PART 1

It’s another day of the class, Tobe and Yuki went together as usual. Tobe tried to be in glee but his surrounding is filled with unknown uneasiness.

The jealous stares of the boys and some of the girls as well as the gloomy side of the weather greeted him.

“G-good morning…”

Tobe greeted them quietly and cracking a wet smile.

Yuki, on the other hand, met the cheerful expressions of most of the students; even others claimed themselves as fans of hers.

Yuki couldn’t help but be annoyed and curious at the same time.

The ruckus kept on until Yuki and Tobe were inside of the school.

“Let’s go!”

Tobe told her.

Ten minutes later, after successful but desperate attempt to escape them, Tobe and Yuki entered the classroom.

Hopefully, upon seeing that the teacher is missing, Tobe sneaked to his seat followed by Yuki.

Unlike what happened outside, Tobe’s classmate remained nonchalant while they’re entering except for a few giggling “oh” and “ah” around them.

Tobe laid his head on the table while his arm covered it, possibly hinting that he is either sleepy or deadly worried.

Takuo, his friend as usual, went to him.

“Hey, Tobe-kun, I witnessed as unusually amount of people barging in the entrance. Do you have any idea?”

“Not the slightest…”

Without even raising his head, Tobe answered him quickly.

“C’mon, you know it! That cute little chick over there is the reason.”

Takuo pointed Yuki instantly.

Tobe was wary that it was obviously was her, but inevitably ignored it.

“If this goes on, surely it will ruin my life.”

He muttered to himself wearily.

“W-What? Did you say something? Bro?”

“Ah no, it just nothing!”

He immediately became lively, scratching his head in dire confusion.

Takuo gazed him in perplexing expression, gradually turning into a sly stare.

“Do you live together?”

Takuo asked him, scratching his chin like a detective.

“Well no-err, yes!?”

Feeling like he was condemned, Tobe answered him nervously.

Upon hearing it, Takuo became wide-eyed that frightened Tobe like a scared cat.

“DID YOU DO SOMETHING TO HER!?”

Takuo exclaimed. The stupid and unexpectedly-sprung-from-nowhere question caught the attention of all the students inside the classroom, quieting the place.

Tobe burst into sweats and nervousness dominated him. He glanced left and right, as though he was convicted with a more serious crime.

“N-no…!”

Instantly, the crowd fell into numerous murmur and suspicious looks.

Tobe gulped, realizing what the results he has done.

Meanwhile, Yuki who busily watched him stood from her seat and went silently to Tobe and placed herself behind him.

Takuo noticed her and suddenly mystified by her.

Tobe tilted his head up, curious about whom overshadowed him.”Hn?.”

Presently, Yuki entangled her arms around him and leaned her body further. Tobe was taken up in surprised.

Her voluptuous bust made him drowned; pressing against his head is a little bit overboard.

“This Tobe-chan is only for me…”

She clearly stated to them as Tobe tried to break free.

Everyone in the class stood dumbfounded…

…and eventually fell into uproar.

“T-Tobe-chan?!!”

“I can’t believe it!”

“Dang it!!! It is TRUE!”

Takuo who have witnessed and has also heard about it, became enraged.

“YOU-YOU—!”

“I-It’s not what she meant!”

Tobe tried to explain in this hopeless situation, even if he knew all of them would not listen at all.

Yuki only calmly released him and went to her seat quietly.

Everyone gathered around him, accusing him with all they could think.

“Bastard, you’re a pervert after all!!!”

“—Yeah, and an opportunist!”

“Poor Yuki, I assumed you took her chastity!”

With glaring, or perhaps raging eyes, Tobe was evidently in a panic mode.

“P-Please listen to me! You have a wrong concept! I can explain this!”

Unexpectedly out of nowhere, the door flung open wide and in came the homeroom teacher, Mika Tamaki.

With her hair more outrageous than the last time and bloodshot eyes, all of the students quickly rearrange themselves to their seats and tried to shut up one and for all.

Tobe breathed deeply, it seemed that he was saved by the teacher but the atmosphere was still filled with inevitable hatred.

Overall, Mika still retained her youthful look and happy attitude despite the differences.

“Thank you, students…for waiting…”

Mika said moderately with cheerful attitude. She slowly sat on her own chair.

