"Rise and shine folks, it's morning already, and you know what that means? Time to get up, brush up and get ready for another glorious day at the workplace. But before all that let's check what the weather would be like today. Good morning to my weather correspondent, Tim. How is the outlook for the weather at the station today Tim?" Said a loud voice from the speaker beside the bed suddenly.
Raine groans and shut out the radio voices with a pillow, slightly disturbing the drooling Tanya still sleeping beside her.
"Why good morning to you as well Jim, it's going to be another glorious day for the State today with perpetually sunny skies dotted with a few clouds and the wind set at a comfortable 20 Km/hour for everyone at the station. For those residing at sector Gamma twelve, we recommend you to stay indoors tonight at around nine pm as the station's weather team are scheduling a heavy rain which will last for about half an hour to water the plants and wash away the accumulated dust and dirt in that sector." Continued another voice on the radio.
"Sounds like another great job done by our weather team at central today Tim! The effort of the weather team ensures that the festivities at the mech coliseum will be in an optimum condition for a display of brutal carnage and a hefty paycheck for the winning team of this afternoon match. Hopefully, any stain left behind by the loser will be washed away by the evening rain!" Said the original radio jockey.
"Ah yes Jim, we will make sure that today's weather is perfect for today's festivities." Replied Tim confidently.
"You do that Tim! And now for the news of the day! War on the horizon of Caldari Prime! The State has issued a war bond that loyal citizens can purchase from the Caldari State. The State expects either volunteer, war bond or supply to provide for the war effort! Find out more how can you help, after this break! For now let us listen to an old classic from the late 24th century, "Do it like a dude" by Jessie J." Said Jim as the sound switches to a song about gender emancipation after the fall in the number of men due to the genetic manipulation mishap.
[https://i.ytimg.com/vi/gPK5b4mR1Lo/maxresdefault.jpg]
Click here for the music - 'Do it like a dude' by Jessie J.
Raine wishes that the radio will turn off already as she uses one hand to try to look for the snooze button while the other hand is holding the pillow covering her head. Unfortunately, she's slapping Tanya's face instead of the snooze button.
Tanya wake up with a start and with bleary eyes managed to block Raine's hand before it can hit her face again.
"Sigh, this is why I said I'd rather sleep on the couch." Complained Tanya as she wiped her bleary eyes before yawning to clear her foggy head and then turn the radio off by pressing the snooze button for Raine.
Raine has no choice but to give up trying to extend her sleep since Tanya is up already and escapes from her grasps.
"Morning Tanya, ahh why did you have to wake up? I like having you available for my hug pillow beside me." Complained Raine as well after she removed the pillow covering her face.
"Get a real hug pillow then. I would be asking for my own bed next time." Said Tanya as she let go of Raine's wrist and left the bed to get ready for the day.
"But a real hug pillow wouldn't be as warm and soft as you!" Said Raine as she jumped from the bed to follow after Tanya.
Tanya ignores Raine before she took off her bathrobe and entered the bathtub. Readying the drones again, Tanya presses a button on the corner of the bathtub, which let the warm water flow from the overhead panel before the drones scrubbed her back and shoulders.
As Tanya is in the process of scrubbing her hair with shampoo, the door to the hotel room opens, and Ron walks in with a pair of steaming trays of breakfast.
"Hi girls! You wake up just in time for breakfast! I have green toasts, eggs and a can of coke right here for both of you." Said Ron as he enters the hotel room carrying a pair of breakfast tray on both hands.
"Breakfast in bed!" Said Raine happily as she lazily waved from the bed.
"Yes Ms. Raine, you're hungry, right? Here you go." Said Ron as he passes one of the breakfast trays to Raine's hands and put Tanya's portion on the desk.
Raine moved to sit cross-legged on the bed and happily accepted the breakfast tray from Ron. She opens the tray to sniffs at the green toast and green scrambled eggs under the tray before scooping up the scrambled egg with a slice of the toast.
"Green toast and green scrambled eggs?" Asked Raine as she raised an eyebrow.
"It's the hotel's special set. I hope you will like it." Said Ron as he took off his boots and left it near the door before closing it.
"I don't suppose they have green hams as well? I'm always curious how a Dr. Seuss breakfast set would taste." Said Raine jokingly as she prods the green scrambled eggs with a fork as it jiggled enticingly, hot steam and savory aroma wafted from the breakfast tray in front of Raine.
