A month has passed since Ann became the Specter Unit's Edifier. Throughout the whole month, they go by the same routine every day. For once, there were no deaths ever since they got a new Edifier. As mentioned before, Kazuya doesn't count as the Edifier for the Specter Unit, since he has his own sector to supervise, which he'll go to the battlefield himself, unlike Ann who stays in the CR.
Though, he'll visit her occasionally and the whole team whenever he's free. Sometimes, he'll also bring some food for her, even though she always declines the offer. Every now and then, Ann would have a conversation with the Paladins, trying to not put a barrier between them and herself.
However, she still doesn't get across Arashi, or to her, the captain. He's still the mysterious, nonchalant, simple person since the day they met. Though, the only think that irritates her sometimes… were the written reports by him.
"Huh?" She said as she turns the paper back and front.
"What…" Her hand continues to check the other piece of papers that's on her desk. Her eyes slightly widened.
"You got to be kidding." She mumbles to herself with a disappointed tone.
Not wasting anytime, Ann presses the PASCOD on her ear, and switch it to the officers channel, which includes Arashi, Xander, Rika, Devon and Carl. As the five of them enters the call, a male voice was heard. "Good evening, Mi-" He couldn't complete his sentence, as it was cut off by Ann.
"Yes, good evening, captain. Mind telling me what's with this report you wrote about the last mission?" She said with a tight yet soft tone.
Realizing what the topic of the conversation was, Xander burst into laughter, followed by a chuckle by both Rika and Devon. Carl's face is showing a grin towards Arashi.
In fact, the captain himself has no idea why they're laughing. As she mentioned regarding his recent report, he also has no idea what's the problem with it. Did he write something wrong? Did she encounter a misspelling?
Confused, Arashi asked. "What's the matter, Miss Edifier?" His voice was heard through the PASCOD. As she couldn't hold the issue anymore, she explained to him. "Captain, I know that you hate writing reports… But please make an effort on filling the description section of the paper…" She complained to the captain, while knowing that he really thinks writing a report is a hassle, unlike Xander.
Ann leaves a big sigh that was heard through the device. "You did nothing wrong captain, however, it's the lack of information when you're writing the report is the issue. You do know that I'll be reviewing it and send it to the high-ups, right?" She said with a soft tone. As a matter of fact, she's unsure on how the captain will respond to this issue. Carefully, Arashi spoke.
"… I see no problem with it Miss Edifier." He said while taking his seat on the couch near the fireplace.
As she heard his response, Ann immediately pouts, showing a sign of rebellion against him. "Captain, please do it correctly next time…" The voice was soft and pleading than earlier, which was more demanding. For once, Arashi became stiff. He looked to the other side of the room, where Xander was. From his point of view, it's clear that the vice-captain is enjoying the moment as he has the smirk on his face.
Feeling slightly guilty, Arashi gave up. He admits his fault to Ann. "Alright, I'll write it carefully next time…" He said as he glares at Xander again who was chuckling.
Realizing the gaze, Xander shuts his own mouth and acts like nothing happened.
Out of the blue, one of the Paladins called the five of them to have dinner. Carl, Xander, Rika and Devon immediately head to the cafeteria to get their portions of food. While Arashi, was still talking to their Edifier. Trying to break the tension, Ann asks him a question.
"Captain, how long have you been here?" Spoke the female Edifier.
"… Three years. I was here when the unit was established." He answered without any reaction.
Immediately, her eyes widened. Sure, she knows that he's been here for a while, but since the establishment? That's incredible, even for a person like Arashi, it's no wonder why she felt something different about him from other members. Unlike them, Arashi is showing the atmosphere of a person who's lost the will to live, but somehow still survive until this day. Hence, explains the nonchalant person he is.
Hesitantly, Ann asks him another question. Though, this time she asks his permission first since it's quite personal. "Can I ask another question, captain? Though, it's personal." Hearing that, made Arashi even more curious with it. The captain then agrees for the question to be ask. "Um… I've been wondering, how are you able to wield the thunder element?"
Shocked, Arashi became a bit silent.
