyone like this. Haruna: Oh, it's fine. I couldn't leave it like this anyway. We need to find out what's wrong and get everyone back to normal, right? Yamato: But right now, we don't have enough information to act on. And there's no one that we can ask to learn more... Haruna: ...I'm sorry to interrupt your serious conversation, but are you really going to leave him like that? Jack: Om nom nom nom nom! Jack: The seafood is as always most pleasing by the oceans! And the sweet vinegar marinade brings it into such harmony! Jack: When supped with onions soaked in sweet vinegar, the sensation as it spreads about the mouth... Verily, the gourmand's finest hour! Yamato: What do you think you're doing? Jack: My Liege! It is bad manners to hit a person whilst he eats! Yamato: You need to stop eating and participate in the discussion. Rin: Isn't that Wondadok's pickled Creeian? You're supposed to eat it fresh - are you sure this is alright? Clie: I told him it was the specialty of the bar, and he immediately insisted. I did caution him that seafood gets more dangerous as the day goes by, but... Rin: It doesn't look like it's gone rancid, but... Maybe I should get some stomach medicine ready, just to be careful. Clie: Please do. Yamato: You even brought the dishes... But how did you carry them all? Jack: In the pocket I placed them. Yamato: ...The pocket? Your pocket? Jack: Precisely. Yamato: Where do you have space for that?! You'll just get your clothes dirty! Jack: Prepare to be amazed! For in my pockets can be found... Yoink! Jack: The basic tools of the ninja, a pot for cooking... Yoink yoink! Jack: Pickled plums and pudding and bananas for snacking, toilet paper for just-in-case... Haruna: H-hey... Haruna: Wow, there's so much... Jack: For entertainment, mahjong and hanafuda and manga... Yoink yoink yoink! Jack: It is as you can see! My pocket is my pride and joy! Murray: ...... Yamato: You seem to have an extradimensional pocket... I'm always surprised by your capabilities, but now... Hmm? Yamato: This manga... Is this Dengeki Stryker? Rin: Ah! Yamato-san is on the cover! Yamato: Jack. What's the meaning of this? Jack: Embarrassed as I am to admit, immersed have I been in the world of the comic. In reading it, I am ever amazed by My Liege's brave deeds... Yamato: I'm not sure how to say this, but... Jack: Haruna-dono too appears in the first issue. Truly, from her first appearance, she is every bit the main heroine! Haruna: I... I see... Every bit the main heroine... Ehehe... Haruna: Yamato-kun, did you hear that?! He says I really am the main heroine! Yamato: I... I see. I'm not sure how to respond to that. Rin: I-I haven't given up yet! There can only be one heroine here... Clie: ...I have the handicap of a late appearance. Though I feel myself not unworthy. Haruna: You've got more problems than in the manga, I see. Yamato: ...I don't understand what you're talking about. Haruna: Well, it doesn't really matter to me either way. But this gives us access to a pretty good clue. Murray: What do you mean? Haruna: If we want to know about Dengeki Stryker, we should ask Dengeki Stryker. Hey, ninja. Do you only have one issue of that manga? Jack: The entire complete set! 'twas a truly trying task, saving up money to buy the first editions! Haruna: Then it seems I spoke too soon. Yamato: I see what you're saying. Jack, produce all of the editions of this manga. Jack: I hear and obey! Jack: he remaining issues should be deep inside... Yoink! Jack: A crowbar, this appears to be... Yoink yoink! Jack: A certain rock 'n' roll novel of love and youth... Hmm, eludes me it does... Yamato: ...this is absurd. Jack: M-My Liege, what are you doing to me?! You must not put your hand into my pocket! Yamato: If I leave it to you, you'll just fill the house with clutter. Stay still. Jack: B-but that is my... AHH! Yamato: Don't shriek like that! Jack: M-My Liege, such surprising technique do you have. I will not know what to do with myself... Ahhh! Yamato: What is the matter with you? ...Hmm? Is that it? Yamato: You really did have it... Rin: I guess that's why they call it a pocket dimension... Haruna: But this should give us the clue we need. Yamato: Right. Let's split them up and read them together. Yamato: Everything about us is written inside this manga... I've been trying to avoid it, but I suppose it's time to face it after all... ...... Jack: Ahahahaha! Verily is this 'Roly Poly Sports Meet' a splendid tale! Haruna: Wah! In this one, Yamato-kun and I get to go out alone together! Rin: In this volume, Yamato-san and I are enemies the whole time... I say such awful things about Dengeki Stryker... Rin: No, I'll try another volume! I'm sure that Yamato-san and I get along eventually! Murray: Hmm. We were treating them as books of prophecy before, but just reading them for pleasure is quite enjoyable. Haruna: ...... Yamato: Very few of them seem to be taking this seriously... Haruna: They seem to be taking this really well. I thought it would be a shock to the system... Clie: We have passed the stage where that would be an issue. We have integrated fully into this world. Clie: Yamato. Do you have the volume that follows this one? It would seem to contain my first appearance... Yamato: I'm reading it right now. You can have it when I'm done. Clie: It was strange for me when I first began reading the manga. Though in some ways, it was pleasant to see a side of Yamato I had never seen before. Clie: Hmm? It seems I appear on the next page. I wonder what gallant image I might strike. Yamato: Th-this is... Clie: What?! W-what is this peeping scene! Jack: Oh! A service scene it is! Clie: S-service?! Jack: A peek of skin is being needed to achieve popularity with young men worldwide! Haruna: Ah! Duran-san makes an invention that makes my clothes transparent?! But only Yamato-kun saw me, thank goodness... Rin: M-me too! Ugggh, I can never be a bride... Jack: But as a result of Clie-dono's first scene being a service scene, she placed fourth in the next popularity poll! Clie: I... I would never do such a thing! I do not recall ever taking a shower in such a place! Yamato: W-well... It is a manga... Clie: Yamato! How long are you going to look at it?! This blasted thing... This is what you get! Jack: Ah! Ahhhh! Clie: I have stained it out with permanent marker. I will share my bare skin only with the man that I love. Yamato: But... When we went to the bath house... Clie: That was different. I have recently acquired a certain degree of modesty. Yamato: I... I see. Rin: If it appeared in a manga, that means other people read it, too... I'm not sure how to feel about this... Haruna: Yeah. I kind of want to black it out, too... Jack: M-my precious first editions... Ahhhhh... Haruna: For the love of... It's like they don't even care about the situation they're in. Dengeki Stryker didn't have a proper ending - it just stopped abruptly - but we finished off all of the volumes together. In what we had read, there was one point that concerned us all. Yamato: The Balbora Emperor... Jack: Does this man truly exist? The manga gives a written explanation, yet only in silhouette does he appear. Haruna: It's a difficult question. The Memory Collector made the world of the manga real. If a character never appeared in the manga, they might not show up here. Clie: W-what are you talking about?! If the Balbora Empire is real, then the Emperor must be here as well! Murray: That's right. Without him, this country could not exist. Haruna: But... The image is so vague, it's hard to tell... Haruna: 'The Balbora Emperor has the power to watch over the entire world, and absolute control of Balbora'... It sounds like a fearsome power. Yamato: But if he has absolute control over Balbora, he might also have the power to return it to normal. Rin: R-really?! Yamato: Well, I can't say for certain. He might be frozen up like the rest of them, and we still don't have any answers on those amoebas. Rin: Th-that's true... I guess I shouldn't get my hopes up too high... Yamato: But you should not lose heart, either. It just means that our objective hasn't changed. Yamato: We need to get an audience with the Emperor and avoid needless conflict. The hope is slight, but it's something that we can try. Rin: Well... Well, then... Haruna: We'll just ask the Emperor in person! Murray: I really am sorry. We've gotten you mixed up in our business. Clie: Under normal circumstances, you would have no reason to get involved. I am grateful for your willingness to help us. Jack: The three of you are our beloved neighbors. 'Tis only natural to aid one another. Yamato: It's settled, then. Haruna: I'm sorry to stop the party, but I'm after something else. That means we part ways here. Haruna: You're not going to come with us? Haruna: What would be the point? I can't move freely with you people around. Haruna: B-but... You've been with us this long... Haruna: Y-you... Did you forget what we were just talking about? Haruna: I'm after the treasury, nothing else. I can't exactly take what I want while I'm hanging out with Balboran citizens. Haruna: Ah... Haruna: You remember now? I've gotten you to your friends, so we're even. I don't want any more involvement in this. Haruna: ...Don't be mad at me, okay? Haruna: Not mad...? What are you going to... Haruna: Clie-san. Can I ask you a big favor? Clie: Hm? What is it? Haruna: No, don't tell her! Just keep your mouth shut! Haruna: It's about the imperial treasury. Do you mind if Haruna-san takes some of it? Haruna: Ah... Ahh... Clie: ...The treasury? You refer to the castle's treasure room? Haruna: Haruna-san seems to have money problems. That's why she came here. Do you think she could have some of it? Clie: Hmm... Haruna: Ugh... There goes my dream of becoming rich... I knew I shouldn't have spent that 10,000 yen back there... Clie: Haruna, was it? You have no intention of acting with us, then? Haruna: I don't see why I have to. I won't be forced into joining you, either. Clie: I had no intention to force you. But you must realize the state that the Empire is currently in. Haruna: ...I guess so. Clie: What we need now is power. Your aid may help us to circumvent the issue at hand. Haruna: So what are you saying, exactly? Clie: If you assist us in restoring the Balbora Empire to normal, you can take whatever you wish from the treasury. Haruna: ...I don't think a mere Lieutenant Colonel has the authority to make that kind of promise. Clie: It is true that my word is not enough, but I will appeal to the Emperor. If you are a savior of the Empire, I am certain he will grant your wish. Haruna: ...Are you really on the level? Clie: If he does refuse, I will use what Imperial funds I have on hand to satisfy your monetary needs. Haruna: It's the long way around, but this way might save me trouble later... Haruna: ......Fine. I'm not convinced it'll all work out, but I'll agree to your terms. Haruna: I'm so happy! That means I get to stay with Haruna-san! Haruna: This is all your fault for running your mouth. If she'd been less understanding, I would've been in real trouble. Haruna: I knew Clie-san would be okay with it! She's a good person who loves her little sister! Haruna: That is not the... sigh I can really see what he goes through, now. Haruna: Ah? W-what does that mean? I don't think I did anything strange, did I? Haruna: Don't care. I'm going to bed. ...I can take whatever room I want, right? Rin: Oh, yes! The showers seem to work, so feel free to take one. Haruna: Right. I think I'll take one later. Jack: A cool customer, she is... Murray: She'd fit right in with us, actually. It's too bad she's a Stryker. Clie: Now then, Yamato. What shall we do tomorrow? Yamato: We know we won't find any clues in town. If we want to find out about the Emperor, we'll have to go directly to the castle. Jack: A direct showdown, it is. Yamato: I hope it won't become a fight. On that subject... Rin, I'm sorry, but would you mind waiting here? Rin: What? I'm not allowed to go with you? Yamato: We can't transfer your consciousness into Clie's arm with those amoebas around. It would be best for you to wait in this house to avoid danger. Rin: But... Yamato: I understand how you feel. But please, listen to me this time. Rin: ...Okay. I don't really like it, but I'll leave it to you. Yamato: I'm sorry. Jack: The time for talk has ended. Exhausted I am from flying 'round the city since dawn... Yamato: We leave first thing in the morning. Get to bed early to prepare for tomorrow. Far from this city rested the Balbora Emperor's castle. One by one we all went to bed, holding out hope that we'd find a way to restore the frozen people.
The sounds of sleep could be heard through every room in Rin's house. As usual, I was rooming with Jack. I looked up at the starry sky through a crack in the curtains. Yamato: The Balbora Emperor... I can't even wrap my head around it. Maybe he's even been watching us across dimensions. Yamato: I hope we can convince him to join our side, but if he does choose to oppose us... No, we don't even know if he'll even be animate... The people of the Balbora Empire had been turned into statues. Normally, I wouldn't go to these lengths for the soldiers of an enemy nation like the Balbora Empire. But this wasn't the world of Dengeki Stryker. A clear villain like Curtis was one thing, but the frozen people here had done nothing wrong. I wanted to restore the Balbora Empire to normal, stop its war with Japan and other countries, and integrate it properly in this world. As the person who had caused all of this, it was something I felt I had to do. Yamato: So it doesn't matter what awaits me. When I made the decision to live on, I made the decision to see this through to the end. Yamato: Hmm? What's that sound? Yamato: The kitchen? Jack's still here, so it can't be him sneaking a bite to eat... It could be the amoebas sneaking into the house. Just to be on the safe side, I left my room to check. I could sense someone there, sneaking around on tiptoe so as not to make a sound. After confirming their presence, I crept up to them silently. Yamato: That's... Rin: Mom... I'm finally home. Yamato: Rin... Rin was there in the kitchen, talking to her frozen mother. Her mother wasn't moving at all, but she was looking her straight in the eye as if she could hear her. Rin: When it was decided that I would ship out, you were the one who was the most worried. Dad said I was so naive that I would get myself into trouble... Rin: At first, it was just as hard as you said. We couldn't use the imperial funds we'd been given... We had to stay in this tiny, cheap apartment... Rin: But I was really blessed in other ways. I got to go to school, and I made all kinds of friends there... Rin: It's all because Yamato-san next door turned out to be Dengeki Stryker. She told her mother all about her memories of Japan. Here and there, she had to pause, as if to stop her emotions from losing control. Rin: So much has happened. Everyone went away except for Captain Murray... And then Onee-chan appeared, like she knew I was alone and wanted help... Rin: Really, so much has happened... I got to become friends with Stryker Yamato-san... Haruna-san and Sayaka-san and everyone have been so nice to me... Rin: Mom... I wasn't sure what to do at first, but this world really is a good one. Right now... Ah... I know that you can't move, but I just know you're going to be back to normal soon. Rin: Yamato-san, Onee-chan, and the others... They're all going to work to get you back to normal. So... So... Please... D-don't... worry about anything. Rin: I promise... I promise it'll be okay, so... sob... I... I finally got to see you again after so long, and... choke... this can't be how it ends... Rin: So please... sniff... Please, just... b-be strong... for now... Rin sniffled, the tears rolling down her cheeks. She stood in silence for a few moments, unable to find any more words. I spoke. Yamato: ...It's alright. Rin: Y-Yamato-san... Yamato: I'm going to bring them all back to normal. That's the reason I'm still here. Yamato: So, please... Hold onto your tears for your true reunion. I know that your mother wouldn't want to see you sad. Rin: Right... sniff... Yamato: I'm sorry. The wish I made has caused you to cry once again. Rin: No... It's not about that... I'm just so happy you feel that way... Rin: So these are just... happy tears... Mom would... let me have those, right? Yamato: ...Yes. Rin: It feels like I'm always crying in front of you, Yamato-san... I don't want to show you this side of myself anymore... I think I'll go back to my room. Rin: Yamato-san... Good night. I'd like it if we could keep this between us. Yamato: ...I need to restore these people - and fast. Before my wish brought any more suffering. That was my way of atoning. Haruna: You really are kind. Yamato: H-Haruna. I didn't know you were there. Haruna: I came down after you. Yamato: ...My wish has had repercussions beyond anything I could have expected. I don't want anyone to suffer for that. Haruna: I don't think it's good to feel that way. Yamato: I know. It's true that my wish has also helped people. Yamato: But... I can't be satisfied with that. This is something that I need to spend my entire life repenting for. Haruna: Right. I know that. Haruna: But... Whatever form it takes, Rin-chan got to see her family again. The same for Murray-san. Yamato: ...... Haruna: So you don't have to be too sad. If we get them back to normal, they'll get to talk to them with a smile again. Haruna: Yamato-kun... You can't forget. Your wish isn't all about hurting people. Yamato: ...You really are meddlesome. Haruna: Are you blushing? Yamato: ...No. Haruna: giggle You're such a bashful person. Yamato: ...I said I'm not. Go to bed already so you don't oversleep. Haruna: Sure. I think I will. Haruna: Yamato-kun... Good night. Let's do our best tomorrow, together. Yamato: ...I really can't win against her. I looked over at Rin's frozen family, feeling a strange sense of self-consciousness. With a new burden on my shoulders, I swore that I would see them returned to normal. I was having a dream. It was dark. A boy - Yuuki Yamato was there, totally absorbed in the comic he was reading. "Dengeki Stryker." On the page, there was a picture of me. Boy: Yeah! Get him! Stryker System change! He was truly absorbed. For some reason, I felt concerned. I spoke to the boy. Yamato: Do you really enjoy that comic book? Boy: I sure do! Dengeki Stryker's a real superhero, the kind that beats all the bad guys! Yamato: I see... You must love superheroes, then. Boy: I do! All boys wanna be superheroes. They can beat all the bad guys, and everyone respects them... Boy: ...I was killed by a superhero like that. Because I was a bad guy. Yamato: Y-you... Child Yamato: I wanted to be a superhero... I loved you, Dengeki Stryker... But then you killed me! Yamato: I didn't! I would have helped you if I could! I wanted to save you! Child Yamato: Liar! You killed me to save her... You made that decision yourself... Yamato: That... That's not... Child Yamato: I made a wish... I made a wish to become Dengeki Stryker! Child Yamato: Aren't we the same? Why are we different?! What makes me different from you?! Yamato: We aren't different! You just made a mistake! Child Yamato: But you killed me... You killed me!! You killed me! You killed me!! YOU KILLED ME!!! Child Yamato: You're no superhero!! You couldn't save me!! Someone like you could never be a superhero!! Child Yamato: I hate you!! Give it back to me! Give me my wish!! GIVE ME MY WISH!! The child turned to me, his eyes full of hatred. I sank into darkness. Dark and deep... An abyss of the void... Yamato: ...Forgive me... Yuuki Yamato...!! But no matter how I called to him, the child did not answer. Murray: From above, the city looks so peaceful... Jack: Ah! But whatever might that building be? Murray: Ah, that's the elementary school I went to. Back then, the young men would often flip up my skirt. Murray: Beyond that is the hill where we often played. And that's where my sister lived with her husband. We used to help them with their goats. We left first thing in the morning. We traveled by air, making a beeline for the Balbora Emperor's castle. Murray: If we get the Empire back to normal, I hope I can take my family here again. We hadn't seen any sight of the amoebas, and it was more or less a leisurely trip. On our way to the Balbora Emperor's castle, Murray pointed out a number of landmarks down below. Haruna: ...Yamato-kun. Yamato: Hmm? What is it? Haruna: Is something wrong? You've seemed pretty listless all morning. Yamato: ...Have I? Haruna: You have! Is this about... yesterday? Yamato: I just had a dream. It has nothing to do with what happened yesterday. Haruna: ...A bad dream? Yamato: .........it's a secret. Haruna: I see. I won't ask, then. Clie: A nightmare, eh? I often have them on the eve of battle, as well. More frequently when I am facing a moral dilemma. Clie: If there is something that concerns you, I would like to be of assistance. I owe you a great deal, after all. Yamato: I'm grateful for the sentiment, but this is something I need to solve on my own. I'll keep your words in mind, however. Murray: It's not good for young people to worry so much. There's more than enough to worry about when you get older. Jack: Correct, she is! In all cases, 'tis best to keep it simple! Yamato: ...I think you're a bit overly simple, myself. Jack: Then let My Liege's worries wait at the other end of the sky. Return those people to normal shall we, and end the matter with a-- Yamato: Hmm? What is it? Jack: If the Balbora Empire is restored to normal, what will become of you all? You will not be returned to your old world, will you? Yamato: Returned to our old world? Clie: Hmm. I never considered that. Haruna: Unlike the ninja and me, you're all fictional characters. I'm not sure what'll happen to that old man's contracts. Yamato: ...... Jack: I-I am against such a thing! Never did it enter my mind that I might be parted from My Liege! Yamato: ...Calm down. I intend to protect this world 'til the bitter end. Haruna: Well then... What if... What if we did return to our old world, to our old Japan? Yamato: ...I would return to the army as before. If they still have a place for me. Haruna: Th-that's not what I meant... In the manga, you lived all alone, didn't you? Yamato: Jack wasn't there, after all. So, naturally. Haruna: ...Do you not want to live with someone else? Yamato: ...Who are you referring to? Haruna: W-with someone here, perhaps? Yamato: ...Murray and Clie are cyborgs of the Balbora Empire. Haruna: Hmph. Did I not even enter your mind? Yamato: I'm not sure how to answer that... Clie: I have something to say on that matter, as well. Yamato: Y-you too, Clie? Clie: If I return to my own world, I am both Stryker Hagane and Lieutenant Colonel Clie. I will be trapped between worlds. Clie: And yet, I intend to work to stop the war with the Japanese Empire and restore diplomacy between them. It may not be easy, but I do wish to try. Yamato: ...That's a fantastic idea. Clie: It is merely a plan. In reality, it would require the efforts of the Japanese Empire, as well. Yamato, will you help me build a bridge to peace? Clie: Such a road may be perilous. But I swear that Rin and I shall protect you with our lives. Haruna: W-wait a minute! Yamato-kun has plans to come and live with me! Yamato: I don't recall agreeing to that. Clie: Haruna. Yamato and I are discussing a matter of great importance. Haruna: It's important to me, too! If no one's there to look after him, Yamato-kun might get hurt! Clie: I do agree with you on that matter, but the rest of your story does not follow. Jack: Oh, the sparks are flying once more! Murray: Youth is a fine thing. I rejected many men in my own younger days... Haruna: sigh... I wish they'd leave the lover's quarrels for another time... Some time later, we arrived at the capital of the Balbora Empire. The Balbora Emperor's castle was an obvious landmark. The streets around it were swarmed with amoebas. Their numbers became greater the closer we got to the castle, both in the sky and on the ground. Jack: Impossible creatures, they are... Murray: So many of them... It's going to make it difficult to proceed. Haruna: We won't have to proceed. I think they're going to come to us. Jack: Ah, a movement! Clie: Ah! They've sighted us! Haruna: Ah... Ahh! That huge swarm of amoebas is coming at us! Haruna: What do we do now? I'll do anything as long as it's within the realm of our contract. Yamato: There's no way to get inside the castle without fighting them. We can't just avoid them. Haruna: Which means? Yamato: We're charging through! Haruna: Heh. I was hoping you'd say that!
We descended quickly and made landfall, avoiding the amoebas that tried to swarm around us. Immediately, we were hounded by even more amoebas from all sides. Yamato: Clie. The Balbora Emperor is in that castle, isn't he?! Clie: That is my understanding! Clie: I shall cut down their front line to open a path! I leave the rear guard to you! Yamato: ...I understand! Amoebas were coming at us from all sides. We took our combat positions and headed for the entrance to the castle. Clie: I do not know what you creatures are... but I grant no quarter to those who block our way! Clie rushed forward, slicing violently at the approaching amoebas. The sword flashed silver as the enemies were cut asunder, falling neatly to pieces. Clie: You are in my way! If you do not wish to be cut down, then remove yourselves from my path! She tore through the surrounding enemy line, seeming almost to dance. She was sharp enough to fell several with each swing, yet the enemies continued coming, trying to overwhelm her from all sides. Jack: Ensure Clie-dono's safety, I shall! Shuriken Storm! Jack: And again... Ninpo, Art of Fire Escape! Jack drove back the crowd of amoebas putting pressure on Clie, ensuring her safety. His support allowed her to get some breathing room amidst the huge crowd of amoebas. Jack: I too shall be of use to My Liege! No matter what you be, destroy you I shall! Haruna: Hyah! Hahhh! Haruna: Hngh! It's hard to fight when there's still frozen people around! And there're so many amoebas, I can't tell where they might be! Haruna: As timid as ever, I see... Stryker Drive set! Shiden! Haruna: Watch closely... This is how you fight! HAHHH! Shiden released a flash as it ejected its crackling ball of light. It zipped through the air with the smell of ozone, reducing all it touched to cinders. Haruna: L-look out! It ripped through the amoebas, on a track to hit one of the frozen people. Her attack would pulverize the statue, yet Haruna's confident smile never wavered. Haruna: Shiden! Roar with thunder! She shifted her posture slightly, and the orb changed paths. It was like a living being, targeting only the amoebas, eliminating all surrounding enemies in one sweep. Haruna: A-amazing... Haruna: What do you mean, amazing? Stryker Retsu is a brand new device. It was planned to appear in the last story arc. Haruna: If you can't use it right, you're letting a treasure go to waste! Watch how that man fights and do what he does! Haruna: R-right! The two Harunas headed for the rear line, trying to drive the amoebas back from behind. Surprisingly, the two were in perfect sync, the new Haruna supporting my Haruna perfectly. Murray: This feeling... I feel twenty years younger! Murray: It's been a long time since I was able to let loose like this. And more than enough targets to shake off the rust! Murray took careful aim from her position in the skies, shooting them down one by one. With the accuracy of a sniper, she hit every one of her targets from afar. Murray: But no matter how many I hit, we never seem to make a dent. I wish we could cut them off at the source! No matter how many I defeated, the amoebas kept coming. We were plowing through them to make our way to the castle, but the way they kept coming made it hard to make real progress. Yamato: But... I see a way! I carefully monitored my allies' actions to strike at the enemies they didn't have covered. I located an area where there were no civilians, and moved into action. Yamato: Clie, move back! ...Stryker System change! Shinden! My Stryker Unit harnessed the ambient energy in the atmosphere. I waited until the area was packed with amoebas, then called down a lightning bolt. Yamato: I'll destroy you all at once! HAHHHH! Shinden struck with a deafening roar. I cleared out all the amoebas amassing around the front line, clearing a space in an instant. Yamato: Now! Let's get some distance before they regroup! Clie: Understood! We rushed down the avenue that would take us to the castle's entrance. The amoebas kept coming at us, their numbers seemingly limitless. We continued to knock them away as we headed straight for our destination. But the closer we got to the castle, the denser the enemies became. It was getting harder and harder to move, but we finally arrived at our destination: the castle gate. Clie: W-why is the castle gate open? It should have strict security... The castle gate, which should have been tightly closed, lay wide open. The security who should have been protecting it were frozen in position. Yamato: Clie, what's wrong?! Are there enemies beyond the gate?! Clie: ...No, I don't see any. Clie: Let's get into the castle! I feel certain that His Imperial Highness will grant us an audience! We passed through the courtyard and into the hallways, where we ran into an even denser crowd of amoebas. They were getting to be more than we could handle. It was hard to move at all. Haruna: Hah! Hraaaah! Haruna: Hahh! Hahh... pant pant... They just keep coming... I wish we could do something to take them out all at once. Haruna: I agree, that would be easier. But if you don't want to pulverize the guards as well, you'll show some restraint. Jack: And yet, at this rate, we will all be crushed to pulp! Yamato: Clie, Murray! How far is the throne room?! Murray: I've never been there before, I'm afraid! Ask Lieutenant Clie! Yamato: Stryker System change! Shusui! HAHHHHH! Jack: I too shall take this time to make my move! Ninpo! Shuriken Storm! Jack: And then, Fire Slash! Being inside the castle gave us less space to move around in. I could clear them all out in a moment with Tenrai, but I couldn't use it casually with the guards there. Clie: ...I see it! There's the throne room! Clie charged forward, aiming for the hallway's large central door. Yamato: Then we just have to break through here! Just hold out a little longer, everyone! Our destination was within arm's reach. We shook off the amoebas' charge and raced for our destination. Haruna: Y-Yamato-kun! The door won't open! Yamato: I see he's not letting us in that easily! Clie: In that case, I shall cut the lock aside! Your Highness, forgive my indiscretion! Clie: W-what?! It repelled my sword?! Haruna: Oh... Oh no... How could we not get inside after coming this far? Haruna: Ngh! Just do something about that door, already! We can't keep this up! Yamato: In that case... Everyone, step back! Haruna: W-what are you doing?! Yamato: You know what I'm doing! If it won't open, we'll destroy the door! ...Stryker System change! Hyaku-shiki! Yamato: It won't be able to resist this strike! HAHHHH! Murray: cough coughcough... It does seem to have opened... Yamato: If this is the throne room, then the Balbora Emperor... Haruna: Ah... A red carpet spanned the large chamber, flanked by guards and old men who looked like ministers - all frozen. At the center stood a large pedestal that flickered a pale blue light. Atop it was a capsule. Haruna: The... The people here are frozen, too... Clie: That... cannot be... Then, His Imperial Highness, too... Murray: No, I don't think he's any of these men. I've seen most of them in Imperial broadcasts. Yamato: Hmm? What's that sound? I couldn't see inside the capsule, but I could barely make out something like a human silhouette inside. The person was rapping on the inside of the capsule, as if to get our attention. Yamato: Is someone in there? Jack: ...Mine eyes cannot easily discern. Methinks that object does not belong here in the throne room. Haruna: What are you people doing?! Stop standing there watching and help me out, here! Warning: Pelulu Spound! Pelulu Spound! Suddenly, a warning light blared, the pale light brightened, and words in the Balboran language appeared on it. Jack: W-what occurs here?! Yamato: 'Pelulu Spound' is Balboran for 'Intruder Alert'! Something is coming! The next moment, amoebas came flooding from inside the pedestal. In a moment, they were grabbing onto us. Clie: Th-there's too many! Hnngh! Haruna: Wait! You can't just surround us like-- Ahh! There was no way we could resist. We were completely surrounded. We were all crushed between the unending tide of amoebas. Yamato: Nghh, hnn... A-at this rate... Yamato: Nngh, HAHHHHH! Just as I found myself frozen in place, I used my Stryker Units to release electricity all around my body. It pushed back the surrounding amoebas. I then used the 'head' of one of them as a stepping stone to fly towards the pedestal. Yamato: I don't know what that pedestal is, but it's what's producing the enemies! Which means... Yamato: HYAKU-SHIKI! HRAAAAAAAH! I struck it with Hyaku-shiki, intent on destroying it! Yamato: pant pant pant... But despite taking a hit with the punching power of a heavy tank gun, it only damaged a part of the pedestal. Even so, the amoebas all began to dissolve, sizzling into smoke a moment later. Haruna: A-are we... safe? Murray: It does appear so... Jack: M-My Liege! The capsule atop it! The damage I had done to the pedestal caused a crack to appear in the capsule. The glass shattered. The person inside slumped down onto the carpeted floor. Murray: Is that... Clie: Is that... His Imperial Highness? Yamato: W-what is this?! It was the Balbora Emperor we had been working so hard to find. However... Jack: M-My Liege... This person is... Haruna: It... It can't be... That looks like... ???: There we are, finally free. Gosh, it was so boring in there. Yamato: M-Mother?! The person before me looked exactly like my mother, Hiromi. Yamato: What... What are you... A hesitation filled the room. Contrary to the situation we were in, the woman seemed completely casual. Emperor Balbora: Hmm? Me? I'm the twelfth Emperor of the Balbora Empire.
