StevieBond: Alright here we go, the second part of GA II Retold is now underway.
Kazuya: Already? You really are a fast writer!
StevieBond: Well I'm just using whatever free time I have to get these chapters out. Anyways, just to clarify that like towards the end of the previous story, this will be going down the Lily route since she and Kazuya got together in the last retold one. There are a few twists along the way so enjoy.
Back to the Field
Six months of blissful peace, there's nothing quite like it, especially for someone like myself who has made the most of it, whether it's on the Luxiole with friends, on a holiday vacation with my love or somewhere in the peaceful galaxies.
It had been just about more than half a year since the reunited Moon Angel Wing and the Rune Angel Wing led under my command defeated Verel, the one of a kind alien that kidnapped Milfie and tried to gain all control of ABSOLUTE.
But thanks to the power of the combined Angel Wings, he was met with swift justice. It was also six months since Kazuya joined the group and thanks to me and everyone else, he had grown up quite fast to become a sub-leader. He had also began training in the gym a lot for the last few months, building his physique, impressing his girlfriend.
Speaking of which, it had been less than six months since Kazuya and Lily who he chose to go in the island of Hokkori with, got together after confessing their love following an issue with the hologram package.
The island of Hokkori was also where I and Milfie had our one-week vacation on, taking photos of that time was almost like a mission objective, the nights we spent on that resort planet was all I needed after all I went through back then.
Speaking of Milfie, not much had changed since that last battle. My love had to go back to the Central Globe inside ABSOLUTE to resume her duty as gate-keeper, the dimension gate key still sits on display in the core of the globe.
Ranpha had flown back to her homeworld to attend her little brother's wedding, they grow up so fast, according to her. It reminded of her wedding with Tact and how much she still loves him, even when they're far apart.
Mint continues to lead her family corporation and regularly travels between EDEN and NEUE with business negotiations. Maybe one day there'll be a business enterprise in ABSOLUTE…naaaaah!
Forte has been on a very long vacation, following the events that happened on Seldar and she's still enjoying the downtime.
Vanilla had gone back to her homeworld to pay a visit and honour her late caretaker who she had learnt from when she was very young.
Chitose is the only one of original six still in military duty. She had been reassigned as commander of a small fleet with one important task. To find and recruit gate keepers from other dimensions so Milfie's workload can be reduced. I was slightly jealous when I heard that she was given a ship of her own and that Clayton would be going with her so they could remain together, but it didn't bother me all the same.
As for me, I'm still first lieutenant of the Rune Angel Wing and apart from me now having my own cell earpiece that allows me to contact Milfie anytime I want, not much has changed on the Luxiole, except for a few things.
Tact Mayers had been away from the Luxiole for a long while, so Coco was appointed as acting commander of the ship in his absence, meaning a new chief operator would be needed which the bridge is taking care of.
Speaking of the bridge and the other rooms, I was away in thought when I felt a tap on my shoulder.
"Arnold…" A voice called. "…are you asleep?"
"Huh?" I asked with my eyes barely open.
"Wake up!" Another voice yelled.
I nearly jumped up, looking around and noticing the other angels, we were in the briefing room. "I didn't swallow that fly I swear!"
"What are you talking about?" Kazuya asked.
I blinked. "Oh…did I fall asleep in this room?"
"Yeah, we were called to this room a moment ago like you said so." Nano replied.
"And then when we got here and sat down, you fell asleep." Apricot added.
"Oh…I guess I wasn't exactly awake, right?" I asked.
"You were sleeping on the job so to speak." Lily replied.
"That's why one of us had to wake you up." Anise added. "Although it was funny to see you jump up and almost take off."
"You know, this reminds me of when Forte woke me up with her voice so close to my ear." I said, pondering over the past.
"Really, what happened then?" Kahlua asked.
"She threatened to pour a bucket of ice cold water over me if I didn't get out in time."
Anise laughed. "Oh I would've loved to see that."
"In that case, if I see you sleeping on the job again, I'll go and do just that." Lily lightly warned with a smirk.
