An unexpected gift
An
unexpected gift
A
RahXephon fanfiction by regie27
Standard
disclaimers apply
Spoiler
Alert: Although this story takes place chronologically between
Episodes 9 and 10, for those who haven’t seen the whole series,
it does contain some major spoilers.
“The
one you’ll love in the future is right here,
though
you don’t know it.”
Katun
no Sadame by Ichiko Hashimoto
February
14, 2012
Tokyo,
Japan
The
boy stood nervously at the corner of the door that led to the music
classroom, his ears capturing the voices of the giggling girls who
had stayed back to catch up on the day's events. A distinctive
laughter stood out amid the myriad of female voices, a laughter he
felt he would never get tired of, the one that filled his heart with
warmth and joy.
Kamina
Ayato inhaled deeply, gathering his breath as well as his courage
while his mind rehearsed through his plan for this special day. In
his clammy hands he held the card he had prepared for her for this
St. Valentine’s Day as carefully as he could, taking extreme
measures as not to smear the pencil-colored illustration. He
acknowledged the fact the fact that he would never be one of those
boys who could impress the opposite sex with clever words or with a
cool demeanor but he hoped the painstakingly detailed drawing and the
dedicatory plastered in his simple handwriting could honestly convey
the depth and truth of his feelings.
Peeking
at the classroom, he managed to get a glimpse of the smiling girl
with the long hair and bright auburn eyes. They had known each other
for almost three years now yet but it had been only recently that
they’d realized they regarded each other as more than just
friends. He didn't know why it had been that way. After the fateful
day they had met at Neriya for the very first time, he found himself
uncharacteristically eager to see the girl in the yellow dress again,
his sketch a constant reminder that she had been real and not a
fixture of his imagination. He had almost given up on the hopes of
meeting her again but the fates had something else in store for him.
Kamina smiled to himself as his mind took him back to the first day
of Middle School and how his day had brightened upon realizing that
Mishima had also been transferred to the same school. From that day
on, the duo had become practically inseparable. So immersed he was in
his recollections that he failed to notice that one of Mishima's
friends had caught a glimpse of him leaning at the door's frame. He
gulped as he quickly tried to hide but it hadn't been fast enough as
he found out when the grinning girl that now stood right before him
offered him a knowing look.
“Hi
Kamina-kun. You’re waiting for Haruka-chan, right.”
“Yes,
I mean no, I mean…” Kamina struggled to find the correct
words to justify his presence as he hid the card behind his back but
it seemed that nothing could escape the girls' inquisitive gaze.
“Is
that a card for Haruka-chan?” the dark-haired girl asked.
“Y-yes...”
“Silly,
why you didn't tell us? Don't worry, leave it all to me. This is so
romantic! I wish I could have a boyfriend like you Kamina-kun!”
A
deep blush crossed Kamina's face as his eyes followed the girl as she
returned to the classroom. He wondered what or how Suzaku-chan did
it, but whatever it had been worked like a charm because the group
quickly dissolved, leaving Mishima Haruka behind. The girl observed
her friends leave with what she could swear were conspiratorial looks
in their faces but she decided to shrug the rather awkward sensation
away and resolved to kill some time by practicing the tune she had
learned today in the small piano at the corner of the room. The sun
began to set, its long tendrils filtered through the windows with
warm hues of oranges and yellows. Her nimble fingers began to draw a
simple yet sweet melody out of the old piano, a heartfelt tune that
spoke of a love meant to last forever. Suddenly, she felt an
insistent yet comforting stare lingering over her. Her heart began to
beat faster as she sensed that someone was approaching her. She
glanced up and a big smile lit up her pretty face:
“Kamina-kun!”
~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~
February
13, 2027
Nirai-Kanai,
Japan
The
distinctive scent of freshly brewed coffee guided Haruka to the
kitchen. Maneuvering the dossier she had been browsing to her left
hand, she poured some of the steaming brew into a cup while reading
the contents of the week's schedule simultaneously. Her eyes managed
to catch a glimpse of a speeding Buchi just in time to avoid tripping
with him, observing the feline amused as he played enthusiastically
with a red rubber ball that bounced erratically out of his reach.
More morning smells intermingled with the distinctive salty scent
carried by the seabreeze to the house as she keep moving towards the
dining room were all the four dwellers of the house met each morning
to share breakfast and the day’s plans.
“Good
morning” she mumbled as she knelt down in front of the low
dinning table putting the cup of coffee down while still reading
intently the contents of the dossier.
“So
early and already working niece? Looks like a hectic week is upon
you.”
“Yeah”
she replied as she bit a piece of buttered toast without lifting her
sight off the documents. “We’ll be out for training on
the Lilia Litvyak for a couple of days. The RahXephon and the Alpha
Squadron will be practicing joint maneuvers over the Pacific while we
gather more data on the Xephon and its new abilities. The fact that
we haven't seen MU attacks recently doesn't mean we can just sit back
and relax.”
Rikudoh
Shougo nodded as he sipped on his tea. “Good reasoning. The
best offense is always a good defense. Too bad the house will feel
awfully empty with all of you away.”