We had found the Balboran Emperor. At her word, all of the amoebas disappeared. We were finally able to sit down and talk. Emperor Balbora: My, I am thirsty. Yamato-chan, won't you fetch me something to drink? Yamato: Ch-chan... Emperor Balbora: Oh, would you prefer Zero-chan? Being in that capsule just tired me out. Jack: She seems a personage without care... Yamato: Too much so, if you ask me... With no other choice in the matter, I went to fetch some lemonade. Yamato: There. Is this what you wanted? Emperor Balbora: I knew I could rely upon my son's inspiration. You know just what I like. Yamato: H... H-how did you know... Emperor Balbora: You read Dengeki Stryker yesterday, didn't you? The Balbora Emperor character is written to have 'the power to watch over the entire world.' Emperor Balbora: I've seen everything you've been through on your way here, so you don't need to explain things to me. It's boring to repeat ourselves, isn't it? Emperor Balbora: Or perhaps I should act terribly surprised? 'Oh, I guess I really do exist after all!' or something. Or should I proclaim my intent to conquer the world, like Curtis? Yamato: N-no, I would rather you didn't... Emperor Balbora: Of course. I know everything you're thinking and why you're here, Yamato-chan. I know all you've been through, too. Yamato: ...... Emperor Balbora: Gosh, if only you were my son! That would be so nice! Clie: E-excuse me... Your Imperial Highness... I have an urgent appeal to make of you... Emperor Balbora: Eh? Imperial Highness? Clie: Y-yes. Imperial Highness. Emperor Balbora: Oh I don't like that, it's not cute at all Emperor Balbora: Let's see... How about High-chan... No, Highnie-chan! Yes, call me Highnie-chan! Clie: H-Highnie. I'm not certain if I... Emperor Balbora: Decorum requires it. Clie: Ngh... Emperor Balbora: Practice, now. Highnie-chan! Clie: H-Highnie... sama. Emperor Balbora: Chan! Clie: Highnie......... chan. Emperor Balbora: There you go, you really can do it! Clie: T-to perpetuate such indignity against my sworn Emperor... Emperor Balbora: The rest of you can call me Emperor or Emperor Balbora. I really won't stand on formality, though. Murray: She's a difficult one to argue with... Emperor Balbora: Oh, sorry. I was written into the story with a lot of buildup as the leader of an evil military empire, but I was never given a specific personality. The result is what you see here. Emperor Balbora: Do I not look the part? Murray: Oh, n-no... That's not the case at all... Emperor Balbora: Wahahaha! Behold, I am the absolute ruler of the Balbora Empire Emperor Balbora: Better? Better? Murray: Y-you should... probably project a bit more... The Emperor went on to explain that my father had probably modeled her after my mother when she was younger. Since her personality was never shown on the page, my mother's personality had been inserted in its place. Yamato: This is what my mother was like when she was younger? Haruna: What a surprising turn of events... Emperor Balbora: What were we talking about? You had an appeal of some sort? Clie: Y-Yes! Your Imperial H-- H-Highnie-chan... We have a request to ask of you. Clie: The people of your Empire have been frozen like statues. We implore you to use your power to return them to normal! Emperor Balbora: Oh, I see. So that's what you came here for. I just have to restore the people of the Balbora Empire to normal, then? Clie: C-can you do that, Highness?! Emperor Balbora: ...Highness? Clie: H-Highnie-chan. Emperor Balbora: There we go! Well done. Emperor Balbora: Well, now. What to do about a fellow practitioner who's lost his way? Normally I wouldn't interfere in another man's business, but he's gone mucking up my territory. Emperor Balbora: When you make a contract, you should deliver on it immediately. It's because Yuuki Yamato's memories ended up in that bizarre state that we're left with all these aberrations. Yamato: ...A fellow practitioner? Emperor Balbora: Hmm... I guess I should explain it to you. Explanations are not my strong point, you see, since I understand everything without explanation... Emperor Balbora: The contract you signed is responsible for all of this, Yamato-chan. Emperor Balbora explained everything. The citizens of the Balbora Empire were frozen because of the contract I had made. If the contract had been fulfilled correctly, there should have been no problems. But since it wasn't, there were defects in the execution of the story's background characters. This "Defective Contract" had resulted in a number of aberrations. Emperor Balbora: The little dears that attacked you, too. Normally they're my personal security, good little dears who do what I say. But the aberration meant that they just attack everything they see. Emperor Balbora: But thanks to your destroying the pedestal, they've stopped. Of course, I can bring them back with a word. Haruna: So that's what happened... Emperor Balbora: You've got the gist from that explanation, right? I hope so, because I don't intend to repeat myself. Yamato: It all comes down to my wish again... Jack: My Liege... Yamato: I'm so pathetic... I destroy everything around me... Yamato: Ow! W-what was that? Emperor Balbora: This is no time for pointless angst. Yamato: B-but... It's true that my wish produced all of this... Emperor Balbora: No, no, no! Yamato-chan, you have to look at the issue in its proper light. Emperor Balbora: This was a failure on the part of the person you made the contract with. The incident with Mirror, too, was because of the Memory Collector's mistake. Emperor Balbora: I wish he'd get wiser as he aged, instead of just more self-important. I don't think he even realizes he's at fault. Emperor Balbora: That's why you can't act like this, Yamato-chan. When you get depressed, it frightens the girls around you. Clie: ...... Haruna: Yamato-kun... It's okay. Yamato: ...Yes. I'm sorry I worried you again. Emperor Balbora: Well, then! That's all the explanation you get, so let's get to solving it, shall we? Murray: Is... Is that story true?! We can restore the people of Balbora to normal?! Emperor Balbora: Highnie-chan does not repeat herself. It's a delicate business, so sit back and watch. With that as her only explanation, Emperor Balbora tapped her staff against the pedestal. It occurred to me that the pedestal had a giant mouth on it. The mouth smiled. Emperor Balbora: Now, who wants to feed my little pet? He can grant any wish in exchange for a part of your body. Yamato: What?! At her words, we all stared in shock. Emperor Balbora had a collector's power, just like the Memory Collector. Haruna: I don't see anything unusual here... I had slipped away from the others to look for the Balbora Empire's treasury. Haruna: I got them their Emperor Balbora. Like I'm going to hang around any longer than I have to. With the amoebas gone, I could search for the treasure in peace. Besides, I figured I had permission; we had a contract, after all. And so, I went searching room to room. Haruna: It must be in this area. I hope I can find the jackpot soon... Haruna: Ah... Ahh... I was blinded by the sight of treasure before me. Haruna: Ah, ahhh, ahhhh... It was a true treasure room. Gold and jewels were piled high; swords and crowns glistened from their resting places. Haruna: MONEY!! Before I could even suspect a trap, I plunged joyously into the room. I loaded my pockets and my bustier with coins and jewels, hoping to carry as much as possible. Haruna: Why didn't I think to bring a bag?! There's more than I could have ever imagined! Haruna: Even one of these gems is worth a small fortune - a bag full would have me set for life! I'm on easy street from now on! Haruna: Ah, how am I going to spend it all... I can get curry with all the toppings, maybe... Or maybe I'll buy all my food NOT on manager's special! Haruna: Ahh, my life of luxury begins... I'm gonna buy the most expensive soap you can imagine... Haruna: No, wait! Hongo Haruna, you're smarter than that! You need to conserve a little bit, or you'll run out before you know it! Haruna: Take back as much as possible, then put 90% in savings. Bank interest isn't much, but it increases the more you put in. They say real rich people just sit around and let the money roll in. Haruna: I should also keep some jewels on hand just in case the bank goes bankrupt. To further reduce risk, I should split it up between a few different accounts... Haruna: Ahh, my plan is perfect... A wonderful life awaits me in my old age... Despite my extremely responsible plans, I couldn't stop grinning. I filled up my hands with gold coins and let them fall between my fingers. Haruna: Gold is nice, but jewels are better for price by the pound. I just can't get enough of them... Haruna: Ah, I wonder if there's a bag around here somewhere... What oh what is Haruna gonna doooo... Haruna: Ah! The door to the treasury opened. I went into hiding as I realized that someone was coming in. Haruna: Who is it? I thought everyone in this country was a statue... ???: Here we are. Schneider: We made it at last. Haruna: That man... I think I've seen him before... The old man had tried to hire me for some dirty work not too long ago. I had refused at the time because I was busy, but that hadn't stopped me from considering it for the quick money. Haruna: He ran an old shop called Nevermores... What's he doing here? Bionic Soldier A: Officer Schneider, please, have a look at this! Bionic Soldier B: GRAAAAH! Gold! A mountain of gold! Bionic Soldier A: It sure was right to let them go in first! With that auto-defense system out of the way, we've got the run of the place! Haruna: Bionic Soldiers of the Balbora Empire, too... That man, Schneider... I thought he was a suspicious one... Haruna: But the treasure in this room is mine! He's not gonna get his hands on it! Bionic Soldier B: Ahaha! There's a jewel the size of my fist! This alone will set me up for life! The Bionic Soldiers seemed blinded by the treasures in the room, but Schneider showed little interest. Bionic Soldier C: What about you, Staff Officer?! With all this, we'll never lack funding! Schneider: Gold can have a distracting allure, but it's time to put your shamelessness aside. Schneider: This is all just bait to protect the Balbora Empire's real treasure from thieves. Put it down now! He looked down at some sort of book in his hand, then began feeling along the wall. Schneider: ......There we are. He pressed down on a place in the wall. A secret door slid open. Schneider: Your break time is over. Let's get going. Bionic Soldier A: S-sir! Get going, everyone! Schneider followed the bionic soldiers inside. I checked to make sure the soldiers were gone before coming out of hiding. Haruna: I could just break for it here, but I do have a contract with them... Besides, they'd mentioned a 'real treasure,' and I wanted to find out what that was. I tailed the group quietly. I walked for a while before the pathway opened into a conspicuously wide room. It seemed a little like a factory. Not exactly the place to keep a treasure. Haruna: Maybe they were wrong? I don't see any treasure here... I kept hidden in the shadows and watched them. As I did, Schneider suddenly grinned. He spoke into a walky-talky to his subordinates. Schneider: So it really was here... Turn on the lights! Haruna: W-what is that thing?! The lights went on in the factory. Suddenly I could see everything. Before me was an object like nothing I'd ever seen before. Schneider: General, sir... We've found Boss Orleans.
Yamato: W-what was that?! Out of nowhere, the castle was rocked by an explosion. Clie: That sounds like cannon fire... Could it be an enemy invasion?! Murray: No, it can't be... That's the sound of Imperial cannons. Haruna: Yamato-kun... You don't think... Yamato: Yes... It must be! I looked out the window. The Balbora Empire's air fleet was approaching. They were firing their long-range cannons on the defenseless castle below. Yamato: Curtis's air fleet! I knew he was still alive! Clie: To attack the very castle where his Emperor resides! His shame knows no bounds! Murray: That's why a ruler needs only people who are truly loyal around. The second he realizes the Balbora Empire is defenseless, he moves to take the throne for himself. Clie: He already threw away his loyalty to the Empire in the prior battle... Clie: You filthy traitor! I shall make you pay for your crimes! Yamato: Clie, wait! You don't have the power of a Stryker right now! Clie: I know that! But I must not allow Curtis's treachery to continue! Clie flew out the window, heading straight for Curtis's airship. The airships did not hesitate to deploy their bionic soldiers - they must have known we were there. Jack: My Liege, Clie-dono will be in danger on her own! Haruna: Yamato-kun! Let us go, too! Yamato: You're right! Please, go with her! I looked around and noticed that the other Haruna was gone. Emperor Balbora: She went off to find the treasure room. Yamato: ...I see. I suppose that's her choice. Haruna: Okay, I'm off! Yamato-kun, you stay here and work on getting the people of this country back to normal! Yamato: Thank you. I'll follow you once it's done. Jack: I hear and obey! Haruna-dono, Murray-dono! Go to assist them we must! The three of them all flew out the window to support Clie. As the battle unfolded in the skies above, I turned to face Emperor Balbora anew. Yamato: You said that you can grant my wish in exchange for a part of my body? Emperor Balbora: Yes, that's correct. One arm should be enough to grant your wish, Yamato-chan. Yamato: There's no other way? Emperor Balbora: That would be nice, wouldn't it? Emperor Balbora: Every wish has a price. You learned that from your time with the Memory Collector, didn't you? Yamato: But you said before that the contract was "defective." If it was defective, there should be a way to fix it. Emperor Balbora: Oh, you're a sharp one. Yamato: So there is a way. Emperor Balbora: I guess so. Well, sort of. Emperor Balbora: Very well. We'll do it your way, Yamato-chan. What part of your body will you trade for it? Yamato: I'm not going to trade anything. I want to do it without condition. Emperor Balbora: You can't do that. He doesn't work for free. He's hungry and he needs food. Yamato: You don't want this either, do you? You don't want your country drawn into another world in a defective state. Emperor Balbora: ............ Yamato: You're an Emperor. You must pity the people of your Empire. You can't want them to remain like this. Yamato: If you have the same power as the Memory Collector, you must know a way to break it. Please, I need your help. Emperor Balbora: ...sigh If you insist. In deference to your service to the people of the Balbora Empire, I'll do it for you. Emperor Balbora: However, this is a one-time-only deal. Emperor Balbora thought for a moment, then clipped her fingernails and fed them to the pedestal. A hole seemed to open in the space in front of it, showing a wide world as black as space. Yamato: W-what is this... Emperor Balbora: It's a way for you to sneak into the Memory Collector's Collection Room. Emperor Balbora: There must be some reason why the contract was defective. If you go there, you can find out what it is for yourself. Yamato: Find out for myself? Emperor Balbora: There are two ways to restore the aberration to normal. Either extract the stolen memories of Yuuki Yamato, or eliminate the source of the aberration. Emperor Balbora: If you eliminate the aberration's source, the contract will fix itself. We and the Balbora Empire will remain in this world in our intended form. Emperor Balbora: If you extract the memories, it will void the contract with the Memory Collector. We'll all return to the world of the story where we came from. We would go back to being characters in 'Dengeki Stryker.' In other words, everything would go back to the way it had been. Haruna, Ichimonji, Rin, and Clie would lose the bonds that they had formed. I would never see Jack again. Emperor Balbora: Normally, the fastest way would be to negotiate a cancellation with the Memory Collector himself, but it might not be possible with a contract of this scale. Emperor Balbora: Yamato-chan, it's your choice. You must choose between this world, and 'Dengeki Stryker.' Yamato: ...I understand. Emperor Balbora: Incidentally, the Memory Collector and I may have the same power... but I'm still from a story, whereas he's always existed in this world. He's something like a god here. Emperor Balbora: My power is nothing compared to his. The moment he realizes you're there, he'll probably seal off the entrance, so try to return as quickly as possible. Emperor Balbora: It's going to be very dangerous. I don't fully know what might happen in there, so don't expect me to take responsibility for anything. Yamato: ...Right. I am fully prepared. Emperor Balbora: I do like hard workers like you, you know. Though personally, I think it would have been better if you'd just offered me an arm or a kidney. Yamato: I'm sorry, but I don't want to rely on Collectors anymore. Yuuki Yamato needs to clean up the mess that Yuuki Yamato made. All of this had happened because of the wish made by 'Yuuki Yamato.' It was finally time to make amends. Yamato: ...Well, then. I'm off. I steeled myself, then plunged into the world of the Memory Collector's storehouse. Emperor Balbora: ...What a good boy. I wish I could have a son like that. Emperor Balbora checked to make sure that Yamato had gone inside. She glanced out the window at Curtis's fleet, then placed a hand on the pedestal with its demolished computer system. Emperor Balbora: Well, I guess I should say something cool and Emperor-like. Emperor Balbora: ...Go forth, my servants!! The pedestal shone with a pale blue light. Amoebas poured out of it anew. Emperor Balbora: Destroy the traitors to my Empire! Emperor Balbora: ...Oh, but of course, don't hurt Haruna-chan and her friends. At the Emperor's command, the amoebas dove out towards Curtis's fleet. Once they were gone, she turned her eyes back towards the dimensional rift where Yamato had gone. Yamato: It's like there's no end to it... Yamato had gone deep in the darkness. The darkness was disorienting, unending. Now and then, a random object or unreadable sign floated past. There was no rhyme or reason to anything there. Yamato: I don't have much time... Which means...! Yamato: Stryker System change! Senden! I had to use Senden to search faster! I raced through the seemingly infinite space, looking for the Memory Collector's storehouse. Yamato: It isn't here... Yamato: It's not here, either... Yamato: Where is it?! If only I had some sort of clue... No matter where I went, I couldn't find anything that looked like a storehouse. I was beginning to grow impatient. Suddenly, I heard a sound like a steam whistle. Yamato: Hm? That sound... Previously, the only sounds in the space had been the ones I was making. I saw a faint glimmer of light in the distance, and rushed for it as quickly as I could. Yamato: That's... Running along a track was a toy train - but this one was actual size. It had a number of passenger cars, and I could see signs of people inside. Yamato: ...I'll just have to try it. It was the best lead I had. I got on board the final passenger car, praying that it would lead to my destination.
The sky above the castle had become a battlefield. Bionic Soldier A: Fire! Shoot them! Don't let them get close to the General! Clie: Did you really think you could hit me like that?! Bionic Soldier A: GRAH! Haruna: There's so many... There, and over there, too... Jack: We defeated them once before, yet so many of them are there! How I do loathe persistent men! Clie: Have no fear! We have justice on our side! Bionic Soldier B: Ugh! These things are so annoying! Murray: No, I don't think so. Bionic Soldier B: Ugh! We need to get those mollusc things first! Take them out before they pin us down! There were thousands of the amoebas, but they had no particular weapons. All they could do was grab and crush. The bionic soldiers tore through them with ease. Jack: The sacrifices of our amoebous friends shall not be in vain! HYAHH! Bionic Soldier B: D-damn you! Haruna: HAHHH! Bionic Soldier C: HRRGH! Clie: HAHHHHHH! Bionic Soldier A: GRAAAH! Clie slashed through the crowds of bionic soldiers, making her way to where Curtis awaited. She couldn't use her Stryker power, but there weren't enough of them to put real pressure on her. Clie: ...I've got you! Curtis, prepare yourself! Curtis: Oh-ho. So you've made your way to me. You've become stronger since the last time we met. Clie: You escaped me the last time, but I shall not permit it again. This time, you will face judgment! Curtis: You, a mere Lieutenant Colonel, judge me? Fine words, from a double-crossing Stryker. Clie: As you say, I am now Stryker Hagane... but that does not mean that I have abandoned my loyalty to my Empire or my Emperor! Clie: You are the traitor here - not just to this world, but to your own Empire! I shall strike you down now, in my Emperor's name! Curtis: Heh. It took the power of a Stryker for you to finally put a scratch on me. Right now, you're just 'Clie'. Forgive me if I'm not shaking in fear. Clie: Then I will show you... The ultimate art of the sword! Clie charged Curtis, letting the adrenaline fill her body. Before her opponent could move, she unleashed her strike. Clie: HAHHH! Curtis: Sorry, no. Curtis: Is that all? Don't let your one victory make you overconfident! Clie: I'm not finished yet! Clie was going to expend all of the power that she had to hold back the enemy until Yamato's wish could be set right. Curtis: What's that supposed to be? I can dodge that with my eyes closed. Clie: Ngh... In that case, then what about THIS?! Clie activated the power of her artificial arm. The electrical current sent sparks flying as it concentrated in her fist. The swelling power would surely go out of control without Rin there to help her. Holding tight to the reins, she turned towards Curtis and unleashed it. Clie: Roar, talon of steel! Burning the very air around it, the steel fist shot forth at high speed. A high-voltage electric current turned each of her fingers into a claw, which she swung down at once. Curtis: This is exactly what makes you weak. Clie: W-what?! He blocked my arm! Curtis: You all put your lives on the line to beat me the first time. You're not Hagane, now. Do you think one mere fencer is enough to take me down? Curtis didn't even bother dodging, but repelled the hand with a single stroke. Then, with the same speed with which it returned to Clie's wrist, he dove down toward her. Curtis: Well, then... Take this! Clie: Ah! Clie: Ngh, hnngh...! Curtis: ...You blocked it? Maybe you can hold my interest for a minute. Clie: I shall not lose to you! I shall defeat you and cleanse the evil from my Empire! Curtis: You're willful, at least. I don't think your resistance is going to be enough, however... Curtis: I will very soon become the Emperor of the Balbora Empire. If you wish, you and your sister could become my concubines. Hmm? Clie: I regret to inform you that I have made my decision on that matter. I will give myself only to that man and no other! Clie: That aside, I would never give myself to such a disgusting creature as you! Curtis: I see. In that case... You can die right now. Curtis clearly wasn't using his full power, but Clie still did all she could do to keep his attacks at bay. Still, she could sense something else behind the tedium in Curtis's eyes. She was seized by a sudden uneasiness. Clie: Yamato, please hurry! I'm sure that man is still planning something...
Yamato: What is with this train? I boarded the train and was immediately unnerved by my surroundings. There were a number of people seated inside. No, they weren't sitting - the seats had actually absorbed them. Only their upper halves could be seen, and they showed no signs of movement. Their bodies were translucent, and they stared blankly ahead like people drained of their souls. Yamato: Excuse me. There's something I'd like to ask you. Can anybody answer me? ...... Yamato: No reaction, as I expected... Yamato: They don't seem to have any consciousness. Could this be the Memory Collector's storehouse? That would mean that these were all memories he had taken. Yamato: Which means that Yuuki Yamato's memories might be here, too... There was no time to hesitate. I began moving through the train cars with a clear sense of urgency. Yamato: Yuuki Yamato! Are you in here, Yuuki Yamato?! Yamato: If you can hear me, answer me! Yuuki Yamato, are you in here?! The next car and the next... On and on down the line I moved, calling to my other self. I was just beginning to feel frustrated, when... I noticed something strange about the car just ahead. Yamato: That's... The walls of the car were bending inwards, as if trying to crush the people inside. I had seen nothing like it in any of the other cars. Something was clearly amiss there. Yamato: ...I'll have to go in and see. I made sure I had my Stryker Units in place before going inside. Inside the train car, I could see that the walls were pressing down on the inside. And there, I saw people inside of the car, straining against the walls to keep from being crushed. Roches: Dammit! Not sure how much longer I can hold on, you guys! Phoenix: Stop griping and push! If we let this thing crush us, we'll end up like the people in those other cars! Roches: Yeah, I know! But they keep coming, and there's nothing I can do! Duran: Ah, I'm through... I'll go to sleep on your chest, I will... Duran: GWAH! Hilko: Stop complaining and get moving! If a beauty like me can expend the effort, so can you! Orson: Hmmmm... Daniel: Officer Orson, you are our cornerstone. I fear I must ask you to remain strong. Orson: Hmmmm! Joseph: I wish I could be of some aid. To think that my canine physique would put me at such a disadvantage... Roches: If you're gonna say that, at least stop marking everything... Joseph: Woof! Yamato: I-it's you... The people inside the train car were faces that I knew well. Roches, Phoenix, Hilko, Daniel, Duran, Joseph, Orson... All the members of the Balbora Empire who had disappeared. Mirror: ...I see our reinforcements have arrived. Roches: R-reinforcements? How the hell would we get somethin' like that here? Mirror: I suppose that's what superheroes are for. Have a look down there. At Mirror's words, they all turned towards me. Roches: Stryker! It's you! Hilko: It took you long enough! As a beautiful woman of womanly beauties, I should be saved BEFORE things get to this point! Yamato: What's going on?! What are you people doing here? Phoenix: That's what we'd like to know! I was thinking we'd disappeared, then we found ourselves here! Roches: We've been stuck in this creepy-ass train the whole time! I'm begging you, man! Get us out of the damn thing! That meant this really was the place where the Memory Collector stored the memories he took. But when he recovered the memories of the child Yamato, the Balboran vanguard, instead of disappearing, were swallowed in, too. Another part of the 'aberration,' it seemed. Duran: You saw the other train cars! This car is trying to crush us into people like those! Save us! Please!! Hilko: Yes, help us already! This is all just revolting! Yamato: You can't escape with your own powers? Daniel: I regret to admit it, but the majority of our powers appear to have been sealed by the train. Joseph: I try to summon fire, but only smoke appears. And as a mere dog, my physique is unsuited to pushing back against the car. Yamato: Mirror... Your power isn't working, either? Mirror: No. I'm using all of my strength to keep from being taken in, but I only have a fraction of my usual power. Mirror: Zero. You are the only person who can save us. I hope you didn't come this far simply to watch us struggle. Yamato: ...You're right. I saw, too, the source of the 'aberration.' It was struggling to keep from being swallowed up like the people in the other train cars. I slowly approached. Yamato: Extract it, or eliminate it... It was there, in the center of the train car. The child-aged Yuuki Yamato, squatting against the floor. Beside him was a young girl who looked like Haruna, stroking his back. The child was sweating as he fought with the train. It was like sparks flying from his body. Emperor Balbora: There are two ways to restore the aberration to normal. Either extract the stolen memories of Yuuki Yamato, or eliminate the source of the aberration. Emperor Balbora: If you eliminate the aberration's source, the contract will fix itself. We and the Balbora Empire will remain in this world in our intended form. Emperor Balbora: If you extract the memories, it will void the contract with the Memory Collector. We'll all return to the world of the story where we came from. I thought back on Emperor Balbora's words. If I pulled the child Yamato out of the car, it would forcibly void the contract. The real world and the world of the manga would be ripped apart again. If I let him be absorbed by the train car, we could remain in this world as we were. Yamato: ............ I thought back on all that I had done since coming to this world. Too many memories to neatly separate out; memories I had made with my friends. If we returned to our world, we would have to fulfill our roles as manga characters. I would never doubt my mission, never make peace with the vanguard, never join hands with Clie. I would accept the Balbora Empire as an evil empire, without question. I would do my duty to crush them. The decision was too heavy for one person to make alone. And yet, despite all the lives it affected, I made my choice without hesitation. Yamato: I'm sorry, everyone... It looks like I'll be deciding things on my own again... My other half. The part that the Memory Collector had torn from me as a child. The one who had taken hands with Mirror to destroy the city. Yamato: ...Hey. Cooled your head a little? Child Yamato: ...Stryker... What do you want?! Yamato: ...I came to laugh at you. Child Yamato: ...... Yamato: You made a stupid wish without considering the consequences. And now this world is paying the price. Yamato: After all that, you're here, being sucked in by this stupid toy. And you've gotten other people mixed up in that, too. Child Yamato: Shut up... Shut up, shut up!! Are you saying this is my fault? Are you saying all of this is my fault?! Yamato: ...I am. Everything that's happened is your fault. Child Yamato: ...Ngh. Yamato looked down at the floor, unable to respond. The girl put a gentle hand on his shoulder. Yamato: ...Who are you? Child Haruna: Hongo Haruna. I'm Yamato-kun's friend... Yamato: Hongo... I see. Then that girl... That explained the Stryker girl with the same name as Haruna. This girl represented her memories. The real Haruna... The childhood playmate of Yuuki Yamato that the manga's Haruna was based on. I had been wondering how she had acquired that power. This explained everything. Child Haruna: Yamato-kun pulled me out to keep me from being sucked up by the car... But in exchange, he's bearing my burden, too... Please, save him! She seemed capable and intelligent for one so young. I couldn't help but smile when I compared her to the real-world girl she had become. With the girl pulled free, the car was now exerting double force on Yamato. He was bearing a heavier burden than anyone else on the train. Even as we were talking, it continued. The elastic-like floor continued to suck Yamato into it. Yamato: So, you did save this girl. I guess you have your good points, too. Child Yamato: Of course I do... I made a promise! I made a promise that I'd protect Haruna! Yamato: That's right. The name 'superhero' only applies to those who fight to protect someone else. Child Yamato: ...Right. Yamato: ...Even so... I really couldn't protect you... Child Yamato: ......I couldn't protect Haruna. Yamato: I am the 'Dengeki Stryker, Yuuki Yamato' that you wished to become. Yamato: I was brought here by your wish. I am the other you. Yamato: And yet... I am not the perfect, infallible superhero that you thought I was, either. Child Yamato: ...But... But still... I wanted to be a superhero! Yamato: ...Why? Child Yamato: Because... Superheroes are cool... They're strong... Yamato: Is that all? Child Yamato: Because if I was a superhero... If I was a real superhero, I'd be able to protect the people that I love!! Yamato: I literally came out of a comic book, and I'm still not the perfect hero you wanted to be. I'm not sure if a perfect hero can exist in this world. Child Yamato: ...What?! Yamato: But that doesn't mean that I... that we... can't still strive for that goal. Yamato: We cannot become justice itself, but we can ally ourselves with others who wish for the same thing we do. We can fight for justice... together. Child Yamato: ...Even after everything? Yamato: Even after everything, yes. Yamato: However... being a real superhero is not easy. You need to do the right thing, no matter how hard it is. It might be more painful than death. Maybe no one will ever thank you. Child Yamato: ...... Yamato: Surrendering yourself to this train might be the easier way. You won't have to think about anything. You won't have to feel any pain. Yamato: Do you still want to be a superhero? Child Yamato: Of course I do!! The boy shouted back, forcefully, regardless of the pain from the floor drawing him in. Yamato: ...I see. Yamato: In that case, the task is left to us. Together, we will take responsibility for this. Child Yamato: ...I want to... but I don't have the power... I don't have the power that you do!! The boy shouted out in frustration. That is when I decided. We would leave this world behind. It would be easy enough to simply let this boy be absorbed by the train. The aberration would right itself, and we would be able to remain in this world. A world unlike the world of the manga, where we could spend all our days in peace. But what meaning did it have, if it required the sacrifice of this boy - of Yuuki Yamato? This boy, who, like me, still burned for justice and the need to defend it. Yamato: ...I am you. Your power is right here. I pulled the child Yamato's hand away from the floor and placed it on my arm. Child Yamato: Stryker... Yamato: Now... Use all of the power that you have. To break free of your bindings and take responsibility, you need to know how a hero acts. Child Yamato: ...I know how... Child Yamato: No matter what happens, I won't give up! No matter how powerful the enemy, I'll find the courage to face it... Child Yamato: I'll protect Haruna from anyone that would want to harm her... That's the type of superhero I want to be! Child Yamato: That's Dengeki Stryker! Yamato: Then there's only one thing to say. Let's go, partner! Child Yamato: Yes... Stryker System change! Hyaku-shiki!! The child shouted at the top of his lungs - a proud, joyous cry, despite the obvious pain in his face... With the force of Dengeki Stryker's Hyaku-shiki, the boy's will shattered the walls of the train car. Beams of light exploded forth. We flew towards the exit Emperor Balbora had created. Meanwhile, elsewhere... A pop sounded out from the man's leather satchel. He pulled out a contract from within. As if from a stray spark, he found the signature line had been burned away. Memory Collector: Ho ho... so, he's done it.
