"W15's identity got exposed, huh?" I said.
"Yeah. Couldn't hide it forever, so no big impact," Lemon replied.
While I was handling the Machinery Children, Wodan, on a mission, clashed with Hiryu Kai's squad and ran into Zengar. Hiryu Kai figured out W15 isn't Zengar.
"Where's W15 now?"
"Chatting with Magus, as usual," Lemon said.
"Typical. Even if they know he's not Zengar, they won't guess W15's truth unless W17 spills. A clone, maybe?"
Lemon smirked. "Tracing his personality? Not wrong to call it a clone."
"Fair point."
Vindel stormed into the ops room, his face twisted with irritation.
"What's wrong?" I asked.
"You heard about Mission Harpe?"
"The Izu Base charade? We were there when Rose mentioned it."
"It might get delayed."
Izu Base, Mission Harpe… them, huh? Canon says Izu gets hit by Eins before Harpe, led by the big shot Einste Regisseia.
"Eins warped en masse to Hyakuri, Komatsu, and Izu Bases. Our infiltrators report combat. Worst case, Izu falls," Vindel growled. "What are they? Ruining our plans."
"Eins?" Lemon glanced at me. "You haven't met them, Axel. Those Unknowns from Chiyou Mound. Officially called Eins."
"Oh, the teleporters…"
"We can only hope Izu repels them. Sending aid's not an option," Vindel said.
Eins hitting Izu, SRX in peril, Glowseiver swooping in—cool story, but this is SRW. Canon has SRX and Mai Kobayashi's R-GUN Powered pulling through, though it sparks SRX team drama.
"Izu repelled the Eins," Vindel reported two hours later, visibly relieved.
Izu's fall would've forced major plan revisions, so his relief was understandable.
"Mission Harpe's on track, then?" I asked.
"Yes. Lemon, contact W17 via secure comms. Things are messy—keep tabs."
"Got it. Axel?" Lemon eyed me as I followed her out.
"Curious about W17's status. Won't butt in, just want to see."
"Worried papa, huh?" she teased.
"What's that, mama?"
"Ugh, enough. Go, both of you. Better than flirting here," Vindel shooed.
Smirking, we headed to the secure comm room.
"That's the order. Clear?" Lemon said to W17.
"Understood, ma'am. Seize Hagane on your signal, yeah?" W17—Lamia—replied.
"Love that speech. Like seeing a new side of my kid," Lemon chuckled.
Listening nearby, Lamia's ego seemed fully formed.
"As reported, my language circuits are totally glitched. But, Lady Lemon, may I ask something?"
"A question? About the orders?"
"Children born for a peaceful world versus those for war—what's the difference?"
"What? Before a critical mission… you okay?"
"Sorry, forget it."
Lemon noticed—Lamia's change, the one she'd hoped for.
"Interesting, W17. Let's discuss after the mission. I've thought about it too."
"You too, Lady Lemon? Understood, mission first."
"Exactly. Review: occupy Hagane's bridge, lock it down."
"Sneak in during the chaos, seize the ship. Same old trick, right?"
"Angeirg's got a self-destruct. You know?"
"Code ATA. Pity Hagane's crew if it comes to that."
"W17, you sure you're okay? You're like a different person."
"A-Am I?"
"Voicing opinions, asking random questions…"
"Sorry, Lady Lemon. Are my neural and emotional circuits defective like my language?"
Lamia's ego is set but unaware. Post-Harpe, that'll clear up.
"You're delicate, unlike other Ws. Defect or not, I'll know soon. Exciting, right?"
"…Huh?"
"Nothing. Fun's ahead. We've chatted too long."
"My apologies. I'll return to—"
"One last thing, W17. The other Browning—there, right?"
"…Yes…"
"Her unit?"
"PTX-007-03C Weissritter."
"…Got it."
"…"
"Cutting comms. It's on you."
"Understood. W17, prioritizing mission."
"Think and choose for yourself, W… no, Lamia Loveless."
Lemon cut the comm, her face tinged with sadness.
"Worried about the other Browning? Shouldn't have mentioned her," I said.
"No, I'd have known coming here."
"You could've stayed with her if you hadn't chosen me."
"Too late. Without you, Axel, it's meaningless."
"Even if I'm the kind to betray a friend to survive?"
Lemon gasped. My circle's small—Barison, Yuria from that world. Barison's dead by Beowulf; I broke my promise to Yuria. To Excellence, I'm a traitor. My only friend left…
"Axel…" Lemon started, then shook her head, hugging me.
"We die together or live together. I'll follow you, even down a demon's path."
"Weirdo."
"Maybe. Only a weirdo would stick with you. I'm glad I am."
"Do what you want. If you're with me, I'll protect you with everything."
Lemon smiled, pinching my back. "Don't you know? Modern women protect, not get protected. Thanks to you handling Agilla, Ouka's not at full strength. Her Rapiesage needs a pilot."
"You're taking it?"
"Yes. I've tuned it post-Agilla, removed the Geim System. No issues."
Lemon's a souped-up Excellen via W-Series tech. Maybe not as seasoned, but her potential's higher. She's fought Federation forces in that world too.
"Fine, you win. Do it."
Grinning, I raised my hands in surrender. Too good for me.
"Enough sweet talk. Let's prep for Mission Harpe."
"Yeah. I'm glad you're here."
I hugged her from behind, kissing her as we left.
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