“…I’m a bit late…today.”

She remarked while looking at the window.

The gloomy weather outside could start a rain anytime.

Suddenly, her gaze shifted toward another window with an irritated expression.

“You…!”

Mika wasn’t muttering to herself but rather to a bunch of students behind the window itself who, with no doubt, was voraciously tantalized to Yuki and even managed to observe her every movement.

However, Mika’s devilish stare didn’t fail her, in fact, they froze and one by one scattered away until no one was left when they felt the ominous glare.

When there’s no one left and was satisfied, she returned her gaze to them.

“Ok class…everyone is present, aren’t they?”

Mika told them while yawning.

Her voice, even though high and she was very lively, was filled with unknown distraught.

“Crista Monari is missing!”

Someone from behind shouted.

Tobe was surprised and turned back. True on whoever said it, the seat behind him, is vacant.

The seat where supposedly Cris seated is empty.

Where is she? He thought.

Cris is very diligent in school together with him, often not missing classes.

In fact, she’s one of top bright students but right now a feeling of concern crept in his heart.

He remembered how she acted weirdly while they were alone the last time. Something is definitely wrong.

“If that’s all… let’s start the classes.”

Mika exclaimed. Tobe’s thoughts quickly faded.

*RRRRRRRRRRIIIINNNGGGGG!*

The bell rang loudly. It is time for recess.

Tobe was already outside of his room, spying over the door if Yuki’s alright. The conditions are normal, however. Reim and the rest of the girls gathered around Yuki who is sitting quietly.

Their conversations are currently inaudible for his distance. Perhaps, they were talking about him.

…or girly things.

…or foods or whatever.

He smiled, knowing Yuki has found some friends. Especially Reim.

Immediately, he went away to bought some snacks for him and Yuki.

Tobe walked down the stairs while looking down. Not surprisingly, he bumped to someone that a bunch of big books fell down.

He quickly picked them and saying ”I’m sorry” multiple of times. He slowly raised his head, afraid that he might be slapped or punched or anything he badly imagined.

With a wild hair that almost looked like tangled bush but a gentle face that strongly contradicts the former, he instantly recognized her.

“Ah, sorry it’s my fault not to look carefully.”

Mika-sensei apologized quietly with accompanying radiant smile. Tobe smiled too, in nervous way.

“I’m sorry, Mika-sensei.”

“No, don’t worry about it… just help me pick all of them and all will be fine.”

She said softly with a hint of exhaustion.

After picking a couple of books, Mika asked for a favour.

“…also, please deliver it to the principal’s office together with me… and I’ll gonna treat you

something…”

She said gleefully.

“R-really!?”

Instead of agreeing, she muttered something, as if she moaned.

“ Ugh…my head hurts…”

Mika mumbled as she rubbed her temples with accompanying pained expression.

“Are you alright?”

“Yes, I’m ok…please go on…were in a hurry.”

Two shadows sauntered together in a lone hallway.

Tobe, as well as Mika-sensei, carried books as he *hgggnnn* heaved it silently. Actually, they were very heavy than what he imagined.

Mika chuckled.

“You’re quite strong!”

“Thank you, sensei…*hn* but what made them heavy!?”

“Hush, it’s not for you to know…they are classified.”

“R-Really!?”

Mika nodded approvingly.

Suddenly, he remembered something.

“By the way, I’ve never thought that you are in the mall!”

Immediately, a confused face smeared on her face and laugh it something like trivial matter.

“I-I don’t really understand you Tobe-kun…I wasn’t there~!”

Tobe was perplexed.

“Maybe, you left quickly?”

He remembered before that the place became an awful battlefield. Mika, Yuki and he have been together even if it is just for a minute.

That memory is still fresh, even for a while.

Mika thought hard, but instead headache struck her.

“…I’m sorry Tobe-kun…I really didn’t think that time it happened…ow?”

“I’m sorry!”

Tobe didn’t push it any more. He have concluded that something possibly happened to Mika-sensei that made her to incapacitate the present memory.

Something is not right, he thought.

Meanwhile, Mika held a cheerful face even in front of a door, but uneasiness brushed Tobe, making his shakiness uncontrollable.

“Ah, where here!”

