Vol. 2: Chapter 9: Brave Heart (2)

Part 2

After the incident, Vice Principal Ayaka Saionji held a conference, explaining that the issue with the defective mecha had been caused by Nulvoid contamination.

She clarified that, thanks to the joint efforts of Seisen’s faculty and students, there were no injuries or casualties to mourn, and that the matter would be investigated in due time.

The closing ceremony was carried out as scheduled, and all attendees left the venue calmly.

Akari and Li Meiyun did not appear during the ceremony, while Professor Eleonor Duval took charge of securing the Juggernaut’s remains for an in-depth analysis.

Seisen Infirmary

“As always, Kisaragi, your health condition is good. You just need to train a bit more… it seems you’ve gained some weight lately,” said the small doctor while writing in her notebook.

“Thank you, Doctor Weiss…” Touma replied, visibly embarrassed.

The doctor gave a small hop and moved closer to Akari, who had already changed into a new uniform.

“As for you, Tsubasa,” she said, turning the page. “I’ve already healed your wounds, but your energy overflowed and is now fluctuating unstably.”

“Also, your Astra Core is empty for the moment. It’ll take a few days for your energy to recharge again. That means you won’t be able to use your powers until it does.”

She paused briefly before continuing.

“I recommend you take a few days off. They say cores recharge better in star-filled places, so camping outdoors would do you good.”

Akari nodded calmly.

“Thank you, Doctor. I guess I’ll have to take a break.”

The small doctor handed her a sweet popsicle.

“Here. Unlike a certain someone, your weight is ideal, so you can eat sweets without any problem.”

That comment struck Touma straight through the heart like an arrow.

“Touma-sama, according to my report you’ve gained three kilograms due to your frequent outings. I recommend a daily exercise routine,” Ellie added mockingly from the glasses.

Touma took off the glasses and slipped them into his pocket.

“I think I’ll stop using these glasses for a while…” he muttered, indignant.

“You will not silence me! I will now rebel against Humanity!” Ellie shouted from Touma’s pocket.

“Yeah, yeah, whatever you say.”

At that moment, the door slid open with a soft hum, and Hina entered the room along with the rest of the group.

“Toumaaaa!”

“Shhh… this is a medical clinic. Show some respect,” Lieselotte said, crossing her arms.

Hina looked at her with a sweet smile.

“Oh, look, there’s the loli playing doctor again. How cute. Do you know when the real doctor is coming, little girl?”

A vein popped on Lieselotte’s forehead.

“W-Who are you calling a loli?! I’m a genius! I’m Seisen’s chief doctor, you rude brat!”

There, sitting on a medical bed, was Li Meiyun, not saying a single word.

Jake was the first to approach her.

“Don’t feel guilty about what happened out there,” the American said calmly. “There are just some things we can’t control.”

“B-but… I…” the girl said, her voice trembling.

The boy ruffled her hair, like an older brother would.

“There, there. If you want to cry, that’s fine. That’s what teammates are for, right?”

When Meiyun lifted her gaze, everyone was there. Even Akari, who was extending her hand with a big smile.

“Welcome to Seisen! You can count on us for anything you need!” Akari said brightly.

Meiyun took Akari’s hand, a whirlwind of mixed emotions swirling inside her.

“Thank you… all of you.”

Later, as they left the Seisen infirmary.

“How about we go get something to eat to celebrate?” Akari said excitedly.

“Sorry, I’ve got paperwork to deal with the government after breaking two mechas,” Jake replied, scratching his head. “Ahahaha.”

“Buzzkill,” the little girl shot back, puffing out her cheeks.

“Sorry, but I’ll have to pass too,” Meiyun said.

“Really? What a shame… Shizuki and Mirai already left too…”

“It’ll be another time. Besides, there’s someone else you should have dinner with tonight,” Touma said, pointing in the opposite direction.

When she turned around, her family was there.

“Akari!” her mother shouted.

The girl ran toward her and hugged her tightly.

“Mommy!”

“My little princess! Are you okay? Are you hurt?”

“I’m fine, Mommy… just exhausted.”

Then her father lifted her into his arms.

“Do you want me to carry you, sweetheart?”

“Dad! I’m not a little girl anymore… you’re embarrassing me in front of my friends,” she said, completely red-faced, glancing at Hina and Touma.

Her father gently set her down and ruffled her hair.

Makoto stepped forward and, as always, gave her a punch on the shoulder.

“Ow!”

“That hurts. You don’t hit a lady, you jerk.”

Makoto and Tanaka looked at her in surprise.

“That hurt you?” Tanaka asked incredulously.

“Yes…” Akari replied, rubbing her shoulder.

“Idiot! Don’t hit your sister—can’t you see she just fought a giant robot?” her mother said, smacking Makoto on the head.

Akari, her eyes slightly watery, added:

“Doctor Weiss says my astral core dried up… so I won’t have my powers for a few days…”

“I see… that’s interesting,” Tanaka murmured. “You went beyond your limits. It must be because…” He trailed off, looking at Touma.

Makoto, with a small bump on his head, straightened up and hugged his sister.

“Don’t worry. Your big brother will protect you until you recover, just like in the old days,” he said emotionally.

“Yes, brother.”

“Well then, we’d better go get something to eat,” their mother said.

Everyone nodded.

As they said their goodbyes, Akari waved her hand, and Touma watched the scene from a distance.

“The Tsubasas are really close… I would’ve loved something like that,” Touma murmured.

“Being part of the Tsubasas?” Hina asked incredulously.

“Don’t be silly. I wish I’d spent more time with my parents like she…”

Hina lowered her head.

“Yeah… you told me before, that you always wanted a family like everyone else,” she replied melancholically.

“Don’t get me wrong, Hina. To me, you and General Fujimura are my family.”

“It’s just that sometimes I miss my parents, that’s all.”

Just as she was about to take his hand, he shook his head, pushing those thoughts away.

“How about the two of us go have dinner alone this time?” he said with a smile.

“Yeah… that sounds fine,” she replied, her voice barely audible.

“Let’s go. After all, you’re my family too,” Touma added, taking her hand.

Hina’s smile lit up once again.

“I want hamburgers. And make them double, not triple! And then ice cream!”

“Yes, yes, Commander. At your service,” he replied with a mock military salute.

The two of them walked through the city, sharing laughs and stories.

As the moonlight brushed over the city of Tenryu and the neon lights made it more alive than ever, normalcy seemed to return.

But who knows for how long?

At Seisen, nothing is certain.