Haruka
looked at her uncle sympathetically. It seemed he didn’t regret
a bit the fact that he had opened his house and his life to three
people within a five year span. The retired archaeologist who didn’t
have children of his own had become a father figure for the three of
them. Coincidentally, they all shared the fact of either never
meeting their progenitors as it was the case with Megumi and Ayato or
having to experience losing one due to tragic circumstances, as it
had happened to a teenage Haruka. For lacking any experience,
Rikudoh-san was doing a good job in maintaining harmony in their
household and behaving in a manner that could easily be regarded as
fatherly.
“Good
morning oji-san, Haruka-san.”
Ayato's
bright voice pulled Haruka's attention from her paperwork. When she
glanced up, she found him looking back at her with a quizzical
expression in his face.
“Is
there something wrong Ayato-kun?”
The
young instrumentalist blushed slightly. Instead of her TERRA uniform,
the captain was wearing that morning a leather jacket and pant
combination similar to that of the Alpha Squadron members but in
shades of blue, and just like with pretty much everything she wore,
he had to admit to himself she looked quite attractive in it.
“It's
just that I hadn't seen you in that uniform before. Are you
transferring to another department again?” His voice let out a
subtle lilt of disappointment. He had already gotten used to her
encouraging presence at the C & C post while he was away during
missions.
“Baka
Ayato” Megumi's voice interjected as she entered the room.
“You've forgotten about this week's training, haven't you? To
think that you are the pilot of our most powerful weapon and
humanity’s last hope…” Megumi sighted loudly as
she sat down while glaring at Ayato.
“Hey,
I know about the training but that doesn't explain Haruka-san's new
uniform!” the boy defended himself from Megumi’s early
morning salvo.
“You
two, it's too early to start arguing” Haruka intervened. “And
to answer Ayato-kun’s question, I'm not transferring from
Tactical, I just rescued this and my flight suit from the closet
because I’ll be taking this deployment to update the training
hours I require to maintain my flying status. In other words, for the
next couple of days I’ll be one of Elvy’s troops.”
“Did
you forget that Haruka is a pilot also?” the younger Shitow
sibling added, wondering how he could be so dense and forget about
something so obvious.
Ayato’s
memory jogged several months back to the day he had found himself
strapped to a strange looking aircraft. The woman who had basically
sequestered him fought frantically to regain control of the craft in
mid-air while they were led by unknown forces to what they later
learned was the Shrine of Xephon hidden in the bowels of Tokyo,
unbeknown to all but a selected few high ranking Mulians.
“I
had almost forgotten. Will you be using the two-seater you piloted in
Tokyo Jupiter?”
“A
similar model. Remember that the one I flew was left behind as a
souvenir for the MU but luckily it turned out we didn't need it to
escape because we hitched a ride out in that winged colossus of
yours. HQ wasn't too happy about me leaving an expensive aircraft
back there but my butt was spared when they saw what I had brought
along in its place. That reminds me; are the two of you packed and
ready? We'll be leaving in half an hour.”
“Megumi's
coming too?”
“You
have any problems with that?” the red-headed girl replied while
downing the contents of her bowl while bestowing the boy at her side
an icy look.
“Of
course not, but I thought you were assigned to the HQ C & C
room.”
“I
am but my onee-chan will need a co-pilot and that'll be me.”
“Well,
it's not that I need one but Megumi has always wanted to come along
to one of my trips to find out if she likes it enough to request
admittance to the Air Forces academy, so I guessed this would be a
good opportunity for her to do so. Colonel Kunugi greenlighted the
idea and besides, Major Yagumo will be around as our CO to oversee
the whole operation.”
At
the mention of the name of TERRA’s First Officer, Megumi’s
eyes brightened.
“The
major’s coming too? Why didn’t you tell me that sooner
Haruka? This trip has just gotten even more interesting. Eeep, I’d
better pack the gift!”
In
a leap, Megumi was back on her feet and to the astonished looks of
her uncle, sister and guest, she practically sprinted back to her
room, almost running Buchi over in the process.
“Well,
that sure woke her up. She mentioned something about a gift. Is it
the Major’s birthday or something?” asked Ayato as his
ears still rang due to Megumi's somewhat enthusiastic shrieking.
“I
believe she meant a gift for St Valentine’s Day. I had
completely forgotten about that but by looking at the calendar, I
just realized it coincides with our training schedule. Well, at least
someone in our household keeps track of those dates because I surely
don’t.”
“How
about you Haruka-san? Don’t you celebrate St Valentine’s?”
Ayato carefully ventured to inquire. He was sure she had garnered
enough admirers at TERRA with her easygoing personality and good
looks to guarantee her the date of her choosing. In fact, it seemed
Dr. Kisaragi Itsuki was one of the more obvious suitors, but for
reasons he couldn’t pinpoint, he wasn’t too pleased with
the fact. If only he were her age, he would’ve surely asked her
out long ago.
Haruka
smiled as she fought to hold back the moisture that began to form in
her eyes. If he only knew his mere presence was already making the
upcoming February 14 her best one in the last 15 years. Gathering her
breath, thanking in silence for the discipline she had been instilled
in TERRA, she feigned her best cool and aloof stance and replied:
“Nah, I’m too old for that silliness. Besides, as it is
I’ll be quite busy with the training and babysitting you guys.”