Clie: HYAAAAH! Curtis: Why don't you just give up? Clie: Ngh! Curtis: You can't beat me as you are right now. Can't you see that yet? I was struggling. His words were correct. My opponent was Brigadier General Curtis of the Balbora Empire... The horde of amoebas was helping me, but bionic soldiers still assailed me from all sides. Haruna and Jack were occupied elsewhere. They couldn't help me. Curtis: All I need to do is kill Emperor Balbora. You can buy as much time as you like. It won't change the ending. Clie: No... The ending is not yet decided. That's right... You are still overconfident! Murray: There we are! Curtis: Hmm? Murray: How was that? That's a direct hit from a special armor-piercing round! The amoebas had kept her hidden while she readied her sniper rifle. Captain Murray had chosen her shot perfectly, and hit Curtis the split second his body came into view. There was an explosion and smoke, and his body reeled from the shot. Murray: You may be my commanding officer, but I can't just allow you to assassinate our Emperor. Not even you could... Curtis: Heh heh heh heh... Clie: Ah! I-it can't be... It didn't work?! Curtis: No! It did hurt quite a bit. It's a blow to my pride to be caught unaware like that. Curtis: Yes... More like a pinprick. Clie: He's... uninjured... Murray: How... how could this be? I was saving that shot especially... Curtis: Was that all there was to your plan? Well then, I guess it's my turn. Curtis: I'll eliminate the meddling old woman first. She can't be of any use to you anyway. Clie: You stay away from her! Clie: Ngh! Bionic soldiers... Curtis: Stupid as ever, Clie. You were so preoccupied with me that you left yourself open. Clie: Captain Murray! Use the amoebas as a shield! Curtis: Too slow! Do you think that's enough to avoid my attack? The bullets ripped through the amoebas, heading for Captain Murray. I tore through the bionic soldiers as quickly as I could, but I couldn't stop the bullets that were already fired. Murray: I've done... all that I could. I suppose it's time for me to join the others... And then... ???: After all that effort to make it back, you're not going to leave without us, are you? The bullets were just about to strike. Then, suddenly, they all stopped, as if striking an invisible wall. Curtis: W-what?! You've stopped my bullets?! Hilko: Oh, but of course. After all, I am a beautiful woman of womanly beauties! Roches: Hey! I got a score to settle here! Phoenix: Let's get him surrounded! Firebird! Soar! Curtis: Hmm! Useless! Daniel: The Brigadier General is indeed quite powerful to shrug off a combined attack from the two of them. Duran: But we saved Captain Murray, we did. The sudden rain of fire and blades cut through Curtis's bullets. Captain Murray's sudden saviors - the people most dear to her in the world. Murray: You! Joseph: We regret having worried you, Captain Murray. Orson: Hmm. Murray: But you all disappeared... How did you get back here?! Daniel: I should like to explain everything over a fine glass of wine... For now, let's just say that it's thanks to Stryker Zero. Murray: Of course, of course... I never thought I would see you again... Hilko: Oh, do stop crying already. We're here now, that's what matters. Murray: You're right... This is a time for rejoicing. Roches: Anyway, looks like we got a couple of things to take care of first. Phoenix: Rebelling against the Emperor, eh? So we don't have to hold back just because he's a General, right? Captain Murray was overjoyed to see her friends again. And knowing that Yamato must have returned safely was one less burden on my heart. Curtis: I thought that the vanguard was destroyed. What are you people doing here? Clie: Curtis, the tables have turned. Having these men on my side cancels out your advantage of numbers. Curtis: ...... Clie: Repent for your sins and kneel before your rightful Emperor. Perhaps your subordinates will receive lighter punishment. Curtis: Heh heh heh heh... Clie: ...What is so funny? Curtis: I was just thinking how stupid it is to celebrate prematurely. Have you forgotten my own power? Clie: I remember. But you cannot think that a rebellion against the Empire will go unpunished! Curtis: Your reasoning is sound. I agree with your argument. However... Clie: W-what is this shaking?! Is it coming from the castle?! Curtis: Yes... I am not such a fool as to mount a siege without proper preparation! Curtis: Now, come to me! The ultimate power that will elevate me to my imperial throne!!
An enormous monster was pulling itself out of a gaping hole in the palace wall. It was huge, made of steel, and belching steam. 50 meters tall and crafted in an old-fashioned style, the massive mechanical man lumbered forward, crushing buildings in its wake. Curtis: THAT is the treasure of the Balbora Empire! I found out about it in those books depicting our exploits! Clie: You mean 'Dengeki Stryker'... What have you awakened, you vile man?! Curtis: I don't care, as long as I win! You idiots didn't even realize it existed! ???: INSOLENT FOOLS! Curtis: Hahaha! There you are, Schneider! Now, do it! Crush them like bugs beneath your feet! Curtis gave his order, but there was something strange about the way Boss Orleans moved. From its speakers sounded a crazed voice. ???: INSOLENT FOOLS! Then, it lashed out with the huge morning star on its hand. Curtis: W-what?! Schneider, how could y-- GRAAH! The unexpected attack sent Curtis flying backwards. It continued to stomp forward, waving its arms to pulverize enemy and ally alike. Bionic Soldier A: GRAAAAH! Bionic Soldier B: H-help m-- HRAAH! Even a nearby airship was blown out of the sky. The roaring giant of steel was rampaging out of control. An avatar of destruction, bent on destroying everything that moved. This was clearly not a part of Curtis's plan. Clie: Ngh... What exactly is going on, here?! Emperor Balbora: That foolish cyborg. What was he thinking, bringing that thing out? Bionic Soldier C: Ah... Ahh... Where am I? Emperor Balbora: You arrived just in time! Come here, you! Bionic Soldier C: Y-Y-Your Imperial Highness! I wasn't... I was just following the General's orders! I wasn't rebelling against you! Emperor Balbora: Like I care about any of that! I need your arm! Or your leg! Or your heart, for all I care! Bionic Soldier C: B-but why?! Emperor Balbora: That giant is Boss Orleans. He's an imperial toy we kept shut up below the castle! He won't listen to anyone he perceives as inferior to him! Emperor Balbora: If we let him run wild, he'll kill everyone! I need you to sign this contract, now! Give me your leg! Or both of your legs! I need to take that thing apart! Bionic Soldier C: AHHH! No thank you, ma'am! Emperor Balbora: Hey, you! This is no time to run away! Emperor Balbora: Oh, for heaven's sake. No cyborg is strong enough to beat that thing!
Yamato: W-what is that massive thing? The vanguard and I had just escaped from the Memory Collector's pocket dimension. That massive steel giant was the first thing we saw. The vanguard had joined forces with Haruna and the others to try to stop the giant in its tracks. Child Yamato: That's Boss Orleans! I read about him in the 'Dengeki Stryker Encyclopedia'! If anyone besides the Emperor tries to use him, he just goes berserk! Yamato: I see... Then he must be incredibly powerful! Mirror was carrying both the children as the boy told us what the steel giant was. Boss Orleans: INSOLENT FOOLS! Meanwhile, Boss Orleans continued its rampage like an out-of-control machine. Knowing that Curtis was involved, it was easy to infer what had happened. Mirror carried the children far away, to keep them out of danger. Mirror: If things continue, he's likely to wreck the city, too. Yamato: I won't let it happen. All of us working together should be able to beat it. Child Yamato: You can't! Boss Orleans's armor is really strong! Nothing can break it! Not even Stryker or Mirror! Mirror: ...You're as knowledgeable as ever. Child Yamato: Hehe! I know everything there is to know about Dengeki Stryker! Yamato: We may need that knowledge, then. How do we defeat that monstrous thing? Child Yamato: Right! If you wanna destroy Boss Orleans... Mirror: Hmm? What was that? Just then, black clouds started covering the Balboran continent, darkening the sky above. Like a wreath of flowers reverting to their bud, the clouds rose from below to begin covering the sky. Yamato: It's coming apart... The Balbora Empire is returning to its original world... The contract was broken. The world of 'Dengeki Stryker' was going to break away from the real world. Realizing that gave me a new sense of urgency. Yamato: Change of plans! You need to go home with Jack and the others! Child Yamato: But Boss Orleans... Yamato: Once that cloud envelops the continent, there's no going back! Leave the monster to us and get going! Mirror: I'll take responsibility for taking you to safety. You don't mind, do you? Child Yamato: But... Stryker really can't beat-- Mirror: We're here with him now. You know the story, so you know how powerful we all are, don't you? Child Yamato: ...Yeah. Mirror: So please, believe in us. Justice always triumphs, after all. Child Yamato: ...I know. But... Just don't try to beat it from outside, okay? Yamato: Right. I promise. Just then, the tiny Hongo Haruna pointed up towards Orleans. Child Haruna: What's that? Child Yamato: That's... Is that Haruna? She's grown up and dressed as a Stryker, but... Haruna was caught on the collar of Boss Orleans's giant body. She must have been knocked unconscious by the force of the giant's movements. Yamato: What's she doing there? I thought she was going for the treasury... The sky was growing blacker by the minute. Piece by piece, the world was coming apart, returning to the way it should've been. Child Haruna: Ah! The girl let out a tiny cry. Just then, her body dissolved into flecks of light and vanished from Mirror's hold on her, returning to the body of the adult Haruna. Child Yamato: HARUNA! The flecks of light settled onto the unconscious Haruna's body, fusing with her. Just then... Mirror: That means... The memories have returned to their true owner? Child Yamato: ...That's... the real Haruna, I guess... Boss Orleans: INSOLENT FOOLS! Yamato: Ah! Damn! Just then, the rampaging Boss Orleans twisted, causing her to fall into his body. Child Yamato: She fell inside! You gotta save her! Yamato: I will! I'll punch a hole inside that monster! I charged Boss Orleans, alone, making sure to stay in his blind spot. Yamato: We'll see how powerful your armor is. Stryker System, change! Kamui! The Stryker Unit channeled the electricity through my body, transforming me into a thunderbolt. With it, I felt an explosion of power and pain. Without a moment's delay, I sprung into action, unleashing my full power in a single punch. Yamato: Kamui, roar! Just try and resist this if you can! Yamato: Take that!! I unleashed all of the power in my body. It might not open a hole, but even a hairline crack-- Boss Orleans: INSOLENT FOOLS! Yamato: W-what?! My attack hadn't even dented the Boss's armor. Just as the boy had said. His giant pincer lashed out at me with greater speed than I would have expected. Haruna: Stryker System change! Tenrai! Tenrai's blast hit the pincer from the side. It took all of Stryker Retsu's power just to change the angle of the strike, but thanks to that, I was able to dodge. Instead, it hit the courtyard below me, which was reduced to rubble in a single strike. The full blast comprising all of Haruna's power hadn't left a single scratch on the pincer. Haruna: Yamato-kun! Are you okay?! Yamato: Thanks to you, Haruna. It seems his armor is as unrelenting as I'd heard. Haruna: We've been fighting him together all this time. Nothing works. If we don't stop him soon, he's gonna get out into the city... Boss Orleans was on the rampage. His power was unreal. His armor was so strong that none of the vanguard's attacks had even made a crack in it. Yamato: Haruna. I want to open a hole in his armor. Can you help me? Haruna: Yes. Things are just gonna get worse at this rate! Yamato: Let's go, Haruna! We need to hold out 'til the very end! I joined the battle with Haruna, firing my attacks at Boss Orleans. I was using all the power that I had, focusing on the places where his armor looked the weakest. But he shook off everything we fired at him, and continued his rampage unchecked. Yamato: I'm glad he's the only enemy we're facing... But how are we supposed to hurt him? The damage was spreading. Curtis had fallen unconscious. With the huge giant rampaging across the Balbora Empire, the bionic soldiers that served him didn't fight, but merely stared up in terror. Mirror: This isn't looking good... The combined power of Zero and Retsu haven't even put a scratch on it. Child Yamato: I told them! Mirror! You have to take me up there! Mirror: What are you talking about? It's dangerous there! Child Yamato: I told him, you can't beat him from the outside! But if you can get inside him, you can stop him! Mirror: You're just a child! You can't do it! Please, just leave it to us! Child Yamato: That means I'm small enough to sneak in through a crack in his joints! I'm the only one who can do it! Mirror: But... Child Yamato: Please! Haruna's alone in there with some crazy guy who could do anything! Child Yamato: Please, Mirror, I know you know how I feel! I want to protect Haruna! Mirror: ...... The boy had been inside of me. He had lived as a part of me. I remembered the passionate feelings he felt towards the girl called Haruna. I let out a small sigh. Mirror: ...I understand. Child Yamato: Mirror! Thank you! Mirror: We were roommates, after all. Mirror: However... I won't forgive you if you fail. Hold tight to me and don't let go. Child Yamato: Right! Mirror: Avoid the enemy's attacks to infiltrate his body... A difficult job... But perhaps, while his attention is absorbed by Zero and the others... I watched Boss Orleans carefully and chose the best time to approach. The moment we were in the enemy's blind spot, I called Yamato. Mirror: Let's go, Yamato! With Yamato in my arms, I rushed for Boss Orleans. While he was in the middle of an attack, I sped for the shoulder joint close to where Haruna had fallen. Yamato: W-what are they... I saw Mirror approaching in Boss Orleans's blind spot. In the moment we had him pinned down, he grabbed onto his shoulder joint, and slipped the boy into the space between it. Jack: My Liege... Mirror-dono has taken My Child Liege to... Yamato: I see... He's going to stop it from inside! Clie: Of course. If you can't beat it from the outside, do it from inside! Yamato: Haruna is inside as well. If he succeeds, it will solve both problems at once... Boss Orleans: IN-- INSOLENT FOOLS!! Yamato: Ngh... But we need to pin him down first! Clie: Precisely! We must stop him before the damage spreads to the city! Our only option was to stave off Boss Orleans's rampage long enough for the boy to do his work. Yamato: Hurry back, Yuuki Yamato! Your mother and father are waiting! All the while, the clouds continued to block out the sky over the Balboran continent. They had very little time left to act. Child Yamato: Ugh! Stupid wires... Boss Orleans's body was packed with machine parts. Yamato's body was small enough navigate through it, but each time Boss Orleans moved, the wires tangled around him. Child Yamato: I'm not gonna let this stop me! Everyone's still fighting out there! He'd read the part of the encyclopedia about Boss Orleans's layout so many times he'd worn holes in the pages. There were many branching paths, but he knew just which way to go. Child Yamato: Haruna fell into the neck joint! Just above the cockpit! He twisted, pushing through the wires and moving machine parts as he made his way. If one got around his neck, it would all be over, but Yamato moved on without fear. Child Yamato: I'm gonna save you... because I made a promise! Child Yamato: Please wait for me, Haruna! I'm gonna beat all the bad guys this time! He wasn't at the cockpit yet, but he raced forward to ensure that he and Haruna could return to Japan together. Child Yamato: HARUNA!!
Yamato: Ngh! How can it be so strong... We were holding down Boss Orleans as best we could. It destroyed anything in its sight, enemy and ally alike. Destruction was the only reason for its existence. Boss Orleans: INSOLENT FOOLS! Boss Orleans: IN-- INSOLENT FOOLS!! Boss Orleans swung its massive arms and fired beams from its one huge eye. Each attack did untold damage to the city. We tried to divert its attention to minimize the damage, but the wave of destruction continued to expand. Bionic Soldier A: O-our... Bionic Soldier B: Our Balbora Empire... The bionic soldiers who had fought against us all this time under Curtis's orders. The sight of their homeland being destroyed sent a shock through them. A number of them moved to try to help us stop Boss Orleans. Bionic Soldier B: Please, stop! My house is there!! Bionic Soldier C: You idiot! General Curtis is gonna kill us if we help the enemy! Bionic Soldier B: Stay here if you want! This is the city where my sister and her husband live! The bionic soldiers moved forward in great numbers to cling to the head, trying to pry it upwards to divert the beams it fired. Mirror: Stop it! You people don't have the power to stop him! Bionic Soldier B: You're wrong! We want to protect our homeland, too! Bionic Soldier B: I don't give a crap about the General's orders! I just want to protect my family! Boss Orleans: IN-- INSOLENT FOOLS!! Boss Orleans tried to brush off the bionic soldier, but its stubby arms wouldn't swing that way. It turned its head around, but the bionic soldier remained, clinging stubbornly. Roches: Hey, they ain't bad! That's a good way to hold off damage to the city! Phoenix: Wait, Roches! I think he's got something else in mind! Boss Orleans: INNNSOOOLEEENT FOOOOLS! Suddenly, Boss Orleans's chest plate opened up, revealing a huge battery of missiles. Duran: Th-that's not good... Just one would destroy a city block, it would! Roches: Wh... What the hell?! Boss Orleans: INSOLENT FOOLS! Boss Orleans fired off several missiles. It flew high into the air, then reversed course. Roches: Scatter, you guys! We gotta stop that thing before it takes out a city block! Mirror: No, wait! The missile isn't aiming for the city! It was heading for the robot itself. It was aiming to clear off the bionic soldiers clinging to its head. Mirror: Fall back! Now!! Bionic Soldier B: Ah... It was too late. The missile exploded on Boss Orleans's head, easily blowing away the soldiers clinging to it. What's more, it was clear that Boss Orleans was unfazed. Yamato: W-what kind of creature is that? Jack: Its strength is beyond compare... Clie: Fall back, all of you! If concussive attacks and electrical attacks fail, we shall cut it to ribbons! The sword roared to life in Clie's hand. Sparks flew as it roared forth with the power of Shusui. Clie: Even without Rin, I can try it, just once... Forcing down the pain that ran through her body, Clie focused her heart into the serenity of a still pond. Her eyes snapped open. She unleashed the power inside of her. Clie: Balboran Sword Arts, Stryker Hagane Special Technique! Clie: JINRAI! It was Clie's most powerful sword strike. In the blink of an eye, the slash struck Boss Orleans's metal body. Its armor... Clie: Ah... ...snapped Clie's sword. Unable to hold against the armor, the sword's blade broke off with a dull clink. Clie: Th-that's not possible. My sword... It's made of an unbreakable super alloy! Phoenix: Then it sounds like we'll have to melt it! Daniel: If you intend to try, we'll hold it in place for you. Lieutenant Hilko! Hilko: It does seem like it's worth a try! My mother's grave is in this city, after all... Daniel: This is my full power! Feel the force of 1000 Gs! Hilko: HNNNNNNGAHHHH! Stay right where you are!! Daniel's gravitational powers and Hilko's telekinesis both fired off at once. For the first time, Boss Orleans was stopped in his tracks. Phoenix: Here we go! My TRUE ultimate technique will burn itself into your body! Phoenix: TRUE Firebird Legend! HNNNNNNNNNNNNGRAAAAAAH! Phoenix flew at Boss Orleans's chest, his body wreathed in flames. He concentrated the heat against a single point on the enemy's chest. Boss Orleans: IN-- IN-- SO-- Boss Orleans was forced to his knees from the combined telekinetic and gravitational forces. The ground, unable to take the incredible weight, began crumbling at his feet. Haruna: Yamato-kun... This might just work! Yamato: Yes... Not even he can take that! Jack: If an opening in his chest is made, we can all destroy him from the inside! Daniel: HRAAAAAAAAAAAH!! Hilko: DIE! DIE! DIE! DIE!! DIE!! Phoenix: Melt into slag, you giant monster!! Their muscles strained as they expended all of their power together. The metal on Boss Orleans's chest glowed from the heat. His eye flashed red. Boss Orleans: INNNSOOOLEEENT FOOOOLS!!! Daniel: W-what just happened?! Boss Orleans howled in fury. The shockwave forced cracks into the surrounding buildings. Phoenix: I-impossible! My flames didn't ev-- HRAAAAAAGH! With a roar, it freed itself from the power that held it, then twisted with a speed belying its massive form. Phoenix's flames went flying away. Boss Orleans had only just managed to drive away the attack, but he seemed even angrier and more powerful. Duran: He'll fire his remaining missiles, he will! Mirror: Oh no! Boss Orleans: INSOLENT FOOLS! Yamato: Ngh... We need to stop them, all together! If they hit, they will cause untold destruction! Six missiles flew into the skies. A few of us stayed behind to hold him off, while the rest flew into the sky, each intending to take out a missile. Duran: If we cause it to explode up here, we can prevent the damage! Lieutenant Hilko! Hilko: If I must. But only this once. HNGRAAAAAAH! She altered the trajectory of the missile dropping on the town, slowing it to a speed where Duran could fire on it. Duran: I'll look cool for Lieutenant Hilko just once, I will! There we are!! The missile wobbled, heading straight for him. Duran immediately located the missile's trigger, and took his aim. Duran: Hit it! Hit it! HIT IT!! The missile exploded in the sky, releasing a massive shockwave. Duran: I did it! I've done it, I've done it! Hilko: Oh, I suppose you can be useful. Perhaps I underestimated you. Duran: L-Lieutenant Hilko! Hilko: Okay, reward over. Duran: GWAH! Hilko: Now, you'd better stop the remaining five! Mirror: Two for us. Lieutenant Roches, can you handle it? Roches: If I don't, the city's done for. Never thought I'd be workin' with you to stop it, though. Mirror: Neither did I. After all, I'm the most powerful, most vile creature that ever lived. It's a miracle that we should work together this way. Roches: ...Guess that's Yuuki-san's influence, huh? Mirror: The child version, at least. Two missiles dropped toward the place where Mirror and Roches hovered. The pair waited calmly, preparing for impact. Mirror: One for each of us, then. We must stop them. Roches: Hey, you! Let's do this! Roches's body was surrounded by eight swords. Glinting in silver, they raced for the tip of one of the missiles. Mirror: Then I shall join you... Mirror System! Silverado Roches! Mirror produced the same attack and sent it flying at the other missile. Roches: You ain't gonna touch our city! No one destroys the Balbora Empire while I'm around!! Mirror: I've abused my power for too long. This time, I want to create a happy ending. Sixteen points of light tore through the air, cutting straight for the missiles. They danced through air together, indiscriminately, slicing mercilessly through the missiles. Torn to shreds, both missiles burst into a massive explosion. Roches: YEAH!! Mirror: Three of them remain! Zero, the rest is up to you! Yamato: Haruna! Can you do it? Haruna: Y-yeah. I just have to shoot it down, right? Yamato: Don't worry, you won't have to aim. Just keep firing with all the power you have! Haruna: Right! I'll try! Yamato: Good answer. Let's go, Haruna! Yamato & Haruna: Stryker System change! Tenrai! Plasma collected on our arms. We both turned to the approaching missiles, and released the power of our Stryker Units. Yamato: I'm going to stop you here! HAHHHHHHH! We fired at the missiles, one beam of light after the other. As if realizing how the other missiles had been shot down, they seemed to alter their trajectory more quickly, making it harder to hit them. Yamato: But I'm not going to let that happen! Haruna: I might not be very good at aiming, but there's another way to hit! Haruna: I... I did it! Yamato: Whew... We took out all of its missiles... Boss Orleans: INNNSOOOLEEENT FOOOOLS!!! At seeing its missiles destroyed, Boss Orleans let out another roar of anger. Its rage shook the air around it, causing a few of the weakened buildings to crumble to dust. Yamato: But this isn't over! We still have to stop him, any way we can! Haruna: Right! Because we can't let him destroy the city! The steel giant's massive red eye flashed again and again, reflecting its mad desire for destruction. It seemed to have settled on the palace as its next target. We flew in quickly to try to stop him. Yamato: Hurry back, partner! We can't hold out here much longer!
Child Yamato: Boss Orleans is going crazy... I gotta... I gotta stop him... The narrow pathway shook, telling of the violent struggle outside. He pushed through the machinery and wires and caught sight of a faint light ahead. Child Yamato: HARUNA!! Through the gap in the machinery, he could see Haruna, still unconscious. Yamato summoned up all the strength he had to crawl towards the light's origin. Child Yamato: Haruna, are you okay?! Haruna! He ran up to the unconscious Haruna, checking her over for injuries. Child Yamato: Thank goodness... I musta made it in time... Child Yamato: Don't worry, Haruna. I'm gonna get this robot stopped, okay? Another shockwave told him that things weren't going well outside. The battle was still on. Yamato had to do something before Boss Orleans made another move. ???: ...I... I... I... Insolent fools! Child Yamato: Nngh! Suddenly, something hit Yamato from behind, smashing him into the wall. Child Yamato: ...Officer... Schneider?! There before him was Schneider, his body pierced through by wires. His expression, the look in his eyes, all told of a man in the grip of madness. Schneider: This is the ruinous Orleans... I... I am his... heart... Child Yamato: Boss Orleans... has taken him over! The encyclopedia said... it was sealed away because no one could use him! Schneider: ...I... I am great... I am the Boss... I am great... All beneath me... will p-p-pay the price... for drawing near... Schneider picked up a metal pipe that had fallen nearby. Before Yamato could stand up, he moved, striking down at the unconscious Haruna. Child Yamato: STOP IT! GET OFF HARUNA!! Yamato moved in front of her, throwing his body in front of the metal pipe Schneider swung. Child Yamato: Ow... Y-you jerk... Stop it! Schneider: K-kill... Harm... Destroy... Child Yamato: D-dammit... Schneider: Die... Harm... Fall... Child Yamato: Ngh... Hnngh... The metal pipe hit the child's small body over and over again. It struck his head, his back. His consciousness went fuzzy and started slipping away... Child Yamato: Ngh... No... I'm not gonna let you beat me! Child Yamato: Everyone's fighting out there! They're fighting to stop it 'cause they believe in me... That's why... YOU'RE NOT GONNA BEAT ME! With Haruna in his arms, he darted away from the pipe. Schneider: I... Impu... dent... Schneider drew closer. Yamato stood opposite him with Haruna in his arms. Just then, he felt something hard inside Haruna's pocket. Child Yamato: This is... It was a cup and ball. Yamato remembered how - while he had always been clumsy - she had been great at the cup and ball. But this was no simple cup and ball. The cup was steel and the wire was metal. The ball was made of a super alloy. Yes... It was Stryker Kuu's weapon. Schneider: K... Kill... Harm... Destroy... Die... Harm... Fall... Schneider's eyes were empty, his words addled by madness. He raised the metal pipe. Child Yamato: No you won't! Yamato yanked the cup and ball out of her pocket, blocking the pipe with the wire. The wire wound around the pipe, holding it in place. Child Yamato: I know everything there is to know about 'Dengeki Stryker!' And I know your weak point, too! Child Yamato: Page 196 of the Dengeki Stryker Encyclopedia... Boss Orleans! Your armor might be made from a super alloy so that no attack can faze you... Child Yamato: But from inside... the electricity of a Stryker... can short out your computer and send you down!! Child Yamato: Stryker System set! SHIDEN!! I flipped the switch on Haruna's weapon. Electricity ran through the pipe into Schneider's body, and from there, into Orleans. Schneider: HGRAAAAAAAAAH! But at the same time, it ran through me, too. Child Yamato: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH!! Normally, a kid like me couldn't take that much electricity, but I wasn't about to let go of that cup and ball. I wouldn't let go of Schneider's metal pipe, either. Child Yamato: HRRRGKKRRRRRAAH! Schneider: Nnnnnnot possible! You weak... Me strong... You die in vain!! Child Yamato: SHUT UP! I... I'm never going to forget again... Child Yamato: I'm going to be a hero... Even if it's just to one person... Just to one person I made a promise to... I'm going to become a hero to protect her! The electricity was frying me. The world around me was going hazy. I felt like I was going to fall over, but I also felt the girl behind me giving me her power. Child Yamato: Even if it's hard... Even if it's more painful than death!! Even if no one ever thanks me!! Child Yamato: Because that's the hero that I want to be! Because that's the Dengeki Stryker that I love!! My soul was on fire. It ran through me hotter than electricity ever could. What I wanted to protect, what I couldn't protect, what I had to protect. It was all here with me now!! Child Yamato: That's why... That's why... Child Yamato: I'M NEVER GETTING IT WRONG AGAIN!! Schneider: GR... RAH... HRAAAH... The electricity raced through Boss Orleans's body. Smoke was coming out of its circuitry. Child Yamato: You lose, Boss Orleans! No... There was no way you could've ever won! Child Yamato: Because people who do bad things always get beaten! That's why heroes exist! Child Yamato: And I'm Haruna's hero! That's why I'm not gonna lose here! Child Yamato: ...Because... Because justice always triumphs!! The light was blinding. He had brought the invincible iron giant to a screeching halt. And then... Behind him, Haruna awoke. Returned to her was that distant memory, that lost memory. And there, she saw the boy who was protecting her... Holding Shiden in his hands, the sight she knew better than anything else... Haruna: Yamato-kun... Tears flowed from her eyes. The reunion she had imagined so many times was there before her eyes. There seemed to be no end to Orleans's vicious attacks. The others were battered and beaten, tapping the last of their energy reserves. Haruna: I don't... think I can hold out much longer... And then it glowed, signaling the fire of another beam. Its aim was right for the center of our group. It prepared, and then... Yamato: Haruna?! Haruna: Ah? It... It stopped? Boss Orleans's attack didn't come. It simply froze, as if time had stopped. Yamato: That means... Mirror: He must have done it after all... And then, its collapse began. Piece by piece, Boss Orleans fell apart at the joints. Yamato: He really was incredible. He beat an enemy that all of us together couldn't put a dent in. Mirror: Of course he did. He is a hero, after all. Yamato: Yes... He really is. And then... Clie: All's well that ends well. Roches: Hail the conquerin' hero, huh? Pretty cool stuff. Phoenix: He really does steal all of our glory. Duran: I'm quite jealous, I am. Lieutenant Hilko, how about a-- Hilko: Denied. Duran: Don't deny me before I've even finished asking the question!! Daniel: The hero who slays the dragon receives a favor from the queen. May it be so for eternity. In the ruins of Boss Orleans was the boy, cradled in Haruna's arms. I, Mirror, and all the others flew in to check on them.