"Who?" Said Ron with confusion.
"Never mind, forget about it." Replied Raine as she falls to temptation and pops in a green toast with the green scrambled eggs nestled in the middle of the toast.
Chewing quickly, she marveled at the salty and savory taste of the seaweed. While the toast is a novel experience compared to what she is used to, nothing could compare to the taste of the scrambled eggs. At first, she thought it was just your average everyday scrambled eggs colored with food coloring, but it doesn't taste like chicken eggs that she is used to. For one thing, the texture is much thicker, and it leaves an aftertaste like eating seafood.
"What eggs are these Ron? It's so nice and thick. I could get used to eating this." Said Raine happily as she continues to chew the food in her mouth.
"The eggs you are eating are Chocobo eggs, and we imported them from the forests of Gallente Prime. Chocobos are a breed of large, flightless birds native from the elves homeworld of Gallente Prime. Chocobos are characterized by their yellow feathers, distinct odor, and the unforgettable chirp. Their main diet is coastal marine products such as seaweed, clams and small fishes which is why their eggs give a seafood aftertaste, but they have a favorite vegetable called Gysahl greens which looks like a giant golden radish. Also, chocobos are domesticated by the elves for their gentle nature and quick feet as a mode of transportation for thousands of years. However, nowadays they are more often used as a source of eggs, entertainment, and companionship. Miniature versions of chocobos are popular as the pets of the rich and famous regardless of race." Explained Ron again, showing off his wealth of knowledge about food.
"Hmm, I won't regret coming back from the dead if I can eat foods which I have never tasted before. I suppose the first contact is almost worth it if we could exchange culture and consumables products with non-humans." Commented Raine as she opens a can of coke and drinks it.
"Non-humans? I suppose there is more disparaging term to call them and your term are clinical in comparisons to what I have heard in the past. I should introduce you to the concept of human to non-human relationships then." Said Ron casually as he took a seat on the bed, avoiding the stained area.
Due to shock, Raine sprays the coke from her mouth when she hears the term 'non-human relationships' from Ron. Raine choked and cough to dislodge the diabetic inducing chemical concoction from her throat. The white bedsheet is stained dark from the spilled coke, but it is the farthest thing from Raine's mind at the moment.
"There are people that are into cross-species dating?! I mean I can understand elves since I have never seen an ugly elf so far, even the men are pretty boys. And I suppose people that look for relationships with dwarves are pedophiles that are going for legal lolis. But surely nobody will date an orc voluntarily." Said Raine in shock as she wiped her lips clean with her arm.
"That and so much more, as such relationship can culminate in cross-species breeding. What you need to know is that humanity is a highly adaptable species, more so than any other species. We can breed with elves, dwarves, and orcs, but the resulting progeny will always follow the mother's race. Normally, elves and dwarves would rarely step so low as to have carnal relations with a member of what they consider a lower race. However, cases of true love do happen even if it's rare, yet it is frowned upon as somehow any dwarves or elves which procreate with a human would produce a dark variation of the mother's race such as dark dwarves or dark elves. Orcs have no such compulsion though as they are the only exception, there are no dark orcs and regardless of the gender of the human partner, the resulting progeny would always be an Orc. This is why cases of human men being kidnapped by orcish pirates are common, as they are being used as a stud to replenish the orc numbers." Said Ron as he elaborates more on a fact of life in a manner like explaining sex to a child.
"What? The orc men are not enough that we have to cover for their impotence?" Said Raine with disgust.
"They could, but orc men are violent and having a high lust for battle and war proves detrimental to producing progeny. So the orc men are always soldiers, raiders, and warriors fighting and dying on the frontline with no interest in raising a family. To a female orc, human men are an attractive alternative." Explains Ron carefully.
"I can't believe I am saying this but thank God I'm not a man at present." Shuddered Raine on the bed.
Raine continues eating her breakfast after a pause in the conversation as the world-shattering news would not be enough to stop her appetite from taking in what food she could put in her mouth.
Once Raine finishes her plate, she put the empty plate aside for the cleaner to collect while waiting for Tanya to finish taking a shower so that she could take a shower as well.
Raine didn't have to wait long until Tanya finishes showering, exited the bath tub at the center of the room and dried instantly by the automatic bathtub function. She approached Tanya with a full breakfast plate.