I was already feeling intimidated. "Uhhh, I don't think that was meant to be a joke."
Just then, Coco came in to the room, much to my relief.
"Thank you all for coming." She said. "Sorry for the slight delay."
"It's all good, Coco. We're here whenever you need us."
"Of course. As you all are aware, six months ago, the forces of EDEN and NEUE had regained control of ABSOLUTE again and that we discovered a new fleet called the United Parallel Worlds or UPW for short."
"Yes, we learnt about that during our downtime, what about the UPW?" Kazuya asked.
"Well as of now, we have been reassigned from being under the command of EDEN and we are to now follow the orders from UPW. We will be travelling through the Chrono Gate to ABSOLUTE near Seldar for the formal reassignment."
"The UPW, eh?" I asked. "Sounds almost like a wrestling company."
Apricot sighed. "Arnold…this is no time for jokes."
I cleared my throat, moving on quickly. "I'm aware that the UPW operate inside ABSOLUTE and that they are considered as an independent military organisation that is separate from EDEN and NEUE. But didn't the UPW once declared cutting off their support to NEUE in order to help other galaxies?"
"Yes, but despite this, NEUE still remains as the most technology-advanced galaxy." Coco replied.
"Speaking of NEUE, I heard about a minor group called the Arms Alliance." Anise said.
"Arms Alliance?" I asked.
"They represent a group of planets that oppose Seldar's ruling authority over this galaxy." Lily replied. "They were once part of Seldar, but it was only when a certain number of people were exiled from the main capital planet that several group of planets began to form the organisation of its own."
"It would explain why some of the planets under Seldar's rule have been very quiet over this in recent weeks." Anise pondered. "If many more were to be exiled, it could end up becoming a problem."
"That must be why we're now under the orders of UPW." I said. "Seldar must be concerned about the uprising, but I don't think it's too serious, unless they have superior numbers."
Coco checked her earpiece. "The bridge has informed me that a new personnel will be joining the Luxiole soon, this meeting is adjourned."
"Understood, Coco, we're off."
"Just a moment Arnold. I need to speak to you personally."
I looked at the other angels. "Don't worry you lot, you go on without me."
They left the bridge and I assumed that Kazuya and Lily would want some time together.
"I wanted to ask you a couple of questions, but you don't have to answer them, okay?"
"It would depends on the questions."
"I see…first off, it's been nearly two and a half years since you became leader of the Rune Angel Wing, how have you been with your leadership?"
"I'd say it is as almost as the same when I was second lieutenant of the Moon Angel Wing. They're not just pilots, they're the best of friends who remind me of my older friends."
Coco smiled. "That's very good…how have I been doing as acting commander?"
"Well it's been only a few months, but I think you're doing a good job so far. I'd say keep at it for a while longer and you'll be handling it like Tact does."
"Well maybe not as good as Tact, but I'll accept that compliment." Coco smiled. "And finally I've been really wanting to know…when are you and Milfie getting married?"
I giggled. "Coco, you know that Milfie and I agreed to put that aside for the foreseeable future and it isn't gonna change anytime soon."
"I understand that, Arnold. But why would two people get engaged but are not able to marry for so many years?"
"It's called commitment and dedication. Milfie trusts me with all of my being and the same is true for me. I swore that I cannot make promises that I cannot keep and telling you when there'll be a wedding is no exception."
Coco nodded. "Yeah, I can see that now. I guess different people have different feelings and ideas."
I tilted my head a bit. "I would like to ask you something…why all these questions?"
"Because you're always honest and straight to the point. If I had something on my mind, I would go to you first in case you could help me."
I rubbed my head. "Well, most of the time I am straight to the point, but I do let my other side out in the open now and again."
"But that's just who you are, inside and out…alright Arnold, I'll continue to do my best as acting commander of the Luxiole. Just be prepared to be on standby as soon as we reach the Chrono Gate. You've tired the earpiece yet?"
"I have a few times and it does work. Although Milfie asked me to only use it if it's really urgent."