The worlds continued to pull apart. Singer: Hey, what's going on, here? Drunk: What, I fell asleep, huh? Thought it was night, a minute ago... Hustler: Hey buddy! We got some cuties here... Huh? Wait, this ain't prime business hours... All around the Balbora Empire, the people were returning to normal. Rin's parents, Murray's family, everyone... Rin: Ah!! Rin's Father: ...Hm? Did something just happen, dear? Rin's Mother: Ah? I don't think so, but... Oh look, it's Rin! When did you get back, dear? Rin: Ah... Ahhh... Rin: F-father... Mother!! Rin's Father: Hey, hey. What's all this, now? Rin: Yamato-san did it... He brought you... back to normal... sob Rin's Mother: Oh, dear. Even after joining the army, our Rin is still a crybaby. Rin hugged her parents tightly, tears streaming from her eyes. The world of 'Dengeki Stryker' was returning to normal. Yamato: ...If we're returned to our own world, do you think we'll be at war again? Emperor Balbora: I think it will be fine, as long as he makes it back. Emperor Balbora: He might convince his - rather, your father, to turn it into a story of peace, don't you think? Though it might lose some of its interest, then. Yamato: Haha... That's certainly possible. The clouds grew thicker and thicker, walling off the continent. I looked up from the window with mixed emotions. Yamato: It's finally over... I've accounted for all of my burdens. Emperor Balbora: ...... Ten years had passed since I came to this world. I couldn't help but feel regret as I left it behind. Yuuki Yamato's parents were not my real parents, but I had spent many years with them. It was hard to leave them behind without a proper goodbye. It was true this was the natural state of things, but I had still made the decision alone. Some people would be surprised to realize it, specifically Ichimonji and her father. But I had no regrets. I had sent the boy and the others outside as I waited for the end to come. Emperor Balbora: ......Yamato-chan. Yamato: What is it? Emperor Balbora: I've been watching you from beginning to the end. I know everything you've been through. Emperor Balbora: You have fulfilled your role as the protagonist of 'Dengeki Stryker.' Not one person on this continent would ever hold it against you. So... Emperor Balbora: Here at the end, you should do whatever it is that you want. Yamato: ...Thank you. Emperor Balbora: Good... Then, what do you want to do? I'll help you in any way I can, of course. Yamato: I don't... think I need your help. I can do this with my own power. Yamato: The last thing I want to do. That is... Emperor Balbora: What is it? Yamato: I want to take Yuuki Yamato and Hongo Haruna out of this story. The real world is waiting for them. Emperor Balbora: giggle Silly Yamato-chan... Yamato: This is my last duty as the hero of 'Dengeki Stryker'. And... It's what I want to do. Emperor Balbora: That's true. That's what it means to be Stryker Zero, Yuuki Yamato. I was lucky to have known you. Yamato: ...And I, you. I hope we could continue to know each other this way, even if we return to our world. Emperor Balbora: Yes, so do I. Yamato: ...Farewell, then. With the contract broken, the real world and the world of 'Dengeki Stryker' were pulling apart. The Balbora Empire was returning to its rightful place. The story would be a story once more. The surprising turn of events caused everyone to stop fighting and stare up at the sky. Jack: My Liege, too late you were! Yamato: Sorry! An unexpected delay! Yamato: Anything sucked into that cloud will be gone forever! We need to get you out of here before that happens! Jack: I hear and obey! Are you prepared as well, Child Yamato-dono? Child Yamato: Ch-child Yamato? I'm Yuuki Yamato! Jack: I beg your forbearance, but it's to prevent confusion with My Liege. Yamato: You still seem to have your Stryker powers. I need you to take him out of here. Haruna: ...Right! Haruna nodded faithfully in a way she would not have done before, perhaps because she had recovered her memories. ...After all, this was the true Hongo Haruna. Haruna: Yamato-kun, let's go! Child Yamato: ...Right! Haruna took the boy's hand and flew towards the sky. The clouds were consuming the Balboran continent at a terrifying rate. Jack: My Liege and Haruna-dono must also make haste! Yamato: ...... Haruna and I could not return. The boy had returned to his original body, and we were just characters from the 'Dengeki Stryker' world. With Yuuki Yamato's contract broken, we no longer belonged here. I had known that for a long time. But I also knew that Jack would not leave without us. Yamato: I will oversee the continent's disappearance... That must be my final atonement... Jack: My Liege! Haruna-dono! We have no time to waste here! Yamato: Right! We'll be there soon! Haruna: Yamato-kun... Haruna may also have realized the truth. When she heard my response, she looked at me in surprise. Yamato: I'm going to watch it until it's done. Haruna... What will you do? Haruna: ...I'm going. I want to be with you to the end. Yamato: Then it's settled. Having made up our minds, we were about to fly off into the sky. Just then, my friends from the Balbora Empire approached me. Phoenix: Yuuki-san! Take care! Roches: Never come back, okay? Yamato: You too! Take care of everyone! As I said my goodbyes to the others, I saw Clie beside them. Her expression was one of understanding. Even so, it gave me pause. Clie: Yamato... You're going? Yamato: ...I have to watch over it from the outside. Clie: ...I see. Clie: Yamato... Come back to me. I want to spend the end with you and Rin. Yamato: ...I will. Holding back some small pain in her heart, Clie gave me a gentle smile. I looked down at her as we slowly flew off to the sky. Mirror: ...... Haruna and I waved down to them as we went to join Jack. Mirror watched us go, silent and smiling. ...... Roches: There they go... Phoenix: Yeah... The Balboran vanguard watched Yamato and the others go. Just then, a writhing shadow approached from behind. ???: GRAAAAAAAH!! Curtis: You'll pay... You'll pay! I'll destroy you all, you writhing maggots! Roches: ...Curtis?! You're still alive, you bastard? Curtis: You filthy traitors... I am going to tear you limb from limb! Phoenix: He never gives up, does he? Daniel: He's still a Brigadier General, though I'm not certain he's worthy of the title. Curtis: Bionic soldiers, I want you to pursue and slay those fleeing traitors! Slaughter them all with extreme prejudice! Clie: What?! Bionic Soldier A: B-but, General... Bionic Soldier C: He's the person who saved the town, and um... Curtis: What's the matter with you? The penalty for betraying your commanding officer is death, you know... Curtis: Those who refused to follow my orders... You. I remember. I remember you there, too, and you. Hmm... You'll get your hanging later, too. Bionic Soldier A: General, sir! I didn't... Curtis: You're going to talk back to me? Maybe I should make a public example of you. If I just start killing you one by one, someone will eventually follow my orders. Bionic Soldier A: S-sir! Yes sir! A thousand bionic soldiers took off toward the sky, pursuing Yamato and his friends. Curtis: Now, prepare yourselves! I'm going to slaughter you traitors right here... Any who mock me will pay for it in blood! Roches: You asshole! Curtis is in the way, so we can't stop 'em! Hilko: What a filthy louse. Curtis: Heh. Well then, who will be f-- He couldn't finish. ???: Yes, yes, that's just about enough of that. Curtis: W-what are these amoeba things?! I can't move! Curtis: Hnngh! Damn you... Let me go! Emperor Balbora: That's quite enough of your games, General Curtis. Curtis: H-how dare you! I... I won't forget this! Some day, I will take your throne!! Emperor Balbora: ...Yes, yes. You go ahead and try that. Emperor Balbora had no difficulty restraining Curtis, but she turned her nervous eyes toward the blackening sky. Emperor Balbora: ...The thousand bionic soldiers... I have no way to call them back. Clie: ...I can't see them anymore, either. Emperor Balbora: ...... When the clouds faded, there was nothing left. Yamato, Haruna, the Balbora Empire... Everything was gone. As if nothing had ever been there at all. Only a very few people knew the truth. The Balbora Empire, for a time the subject of so much discussion, vanished on that day. In this world, the curtain was closed on the story of 'Dengeki Stryker.'
Several weeks had passed since that day. The Balbora Empire's disappearance was all over the news for a while, but at last, things had begun to settle down. My Liege, how do you fare? Much has happened since we parted, but I am doing well. The boy has been taken in by My Liege's father within your home village of Yamanaka. Shocked at first were they to see you returned to a child state, but in the end, they came to accept it. Haruna-dono saw the boy off, then returned to her former home. The boy tried to detain her, but failed in the end. The tale has reached mine ears that her words to him were, 'Come see me someday when you have grown up and wish to protect me as a true hero.' Training I have been as well, day in and day out. Dengeki Stryker I am not, but the day when I am a full ninja is not so far hence. My Liege's father too has spoken with his editors, and plans to resume his manga. He is in consideration of ways to give the characters of the manga as happy an ending as possible. The boy speaks to him of this, passionately. It is unknown to me at this time if the editors will continue the series, but I hope to see it worked out in some way. My Liege, know that I remain in the apartment we once shared, protecting it in your stead. I have not gone seeking a new lord. My Liege is now and forever Yuuki Yamato alone. I still have faith. I wait for the day when My Liege returns to this apartment. Watch over it I shall 'til that day arrives. And one day, when I am a true hero like My Liege, I shall write to my mama in Texas. Jack: My Liege! Mine eyes beheld the entire scene. Know I of your protection of the weak, your love of justice that exceeds the gods themselves! Jack: Never have I beheld such a moving scene! From this day forth, I swear myself to your service, as my lord and master! Jack: Take this role for you, I shall. My Liege, hurry you must to Mirror! Yamato: You fool, that will make it three against one! Jack: But My Liege has no time left to waste. Now, quickly, go to him! Yamato: Nngh...! Fine! But don't you dare die on me, Jack! Jack: My Liege and Haruna-dono must also make haste! Yamato: ...... Jack: My Liege! Haruna-dono! We have no time to waste here! Yamato: Right! We'll be there soon! Jack: ...... Jack: ...My Liege. And then... Boy: sob... sob... A boy sat on the grounds of the shrine. He was crying; his body was covered in bruises. It looked like he'd had a run-in with bullies. A gust of wind blew past, strong but gentle. ???: What's wrong? Why are you crying? Softly, a man addressed the crying boy. The boy looked up at the man in shock, but his tension eased when he saw the steady kindness in the man's eyes. Then, he waved him away, as if embarrassed. Boy: I'm not crying! I'm not crying at all! ???: I see. Then where did those wet cheeks come from? Boy: This... This is just... ???: You're injured, too. Were you in a fight? It looks like there were a lot of them. Boy: Well... It's just... They were so mean! They were teasing this girl... And then... And then... ???: And then... you protected the girl? Boy: Yeah... But I was so weak... ???: That's amazing. You really do have courage, you know. Boy: Courage doesn't mean anything... ???: I bet that girl thinks of you as a hero - as a superhero. Boy: ...A superhero? ???: Yes. You did the right thing. You tried to protect the weak. That is what justice means. People who fight for justice are called superheroes. Boy: But... I still lost... ???: You lost today, perhaps. You may lose tomorrow, too. But if you keep fighting, someday, you will win. Boy: Really? ???: Yes. I once knew a man... I knew many men like that. They lost to their enemies. They lost to themselves. ???: But they never gave up. And in the end, they became true superheroes. Boy: ...Superheroes. ???: Yes... Superheroes, in every sense of the word. Dengeki Stryker... Do you know the name? Boy: No... I don't. Is that a comic book? ???: Let's see. In some ways it is, in some ways it isn't. The one thing that I can say, is that it's a tale of a true superhero... or it was, at least. Boy: ...I don't understand what you're saying. ???: Heh... Well, that's alright. But you are a superhero. So hold your head high. Smile. And never give up. Boy: If I do that, will good things happen? ???: ...Yes. They will. I guarantee it. The boy had never seen the man before. And yet, the man seemed to shine with a radiant light. His words were those of a man who had been through something amazing, something utterly beyond that boy's understanding. Something about it was a balm to the boy's wounded heart. Boy: Okay... I get it. ???: You've got your smile? Good, that's good. Very good. Boy: Hey mister... What's your name? ???: My name? My name is... Yamato: Yuuki Yamato. I'm a superhero, just like you. Yamato: If you'd like sometime, I could teach you how to fight. Since we're in the same business, after all. Boy: Okay! I'm... The boy gave his name to Yamato. Yamato held his hand out to the boy. The boy took it and stood. Yamato: Well, the sun is going down. You should be getting home. Take care, alright? Boy: Okay! Bye-bye then! Thanks a lot, mister! The man gave him a big smile. The boy couldn't help but smile back. The boy waved to him, then ran down the shrine's steps. With the boy gone, a silence returned to the area. Yamato watched the boy go, then turned to the empty shrine grounds, as if facing someone. Yamato: ...That boy is going to fight with his own power now. Yamato: There's no one here for you to make a contract with. Give it up, Memory Collector. In front of his eyes stood a single old man. Memory Collector: Ho ho... What a pity. You've cut me off once again. Yamato: And I'll do it again and again. Your little hobby is a plague on this world. Memory Collector: Hmm... Well, I'll be off, then. But I'm going to be back, you know? For as long as people seek me out... Yamato: And I'll be back, too. People aren't as weak as you think they are. Yamato: Because every person out there, if they want to... just as long as they want to... they can become a superhero. Memory Collector: ...I'll keep that in mind. Ho ho ho... The man's silhouette began to fade. Before long, he was completely gone. Yamato shrugged and began to walk down the stairs, away from the shrine. The moon was high in the sky, casting Yamato in its light. Thoughts racing through his mind, he looked up to that shining orb of gold, and whispered. Yamato: They can become a superhero. Isn't that right... Stryker? And so continued the story of the one who inherited the mantle of justice. But that is a tale for another time.
Children of elementary school age were playing on the strip of green. Killing time on their way back from school, I guessed. They had piled their backpacks on the hillside. Jack: A tranquil scene. Yamato: Yes, it is... I stopped, and turned my eyes to the cherry blossom trees where I had sat with Rin. Jack: It appears Rin-dono was of great service to you, My Liege. Yamato: Yes, I'm grateful to her. ...And to her family. Jack: The sight of you two sleeping peacefully 'neath the trees... 'twas a vision to be treasured. Yamato: Wait a moment. Why do you know about that? Jack: 'tis ever my duty to remain at My Liege's side. I watched over My Liege all the night through. Yamato: I truly did let down my guard, then... How could I be so reckless? Jack: All must relax, from time to time. Even I take mine emoluments, at times... Jack: Ah! Jack quickly cut himself off. ...Emoluments? Now that I thought about it, we had ended up a little short on snacks... I was about to give him a talking to, but before I could speak, he spoke, first.
As she did, someone else took her place and stood beside our table. Haruna: G-good morning, Yamato-kun... Yamato: Good morning. Curious... Haruna seemed rather stiff, this morning. I wondered if something had happened to her. Jack: Well, well, Haruna-dono! 'tis a coincidence, to find you here this morn. Haruna: Y-yes. I thought I'd have a cup of coffee to wake me up... Sayaka: This was no coincidence. Haruna just came because-- Haruna: S-stop it! Sayaka-chan... Haruna plopped down across from me. Ichimonji brought us our coffee. I slurped the jet black liquid. Haruna leaned in to address me privately. Haruna: Umm... Listen... About the flower-viewing party... Yamato: ...hmm? Haruna: Oh... um, it's nothing! She cut off, seeming a little depressed. What on Earth was going on? Yamato: From your behavior, it is hard to accept it as nothing. Haruna: ...It just... It seems like... you and Rin-chan have gotten really close... Yamato-kun... Yamato: Yes. She was a great help to me, after all. Haruna: Is that... all it is? Yamato: I'm not sure what you're implying, but that is definitely the extent of the matter. Haruna: Oh... really? Thank goodness! Haruna took my stone-faced answer with a smile that bloomed across her face. Women are difficult creatures to understand. Sayaka: Hehehe... Yamato: W-what?! How long have you been standing there?! Sayaka: Haruna's been jealous for so long. Yamato: I don't understand what you mean. She doesn't seem zealous to me, at all. Haruna: Oh, geez... It's n-nothing, I told you! I realized that my headache was gone. Was it because the exchange with the others had distracted me?
Yamato: ...Not everything was a lie. Haruna: ...What? Yamato: It wasn't all a lie! Not the days I spent at school, not the days I spent fighting to defend the city! I grabbed Haruna's shoulders and looked straight into her face. Yamato: The lunch that you made for me... The days we spent flower-viewing with our friends... They're not a lie! They're real! Haruna: ...Yamato-kun. Yamato: I was given memories of being a soldier. Yamato: I took my orders as absolute and worked toward national defense without regard for anything else. Yamato: But it turns out those orders never existed... Yamato: But... Yamato: Even so, the things I've done are not a lie. The days I've spent with you are not a lie! Haruna: ...Yes... Yes, you're right... Haruna gave a small nod. I emphatically returned it. Yamato: It's true. No matter where you come from, you make your own decisions. Yamato: And my decision is... to defend you, and to defend this city! Yamato: As a superhero - as Dengeki Stryker! It was the first time I had ever said the name - Dengeki Stryker. The hero's name. The words set my blood rushing. My still heart began to beat again. Yamato: If nothing else, I know this feeling is real. Haruna: But I'm just...! Yamato: You aren't going to disappear. The time has come. I will give my life to protect you. Haruna: ...That makes me so happy. Haruna couldn't say anything else, but just looked at me in silence. New tears began to run down her cheeks. She hugged me as tightly as she could. Haruna: Yamato-kun...! She clung to me. I felt her tears fall against my chest. I returned her embrace, pouring all my pain into the act of stroking her hair. Yamato: ...Don't worry. You're a dear friend. I don't intend to lose you this easily. Haruna: ...Ah? What... was that? Yamato: I don't intend to lose you this easily? Haruna: ...Before that. Yamato: You're a dear friend. Haruna: Friend... A friend... Haruna looked at me again, as if at a loss for words. Haruna: Ah... ahaha! Th-that's right... We're friends. Just friends. Yamato: What's the matter? Haruna: ...That's just the kind of person you are, Yamato-kun. Yamato: What are you talking about? Haruna: For a minute, I was hoping... but, yes. We should be friends first! That's right. Yamato: What do you mean, first? We're already friends. Haruna: Yes... that's true. Haruna gave me a slightly melancholic smile. Haruna: But... I'm glad. You're the same person you always were. Yamato: Yes. Anyway, I'll do what I can. Haruna had stopped crying. I placed my hands on her shoulders and looked into her eyes with new determination.
Haruna: Good luck... Yamato-kun... At last, the Taizan drive snapped into place. That was it. I felt a massive swelling of power from the Stryker Unit. My near-dead body overflowed once again with vitality. Yamato: Rrrgh, rrrrrrrrrrrrrgh!! I began to howl as the overwhelming power ran through me. I balled up my fists and stood... Haruna: ...Thank goodness. A smile of relief appeared on Haruna's face as I stood. Yamato: You wait here, Haruna! Leave this to me... You stay out of danger! Haruna: I will... Yamato-kun... There were tears in her eyes, possibly from relief. I smiled, to assure her that everything was alright. Haruna: Go out there and win, Yamato-kun. Yamato: I will!! Dengeki Stryker, Yuuki Yamato... heading out! I gave her a final nod in thanks. Then, concentrating my building emotions into my fists, I flew back at Mirror.
Sayaka: Don't worry, Rin. You still have me.... You still have us. Sayaka was looking at the figure of Haruna, scarf wrapped around her neck, waving at the two of them. Sayaka: ...But what's with Haruna? Why's she dressed like that? At last the light was gone, leaving behind the faint purple of a dawning sky. ...It was a sign that at least one battle was over.
Yamato: This is what peace feels like. Jack: 'tis a truly wonderful thing. I've seen no sign lately of suspicious personage. Yamato: Except for you, of course. We were on our way to school. I gazed at the peaceful river and breathed deeply of the clean spring air. It was all over... there was no doubt about that. And yet, I couldn't escape this curious unease in my heart. I could hear the sound of children playing by the riverside. That was right... Jack: Upon my recollection, this is the location where we first met that man, is it not? Yamato: ...Yes. I didn't have to ask who he meant. My "other self." Or rather, my original self... The man who had made the wish to become a hero. Yamato: ...A superhero... The wish that my younger self had made brought so many others to life. I looked up at the sky, thinking back on the days we had all spent fighting. Yamato: Wasn't there... Wasn't there more that I could have done? I was grateful to have known the kind-hearted people in the apartment next door, and yet... I had also been helpless to save them. Jack: What troubles you, My Liege? Verily, your expression shows dissatisfaction. Jack peered at me from his place by my side. Jack: The blue skies, the drifting clouds, the innocent children at play. 'tis the very world we have dreamed of! Yamato: ...Yes. Jack: Ergo, My Liege, face it with pride in your heart and a smile on your lips. This is the peace that you and I have built, together. Jack: Such dissatisfaction does not suit you. He smiled brightly, as if to demonstrate. It was true. The sky was blue, and the clouds were high in the sky. The world was at peace. Yamato: That... That's true. Even so, I had a feeling that things weren't over. There was something left for me to do. Just then, in the distance, I heard the sound of sirens. It was a sign of impending crisis in the city. Jack: My Liege! Yamato: Move out! It's time for Dengeki Stryker! Jack and I raced to the scene. We had to do this - for the man who had wished to be a hero. And so, in my fight for this city, I would be that hero.
――――Once upon a time, there was a witch. The moon tonight is a large blue pearl. The town sleeps softly in the depths of night, bordered by silver threads of moonlight. The witch stands alone. Her hair flutters in the night breeze, darker than any shadow. Her white features seem pale in the moonlight, like those of a delicate sculpture. She just stands there, facing away from me, and yet my eyes are still unnaturally drawn to her. I feel a twinge of agony deep in my chest.It's like a tiny icicle is stabbing me through the heart. That might be because of the witch's magic. It doesn't even fade in the black of night.A deep black so beautiful I can't even blink. If I look away for even a moment, I'm sure she'll disappear――― Somehow, her fragility―― Terrifies me. A long time ago, in a white castle on a hill, I learned how terrifying beauty in excess can be. The mansion was surrounded by a high wall.Its white garden held many flowers, fountains and trees.It was just like a fairytale castle. Everyone said it was impossible to climb the walls, so I summoned all my courage to prove them wrong......But I just kept falling, never making it to the other side. Instead, I found a small gap in one of the fences.I quietly slipped through and went farther inside. How far did I get?Before I knew it, I couldn't even see the walls anymore. I was completely lost. The grounds were so big, and I was so small.I couldn't even tell what direction I was going in. By the time I'd grown weary of walking,I stumbled out of the forest, and found myself before a white mansion. To a child's eyes it looked like a real castle.It was so big, and so elegant.A white castle, straight out of a fairy tale. This is a story from a colorful picture bookthat my mother would read to me before I went to sleep―― In a shining castle on a hill, there lived a gentle king and a beautiful princess.The king's gentle kiss breaks the vile witch's curse.A knight in silver steel slays the evil black dragon. The last line is a well-worn magical phrase:They all lived happily ever after. I was too stunned to think.I slowly approached the castle.And there...... A real princess was waiting for me. ???: "............" A princess in a white dress, in a white castle.Something more beautiful than anything I'd ever seen.I couldn't take another step. So I stood still......And allowed my childish mind to realize the fairy tale was real. That was a dream I had when I was little―― A beautiful, fleeting fairy tale I forgot a long time ago―― Only back then―――Back when I was a child―――Could I innocently believe such a picturesque tale. The older you are, the wiser you get.I became more cynical and got better with words. Instead of picture books, I started downloading pictures of women in their underwear from foreign internet sites. Everyone realizes it at some point.Nothing in the real world ends with a nice little "they lived happily ever after." But still―― There are things we still have to do, no matter how hard life can get. Izawa: "For fuck's sake, how long are they gonna make us wait?" Benio: "You're so selfish......just wait a little longer, for the sake of love, justice and the people we protect." Akihito: "You're fidgeting a lot yourself, you know." Mayuki: "You need more endurance points, Benio-san. Didn't you say you'd go through Hell and high water for the sake of love and justice earlier?" Benio: "I never said that." Haru: "If you're going to strip for love, start from the back. Your butt is pretty adorable." Akihito: "Do you have a butt fetish too?" Benio: "Gaaa! Educational discipline!" Izawa: "......every damn time. You people never run out of stupid things to fight about." The crowds quickly dwindle away once you leave the heart of the city.They used to say night didn't exist here, but by the time we were born, things were changing. Gray buildings and a gray sky.This area's declining in popularity because of the recession.At night, it's practically deserted. Every city has a place like this.And like every city, they're also perfect for doing things in secret. We're having a team meeting tonight.We meet twice a week, every week. It's impossible to cut ties with every group and team out there.But then again, all humans are strangers to each other, no matter what. There's no end to the gaps between them. Be it clubs, companies or military units, there needs to be a process of some kind to fill those gaps and help the group function. There's some trouble happening tonight. That's why I'm leaning against my moped on the street corner, waiting, when I should be taking a shower and lying in bed. Our guest of honor has yet to arrive, and I'm sick of waiting. Haru: "O-Haru-san needs some love too. You promised the man would come at ten." Benio: "You're...such a crude person......" Mayuki: "Her life is full of excitement I cannot understand." Akihito: "I'd still like to go home soon." My shoulders stiffen as we wait.I always feel antsy when I'm waiting for something fun. But if it's something unpleasant, my stomach just hurts. Izawa: "This is your fault, Mizuwa. Don't forget it. You need to stop throwing yourself into things every time you see a woman." Izawa Shuu is our "Fighter", and a mad dog.He'd make a good "Rogue" too, but he goes berserk better than anyone. He's a man known for being dangerous, even in the most dangerous parts of town. His life is the very definition of "lone wolf."A creature passing through the city at night. Out of the eight classes, the Fighter stands front and center.Punch, kick, destroy――It's a simple job, but you need good instincts to pull it off. And Izawa has more instinct than you could ever carry with two hands, though he has even more character flaws. Izawa: "Stop wagging your tail near the food bowl, you stupid dog. Grow a spine." Akihito: "Be nice to those in charge, and don't rock the boat. That's how to keep your life peaceful." Haru: "So you're on Nananatchi's mailing list, huh?" Mayuki: "The mystery is solved! The culprit is Boing-Boing! You're being deceived by her boobs!" Mayuki: "Yes, the evidence is clear. I know Akihito-san spends every night chanting "Boobs, boobs!" to himself." Akihito: "No I don't!" Yuubana Mayuki is a liar.She's the smallest member of the team, but she looks mature behind her glasses.Her class is "Priest." If the Fighter is the spear, then the Priest is the shield. She's our team's literal guardian angel, even though she's so tiny. Mayuki: "Akihito-san, you're so nice to women, and only women. It's like your sweet tooth's 1.5 times bigger than the average man's." Akihito: "......n-...no it...isn't......" Haru: "You're stuttering, Master. You're stuttering a lot." Benio: "I think it's a good thing, having a big one." Haru: "Well, that's true. They say it's better to be deflowered by someone who's good with women. And with a big one too." Benio: "T-t-t-t-that's not what I meant! B-besides, h-h-how did you know I'm a v-vir......" Mayuki: "It's too obvious." Benio: "But we're heroes! For the world and its people, I will crush the nefarious plans of the Four-Eyed Frog!" Akihito: "She's not really a frog, so that should be......" Mayuki: "Super heroine, Four-Eyed Flatchest! Actually, I think that's a metal band." Izawa: "I'm getting sick of your stupidity, Ironing Board. Don't expect me to be a philanthropist if I don't get a single yen out of it." Benio: "I'm not an ironing board!" Akihito: "THAT'S the important part?" Benio loves justice and unity.She's the type who values friendship and hard work. Benio: "Besides......you know, Akihito's......the leader, so......he's got a lot to think about......And...I......trust him......quite a bit." Benio: "I'm not sure why I said that......ehehe." Izawa: "He only likes two-faced women." Mayuki: "You know what they say. If you bend over backward to trust people, you'll only fall and crack your head open." Haru: "Ah, youth. You get to enjoy each other for about five years, and then you'll get bored and go find someone else." Benio: "You're so jaded......and you're not much older than us, O-Haru-san. We're only five years apart." Mayuki: "Nine years for me, but they're clamping down on that so I can't say it in public." Akihito: "But you just did." Haru: "Five years, nine years......what's the big deal? But you know, you are still very, very young. While you can still come five times a night, you ought to try......" Akihito: "......try what?" Haru: "Obviously, mas――......" Benio: "Educational discipline! Educational discipliiine!" She goes red up to her ears and flashes a yellow card.Benio reacts promptly whenever the conversation heads that way. Takekawa Benio is an ally of justice.She's a rich girl, and a fan of rock, period dramas and pro wrestling.She goes to a famous girl's school downtown. I have no idea why, but her class is "Rogue."Rogues act as eyes and ears for their team, like the Merry Men of Sherwood Forest. O-Haru-san, or Kasukabe Haru, looks like a big-boobed maid at first, but she's actually just a big-boobed pervert. Though she does actually work at a maid cafe. Haru's the oldest member of the team, and her class is "Mage." I'm convinced whoever invented this system made up the names before deciding what any of them mean. The Mage's role isn't even remotely Mage-like.Though she does do the most unbelievable things, so I guess it makes sense. Akihito: "Mayu-Mayu." Mayuki: "I'm not Mayu-Mayu. Please call me Mayuki." Akihito: "Don't you think it could work, Mayukin?" Mayuki: "My complaint remains unresolved, but no matter. The image of a lone soldier fighting enemies at night is beautiful, but it's too ordinary. It lacks pizzaz." Izawa: "......this wouldn't be such a pain in the ass if I was doing it alone." Mayuki: "Could we create some kind of super event to get everyone's hearts racing?" She looks ready to manipulate everyone into making it happen. Akihito: "Reality's tough." Benio: "Stop it! All of you, start acting like a team. Friendship plus effort equals victory!" Izawa: "You're gonna make me throw up with all that friendship crap. Go take a cold shower and come back when you're thinking straight." Mayuki: "Must be nice being the hot-blooded guy." Haru: "They say there's no such thing as friendship these days. It's so sad." Akihito: "Doesn't the fact that you're sad about it prove that you believe in friendship?" Haru: "Unnya?" Haru: "You know, O-Haru-san only goes with the flow." She shakes her WMDs and plays dumb. She's a real opportunist at heart. We're a team. We're not close enough to invite each other on our honeymoons, but we do share some common interests. We share survival, not fate. It's as if we're wearing invisible explosive collars chained to each other. Five bullets loaded into a giant "gun." Groups like us are called Coμ.Some might think we're warriors bound by a common destiny.They're not far off. And―― The witch is our final member. Kagome: "It's coming." The witch sneers. Hinaori Kagome.Some people call her the black witch. Akihito: "――What direction?" Kagome: "You're so dense, Akihito. An idle life dulls the mind. At least learn to sense someone's presence." Akihito: "You're the only one here who can do weird stuff like that." The witch always smiles to ridicule something. She of all people had to be my childhood friend.I often wonder if she might be a real witch. Hinaori Kagome can sometimes hear sounds others can't, and see things no one else can. If there were other people who could use magic like her, we normal people would seem inept by comparison. The older kids at school placed bets on whether she's an envoy from the demon world, or an android from the future. I put 500 yen on her being a cybernetically enhanced demon called Kaeruganga. Earlier, at dinner. Kagome: "I'll prepare something special tonight." Akihito: "Oooh? Did something worth celebrating happen?" Kagome: "Done." Kagome: "Vietnamese grilled frog." Akihito: "........................!" Kagome: "Eat every last shred." I will never forget the look in Kagome's eyes. ――It was surprisingly tasty, by the way. Kagome: "The rest is up to you. Try not to look stupid as you dance." Benio: "All right, let's do this with spirit!" Izawa: "Pain in the ass. I'll kill you all if you fuck this up." Izawa spits, as if he's upset.He always acts like he's upset. Akihito: "You'll be dead too if that happens." Haru: "You can't have overtime if you don't have a shift to begin with." Mayuki: "This is too normal to be inspiring. There's so much missing, we don't even have backstories to retcon everyone's raison d'etre in." Akihito: "You'd settle for a retcon?" Mayuki: "As long as it doesn't break continuity." Despite the wait, it'll only take a moment to appear, once it arrives.We can't stop it. It's like sand falling through an hourglass. ――――There. The first thing I see is a shadow.A shadow of something huge descending onto the roof of a dull building. It dashes at the speed of a hurricane, breaking through the metal fence. I'd guess it's at least three meters, as big as a trailer truck. It must weigh a few tons at least. It crashes into the ground, having just fallen at least eight stories without slowing down. The crash is deafening. It could probably wake everyone in this street up. At least, that's what I expected, but the crash was almost soft.That's impossible, given its mass. The road surface isn't even cracked. The black mass remains frozen in place, crouching under the moonlight. Its overpowering presence gives us goosebumps. Our base instincts scream that we're facing an enormous power. So enormous, in fact, that its mere existence is a natural disaster. It's what humans look like to ants. A single swipe, a single step can produce destructive forces on par with a tornado. Its ghastly pressure creates the image of an impregnable fortress atop a precipitous cliff. The fortress writhes like a living being a mere twenty meters away from us. It's truly alive. It's moving. But it's no animal, of course. There still exist some creatures that can get this big.Including the dinosaurs, some of them even go over thirty meters. But if any of them tried to do what that black shadow just did, they'd die instantly. Besides, nothing recorded in the history of our planet has ever overcome the cage of physics. Thus, the entity before us doesn't qualify as an animal. That's not just a hunch. I'm certain of it. Humans can never achieve this. The towers, walls and palaces within the fortress grind their rusty gears as they twist. The sound of metal grinding against metal hurts my ears. The fortress opens its hand. Its fingers are the length of human arms. It extends arms the length of human bodies. It rises. It turns its head as it stands up. Its legs are too large for an adult man to wrap his arms around.Its foot steps on the "Stop" sprayed in white on the road. The streetlights cast a fantastic shadow on the ground.The fortress, when standing, resembles a human with its two arms and legs. ――Twice the size of a human.――Fully armored like a knight.――Warped and twisted like a devil. A bluish-white giant―――― We call them avatars. They are fantastical armored beings linked to groups of people called "connectors", thereby gaining a transient form of life. Whoever invented that name must be proud of themselves. Some anon typed that in a random corner of the net, and before he knew it, the name spread like a ripple through the electronic sea and the city's night life. Avatars are categorized by their shapes and powers.There are six types overall, according to the eight-six system. This bluish-white giant is one of them. An "Ivanhoe." Ivanhoes are avatars that excel at close combat, with arms and legs like a human's. They can wield enormous weapons with ease and slice through their enemies. The Ivanhoe glares at us, the group of dwarves blocking his path. We humans are nothing compared to this giant soldier.It wouldn't even have to use its weapon.It could reduce us to dust with a mere kick. The bluish-white giant roars. ■■■■■■■■――――! A high-pitched, static roar only connectors can hear.The deserted nighttime road rumbles. The giant runs like the wind once more. Steel grates, and dust scatters――That's all the noise it makes. It's rushing toward us, but its footsteps are inaudible, as if they've been cut out. The blue fortress charges like a silent tidal wave.Crushing humans is effortless for something that big. The giant holds up a large spear and swings it, without any particular technique or timing. A single swing is all we insects deserve.That's what its emotionless eyes say to us. And it's right. Humans are below it. Not even worth mentioning. ――――But we're more than human. Akihito: "――――Come, Babylon." The sound of clashing steel tears the night apart. Neither me, nor any of the five behind me take a step back. ――――A pitch black arm grabs the blue spear in mid-swing. Blue light swirls around the giant's hand. That's the gate avatars use to teleport―― An arm reaches out of the light.A pitch-black arm, like onyx shrouded in darkness. The black fist crushes the spear. The giant spear shatters in the middle, even though the arm barely strengthened its grip. A second arm manifests from the blue vortex.The Ivanhoe tries to flee, but the arm breaks through its shoulder. The black claws easily break through its firm armor. This time, the terrified blue knight is blown backwards. The three meter tall lump of steel flies through the air, arcing high above our heads before tumbling to the ground. Darkness crawls out from the blue light. Steel fangs. A steel body. Steel legs.All of them are black, black, black. A dragon―――― A pitch-black serpent king with four limbs and a snake-like neck.Its body is blacker than the night, then its brilliant eyes open all at once to show off blazing crimson light. With just one punch, the black dragon turned the Ivanhoe's chest into a crater. The giant struggles to prop itself up with its remaining arm.The black dragon proudly steps forward―――― The dragon's name is Babylon.Kasukabe Haru was the one who named that black devil. Our avatar. The protector and curse of its subjects, its kingdom, its "Coμ." Coμ――A group of five connectors.The number of bullets needed for an avatar to fully function. Six categories of avatars.Eight classes of connectors. Avatars move when loaded with connectors.As we order. As we will. Babylon roars with its steel throat―――― ――――Now, may tonight's fairy tale begin.
