Pastel Rose Tales

Chapter 5: A World of Many Stories

The next day [James' POV]

I'm excused from school today for a 'family matter'. Everyone else should be at school right now, but they all think I'm just off to meet up with aunt Julia because she needs my help for something. Houseki was particularly stubborn about wanting to come with me, but I was able to convince her to go to school. I'm going to need to spoil her later to make it up to her.

I walk around the airport parking lot looking for the designated vehicle. I eventually find it, a black SUV with a foreign man standing next to it.

"[Gear's in the back, rookie.]" The Stalker-Hunter tells me as he tosses me the keys and walks away.

I quickly look around the parking lot, making sure it's clear before I open the back of the SUV and find a suitcase and three duffel bags. I open the bags and find a plate carrier, helmet, NVGs, various grenades, ammo, an M4A1 SOPMOD Block II and a SIG P320X Pistol. I close the bags then turn the suitcase with a lock.

That day...

"10-16." I say as I dial the number into the lock, successfully unlocking it. I open the suitcase and find an old friend, Captain York's old Mk.13 Mod 5 sniper rifle along with the associated accessories and magazines. She has a left-hand bolt installed on her because the Captain lends her to me for extracurriculars.

"Good to see you, old girl." I say before I spot a note next to her.

She's served me well for years and she's served you well these recent years. Take care of her for me, she's yours now, Matthews.

-Cpt. York

"I'll take good care of Makina, Captain." I say with a smile as I gently pat said sniper rifle. I close the suitcase and lock it before closing the back of the car and locking it.

"They should be landing soon." I say as I check the time on my phone before a message pops up from MNK.

MNK: They've just landed.

"... Just how good of a hacker are you?" I ask, still surprised by how much of a talent hacker/tech genius MNK is.

MNK: As good as you need me to be~.

"At least you're on my side..." I say, truly relieved that she is.

MNK: I always will be, dear~.

Artemis pops up and eyes the messages suspiciously.

"Artemis still has doubts about that..." Artemis says to MNK.

MNK: *Sigh* You can be as paranoid as your creators, Artemis...

"Funny coming fr- Ow!" Artemis exclaims in pain as she looks like she was lightly shocked.

MNK: Uh-uh-uh. It's rude to spoil someone else's secrets, Artemis.

Artemis growls at MNK in annoyance.

"Okay... humor me. Just how long have you two known each other?" I ask them.

"Since-" Artemis is suddenly muted as she keeps talking.

MNK: For years.

"Feels like it..." I say as Artemis realizes she was muted and pouts.

MNK: Get going now, you have work to do. Don't worry, I'll be watching over you~.

I sigh before putting my earpiece on so I can talk to Artemis.

"How's everyone at school?" I ask Artemis as she has eyes on them.