Hybrid x Heart Magias Academy Ataraxia Volume 4 - Ch 2
She could hear a voice calling her from afar.
What a noisy fellow. It would be troublesome in various things if she was caught.
She threw open the door and went outside.
So that she wouldnt be caught, she ran with all her strength.
It felt really good. She loved running cutting through the wind.
She looked back and confirmed that no one was pursuing her.
She ran across a bridge built from white stone. A large quantity of water was flowing under the bridge, falling down to the waterfall ahead from here. It was dangerous, so she was always warned to not cross the bridge alone.
But, it was fine. Nothing would happen if she didnt cross the fence.
She went across the opposite bank, there was a lake after passing the hill. If she went until that far, surely she wouldnt be easily discovered. Besides, the scenery was nice there. The peaks covered in snow were reflected on the lake, it was very lovely.
She wanted to see that scenery quickly.
She crossed the bridge with fast beating heart.
But, today was a little strange.
The scenery was distorting. What was going on she wonder? A dizziness?
Suddenly, her body floated.
As though her foothold was suddenly gone due to a pitfall.
She fell from the bridge?
Her body was falling.
How could that be, even though she was running right in the middle of the bridge and she didnt cross the fence.
Her view was distorted. She became unable to understand, the scenery, her own body, she didnt know which was which.
There was a violent sound of water, her body sunk into the water.
At this rate she would be washed away to the waterfall, surely she would die. If she fell, she would be beyond helpthat was what somebody told her. Thatwho was it again?
But, inside the water was really quiet without even a flow.
Suddenly it became bright in front of her eyes, her body was floating up to the surface.
Black sky.
It was night.
Silver moon was shining in the night sky.
Pink flower petals were riding the wind and fell with that moon as the background.
Pretty.
There was only such feeling.
Nothing came to mind except that.
She stared at the sky and continued to drift on the pond that was surrounded by stone fence indefinitely.
With his treatment and break over, the day for Kizuna to resume going to school finally came.
Good morning.
Go, good morning. Himekawa, You are doing uniform check right at the day you are returning to school?
In front of the school gate, there was the figure of Himekawa Hayuru with electronic paper in one hand doing inspection.
Yes, because I had left all of my public morals committee member work to other student, I have to help a little at least.
Bathed in morning sun, the figure of Himekawa calling out to the students was really beautiful. Her black hair was sparkling from the light of the sun, her expression and voice were lively.
Even though before this she was doing check with solemn look, now her atmosphere was completely different.
He guessed that because for the current Himekawa, this normal day was a breather for her where she could feel tranquility.
They had slipped through verge of death several times, and then even more sever battle would be waiting from now on. Until the next mission, this brief ordinary day was an important time.
? Is something the matter, Kizuna-kun? You will trouble the other students if you are standing still distractedly in that kind of place.
Eh, yeah, I guess. My bad. Then Ill head first to the classro
Ah, please wait.
Hm? Whats wrong?
Himekawa was approaching the position of Kizuna who was going to left to the classroom. She stepped to a distance that was too close for talking, Himekawas hand suddenly reached out to Kizunas neck.
Oi, what are you
Himekawas white and slender fingers were put on the knot of the necktie that was at Kizunas collar.
Geez, the way you tied the necktie is untidy.
Eh?
She loosened the knot and untied the necktie temporarily.
You are the captain of Amaterasu, so please take care of your personal appearance.
Ye, yeah
Wha, whats with this newly wed situation? This is the time of going to school at the gate you know?
Himekawas face was right near Kizunas nose. In this distance it felt like he could even hear the sound of her blinking. Himekawas long eyelashes looked even longer from this near. Himekawa was pouring her gaze fixedly at Kizunas collar, she briskly untied the necktie once and tied it again. Her slender and soft fingers was ticklishly touching Kizunas neck.
There was a gentle fragrance of flower.
The glossy long black hair was swaying by the wind, swaying silkily like in a dance.