Mika knocked on the door and calmly clutched the door knob, and slowly the door creaked as it opened.

Tobe, while his fearful imaginations played him, felt it looked like a heavy door banging in every nudge or a hideous monster could have been hiding behind it.

Upon entering, a simple yet tidy room behold before them.

Books are detailed and in order.

The floor was so shiny.

Cabins and furniture are properly placed, allowing a bigger and cleaner space.

Not a speck of dust can be felt.

Tobe thought of it differently as what he first entered, purely opposite of what he had seen today that he can’t relieve from surprised.

“You’re here.”

A familiar voice called out, almost interpreted to him as an actual irritation.

“Oh hello, principal Monosume, I’m glad to see you.”

Mika happily exclaimed. Then she hurriedly put the books along the corner and waited.

Tobe followed her in nervously manner, but went out of the door quickly after placing the books in its place. Ryuuka, who busily observed them, cheerfully greeted Mika in return.

“Good morning, Mika-san. Thank you for bringing them.”

“It is not that important, I am willing to help.”

“Since Tobe-kun is already here. Could you please ‘kindly’ call him?”

“Sure.”

Outside of the office, Tobe walked back and forth, expecting he will be called by Ryuuka. Anxiousness made him worried.

Not long after, Mika opened the door and urged him to come in, again.

“The principal wants you.”

“ok.”

Upon entering, Mika immediately went out. Tobe stopped her.

“W-where are you going!?”

“I’m sorry, Tobe-kun. You know that I’m a busy woman, don’t you think?”

“B-but!?”

He actually thought she will stay in the room for the meantime.

“Go on. After this, you have the reward. I promised.”

She chuckled and finally released her hand and walked away, waving to him.

What she said sounded promising, but that is something he doesn’t worried about.

PART 2

“Welcome Tobe!”

Ryuuka mockingly shouted to him.

“G-Good morning, Ryuuka-sensei…”

“Oh…you seemed to be lethargic…”

“How can I?”

Ryuuka’s devious grin gradually formed.

Tobe blinked and glanced toward the whole room. He never thought the room is the same as he thought the last time he visited it that it almost resembled the dirty stock room.

“Where’s the other?”

He cautiously said. Tobe was referring to the man who seemed to accompany Ryuuka every time.

“Maximus, you mean. He’s on the airship right now.”

“I see…”

“By the way, I was supposed to call you but instead Mika-sama brought you here coincidentally.”

“Then, why would you call me?”

“It is because of Yuki.”

“What happened? Did something—“

“Calm down. I have bought Yuki the clothes that she will be needed for now on.”

“Thank you. You are a great help.”

“No need to. I was just doing what I’m supposed to do.”

Tobe suddenly remembered about Mika.

“Ryuuka-san.”

“Yes…?”

“Is Mika-sensei alright…? I mean did something happen to her?”

Ryuuka became deadly still, mouth shrink into a short line, when he described about Mika.

Even Tobe was surprised on what he said earlier, that he swallowed his saliva and drooped his head down.

It was so quiet that Tobe can hear his own nervous breathing as he watched Ryuuka’s blank expression behind those glasses.

He even blamed himself forsaking such a dumb question.

Finally, she spoke indifferently.

“Mika-sama…? Don’t worry about her, though she was one of the civilians trapped inside the black

dimension together with you…”

“Is that something related to her current situation?”

“True. Mika-sama was temporarily neutralized, particularly her existence while the stasis occurred.

Upon deactivation, her memory after that incident was gone. Some of the common side effects are chronic headache, nausea and weakening…that’s all.”

“Well, I-I’m sorry.”

“Stupid! It is better this way. It will be worthless when you are clueless about a thing…”

She let out a big sigh after saying it.

“…Also, thank you for letting us to protect you…the [Neitframe] will never let you harmed by the

Chasers… in other way.”

“Thank you.”

“I’ve already installed security system in your house.”

“What?! Why I didn’t know about it?”

“Don’t worry. The security will never harm your privacy.”

“I was hoping to.”

“Then, good luck. Here are the packages I’m referring to.”

Ryuuka gave him a handful of bags containing comfortable and colourful clothes for Yuki.

“Thank you very much.”

“One more thing. If necessary, report in the room every time you feel you want to.”