"Here you go Tanya, Ron is here, and he brings breakfast. I know it's green scrambled eggs, but you better not ask for green hams or you would turn green with disgust as he gives you a wrong green colored variety of pigs." Said Raine as she nonchalantly passes the breakfast tray before Tanya has a chance to clothe herself.
Tanya grasps the breakfast tray with confusion as she didn't expect to receive anything so suddenly. She was about to turn around to ask why before becoming frozen with shock as Raine's words registered in her mind. With horror, Tanya slowly turns around before she saw Ron standing in the hallway near the door.
"Morning Tanya." Said Ron with a smile as he waves at Tanya.
Tanya starts to tear up before a loud scream echoed across the hotel, shocking some sleeping hotel guests awake with fear and causes a woman shaving her leg in the bathroom to cut herself.
A ruckus then starts where Tanya threw the breakfast tray at Ron's face and in the subsequent backlash, Raine decided to slip away quietly after showering. It was not to be as she got caught by Tanya and got scolded in return. At the same time Tanya is being scolded by Ron, Raine decided to berate Ron for being too harsh with Tanya. In the end, they realized that they are literally passing blames in circles and decided to laugh about it.
As they are getting ready to leave the hotel, Ron received a call from Iden Versio to meet up with her over at the Galbadia Garden compound to meet up with one of the Garden Administrator for Tanya to register as a mercenary.
Now that Tanya has decided to become a mercenary, this is the first step that she needs to take to become one.
Author Note
Garden refers to the most infamous educational institutions in each of the four major factions of the universe. Each garden trains their respective faction youths into specialized military forces and is headed by a group and an individual, the administrator, referred to as masters, and a headmaster.
There are four Gardens in the universe: Balamb Garden for the elves of the Gallente Federation, Galbadia Garden for the humans of the Caldari State, Trabia Garden for the dwarves of the Amarr Empire and finally Centra Garden for the orcs of the Minmatar Republic.
Occupants of one's Garden refer to their home Garden as simply "Garden", while the other establishments are often referred to with shorthand that has the Garden's first letter adjoined to the word "Garden": B-Garden, G-Garden, T-Garden and C-Garden respectively.
*10 minutes later*
"Sigh, do you have to scream so loud Tanya? My ears are still ringing." Complained Raine as she hit the side of her head repeatedly to clear out the ringing sound.
Tanya proceeds to hammer wherever she could from beside Raine repeatedly, not content with the punishment Raine has already received.
Unfortunately, Raine still gets most of the blame in the end as she is the only one receiving punishment. She is forced by Tanya to leave behind her gears, weapons, and mask. Not only that, she is forced to wear a school uniform, which is a hands-me-down from Ron's daughter.
[http://moe.animecharactersdatabase.com/images/Lucky_Star/Minami.png]
"Uuuuuh, this uniform is not comfortable to wear. And they make it hard to move." Complained Raine as she cannot take it anymore and decided to take off her tie to loosen her collar and heavy outer jacket, as otherwise, it is getting more stifling.
"Ah, Raine! Don't take off your tie! We would be meeting with a Garden Master soon, and if I want to get in as a mercenary, I need to give a good impression." Scolded Tanya as she can be seen wearing the same uniform as well.
"It's choking me! And why can't I wear my helmet? I'm uneasy that everyone can see that my head is covered with leaves instead of hairs" Complained Raine bitterly as she cutely covered her head with her hands.
"Oh hush, you said it yourself when we first meet at the orphanage. Everyone is now used to seeing the damn thing since the advertisement for it are practically everywhere. I'd be surprised if I do not see elves purchasing and wearing it as well, damned tree hugger that they are." Said Tanya condescendingly as she waved Raine's concern away.
"Well, I am just glad that my daughters old uniform could fit both of you. Especially you, Raine. To be honest, I was very curious yesterday since it seems that your breasts have deflated when I saw you yesterday. If your breasts size is still the same, then my daughters old uniform would not have fit you." Said Ron from beside Tanya and Raine.
Ron is currently driving while both Raine and Tanya share the passenger's seat as they cruise along the highway after they left Galbadia hotel behind for Tanya's initiation to becoming a mercenary.
"Oh, well for one reason or another it's my battery. I can store excess energy there, but I can subsist on normal food as well. You can think of it as a camel hump, maybe. It's much easier for me to move like this though as my shoulders and back are getting strained after a while." Replied Raine distractedly as she spotted a football game besides the highway with all four races participating in it.