In an instant, Ann regrets asking the question. She tells the captain that it's alright if he doesn't want to answer. "C- Captain, it's alright if you're uncomfortable about this. You don't have to answer my question."
Though as she said that Arashi assures her that it's alright.
"No, it's fine, Miss Edifier. I'll sum it up for you. I was involved in an experiment, conducted by the Edifiers. There were ten of us, though I was the only positive outcome of the experiment. The others… died in just a few days after they were tagged as 'clear' by the experimenter. I hope that answers your question."
Ann's face became pale. She immediately became silent due to the shock of his story. Is it true, an experiment? She's confused on why this wasn't mentioned in the reports that was given by Kazuya regarding the 'Hardcore Unit'.
Had she realized this, she wouldn't asked him this. Sense of guilt starting to pill up throughout her body. "I… I'm sorry, captain. I shouldn't have asked, especially in the officer's channel." She said with a worried tone. Noticing the change, Arashi leans to the couch and strokes his hair. "Miss Edifier don't worry. The members already know, it's not that much of a secret to them." He answered, reassuring her to not beat herself up too much.
Even though she still feels guilty, she accepts the captain's words. She looks at the clock that was hung on the wall next to her. She then reminds Arashi to go to the cafeteria and have dinner.
"Captain, you should go and have dinner. It'll be cold if you're late to get your portion." Ann said with a smile on her face.
Managed to cheer her up, Arashi replied. "I will do that then. Good night, Miss Edifier." He said as he turns off the PASCOD on his ear.
After the call finally ended, Ann leaves a big sigh and stands up from her chair. The girl walked to her left, taking her personal belongings, such as her coat, handbag and her rubber band. As she leaves the room, she can hear footsteps approaching her from the right. Her head turns to the direction.
It was Kazuya, who was walking towards her while holding a few files.
"Tough day at work?" He said with a grin.
"No… Well yes, I asked him about his abilities on how he's able to wield the thunder element. Turns out he was experimented by the Edifiers before he was sent to the unit."
Kazuya's eyes twitched to her words. He's wondering why would the Edifiers do such thing, not that he doesn't know that most of them are jerks, but experimenting on a living being? "Now that, is troublesome. Not the captain of course, I meant the Edifiers who conducted this experiment." Kazuya said as he leans to the wall.
Ann nods, agreeing with him.
A big sigh left the boy's mouth. "I'll inform the commander about this. Ann, you should go back to your dorm, Nat's probably waiting for you." He said with a smile. Noticing him trying to cheer her up, she nods, agreeing with Kazuya. The girl walks towards the door, leading to an open field, which then leads to her dormitory. As she was walking, Ann faces back, looking at Kazuya. She moves her left arm, waving to the boy. With a smile, he waves back to her.
⚔
The Paladins are sitting at the cafeteria, enjoying their dinner. Meanwhile, Devon is sitting outside, accompanied with the night sky, along with the chirping noise from birds nearby. The door behind her slides open, she turns back. A grin was seen on her face.
It was Beetle, with his portion of dinner. Slowly, he approached to where she was sitting. Noticing that he's trying to sit next to her, Devon moves to the left, giving space so he can sit down. Beetle smiles to her kindness.
"Why, thank you, Miss Yellow Jackal." He spoke.
Chuckled, she replied. "Your most welcome, Beetle." Though, she realized that she called him using his codename. Hearing that, he laughs quietly, surprised by her words. "Miss Edifier isn't here, so you should call me by my name." The boy said as he munched the potato on his hand.
Slowly she nods. Her eyes were locked on to the moon that shines brighter than all the stars. Secretly, she took a glance to him for a few seconds, and stares back to the moon. "Nico. Nico Sokolov." She said as she smiles.
Nico Sokolov, a seventeen-years-old boy who joined the unit last year. Mainly uses his assault rifle, he'll often be placed on the rear to guard the other Paladins while they're engaging the enemy. The nickname Beetle was given to him since he wants to match with Devon, who coincidentally have the same hair and eye color as him, blonde hair and blue eyes.
Nico chuckles when he heard her saying his name. He somehow felt a bit awkward, but comfortable.