Is this, the aroma of Himekawas shampoo I wonder?
Kizunas heart was suddenly beating fast.
The students who arrived at the school were throwing subtle glances at them while passing through the school gate, but he became unbothered even by that.
However right at that time, his neck was tightened up tightly as if opening a curtain. And then, his chest was lightly tapped. Suddenly returning to his senses, his eyes met the eyes of Himekawa that were looking up at him.
Ok, its fine with this nowis something the matter?
Kizuna felt that not only his cheek, but even his ear became hot.
Hee-!? N, no, nothing at all-, then, work hard!
Kizuna headed to the entrance with an awkward way of running.
He walked through the corridor heading to the classroom. After meeting the surprise attack of the AU, the war situation was in the middle of getting strained, but there was not even a little bit of darkness that could be felt from the expression of the students.
Wellguess thats how it is.
Something like an emergency situation had been there the whole time since the 2ndAnother Universe Conflict. It was no use to make a fuss over it at this late hour.
Rather, from Guam to Okinawa, Ataraxia was in the middle of steadily drawing near to Japan. The number of enemy they shot down was also increasing, they had became able to defeat the enemy battleship that they hadnt managed to do before this. Even the weapon of anti-magic weapon use that was in the middle of development, was entering the stage of testing in real battle. Surely even the students were feeling the atmosphere that they were going out in offense even further than before. Far from shaking in fear, on the contrary there was the air of firing up in enthusiasm.
Perhaps everyones strength would be necessary for the capture of Tokyo. At the very least, the technical research department had to hurry in their development and mass production.
He opened the classroom door even while thinking about such thing.
Kizuna!
The instant he entered the classroom, a read ponytail flew to Kizuna.
Uwaaa! S, Scarlet!? You, your year are different!
The class hasnt started yet, so its fine right? My building is different, so I cannot come here unless its lunch break or a long free period.
Her hands circled on Kizunas neck and her body was glued to him.
N, no. Wh, why are you making it a given that you will hang out in our class?
Whats with thatt, its no good?
Scarlet puffed up her cheeks.
Leave it at that, Scarlet.
Yurishia stood from her chair and approached them while her large breast was shaking.
Whats with you, I can decide myself for thing like this right? There is no reason for me to follow Yurishias instruction.
Scarlet averted her face standoffishly.
This is not an instruction or anything like that, the class is starting already you know? Go back to your classroom quickly.
Hmmph. Its fine even if Im late just for a little.
Yurishia released a sigh haa, she then took out communication device from her chest and put it on her ear.
Yesss, this is Yurishia. Please come to collect your boss here. ASAP. After all if you are late for thirty seconds, there will be a dishonorable rumor that the ace of Masters are late coming to class.
Wa-, Yurishia, who are you talking with!?
Without even waiting for the answer, the sound of several Heart Hybrid Gears flying in the corridor could be heard approaching here.
Scarlet!
A student wearing a Heart Hybrid Gear on top of her uniform rushed into the classroom. Looking at that figure with braided brown hair, Scarlet let out a panicked voice.
Clementine! Wha, what are you doing coming here!?
It was Clementine from Masters. She also participated in the Okinawa capture battle, she was a gunman that liked western genre with the braided brown hair as her trademark.
Scarlet yourself, what are you doing in the classroom of the upper classman? If you are late, we are going to get shouted at.
Clementine grasped Scarlets arm without letting her say anything.
We are going back quickly. Henrietta, take care of the opposite side.
One more person entered the classroom, a platinum blonde intellectual girl wearing glasses. The same like Clementine, she was wearing Heart Hybrid Gear over her uniform. And then as expected, she was similarly taking the arm of Scarlet forcefully.
Roger.
Because Henrietta was in charge of protecting the Megafloat at the previous battle, so Kizuna and others were not an acquaintance with her. However after the Okinawa battle, she was transferring to Ataraxia similarly with the other members.