――Let's talk about death. This happened several years ago. It's a scene from my memory so vivid it feels faded. That woman changed my life with that conversation, but I can't even remember her face. Something a little unfortunate had happened back then, and every day felt gray. I can overcome sadness. I can deal with pain.But this―― Every day I would climb up to the roof of my apartment complex and look down at the city, carrying a great gloom in my heart. I gazed at the rows of unchanging roofs under an unchanging blue sky. The metal fence dug into my fingers as I gripped it in irritation, but that just hurt my hand for no reason. Back then, I spent every day on the roof by myself.That day, however, something was a little different: Someone was there already. She was sitting slovenly against the fence, gazing at the sky as if she had nothing better to do. The young woman's face looked neither entertained nor bored. Of course, she was older than me. Her scent made me feel strangely flustered. The tired woman on the corner of the roof carried the thick smell of blood―― Killer: ――I'm a killer. The woman said that as if it didn't matter at all. Did she think a child would find that funny?When I asked her that, she looked slightly puzzled. Killer: ――I'm not very good at jokes. Akihito: ――You smell of blood. Killer: ――I just killed someone. Akihito: ――...... Killer: ――No, really. Killer: ――I'm a killer. Of course I kill people. I'm not sure why I felt like believing her.Maybe so much misfortune had piled up that I didn't care anymore. Akihito: ――......are you an assassin? Killer: ――No, a killer. Nothing more. Killer: ――Assassins go back to their clients with proof of the kill. Killer: ――But I'm disposable, like an arrow. I kill and that's it. Akihito: ――Did someone throw you away? Killer: ――I'm heading back. They won't like that, but I'm going to. Akihito: ――You don't mind if they hate you? Killer: ――I'm strong. It's fine. Akihito: ――Can you do anything you want if you're strong? Killer: ――What else matters? Akihito: ――............love? Courage? Hope? I was extremely irritated, and I just wanted to say something.It didn't matter what. So, I spouted some pretty words taken straight out of some manga. She shrugged her shoulders, as if my answer was neither funny nor lame. Killer: ――I'm not sure. I sat down next to the killer on that deserted roof, and we talked about things. Akihito: ――Why did you kill someone? Killer: ――I was told to. Akihito: ――Who did you kill? Killer: ――Dunno. Killer: ――I knew up until I killed them, but I forgot afterwards. Akihito: ――Why did you forget? Killer: ――Because it doesn't matter anymore. Akihito: ――You won't remember them? Killer: ――Why would I? Akihito: ――What if they're lonely? Killer: ――Dead people don't get lonely. They're not people anymore. Akihito: ――......they aren't? Killer: ――They become things. Akihito: ――......what's the difference? Killer: ――Things don't feel sadness or anger. Akihito: ――My mother died...... Killer: ――That happens sometimes. Akihito: ――Why did she die? Killer: ――There's no reason for death. Akihito: ――What happens when you die? Killer: ――There's no meaning behind death. Killer: ――You just become a thing. Akihito: ――......are they still here......as things? Killer: ――You could say they are. You could say they aren't. Akihito: ――I don't understand. Killer: ――Imagine you throw a pebble into a lake. What happens? Akihito: ――It sinks. Killer: ――Yes, it sinks and disappears. But it'll create ripples. Killer: ――You can't see the stone, but it'll be there at the bottom. Akihito: ――......you mean like a soul? Killer: ――Do you believe in souls? Akihito: ――My mother isn't here anymore...... Killer: ――You couldn't protect her because you were weak. Killer: ――That's all there is to it. Akihito: ――...... Killer: ――I'd like to know if there's another answer. Killer: ――I've tried to find one. Killer: ――But it never seems to work. We babbled incoherently until the sun began to set. As I left, she said...... Killer: ――You can have one if you want. Akihito: ――What? Killer: ――The red pill or the blue pill. Pick whichever. Akihito: ――......that's not a pill. Killer: ――What? You haven't seen the trilogy? Killer: ――I got this from someone else anyway. Killer: ――I couldn't be bothered to get another so I kept using it, but you can have it if you want. Akihito: ――......a...knife......a real one......? Killer: ――Well, that's one answer. Killer: ――This thing's dangerous, but it's a handy tool. It'll give you strength. Killer: ――You can take it. Killer: ――Or you can walk away, and this will never have happened. Killer: ――Make your choice. A scene from my memory so vivid it feels faded―― A lonely, pitiful fairy tale rusting deep in my heart――
――――I hate unfortunate women. I always have, and always will. Women in trouble.Women struggling to do the impossible.Women who've backed themselves into a corner. None of them are any good. It's the weak who draw the short straws in this world. It's irritating and depressing to see people wander around looking sad when they can't even understand something that simple. Several times I thought I should just kick them away if they bother me that much. Unfortunately, people can't just live however they want.Being a villain takes talent. I, Mizuwa Akihito, learned that after enduring much conflict over the course of my life. The sky above me looks so comfortable I can't help but heave a sigh of envy. Maybe the sky has a surprisingly hectic lifestyle? I have no way of knowing though, so I'll assume it's living comfortably. This is the new heart of Takakura City. This city has a lot to annoy you with, but it's where I was born. I have to keep crawling around here with all the lessons and the scars I've acquired over the years. I've been using this outdated cell phone for five or six years now. There's a mouse sticker under the cover. When my friend put it there, I told her mice are lame, but she told me it was a hamster. Even the color of the plastic is fading. She said she put the sticker on because she felt sorry for it. The deformed rodent bares its teeth in a weird smile. It's mocking me. I feel weird every time I see it, but for some reason I've never removed it. Even I don't know why. I open up my phone and check the time. Thirty minutes to sunset. It's a terrible sunset.The narrow slice of sky turning red between the skyscrapers stings my eyes. I hate red. It's flashy, yet inelegant.It makes me feel like I have phlegm in my throat. It's awfully humid for spring. I don't feel like it, but I have work tonight.The sad truth is that you can't eat if you don't work. I hold up a hand to the red sky, my eyes squinting from the bright color. Today was relatively peaceful. Hopefully tomorrow will be as well. At this time of day, the salarymen heading home and the kids out on the town fight for a place in the station. The fastest way to get to work from here is to cut through the park, but it's very crowded. The signal changes from red to green. The dam breaks and people flood the street. Suddenly, I look up―― ――And there she is. On top of a building near the intersection. With eccentric clothes more like an anime character than a normal person. She sticks out from the crowds and streets like oil floating on water. The people flow left and right as if nothing's there.She is there, but no one can see her. Except for me. She's an urban legend, a scrap of folklore found around the world. A singing fairy tale girl only visible to the chosen ones. ......what are the "chosen ones?"Were they warriors from another dimension in past lives?Do they have special symbols on their heads? It started two weeks ago―――― Before I knew it, "she" started appearing in the corner of my eye.Within three days, I was able to look directly at her.Ever since then, that ghost or whatever has been haunting me. She's always singing, but without a voice, without an audience.I call to her, but she doesn't answer. Someone in the electronic sea named her after watching her sing. She's nobody, so――Girl A. I haven't met anyone else who's seen her. Last week, when she appeared in broad daylight, I asked a friend I was with if she could see anything, and she laughed at me. But if you look around the net, you'll find plenty of sightings.The singing girl is starting to become famous in Takakura City. Apparently, Girl A can only be seen by the "chosen ones." Hmm...... I used to think I was immune to delusions and daydreams like that, so it was kind of a shock. So much for being a realist. I feel duped. It's easy to tear apart a couple of ghost stories.I could rip this story to shreds with pleasure if I wanted to. The only reason I don't is because I feel strangely uneasy. She's here. She's close. I feel like I could touch her if I reached out. And yet she doesn't feel real at all. A strange sensation, like the boundary between dreams and reality is dissolving. It's like I'm seeing a pure white dream during the daytime. I can't laugh it off as a stress-induced hallucination, but I'm not crazy enough to blindly believe urban legends either. She's always in high places. Girl A always appears too far away to reach, as if she won't allow foolish humans to be anywhere near her. A refined countenance looking at us crawling around on the ground.She merely sings her song, like a princess of noble blood, or perhaps a shrine maiden weaving prophecies with omniscience. I don't know anything, and I can't do anything besides bite my fingernails and gaze at the princess from afar. The only progress I've made is getting used to it. She spooked me at first, and I wondered if I was going insane, but after seeing her day and night for two weeks, she's just part of my daily life now. I'm a little surprised by how well I adapted. I'm fairly resistant to crazy events. I'm not stupid enough to think I know everything reality has to offer. There's another world out there, beyond the boundaries of my own. Those boundaries are simply places where I stopped exploring. ―――Thus, whenever I cross them, I inevitably change. This is a gentle kingdom. No matter how ridiculous something sounds, you can't say for sure it won't happen. ......or so they say, but seriously, there's gotta be a limit somewhere. Salaryman: "――Don't just stop like that in the middle of the sidewalk." As I stared at her, a salaryman bumped into me from behind. He spits on the ground, irritated. The crowded throngs scorn and sneer anew at every moment, with dry strangers' faces. Akihito: "Sorry about that." I lower my hips and smile. Other people are nothing but trouble. I know some guys who'd willingly burn bridges, but I'm a coward. My pride is a small price to pay for preventing conflict. I bow as many times as it takes for the other guy's anger to fade.I happen to look harmless, which is handy at times like this. The owner of the bar I work at said older women would like me. The signal flashes green. I quickly cross the street.On the way, I delete the mental image of the middle-aged man snorting at me. After I reach the other side of the street, the signal changes behind me and the row of cars starts moving. She's still there, same as before. No words. No answers. Once again she sings all by herself. Tianwen: "Ghosts in this day and age? And a girl too......if you're feeling unsatisfied, I can help, you know. I can show you our city's wonderful night life." The bar's owner is Chai Tianwen. His motto is "always with a smile." Tianwen: "Even ghost girls fall for you. You really do have the perfect protagonist physique, Akihito-kun." Akihito: "There's no such thing." His bar, Izalone, is in a basement two roads away from the business district's main street. It hasn't opened for the night yet so there's no one here, unlike most of the other bustling places around here. The locals all see it as a little-known place where you can take it easy and get some unusual kinds of sake. After taking stock as usual, I clean the shop. Tianwen: "Yes there is. Some men trigger the flags of every girl they meet until a big fight breaks out and they tear him to pieces." Akihito: "Why would they kill the protagonist!?" Tianwen: "It's a tough role these days. Can't let your guard down." I've been working here for five months, yet I still can't tell how serious he's being at times like this. Akihito: "I'm more of a side character, if anything." Tianwen: "Do you lack independence? Is something wrong with your lifestyle?" Akihito: "If I was gonna star in anything it'd be school life, not daytime melodrama." Tianwen: "I'll keep your position secret." The owner stops polishing glasses for a moment, touches a finger to his lips and winks evilly. This man makes everything feel strangely sexual. Many people come for just that reason. It's not a bad place to work though. The owner's actually pretty strict, but he pays well. Though it'll be a pain if my school or the cops learn about this. Tianwen: "Well, there's been a lot of strange rumors lately. Keep your eyes open." Akihito: "Rumors? After that ghost girl, I've seen enough urban legends for at least three months." Tianwen: "I'm impressed you aren't freaking out about it." Tianwen: "That's right, the rumors......what was it again...something about a UFO animal......" I tilt my head. Akihito: "......maybe you mean UMAs? Unidentified mysterious animals. Like chupacabras or witches or in-laws." Tianwen: "Yes, that's it. Like Nessie and Sasquatch." Akihito: "No one talks about those two anymore." Tianwen: "So basically, "Eat shit you culturally illiterate relic from Shouwa!"" His eyes tell me he isn't smiling on the inside. I'm scared. Tianwen: "About those rumors, that UMA......mystery animal? Beast? Some kind of strange creature keeps getting seen." Tianwen: "I'm beside myself with worry that the beast might bite your head off, Akihito-kun." Akihito: "Thanks for your concern. Beasts aside, I'm nice to girls so I won't be getting torn apart on any melodrama." Tianwen: "The nicer the man, the harder it is to break up with them." Now there's a nasty thought. Tianwen: "Also, Akihito-kun, you're only nice to girls. I don't think it's good to have such obvious double standards." Akihito: "How do you know that!?" Despite his silliness, he's sharp. I have my business smile on at all times in here and he still sees through it. Tianwen: "Chien-chan's twenty-five. He knows men well." Chai Tianwen―― He's generous, but can be a bit too dark. His trademark glasses adorn a well-shaped, fair-skinned face. I've heard rumors he's mixed race. Akihito: "You've gotta be at least thirty." Tianwen: "Ran-ra-ra-ruun♪" He'll never let me know his true age. Akihito: "......I'm a feminist. That's why I'm nice to girls." Tianwen: "Eeeh?" Akihito: "Got. A. Problem. With. That?" I overpower him. Tianwen: "Of course not. I'm always on your side when I feel like it, Akihito-kun. I affirm a greater love for you than the sea or the sky." Suddenly he's behind me. Akihito: "............Sir?" Tianwen: "What is it?" Akihito: "Please stop touching me there." Tianwen: "Uhuhu, such a cute butt." Akihito: "Seriously, I'll stab you if you keep it up." Tianwen: "Oh, don't hold back! I have broad tastes! Now, shove it in me!!" Akihito: "Die." Tianwen: "Kyaaa! My eyes! My precious eyes!" I poke him right in the glasses. It's taboo to do that to four-eyed people, but when my chastity's on the line, I can't be choosy. I look down at my boss, writhing around on the floor and holding his eyes. Akihito: "Does it feel good?" Tianwen: "Oh, come to think of it, there's an errand I wanted you to run before we open." Akihito: "You need to learn when to give up." I head outside to run the errand. The real world is too harsh for me to spend all day thinking about the ghost girl. To make sure I get back in time, I head through the central park again. There's a huge forest inside Takakura Central Park. This land of green almost feels out of place a few hundred meters away from the pleasure quarter. It gets a little darker at night, making it easy for shady things to happen in there. I've heard one of the biggest factories in the country used to be here during the war, but after it ended it became a public park. It's a tourist attraction now. If you peel off the veneer from the city, you'll find a mosaic of sights just about anywhere you go. Some homeless people live illegally in green tents among the trees. During the day, stalls line the central road and performers fight for the pedestrians' attention. I walk through the park along the road. In my hand is a can of coffee from a vending machine I saw on the way. Whenever I see a new flavor I immediately want to try it, even though I know cheap stuff all tastes the same. It's an irrational hobby. Girl in Uniform: "Hey, Aaa-kun!" A girl in a school uniform smoking on a park bench waves at me. Her blond hair and jewelry shake back and forth. Akihito: "Abe......what are you doing? You're not the type to take walks out here. Go home." Abe Sumako is a free spirit with a habit of running away from home and wandering aimlessly. Her territory is near this park and she tends to wander around the business district in her school uniform. No doubt people have called social services about her. Abe: "About thaaat......hehehe, I'm running away!" She makes a V sign. Akihito: "Again?" I can't believe her. I purposefully sigh loudly. Abe: "I'm out of places to go, so can I stay with you again?" Akihito: "No." Abe: "Aaah, right, your girlfriend was scary. You're the type to do whatever she says." Akihito: "......"that" wasn't my girlfriend, Abe-san." Abe: "Then what? Your lover?" Good question. Maybe a great white shark with a suckerfish attached to it?The suckerfish being me, of course. Akihito: "......"that" aside, I don't believe in getting deeply involved with people. Don't expect too much." Akihito: "Besides, you shouldn't be asking men to take you into their rooms. Don't blame me if you get taken advantage of." Abe: "You didn't do anything last time I stayed." Akihito: "......I didn't feel like it. Men aren't starving every day of the year." Abe: "Ah, does that mean......Aaa-kun, you a cherry boy? Scared of doing it?" Akihito: "Not that." Abe: "You don't mean......it doesn't work?" Akihito: "Enough about my sex life!" Abe: "But there are rumors." Akihito: "About what?" Abe: "They say there's a boy working at a bar just off the main street who'll help any girl in trouble." Akihito: "......" Rumors spread like wildfire without warning. The slightest thing can add to your reputation. Abe: "And you did let me stay at your place." Akihito: ".........I'm just a feminist." Akihito: "So don't expect that much from me." Abe: "Are you trying to act cool now?" Akihito: "Shut up." Abe: "Okay, okay, fine, I get it. Aaa-kun's not a nice guy after all. Just a lonely cool guy." Akihito: "You're really annoying." Abe: "So what? It's true." No it's not. Akihito: "Anyway, Abe, how many times have you run away this year? This your third?" Abe: "Fifth." Akihito: "How!?" Abe doesn't get along well with her family. It's an established custom for her to leave and come back every so often. Abe: "By the way, Aaa-kun......" Akihito: "Please stop calling me that." Abe: "I never thanked you for last time. Truth is, I'd rather stay with Miiko, but her suspension just ended so her parents are being strict." Abe's more honest than her disheveled appearance suggests. She lowers her head in thanks. Abe: "Thanks for doing that, Mizuwa." Where the hell are you from? Akihito: "Don't mention it. It was nothing." Akihito: "Ah, are you still smoking? I told you to stop that before you get lung cancer." Abe: "Aaa-kun......you sound like an old man when you talk like that." That hurt a little. Akihito: "Anyway, I'm in a hurry right now. I'm running an errand for work." Abe: "I see. Sorry for interrupting you." She slouches back down with the cigarette still in her mouth. Abe: "Invite me to your place sometime, Aaa-kun. I'd be down for doing it with you and Miiko." Akihito: "............you really should quit that job while you still can." Abe: "See you later, Aaa-kun." Akihito: "......I'm serious." Strangers will always be strangers. Everyone's alone in the end. If I get involved, I'll just be dragged down with her. My hands are full with my own problems as it is. There's no way I can handle hers too. Abe: "I'll be fine, Aaa-kun. I won't even charge you!" She sends me off with a shout and a wave, embarrassing me. The city is as busy as ever tonight. For instance, in one corner of the city――― DD: "Heya, heading home? Skipping school?" Akihito: "Neither. The owner sent me on an errand." DD: "I was just closin' up. Jealous? On a night like this you gotta rent an AV, down a six-pack and hit the sack." His sunburnt face holds a friendly business smile. DD's around my age, but he runs a stand full of handmade fashion accessories. By the way, his real name is Tanaka Ichirou. He chose DD for his street name. Apparently it's cool. DD: "By the way, have you heard what the gangbangers are up to?" DD: "They say Wild Bunch and Gryffindor are gonna go at it soon." DD: "This is why I can't stand those angry types. They can go beat the shit out of each other for all I care. Amen, soumen, nanmandabu and all that crap." For instance, in another corner of the city――― Girl in Uniform: "Hey, hey, we're open right now, how about it? Actually, the old bastard canceled his appointment at the last minute, jerk." Akihito: "Sorry, I'm in a hurry." A uniformed girl, I think her name's Youko. She's been holding up around here lately. I think she's two years younger than me. Girl in Uniform: "Only two thousand yen! ......hmph, cheapskate!" For instance, in yet another corner of the city――― Drunkard: "'Ooo sole miiiooo!!" The night's still young but some drunk guy's already singing. I pretend not to notice him. Takakura City is a melting pot. It was a trading port in the past. In the pleasure quarter you hear less Japanese than other languages. Chinese, Korean, Russian, South American and Middle Eastern people can all be found there. The south side of the station in particular might as well be mystery soup. There's plenty of guys there with no passports or visas. The groups those people form are impossible to keep track of. I pass through the park, and turn back to look at the city. My birthplace feels as distant and cold as any stranger.Years ago, my family moved away for work reasons.I came back here half a year ago. Far away.Tall buildings I don't remember.An unfamiliar night skyline. Five years ago.A major incident took place in this city.The city changed in big and small ways. For better or for worse,I wasn't here when it happened. My memory shakes.The past and present intersect. ――Old memories. A sad farewell. Deep pain. ――Old memories. Red. Something I lost. ――Old memories. Gouged-out resolve. Unhealing scars. ――A piano sonata. An iron bridge. The memories are red. ――Before I knew it, it was red. The ground, the walls, everything I could see was the same color.Just red, as if someone threw a bucket of paint around. They're dancing. Things that were people a moment ago.What used to be people are now changing into something else. Spinning around.Like marionettes with their strings cut.The blood gushing from their necks spins round and round. A smile.The same face that smiled at me a moment ago.And yet, it was so hollow and empty. I'm sure―――― That was the edge of a world. ――It was just a coincidence. My mother entered a convenience store. Unfortunately, someone was already there, in the process of threatening the cashier with a knife. That one little knife stopped everyone from moving. The man snatched the money from the register and ran. That ordinary story should have ended there. There were surveillance cameras. The man would run, but he'd be caught soon. ―――That's not how it ended. There was one unfortunate customer in his way. The man bumped into her, and for whatever insane reason, he swung his knife. His knife severed my mother's carotid artery. By the time the ambulance arrived, it was far too late. The man was arrested the next day. They even told us he was a minor, high on drugs at the time. This is a gentle kingdom. Tragedies and comedies are equally common here. The world is an irrational altruist, allowing anything and everything to happen. Though if it really did allow everything, we would see more gods, allies of justice, and fairy godmothers with pumpkin carriages. I've never seen any of those. Maybe no one was a suitable candidate. ――Which is why, Abe...... There's no way you can afford to worry about me, considering where you are. ====================C001_020 夜の騎士_0530.json====================: "Where do you want to go?": "I'm a knight, so......" Shinomiya Yoruko is a knight. One who serves a king, presenting him victories. A knight has but one role: To fight.She follows orders, destroying the king's enemies. Yoruko fights, and fights, and fights. Tonight is no different―― Yoruko jumps. Her beret's ribbon flutters under the moonlight like the tiny wings of a nocturnal faerie. Her slender limbs rise along with her breath as she leaps from roof to roof over the narrow alleys. Every so often she turns around, as if checking something in the darkness behind her. She sees a concrete plain dyed in every color of neon light, not even a single kitten in sight. Two swords follow behind Yoruko like faithful servants. However, they're too large and oddly-shaped to call swords.Each one is as long as she is tall. The two swords fly through the air, racing through the night alongside Yoruko. The three of them run. Under the darkness of night, they fly across the rooftops. She turns around again.No one's there. Yoruko feels momentary relief. Just then, an enormous shadow flies high over her head, right across the moon. The new heart of Takakura City―― The crowds clamor below her feet, tainted with the venomous neon of the business district. The "new heart" of the city――Who was the first to give this area that name?The scenery below her was hardly what she'd call "new." It's a labyrinth.A crossroads of misleading temptations, woven out of people and illusions. She didn't know who started calling it that, but she did know when they did. There was an incident five years ago. A terrorist attack orchestrated by some religious cult that was prophesying the "end of the world." It was a serial bombing campaign unheard of in this country ever since the war half a century ago. The news was in a panic all across the country. Many people died. Several buildings north of the train station were targeted, killing several people in the "old heart." After it was all over and the city had healed its wounds, the south side of the station had become even more diverse, and so people began calling it the "new heart." Yoruko: "――――" The boulder flying over Yoruko's head lands―or perhaps crashes―into a water tower. The impact is surprisingly quiet. The chilling, overpowering presence of that thing gives her goosebumps. The flashing neon lights illuminate its shape. ――An impossible creature stands before her. A giant―A fantastical giant. It stands over three meters tall, with a strange body more akin to a monkey than a man. The claws on both its hands are as sharp as any famous sword, and its mouth contains forty-one fangs. ■■■■■■■――――! The giant roars from a mere five meters away. The voiceless roars of these monsters can only be heard by a specific kind of human. Its single, glowing red eye faces Yoruko.It kicks the ground with legs like tree trunks. The three-meter giant charges.It runs at the speed of wind, effectively making it a humongous cannonball. Yoruko is a knight.A knight's role is to follow orders, destroying the king's enemies. However, real knights are neither as noble nor beautiful as they appear in stories. This is a war. Thus―― Yoruko immediately runs. This isn't the right place.Not yet―― She leaps to the right, out of the cannonball's path.Only ten meters to the edge of the roof. That's a dead end for her. Past the short fence is the main street.Unless she can fly, she can't run away in that direction. Despite that, Yoruko runs and runs and runs.She runs as fast as she can. The giant is moving faster than her. Its movements appear sluggish, but that's an illusion created by the difference in scale. One step for a giant is several times that for a human. It propels its huge, long limbs like a predator. Just three steps before she reaches the fence, a long monkey-like tail catches up to her. It won't even need a second. Its claws come down―― Those claws can literally cut through boulders, so a human would be nothing. No normal person could block them. But just before those steel claws touch Yoruko, an invisible shield deflects them. It's impossible. But―― Yoruko is still unharmed. She continues running, unconcerned. The giant gnashes its steel fangs with enmity. Yoruko: "Fiver! Blackberry!" Yoruko calls her "swords." In response, her "swords" take up positions to act as a pair of shields. The invisible barrier blocks two more swipes from the claws of death. ――Those swords are Yoruko's weapons. The swords move alongside Yoruko.The swords protect Yoruko. Shinomiya Yoruko runs away from the claws of death. She runs. She runs. She reaches the fence then jumps over it without hesitation, into the open air high above the ground. The monster behind her laughs in ridicule. She's a couple of dozen meters above the ground. A human would be easily pulverized by a fall from that height. Yoruko doesn't fall.She grabs onto her sword. The flying sword pulls her up, allowing her to ignore gravity and leap across all four lanes of traffic. She flies toward the building on the far side of the street. Yoruko: "Hu......!" Yoruko fails the landing, and tumbles around on the roof. She quickly picks herself up and checks the opposite building, but the monster is long gone. ――Did it run away? Most of those giants are slow and dull, designed for close combat.They can't jump this far. Assuming it did give up...... Yoruko: "......no, it's coming." Its connectors are afraid.Which means―― It's chasing her. It's coming to kill her. That's the one and only way to wipe out their terror. Yoruko prepares herself. She forces her breathing back to normal.This isn't what she'd planned, but it's convenient. The wind blows once. Yoruko: "Bigwig......come." Blue-white light swirls around her feet. The same light appears in the center of the roof. Yoruko: "――!?" Yoruko gasps.She hadn't expected that. Swirling blue light.The two phenomena are the same: It's the light from the gates avatars use to transport themselves. Yoruko: "――" She realizes she's failed. She underestimated her enemy.Transporting right in front of the enemy is a risky move,but her opponent made that decision without hesitation. It comes out of the light.Steel arms. Steel feet. A steel body―――― At this rate, she'll be too late. One or two seconds until impact.Not enough time for her to defend. Yoruko is a knight.A knight has but one role:To follow orders, destroying the king's enemies. ――She hardens her resolve. Yoruko: "Bigwig!" She shouts at the third sword, whose tip is just appearing from the gate. Yoruko: "――――Ansetzen!!" ――――Yoruko gives the order.
