[--Volume 2 Begins! CHAPTER ONE : FEAR OF NIGHT--]

[--CHAPTER ONE : FEAR OF NIGHT--]

　Let's do this! Volume 2!!

　What am I? A few descriptions tick through my head. An operator. An officer. One who took the lives of countless people. Surely any answer I find would be a lie. For some strange reason, I feel separated from myself. Almost like watching someone's life be dictated by fate.

　Is that me? A vessel of fate?

　Someone who has no control?

　I hate fate.

　I think I've found another reason to go on - To supersede fate's ideals and promises. I'll change just to 1 up this awful concept and to escape this feeling of absentness.

　Shari Airbase is far smaller than the FWSDI-Tsuiki or Hitachinaka Shigure had come accustomed to. It's buildings low profile, not being as abundant as Tsuiki's. Hence the simple name of "Airbase" - Not qualifying to be a defence installation. Concrete tarmacs dotted with cyan buildings and hangers, some administrative, others with more menial purposes.

　Due to the recent Northern Federation scare in the Sea of Okhotsk, the NDECK commanded for NDECK-J to prepare for a possible invasion. Their response was to recall experienced Gleipnir battalions of the GMR from the frontlines, deploy them to Hokkaido's borders, and act as a Rapid Deployment Force.

　The NDECK-J had enough on their hands, considering the persistent Nephilim threat, and the promise of a war with a previously unknown nation is not something they particularly wanted. They deemed that Shari's surrounding area demanded a greater level of protection. Who else better to defend an area than the country's greatest Gleipnir operator?

　Thus, Akasha was chosen, as the special operations unit of the GMR.

　Shigure however, certainly isn't pleased. He knows they aren't fit for combat; if what they say about only being on peacekeeping missions is true. Plus, why has he been transferred so frequently recently? Can't command leave him alone - But yet again, he was wishing for a chance to kill.

　Not to mention the logistical and maintenance troubles that come with having to store Gleipnir's in aircraft hangers.

　Something else they'll all have to become accustomed to is the lower temperatures. Seemingly, Akasha's operators don't appreciate the cold climate of Hokkaido.

　Kaga's prediction was correct, not matter how much she tries to downplay her status as a Commander Type ENNB.

　Two days, and Akasha was deployed.

　"Sir, where are you taking us?" Ryuuji, matching his time with Shigure's steps, adjusts his glasses.

　Passing gardens and lanes of concrete planters, Shigure keeps his eyes forward. "Around. What do you usually do?"

　Shigure's engagement in conversation caused Zhaojun to perk up, along with Yato. Both surprised by what seems to be willingness to continue conversation. Though Ryuuji, he maintains his stone face. "Study the Methods of the Sima." Scoffing, he fiddles with his glasses once more, almost like a tick. "I finished the Art of War, and I must say, it for simpletons. Such basic stratagems it could be considered common sense. It doesn't even touch the cornerstone of war."

　"Mhm...?"

　Yato kips forwards slightly, walking beside Shigure. She gives a strange to Ryuuji, before smiling back to the Commodore. "Anyway! Captain, where ARE we going?"

　"Like I said. Around."

　"Uh..." She shares a glance with Zhaojun, who for once, seems confused. "Yeah but... where, exactly?"

　Shigure slows to a halt, glancing around the surroundings somewhat. "Transferring is a pain. Having to re-learn the layouts." Sighing and brushing his hair back, he looks to Yato, then the others. "I'm sure you have questions for me."

　Making a gesture to follow and sitting himself upon the edge of a planter. "Ask away."