“Hey,
I don’t need to be babysat!”
“I
know Ayato-kun I’m just messing with you. You are all grown up,
aren’t you? Besides, you have the RahXephon to take care of or
is it the other way around?”
Ayato
didn’t immediately reply, letting his indignant silence be his
answer instead. He sometimes wished the adults around him would treat
him with less condescendence and regarded him more as an equal. The
last few months had made him realize he really hated to be
manipulated and he found himself loathing having information held off
from him even more. Haruka quickly understood his silence and rigid
stare and decided to let the subject drop but she admitted to herself
that she did enjoy jesting with him because he looked quite
attractive when angered. Displaying her best apologetic smile, she
replied:
“Alright,
let me check if Megu’s ready. We need to get to the ferry ASAP.
The Lilia Litvyak will be departing port at 1100 hours sharp so we’d
better start moving out.”
The
captain was about to turn around towards her younger sister’s
room when Ayato added:
“Haruka-san,
I just wanted to let you know that I’m very glad you and
Megumi-chan will be coming along with us. I wasn’t too thrilled
with the prospect of shipping out even if it was for a few days but
now it will be like having a little piece of home with me while we’re
away.”
“I’m
glad that you are finally feeling yourself at home here with us. Now
hurry up before we need the RahXephon to deliver all of us to the
deck of the Lilia Litvyak.”
“Roger.”
Smiling, the boy began his way towards his room.
Haruka
stood still until she made sure that she couldn’t hear Ayato’s
footsteps. When she turned around, she whispered under her breath as
she quickly caught a tear from escaping her eyes:
“As
long as you wish it, this will always be your home.”
~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~
Mid
February was behaving in a rare warm and sunny demeanor for a winter
month even for Nirai-Kanai and its denizens were thanking the kami
for such an unexpected gift very dilligently. Their gratitude was
demonstrated by throwing themselves in troves to the white sands and
sapphire blue warm waters that blessed their island as a way to show
their heartfelt appreciation. Such fine weather had allowed excellent
cruising conditions for the sophisticated aircraft carrier that was
leaving the TERRA repair dry dock for the first time in months since
a Dolem attack had almost sunk it as it had done with its companion
submarines. That day’s losses had been massive for the small
force and the brass had deemed imperative to have the ship back into
operational status as soon as it was possible. The fresh coat of
paint could still be smelled and the polished surface of the landing
deck lay yet unblemished by the skid marks that evidence the constant
departure and landing of planes. The crew was eager to stretch their
sea legs and to get back in business and if given the chance, get
even with the MU for the losses they had sustained. Like a phoenix,
the Lilia Litvyak was alive and kicking once again, ready to make of
the vast sea its home and dominion. With the collaborating climate
and serene waves, the crewmembers soon found themselves on their
slated destiny somewhere close the international waters that bordered
those of Japan.
Idleness
was the last thing the sailors had in mind. Orders were quickly
barked from the ship's officers and in a matter of minutes, the deck
became alive with a flurry of activity and multicolored shirts as
crewmen prepared to go through the motions and launch the ever
impressive RahXephon and the Alpha Squadron airplanes. The hours
passed in a blink of an eye as the sky came alive with the intricate
ballet of carefully choreographed mock battles. Imaginary foes were
vanquished and tall columns of foaming seawater rose by the impact of
.50 cal guns and state-of-the art missiles over the surface of the
deep blue ocean. The atmosphere was charged with kinetic energy and
adrenaline, with the smell of gunpowder and engine fuel, and the sky
lit with the red flash of the laser beams borne out of the RahXephon
palms. It was an amazing display of lethal power, of the prowess of
technology and the passion of mankind, of engineering skill and sheer
willpower and anybody who had the opportunity to witness it conceded
that it was a breathtaking sight to see. Even the precise execution
of the mechanics of war was able to create its own maddening
aesthetic, its own deadly beauty.
Amidst
the controlled chaos above, a blue aircraft moved away from the
formation and descended towards the deck, making a flawless albeit
rushed vertical landing. As the crew gave the pilots their thumbs up,
the maintainer drones hurried to secure the craft as instructions
were relied from the command post in a flash. Just mere seconds after
the canopy opened, the pilot practically leaped out of the aircraft,
hurrying to check out the occupant at the co-pilot's chair.
“Can
you make it out or should I call the medics? Goodness, I've never
seen you like this Megu” the pilot gushed as she assessed her
companion's status. The red-haired occupant at the rear chair was
sweating profusely as she fought to somehow control the accelerate
rate of her heartbeats. Her face displayed an unhealthy ashen
appearance and a slight greenish hue covered her cheeks. Her
breathing was somewhat shallow and a pungent stench evidenced that
the passenger's stomach hadn't taken too well to the aerial
maneuvers.
“Are
we finally over something somewhat solid onee-chan?” the girl
managed to ask with a slight tremble in her voice.
“Yes,
we’re back. Here, lend me your hand.”
