𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗𝗬, 𝗔𝗜𝗠, 𝗦𝗛𝗢𝗢𝗧! ➵ 𝗇𝖺𝗋𝗎𝗆𝗂 𝗀𝖾𝗇

07.

You glance at the clear sky, the weather was different from the Analysis Unit had forecasted for today. Taking the plant-type Kaiju would be difficult as soon as it absorbs the sunlight.

Carrying your railgun sniper, you notice that it was heavier than the sniper rifle you've used during training and previous missions, but it wasn't a problem for you at all.

Your eyes flicked to your side, where Ashiro Mina stood in conversation with another soldier. She cradled her signature cannon with ease, her demeanor calm yet focused. From their clipped words and pointed gestures, it was clear they were discussing the abrupt change in plans. Mina's task was to engage the Kaiju from the air, deploying her attacks from a helicopter. You, on the other hand, had been assigned to navigate the urban environment, using rooftops as your vantage points to snipe the target.

Captain Isao had given you the go signal to do whatever you want as long as you won't become a liability to the team. "Show me results, Hoshimiya." His words echoed in your head, remembering that he said those exact words to Narumi a day before.

You glanced at Mina again. You didn't know much about her, only that she, Narumi, and you had joined the Defense Force around the same time. But you'd never seen her before yesterday —not during training, not on missions, not even walking around the base.

The first time you saw her was in the meeting room when the mission briefing was held. You knew nothing about her combat skills, how strong she was, or how her weapon worked.

"Hoshimiya," Ashiro's voice cut through your thoughts, and you snapped your head towards her. She was walking toward you, her massive cannon resting on the ground beside her. You gave a small hum in response, your fingers tightening around your railgun before you released it, letting the weight hang on your shoulders.

Ashiro didn't seem to mind your silence, her gaze unwavering as she met your eyes. "You go ahead," she said, her tone calm but direct. "The helicopter will take time to get here since it was a last-minute decision."

For a moment, you said nothing, studying her. There was something about the way she spoke that made it clear she wasn't worried about the delay, but she wasn't asking for your permission either.

You met her eyes for a brief second, then nodded in agreement. "Hm, okay," you replied shortly, your voice steady. Without another word, you turned your back on her, focusing on your next move.

Narumi was stationed at a different location, and an unsettling feeling began to creep under your skin. Even though Hasegawa was with him, you knew how stubborn Narumi could be. The thought of him being out there alone was enough to make you uneasy. He didn't listen to anyone, not even Hasegawa's orders at times, but he did listen to you —though it often took a little more than words to get him to follow through. You had to use force, sometimes (all the time), to make sure he stayed on track.

Clicking your tongue, you couldn't help but feel frustrated. Why does he always have to do things his own way? You knew he was capable, but the unpredictability made your job harder. You'd seen it in action too many times before. Narumi had this way of thinking that he could do everything on his own, and sometimes, it cost him.

You gritted your teeth, pushing the worry aside. There was no use in stressing over things you couldn’t control. You didn't have much of a choice, if you did, you would have chosen to be stationed on the same location as Narumi to keep him in sight. Knowingly that if he makes the wrong move, he'll be out of the Defense Force.

"He's such an idiot at times," you blurted out, voice lace with annoyance. Your eyes shifted to the empty road ahead, scanning the desolate surroundings for a vantage point. You needed a spot high enough to secure an effective line of sight but stable enough to hold out if the situation turned dire.