“I understand. I should get going.”

Ryuuka nodded and Tobe left the room quietly.”

“Wake up, sleepy head!”

The voice softly called out. Two bloodshot eyes slowly opened, cloaked under her messy, red hair.

She grumbled a lot and went to her slumber again.

“Come on, wake up. Cris-san!”

The voice became louder and irritating this time for her, she groaned for a while and finally, she rose up.

“Lyka…? What is it?”

Lyka Monari, older cousin of Crista and the one who cares about her, was a little worried on Crista’s complain. She gave her a quizzical look on her weary face.

“You’re a little different… was something happened?”

Lyka’s question is fairly reasonable. These last days, she has observed Crista’s actions and noticed that it was indeed strange for her.

She came home late these many nights.

She stays on her bed more than she can bear.

She eats less and lesser, often losing an appetite.

…and many more Lyka can’t explain. In other words, she was deeply concerned.

“…tell me!”

She repeated. Meanwhile, Cris only moaned a lot.

“I won’t…”

Came a straight, grumpy reply. Lyka become mad after hearing it.

“You know what… you act weird.”

Lyka said as she gritted her teeth.

Instead of answering her, Cris turned away and pouted like a mean child. Her reddish face flashed for a while.

Lyka realized that anger is no longer necessary. She has seen something that made her worried a lot.

“Are you alright?”

After a long pause, she said with a hint of concern.

“No… I mean, I’m okay.”

After seconds of thinking, Cris reply was stuttered, obviously confused at what she must about to say.

“If everything’s okay… just go to the dining room, okay?”

Lyka carefully said and left Crista’s room without a sound.

Cris was all alone now, lying on her bed at the beginning, half covered with pillows and wrinkled blankets.

Cris, in her skimpy shorts and white T-shirt for her nightclothes, was walking slowly and wobbly toward the opened door.

Her room was respectfully clean, except for her bed alone, though we still don’t know if she or her sister’s responsible for it.

She yawned and her bloody red, messy hair swayed. She rubbed her eyes and slapped her cheeks to be fully awake.

It was morning, a very late one for school but her mind was right into another matter.

I was supposed to be right for him! Not the other? Cris paused as she honestly thought about something.

She recollected the memories when Tobe and she were only children.

“That’s right. I’ve been right beside you all the time.”

She mumbled herself.

When Yuki was now there, beside Tobe. She suffered emotional distress which she masked behind her carefree attitude.

The feelings for Tobe and their childhood relationship conflicted inside her. Now, she didn’t know which is right and which is wrong.

If simply stated, she is intimately jealous.

Thus made her heart ache and even stirred something inside further.

…One that supposed to be forbidden.

She resumed her steps and decided not to tamper with it, especially not now.

Right passing the door, a sharp, jolting pain almost ripped her head.

She dropped and cringe back in pain, she tangled her head with her arms and gnashed her teeth.

Mysteriously, it only passed for a few seconds; even Cris realized it was gone.

She stood and helped herself restore her balance once more. Cris took one step when she discovered something flowed outside her nose.

She wiped it and felt it slimy and thick.

“Blood?!”

Yes. She even realized that it was dripping and soaked her skimpy garments into a deep crimson that resembles her hair.

It felt sticky on her pale skin. Cris as deeply horrified, eyes opened wide and couldn’t even shout.

She looked down and nervously step back as it flowed down toward her legs and feet, creating a bloody puddle around her.

Cris shakily tried to lug her nostrils but was shock to see her hands sticky with her fresh blood. She gasped for air as more blood poured out of her nose and even her mouth.

Not knowing to do, she rushed downstairs, panicking.

“Lyka! Lyka!”

Cris gagged as she shouted. Blood visibly spattered everywhere as she was overcome with terror.

She went straight to the dining room as what she remembered what Lyka said to her.

Successfully, she found her right beside the table, preparing for their breakfast.

Lyka looked up; when she noticed Cris standing there awkwardly in front of her and gasping for air.

“Oh, you’re just right in time… I thought you might need some rest…again.”

Lyka was surprised, but a typical one. Cris, who expected her to be deeply horrified, stood dumbfounded. Lyka watched her suspiciously, after she noticed Cris was acting weird.