By the time I buy what the owner wanted and start heading back, it's already time for Izalone to open. I can't keep him waiting too long. With a fresh can of coffee in hand, I quickly run through the park. There's a drunkard lying on the bench, slurring something at me, but I avoid making eye contact as I pass him. ――――At that moment! A flash of light, brighter than any other in the city.A low, heavy noise tears through the night like an earthquake. The silhouettes of the skyscrapers line up like saw teeth.Behind them, a dark line rises into the pitch black sky,like a signal fire marking the edge of the world. My mind goes blank. There's no time to think.I can hear the silent sound of my watch rolling back five years――― There was an incident five years ago.One of Japan's very few serial terrorist attacks, it lasted seven days and seven nights. I only know about it through the news reports.But for this city, that incident is an unforgettable scar. And right now――― Akihito: "What was that――!?" An explosion.Near the business district.The bar. The owner―― My legs start running all on their own, my flickering thoughts failing to settle. I can clearly see the black smoke rising into the night sky like a curse, even near the station. At a distance, the flash looks like a bad special effect. The explosion happened in the business district, but it doesn't look that close to Izalone. The owner's luck continues to hold out. The main street is packed with onlookers. Many look scared or worried, but some eyes glisten with curiosity. As long as no embers fly toward them, a stranger's misfortune is the ultimate entertainment. Cell phones of all the colors of the rainbow are held up like candles, each making the same camera shutter sound. Once again, a new discussion topic is thrown into the electronic sea. I look to one side for no particular reason.There I see―― Akihito: "――――" ――――A girl. A tiny silhouette that could easily be lost in the crowd, passing in and out between the onlookers filling the street. Our eyes meet by coincidence. A sharp gaze like a drawn bowstring.A dark smell comes from her awkward, unfeminine form. I feel slightly nauseous. The color of that evening passes over my eyes again. Red. Red. Red―― She has a unique air about her. It's like a wolf that wandered into a flock of sheep.She bares her fangs not to herd them, but to tear them apart. Everyone is facing the same way, magnetized toward the smoke.Except for her. She's glaring in a completely different direction. Sirens echo continuously through the intersection. Firefighters. Paramedics. Police――The onlookers keep their distance as the red lights descend. She notices me and breaks eye contact.For a moment I thought she disappeared―― But she's still right there, not moving at all. ――The smell of blood. That's the dark shadow I smelled behind her. She looks very young, and she's covered in the smell of blood. Her shoulders heave up and down as if she'd just ran a marathon. This girl's involved in something dangerous. I'd bet money on it. She might have some bothersome circumstances.She might be in a situation with no clear solution. But so what? Misfortune is everywhere.It's normal. Getting involved just leads to more trouble.The result is always the same. I should get back to the bar.We probably won't get many customers tonight, but it's better than getting mixed up in this mess. Akihito: "――――" My feet betray me. I stand right there, unmoving. Et tu, mon pieds? No. Even if they weren't betraying me, I still wouldn't be able to move. Because I hate her. I've never seen her before in my life. She's just some random girl I bumped into on a street corner―but her face irritates me more than anything. The girl standing there is so small and frail.It feels like she could get buried by the crowd if she went into it. And yet she has a nauseating stench of blood about her, and her eyes have so much strength in them it annoys me. The eyes of a woman thinking hard.A woman backed into a corner with no other options.A woman that can't fall any farther. ―――She's trouble. The smell of blood. A dangerous pipsqueak. She's everything that could make me lose my appetite. I fail to control my anger, and the searing heat in the pit of my stomach drives my feet forward before I can think. With no clear intent to do anything in particular, I take the first step forward―――― Yoruko: "――――――Out of my way!!" Suddenly, the girl runs.Sharp and fast, like a hunting dog. There's something at her feet."Swords"―― They look too mechanical to be swords, but they clearly have a similar shape. Akihito: "――――!?" A destructive sound reverberates from a completely different direction. A brown passenger car in front of a glass-walled building is suddenly crushed. The chassis bends like a straw, as if an invisible boulder just crash-landed on it. Glass shards, chassis parts, and torn-off doors.I hear not only reverberations from the crash, but the roar of the wind and screams from the onlookers. That doesn't sound like normal wind.That's the sound of something incredible cutting through the air. ――Something's there. I think that, despite my lack of evidence. I can't see it, but it probably jumped off a building, landed on that car, and is now jumping somewhere else―― A faint metallic sound grinds less than a meter away.Something just landed there. ―――I see it. Akihito: "――――" I can't describe it.It's right here, close enough to touch. ―――What IS that thing? The bizarreness of it freezes me.I can't even think, much less say anything. The first word that pops into my head is "monster." A steel body. Two legs and two arms with sharp claws. It's easily over three meters tall, but if you ignore the size its shape is very humanoid. It's a steel giant. An undeniably fantastic shape.A delusion from a child's fantasy or the product of an anime. This isn't a real thing. There's no way this should be possible. I know for sure it can't be real, but there it is, standing right in front of me. My legs cower before its overpowering presence. The one good thing about this situation is my nerves are too numb with shock to feel any fear. It doesn't have even a fragment of the daydream-like vagueness that my other delusion―that Girl A had. More than anything, the monster's size is crushing.It symbolizes destructive magic and violent heat. When it comes to a monster like this, humans can literally be swept aside without leaving a mark. The debris and the force from the previous calamity blow across the main street and shake the windows. But something's wrong. You'd expect the masses to scream at the sight of this monster, but no one does. For a moment I wonder if every single one of them is frozen stiff. It soon hits me: The giant's outline is quivering like a shadow. Unless I focus on it, it looks like it's melting into the scenery. That must be some kind of disguise. It's like a chameleon blending in with its environment, fooling both predators and prey. Not one of the onlookers crossing the street notices the invisible giant. In fact, if it raced off into the night at the same speed it jumped, people would dismiss it as their imagination even if it rushed right past their faces. Akihito: "――――!" The invisible giant reaches out with arms like tree trunks and claws sharper than any sword. Their target is―――― That girl. She's already right in front of me.Running. Running. Running. She charges straight for the wall of people, the ribbon on her beret fluttering, without any fear of the giant obstructing her. Yoruko: "Ansetzen, Bigwig――――!!" The girl gives an order. The boorish sword at her side glints. Akihito: "――――" The light renders my mind blank. Time flows like glue. A single second stretches into eternity. After several seconds, color returns to the world. Two seconds......five seconds......ten seconds...... Nothing changes as I wait. I expected a second explosion, but nothing. The onlookers who saw the flash start making noise, despite not knowing why. I look around again. ――――There's nothing here. No giant, no girl, nothing.As if everything that just happened was a fleeting dream. Akihito: "Hey......y――..." As my eyes scan the area,I spot a small figure slipping into a back alley. Akihito: "――Hey, wait up!" I push through the crowd and chase after her. The rational part of my brain is telling me to stop. And yet―― I know I'm doing something stupid. I reach out, but hesitate. Some rational part of my brain tells me to stop this. That girl is trouble. Big trouble.If I step forward, nothing good will come of this. There's nothing to be gained by reaching out.There's no way the benefits will outweigh the risks―― Akihito: "Hey, wait up!" ――I know that. I push through the crowd and chase after her. I still don't know why I feel like doing this. Akihito: "......oh." There was no need to run.The girl is crouched down just inside the alley. Akihito: "......you alive?" I poke her side with my foot. Yoruko: "......mu...u......" She's alive. She's even smaller than when I first saw her. Akihito: "............" The troublesome girl has lost consciousness.Her face is pale. Her breathing is shallow. Sweat lines her forehead. I can still smell blood on her.It's the ultimate sign of trouble. Not one of the onlookers is looking this way.They're all focused on the explosion. Akihito: "............" I can't think of any complaints to voice or jokes to crack, so I turn around and look up. The smoke rises into the pitch-black sky like a signal fire, painting the night an even darker shade of black. A pink cell phone falls to my feet from the girl's hand――――
The Yamada Clinic is gloomy. These are the ruins of what was once a hospital. It looks completely derelict on the outside, and the interior is little different. The girl sleeps on one of the few clean beds in the dark clinic. I thought about leaving her several times along the way, but in the end, I brought her all the way here. ......this is what they call "digging your own grave." Hanako: "Mild burns. Bruises. A concussion. Lacerations." Yamada Hanako.A woman with the most generic name ever lives in the ruined clinic. Hanako: "And there might be a few cracks in her arms and ribs." Akihito: "What do you mean, "might be?" Hana-sensei?" Her hair hangs straight down, covering more than half her face. For that reason, it's hard to read her expressions. We sit down on a sofa ridden with holes in what's left of the lobby. She hands me a medical chart with hasty scribbles on it. Hanako: "The truth is, I'm not a proper doctor, and this isn't a proper hospital." Akihito: "I know that." That's why I come here whenever there's trouble. Hanako: "We can't take any X-rays. That's why I don't know if she has fractures or not." Akihito: "......so why are you showing me her chart?" A few years ago, some doctor named Yamada ran this place. Medical skills aside, he had zero business sense. His clinic was constantly in the red; before long, he had to pack up and move back to the countryside. The effects of the recession spread everywhere. No one ever showed up to buy this hospital after it was abandoned. One Sunday, Mr. Yamada's daughter showed up. There were rumors about his daughter feeling a duty to revive her father's clinic and become the bastion of health care in our city's suburbs―unfortunately, it didn't work out like that. In reality, he and his daughter had merely grown apart. His daughter took a liking to living in an abandoned hospital. She quickly handled the legal difficulties, then put her nameplate on what was otherwise a haunted house. She's been living here ever since, and the hospital remains in disrepair. The Yamada Clinic is gloomy. Its sole resident is also gloomy.People still say she and this place are haunted. Hanako: "Out of curiosity, what happened this time? Why'd you come here instead of going to the police or a real hospital?" Akihito: "It would've been too hard to explain." If I brought this girl to the police, what would I tell them?"I saw this girl fighting an invisible giant downtown and she got hurt so I brought her here." It'd be a 50-50 chance on whether they'd laugh it off and take her anyway, or recommend me a local psychiatrist. Akihito: "So, can you explain her injuries to me in layman's terms? I know you work here unlicensed, but you HAVE been to med school, right?" Hanako: "Not that I did much while I was there. By the way......" Hanako: "I am a licensed nurse right now. At your school, no less." Akihito: "I know that." Hana-sensei is in fact the nurse at my school.She has a real license and everything. Hana-sensei is a terrifying person. When her hair's up, she's surprisingly beautiful. In the 21st century, she looks more like a shoujo manga character than a real human. What's below her face is even scarier. Under her white lab coat is a camisole, but no bra. That ensemble can only be called a weapon. She calmly walks through a den of lusty schoolchildren with 96G superweapons hanging off her chest, making her the target of their envy. Her very existence is a weapon. If her daily presence pushed one of the boys to commit a sex crime, and I was one of the jurors, I'd vote not guilty. The scariest part is that she doesn't even seem to realize it. Society is harsh."I have no idea what she's thinking." "She's so gloomy." "She never takes a hint." "I feel a weight on my shoulders when she's around." Et cetera. Dark and mysterious people are quickly alienated.Yamada Hanako―people call her "the dejected beauty." Hanako: "To put it simply, she's only mildly injured." Akihito: "......then what was that smell?" Hanako: "Smell?" Akihito: "Blood. My nose is pretty sensitive. I'm like a dog." I've been very sensitive to it.――Ever since then. Hanako: "That's not a problem. She's just on her period." Akihito: "Pffft!" I spit out all the tea I was just drinking. Hanako: "The amount of blood varies depending on the individual. She seems to produce a lot, but she's only using normal-sized pads." Hanako: "Tampons and other devices work better for some people, so there's never an objectively superior choice." Hanako: "You have to try lots of different things until you find something that works." Hanako: "Isn't that right?" Akihito: "Don't talk about that to a guy my age!" Hanako: "......it's just basic biology. There's nothing to be embarrassed about." Akihito: "There is for people my age!" Hanako: "Anyway, that probably wasn't what you smelled." Akihito: "......what?" Hanako: "Her clothes have absorbed quite a bit of blood. I checked, but she has no wounds." That means......it's someone else's blood? ――So she really is mixed up in some trouble. Hanako: "Also, that bump on her head could worsen, so she ought to get checked out by a normal hospital." Akihito: "I'll talk to her about that when she wakes up.Also, about this, I'd like it if――" I put my hands together and ask. Hanako: "You want me to keep it a secret? Sure, I always do that. I owe you, anyway." Debts and favors.People are bound by exchanges. Sensei does owe me―but I didn't do anything particularly amazing. Four months ago―― Some hooligans surrounded her in the park, and a prince came to her rescue on a white horse......actually, I just grabbed her arm and ran. We've known each other well since then. She's helped me take care of a few troubling matters. She's so kind every time that it feels as if her life's mission is to care for the younger generation. It makes me feel guilty―sorry, Sensei. Hanako: "By the way, do you like girls?" Akihito: "What makes you say that?" Hanako: "You seem to do this a lot, so I assumed you like them." Of course I do! What makes you think I don't!? Akihito: "Umm, it's not because of that." Akihito: "It's our duty as human beings to help those in need." Long live cheesy lines. Hanako: "I see. I guess that's true." She's honest. Or indifferent, maybe. Akihito: "By the way, Sensei, on a different note......do you believe in monsters?" Hanako: "That's sudden. Monsters......do you mean three-headed golden dragons or aliens that tear your stomach open?" Akihito: "Not quite that crazy......I mean the Loch Ness Monster, or Mothman, or aliens three-meters tall." Hanako: "I guess they might exist somewhere." Akihito: "It'd be pretty scary if they did......" Hanako: "More like fascinating. I'd love to meet them." Akihito: "......I hope you do someday." Hanako: "......? You're not making much sense today." I don't understand either. An invisible giant――That thing simply isn't possible.This isn't some hero manga or anime. But this girl is just as impossible as the giant. When we say something isn't possible, we can't say for sure it doesn't exist, only that we've never encountered it before. Rumors.Monsters, UMAs―― If they do exist, there must be evidence somewhere. It's a waste of time to try and deny all this with blind faith in common sense. My confusion recedes. Hanako: "So, what are you going to do with her?" Akihito: "If you don't mind, I was hoping to let her stay here......" Hanako: "Can't. I have work tomorrow, and it's not my day job.Why not take her to the police or a normal hospital?" Akihito: "I'd prefer not to. They'd ask a lot of annoying questions." Hanako: "You're so nice." Akihito: "Geh!?" Hanako: "You're so nice, but only to girls." Akihito: "That's not...at all...what I......" Yoruko: "......nn......mmm......" Hanako: "So you're thinking the cops might take her away if she really is mixed up in something?" Akihito: "......" Hanako: "She might be the bad guy, you know." ......it's possible. Hanako: "As a warning, pedophilia won't get you anywhere." Akihito: "That's not what this is about!" Hanako: "In that case, go ahead and take her home with you. Have fun." Akihito: "Seriously!?" Hanako: "Seriously." Yamada Hanako.When push comes to shove, she's real cold.
Akihito: "It's Akihito. Sorry I didn't call sooner." Tianwen: "You're so mean! You don't care about me at all, do you!? You've just been toying with me!" Akihito: "......well, it's true that I'm not into guys." Tianwen: "Tut tut tut. You're not supposed to be honest about that, Akihito-kun. The world doesn't reward straight talkers." Tianwen: "So, where are you right now? Don't tell me you got hurt in that......" Akihito: "No, I'm totally fine." Tianwen: "Good to hear. My phone wouldn't connect so I was worried. There's a pretty big mess outside so we probably won't get much business until morning." Akihito: "Also, some stuff happened and I don't think I can make it back. Can I have permission to leave early?" Tianwen: "It's a woman! You...you, you, you cheater......ooooooo!" Akihito: "You're creeping me out, stop it." Tianwen: "But I love you Akihito-kun.――You're not nearby, are you?" He's sharp. Akihito: "......not telling." I saw a monster near the explosion and bumped into an injured girl with scary eyes and now I'm trying to take care of her. ――I can't exactly tell him that. Tianwen: "Uhuhuhuhu, you're so cute." Akihito: "Owner, stop using that voice......" Tianwen: "Akihito-kun, have you ever heard the phrase "feeling is believing" or "you don't know until you try?" Just relax, and let your master――" After hanging up, I half-heartedly turn on the TV.The news is reporting on the explosion. Newscaster: "......the cause of the explosion remains unclear, but some believe this might be a reproduction of the terrorist attack from five years ago――" It only happened a few hours ago, but in the confines of the television screen it suddenly doesn't feel real anymore. Akihito: "......they're all really stuck on this story." I flick through other channels, but nothing's different. Ghost girls. Invisible monsters. Flying swords and girls. Explosions. I reflect upon those words. None of them sound very realistic.I'll be able to look back on this and laugh in about three days. When did my hometown become such a den of villainy?I'd rather see a special report about that. This is a gentle kingdom. It's too gentle to reject anything.Even the stupidest things you can imagine are allowed. But still, the gears in my mind are starting to turn: Does that explosion have anything to do with the giant? It might. It might not. Yoruko: "Ansetzen, Bigwig!" I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I give up on organizing my thoughts and plop down on my sofa. I've been living here for about half a year. I'm on the fourteenth floor of a tall apartment building, in a room far larger than I need. If I were paying the rent I wouldn't be able to afford one square foot of this place, let alone the whole room. My dad bought it to live here with me, but just after we moved in he got sent overseas on business. Over the last half-year he's only come back for a couple days.Life often doesn't work out the way you planned. Newscaster: "......at the time of the explosion there were pedestrians on the street, and some of them were injured by flying debris. There have been no confirmed death reports yet......" No one's dead yet. The silver lining. I go back to my bedroom to change her towel, and she snaps awake. Yoruko: "......!" She continues lying down as she looks around, checking where she is. Yoruko: "――――!!" She leaps up―― Yoruko: "!!!!!!!!!!!!!" ――Then she rolls around in agony on top of the bed.There are tears in her eyes. Akihito: "You need to get some rest. You've got a fever and some fractures." Yoruko: "......" She glares at me. Akihito: "Ah, right, how you got here." Akihito: "You collapsed in a back alley. I thought about leaving you but my conscience kicked in and dragged you back here. Be grateful." Yoruko: "......!" Akihito: "What's your name?" Yoruko: "Hmph." She looks away from me. Akihito: "How'd you get hurt?" Akihito: "Can we call your parents? Where do you live?" She says absolutely nothing. Akihito: "Come on, give me something." Yoruko: "Go away." Akihito: "......" At least she finally opened her mouth. Akihito: "Come to think of it, I saw what looked like a huge monster there――" Yoruko: "――――!?" Akihito: "Finally got you to react." She narrows her eyes and glares. Akihito: "Oh well. Get some sleep. You can stay as long as you need." Yoruko: ".........?" My lukewarm attitude makes her raise an eyebrow.She must have expected me to question her more. Akihito: "Would you believe me if I said a ghost was following me around lately? That's why I don't care to hear any more weird stories." Yoruko: "――――!" Akihito: "Actually, a lot of people are talking about that particular ghost on the internet. Girl A―heard of her?" Yoruko: "............" She reacted quite strangely so I tried throwing that out there, but she gave a different look this time. Weird. Searching eyes, like thin blades sliding cautiously into me. Her stomach makes a cute growl.She goes red up to her ears. Akihito: "You hungry?" Yoruko: "!!!!!" It doesn't matter whether you're happy, sad, or surprised, as long as you're alive you'll still get hungry. That's an iron-clad rule. Akihito: "I have some stuff that should be easy to digest." Akihito: "Here's some gelatin and a sports drink." Yoruko: "............" It's easy-to-find food that's good for sick people.I pull up a chair next to the bed and have some myself. I'm not that good at cooking, so don't expect much.Though the owner did teach me a little. The girl timidly reaches out, but I stop her. Akihito: "Tell me your name and say thank you." Yoruko: "!!" A hilarious struggle ensues between her pride and her stomach. Yoruko: "............ Shinomiya Yoruko." Yoruko: "......th-...thank...y-you......f-for saving...me." She's almost crying.......is this really that big a deal? Akihito: "Okay, eat up." She devours it all. Akihito: "......" She must be at least two years younger than me. Our meeting was incredible, but she doesn't look like a pointy-eared fantasy girl. According to all the world-famous fantasy stories with movie adaptations, you can't recognize magicians on sight because they like to hide out among ordinary humans. Not that I can rely on those sources. Akihito: "Well, they do say witches have some kind of birthmark." ......should I strip her? I consider it for a moment. Akihito: "Nah, doesn't matter." Akihito: "......I'll be sleeping on the sofa, so call me if you need anything." No answer, as expected. As I lie down on the sofa...... Yoruko: "Kyaaaaaaaaaaaaa――――――――――!?" She immediately screams like a girl her age. Akihito: "What the―what gives? What happened!?" Yoruko: "M-my phone! Where's my phone!?" Akihito: "......calm down. Will you die if you don't have your cell phone nearby?" Yoruko: "Where did you......why would you......where! Where is it!?" Akihito: "Here." I hold it up by the strap. What a cute strap for such an antisocial girl.It has a chibi character and an AC-something logo. Yoruko: "――――――!!" Yoruko reaches out with an incredible look on her face. I pull back. Yoruko: "!!!" Akihito: "............" Well, I didn't really have a reason to dodge her.Her face was just so funny I felt like playing. Should I really be doing this?She is hurt, after all...... Yoruko: "!!!" I continue toying with her. Yoruko: "!!!!!!" This is way too much fun. Yoruko: ".................." Akihito: "......" Yoruko: "chomp" She bites my other hand. Akihito: "Gyaaa! What was that for!? You animal!!" Yoruko: "chomp chomp" Akihito: "Gyaaaaa!!" She got the phone away from me. Akihito: "Dammit......so you ARE from a planet where no one can live without a cell phone." My hand has bite marks on it. Akihito: "Henceforth, I shall dub thee "the biter."" Yoruko: "Go away." Akihito: "That's not cute." Akihito: "Anyway, I'm gonna try going to sleep again, so wake me up if you need something. Also――" Yoruko: "......?" I leave a note by her pillow. Akihito: "That's my number. If you can't wake me up just call and let the ringtone do the work." Yoruko: "......" Yoruko looks at me as if I'm some mysterious creature.I leave her there and return to the sofa. ――――I hate unfortunate women. The weak will always draw the short straws, just as naturally as water flows to lower ground. Unlucky women always have those cold, determined eyes――every last one of them. Just having one near me is infuriating. ......I remember the red color. The ferrous stench and crimson tinge spreading across the white floor.The warmth of life flowing out of her like sand in an hourglass.No amount of prayer could have saved her. Family members. Best friends. Lovers.No matter how close you are, other people are still completely isolated from you. In the end, everyone lives alone and dies alone. You can hold out your hand, but you won't reach anyone.The only way to save yourself is by your own hands, or with luck. Who is Shinomiya Yoruko? What happened in the business district? What was that giant? There's no end to the questions. So I stop thinking about them. I'm amazed I can adapt so quickly.That is, if refusing to think about them qualifies as adapting to them. I can't afford to just stick my neck into other people's problems at every opportunity. Morning.When I wake up, Yoruko's gone. Akihito: "......that idiot." She must've left earlier.I can't imagine those wounds healed overnight. Akihito: "......" Come on, don't do anything crazy.Shinomiya Yoruko left on her own. She's telling you to leave her alone.And she's right. Don't get involved any further. ――You don't want to screw up, do you? I look around the area, but find nothing. I imagine an exhausted Yoruko, curled up like a stray cat in a back alley. Akihito: "......dammit." If a woman whose name and face I know turns up dead in the street, I'd never be able to live with myself. I should've written down Yoruko's cell phone number.She would've been really mad if I did that though. It's possible she went back to wherever she lives. A possibility――That's no different to a fairy tale.Just a way of saying meaningless things with an air of plausibility. When something happens or doesn't happen, it doesn't matter whether the odds of it happening were 99% or 1%. A call?I don't recognize this number. Maybe it's her!? Akihito: "Where the hell are you!?" ???: "Greetings." The voice of a man I don't know. Akihito: "........................if this is a wrong number, I'm kinda busy right now, so talk to you later." ???: "You'd talk to me later if this were a wrong number? You are a strange man." Akihito: "Sorry. Anyway, I'm hanging up." ???: "You're the man who found Yoruko, correct?" My thumb stops just before pushing the button. Akihito: "Who are you?" ???: "Her guardian." A rough voice, like iron. That's his willpower.A strong, firm, immovable will. Akihito: "......" This is too dangerous to take at face value.But I don't have any other leads, so I can't hang up. ???: "Yoruko says you saved her. I want to thank you." Akihito: "Where is she now?" ???: "She called me and I picked her up." Yoruko's phone――She called him herself. ――So he really is her guardian? ???: "Can you meet me?" Akihito: "......when?" ???: "Tonight, 6 PM. The footbridge in front of the station." Akihito: "I'll go if I feel like it." No answer. He hangs up on me without so much as a goodbye.I can almost see the stranger's face mocking me.