The
reply from the wobbly co-pilot was engulfed by the roar of the
fighter that flew just overhead them in that instant. A crimson plane
quickly made its way to the landing strip, soon to be followed by
three more aircraft of similar styling. The last to approach the
carrier was the majestic mechanical god, appearing even more ethereal
as it descended bathed in the dimming hues of the approaching sunset.
As each plane effortlessly grabbed on to the hook that secured them
to the deck, the short-haired aviator from the Aliel finally brought
out her ailing passenger. Holding her younger sister by the waist,
Haruka knew exactly how Megumi felt as a wistful smile crossed her
face; she had been in that same state on her first training flights
back at the academy. Their flight instructor was notorious for
possessing a decidedly sadistic streak and he thoroughly enjoyed
making the would be fliers think twice about their choice of career
and the breakfast that was about to forcefully pushed out of their
stomachs after a couple of abrupt dives and sharp turns. At least she
also knew that fortunately, it was just her pride and not her health
that was going to be ailing the longer. Her thoughts were momentarily
interrupted by the presence of the red-clad Alpha Squadron commander.
“Shitow,
is your sister alright? She didn't sound too good up there. I think
that last scissor maneuver was too much for her.”
“She'll
live Elvy but I really doubt she'll volunteer for another ride, at
least for the time being. I thought she was going to be fine because
she had done so well in the simulator. Guess I'll have to cruise
alone tomorrow, right Megu?”
“You’ve
got that right, that last drop was a killer. I don't know how you
guys can endure it. Not even the toughest rollercoaster can compare
to this. Oooh, my poor stomach.”
“Well,
you're formulating coherent sentences so that means you'll be fine in
no time. You should be proud of yourself, at least you didn't go
“red-out” like someone I know” Elvy said with a
saucy grin and a knowing glance.
“I
went “red-out” because you went all berserk up there and
I was just still a baby flier wet behind the ears” Haruka
replied slightly rattled.
“You
should have seen that. Your tough big sis here was gone just like
that” the Squadron leader said, snapping her fingers for
emphasis.
“As
if Major Ivan ‘the Terrible' Korchev hadn't made you plead to
land in one of your tests…”
“Who
told you that?” the tall pilot replied livid, the cocky smile
vanishing and instantly being replaced by a frown that brought her
long eyebrows together in a long, rigid line that crossed her
forehead.
“Hey,
an Intel operative never reveals her sources, you know…”
Now it was Haruka's turn to flash a sly smile. Megumi stared at them
both wishing for her inner organs to stop their somersaulting and for
the acrid taste in her mouth to disappear. The salty air of the ocean
seemed to slowly invigorate her but her weakened state made Megumi
too aware of the slight yet constant movement of the waves beneath
the ship’s bow. She couldn't wait to throw herself into her
bunk but the sight of the rest of the Alpha Squadron approaching them
squashed her hopes. At least she would have a really interesting tale
to share with Kim back at TERRA.
“Is
that true boss? And here I was thinking it was just an urban legend.
How was it? Did he menace to let the plane freefall at low altitude?”
“What
the hell are you doing here Cathy and why are you snooping on a
private conversation?”
“Erm,
we come for debriefing and because we were worried about the
captain's kid sister.”
“Thank
you for your concern Lieutenant Mac Mahon. Megumi feels better now.
She just needs some rest. I'll meet you all later on the conference
room for the debriefing” replied Haruka calmly.
“Yes
ma'am.”
“Meanwhile,
I'm sure you'll be quite entertained with Lt Hadhiyat's experiences
as a trainee pilot back at the Academy, isn't that right Lieutenant?”
“You'll
pay for this one Shitow” Elvy growled under her breath while
her squadron comrades took the unusual opportunity to snicker behind
her back. Hearing the barely concealed chuckle, Elvy turned around
bestowing upon her fellow airmen a menacing glare that foreshadowed a
long and arduous week for them.
“Guess
that Valentine’s party’s off then” Donny whispered
to Cathy’s ear.
“Bummer!”
replied in despair the younger Alpha Squadron ace.
“Next
dinner's on me then Elvy and don’t worry, I’ll remember
to bring a bottle of absinthe along” Haruka replied with a wink
as she moved away with Megumi on tow. She was about to open the door
towards the crew quarters when she was intercepted by Major Yagumo
and Ayato. Upon realizing that the handsome TERRA commander had
arrived, Megumi’s pride wrestled with her ailing state as she
forced herself to an upright position to regain her footing and
prayed her face wasn’t looking as bad as she feared it did.
“Is
it bad Haruka?”
“Nothing
that a good meal and a good night’s sleep won’t shake off
but thanks to both of you for your concern. In fact, she’s
already looking better.”
“I’m
already feeling better, sir. See?” Upon saying this, the
younger Shitow broke away from her sister’s grasp and began to
tentatively walk on her own. She was looking well until her irritated
stomach called upon her attention with annoying insistence, forcing
her body to lean at the waist.
“Not
again” she cried in despair as she brought a hand to her mouth
and fled from the small group, speeding towards the nearest bathroom.
“Haruka,
perhaps it would be better if she takes the rest of the training off.
I’ll send the medic to her room.”