“Is something wrong?”

Cris was the one who became confused right now. She slowly looked down; fear still clinging that the condition might became worse.

What she saw is her clothes, her feet, the floor and no more.

Absolutely no traces of blood can be seen, as if it magically disappeared.

She touched her clothes to make sure of it is the way it was.

Lyka only sighed deeply, clueless about Cris right now.

“B-but?”

Cris stammered nervously. She knew it happened recently.

She saw it.

She felt it.

She even smelt of it.

But why it disappeared like it was already nothing?

She looked up toward the concerned Lyka.

“Crista, you still didn’t answer me!”

“Uh, really?”

Cris held a wry smile. She decided not to tell it to her, again.

She forced herself to sit on one of the chairs and immediately dumped her face toward her palms. Afterwards, she let it ran through her hair in exhaustion.

What to do, what to do? Her thoughts ran all over.

Lyka then ignored her and continued to finish her chores.

The phenomena that happened recently to her is not new to Cris, she even remembered the last time it happen.

Particularly, when she is in emotionally distress. She has forgotten it partially when she thought she was totally ok…

…from serious attacks of blood hallucinations.

She even let herself get a check-up by the doctors, but her expectations failed when it turned out she was normal, at least.

Today, gasped from horror, when she realized that it really gotten worse than the last time.

She must, however, be really careful right now.

PART 3

A coin was tossed overhead and it landed on a palm. He tossed it again and *plack* it landed again.

It showed ‘heads’.

Marshal Darryl Tracker, or simply Darryl, was sitting idly on a bench.

Even though he loved to fight time to time, he can’t do this when he’s currently in AETO ground base. He must follow its strict rules, which Darryl was very used to.

The AETO ground base is located in a remote man-made island off the country. The transportation was not a problem; underground railway system and teleportation pad are the answers.

The AETO ground base is purposely hidden away from the public or some of the government. Meaning, affliction isn’t necessary; it is an independent faction relying on itself.

Hidden from the sight of the civilian, AETO hides machineries, arsenals, cyborgs (Reavers) and other deadly packs of weapons that seemed to be intended to use against powerful monsters.

It wasn’t always busy inside the base; often maintenance and check-ups weren’t always important.

Darryl always looked like sleepy and yawns every time he wants to. Boring may be the best thing to describe, he half-closed his eyes gently. He felt his scar enveloped under his gray hair.

It was a reminder of his fight with a sinister being he fought hardly.

He chuckled; trying to forget about it while gently shook his head.

This time is different, another being dubbed as Echo is still on her feet and escaped him.

He tossed again his coin overhead; his (gray) eyes twinkled. It missed his palm and bounced right off. *ting* *ting* *ting*

Bad luck, he thought.

He bend over and reached for it, since it’s only an arm length away from him.

“Sir Darryl, I have a message for you!”

Right in front of his eyes, a pair of boots appeared. The sergeant awaits patiently, hands saluting him.

He took his coin away and stood up.

His height overshadowed the dauntless sergeant, who looked up suddenly to have a better view.

“Yes, what is it?”

He calmly said.

“A rendezvous with the vice-general! Sir!”

“Him? That bastard?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Ok then.”

The soldier walked away.

“Hmmmm…”

He tuned curiously.

The vice-general needed him, but why?

That vice-general has been particularly busy to contact with his colleagues till this day.

Calling him would be strange enough to make him curious.

Darryl didn’t waste some time. He went straight to the office.

Upon opening the door, a high-ranking officer greeted him.

“Welcome, Marshal Darryl Tracker. Please come in.”

The voice of a debonair man, Mr. Arcs Vicero, the vice-general of AETO forces.

Arcs showed his moustached smile and pleasing attitudes, all are ignored by Darryl. Arcs is not alone, Aria Crete is present, sitting by the table and staring back quietly at quietly.

“…please, have a sit…if you feel though.”

Arcs requested Darryl as he showed a large chair for him.

“Never mind, Arcs. “

Darryl simply stood in front of his table, shoving away the chair gently.

Aria Crete, in her military suit, looked surprisingly beautiful and cunning as she idly sat, but Darryl completely ignored her with cold eyes.

The sight of an elaborate tea set on Arcs’ table made him a little grumpy. Both Aria and Arcs had a teacup for it.