Then, lets quickly return. The class will start in ten more seconds.
Ah, hey! Let go of me! YOU TWOOOOOooo
Without even any time to talk, the two ignited their thruster and literally flew back to their own classroom.
Himekawa entered the classroom as though replacing them.
Just now, what happened?
Yurishia answered with a wry smile.
Aah, dont mind it. Rather than that how about taking a seat? The class will start soon.
Yes, I can tell you with confidence..that the first hour of today will be self-study.
The classroom was stirring. Himekawa lightly cleared her throat and continued her notification.
It seems that Sakisaka-sensei, is late to school.
Finally that red jersey couldnt even operate normally. The whole classroom was enveloped in a disappointed air.
Well, it cant be helped for Sakisaka-sensei.
Kizuna glanced at Aines seat from the side. The desk without its owner looked lonely.
He didnt hear that Aine would be absent today. Had something happened to her?
At that timing the door of the classroom opened and Aine showed her figure. She was feigning her cool face as usual and took a seat at her chair while fluttering her silver hair.
Aine, what happened? Do you feel bad?
No, Im just cutting class. I think that its more beneficial to count the stain in the wall rather than going out to class.
Himekawa knitted her eyebrows and let out a worried face.
Aine-san, its better to not force yourself and rest in your room you know?
Eh
Aine was looking back at Himekawa in puzzlement from the unexpected reaction.
Because, your complexion is bad, your voice is also not energetic.
Aine looked down without even retorting back with her abusive tongue.
Kizuna stood up and took Aines arm gently.
Himekawa, Ill take Aine to the infirmary for a bit. Perhaps we will go to the lab after that
I understand. Please take care of Aine-san.
Now, lets go Aine.
Unexpectedly, Aine was obeying him obediently. Her step was firm, but it was like her heart was not in it, she looked unreliable in any way.
The doctor was absent when they went to the infirmary. There was a pod for use of treatment in capsule shape, so he thought to first examine Aine there, but Aine obstinately insisted that the normal bed was better, so for now he made her lying on the bed.
So, how is your condition?
Its finein the first place, I dont feel bad anywhere.
Even so she was awfully lacking in vitality. Even her usual abusive tongue didnt make any sound.
I just, saw a little bad dream.
Is that so? Its fine if thats the case.
Kizuna confirmed Aines vital sign in his smartphone.
Your current Hybrid Count is 70%. Heart Hybrid is not yet
The moment he said that, Aine wrapped her body inside the blanket and turned her back to Kizuna.
Aine. As I thought, is Climax Hybrid scary for you?
Aine didnt answer with her back still facing him.
There is something that I have to say. In the mission next time we plan to capture Tokyo. Naturally, this will be the largest scale of mission compared to everything until now.
So..?
Aine raised a small voice.
Climax Hybrid cannot be avoided. Especially, Aines Pulverizer will become the trump card at the crucial time. Thats why Aine, I want you to do Climax Hybrid with me.
Aine kept her silence inside the blanket. After quite a time passed, finally she answered quietly.
I dont want.
The mission next time will be with the full power of Amaterasu and Masters. It will be hard to survive unless we devoted all of our strength.
Kizuna touched Aine over the blanket.
What?
Aines body was trembling in shivers.
Becauseits scary.
Aine turned her face across her shoulder to Kizuna. Kizuna felt like the heart inside his chest was clenched. Aine was making a helpless expression as if she was going to cry anytime soon, like a lost child.
Aine
Kizuna embraced Aines body.
Each time I did Heart Hybrid and Climax Hybrid, I remembered strange things. It felt like I was changing into something completely different.
Aine was scared of recovering her memory. The image she recalled couldnt be thought as something of this world, they were all just absurd scenes, so she was harboring fear toward those unknowns.
Its fine. Calm down Aine.