"Good, I'll call for you and the angel wing later."
I nodded and left the briefing room and walked down to the Piroti to see Lily and Kazuya in an embrace before they left with their hands held together, probably to another floor.
I walked into my room and thought back to the months that I helped Kazuya with, it was thanks to me that I gave him that little bit of a kick he needed to grow into a young man. He often would come to me for relationship tips and most of the time, he would thank me when they would work and sometimes ask for another option in case they don't work out which was very rare.
I was sleeping away in my dream…such a hopeful one too.
Milfie and I looked at each other in our eyes, the look of achievement, the moment that we had made it together and that our lives would be like this forever.
"With the vows you have spoken and the rings you have given to one another, I now pronounce you husband and wife." A familiar female voice spoke. "You may kiss the bride."
As I lifted her veil away from her face, I moved in for the greatest kiss of our lives, the kiss to remember for all of our days…
Suddenly, a beep went off which woke me up.
"Ugh…bad timing!" I moaned as I touched my earpiece. "Yes?"
"Arnold, we have completed Drive Out, please report to the hanger with the Rune Angel Wing, I will be down shortly." Coco said.
"On my way." Man, she had a nerve to wake me up on what was gonna be the best part of the dream. Then again, she wouldn't have known.
I sighed and left my room, contacting the other angels to be there with me. Although one of them was slightly delayed due to a spell malfunction or something.
We arrived with Coco who was waiting as the hanger doors opened and in came a shuttle that flew in and stopped. Out came a person who had a grey and silver hair, this must be the new guy we heard a little about.
"Greetings everyone." He said. "I am Tapio Ca and I will be the ship's new chief operator."
"Everyone, this is-" Coco got cut off however.
"I am already aware of the situation and who you are." He looked at me. "Arnold Williams, first lieutenant of the Rune Angel Wing, correct?"
"Indeed so." I replied. "Welcome aboard." He shook my hand.
"And you are Kazuya, sub-leader of the group and the rest of you are second lieutenants."
The others nodded.
"Acting commander Coco." He gave her a memopad. "This contains details of my arrival and your assignment."
She read through it and was surprised. "Tapio, you're ranked as lieutenant colonel?"
"Affirmative."
"Oh…I apologise."
"That won't be necessary. I don't mind the difference of ranking for I acknowledge the casual atmosphere between officers as one Tact Mayers would put it."
Coco seemed speechless at how much he knows about us. Bet he doesn't know that I play the guitar or sing, I'd put a lot of money on that fact.
"You know us so well." Coco said, stating the obvious.
"Knowing one's heart and mastering it can unlock great potential for future success." Tapio replied. "After all, it was the ability of the human heart that liberated Juno and defeated the Val-Fasc. This power is something that I wish to see and I have expectations for all of you."
"I understand." I replied. "We'll do our best to prove ourselves."
"Commander Coco, do your best to not psyche yourself out on the matter with having someone ranked higher working under your command."
"Understood." Coco replied. "The bridge is this way, Tapio."
"Just before I go." He looked at us. "I am aware of your accomplishments and I ask that you remain in top condition. Arnold and Kazuya, keep up the good work."
He walked from the hanger with Coco. We left and made our way to the tea lounge, thinking over about Tapio and his military behaviour.
"Well angels, he seems dedicated to his work." I said. "But did you sense a bit of harshness in his voice?"
"Yeah, I did…he was a bit harsh towards all of us." Nano replied.
"I'm concerned about having him on here." Anise added.
Kahlua pondered. "I felt that there was something particularly off with him."
"Well I'm glad that he's aware of the situation." Apricot said.
Anise nodded. "Yeah, but the fact that he knows everything makes me feel uneasy."
"Maybe it's because he's from EDEN?" Kazuya asked.
"Maybe, but even for someone like him from EDEN, there's something off about him." I replied.
Lily had remained silent during conversation and I looked at her. "Is there something wrong?"