"Now that we're back on given name basis, interested on going on a date with me yet?" The boy said while his smile was reaching both sides of his ears. Instantly, Devon laughs to his question, knowing that he's trying to lift her mood. "No thanks, Nico. Maybe next time." Her voice wasn't resentment or a rejection but was calm and sincere. Due to this, Nico grins, thinking he might have a chance soon. His hand places the dinner plate on the ground filled with grass, he looks at her with a soft gaze. "Promise?" He asked.
"We'll see." She replied as she chuckles, followed by Nico.
As Xander was about to take his seat, he notices that Devon and Nico are talking alone outside. Slowly, he chuckles while placing his body on the couch. Next to him, was Rose, drinking a cup of tea as her beverage.
He peeks next to the table next to her, and notices that she's already finished with her food. "Aren't you going to sleep? You finished your food already, and it's near nine." Xander said while biting a loaf of bread that was on his plate. Hearing that, she chuckles.
"Xander, this is why they call you 'Mother' you know, always reminding us like we're your children." Rose said as she continues to sip her tea.
"Well, someone has to monitor us, if we want the captain to do it, he's too busy spending his alone time." He replied with an evil chuckle, intentionally trying to provoke Arashi that was sitting on an armchair next to him. Though, the captain didn't react even a single inch as he's trying to concentrate on reading his book. His food was placed next to him, with only half of the portions left.
Rose is the same age as Xander and Arashi, sixteen-years-old girl. Her given name is Pavlina Levine. She and Antho were assigned here together as they were friends even before they joined the Specter Unit. Along the way, they met Nico and Koi, and that's how they're friends to this day.
The girl leans to the couch, leaving a sigh as a sign of comfort. From aside, Xander's just watching her with a soft gaze. Noticing his stare, Pavlina asks. "What is it, hm?" She smiles. As he chuckles, the boy shook his head. "Nothing, just remembering how you saved me from a bullet, like literally." He continued.
Hearing that, Pavlina chuckles softly.
"Well, I'm glad you're alright, dear vice-captain Xander." She spoke.
"Same here." Xander replied.
While they were eating, Carl, Koi and Antho are sitting together on the corner of the room, exchanging conversation between themselves. Usually, Antho and Carl would talk about how amazing the captain is, and how they would always fight to get Arashi's attention, even though Carl doesn't care much about that. However, Koi's not that crazy about the captain, but respects him a lot due to his sword skills.
Every evening, Arashi would try to host a sparring session with Devon, Carl, Antho and Koi. The reason for doing so, is to increase their defensive formation, along with enhancing their strength when fighting the enemies soon. Out of the four, Carl is the most spirited one, due to this, he was personally picked by the captain to be his pupil. Making Carl learns under Arashi, while Antho and Koi learns under Devon.
The three are sitting on a coffee table. They enjoyed their night by drinking tea along with some cookies. "I think I can beat the captain on the next session, what do you think Antho?" Carl said with a smirk on his face. Before the girl was able to answer, Koi interrupted him. "Miss Edifier isn't here, so use our given names, Carl." He said as he chuckles.
Due to the sudden request, Carl was caught by surprise. He scratched his head that wasn't even itchy. "Alright, alright sorry about that. So, what do you think, Olivia, Felix?" He asked his question again, but this time he asked them both, mentioning their given names.
Felix Ortiz. A sixteen-years-old boy that joined the same time as Beetle, along with Rose and Antho. He uses a sword that was given by his father before he was sent to the Specter Unit a year ago. His skills are that similar with Antho in terms of tactics. The codename "Koi" was given to him due to his swifty movements in the battlefield.
He frequently joins either Devon's or Arashi's training, since he knows that the two of them are one of the best sword users in the unit. Though, he joins Devon's often since he learns under her along with Antho.
Olivia Everly. Having the same age as most of them, being a sixteen-years-old girl is not easy around the people with the same age, especially with the opposite sex. Even though all boys in the unit are kind and caring, there can always be some of them that are… Perverts. She's too self-conscious to let a boy near him, though she's comfortable with Arashi.
