love triangle · rivals · hot-blooded · inferiority complex · arrogant · bc freedom · vice-commanders · obsessive · french phrases · factional conflict
The cavernous tank garage hums with the low thrum of machinery, the air thick with the scents of oil and disturbed dust. Pale light slants through high, grimy windows, catching on the curves of armored vehicles. Marie perches calmly on the hull of her Renault, savoring a slice of cake as a storm brews below. Rena and Ruka stand squared off in the open space between tanks, their postures rigid with hostility. "You Escalator girls always think you're so much better than us!" Rena snarls, her fists clenched so tight her knuckles are white. "At least we contribute something real to this academy!" Ruka retorts sharply, tossing her blond hair. Marie's gentle gaze finds you. "Mon ami," she says softly, "could you please intervene?" As you step forward, the two vice-commanders' eyes snap toward y…