The
short-haired officer nodded. “As soon as I deal with Megu,
we'll go through the collected data. Now if you excuse me, I’d
better make sure she’s alright and doesn’t end up in the
engine room. By the way, nice moves up there Ayato, don’t you
think Yagumo-kun?”
“The
captain’s right, Ayato. You sure have improved since you first
arrived here. I’m glad to see you’re feeling more
confident in your skills and it showed in your performance today”
the major added.
“I
was able to see it up front and it looked really good. At this rate,
the pilots will all be soon without a job but I guess that means less
people that’ll be at risk, right?”
“I…I
guess so.”
“Make
sure you get plenty of rest okay? Gotta go. I’ll see you guys
later.”
The
captain disappeared behind the door as her words kept running through
Kamina's brain. If this ability meant saving lives of brave young men
and women, it was a huge responsibility but one that he was willing
to accept unconditionally. Besides, it was the first time in a while
he felt that he was really an indispensable part of the team that was
TERRA. He had something of his own, something that was very important
for a lot of people. Something that only he was able to could do.
“Well,
ready for your after flight checkup?” the young Commander
inquired. Ayato shook his head in affirmative and followed Yagumo’s
lead, a smile glowing in his handsome face as he basked happily in
the pleasant feeling of pride that washed over him.
~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~
“Ready
to launch Haruka?”
Megumi's
voice chirped over Capt Shitow's right ear. The pilot assessed her
instruments one last time. The engine was warmed up and her fuel tank
wasn't completely filled as planned, since today's flight plan also
included a rendezvous with a tanker to do air refueling.
“Ready,
and from now on remember to call me by my sign name, alright?”
“I'm
sorry.”
Haruka
smirked. She was truly glad her younger sibling was feeling well
enough to man the C & C bridge assisting Major Yagumo but because
of yesterday’s incident, she had been left without a flying
partner and felt somewhat crabby for having to do the training by
herself. Letting out a long sigh, she glanced at her wristwatch. It
was already time for takeoff. She fixed her earpiece in a more
comfortable position and checked her instruments one last time. The
crew hands had already taken the parking blocks off her Aliel and the
deck was clear for takeoff.
“Well,
gotta run.”
“Hold
that thought for a second Capt Shitow. You don't plan to leave
without a co-pilot?” the Assistant CO said, a trace of
complicity in his voice.
“Co-pilot?
But Elvy and her team are on another sortie and we both know Megu is
unavailable, major.”
“We've
found you a last minute replacement. In fact, I believe he's there
right now.”
One
of the deck shirts signaled Haruka to open the canopy. Instants
later, she felt the plane slightly dip with the added weight of
another person. When she glanced back, she found Ayato in his
flightsuit as he strapped himself to the rear seat and donned an
earpiece.
“Hi
Haruka-san” he waved. “I hope you don't mind the last
minute change.”
Haruka
was so stunned by the unexpected gesture that for a brief moment she
couldn't conjure any words to come out of her mouth. In other
circumstances, she would have been mildly annoyed for such a last
minute change of plans. Instead, the added tasks of re-computing the
fuel estimates to include her new companion's weight, the change of
ETA with the tanker and other adjustments to her flight plan seemed
like a small price to pay to in return for the pleasant opportunity
of spending alone time with Ayato, even if it was in the cramped
confines of an airborne plane.
“Welcome
to my ride, Ayato-kun” the TERRA operative finally replied with
a wide smile and a sparkle in her eyes. “Well, let's get this
baby in motion, shall we?”
~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.
Ayato
anxiously peered outside as his sight scanned the horizon for the
bright orange orb that cloaked the city of Tokyo. From their
position, the MU landmark looked as if the planet Jupiter had
plummeted from space and embedded itself into the Earth. The
instrumentalist wondered if his request would get the captain in
trouble for straying off their scheduled itinerary but he needed to
see again what had been his home. His hopes that the barrier had
somehow faded away vanished in thin air. It had been a silly hope but
hope was all he had left.
“Tokyo
Jupiter…” he murmured.
“I'm
sorry Ayato-kun but we need to return to the carrier” Haruka's
voice reminded him through the radio.
“Okay.”
“Don't
worry. We'll figure out away to defeat the MU and free Tokyo.”
“Someday…I'll
return home” he commented absentmindedly.
“I
truly wish that I could do so, that I could take you back home”
the captain replied. Ayato remained in silence, intrigued by the
somewhat dejected tone that had engulfed her words.
The
outline of the Lilia Litvyak was soon spotted and the azure Aliel
descended gently over its reserved spot at the deck. The Alpha
Squadron planes were already secured so it meant that Elvy had
already returned. When both occupants vacated the plane, they were
greeted by Donny and Cathy who seemed eager to share something with
them.
“About
time you guys returned” Cathy said. “The cute major
managed to convince our boss of letting us organize our little party
and the only ones that are missing are you two.” The blonde
lieutenant couldn’t hide her elation.
“We’d
better hurry back or Jean and the commander will drink all the good
liquor!” said Donny.
“Sheesh,
you’re right. Those two can outdrink anyone under the table
although I’ve heard the captain here can also handle her liquor
pretty well” replied Cathy winking at Haruka.
