Valentines:

The Theft Of Yukari Akiyama’s Heart

“I’m so glad we get to stay here a while longer, even after we’ve finished our tournament here.” Miho commented as Anglerfish Team explored the resort shopping mall on R-18 Island. “I know, especially as we get close to Valentines! Fufu! I wonder if any of the guys at the main warehouse have a crush on me already!” Saori gushed, noticing Blast-Off and Vortex stood nearby. “Ohaiyo, Combaticons Vortex and Blast-Off! Either of you interested in being my Valentine later this month?” She asked as the two groups crossed paths. “I’m already taken, apologies.” Blast-Off clarified. “And me? I’m afraid I’m what you might call ‘unsuitable husbando’ material! In other words: your Prince is in another castle!” Vortex denied. “REJECTED!?!” Saori wailed. “I mean, look at it this way: means we’re not good enough for you.” Vortex twisted. “My girlfriend is the POTUS, your argument is irrelevant!” Blast-Off proclaimed. “Whatever. By the way, we have a message for Yukari.” Vortex revealed as he presented an envelope. “For me?” Yukari asked before being given the envelope. “Indeed. From The Author!” Vortex proclaimed. “Eh?” Mako quacked as she suddenly awoke after falling asleep while standing. “Even Mako-San is surprised!” Miho gasped. “Nishizumi-Dono, I’m scared.” Yukari gulped. “He thought this might happen, recommended you only open it when you felt ready.” Vortex clarified. “Actually, how DID you get a message for Yukari from The Author?” Blast-Off inquired before Vortex simply gave him a peace sign hand gesture and vanished into thin air, baffling the Anglerfish Team. “How did…” Miho stuttered. “He does that a lot.” Blast-Off shrugged. “Otherwise though, congratulations! You’ve made it onto an exclusive list!” He then congratulated. “What kind of list?” Yukari asked. “Read it and find out. So enjoy your day!” Blast-Off wished as he waved and stomped away, leaving Anglerfish to continue their adventure.

<later, at the Ōarai Sensha-Dō Team Bunk Houses>

“Oyasuminasai, Yukarin!” Saori wished as Anglerfish split up for the night to their private bunk houses. “Oyasuminasai!” Yukari wished back as she closed the door to her bunk and took off her shoes before making her way to a table and sitting down, anxiously overlooking the envelope from The Author. “I hope this isn’t anything bad…” Yukari gulped as she opened the envelope and began to read what was inside.

To Akiyama Yukari

As if an M93 HVAP-T, you pierced my heart; to see someone as enthusiastic as I in machinery of our past was enough to wreck my own self perspective.

To view you from an M38 gunner sight would be to view myself in a mirror; one who saw beauty in the mechanical, alike myself to the point I see ways I might improve.

And so I ask you, Akiyama-Dono, if we should meet in person, to impart your wisdom to me; for if romance is a two-way relationship, I can provide naught but my attention for you, the loader that is strong not only in her arms, but also in her character.

Your partner in Sensha-Dō Spirit, The Author.

On reading the closing line, Yukari put the note down, with a dumb smile on a bright red face. “Th…thank you, Mr Author.” She giggled while carefully folding the note and placing it back in the envelope, resealing it with a piece of tape before standing up and strolling to her futon. Once there, Yukari fished in her bag for her diary, placing the envelope within the book before stashing it back. “I guess I made the Author’s Pick List.” Yukari guessed happily while laying down on her futon and switching off the bedside lamp, falling asleep happy that, at the very least, she’d made a new friend.