???: "Again, tonight she sings. Again, tonight she does not answer." ???: "No one knows her, and she has but one name:" ???: "Girl A." Akihito: ".................." Takahashi: "Maybe it's just me, but you seem really upset about something." Takahashi's my classmate. He's sitting in the vacant seat next to me. He's a noisy guy and the fourth-heaviest in the class. He loves otaku stuff, but despite that, he swims through the hierarchy of school society with unyielding liveliness and advanced improvisation skills. Akihito: "I've been walking through a minefield since last night. It's like I've been cursed." Takahashi: "Ah. Well, don't let it get to you." The familiar bell rings. Even that sound weighs heavily on me this morning.The buzz since last night is making me want to stay home and sleep, but here I am at school anyway. I can be a real goody two-shoes sometimes. Our square-faced Instructor Morino enters, whipping every corner of the classroom with his gaze alone. The classroom was overrun with stupid gossip just a moment ago, but now his authority draws everyone into an orderly arrangement.The time of law and order has arrived. Teacher: "Now then, regarding what we discussed last time, if you want to score high on the midterm――" The teacher's voice lulls us to sleep.Fatigue and a life of school drama render our eyes half-asleep. Teacher: "For this part, the next formula can be applied to――" But something is slightly different today. A paper ball sails through the air. Text messages are sent and received by EM waves. All without alerting the demonic 45-year old math teacher Morino Ishimatsu. The rule about turning cell phones off during class has no effect on young people, who still see themselves as the lone sacred beings in all of creation. Teacher: "But despite that――" It's the day after the explosion. Rumor begets rumor through talk, paper notes, the internet, and text messages. Suddenly―― There she is again, right outside the window. Girl A―― She enters my field of vision. ――Again, today she sings. ――Again, today she does not answer. Troublesome things are happening one after another, like iron filings gathering around a magnet. Akihito: (Geez.) Her long sleeves fill with illusory wind. A singer with no voice. A princess with no name. ――Again, today she sings. ――Again, today she does not answer. Teacher: "As you can see in the textbook――" The teacher's voice spreads like ripples. All but a teaspoon of the classroom's air is the same as usual, while I see and hear things no one else can. Akihito: "I can't take this any more......" Not only am I tired, but I've been seeing the ghost girl since I woke up――I just don't have enough energy to get through class. For mental health reasons, I leave during fourth period, before lunch. I open the old, slightly noisy door to the roof. A fence, two benches, and the obligatory generator room are the only features of this barren roof. My usual and ideal evacuation spot. Someone's here already. She's curled up on one of the benches like a sunbathing cat, using three paperback books as a headrest. Akihito: "..................wake up, Senpai." Kururi: "Mmm, that you, Kouhai?" She opens her left eye, still curled up. I thought she was sleeping, but she's clearly awake. She lazily sits back up and adjusts her crooked glasses. Sluggish and shameless. She has so much going for her, but her countless bad habits ruin it. Our school's dejected beauty number two. Everyone says she looks a little like the pretty witch girl in that Hollywood flick about a magic academy, except she became dejected as she grew older. Come to think of it, there seem to be more depressed people in the world than anyone else. Akihito: "What the hell are you doing, Senpai?" I always act rude around her for some reason. It's just the way we work together. Kururi: "That's no way to greet someone. If you can't tell by looking, I don't think I can explain it to you." Akihito: "All I saw was a hedonistic display of inactivity." Kururi: "So you do understand." She lies back down and starts stretching. I wish she'd sleep a little more like a human. Akihito: "Wake up, Senpai." Kururi: "I see you still leave a lot to be desired." She rotates between several sleepy faces and voices. She looks sleepy every hour of every day of every year, so I can never tell whether she's actually tired or fully operational. Her stiff facial features always produce ambiguous expressions. It makes it look like she's always smiling. Kururi: "Like respect for your Senpai, the desire to show that respect to Senpai, the submissive nature of a slave who crawls on the ground licking Senpai's shoes, you're missing all of that." Akihito: "Good enough." Kururi: "You lack too much." I wish she'd realize that respect and modesty aren't always appropriate. Akihito: "Anyway, you know class is in session, right?" Kururi: "Sunbathing feels gooood." Akihito: "Your concern is nearly palpable." Kururi: "By the way, Aki-chan, how should a Senpai deal with a Kouhai who cuts class to lounge around on the roof?" Akihito: "We should consider ourselves even and move on." Akihito: "Nice weather today." I turn away from her and secure a spot on the bench for my own butt. This barren, ordinary roof has a nice view. Looking up, a ropeway stretches across the mountains nearby. Behind me, I have a birds-eye view of the outskirts of Takakura City. Akihito: "The scenery's really nice up here." Kururi: "Yeah, too nice to waste all day in class." Akihito: "It's really annoying when you say that while half-asleep." Kururi: "But Kururi-chan is so cute. I got the special prize at this school's Beauty Pageant S, you know." Akihito: "What the hell does the "S" mean?" Kururi: "S for secret. Popularity contests for girls have to be done secretly now or people will complain too much." It's a cold age where everyone has to be paranoid about other's rights. Things become warped when something is taken to extremes. Akihito: "Special prize in a secret popularity poll......how much authority does that give you? Is it like the Avoriaz Fantastic Film Festival?" Kururi: "Kururi-chan is the number one beautiful Senpai that no one wants as a girlfriend." Akihito: "Now there's a sad title." Semimaru Kururi. She's a third-year, one year older than me, but for bizarre and complex reasons she's a completely useless creature. She's somewhat famous within the school, but everyone uses words like "weird" whenever they talk about her. Anyone in this school will hear about her once or twice, and her name is hard to forget once you hear it. The anecdotes about Kururi are all so unusual they come close to being new urban legends. Kururi legends. No one knows if they're true. Akihito: "Your personality's even weirder than your name." Kururi: "Don't talk behind people's backs when they're around." Akihito: "I'm not behind your back." Kururi: "I really think humans need to embellish the truth in order to get along with each other." Akihito: "Who said that?" Kururi: "I did. So what brings you here today?" Akihito: "Just cutting." Kururi: "Villain." Akihito: "The very act of living is inherently evil......if you want to get philosophical." Akihito: "Anyway, what happened to you yesterday, Kururi-chan?" Kururi: "Your gray brain cells aren't half-bad." Kururi cuts class to go to the roof, mostly to make up for a lack of sleep. Akihito: "Wouldn't it be easier to just not come to school?" Kururi: "Students need to study." Akihito: "......and cutting class to sunbathe counts as studying?" I grumble about someone else's problems as I stick the straw into the coffee juicebox I bought. Stab. Virginity lost. Kururi: "So anyway, about yesterday's explosion......" Akihito: "Bubo!" Kururi: "What?" Akihito: "N-nothing, nyaa." It went down my windpipe. Kururi: "Nyaa." Akihito: "S-so what is it?" Kururi: "Kururi-chan's business booms at times like this." Akihito: "......you mean your detective role-play?" Kururi-senpai has an HQ in the filthy downtown sea. There she regulates a constant succession of joys and sorrows.Or so she says. Kururi: "Non non non. Super-detective. The "super" is super important. Don't forget that." Miss Correction shakes her finger and goes "tsk tsk tsk." Akihito: "What's the difference? Do you have special moves to solve mysteries with?" Kururi: "Detectives don't solve mysteries, they just arrange information. Normal detectives arrange it after everything's over, but super-detectives do so before it even happens." Akihito: "That makes even less sense......" Kururi: "Mm~ Mm~ Your face looks green." Akihito: "I'm not an alien." Kururi: "Your face says something happened." It's her Cheshire Cat smile.She squints, looking at something invisible with her cat eyes. Akihito: "......" Akihito: "Nothing happened." Kururi: "But we're so close, Aki-chaaaan......" Akihito: "No we're not." A grapple ensues. A childish, clumsy fight targeting each other's ears, noses, and hair. We continue until we run out of breath. Akihito: "Got any other heartwarming topics? Maybe something that isn't about explosions, explosions, or explosions?" I try changing the topic. Kururi: "What's wrong with explosions? Ka-boom! Just one feels so exhilarating. Kururi-chan loves that stuff." Akihito: "I have a weak stomach so none of that please." Kururi: "Liar." Akihito: "What did you say, cat?" Kururi: "Everything else is pretty normal. God's in his heaven; all's right with the world. The town's in an uproar and everyone's an idiot." Kururi: "That's right, you know the Wild Bunch and Gryffindor were squabbling around the park? Rumor has it they might have a big fight soon." Akihito: "All these vigilantes and street gangs really love playing king of the hill." Kururi: "There's a rumor about some rising newcomers called Caesar's Legion, but no one's seen them in action yet." Kururi: "Also, the other day I noticed that the Chinese ramen shop from West Hyangsan turned into an accessory shop." Akihito: "Seriously? I really liked that place......it was just starting to get popular after that article on the Gourmet Wars blog......" Kururi: "Having delicious food's not enough. Gotta be cute too. The world's not that nice." Akihito: "How sad." Kururi: "There's also monsters and a singing ghost." Akihito: "Yeah, let's ignore those for now too." Kururi: "Really? You're not curious?" Akihito: "I'm a realist, uhehehehe." Kururi: "Your face is as green as a beanstalk." Akihito: "No, it isn't." Kururi: "Other hot topics......oh right, I guess the group death." Akihito: "......that sounds kinda cool." A group death―― The media and the internet are all over it.A number of people got together, then suddenly died. At first it looked like a mass suicide, but they all died of heart failure, fanning the flames of curiosity. The members of the group were a mix of genders and ages. They didn't seem to have anything in common at all, but their cell phone histories prove they were in contact with each other. This is the ninth such incident in the past three months. No motive for suicide, but no external wounds. No sign of drug abuse either. They remain mysteries. Akihito: "After being away for so long my hometown feels like a deserted island in the middle of nowhere, I might as well be Urashima Taro." Kururi: "But that's normal." Akihito: "It is!?" Kururi: "Normal, very normal. That happens all the time in school life action light novels." Akihito: "This is the real world, Senpai." Kururi: "Usually the city starts freaking out over some serial killer or a bunch of mysterious deaths, and by the end everyone's dead." Akihito: "So they all die anyway." Kururi: "That and everyone who finds a mysterious pretty girl gets involved somehow." That trope really makes me nauseous. Akihito: "......oh, wow, this late already." I switch to running away before this gets any worse. Kururi: "Heading back to class?" Akihito: "To the cafeteria before lunch starts." I stand up. I'm going to get some food before it gets crowded. Kururi: "Truant." Akihito: "Look in the mirror." The school's peaceful today. I have a meeting scheduled for 6 PM tonight on the footbridge in front of the station. If I head home first I'll end up going round in circles. So I stay behind in the empty classroom, resting my chin on my hand, bored. Time is passing even slower than usual. Akihito: "――――Oh." Ayaya: "Uoo!" Apparently I fell asleep at some point. Right in front of me, Ayaya freezes in her red clothes. A daruma doll rolls along the floor. Akihito: "Mm?" My eyes slowly open and focus.They center on a magic marker in Ayaya's right hand. Akihito: "What. Did. You. Just. Do!?" Ayaya: "Gyooo!" We squabble. I slept a lot longer than I thought. Her clothes only looked red because of the evening sun. Outside, the sun's low enough that our shadows are getting long. Akihito: "Morning." Ayaya: "A very good morning to you, Mizuwa-senpai!" She double salutes me. As the last person in the classroom, I have to lock the door before heading out. Akihito: "There." Ayaya: "Excellent work, Senpai. Ayaya has been waiting for your return for as long as......the watchmen wait for the morning!" Ayaya Enishi looks slightly annoyed as she holds down her right hand in an antiquated greeting. Akihito: "When were you born again?" Ayaya: "Ken-san is so cool!" Ayaya: "TOTUYA had a big sale last week so Ayaya got a bunch of DVDs and watched them all at once, and Ayaya was so moved by his performances!" Ayaya Enishi, a.k.a. Ayaya is one year below me. She's a neat, tidy and rather plain Kouhai, but like a yappy dog she never stops talking. Also, most of Takakura Ken's movies are from the 70s. Akihito: "So what're you doing here today?" Ayaya: "Oh, nothing. There's no particular reason, but Ayaya was about to head home when she saw Senpai's shoes still in his locker, so she stayed too." Akihito: "I see. So you took a peek in the classro―" Ayaya: "Yes. Senpai, the sight of your defenseless sleeping face made my maiden heart go pipipipipipipipipi!" Akihito: "I doubt that's the right noise." Ayaya: "There was a fierce struggle between the demon's temptation to write "meat" on your forehead and the angel whispering "No, don't do that! You mustn't do such a thing to your beloved Senpai, at least write 'love' instead!"" Akihito: "Next time, you're getting discipline course A." By the way, course A is drinking a box of badly-flavored juice all in one gulp. Ayaya: "Ayaya~~" Once the gilt of faux-purity has been peeled away, she wraps her tail between her legs. Akihito: "You could've picked a less humiliating prank." Ayaya: "I have been taught that one must not be choosy about the means to an end in wartime." Akihito: "And what evil creature told you this?" Ayaya: "Love-senpai!" She points at me. Under the burning sky, we leave school together. Ayaya follows half a step behind me like a groupie. Akihito: "Ya~~wn" I still haven't gotten enough sleep. I try to suppress the yawn. Ayaya: "There was such a big fuss yesterday. All the TV shows had several bulletins about it, and today it made the front page." Ayaya: "They're even talking about it online, wondering if the terrorist from five years ago is back now." Akihito: "Ayaya, have you been living in Takakura for a long time?" Ayaya: "Yes, boss! Ayaya's family has been running a business in Takakura City for three generations." Akihito: "So, you were still here when it happened?" Ayaya: "Well, yes, that's true." We stop partway down the long sloping path from the school gates.A dark shadow melds with her normally bright smile. Ayaya: "......it was scary. I was still young, so I didn't really know what was going on." Five years ago. The incident those words symbolize is a taboo subject for every single resident of this city. That's one memory I don't share, because I wasn't here back then.It's one of the reasons my hometown feels as distant as a stranger. Akihito: "Sorry for asking such a dumb question." Ayaya: "Ah, it's fine, that's okay. But what is it this time? I know the news said it was an accident......" Five years ago, after that cult orchestrated the bombings, its leading members locked themselves in a certain facility and committed mass suicide. Eighty-six deaths by fire, including the founder. The cult was completely eradicated. American cults have done similar things before―but here it was unprecedented, and still no one knows how to feel about it. Ayaya: "What about you, Senpai? You work in the new heart of town, so Ayaya was a bit worried." She fidgets with wet eyes. Akihito: "That's not like you. Stop it." Ayaya: "Your words are so excessively excessive." Ayaya: "As a single girl who adores her Senpai, I conduct tireless research into my lovey-dovey pretty powers. What don't you like?" Akihito: "Work on your real assets, not your gilding." Ayaya: "I have neglected nothing. My boobs are already 84D." Akihito: "WHAT!? SERIOUSLY!?" How can such a secret be hidden within this compact body!? Ayaya: "Growth spurts, eating right, many other things." Ayaya: "They're getting nice and soft now too. Ayaya's thinking it might be about time to get deflowered, so once Senpai triggers my flags I'll be ambushing you from dusk 'til dawn." Akihito: "I guess I'd prefer you were a bit more discreet." Ayaya: "But, but, nowadays the idea of holding on to your virginity until marriage is just silly, right?" Akihito: "......don't crush men's dreams." I feel somehow weaker, so I argue back in a soft voice. Ayaya: "All the dyed brunettes scattered around our class are messing around quite a bit." Ayaya: "During lunch I hear them talk about trying this and that until "Oh yes! That's it, right there!" It really makes you wonder if you're falling behind or not." Ayaya rambles on and on, then quickly holds up her bookbag as a shield. She looks warily in all directions, with the face of an Earth Defender facing invaders from the void. Ayaya: "She's not coming?" Akihito: "Ah, "that." Nope, she's not here." Ayaya: "A little earworm from your class told me Mizuwa-senpai's been absent lately." Akihito: "Don't you mean a little birdie?" Having worms in your ears isn't a good thing. Ayaya: "This is―well, you know―a once in a lifetime chance." Akihito: "Don't you mean a one in a million chance?" Ayaya: "If I attack with full force, dusk 'til dawn, with all means justified, I might just break Senpai's guard and get him to warm up to me!" Ayaya: "Even Hana-sensei said boys your age only need one sample of the goods to be hooked for life!" Akihito: "I'll have to give Hana-sensei a piece of my mind about setting a bad example for the students." Akihito: "Don't blame me if your maiden heart's dangerous actions get you killed when "that" returns." Ayaya: "Ayayayayayayaya." Ayaya looks like a cat who just ate a poisonous fish. She then whispers into my ear. Ayaya: "That would be rather extreme. By which I mean I'd be bullied. PTSD. Mind rape. Merciless." Akihito: "Well, no, that's actually pretty lenient for her." Ayaya: "Lies! Evil! Witchery! A messenger from hell with black equipment that can't be removed but gives +15 to its armor class! The god of the new world!?" Akihito: "You know, "that" is pretty awesome when she gets serious. None of it's just for show, you know." Akihito: "She goes abroad once in a while for weapons training, boot camp, survival lectures and stuff." Akihito: "She can seriously kill people with her bare hands. There's a demon living in her back." Ayaya: ".................." Akihito: "She went overseas at the end of last week―did I not mention that?" Ayaya: "............you are joking, right?" Akihito: "What do you mean?" Reality is cold and heartless.
Akihito: "Okay, bye." I give my farewells in front of the bus stop. Ayaya: "Oro!? Senpai, you have work today!? Ayaya's strategy of targeting you on a day off is ruined!?" Akihito: "Hmph. The strategist drowns in her own strategy." Ayaya: "Ayayaya." Akihito: "It's not work, but I do have something I need to do." Ayaya: "Don't tell me another girl has sunk her poisonous fangs into Senpai too!?" Akihito: "You haven't bitten me either." Ayaya: "Wait just a little more. I will train under a waterfall until you can't stand to be apart from me!!" Akihito: "I await tales of your hard-won victories, sergeant. Bye now. Take care on your way home." Ayaya: "Haha! That I shall, Senpai." Ayaya: "See you tomorrow~~~~~~!!!!" Ayaya raises both hands and waves them around. Akihito: "............" Akihito: "She's so lively it's embarrassing............" The Takakura Station footbridge looks like a hieroglyph from above. It's a community space of sorts―on holidays there are stalls and street performers all over the place. After parting from Ayaya, I headed straight for the station. I got here about thirty minutes ahead of time. Guess I'm a bit too early. I shrink back from the evening crowds trying to get home, leaning against the beautifully-painted fence and waiting for someone whose name I don't even know. With nothing better to do, I look up. ――There's Girl A. Like a sign visiting us from beyond the edge of the world. Ever since she appeared two weeks ago, trouble's been stalking me like a rain of arrows. Akihito: "A bizarre cursed girl haunting me......" Ayaya's mouth might turn into a circle with joy, but as a side character it's just bothersome. Akihito: "Say something already." Girl A doesn't answer. Her strangely-colored lips form a smile that could convey either pity or compassion. The glow of sunset behind my back transitions to a bluish purple, quietly looking down at us crawling on the ground. The town flows by at a bewildering pace. A crowd of strangers upon strangers. The world is always this fast. This would be so much easier if pieces of the heart could be separated and shuffled around like everything else. Akihito: "――――" The princess sings freely, all alone on the summit. I point my index finger at her. I load it with my desire to lash out, and set my sights on her like a rifle. Akihito: "Bang!" As I thought, I don't recognize her face. Tonight, she sings again. Tonight, she still does not answer. She probably won't tomorrow either. ???: "Is there something you want to shoot down?" Akihito: "Kinda. Just a ghost that's kinda cute but a hundred times more infuriating." ???: "You believe in such a vulgar legend?" A voice carved out of solid steel. Akihito: "In these dry times of ours it's important not to lose your childish purity." One man is here. ???: "You talk more than I thought. Like a jester." Akihito: "Then I guess that makes you the king?" He reminds me of a knight in silver steel armor. A tall man with a harsh gaze. Tough and impenetrable. His graceful features are like an over-sharpened blade, hard to touch without cutting yourself. Most of all, he has a strong presence. Even if everyone in school lined up for an assembly, I'd be able to tell at a glance where he was in line. ???: "Pleased to meet you, Mizuwa Akihito." Akihito: "......You wanna swap business cards?" Gasai: "Gasai. Gasai Itsuki." Akihito: "Pleased to meet you, Gasai Itsuki." Akihito: "So......you're the guy who told me to come here at six, right?" He remains silent, only raising the corners of his lips in a pompous smile. Gasai Itsuki.The man who claimed to be Shinomiya Yoruko's guardian. This is the time when the evening rush congests the city. I lean back against the fence and talk, the crowds in the corner of my eye. Gasai: "I hear you took Yoruko to your place." Akihito: "Just say I saved her. She's not a cat." Gasai chooses to stand on his own two legs instead of leaning lazily against the fence. How kingly. Akihito: "So you're her guarantor?" Gasai: "Her guardian." Akihito: "You're younger than I thought. Around my age, right? So you can't be her father, and judging by your surnames you aren't siblings......long story?" Gasai: "You like prying? You really are a clown." Akihito: "Not that it matters. Just that if you're Yoruko's guardian, than it wasn't a total waste arranging a date with a guy." I grab the king's shirt and pull him close.I can feel his breath on my face. Akihito: "What the hell are you making that pipsqueak do? She was in serious danger back there. What the hell are you thinking, Your Highness!?" I remember her face and the smell of blood. My temperature rises from anger. The crowds act like masses parting for a ruler, trying to avoid making eye contact with the two young boys picking a fight. Gasai: "You answered my call just to say that?" The king is so calm it's irritating. Akihito: "......so what if I did? I'm pretty picky about how guys treat their women." Gasai: "That's not bad. But it is quite comical and soft of you." Gasai: "You. Know. Nothing." Akihito: "――――" That's the truth, not sarcasm. Invisible monsters. Flying swords. Explosions. Keywords that anyone else would take as part of a joke. The circumstances surrounding Shinomiya Yoruko are unimaginably strange. I don't know anything, but I'm complaining about how he treats her anyway. My grip weakens, and the king brushes my hand aside. Akihito: "............" I take two steps back and lean against the fence, right where we started. Gasai: "Not even a single question?" Akihito: "............I prefer not to get involved in dangerous things." Gasai: "It's said wise men don't go looking for trouble......in which case, you truly are a clown." Gasai: "Would such a man take Yoruko in? That's not only comical, but contradictory." Gasai's penetrating gaze irritates me slightly. Gasai: "First, thank you for helping Yoruko. Given your absurdity, I think I will have to thank you again some other day." Akihito: "You're not acting very grateful." Gasai: "All that matters is results. Or do you want an act from me?" Akihito: "Everything begins from outward appearances." Gasai: "You have a point, but that is the sort of thing shallow men say." Akihito: "Did you come here to thank me or to pick a fight with me?" Gasai: "Thank you, of course." Liar. Akihito: "So you are grateful, then?" Gasai: "But of course." Akihito: "Then I do have some questions. Is two okay?" Gasai: "Speak." Akihito: "......what happened to Shinomiya Yoruko?" Gasai: "She's recuperating." A terse answer, but for some reason I believe him. If nothing else, she's probably fine. Whether that's a relief or not depends on this guy. Akihito: "One more." The king remains silent, smiling coldly. He looks at the rat caught in his trap. This is obviously the trigger. I know that, but...... Akihito: "――――――What was that, Your Highness?" I took the first step. After a few seconds...... Gasai: "What did you see, and what did you think it was?" What did I think it was? There's only one answer to that. Akihito: "......a bad dream, I guess." Gasai goes silent, as if waiting for something. Gasai: "Ha――" Suddenly...... Gasai: "Ha, hahahahaha!" He laughs as if I said something strange. Akihito: "......do you enjoy listening to yourself laugh?" Gasai: "You do your job well, clown." Akihito: "Admit it, you came here to pick a fight." Gasai: "Do you want to know what REALLY happened there?" Gasai comes closer, as if to whisper in my ear the world's greatest secrets. Akihito: "Is this the kind of thing that'll get me killed if I know too much?" Gasai: "That'd be a third-rate plot point if I ever heard one." Akihito: "Reality is even worse." Gasai: "............indeed it is." Then, Gasai looks up at where Girl A was a moment ago. Right now there's nothing there but empty space. Gasai: "There would be no point in me telling you. If you're curious, find out for yourself. It will appear eventually............that I guarantee." Akihito: "Eventually?" Gasai: "That is why I came here tonight." Gasai: "If you have met Girl A――" Gasai: "Eventually, it will appear." The king's prophecy flows through me like cold air from an overpowered AC. Akihito: "You're awfully stingy for a king." Gasai: "Only that which you see with your own eyes is truth. Am I wrong?" And that is why you must see it for yourself. Gasai Itsuki tells me without words. Gasai: "I will give you one hint, clown. What you saw yesterday――" A night breeze blows along the footbridge. Gasai folds his arms with a slight smirk. Gasai: "――Was a "war."" Behind him is a herd of gray buildings. I feel like I've wandered into an inescapable labyrinth. Gasai: "Now then, enough banter. Let us get to the point. You took care of Yoruko last night." Akihito: "I did what I could." Our exchange holds no strange surprises. The tense atmosphere loosens up. Gasai: "You are free to consider myself in your debt." Akihito: "Aren't you just going to cut me off when I need your help most?" Gasai: "You're not a bad judge of character." Akihito: "Gasai――" Akihito: "You're just like the dastardly rival who appears at the beginning of every new shounen manga." Gasai: "Ha, hahahaha." Gasai laughs again. Gasai: "There aren't many men who can talk like that." Akihito: "Your face is scary, you know." Gasai: "Hmm, I see." Akihito: "What?" Gasai: "Coming here tonight was surprisingly worthwhile."
The man I met that day was very boring. What started it was of course something equally boring. After our boring talk ended, we killed more time hanging out on the footbridge. Gasai: "There is no end to the boring topics you ramble on about." Akihito: "Is there a topic that doesn't get boring?" Things that don't make sense, things I don't understand, things I want to ask about. There's tons of things, but I don't touch on any of them. We just talk about stupid, boring stuff all through the night. About yesterday. About today. About tomorrow. About dinner two days ago. About last week's TV shows. About a stray cat he found two years ago. About nighttime walks. Nasty rumors we heard online. Political topics that make us feel smart. The exams that ended recently. Blogs we regularly read. Trips I put off due to work. Brief reviews of DVDs we rented then wanted to throw out a window when they turned out to be Z-movies. Gasai: "Life is little more than a huge accumulation of boring things." Some guys can hold a pose like that and actually look good. I burn with envy. Empty coffee cans start to pile up at my feet. Between us we've emptied twelve. We might conquer every vending machine in the area tonight. Akihito: "This brand is kinda average." Gasai: "Too sweet." Akihito: "But it has thirty percent less sugar." Gasai: "Men who drink sweet coffee have no right to live." Harsh standards. I probably rank just below the amphibians. Gasai: "Next, black." Akihito: "If you want a specific one, go buy it yourself." Gasai: "I do not run errands." Akihito: "......is that so, king?" We play rock-paper-scissors far too seriously until a decision is reached. We're very alike. Gasai: "Black." Akihito: "............" I did lose, so I go without complaining. I buy him sweet milk coffee. Gasai: "Not all retribution is evil." Gasai voices that thought. We sip coffee as we talk, without looking at one another. Akihito: "Wasn't there a time when chains of hatred were really popular?" Retribution begets another retribution. Then another and another and another. One minus one is zero. Retribution never creates something new, that's why it's important to forgive.――That's the logical answer. Gasai: "You're talking about revenge." Akihito: "What's the difference?" Gasai: "Retribution is an act. Revenge is an emotion." Gasai: "Emotions easily lead to foolishness. However, it is true that the world operates on such foolish systems." Akihito: "That's a pain." Gasai: "A long time ago, a scholar ran an experiment using a computer." Gasai: "A war for survival between several programs. When programs encountered each other, they bargained. The one with the most assets at the end was the sole survivor." Gasai: "There were only two choices. Cooperate, or betray." Gasai: "The survivor was the simplest program of all. If the other program betrays you, do it to them――――Retribution. Just once, with precision, and no excess. Mechanically, without hatred." Akihito: "It seems weird to talk about some programs being more mechanical than others." Gasai: "None of them could win using altruism, clever tactics or deceit." Forgiving everyone makes you vulnerable. Overreacting makes you isolated. Akihito: "Are you saying retribution is just?" Gasai: "What's right is neither good nor evil. It simply is." Gasai: "Power, logic, and the will to carry it out. You can't survive if you don't have those. That's not an idea or a belief――Just the truth." I tilt the can in my right hand. A single bittersweet drop falls onto the tip of my tongue. Another can of coffee becomes empty. Gasai: "This world is a wasteland where we fight for survival. If you want to live, you have to fight." Akihito: "What do you want to do by living?" That thought was too out of place to call a question. Just a stay noise from my stupid mouth that perfectly fits this stupid night and our stupid meeting. Akihito: "Don't you have any huge naive dreams or goals as a student, or hopes or ideals you'll carry with you to the future?" Gasai: "It's easy to live without hopes or dreams." Akihito: "That's a cold life." I criticize it like it's someone else's problem, and add the thirteenth can to the pile. As I ready myself for another round of rock-paper-scissors... Gasai: "What about you?" Akihito: "............" Gasai: "――There is something I will have." He says―― Not "I want," but "I will." Not a wish, pledge, or even a promise. To him, it's a future that's clearly assured. He smirks arrogantly. Then he speaks in a whisper, as strong as steel, but faint enough to fade into the night. Gasai: "――――――――My kingdom."
――――dm-san has joined the chat. dm:Hey guys Madoka:'sup Yukiko:So it's a girl? 777:You're late today, dm-san dance:Yeah, actually that's dance:Oh, hi there dm:Well, some stuff came up. So what're you talking about? Did someone have a crush? Yukiko:No, no, lol. dm-san, do you like gossip like that? You're more frivolous than you look~ I'd better watch out...... Madoka:You don't know what he looks like...... 777:just talking about the usual dm:There's a lot of usual topics Madoka:The ghost girl, remember from yesterday? 777:dance-san said he knows someone who saw her Yukiko:There are threads about her, but it's kind of a local topic so they're pretty inactive dance:She's not "the ghost girl," she's Girl A dm:Maybe because she's underage despite being a ghost? Madoka:Weird name 777:She says nothing, never introducing herself. She is simply there. Hence, Girl A. Yukiko:That's so coooool! 777:I only heard about her in the thread so I dunno if it's true dance:Someone in my guild saw her too. We were trying to form a party dm:So what happens to people who see the ghost girl? Do they get cursed or something? 777:I haven't heard anything like that Madoka:That's a really common legend. dance:No, no, I'm not talking about urban legends! This is for real! dm:What's she like? dance:A mysterious girl! You can see her but can't hear her, and she's looking for someone! Like she's calling to us from another world...... Yukiko:A message from Girl A...... dm:Sounds like a movie title Madoka:How do you know she's calling if you can't hear her? Yukiko:You probably hear it inside your head instead of through the air. That happens a lot in light novels dance:Yeah, it does, rofl dm:Is that supposed to be scary......? 777:None of the rumors sound scary dance:But there are people who disappear after they're called...... Madoka:Now it's a legend Yukiko:Yeah, yeah, now that you mention it, I found this online the other day~ Yukiko:http://www.akatsukiworks.com/product/com/syoujyoA_001.zip dm:What? What song is this? dance:It cut off......stupid internet! Yukiko:Is this a song someone made after hearing the ghost girl, I mean Girl A singing? Madoka:There's a fan song for her already? dm:You really like urban legends, Yukiko-san dm:So what happens? Madoka:What do you mean? dm:She must be calling them for a reason, so what happens to the people she calls? Do they disappear to another world? Or does nothing happen at all? Does anyone know? 777:I didn't think you'd like this stuff, dm-san dance:We don't know. It's a mystery what happens. But a friend of my friend did get called. Madoka:Yeah right dance:Then he disappeared for a while, but the last text my friend got from him was...... Yukiko:Last text? dance:"I've found God." dm:Uwa!