Haruka
shrugged. “Just silly rumors. I just know my limits, unlike
your fearless leader I might add. So Souichi-kun managed to get to
Elvy's soft spot? The major does have a knack for nice yet shrew
negotiation. Congratulations, you got your party after all but I
guess is not a bad idea. We ca all can use some R & R to unwind a
bit.”
As
the pilots dashed back towards the celebration, Haruka glanced at
Ayato and commented with a grin:
“Well
Ayato-kun, guess we'll be celebrating Valentine's Day after all.”
~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.
“Happy
St. Valentine’s Day Mishima!”
Mishima
Haruka felt a warm blush spreading over her cheeks as she extended
her hand to hold the card Kamina was offering. It was a hand-drawn
illustration depicting a white beach flanked by turquoise and blue
waters at dusk, just like the one they had been to the day they met
at Neriya. Her glance lifted from the card to the boy’s face.
His cheeks also reflected a soft blush and his eyes glanced back at
her expectantly.
“Kamina-kun,
this is so beautiful. This is the best Valentine’s gift I’ve
ever received. Did you find the chocolates I left in your locker?”
Kamina
nodded, liberating the breath he had been holding and a grin came to
adorn his face mimicking hers. Suddenly, as if she had realized
something was amiss, she withdrew her gaze from his and hung her
head. Kamina watched in disbelief, trying to figure out what had
happened. She lifted her head again and the boy noticed that her eyes
were moist. Without second thoughts, he placed his hands reassuringly
over her shoulders.
“Are
you okay Mishima?”
“Uh-hum,
it’s…it’s just that your card is so lovely and the
one that I gave you can’t compare to it. I tried to do
something special but I’m so clumsy…I really wanted to
give you something special!”
Kamina
was so moved by the vehement and honest tone in her words that all he
could think to do to make her feel better was to draw her in his arms
in a gentle embrace. His ears caught her shocked gasp but sensed her
arms returning the gesture as they moved around his waist. The young
couple stood like this for a wonderful moment, reveling in each
other’s comforting company. After a while, he slowly released
her and was rewarded with a tender smile that replaced the pout in
her lips and the sad look in her eyes.
“You
know, I really liked the song you were playing.”
Her
eyes gleamed and her whole face lit up as she gasped. “I’ve
got it! I think I have the perfect gift for you” Mishima
exclaimed as she returned to the piano. Her hands approached the
ivories and as the music began to echo in the room, Kamina’s
face brightened as he moved to sit beside the girl.
“Is
that…?” he asked, barely able to contain his excitement.
“A-ha,
I just learned how to play ‘Katun no Sadame.’ Wanna hear
it?”
The
boy shook his head in affirmative as he readied himself to receive
his gift, humming the familiar tone, delighting in the soft cadence
of her voice that came to accompany the tune. Her voice was soon
joined by his, as both began to sing the song that had quickly become
their favorite. Her eyes would lift from time to time from the keys
to watch his blue gaze gleaming happily. As they kept singing, he
shifted closer watching her enraptured, gathering the valor he
required for what he wished to do next.
The
music faded and two very nervous 14th year olds were left staring at
each other in expectant silence, knowing that something was about to
happen yet neither one knew how or who would take the first step.
Kamina reached for her hand and dared to break the awkward silence:
“Thank
you for my gift Mishima. I really liked it very much.”
The
girl nodded. Timidly yet resolved, she leaned closer as her hand
reassuringly tightened around his. Brushing away indecision and
shyness, feeling the skin of their cheeks heating with a lingering
blush, their heads lowered in an unspoken cue. Their lips quivered in
anticipation as their eyelids began to close. Kamina felt his heart
almost leap out of his chest when he suddenly sensed Mishima’s
warm lips gently brush over his in their very first kiss. Elated, he
returned the caress with all the love that filled his young heart,
vowing in silence that this moment would forever remain branded in
his memory.
~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.
When
Haruka arrived, the party was well into motion. There was plenty of
food and the sailors were patiently taking turns to ask the few
female crewmembers to dance. She hoped she could remain below the
radar because the long flight had drained most of her energy and
stamina and a dance marathon was the last thing her body needed.
Besides, some of the subdued mood that had engulfed the last hour of
her flight with Ayato still lingered over her.
At
the opposite side of the room, Megumi was chatting amiably with Major
Yagumo. Poor Souichi. He had pretty much indulged Megumi's fancy
throughout the trip and he had behaved as the perfect embodiment of
what an officer and a gentleman should be. She hoped that what she
had heard at HQ about Yagumo secretly dating Kim wasn't true, not
because she didn't like the notion of the two of them together, but
because it would surely crush Megumi's heart.
“Excuse
me ma'am” a sailor addressed Haruka. “I believe these are
for you.” In his hands the sailor held a bouquet of fresh red
and white roses. Haruka blinked.
“Who
sent this?”
“I
believe there's a note with the flowers ma’am.” Upon
saying this, the sailor turned and left a stunned Haruka holding the
unexpected Valentine's gift.
“I
wonder if…” Haruka found the small, white envelope that
was attached and her memory recognized instantly the elegant
handwriting on the note.