“Did I come here for this worthless tea party? If so, then I should leave immediately.”

Darryl sternly said.

“Calm down, Marshal Darryl…I brought you here for some reasons…”

Arcs reminded him, with a hint of carefree.

“…Also, I want to congratulate you for the successful mission.”

He added. Darryl ignored it and crossed his arms and grunted.

Meanwhile, Aria who busily observed them chuckled but immediately became serious when Darryl glared her.

“Just stop it, both of you.”

Darryl shifted his stare to Arcs, who shook a little.

Arcs cleared his voice and tightened his suit; his moustache quivered.

“I’m hoping that you are ready…”

He warned. Darryl shrugged, and sighed.

“Go on.”

Arcs became deadly serious this time, as if he was facing his last breath. He showed something that is considered as an important document.

“Remember the ‘Juggernaut Chaser’?”

Darryl glared him after hearing it.

“..Or should I say—“

“Marie Yeager,’ The deadliest woman in the community’. Am I right? Arcs?”

Darryl said after Arcs’ sentence interrupted.

Suddenly, Darryl’s face is darkened with undetermined grim expression.

“Well, …er… yes. Precisely. If you will, you are assigned to escort her from the Ivoryan airport. If you refuse, then I have no choice. ”

“Arcs, who would have the brains to let me do that!”

He raised his curled fist to him. Aria stood, prepared to do anything to prevent chaos in the room, even fighting Darryl.

“Well definitely not me, Marshal Darryl… the higher ups gave me the task without a definite reason.”

Arcs told him, determined not to be overcome by his fear and halting Aria from doing anything.

Though he never touched anything, Darryl became enrage and chaotic inside. He can beat and kill someone and no doubt he will if he will.

He further gripped his fist that his veins showed beneath the skin.

At last, within minutes of slow anger, Darryl slammed his arm on the table,

*craaaaaaack*

enough not just toppling all of the precious tea set but split the apart wider.

Aria jumped between them, not knowing to do. She is in a fighting stance right now.

“Then, would this mean ‘ refusal’?”

Arcs said calmly as he wiped his suit with his handkerchief. The shock made him slipped his tea cup and stained his shirt.

“ENOUGH, ARCS! YOU ARE ONE STEP FROM THE DEATH THIS TIME!”

Darryl shouted. It made Aria trembled terribly.

“Ok, I will.”

Arcs silenced himself.

“Darryl, don’t do this.”

Aria warned him, after she felt the intense anger from him.

Slowly, Darryl released his tension and put down his arm slowly.

Though the situation is less threatening, Aria kept her guarding stance still; she can’t trust Darryl this time.

“Forgive me, Darryl.”

“Not a slightest chance, Vice Vicero! But I’ll accept this stupid request of them!”

“R-Really? Thank you! I knew you will do it anyway.”

Arcs excitedly praised him.

Darryl grunted and gave him a gruesome face this time.

“Well, it just a coincidence with our tight schedule and a perfect—“

"Shut UP!”

Darryl exclaimed. Arcs gulped, silence loomed for a while.

“L-last thing, Darryl— if you let me… two days from now will be the expected arrival of Marie Yeager.”

“Remember this, Arcs. Never let me hear that name and anything that is related that ‘woman’ or I’ll really break your neck this time!”

Darryl warned him and left the terrible scene.

“Will he be okay? Vice-Commander Vicero?”

Aria was concerned as well as surprised after that conversation with Arcs.

“Yes, presumed it he will. Darryl is just the way he was.”

Arcs assured her as he reviewed the document.

“Who is Marie Yeager? Why I’ve never heard her before?”

Arcs chuckled as he was marvelled by Aria’s extreme curiosity.

"Marie Yeager eh? Let’s see… she was once a top chaser just like you and Darryl…she possessed extra-ordinary skills in hunting astral beings. But sadly, the rest is classified for you.”

“Thank you, but what’s her connection with Darryl?”

“How about ask her face to face, if you will?”

Arcs said to her mockingly which left Aria more curious than ever.

“…Well the progressions made me so satisfied that I think I’m really fitted to be beat after all.”

Arcs added as it is his turn to leave his chaos-stricken room with Aria.