Warfare Augmented Intelligent Frame Unit

Chapter 141 - SENPAI

Chapter 141 - SENPAI

As we gazed at the towering mushroom cloud billowing in the sky, the aftermath of that massive explosion—an oppressive silence fell over us. The once-sturdy terrain had been obliterated, leaving behind a smoldering crater that looked like it had been clawed out of the earth by a furious god. 

Fei's cybernetic sabertooth tiger came to a slow, respectful halt, its gleaming metal paws resting on scorched asphalt as we stood witness to the destructive power of our dear friend's ultimate attack.

"Cindy..." Fei whispered, her voice trembling.

"W-why..." Myrrh whimpered, her eyes shimmering with tears that clung stubbornly to her lashes.

"Your sacrifice will never be in vain," I murmured, bowing solemnly toward the epicenter of the blast. "Rest in peace, Cindy."

"You may have been a chaotic, foul-mouthed WAIFU partner," Remuel added, placing his hand reverently over his heart, "but you were the best of us."

Then, just as the mood thickened with sorrow—a loud, unmistakably tomboyish voice sliced through the heavy silence like a shockwave:

"Wow, rude much!? I'm still not dead, idiots!"

We all snapped our heads toward the crater. The smoke had begun to clear, revealing a silhouette stepping through the haze like a phoenix reborn. 

It was Cindy—alive and very much annoyed. Her humanoid form staggered into view, her uniform now reduced to scorched, tattered strips that barely clung to her frame like battle-worn rags. Her crimson hair had puffed out into a wild, unapologetic afro, as if the explosion had rewired her entire aesthetic.

Our grim expressions melted instantly into stunned smiles. Relief washed over us like rainfall after a dry war. Of course she was alive. This was Cindy—there's no way she'd let something as trivial as her own self-destruction finish her off.

Truth be told, we all knew she'd survive. We just wanted the dramatic effect.

"Cindy!" Fei cried out with her synthetic voice, tinged with static and desperation.

"Fei, don't stop! Keep moving! I'll hold the line!" Cindy bellowed, her voice echoing like a war drum across the battlefield. Her eyes burned with fire, even as ash drifted around her like snowfall. "And you, Remuel! Stay and support me, you stubborn little midget! If you ditch me now, I swear I'll actually die this time!"

"Okay, okay," Remuel muttered, scratching the back of his head as though this were just another Tuesday. He threw me a crooked smile, half-exasperated, half-resigned. "Well, I guess this is where we part ways."

He gave my shoulder a firm tap. 

"I'll leave Neil to you, Zaft."

"I swear I'll bring him back," I said, clenching my fist. "Just... don't get yourself killed out there."

"With Cindy as my partner?" Remuel chuckled, the dry laugh of a man facing his doom with both eyes open. "I think I prefer to be killed."

Before I could reply, he turned, vaulted off the ledge, and slid down Fei's massive metal tail like a street punk on a rail, riding the sleek cybernetic surface like a skateboard until he landed with a clean roll. He stood tall and saluted, his silhouette framed by smoke and sparks. "Take care, Zaft, Myrrh, Fei!"

"Stay alive!" Myrrh called out, returning the salute with crisp form. I raised my hand in unison, a silent vow in the gesture.

Cindy and Remuel answered not with words, but with a knowing glance—sharp and warm—followed by faint, defiant smiles. In that brief moment, a hundred unspoken emotions passed between all of us.