"Yes, I prefer you like this as well. It is quite disconcerting to see a child having an adult's package. Of course, some men prefer you to have a bigger package though, because a woman may need to feed more than her own children in a family unit. As some women are not able to lactate well nowadays, it's pretty common for a family unit to look for a well-endowed woman to cover for the less endowed member of the family. In school, a big rack also means you would be very popular with the men, ensuring that the women in question have first picked to any men that she would want to date. " Said Ron as he chuckled lightly at his own school memory.
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
"Sigh. Why do I suddenly have the feeling of inadequacy when it shouldn't have affected me at all?" Said Raine gloomily as she pats at her chest for something which is no longer there.
[https://myanimelist.cdn-dena.com/s/common/uploaded_files/1458059426-f21434263144bfe6ef24dc71b9746520.gif]
"Hahaha! Now you could understand a woman's insecurity! That is our revenge for having to wear thongs in the swimming pool!" Said Ron while laughing boisterously.
"You mean thongs as in slippers?" Asked Raine with trepidation.
"That and the one you wear on your waist. How else would women judge the size of a man package? The bigger they are, the more advances they would receive from women after all." Said Ron nonchalantly.
"I see that things have come full circle then... That's it I am taking my undersuit and gear from the trunk as I am wearing that instead of this stifling uniform." Said Raine as she tried to get up from the passenger seat before being blocked by Tanya and getting scolded for her trouble.
"Raine! I swear if you take another step towards the trunk I will shave you bald!" Threatened Tanya as she holds back Raine from moving another inch.
Raine ignores Tanya's complaint. Internally she thinks why she should have to dress up for Tanya's appointment as well? It's not like she wanted to be a mercenary. Now that she thinks about it, being a mercenary would cut down on her monster-hunting time as she attends lectures and training when she could be out there gaining experience points and gaining levels.
"Sigh, I don't have to dress up as well Tanya. It is your meeting, and I am sure being a mercenary means that there are more important things to care about than the clothes you wear." Said Raine exasperatingly as she reluctantly returns to her seat.
"What you wear is half the battle! Nobody would want to hire someone who has an unkempt appearance even if you have a doctorate on hand!" Retorted Tanya with annoyance at Raine's naivety at how the corporate world work.
"Ability is the most important test for a mercenary. The test is called 'Natural Selection' As a mercenary, we are the proxy military force of each major faction. If the State needs something done without implicating their involvement, then mercenary would be assembled and deployed. Of course, this means our life expectancy is not the highest, but we are paid well by the State, provided we take the job and managed to survive completing it. No mercenary are state-sponsored, as we are privateers hired by the State and compensated for a successful completion of a job. We are also not a part of the government body, and this is very important as it means we get to decide whether to take the job or not. This is how each major faction gets around peace treaty and avoiding all-out war. Of course, appearance is also important, because usually, our clients are an important and powerful individual. An immaculate appearance and mannerism would endear you to the client, raising the possibility of them calling for your service again next time. No high-level client would hire a mercenary who looks like a common thug after all. So both of you are right." Interjected Ron as he continues driving.
Raine and Tanya have nothing to say after Ron's explanation and an argument between them are avoided. Soon enough they exit the highway and drive in through a security checkpoint to enter the Garden compound. After Ron give the access card to enter the Garden compound, the security guard allows them passage.
Once inside the compound, she sees students here and there mingling with other students and passing hallways. She sees some students alone in the garden of the Garden, studying from their Omni-tools for an upcoming examination or tinkering on a combat drone or what looks like a rail-rifle on the bench. Curiously, all the students that she can see are all humans. After passing the students, Raine can vaguely see the main Garden compound through the trees.
After a while, she can now clearly spot what looks like the main Garden building through the trees now that it is much closer. She noticed that the building is larger than what she is used to, the scale alone beggars the mind.
When they exit the cover of the trees, the road ends at a parking lot, and it is also a dead end. This is because, beyond the parking lot, the ground starts to spiral downwards below ground level. The whole setup is like a parking lot at the edge of a cliff overlooking a valley.
Raine realizes why the main Garden building sits in a valley because she suspects it is set to be a countermeasure for a nuclear strike as the blast wave fly over the Garden building.
Not only that, the whole building looks like a work of art, with holograms continuously rotating above the main Garden building with news and advertisements for all to see.
