19:- LightHeart

The day of Kudelia's escort mission had finally arrived. Tekkadan had come a long way, and this mission marked a significant step forward for the group. The excitement among the members was palpable, and the atmosphere at their base was filled with anticipation.

As preparations were underway, Atra Mixta approached Orga and expressed her desire to join Tekkadan as the company's cook. Having quit her job at Hana's store in Chryse, Atra saw this as an opportunity to contribute to the group and be closer to her friends.

Atra Mixta approached the mass hall where everyone was eating with a determined expression on her face. She took a deep breath and spoke, "Let me... Please hire me as a cook for Tekkaden. I've already talked to the manager and quit the store."

"Sound's good, Right?" Orga looked at Mika who was sitting beside him. "Atra's cooking is delicious." Mikazuki spoke eating his meal. "Thank you very much. I'll do my best."

As Atra stood in the mass hall, expressing her desire to be hired as Tekkadan's cook, Ichiro walked in with Bladwin following closely behind. With a playful tone, Ichiro couldn't resist making a teasing comment.

"Did Hana kick you out?" Ichiro asked, his eyes glinting mischievously. He was well aware of the special connection between Atra and his brother, Mikazuki, and he decided to have a little fun.

Atra's cheeks flushed with embarrassment, and she gave Ichiro a mock glare. "No, Ichiro, she didn't kick me out," she replied, her voice tinged with amusement. "I left my job willingly."

Just as she was about to continue, Ichiro leaned in closer and whispered in her ear, his tone conspiratorial. "I know why you're really here, Atra. You want to keep an eye on Mika, right? Well, don't worry, I'll help you out."

Atra's face turned several shades redder, and she let out an embarrassed yelp, causing a few nearby Tekkadan members to turn their heads in surprise. Ichiro couldn't hold back his laughter at her reaction. It seemed he had successfully pulled off another playful prank.

"Ichiro, you're incorrigible!" Atra exclaimed, still blushing but now with a hint of a smile. She appreciated his willingness to tease but knew he was always there to support her and Mikazuki.

Bladwin chuckled at their interaction. "You two seem to get along well," he remarked. 

Orga stood up, the bustling mass hall, surrounded by the spirited child soldiers of Tekkadan. He could feel the anticipation and excitement in the air, a mixture of nervous energy and raw determination. The room was alive with youthful vigor, and Orga knew that he needed to address his comrades and boost their morale for the mission ahead.

With a firm resolve, Orga raised his clenched fist high, his voice resonating with authority and conviction. "Okay, everyone," he began, his words cutting through the chatter and drawing all eyes to him. "Going to Earth is our first big mission."

As he uttered those words, a wave of applause and cheers erupted from the child soldiers. Orga's presence and unwavering determination were like a beacon of hope for them. He continued, his voice unwavering, "We've come a long way, and we've faced hardships that most can't even imagine. But remember, we're Tekkadan. We're family."

The crowd responded with resounding cheers, affirming their loyalty and unity.

Orga flexed his fist, his gaze filled with unwavering determination. "Pull yourselves together," he urged, his words a call to action. "We've got a mission to complete, and we'll do it together, no matter what challenges come our way."

The mess hall reverberated with the unbridled enthusiasm of the child soldiers, their spirits lifted by Orga's words. In this moment, they weren't just a group of orphans fighting for survival; they were Tekkadan, a force to be reckoned with, and they were ready to face their first major mission with courage and solidarity.

Orga's words echoed through the mass hall, igniting a blaze of excitement among the child soldiers. Their cheers and applause filled the air, drowning out all doubts and fears. They were ready to face their first major mission, and Orga's presence gave them the courage to believe in their abilities.

However, not everyone shared in the euphoria of the moment. Eugene, seated in another corner of the hall, watched with a more somber expression. He couldn't help but voice his concerns to a nearby comrade. "How light-hearted?" Eugene muttered under his breath, his eyes fixed on Orga and the cheering child soldiers. "We've made enemies of Gjallarhorn you know?"

Atra handed the Mars palms, a local delicacy, to Mikazuki with a warm smile. It was from Miss Sakura.

As Mikazuki accepted the gift, Atra beamed with excitement. "I hope you like them, Mika! Miss Sakura said they're really good this season."

Just then, Ichiro approached them, his expression a mixture of curiosity and amusement. He couldn't help but comment on the peculiar taste of Mars palms. "Atra, don't you know they taste so weird? I don't know how Mika eats them."

Atra chuckled, nodding in agreement. "Yeah, they are a bit strange, but Mika likes them. I guess he's used to it."

Mikazuki, who was usually a man of few words, simply shrugged and popped one of the Mars palms into his mouth. He chewed it thoughtfully, seemingly unfazed by the unusual taste. His nonchalant response prompted a round of laughter from Atra and Ichiro.

Mikazuki held out the bag of Mars palms towards Bladwin, his expression hidden behind the helmet. "You want some?" he asked simply.

Bladwin accepted the bag and nodded beneath his own helmet. "Thanks," he replied, tucking the bag away safely in his suit. Though his voice was muffled, it carried a tone of gratitude.