――――dm-san has left the chat. Ever since that strange ghost girl started haunting me, I've had to play ignorant in a chat room I frequent. My handle is "dm"-san. When I first joined, I looked to one side, saw a book, and used the first letters of the words in the title. So it doesn't mean anything. After my audience with the king, I headed home. By the time I got back, it was almost midnight. I surf the net as I stifle yawns. News sites, blogs of Takakura City residents, threads I like on major image boards―――I've been checking some occult sites lately too. They have a bunch of pictures showing the scene of the explosion. ――An explosion occurred in the new heart of Takakura City. Police have not yet determined the cause. ――Part of the eighth and ninth floors were destroyed. ――Two people were inside at the time...... Akihito: "......so there were deaths." I feel depressed. Was it terrorism, was it an accident――Rumors flood the public mind. Girl A, monsters, the biter――There's too much I don't know. The stingy king told me to find out for myself if I was curious. ――War. That's the one word he gave me. I've looked at every image on the internet I could find, but nothing jumps out at me. Akihito: "What the hell am I doing......" The back of my chair gives a dull groan as I lean back. Abe: (Aaa-kun's not a nice guy after all. Just a lonely cool guy.) Akihito: "Geez......" Why'd I have to remember that line? Akihito: "Guess I'll eat something......" Can't fight wars on an empty stomach. I gather some things from the fridge. Milk and frozen anchovy pizza. Cooking is a pain so I usually eat ready-made stuff. TV: "I have forgotten the warmth of your hands――" TV: "It's all about money. Money, money, money, money. Is anything in this world more loyal than money? Huhihi!" I sit down on my living room sofa and gaze at the TV. The voices pass through my right ear and out the left. Akihito: "......this isn't good." Don't get too involved. It's obvious nothing good will come of it.I'll be the one getting hurt when things get bad. Akihito: "............" My stomach feels funny. Then, I notice it. Again. I hear that song. Girl A―― Tonight, she sings again. Tonight, she still does not answer. However... Tonight's song is slightly different. Akihito: "――――" My first thought is... She's calling me. I can hear the song from somewhere far away.――Telling me to come. She's reaching out a hand from the end of the world. A voiceless song tempting me to cross the border. Where is it coming from――? Outside. This is the fourteenth floor. Outside my window is a sea of neon and phosphorescent lights. I move from my window to my veranda, as she beckons. I open the curtains wide with one strong pull like in the movies―――― Akihito: "――――――――――――――――――――" Outside the window―― There I see a nightmarish, dark, brutal shadow holding up a weapon that cruelly reflects the night scenery―――― Akihito: "Gyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa――――――――――!"
Kagome: "Hmph." She opens the window from outside and enters with the silent motions of a cat. I've seen this before, but my eyes are still drawn to her. A strong presence―― Her long hair is a wonderful black. Her deep black eyes are so sharp she looks downright threatening. Black, black, black. Hinaori Kagome.Some call her a black witch. Kagome: "What a pain. You shouldn't lock the window. You almost forced me to break it open to get inside." There is no limit to Hinaori Kagome's superiority complex. Her arrogance is more absurd than anyone I know. She glares at me as if this is normal. She's shorter than me, but I feel like she's looking down on me. Akihito: "......there's at least three impossible things in that brief line of yours." The mysterious assassin outside my window was Kagome.I seriously thought my heart would stop. Akihito: "I keep telling you not to come in through the veranda――" Kagome: "I told you not to lock the window. You have such a bad memory." Akihito: "Listen to me!" Kagome's room is on the same floor, two doors down. I don't like to admit it, but she's a childhood friend. Though only when I was living in Takakura City. Akihito: "I thought you went overseas." Kagome-san brushes some of her long hair off her shoulder as she smirks. Kagome: "Obviously I came back. You cannot understand the blindingly obvious without asking first. Almost like a monkey." Akihito: "............" When someone's arrogance is this extreme, it's almost comforting. Akihito: "......so what brings you here today?" Further resistance would be foolish. Kagome: "I came to lounge around." Akihito: "That's what you say after almost breaking through my window!?" Kagome: "All alone with a rare beauty and no parents in sight. Anyone who knew about this would be jealous enough to gouge your eyes out." Akihito: "............at least be a little indirect about your pride." Not that she's wrong. Kagome: "Of course, I am merciful." Akihito: "No, you aren't!" Kagome: "I am, just like oxalic acid in spinach." Akihito: "That doesn't count." Kagome: "That is why..." Kagome: "If you were to confess that spending your days around a beautiful girl has given you overpowering urges you need to expel, perhaps I might leave you alone." Akihito: "............" Kagome: "Shall I leave you alone?" Akihito: "I don't need to do that." Kagome: "Then what is the problem with me lounging around?" Akihito: "Uu......" I lose. Not that I've ever won against this witch. Akihito: "......such a sad life." Kagome: "The contents of your brain have been sad for a long time, you know." Akihito: "No one was talking about.................. guaaaaa!" Kagome immediately strips. She's buck naked. Akihito: "Don't strip!" Kagome: "Why would I wear clothes in the shower?" Akihito: "Don't look at me like I'm crazy when you're the one saying crazy things!" Kagome: "Would you enjoy your childhood friend taking a shower fully clothed?" Kagome: "It would benefit you to not mention those abnormal tastes to anyone besides me." Akihito: "I'm telling you to strip normally!" Kagome: "I just did." Akihito: "I mean not here! Do it in the changing room!" Kagome: "Such a fussy man. You're like a sister-in-law, Akihito." Kagome leaves her clothes on the ground and calmly disappears into the bathroom. Akihito: "......at least put your clothes away......" I'm not wrong about this. I am not wrong.I try to brainwash myself as I pick up the clothes. Her shirt, jeans, and underwear...... Akihito: "............" Slightly warm. Kagome: "What are you doing?" Someone looks over my shoulder. A sweet soapy smell lingers after her shower. Her breath touches my earlobe. Eyes used to looking down on people arrogantly and cruelly. I imagine a black snake coiling up. Akihito: "......that's too close. You'll drip on me." Naked except for one of my white shirts. A dangerous no-underwear outfit. The snake invades my personal space. Akihito: "I keep telling you......put your clothes on after showering." Kagome: "I don't like being strict and formal." Akihito: "......at least be presentable when you're in a man's room!" Kagome: "Don't be so stiff around your partner." Kagome calls herself my partner, with a sweet, tempting voice. It's a trap. If I rush in blindly, nothing good will come of it. That's always been the case. Kagome: "So what are you up to......gathering scraps from the internet again? You always were clever and diligent about useless things." She steals my mouse and opens a bunch of sites. Akihito: "......" Kagome's right next to me. Her splendid black hair suits her aggressive gaze well. Like a blade so sharp it crosses from weapon to art and steals the hearts of all who gaze upon it. She has many and varied faults in contrast with her appearance and specs. Nowadays every man in school is thoroughly aware of them, yet on rare occasions we still see futile heroes slipping letters into her shoe locker. Akihito: "......you reap rewards in life through the accumulation of useless effort. Don't compare me to a secret agent like you." Kagome: "Effort is rewarded, but yours is just fruitless labor." Akihito: "How is this useless!?" Hinaori Kagome has a bad mouth. Her personality is extra bad. Kagome: "If you have that much free time then massaging my shoulders would benefit humanity more." Akihito: "If that's how humanity works, then the world would be better off destroyed." Her sole virtue is not being picky about her partner. In a way, I do respect that. Two months ago, part of the Kagome Legend took place here―― A hoodlum passing by bumped shoulders with her. Kagome spoke to the man. Kagome: "Hey, you ○○○ing ××× with ×××" I can't bear to record it. She and the hoodlum vanished into an alley. Kagome returned three minutes later. That night, Kagome paid for dinner. Kagome Legend Episode 2――Three days later. The hoodlum spent three months in the hospital for some reason, but his brother showed up with three other guys in tow to thank her. How nice of them. They all vanished into an alley. Kagome returned ten minutes later. That evening, we ate at the most expensive hotel in town. On the way back, Kagome bought a new handbag. The flow of time is cruel. What we lost can never come back.Even princesses turn to witches. Kagome: "Akihito, have you eaten yet?" Akihito: "......I just finished." Kagome: "This smell...another frozen pizza? You always sink so low as soon as I leave. Such a bad habit." Akihito: "............are you my mother?" Kagome's nose is on par with a professional perfume maker. Kagome: "Your partner." She bends forward. I catch a glimpse of them under her shirt.Destructive weapons. Beautiful pink. Akihito: "......be more careful......I can see them." Kagome: "What's so embarrassing about nudity? We've bathed together before." Akihito: "When we were kids!!" This is the problem with women who know my past! Akihito: "You know......I always wanted to ask this..." Kagome: "What?" Akihito: "What exactly do you mean by "partner?"" I bumped into Kagome completely by accident when I came back to Takakura City. She only started calling herself my partner after that. She's always been an erratic woman, so when she suddenly started saying that, I just brushed it aside. ――Partner. Is that some unusual variety of childhood friend?Though in Kagome's case, it'd be more like a mutation. Kagome: "You've forgotten? What a shameless man. I remember every last embarrassing line you've ever said to me." Akihito: "I'll do anything! Please forget those!" A living trauma trigger. Kagome: "Yes, it was eight years ago. Snot dripped from your nose as you said "I'll never ask for anything else, Kagome-chan. Just please be my bride!"......" Akihito: "Gyaaaa!" I'm in despair!I hate women who dig up the sealed evils of the past! Kagome: "That was a beautiful memory of younger days." Akihito: "..................b-beautiful?" I voice the strongest possible objection to that adjective. Akihito: "......do you remember what happened after that?" Kagome: "Of course. After you proposed, I smiled――" Akihito: "――In a way that sent chills down my spine." Kagome: "I gently took your hand as you sniffled――" Akihito: "――Then you twisted it and almost broke my wrist." Kagome: "――I slowly drew you close." Akihito: "――You knocked me off balance then socked me in the nose! As hard as you possibly could!" I was bleeding! I curled up on the floor and cried, dammit!! Kagome: "A beautiful memory." Akihito: "Go look up what that word means!" Not to mention―― Akihito: "That's not even the end of it!" Kagome: "Of course, I remember. I said this: "Very well. From today, you are my fiance."" Akihito: "Don't leave out the rest! You looked down at me as my nose bled and said "My fiance must be strong. I will train you until you can beat me, so prepare yourself!!"" Until I moved away from Takakura City, my days were filled with constant suffering......I can't even bring it up. Kagome: "Pure and beautiful memories from our childhood." Akihito: "You have no purity." Kagome: "That's why." Akihito: "......why what?" I can't follow her sudden topic changes. Kagome: "You have never once beaten me, Akihito." Akihito: "Don't compare me to a cybernetically enhanced demon like you." Kagome: "Since you have not yet won, you are still a step below fiance. Hence, partner." ......apparently that's my current status. Kagome: "It's quite logical for me, is it not?" Akihito: "......in what parallel world is that logical?" Kagome: "Ever since that day, I have been thoroughly and completely in love with you, Akihito, without one minute of weakness or one moment of forgetfulness." Akihito: "Stop lying." I object in a mechanical voice. Kagome: "I see. I cannot believe I was so inconsiderate." Akihito: "......do you have any idea what "considerate" actually means?" Kagome: "For a lustful demon like you, Akihito, having your irresistibly gorgeous partner hanging around may interfere with your daily activities." Kagome: "You may assault me if you like." She casually says something absurd. Akihito: "No one said I wanted to do that!!" I shout. Kagome: "Some of the riffraff at school refer to me as "Tsundere-sama." Don't you find that ridiculous?" Akihito: "Yeah." You're more like Tsunguska. You explode and take entire forests with you. Kagome: "I am always dere dere around you, Akihito." Akihito: "Since when!?" Kagome: "If you cannot see it, then asking me will not make it any clearer." Akihito: "That's the same as admitting you're not." Kagome: "True......I am a woman. I may not be entirely opposed to situations where a strong man forces himself upon me." Akihito: "Now you're just saying every random thought that pops into your head." She looks down on me with cruel, heartless eyes. Kagome: "My childhood promise still holds." Kagome: "Come at me. If you can knock me down, you'll be my fiance." Akihito: "......I'm not happy to hear that." Kagome: "Your beautiful dere dere childhood friend is offering your animal lust free reign over her selfish body which no other man has ever laid a finger on." Akihito: "No one...said I...wanted......" Kagome: "This could all be yours, Akihito." She gently folds her arms, pushing her weapons up. They announce their presence loudly through the white shirt. Despite my intentions, I can't help but gulp when I see that. Akihito: ".................." Kagome: "If you win, that is." Akihito: "............" My face is quite pitiful now. Kagome: "You have the face of a trampled dog's corpse." Akihito: "......what kind of face is that?" There's no way I can win anyway. It's impossible. I'm basically fighting a cyborg with my bare hands. Akihito: "......I can't hit a woman." Kagome: "A popular excuse for weaklings." Akihito: "Uu......" Kagome: "But I am merciful." Akihito: "......like oxalic acid?" Kagome: "That's enough. The difference between zero and one is infinite." The poisonous snake rears her head with glee. Kagome: "I do not expect you to win. Just land a single blow." Kagome: "Hit me in the head or pinch my cheek or anything. If you can do anything at all to my face, I'll consider it a win for you." ――――One hit. If I charge toward this witch head on, even that is absolutely impossible. Akihito: "......" However―― Kagome: "You seem motivated now. Your face is downright lewd." Akihito: "......you're calling me lewd?" Her "selfish body" aside, landing a blow on her here would have a huge effect on our hierarchy in the future. Since I'm getting mixed up in trouble after trouble lately, that's a high priority for my mental health. ――It's worth using every cell, every move, every ounce of willpower I have. Kagome: "If you win, you can do anything you want." Her selfish body hidden beneath a single white shirt. Akihito: "............................................................" Remain calm remain calm remain calm remain calm remain calm. Akihito: "――" I regulate my breath, and stand up without a sound. Kagome stands naturally, without a teaspoon of tension. It has already begun. I look for vulnerabilities.There are none. Such a thing is impossible. Hinaori Kagome. Some call her a black witch. A real witch. An isolated peak of humanity excessively blessed with all manner of talents. The only things I can ever hope to beat her on are height, weight and muscle mass. I understand the insurmountable gap in our abilities. I'm well aware how reckless this is. I have practiced fighting techniques a little. About eighteen months, starting from the incident we were just discussing. Every day this woman trained me (and mocked me). Kagome's skills don't fall under any particular school of martial arts. An original mix of boxing, judo, shaolin kung-fu, military training, self-defense moves, silent assassination techniques, and flower arranging, just to show off how much skill she has. She's so much more advanced than me that feints are meaningless. If I have any hope of breaking through――I'll have to take advantage of simple physics rather than technique. Humans are phenomena.Willpower and belief cannot overcome one's physical limits. Just as the world can't outstrip light.Just as humans can't fly through the sky. Thus―― Akihito: "――――" Kagome: "......!" I drop my cup. I take advantage of the fact that I'm standing up to make it look natural. Part of my sleeve brushes against a half-finished cup of milk on my computer desk. Kagome's eyes move. It'll take less than two seconds for the contents of the cup to splatter across the floor. She never picks up after herself, but she hates seeing the carpet get stained. Kagome will definitely catch it. She has the reflexes and technique to do so. Akihito: "――――" Thus, as predicted―――― Kagome's left foot steps forward. Her center of gravity shifts. She extends her left arm. I wait for her most unstable moment. I move alongside her hand, rather than aiming for it. It moves about ten centimeters out. Even a witch can't avoid the influence of gravity, as long as she stands on the ground with two legs. The physical fact that I have longer reach can't be changed through technique alone. My counterstrike flows toward her―― Akihito: "Oh?" She stops the falling cup with her left hand. She grabs my hand and bends it backward. I feel like I'm floating. She didn't knock my legs out from under me, but broke my balance. I thought she threw me, but she's pinning me down. My right arm is being held against my back. Magic―― I don't have the slightest idea what just happened. Akihito: "!!!!!!" It hurts it hurts it hurts it hurts!The pain shoots from my arm up through my brain, preventing me from speaking. I slam the floor with my free hand, surrendering. Akihito: "――!?" As I lie helpless on the ground, a barely-covered butt settles on my back. Kagome: "You've gotten rusty. Your beautiful childhood friend will hang on to her selfish body a while longer." She gracefully moves the cup of milk up to her mouth. Not a single drop was spilt. My hand is being held so tight it's almost breaking, and yet the sensation of her butt is what's really keeping me still. Kagome: "By the way, Akihito, have you done anything bad while your partner was away?" She loosens her grip enough that I can answer. I'm in an embarrassing position that gives her full life and death control over me. Her question sounds as if it's coming from her butt. Akihito: "......what do you mean......bad?" Kagome: "You tend to stick your neck into dangerous things when I'm not looking." Akihito: "......" Akihito: "Not in the slightest, ma'am." I'm a liar. Kagome: "I see. That's good to hear. By the way, Akihito――" Akihito: "What?" Kagome: "The bedroom smells like a woman I don't know." Akihito: "Gefuu! H-how can you tell!?" I almost cough up blood. Kagome: "The smell is still there. Anyone could tell at a glance." Akihito: "Only you can sense things like that!!" Kagome: "So?" Akihito: "――――!!!" Now I know what it feels like to be a hamster inches away from a man-eating tiger. I'm dead. Akihito: "Sh-she collapsed in an alley, so I brought her here......I let her sleep in there but that's it!" Kagome: "You let a woman who smells of blood sleep here? Men like you never lose their bizarre tastes." Kagome's weight lifts. My arm is released. Akihito: "......are you my mother?" I check the damage to my arm. No pain or other abnormality remains now that it's been released. She must have calculated for that. Kagome: "Your partner. Oh well, I'll leave that alone for now." Akihito: "For now?" Kagome returns her gaze to the monitor. I don't know what's gotten into her. Kagome: "It's more efficient to deal with things one at a time." A witch's smile. Akihito: "You were such a sweet maiden in the past......" The sepia-tone delusion makes me cry. Kagome: "I have always been this way. Only the most unhealthy men drown themselves in beautified memories." She smartly rolls up her moist hair with one hand. Akihito: "What do you mean "this way?"" Kagome: "Arrogant, domineering, selfish, egotistical, and looking down on people." Akihito: "Not one endearing trait." Kagome: "I am one percent mercy." Akihito: "That's no different from none at all!" I return to my computer, feeling like a complete loser. People cannot match a witch, just as the world cannot outstrip light. It's an unwavering law. Akihito: "......so what do you want to deal with first?" Kagome: "Your delusion of a young girl haunting you." Akihito: "She's a ghost girl!" Kagome: "Do not trifle over such details." Akihito: "That detail could get me locked away forever!" I explain what's going on to Kagome. The witch is exceptional at adapting to things. In unexpected situations, you can rely on her like a demon. Kagome: "――There have been sightings of Girl A for a while, going back at least a year." Kagome: "Have you known about this rumor before?" Akihito: "Of course not. Why would I?" Kagome: "It does not seem like a simple communal delusion." Communal delusion―――― What the masses believe exists does exist. The human mind can do some amazing things. The mere belief that someone saw something can cause the thing to come into existence. For example――If you're told a certain abandoned building is haunted, then you'll see ghosts when you go there yourself. Rumors beget rumors. Sightings beget sightings. The majority of ghost stories can be explained this way. Akihito: "You mean......this is a real ghost?" Kagome: "Akihito, the world is nothing more than a delusion seen by the brain." She smiles and folds her arms with the face of a teacher. Glasses would look good on her. In a sexy way. Kagome: "Humans do not see the world directly. They can only believe the stories told to them by their brain after it processes sensory information." Kagome: "There's no way to tell whether the beautiful woman before you truly exists, or is something only your brain is seeing." I nod in agreement, then point. Akihito: "So you might not be a beautiful woman." Kagome: "I am the world's sole exception." Akihito: "Right......" Kagome: "Got a problem with that?" You don't see the problem with that? Akihito: "So what's your point?" Kagome: "Don't believe things just because you saw them." Once again, Kagome fiddles with the keyboard over my shoulder. Her shirt comes very close to me. Too close. I can feel it on my back. It's touching me. Akihito: "......there was one other thing I wanted to ask." Kagome: "You love tiny details. But I am in a good mood today. I might choose to answer." What are you? A feudal lord? Akihito: "Why do you use the shower in my room?" Her room has one too. Kagome: "That's my business." Akihito: "......at least take your clothes off in――" Kagome: "That's my business." Akihito: ".................." Kagome: "Is that it for your questions?" Akihito: "..................why do you go out of your way to come in through the window?" I keep telling her to use the front door, but Kagome-san insists on taking the window. Kagome: "That's my business." Akihito: "No it's not!" When I opened the curtain, I saw the silhouette of a madwoman holding a weapon――It felt like something from a horror movie. Well, that's hardly the only problem with what happened. Kagome: "Think about it. If I used the door, it would be locked." Akihito: "As it should be. Stop acting like that's a bad thing." Kagome: "It'd take less than thirty seconds to open it though." Akihito: "You're a master thief now too!?" This is awful. I won't get anywhere trying to explain this to an amoral person. I give up on teaching the witch human values. Instead I quickly gather my wallet, my phone, and my moped key. Kagome: "Where are you going?" Akihito: "I don't know yet." The witch's disdain stabs me. I know what Kagome wants to say, but it's true that I don't know where I'm going yet. However, I will know soon. I'm sure of that. ――She's been calling. The song is getting louder. It beckons me from beyond the night. Girl A―― Tonight, the song won't go away no matter how long I wait.
Takekawa Benio is in the city. The old heart of Takakura City. Saying "the north side" is enough for most residents to know where you mean. There are a lot of old buildings here that foreigners settled in back when Takakura City was a thriving trading port. For that reason, it feels a lot like the streets you see in Western movies, which Benio likes a lot. Benio: "Aaah, that rocked! By the way......the guy on bass, is he new? Did they switch members?" Benio is excited. She's on her way home from a concert. Kouchin: "Hm? Benio, you didn't know about that?" Benio: "No." Kouchin: "That's kind of important. You should check these things." Benio: "......I've been busy at night lately." She really has had far too much to do lately. She sighs. Saho: "I heard that, tell me what you mean......is it a guy?" Benio: "No way, not that." Women have sharp ears when it comes to other women. Benio: "So why did they switch?" Kouchin: "Aaah, you see......" Benio: "What? What is it?" Kouchin: "......they say the last guy died." That would explain why she found it hard to phrase. Benio's parade has just been rained on. Saho: "Let Saho handle your information. Some say the previous bass player might've committed suicide~" Benio: "Gyaaa!" Saho suddenly hugs her. Then she fondles her boobs from behind. Saho: "O-ho, still mini-apples~ Soon they'll go from A to B! Someday Saho-chin will get a ta――Guge!" Benio: "Don't." She gently elbows Saho in the head. But thanks to Saho's silliness, the awkwardness is gone. She walks under a jumbotron, happy enough to skip.Right now the late-night news is reporting yesterday's incident. ――A five-year old uproar. Benio: "......they've been talking about that all day." Saho: "Kouchin, did anything happen to you yesterday?" Kouchin: "I'm fine, but my brother freaked out. He ran into my room screaming in the middle of the night." It's very late tonight.The north side isn't as dangerous as the south side, so Benio figured she could hang around a little longer before heading home. But now she's reconsidering. Just before she brings that up... Again. Benio: "――" She hears the song. Girl A―― Tonight, she sings again. Tonight, she still does not answer. However... Tonight's song is slightly different. Benio: "Sorry, I just remembered something I need to do." Her two friends try to ask Benio what it is, but she runs off. She's being called, so she has to go. Why? Because Benio is an "ally of justice." Evil is there. Evil can lurk anywhere, but it needs a place to live. These are the outskirts of the new heart of the city. After sunset, the tunnel under the bridge has no light, and no people. A perfect place for evil. And screams. The feast of evil begins. A new sacrifice will be offered tonight. Asian Man: "Gugee!" A man collapses as he vomits blood. Someone stomps mercilessly on his head. Izawa: "Die, you piece of shit." Izawa Shuu is in the city. He is evil. Evil devours evil. Three men are tonight's boring sacrifice. Izawa: "Come at me already......you're not coming? If not, I'll kill you." Of course, he'll kill them if they do come. A terrified man carelessly charges forward. His movements couldn't be more predictable. Izawa grabs his jaw easily. Asian Man: "Uboo!" The man flails. Izawa's a whole head shorter, but the man can't break free. He grips hard enough to almost break the man's jawbone. He looks at the man on the verge of fainting. The man's breathing stops, but not from pain. Terror―― A mad dog. People call Izawa that out of fear and awe.An insane blood-loving animal that broke from the pack and can't be reasoned with. The men have heard the rumors. But they hadn't met him until tonight. The last thing the man remembers is a beautiful barbaric face revealing its ferocious fangs―― A dull sound. Only one man left. In the beginning, there were five. It took less than three minutes to clean up four of them. Izawa: "Hey, you gonna wait 'till morning? I'm not that patient. Get it over with." The last one is their leader. He can fight a little. A knife appears in the man's hand as if by magic. When Izawa's focus moves onto it, the man charges forward. A double feint before throwing a punch to the gut. The fact that he's aiming for the torso proves he's experienced. You'd be surprised how often you miss when you aim for hands or feet. There's no time to avoid it. And yet... Izawa moves his right foot. Just one step. That's all it takes to make the knife miss. The blade runs through empty air. Izawa: "You're ten years too early to fight me, dumbass." The man's jaw breaks. Asian Man: "Gauaa...faga......!!" The man writhes in agony. Izawa holds up a weapon in his right hand, pointing it toward him. A Heishin――――More widely known as a Tokarev. An illegally-manufactured handgun. These days Heishin are rare, but in the past they were very popular and regularly smuggled into the country. This one is from back then. He took it from the leader of a Korean group he crushed. He just broke this man's jaw using the grip. Izawa: "I don't give a shit about your "boss." Couldn't care less where he's from." Izawa: "Tell them I do what I want. Stay out of my way. Anyone who tries to stop me――――I will kill them, no matter who they are." At the end, he kicks the man. The men run away while coughing up blood. The area is finally quiet―――― Or so he thought, when... Again. Izawa: "――" He hears the song. Girl A―― Tonight, she sings again. Tonight, she still does not answer. However... Tonight's song is slightly different. Izawa: "Tsk, this is just sickening......fine, let's settle this." Izawa spits on the ground, then walks away. Yuubana Mayuki is in the city. The back seat of a car. Her mother is holding the wheel with the same troubled face as always.She turns back to Mayuki every so often, each time with a perky but cold smile. A fake smile. Adults are always like this. Do they really think children can't see through it? Mayuki: "Hafuu......" She is sad. Very sad. Like a wet weekend."Huh? What does that mean?"She realizes she doesn't know. She'll look it up online later. They're driving home. She's having a meaningless conversation with her mother about this week's schedule. Mayuki: "Yes, that sounds fine." She automatically replies without listening. The fatigue is building. Her arms and legs are heavy. Her head is ringing. She's not in a good mood. She holds her chin with one hand and looks outside. The multicolored lights outside fly by. Mayuki: "Hafuu." Again, a sigh. She has a feeling something new is about to begin. She can hear the sounds of a new generation, of a renaissance of life. Which should have come by now―― Nothing has started yet. Nothing has changed yet. Illusions are indeed―― When she thinks that... Again. Mayuki: "――" She hears the song. Girl A―― Tonight, she sings again. Tonight, she still does not answer. However... Tonight's song is slightly different. Mayuki: "A-ha!" Tonight really is different. Mayuki: "Good night." She's staying at her Mom's place tonight. That's bad timing, but she can work around it. She wishes her mother good night in the living room. She prepares for tomorrow's lesson, turns off the lights and heads to bed."Good night.""We have to be up early tomorrow, so get some rest." .................. ............ ...... Mayuki quietly slips out, thirty minutes after getting into bed. She's bringing her "strike pack." That's what she calls her new red backpack. When she first saw it, she bought it because she had a feeling she'd need it. In it she has her purse, cell phone, snacks, water bottle, and every other necessity she can think of. She has no way of knowing what will happen. But she's thoroughly prepared. She opens the door slightly and peeks through. Once her mother falls asleep, she won't wake up until morning. The coast is clear. She checks her wallet. She should be fine for now. There's even enough for a taxi. The question is―― Are there any taxis still running at this hour that would take her back home without asking any questions? She needs an excuse. That's no big deal. Mayuki slips out of the house like a cockroach. .................. ............ ...... She returns right away. She forgot something. She takes two magazines from the bookshelf in her room and puts them in her strike pack. They just came out this month. She hasn't read them yet. She psyches herself up again, and puts the strike pack back on, now that it contains her magical items. Let the adventure begin. Kasukabe Haru is in the city. Her head pops out from under the blanket, like a turtle. She only just woke up, so her memories are fuzzy. This happens a lot. She's too lazy to plan ahead. Haru: "Hmm?" She's a little surprised. Somehow, there's a man sleeping next to her. A naked one. She realizes she's also naked. Haru: "Ummmm......when did I undress? I wonder how far we went......well, not that it matters if we went all the way." With a shameless sleepy look on her face, she scratches her head and thinks. She plays with her huge breasts. Haru: "Aaah, that's right." Her memories return.Yesterday she missed the last train so she stayed at this guy's place overnight. It wasn't casual sex. Though Haru wouldn't care much if it was. He's currently her boyfriend. One of three. She found him just last month. Since they're going out, there's nothing wrong with this. Hopefully. Haru: "Fuuuu..." She sits cross-legged on the bed and stretches. Still naked. The man sleeps like a corpse. He must have tried too hard last night. Her hips hurt too. She tried too hard. Oh well. Now what? Actually, she could just sleep until morning. There's nothing she has to do in a hurry tomorrow. She decides to sleep in and starts feeling tired. She holds back a yawn. As she slips under the covers, next to the man... Again. Haru: "――" She hears the song. Girl A―― Tonight, she sings again. Tonight, she still does not answer. However... Tonight's song is slightly different. She's calling. The unending song is calling. Haru: "Oh well, guess I have to." She takes a shower and gets changed. Then it hits her. She has no spare clothes. Should she borrow the man's clothes, or continue wearing what she wore yesterday?Only two choices. Haru is lazy. Thinking about it is a pain. Haru: "Here goes." She tosses a 500 yen coin.: "Where do you want to go?"

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