[http://static3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20071103144838/finalfantasy/images/4/45/Galbadia_Garden_0010-1-.jpg]
"Will you look at that beautiful sight, I remember the first time Kim, and I first laid our eyes on the Garden as students after our high school graduation. It feels like a lifetime ago now, but some of the best memories I have are spent inside this compound. I am sure you would do great Tanya. Let's see I should park the car first and then we have to take an aerial platform to go down for the entry assessment... Which should be right around that corner." Said Ron as he reminiscence and tries to remember his way around the Garden again.
Raine spotted the flying aerial platforms mentioned by Ron, some students and guests of the Garden are waiting in line in one of the stations dotted around the parking lot to use them as transport to go down to the main building.
As the car park in one of the available spot, Raine unbuckled her seatbelt before Tanya hops out of the car. Ron stepped out as well and gestured at his charge as all of them wait in line for the usage of the aerial platforms. After waiting for a while, they have nothing to do and start making idle talk with each other.
"Why do they design the place like this? It makes it inconvenient to enter the main building if we have to use the aerial pods to go down." Asked Tanya as she spotted empty aerial pods returning automatically back to the stations without passengers.
"It's for security. It's much harder to infiltrate when you have to scale down the edge of a cliff without being spotted. And it's much easier to spot an infiltrating aerial platform if it deviates from its course. We not only have to be vigilant of infiltration from rival Gardens but also from direct assault. The main Galbadia garden building has a shield emitter system network in place, a nest of small Hybrid turrets and even have eight large cruise missile silo packed at the center as part of its self-defense arsenal. This compound's arsenal of weapons and self-defense system are the equal of any battleship." Explains Ron again as he perks up from the boredom of idleness.
"I know some of the terms but what are Hybrid turrets? Please explain it to me." Asked Tanya again, nodding in acceptance as the reasoning for the compound layout became understandable.
"Hybrid turrets fire charged projectiles at the enemy using magnetic fields by using energy, like lasers, but firing solid projectiles, like projectile guns, hence "hybrids". In practice, this means that they use capacitor energy when they fire like lasers, though they are less cap-hungry than lasers. Those who use hybrid turrets will want to have good capacitor skills and practice Controlled Bursts to support their guns' requirements. Hybrid turrets also have to be regularly reloaded with fresh ammunition just like projectile guns. The ammunition for Hybrid turrets is normally made from either anti-matter, plutonium, uranium, thorium, lead, iridium, tungsten and iron. Depending on the material give a different damage output and range. Hybrid turrets can only do kinetic and thermal damage, and there are two kinds of hybrid turrets 'Blasters' and 'Railguns'. Caldari traditionally uses 'Railguns' and 'Blasters' are traditionally used by the Gallente elves. Both use the same firing principle, but 'Railguns' have very long range and less damage output, while 'Blasters' have very short range but have a very high damage output. Of course, in combat, those that use 'Blasters' have a higher chance to make a kill but also a higher attrition rate as they have to be in a spitting distance away before they can deal any damage. However, as the Gallente Elves do not care about droids or drones casualty they outfit their military force entirely with 'Blasters.'" Answered Ron to Raine's question.
"Oh, as expected of Ron. You are very knowledgeable about combat-related matter. This place must have a good educational program for you to remember all that." Commended Tanya approvingly, as she is happy about the qualification of the place she is about to enroll soon.
"Ah, not really. I was not a very academically inclined student in high school. I wouldn't even graduate highschool if it were not for my wife help. Even when we enroll in the Garden together, she continues to help me out. Of course, back then we were already dating and living together in the dormitory. I do the housework and cook while she helps me with the course and exam seems like a good deal at the time." Said Ron with embarrassment as he remembers his distant past.
"Oh what a good deal, then after graduating this place, she would get a husband who is already experienced in housework and taking care of her." Said Raine as she laughed at the sweet deal for Ron's wife.
"Hmm, yes you could say that, but I did not regret it one bit. Even when other women came and approached us to request to join the family, I did not accept as I can see Kim would be heartbroken if I did. She is a very possessive woman you know. Must be because she is a redhead, as she is very outspoken and possessive sometimes as well. Of course, she received backlash socially as being monogamous is frowned upon as there are not enough men available for women after all. However, we do not let that bother us as we are very happy with the relationship and our daughters." Said Ron as he smiled softly.
"How sweet. Did you hear that Tanya? Better look for another crush as his wife is a jealous redhead." Said Raine teasingly.
"I did not have a crush on Ron! Raine would you drop it already!" Said Tanya, denying the accusation.