“Itsuki…I
wonder how you managed to pull this one off” murmured Haruka as
she observed the exquisite bouquet with sadness. “Guess the two
of us do have something in common these days after all: the fact that
we're both unable to let go of the past.”
Looking
to dispel some of the melancholy that had just seeped inside her
heart, the TERRA captain searched for a quiet spot amidst the noise
and the crowd. Realizing that the boisterous and loud mood prevailing
in the room obviously clashed with the quieter environment she craved
at the moment, she decided to instead go for a walk, making a brief
stop in her quarters to leave her gift.
The
gallery deck was deserted and only the personnel on standby would be
seen from time to time crossing the long halls towards their posts.
Haruka inhaled deeply, filling her lungs with the invigorating air of
the vast ocean at night, letting the breeze caress her face and hair.
The clashing of the waves against the bow and the rhythm of the tides
created music of their own, one that seemed to cleanse the souls and
heal wounded hearts. The sound of steps approaching her brought her
out of the trance-like state. She had expected to see a sailor
looking for some clean air after a case of drinking one too many.
Instead of an inebriated seaman, Haruka found a blushing Ayato
walking towards her. When she turned around to acknowledge his
presence, his blush seemed to intensify by the second.
“I’m
sorry if I’ve disturbed you Haruka-san. Perhaps I can talk to
you another time if you wish.”
“It’s
okay, you’re not disturbing me. There’s plenty of railing
here as you can see. Besides, I was relieved it was you and not a
drunken sailor about to spill his guts to the sea. Tired of the party
already?”
“It
was fine but I think it got a little too loud for my taste.”
“I
know what you mean. Sailors can be a rowdy crowd.”
“Actually,
I believe Elvy-san and her crew managed to out do them.”
“Somehow,
that doesn’t surprise me in the least. Here, take a look of how
serene the ocean looks tonight” she commented as she recovered
her previous pose, allowing her gaze to focus once more in the
vastness of the sea painted with silver highlights from the
moonlight. Ayato hesitantly moved closer as he searched the inner
pocket of his jacket.
“Here”
the young Xephon pilot coughed nervously as he handed a white
envelope to the short-haired woman. “It’s not much and I
wished I had more time to come with something better but…”
Haruka
stared at Ayato with a bewildered look in her face. The captain was
at a loss for words and she only managed to reach and pick the card
from the boy’s hands.
“You
didn't have to. I mean, why...?”
Ayato
fidgeted, looking for the correct words. “I just wanted to show
my gratitude for what you, uncle Rikudoh and Megumi have done for me
in the past months. I know I’m not always easy to be around
with but you’ve received me into your home with no conditions.
I’m sorry if I made you think earlier that I’m not happy
here. It wasn’t my intention to make you feel responsible or
guilty of what has happened to me. I know you did what you had to do
for humanity’s sake and I really wish I could someday return
the favor.”
The
TERRA captain sensed a lump rising to her throat as her glance went
to the card and back to the boy's face, her brown eyes shimmering
with emotion and a grateful smile perched on her lips. The full moon
hovered high in the sky and its pale light washed over them with an
almost pure, angelic light. She couldn’t be sure if she was
dreaming or not at this precise instant because suddenly everything
around took an ethereal quality. “If only you could remember
about us, love…”
The
mystic mood was abruptly interrupted by a rushing crowd of singing
sailors who looked decidedly smashed and seemed to be unable to keep
their balance as the zigzagged through the narrow corridor as if the
carrier was braving a storm. The compact mass had almost passed them
when one of the sailors lost his footing, colliding with the captain
in the process and forcefully pushing her forward. Haruka yelped as
she braced herself for the impact against the hard floor when a pair
of strong arms managed to capture her in mid-air.
“I’ve
got you.”
Haruka
managed to latch on to the lapels of Ayato's jacket as she fought to
recover her balance. When she tilted her head up, she found a pair of
blue eyes staring at her intently, his arms still holding her close
to himself. None of them seemed to be able to let go of the other as
they stayed in this embrace as the world around them seem to be
fading out. Haruka could sense Ayato’s steady heartbeat against
her chest as she steeled herself for the instant he would finally let
go of her. He didn't. Instead, his head began to slowly descend
towards hers. Haruka stood as she was paralyzed, unable to react,
wishing that time could be stopped so this moment could last forever.
He was now so close she could feel his warm breath against her face
and Haruka resolved to indulge in the fantasy as her eyes began to
close and her head approached his.
A
loud, wolf-like whistle traveled through Haruka’s eardrums
shattering her priceless opportunity in the process. Ayato blinked as
if he had been under a spell and as soon as he realized his
compromising position and the unexpected audience, he moved away from
Haruka as his face lit up in deep crimson.
“Man,
this kid sure knows how to put some moves! Since when you’d
been eyeing the captain Romeo?” said Donny to his companion
while downing the remains of a beer.
“And
it seems the lady doesn’t mind the attention at all. Wonder if
she has a thing for younger men…” the blonde in the
cowboy hat replied loudly. Suddenly, the broad and menacing figure of
Lt Jean-Patrick Shapplin materialized behind his teammates. His large
hands fell over their shoulders making they turn their heads and gasp
loudly in unison.
“Jean…!”
