Gate: War of Two Worlds Shorts

James and Noriko

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--- Alnus Community ---

Date: August 23rd, 2026

As Noriko finished getting dressed, she heard the baby crying again.

"I am coming...," Noriko said. She then stared at the mirror. "Not like he understands what I am saying."

Finishing up, she walked out and into the small living room. This place was once Sharpe officer quarters before being transferred to a new base nearby. Her home was destroyed by the earthquake last year.

Seeing her son, Tenchi, sitting in his baby crib, sitting up, begging to be hugged. Picking him up, she started rocking him.

"You are such an attention seeker," Noriko said. "What did you want?" She then noticed the baby calming down. "You just wanted to be with Mommy."

Hearing a knock at the door, she sat the baby back into his crib and walked to the front door. "I wonder who it will be at this hour?"

Once opened, she saw James standing there and smiled. "Hi there James."

"Hey there, Noriko."

"I hope I am not bothering you," James said. "I know it is early."

She couldn't help but smile. She has found it adorable that a Ranger who has killed people can be this nervous talking to a girl he likes.

Wanting to speak, she felt that nerve moved throughout her body. A sense of shame and used goods ripped throughout her body, creating goosebumps.

Every time she's been around James, this has been a feeling that only added to her insecurities.

A short but awkward silence emerged between the two until Noriko spoke, "I... I hear that all of you are flying east. Darlko?"

"That is correct," James said. "We are leaving in six hours. "

"Does that mean everything will be over soon?"

"I think so. I don't know what will happen afterward but hopefully, it is the end. I wanted to say goodbye."

Feeling another sense of awkwardness, Noriko struggled to respond. The only reaction she could make was to hold her arm.

"Well, see yeah."

Watching the young Ranger turn and walk away, a sense of fear and frustration ripped through her body again. She realized that the war was hopefully coming to an end and that most likely would never see him again.

"Hey...," Noriko said, catching James' ear. "If you have time, I was about to make breakfast rice balls. Do you want to come?"

"Yeah," James said. "I have a few hours to kill."

Feeling a sense of relief for finally asking him into her home, she went inside and into the small kitchen. She started to take her pre-made rice from last night and turn them into rice balls.

"Nice place," James said. "This definitely smells like an office place."

"What do you mean by that?" Noriko nervously said. Turning to face him.

"Don't forget, I am Enlisted," James said. "I share a barracks with a dozen guys."

The thought terrified Noriko. "I thought my little one was smelly. I cannot imagine a group of guys."

"One girl," James jokingly said. "Let's not discriminate here."

"I bet that's only because she is outnumbered ten-to-one," Noriko replied. "I couldn't live like that."