Melody of the Future

by Tatsurou


CM: Downtime

Once the group returned from the Ulfat Factory, Octavia insisted rather strongly that the group take a break before embarking on their next mission. She stated quite plainly that between new equipment, new team members, and new resources at their disposal, they needed to take the time to adjust to everything that had happened, and to let Gaudile tune up everyone's equipment to maximum capacity. She also stated that now was the perfect opportunity for everyone to relax and get to know each other better, and thus forge a greater unity as a team for future missions.

She didn't fool anyone for a moment. Everyone in Resistance HQ knew this was a thinly veiled excuse to make time for Axl, Cinnamon, and Marino to spend time together as civilians off mission. At the same time, she was probably the only one outside that trio not hiding thinly veiled amusement at the look of panic that flashed across Axl's face whenever he got caught between Marino's smoldering gaze and Cinnamon's innocently affectionate one...especially not after Axl had returned Cinnamon's panties (after downloading the contact info) and she'd demonstrated an astonishing level of flexibility as she put them back on without removing her pants or disengaging her armor. (Marino had already suggested a session of 'competitive yoga' with Axl as the judge, much to Axl's embarrassment and everyone else's amusement.) As such, everyone wanted to see the trio interact, for one reason or another.

As a result, Axl now found himself in an awkward if enviable situation as he walked along the halls of the Central Tower, dressed in a loose white button-down shirt and black slacks. On his right arm, Cinnamon had swapped her nurse armor for a white sundress and greek sandals, her blonde hair swept out in her usual 'wing-like' do, giving her an almost angelic appearance. On his left arm, Marino was dressed in a slinky, shimmering black dress that hung off her left shoulder (leaving a good amount of skin visible on the side turned towards him) with slits up to the hips on both sides. The dress stopped just above her knees, and was complemented by knee high black high-heeled boots and elbow length black gloves (which Axl was certain concealed her knives). With her green hair hanging straight down her back, held down with a spiked black headband, her wicked smile completed a rather devilish appearance.

And considering how closely both were pressing against him - almost competitively so - he had no idea what he was supposed to do with his hands.

Aside from that, however, he found the entire outing rather relaxing. Since Octavia had decided to let them have their privacy, it was just the three of them, leaving him free to stretch himself a bit, to be more than just 'Mama's Boy'. Not that he had a problem with being so dedicated to Octavia as his mother - being without one for most of his life accounted for that - but it was hard to balance that with the confidence he felt he needed to deal with the ladies. Much to his surprise, both Cinnamon and Marino were happy to listen to any story he wanted to tell, whether it actually interested them or not. Marino was also able to lead them to part of Central Tower that was off the main path...and thus an ideal date location, as it was filled with restaurants, arcades, and stage shows. On a whim, Axl decided to win both of them a plushy at the claw game...only to be left mortified when he managed to grab two 'Chief Axl' plush dolls, complete with soft scythes.

Other than that hiccup, it seemed like it would be a perfect date...right up till the moment he decided to take them to a show before a meal. It turned out a certain young pop star was performing and recognized him...and took rather public exception to the situation.

"You!" Rafflesian snapped out as she leapt off stage, charging right up to the trio. "Just who do you harridans think you are, clinging to my Axl like that?"

"Your Axl?" Marino demanded crossly. "And just where do you get off claiming him?" Her hand slid dangerously downward, her fingers flexing as though to pull her knives out at a moment's notice.

"For your information, Axl's mother hand-picked me to be introduced to Axl!" Rafflesian insisted primly, looking rather smug. "Took my private contact information from me for him personally!"

"That's odd," Cinnamon observed, her tone deceptively innocent. "Octavia introduced us to Axl in person asking him if one or both of us were to his liking. And how could she have hand-picked you when she doesn't have hands?"

Rafflesian's expression turned murderous as she swung her staff downward, the sunburst on the top whirring as it engaged internal combat systems. People nearby immediately started moving to a safe distance.

"Girls, girls!" Axl called out desperately. "Please, this isn't the sort of thing to get into a fight over! This shouldn't end in bloodshed!"

Before Axl could continue talking, Rafflesian metaphorically pounced. "Right! We can settle this on stage! I'll prove I'm the better girl for Axl then either of you!"

"Now hang on-" Marino began.

"Alright," Cinnamon interrupted. "But you're famous for your singing and dancing as an idol. That's a bit of an unfair advantage."

"I can take you two on one!" Rafflesian insisted. "My Belladonnas and I against you and whatever backup singers and dancers you can scrounge together, and I'll show Axl I'm the only girl for him! Losers give up on him forever!"

"Done," Cinnamon agreed quickly. "Two hours to prepare."

Rafflesian smirked confidently. "See you then, my sweet Axl!" she purred, blowing Axl a kiss as she sauntered away.

Axl and Marino rounded on Cinnamon, who quickly raised her hands. "Sorry, but this was the only way to resolve this that wouldn't result in one or more of us being taken away in a body bag or handcuffs!" she called out quickly. "Besides, I know we can win this! ...a-as long as I don't die of embarrassment."

As Axl blinked in confusion, Marino suddenly grinned widely. "You sly devil! Rafflesian is going to broadcast this all across the Tower...and we'll have the entire population gathered as an audience."

"And...I think I know just the performance to appeal to all ages..." Cinnamon continued.

As the pair went off to plan - and to call on X, Zero, Spider, Massimo, Gaudile, and Octavia to assist - Axl blinked in confusion. "Uh...what just happened?"



The actual competition segment likely violates the lyrics rules of the site. As such, you can find that segment here. Read before continuing to the next segment of the chapter.



Axl sighed in relief as he, Cinnamon, and Marino found their way to a karaoke restaurant where they could listen to other amateurs sing while they ate. As much as he wanted to go back to an ordinary date, three things caused problems for him. First, he, Marino, and Cinnamon were all still in their 'costumes' from the musical competition. Second, Gaudile and Octavia were also at the table with them. Third, it quickly became plain that Marino wanted the date to have a 'happy ending', was gently but steadily nudging Axl in that direction, and was also apparently not averse to Cinnamon being involved as well despite Gaudile's disapproving gaze.

This all culminated as Marino pulled out what she considered her 'trump card', the latest issue of a magazine series called 'Girls Gone Maverick'. "Page 24," she whispered softly, not noticing how Cinnamon went beet red at the sight of the issue cover.

Gulping, Axl began to turn to that page, only for his jaw to nearly fall off as he saw Marino on the page, showcasing a particularly skimpy outfit. "W...wow..." he managed to stammer out.

"I still have that one," Marino purred in his ear.

"I'm not sure I like the direction this conversation is taking," Gaudile chided darkly. "Especially not with Cinnamon listening-"

"Oh please, old man," Marino chided playfully. "You know by now she's been sneaking out, making friends, and having fun. You even know how she gave Axl her contact information. I wouldn't be surprised if she were in one of these as a thrill!"

Cinnamon let out a startled squeak as she sank into the couch they were sitting on, trying to hide from the magazine behind Axl's shoulder.

Marino blinked in surprise. "Wait...you don't mean..." She quickly flipped through the pages of the magazine...only to come across the foldout in the middle.

The whole group stared in shock as 'Sweet Baby Sugar' looked back up at them from the pages, her 'angelic innocence' plainly visible in the tasteful nude pose. As they stared, the latest singer on stage began singing a song Gaudile and Axl found appropriate, though for entirely different reasons.