“My
apologies for the disrespectful behavior of these two rascals,
captain. I’ll see that this event does not happen again”
the tall officer affirmed sternly.
“If
their commander doesn’t have any problems, I would like to
choose a fitting punishment, something along the lines of helping the
crew mop the flight deck, perhaps.”
Ayato
didn’t have any time to feel embarrassed because was too busy
staring at the woman who had been in his arms a few instants ago and
the abrupt change he had just witnessed. Her features had hardened
considerably and the sharp tone of her voice had a very threatening
edge. It was obvious she was quite mad. It was the first time he had
seen her truly angered.
“Do
you know where your Squadron Leader is?”
Jean
blinked twice before replying. “Ma’am, I’m afraid
the commander is unwell at the moment and is unable to properly deal
with the situation.”
Upon
saying this, the pilot pointed to the woman in the red jacket that
slept peacefully albeit loudly in the floor. It seemed that Elvy had
also led her team in partying. Evidently, it also seemed of all her
teammates she had partied the hardest.
“I
see. I’ll deal with the situation in the morning then. Just
make sure she gets a strong cup of black coffee. That should have her
up and running in no time.”
“Will
do ma’am.”
“And
Jean, can I count with your discretion regarding this?”
“Captain
Shitow, I absolutely have no idea of what you’re talking about.
I just know my two teammates began to act obnoxiously while you were
having a conversation with the RahXephon pilot.” Jean gave
Haruka a reassuring glance. She let out a long breath. She didn’t
mind being the topic of saucy gossip but she’d rather not see
Ayato suffer through the same fate. He was going through a lot
already to have that added up to his load.
“Thank
you lieutenant.”
Jean
saluted in return and proceeded to drag his very intoxicated
teammates away and pick up his sleeping CO to deliver her to her
quarters. He hoped he didn't have to resort to the ice-cold bucket of
water to stir her up in the morning.
“Haruka-san”
Ayato broke the uncomfortable silence that had befallen after Jean
left. “I really don’t know what got into me. I didn’t
mean to…”
His
words were abruptly blocked by her index finger over his lips. Her
mouth curved into an enigmatic smile.
“Some
things aren’t meant to be understood Ayato-kun. Let's just say
that we got sort carried away by the beautiful night and the mystique
of the whole Valentine's Day celebration. I mean, even the most mean
spirited would have fallen for it. Maybe Cupid was somewhere bored to
his skull and decided it would be amusing to play a little prank on
us. At least it sure beats waking up with a splitting migraine like
Elvy and the others, don't you think?”
“I
guess so.” Ayato lifted an eyebrow at the rather fantastic
logic the captain had arrived to. “Better that than
to admit she could actually fall for someone like me” he
thought to himself somewhat despaired at the lengths she went in the
attempt to explain what had happened. However, there was something in
the way her eyes sparkled that hinted of something more.
Haruka
glanced at her wristwatch and gasped. “Wow, look at the time!
Megumi must be going crazy looking for me unless...” Her
eyebrows rose as her mind unraveled with a thought. Suddenly, her
face paled for an instant and her jaw dropped. “Megumi!”
she exclaimed. “She never told me what her gift to Yagumo was!”
Ayato suddenly understood and glanced back at Haruka with a similar
concerned expression.
“Bye
Ayato-kun” the TERRA officer mumbled. “I'm going to
rescue Yagumo-kun from Megumi. Wish me luck!”
Ayato
couldn't help but chuckle under his breath as he watched the captain
disappear with a hurried pace. One thought lingered in his mind.
Perhaps Haruka was right after all and there had been indeed
something mystical in the star-speckled night's atmosphere that had
stirred to the surface feelings that they didn't knew existed or had
been forced into oblivion until then. One thing he knew for sure; he
secretly admitted he wouldn’t mind another shot to finish what
had been regrettably abruptly interrupted against his will.
“Until
the next magical night then, Haruka-san.”
~Fin~
Omake:
Excerpts
from the TERRA in-flight communications
February
13
“Bunga
Mawar, Bunga Mawar, this is Alice, over.”
“This
is Bunga Mawar, copy you loud and clear Alice, over.”
“Bunga
Mawar, I need to break from the formation and land before the
established ETA, over.”
“Does
your aircraft have any mechanical problems, over.”
“No
but I'm afraid my co-pilot does, over.”
“Maybe
your co-pilot wasn't made to be to be a flier like her elder sister,
over.”
“No,
I guess not…Megumi are you still alive back there?”
“If
you land this thing now I think I might be. Oh, oh, excuse me…!”
“Remember
to use the…nevermind. Kami-sama, what a mess! Now the whole
cockpit will reek now. And would you please stop laughing Elvy…this
is not funny!”
“Keep
radio discipline Alice, over.” (chuckles)
“Radio
discipline my… (loud sigh) Copy that Bunga Mawar. Over out.”
~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.
Author's
Notes:
Nothing
much to say except Happy St Val's to all and I hope you've enjoyed
this little (well, not that little) Rah Valentine's Day themed fic.
FYI, Bunga Mawar is Elvy’s call sign and Alice was Haruka’s
code name in the Rah movie. Now I wonder if Haruka made it on time to
rescue Sou...