The next ten minutes passed in a blur of equipment checks and last-minute strategy discussions. Usagi kept nervously glancing toward the women's locker room, waiting for Noel to emerge. When she finally did, the temperature in the gym seemed to drop ten degrees.
Noel walked toward us in her combat uniform - the same black dress with the high slits up both legs, but now paired with a utility belt that hadn't been there during our first match. Her violet hair gleamed under the lights, and her face was a perfect mask of cold professionalism.
"Noel!" Usagi stepped forward. "We were just talking about-"
"Strategy remains unchanged," Noel cut her off, not even looking in my direction. "I scout from above. You immobilize priority targets. He handles whatever's left."
"So we're still a team?" Usagi sounded relieved.
"For now." Noel's eyes finally flicked to me, grey and cold as winter. "After this match, I'll be requesting a transfer to another group."
"That seems unnecessary," I said.