Kizuna gently put his hand on Aines shoulder to reassure her. Aine didnt resist and sat on the shoulder following Kizunas urging, but he couldnt feel any vitality from her figure. Her shoulders dropped like a withered flower.
There was no such thing like this beforeI didnt care who was I and where did I come from, I felt that its fine even if I die if I cannot fightdespite so, right now its scary. The current me, my current life, to have them completely gone is really scary.
Aine, no matter what your remembered, there is nothing to fear. No matter what happened in your past, all of those had come to pass.
Aine raised her face and glared at Kizuna with sharp gaze.
Dont say whatever you like thinking that this is other persons problem! Just about everything that I recalled back doesnt seem to be the things of this world you know? I thought that maybe they are things that I saw at movie or television in the past, but if thats the case then the content should be more scattered yeteverything strangely feels connected as one. It looks completely like a connected world. Besideseven the dream this morning
Dream?
Aine shut her mouth and lowered her gaze.
Kizuna too scratched his head awkwardly.
Aine..my bad. Sorry, I only made you scared all this time.
Kizuna gently embraced Aines body closely. Aine leaned her body to Kizuna as if to entrust her body to him.
No, even I understand. Im like a kid, to get scared to something like a dream. But, this is not about logic. Even if I think to welcome it, the feeling that say its scary are rapidly arisingI cannot stop it.
Kizuna entangled his fingers in Aines hair. And then he lightly slide his fingers as if to comb her hair. The silky hair slipped through his fingers without getting stuck.
A
Aine partly closed her eyes and twisted her body.
Her hair was beautiful silver. The sensation of it slipping through between his fingers felt really pleasant. It smoothly tickled on his skin, the comfortableness healed even the caressing side.
Aine, no matter what kind of past you have, no matter who you were and where did you come from, Iwe wont change. You are our important comrade. For me, you are no one else but Chidorigafuchi Aine.
Kizuna caressed Aines head repeatedly.
Thats why you dont need to worry. When your past become known Inot just me, surely Nee-chan too, even Himekawa and Yurishia. There will be no one that change.
Kizuna
Aine buried her face onto Kizunas chest. And then Aine circled her hand on Kizunas back and hugged him tightly. Aines large breast was pressed on Kizunas body.
Im happy you say that..but, surely
Yeah. Its fine to not hurry. It will be a large scale operation, but at the beginning we will only scout. Lets slowly put your thought in order. Have faith in us more.
Aine kept her face buried and answered with a stifled voice.
Yessorry.
Yes. No matter what I will become, surely Kizuna and others wont change.
Aine swallowed back the words that almost came out from her throat.
The one who will change, is me.
The bell that notified the end of the class resounded in the school building of the middle school.
Saving the data, closing the monitor installed on the desk, and turned off the power. The data of the class and the note was also synchronized in real time with her room and her student notebook. She had a little point of uncertainty, so she was going to review on the way of going to Captains room.
While thinking of such thing, Sylvia Silkcut collected her baggage. There her classmate approached her with a smile.
Sylvia-chan, after this everyone will go shopping, wont you come together with us?
After Sylvia stood up from her seat, she looked up at her girl classmate. All of her classmates, no matter if they were male or female, loved this cute and petite like a doll transfer student that came from Britain.
The girl who called out to her, and also the group of seven, eight people waiting behind her, their eyes were shining in expectation. They were eager that today they would invite Sylvia who always looked busy for sure.
Shopping desu?
Yes, something like looking at accessory, or going to family restaurant to chat.
The girls behind her also began giving support fire.
Also it looks like there is new holograph print coming in. Lets take a picture together.
Sylvia looked at her wristwatch.
Yes, its fine if its for two hours desu.
Waa! Really? Hooray!
But you only have two hours? You are really busy huh. Its work in the lab?
Ye, yes..so, something like that desu.
Actually she planned to go to the Captains room like usual. However, she also thought that it was inexcusable to refuse her classmate invitation so many time.
This time