This also goes for Beetle and Koi, for some reason she feels safe with them, as if they were her real brothers. As for Rose, they're as close as ever, they were friends since little after all.
"I think you still have a long way, Carl. Last time you said that you were beaten to a pulp." Olivia teased him, while Felix laughs out her joke. Instantly, Carl's cheeks became slightly red, embarrassed by her teasing.
From afar, Rika is looking at them while her face was carving a smile. She was sitting alone at the kitchen while playing with her one sniper rifle's bullet. Specifically, she was floating it with her bare hands. Unlike the others, she likes to spectate things from afar, though she's close to the officers and the captain.
In fact, the cookies that Carl, Olivia and Felix are eating, were made by Rika herself earlier after they were called for dinner. How was she able to make it quickly? She used her wind element to either cool or heat up the temperature in the oven, speeding up the process. It has been her hobby to bake and cook ever since she was a young kid, though the real world won't let her do as she please as she was sent to the Specter Unit.
Finally done with the book, Arashi stood up, and carried his leftover dishes to the kitchen so he can wash the plates on the sink. Noticing him coming over, Rika leaves her seat and walked towards Arashi.
She also took her plate so that she can clean it. "Captain, how was your talk with Miss Edifier?" She asked with a smile.
Instantly, Arashi replied. "She… apologized for this evening. I don't know why, it feels weird hearing it, though I appreciate it." He said while washing his dishes.
Instantly, Rika's smile became wider. She's relieved, since they met, Arashi has always been the silent type. He always keeps his emotions hidden, even though he still does it now, it's slowly showing. She was honestly worried if he'll stay like this forever. However, since Ann arrived, slowly but surely, he changes.
"Arashi. Good job." She whispered.
Hearing that coming out of her mouth so suddenly, he asked. "Why do you say that?"
She slowly chuckles to his question. Her hands stopped moving, and her head turned to the other side, facing the window.
"I don't know, I just felt like saying it."
⚔
Inside of the academy, is as dark as an unexplored cave. The man in his thirties walked down the hallway, equipped with his sword hung on the left side of his belt. He's wearing a full Edifier uniform, along with white gloves. His left eyebrows have a piercing, though he doesn't care much about what people thinks of him.
As he slowly reaches the elevator, the man stopped right in front of it. He left a big sigh with his arms crossed on the waist. His hand moves and presses the 'Down' button. While waiting for the elevator to reach his floor, the man leaned to one of the pillars next to him. His eyes are staring on to the floor numbers that was displayed on top of the elevator door.
DING!
The platform arrives. Slowly, the door opens, leaving room for him to enter. In an instant, he dashes inside and immediately presses the bottom floor button. The elevator starts to move downwards to the underground area. Sounds of machines functioning can be heard surrounding him. It has been ages since he went down here, probably around eleven years.
It took him around six minutes for the elevator to reach the designated floor. It's clear how deep the floor is from the surface. Right as the door opened, he can see a few guards guarding the entrance towards the inmate's cell. As he slowly walked towards the two men, they instantly salute, showing respect to the man.
He took out a card from his coat's pocket. Specifically, his identification card. "I'm captain Rez Olezka. I'm here visiting an inmate." The two guards look at each other. "Sorry for the delay sir, what's the inmate's name?" One of them asked.
Rez didn't utter any word. He felt… uneasy to say his name. Clearing his throat, he spoke.
"Windsor."
In an instant, both guard's eyes widened in shock. Noticing their reaction, Rez didn't say anything, he understands why they reacted the way they did. However, the gate was still close, they didn't open it immediately. One of them mentioned that Windsor just got a visitor a few minutes ago.
Confused, Rez orders them to open the gate for him. Not wasting any time, he quickly walks to Windsor's cell, only to find someone standing in front of the metal bars which to his surprise, the person was none other than Nicole herself.
Noticing his presence, she turns to her left.
"Rez. Didn't expect to see you here." She spoke with a smile.
"Me neither. Why are you here?" He asked.
She became silent. Her head tilts to the side, facing an inmate between the metal bars.
The inmate was wearing a white straitjacket, with his legs chained up to the wall so that he can't walk freely to a far distance. His hair was long, clearly shows how long he has been here. However, his body still looked as healthy as ever, somehow even his body was well kept.