"Hahaha, it's fine I could tell Kim that another blonde just like Tara has a crush on me again. You know back in highschool there were our classmates that said me and Tara should just date together with Kim? Of course, their reasoning is simply just because both of us are blondes. We did argue about it as Tara is a sweet girl but decided not to go ahead with it. Of course, Tara's best friend, Bonnie Rockwaller, have an issue with the rejection of her best friend. She and Kim have been at each other throat ever since." Said Ron good-naturedly as he laughs as well.
"I have been hearing about your wife Kim all this while, yet I have never heard what she do for a living. What does she do for a living when you are out here working as a mercenary?" Asked Raine with curiosity.
"She works as the captain of a 'Rokh' class battleship, 'The Possible Twilight' as part of a Caldari Navy fleet. Incidentally, her rival, Bonnie Rockwaller, serve as the captain of a 'Scorpion' class battleship, an Electronic Warfare specialized battleship 'The Cyber Rottweiler,' she served in a different Caldari Navy fleet." Answered Ron proudly about his wife achievements.
"A woman in uniform... Men dig women in uniform don't they?" Said Raine as she whistled, impressed.
"You know it, but enough about my wife. It's our turn on the platform next." Said Ron in reply as finally, it's their turn on the aerial platform line.
Raine nodded in acknowledgment, while Tanya pushes the bar blocking them away and enter first. She and Ron follow behind her, as Tanya steps inside the aerial platform that have just stop in front of them.
The space on the platform is just nice to fit all three of them due to Raine and Tanya's small body size. Ron hops on last from behind and is the only choice to operate the aerial pod due to the difference in height.
Of course, it's not only because she and Tanya cannot reach the control panel of the aerial platform. Who expects a minor to fly one of the aerial platforms? That is just irresponsible if the design made it possible for minor to operate. The control panel on the platform then scans Ron's facial feature, confirming the user's age before actually releasing the lock on the manipulation orbs, which is used to control the movement of the aerial platform.
On hindsight, it's obvious why as it is not meant to be operated by children. She wonders how long it took to get an aerial vehicle license. It's already not easy to get a driving license back in her time, how difficult is it to get a pilot license when everyone can afford to get an aerial vehicle like this platform.
Are they not worried about terrorism? What if someone installed a booster, pack the platform full of explosives and then rammed a building like a world war II Japanese kamikaze pilot? But then if all the buildings here come standard with anti-air hybrid guns emplacement then it should be suicide to try.
"Now hold tight on both side of the bars and my legs, please. Are you ready girls?" Said Ron as he swiped his dog tag to pay for the usage of the aerial platform.
Raine and Tanya nodded, as they are very much fascinated with the view of the valley below, seen through the open side of the aerial platform. They became excitable when the aerial platform hums softly, very much different to the roar of their light military vehicle.
If Raine has to make a comparison, the aerial platform made a soft hum reminiscent of the sound of anti-gravity technology that both Raine and Tanya have heard in sci-fi movies.
Raine shouts joyously as they burst out of the aerial platform station while Tanya clenched her teeth and closed her eyes while grabbing Ron tightly as they fall. The aerial platform they are on plunged down meters down the cliff before Ron suddenly acted to make the platform rise again in the air.
"What a rush! Can we do it again?" Approved Raine with happiness while Tanya continues to grab Ron tightly with eyes tightly closed.
"I would be happy to... But only if Ms. Tanya can kindly let go of her hands from my balls, that would be very much appreciated." Said Ron squeakily in a high falsetto voice.
Tanya suddenly lets go of Ron's legs like it's burning hot. Unfortunately, because of the small area of the platform, she almost falls from it, if not for Raine reaching out and held Tanya back from the edge of the platform.
"Oops, that was close. Should have held Ron tighter, shouldn't we Tanya?" Commented Raine with wonder.
Tanya held back from lashing out at Raine again as she did just save Tanya from injury and death. When they are back on the ground again, she cannot wait to kick Raine in the butt.
"Alright, enough playing around, I regret playing a prank on both of you while we are using the aerial platform. I should fly straight to the main building before anything else can happen." Said Ron as the tone of his voice is returning to normal.
Ron soars higher before suddenly being forced to hover on air. They have to wait as a pair of Garden staff trainer are passing in front of them, teaching some students on how to operate the aerial platform properly.
