Cross Ange: The Knight of Hilda

Chapter 16: Revelations

Ange's patience was rapidly wearing thin. Standing outside of Jill's room, she angrily tapped her bicep with her finger. Shortly after arriving, Jill had appeared as well but instead of answering her questions, she instead had gone into her quarters saying she needed something. It was almost as if she were delaying just to spite her. That girl who was piloting that red unit, she thought. Who was she? How did she know my mother's song? And what did she mean by "the truth lies with Aura?"

"How long has it been?" she asked. Momoka opened a Mana window and checked the time.

"About five minutes," she answered. "I wonder what's keeping her?" As if on cue, the door finally opened and they both stared wide eyed at the sight before them. Jill had changed out of her uniform and in its place had put on a dark blue silk robe, the hem of which fell just past her hips to accentuate her long legs while her jet black hair had been taken out of its pony tail to cascade down her back.

"I'm ready," she said, "let's go." Ange and Momoka looked to each other in confusion but followed Jill as she led them down the hall and through another door that led out onto an onsen similar to the one in the first squad's bathroom. This one however was far more elaborate. Porcelain statues stood amongst the rocks and plants that lined the perimeter, several of which served as fountains that poured a constant stream of fresh water into the bath, while at the far end was a cabinet of some kind. As they watched, Jill let the robe slip off her slim frame to pool around her ankles before stepping into the onsen.

"What are you doing?" Ange demanded. From the cabinet on the bath's edge, Jill pulled a floating tray along with some glasses and a bottle of whiskey.

"Getting comfortable," she answered. "Come join me. After all, secrets are best shared out in the open." Ange narrowed her eyes and felt her anger begin to seethe.

"I don't have time for your little games."

"Well then I guess you won't get your answers." Ange looked at the onsen and despite her annoyance, couldn't deny it's appeal. After nearly five days of incarceration with only a cold shower the day before, she was desperate for a real bath. She hurriedly changed out of her clothes which she handed to Momoka. "We talk alone," Jill said. "Send your maid outside."

"Awwww!" Momoka whined.

"Just do it," Ange told her. "I'll call you when I'm done." Momoka pouted but she bowed in compliance.

"Very well. I'll be outside if you need me." Once Momoka left, Ange stepped into the onsen to join the Commander who was pouring a drink for herself.

"Can I offer you some?" she asked. "I imagine that you don't get these kind of amenities in the squad bath."

"Just get to the point," Ange told her. "I want to know everything. About Villkiss. The DRAGONS. The Network. My mother's ring and song. And how you and Tusk know each other." Jill swirled the glass of whiskey in her hand and stared at her reflection in it.

"I'll start at the beginning," Jill said. "Once upon a time...there was a god."

From the cover of the beach doorway, Vivian pressed herself against the wall so she could watch without being seen. Just as she hoped, Hilda had dragged Rio down here for some alone time. And while Vivian could appreciate that, there was no way she was going to miss this. This is going to be so awesome, she squeed. Already Rio had set his jacket down for Hilda to sit on. Now he was next to her and though she couldn't be sure, it almost looked as if they were holding hands. Any minute now they were going to kiss and Vivian could hardly wait.