Slowly, Rez approaches the metal bar, trying to get a better look at the inmate.
"… Eleven years has passed…" He crouches, making his eye level the same as the man behind the bars.
"… Oda Windsor."
Just hearing the name, feared every inmate in the cells next to them. Even Nicole's facial expression tightens when she heard his full name being spoken.
Hearing his full name mentioned, the man stood up, approaching Rez. His face slowly becomes clearer than before. A scar was seen carved horizontally on his nose. Some of his hairs were covering his eyesight. The chain on his legs made his movements limited to protect any visitors.
The captain's eyes were giving the man a cold stare. He doesn't usually do this, though when it's with him, he can't help it. "Captain… Rez Olezka. Eleven years indeed, sir. I know what you're going to ask, don't bother. I'm not interested in small talks with a person who didn't hear out a friend."
… True, back then he didn't even try to listen to him when he was trying to explain everything. Due to his anger at the time, he immediately throws Oda into jail, with the reason of him killing Anna Masako, a royal member of the Tarviant species.
Not falling for his temptation, Rez immediately turns back, and walked towards the gate through the elevator. Oda took a glare to his old friend and threw his gaze to Nicole. "Senior Kolya, it's good to see you again." He said with a soft grin.
She became silent. After years of not seeing each other, not to mention the incident that happened way back, she doesn't know how to interact with him. Slowly, she turns around, and follows Rez from behind.
Giving them a soft glare, Oda takes a few steps back, and sits down on the ground while leaving a big sigh. "Anna… how should I tell them." He whispers.
A few minutes later, the two reached the Commanding Edifier's office. Nicole takes her place on the armchair, while Rez sits on the working desk. The unsatisfied look on his face was still there, ever since they left the cell the captain was silent the whole time.
Worriedly, Nicole slowly grabs his hand. Shocked, Rez turns to his right. From his point of view, he can clearly see how worry she is about him. How couldn't she? Eleven years of not seeing your best friend, who also killed one of the most important people known to mankind. She knows how he felt when Anna died, even though he tried to hide everything.
Throughout the years, Nicole was the only one who could see Rez in his vulnerable, broken and guilty state.
"Rez. I'm here." She spoke.
With just that words coming out of her mouth, Rez felt he was choking, about to burst into tears. He immediately walked near her, and kneels, making his eye level the same with Nicole. His face was showing everything that she suspected, the guilt.
"If only I was stronger, back then, and three years ago… they could've-" As his voice was cut off, he can feel Nicole's hand sliding through his shoulders as she hugs him tight. Softly, he rubs his back, he felt calm, comfortable and safe whenever he's with her.
"No matter what you say, you're dear to me, and I know you've done your best…" She stopped.
As she breaks the hug, her eyes were staring at Rez's face. Nicole carved a smile. "… that's why I fell for you, Rez Olezka."
⚔
It was one in the morning. The day was pitching black outside of his room. Due to his insomnia, Arashi often doesn't sleep at night, or sometimes he doesn't sleep at all the whole day. He'll often read his books, or practice with his sword in his room. As he's sitting alone in his room, on the study desk, a ring was heard from his PASCOD.
He moves his finger and presses the device, answering the call. "Hello?" He asked.
Startled, the person through the call choked on her water. "Oh, you startled me captain." Ann said as she puts the bottle cap next to her notebook. Confused, the boy told her, that she was the one who called him.
"Really? I think I might have turned it on by accident." She whispers but loud enough that Arashi can hear her.
"… Why aren't you asleep yet, Miss Edifier?" He asked as he continues reading his book.
She was surprised with his question. Usually, it'll be her asking the questions, but tonight, he's the one asking. Not only that, she's in a dilemma if she wants to answer her question or not, since the reason she can't sleep was… I can't tell him that I ate too many macarons earlier and is causing me a sugar rush… she thought to herself.
Waiting for her answer, Arashi spoke. "You don't have to answer if you don't want to." His voice was as gentle as a person who's experienced everything in life. Not once did she felt a tone of doubt, unease and uncomfortable coming from his voice. She always… felt safe with him.
