[Mushball Universe, Dark!Shinkengers plot]

[interpolate]

After my up-close-and-personal encounter with Messiah's lieutenant, I found myself waking up in a world of pain, back at base, and sure of exactly one thing: I have to save him.

I let Takosawa mother-hen at me for three days, which is three whole days more than I want to put up with that kind of behavior, and is about six months less than Takosawa bargained for. It'll be a while before the octopus in question forgives me for undermining his authority by going directly to the commander and requesting to be placed back on active duty as soon as possible, which, considering there's only four of us equipped to do this job, is basically guaranteed as soon as I'm capable of standing.

Of course, I'm still not combat ready, what with this limp, and the semi-frequent headaches, and the still healing bruises. But I'm well enough to return to deep cover at the High School, which is precisely what I want anyway.

Comments

[surprisingwolf]

I'm surprised when he reaches out, and tremble a little, but I can't say anything. It would be uncomfortable even before this happened, but now, after.... "Yes."

And the man didn't even touch me.

"It was a pleasure to meet you, Kurosawa-san." I should get to my classes. My classes should be safe. There are people in my classes. I bow at him.

[interpolate]

I notice the tremble and immediately pull my hand back, take a half-stumbled step backwards and bow deeply, my hands on my knees. Stupid, Etienne, why are you so stupid? "I'm very sorry." I look up and try to smile, but guilt brings it out as more of a grimace. "Sometimes my foreign heritage gets the better of me."

I take a shaky breath and bow deeply again. My leg twinges but I deal with it. I deserve it.

I will most definitely protect this school, if it's the last thing I do. "And you as well, Fudou-san."

[surprisingwolf]

"No." I want him to make sure it's not his fault and that he doesn't fall over, just as others made sure I didn't fall over... after. "I'm still recovering from the accident." He's half-French. It's not something that bothers me, after a second thought. I give him a half-smile.

Not wanting to make him more uncomfortable, I excuse myself and head in the direction of my class.