Click here for the recording from Ron's camera
Once all the aerial platforms has passed, they moved quickly to the area in front of the Garden building entrance and landed on the ground next to other passengers that are landing before and after them.
Raine can see the entrance to the main Garden building are flanked by a pair of stone Gargoyles statues, which are sitting on top of the two towers that leads to the lobby.
Raine and Tanya jump to the ground, away from the aerial platform, followed by Ron.
A student from the nearby queue line then approach the recently vacated aerial platform and proceed to ascend vertically before flying somewhere else.
"There goes our ride, and we have to wait for another empty platform when we are ready to go back to the parking lot." Said Ron as he stands in front of the entrance to the main garden building, watching the aerial platform getting further and further away from their location.
"Hello, sir..." Said a soft voice suddenly.
Raine shifted her attention to the owner of the voice. She sees one of the wandering female student approaches Ron shyly.
"Yes, how can I help you miss?" Replied Ron politely.
"I was asked by one of the Master of the Garden to call you... He is waiting there beside the vending machine." Said the student softly as she pointed at the man in the distance flanked by a large scarred bald man carrying a large harpoon and a vending machine selling bullets for firearms.
[https://www.cosplayisland.co.uk/files/costumes/1543/24659/Ward2.jpg][http://vignette3.wikia.nocookie.net/finalfantasy/images/b/bb/FF8_Garden_Faculty_Model.png/revision/latest?cb=20130209050802][https://images-cdn.9gag.com/photo/am9M062_700b.jpg]
Raine's eyes are raised high when she sees the bodyguard beside the Garden Master. He could be a bodyguard, but she is not sure why he is carrying a large harpoon around.
However, when Ron confidently approach them, Raine has no choice but to follow in his wake. As they get closer and closer, Raine feels increasingly uncomfortable when the eyes of the giant man are monitoring her closely.
"Hello Master, my name is Ron Stoppable, and I am here on behalf of Commander Iden Versio of Inferno Squad." Said Ron respectfully as he bows lightly.
"Greeting Ron Stoppable, I have been informed of your arrival by the gatekeepers of the Garden. Now, how may I help you?" Asked the Garden Master.
"Wait, we'll be asking the question, old man. Who are you?" Asked Raine rudely.
"Yu." Said the Garden Master.
"No, not me. You." Replied Raine with annoyance.
"Yes, I'm Yu." Confirmed Master Yu.
"Just answer the damn question! Who are you?" Said Raine as she insisted rudely and suddenly.
"I have told you!" Insisted Master Yu as well.
"Are you deaf?" Asked Raine with confusion.
"No. Yu is blind." Replied Master Yu showing his pair of blind unresponsive eyes.
"I'm not blind. You blind." Said Raine angrily.
"That is what I just said." Replied Master Yu with exasperation.
"You just said what?" Asked Raine getting lost in the flow of the conversation.
"I did not say what, I said Yu." Refuted Master Yu.
"That's what I'm asking you." Confirmed Raine again.
"And Yu was answering." Confirmed Master Yu in reply.
"Shut up!" Shouted Raine as her patience reached the end.
Raine is almost at the end of her rope due to the nonsense spouted by the old man in front of her. She decided to ask the crazy old man's bodyguard beside him instead.
"You!" Said Raine as she pointed at the big scarred bald man carrying a harpoon in front of her.
"Yes?" Asked Master Yu politely.
"Not you. Him! What's your name?" Said Raine exasperated as she pointed again at the suspected bodyguard of the old man.
"...Mi." Answered the large scarred bald man carrying a harpoon.
"Yes, you." Confirmed Raine.
"...I'm Mi." Said Mi, confirming Raine's question.
"He's Mi, and I'm Yu." Confirmed Master Yu impatiently at the obstinance of his guests.
"And I'm about to whoop your old ass man because I am sick of playing games! You, me? Everybody's ass around here!" Snapped Raine as she is getting ready to unleash a level 10 Lightning bolt to fry the lunatics in front of her to a crisp.
Yet, luckily for the old man, before Raine can start casting the spell, someone kicked her own ass.
Therefore breaking the casting and causing her face to slide on the ground.
While this has been happening, Ron, the traitor that he is, is rolling on the ground laughing like a maniac while Tanya is still in a mule-kick position and glaring at Raine murderously.
And to add insult to injury, Raine's argument has attracted the attention of the surrounding students as they formed a ring around them.
'It looks like today is going to be one of those days...' Thought Raine in dismay.