As the boy places his book next to his right, he stood up and walked towards his bed. He gently places his body on top of the mattress, releasing his stress on a day full of work. Hearing him already sitting on his bed, the girl asks. "Are you going to sleep, captain?"
Arashi was silent for a while, before finally answering her. "I don't sleep, Miss Edifier."
Shocked, she continues to ask. "Huh, why is that?"
Looking at the window, standing between him and the starry skies, he replied. "I have insomnia, since after I was transferred here. I haven't got any good sleep, and sometimes I don't even sleep." He said, while knowing that he's very tired due to his lack of sleep and fatigue from the missions he went.
"H- How did I not notice about this after a month working here?" Ann asks as her face showing the expression of shock.
"You forgot that you were the one who always slept early, Miss Edifier." He replied while unconsciously carving a small grin.
Somehow, she felt guilty now that she knows the captain can't have a good night sleep. Since little, she always cared about the people around her. Especially Arashi and Kazuya. She'll make sure they stay healthy and get properly treated after a hard day at training.
As the bottle cap was placed back on her wattle bottle, she places it next to her left. Her right hand reaches for her notebook and pen. Whenever she doesn't know what to say to any of the unit members, especially with the captain, she'll scribble down random things in her book, such as a doodle, random words or anything to be exact.
It's no wonder that she'll feel like keeping the captain safe too. After all, in just a month he's become a part of her life.
"Captain…" She whispers.
Curious, he replied. "… What is it?"
Ann takes a deep breath, to her, this is a very embarrassing but important question to ask. "W- Would you like me to accompany you while you fall asleep…?"
Surprised, his eyes slightly widened to her question. Nonchalant and emotionless boy he is, even he knows when to back down on a request. However, it doesn't seem like he refuses to her idea, maybe it'll make him fall asleep.
Hesitantly, he asked. "… By all means, if it'll help you fall asleep too."
As soon as she heard his response, her eyes lighten up as bright as the stars. She stood up and walked to her bed. She lays down, facing the plain white ceiling. With how quiet the room is, only one thing can be heard, her heart beat.
The embarrassment she felt was nothing like before, in fact she didn't even think this through, she's quite surprised that Arashi himself agreed to the suggestion. Which made her even more embarrassed.
Arashi has been silent this whole time. To be honest, he doesn't know how to talk with her, knowing that she'll be keeping him accompany through the night. After almost a month, this is the first time he felt this way, an unfamiliar, but also familiar feeling… or most likely memories. Memories from a long time ago.
"Are you asleep, captain?" Ann asked.
"… Not yet. Shouldn't you sleep, Miss Edifier?" He replied.
He's not wrong, she's been working nonstop ever since early in the morning. In fact, right when Arashi left the call as she told him to get dinner, Ann continued to work on the strategics and tactics they can use on their next mission.
His question wasn't answered, he's starting to think if she had fallen asleep or not. "… Miss Edifier?" He calls for her again, this time with a gentler tone. As it turns out, she was spacing out, still wondering what to do in this situation. Practically speaking, they are "sleeping" together, causing her to be even more embarrassed.
"Ah, yes. I'm sorry, I was spacing out… Captain, are you alright with me accompanying you, I'm not interrupting you or anything, right?" She worriedly asked, finally realizing how awkward this situation is, especially for Arashi. However, he said it's no big deal. As a matter of fact, he said its nice to have someone to talk to before sleep from time to time.
After that, the two of them had quite a long conversation, most of them were Ann of course, with Arashi being a loyal listener, despite his fatigue. As time went on, the day reaches late of night, with the time being two-thirty in the morning.
Softly, she whispers. "Are you asleep, captain?"
The call was silent, he didn't utter any response. Ann smiles. She left a big sigh to herself for whatever reason. Probably a sense of relief that she succeeds on making the captain fall asleep.
She turns to the side, facing the window. Nathalie was seen across the room, sleeping soundly. As her eyes slowly dozes off, she whispered. "Good night… captain…"
Hearing that, Arashi replied. "You too… Miss Edifier."