I felt all the way to my bones.
My heart jumped then began to beat loudly as my mind questioned what I’d just witnessed.
Was that a Fragment I’d seen fading back into that other space? What did they call it, Pocket Space?
I stared at the girl.
If that was a Fragment, then she must be a—
A second bundle of limbs crashed to the rooftop. This bundle landed much better than the first, and I watched it resolve itself into the slender body of a girl probably no older than I was.
She was wearing a uniform I didn’t recognize.
Actually, she was wearing the remains of a uniform. Her midnight blue blazer was in tatters, and I had a clear view of a lacy white bra showing through the rents in her white blouse, and her skirt was sporting several non-regulation slits that revealed smoothly toned thighs and—violet underwear?
She stood up smoothly on legs that resembled those of a mythical armored Valkyrie.
Her forearms were sheathed in black gauntlets, each with a two foot long blade that ran over the top of her hands.
She wasn’t looking in my direction but at the girl lying against the wall. When she took a step toward the girl, the newcomer faltered and fell onto her hands and knees.
“Damn—pushed past my limit.”
Cold permeated the air, spreading thick and fast over the rooftop. I shivered as that strange black mist enveloped the girl’s arms and legs. When it faded, I saw she was wearing school shoes and black stockings.
Now I was certain I’d just seen a Fragment disappear.
What the Hell was going on here?
Who the Hell are these girls?
The girl wearing the remnants of a uniform gained her feet and quickly walked over to the other girl by the wall.
She spoke in a flat, emotionless voice. “Now to find out who you are….”
She nudged the girl harshly, then reached for the latter’s neck and chin, and removed the helmet. The girl in the bike suit was clearly unconscious. Her eyes were open and heavily lidded, but she wasn’t home .
The uniformed girl stared at the comatose one for a long while. I watched her press her lips into a thin line, then reach into her skirt for something.
I was surprised her skirt’s pockets were still intact, which was more than could be said for the remains of the palm-slate she pulled out. After staring at it for a moment she put it back into her skirt’s pocket, then fished around the other remaining pocket.
I wondered if she was aware of my presence.
I didn’t have to wonder for long.
She suddenly stopped feeling around in her pocket and turned to faced me.
I saw her face clearly.
Wow!
What a beauty!
Near raven dark hair, emerald green eyes, and a heart shaped face.
Even with her clothes in shambles and not looking her best, I could proclaim this girl was clearly an eight point five out ten.
The only reason I didn’t give her a higher score was because I found her lacking in one critical aspect – a decent chest.
That white lacy bra might as well have been a training bra.
Despite the situation I forgot myself and released a heavy sigh.
Compared to Haruka who had an impressive bust, this girl was a major disappointment.
Even so, I gave her another good look.
On second thoughts, other than her small breasts, she had a fine figure, perfect legs, and her looks made her appear exotic. Maybe I’ll give her an eight point eight on the ten scale.
I noticed she was regarding me with a fixed, emotionless expression on her face.
I smiled guiltily. “Ah…hello there.”
“Caelum Desanto….”
I blinked and lost my smile.
She knows me? What reason could she have for knowing me?
Eh—this might not be good. Maybe I should be making a quick retreat.
“Who’s asking?” I replied as I started backing away from her.
She started walking toward me. “Please don’t make this any harder than it needs to be.”
My eyes widened. “What?”
Hadn’t I just said the same thing to Haruka?
Wait, was this girl here to make me suffer for making Haruka cry?
Lawrence Sanders, Vincent Lardo