"Hm?" Lily looked at us. "I was thinking about the message he gave and about the reassignments from UPW." She said. "I heard from the engine crew that they fear that Tapio could end up being the new commander and that Coco will be reassigned somewhere else."
"Nah, that won't happen." I dismissed. "Tapio said it himself, he likes the way Tact Mayers has built up the crew morale."
Oh the next day that followed, how wrong I was. After settling on the Luxiole, the whole mood of the ship had begun to change with Tapio's presence, but this didn't affect me at all. We were called to the briefing room where Tapio and Coco were waiting.
"Rune Angel Wing, what's the situation of the Luxiole?" Tapio asked.
"Nothing new to report." I replied. "Although the mood has begun to feel tense since yesterday."
"I see. Once the resupplying on Seldar has finished, we'll be entering ABSOLUTE as planned so we'll be formally reassigned as operatives of the UPW."
"May I ask something?" Kazuya asked.
"I request that everyone refrains from asking until I am finished. But I will excuse you this once since everyone still needs to adjust to my changes."
"Will Tact be able to join us at the Central Globe once we're inside ABSOLUTE?"
"I am unaware of the situation on Tact. Now, once we arrive near the Central Globe on the other side, you Angel Wing will have a mock battle."
"Huh?" Coco perked up. "I wasn't informed of this."
Tapio looked at her. "I forgot to mention it on my memopad, I apologise for my carelessness."
"But I must protest, the Angel Wing's performance is impressive in the VR trainings."
Tapio sighed. "This was not my decision, it's from the UWP's higher ups."
"Well either way, it'll be good to stretch our wings metaphorically speaking after being out of combat for several months." I said.
Shortly later, the resupplying had finished and we were on our way to the Chrono Gate, when it opened, the Luxiole went through. We were now in ABSOLUTE, I didn't think we would be back here this soon.
All the angels and myself were raring to go, our first battle in six months, even if it's a mock one. The objective was clear, eliminate the enemy ships and they were remains of what was left of Verel's fleet.
We flew straight towards the ships, there were six destroyers and three cruisers. I smiled as we already had a game plan, each of us took out a destroyer. Before we paired up in twos to eliminate a cruiser each. The mock battle was over.
"Good work Angels." Coco praised. "Return to the Luxiole."
"Got it." I replied before loud beep went off. "New enemy ships detected."
"Deal with the enemy reinforcements."
But as soon as we were, another beep went off and I could see three destroyers that were heading for the Luxiole. Coco was beginning to struggle on what to do, no sooner I was about to open my mouth, an extremely fast ship zoomed by and it cleaned out the three destroyers with little effort.
"What was that?!" I asked loudly.
"Arnold, the new enemy ships have been taken care of, they must've been a diversion." Kazuya said.
"That would explain it…let's get back to the Luxiole."
We flew our frames back to the hanger and we got out of them. We reported to the bridge and Coco looked disappointed, probably with herself, that sudden diversion nearly caught us off guard.
"Angel Wing, I apologise for my short-sighted orders." Coco sighed. "I was judged quite harshly after what happened."
"Speaking of which." I said. "Who or what was piloting that fast ship?"
"Tapio wouldn't say, he made the call when I began to hesitate."
"I knew his attitude was gonna create problems here." Anise complained.
"But if it wasn't for him, the Luxiole would've been attacked." Lily reminded. "But still, he seems to be stricter with his work than any of us are."
I nodded in agreement, I had a bad feeling that this could get complicated for all of us.
When things had calmed down, we travelled to the Central Globe which was now different from before. No longer dark with unusual spikes. Instead, it was bright white with a few tiny spikes around it.
We docked in one of the space stations and as we got out of the Luxiole and into a space station waiting area. I knew exactly where I wanted to go.
"Kazuya, take care of the angels…there's someone I need to go and catch up with." I said.
"Okay Arnold." He replied.
I walked from the space station and I admired a few of the giant gallery images as I made my way closer to the centre of the globe. One of which had me holding the dimension gate key, another displayed the Central Globe that was halfway to being constructed at the time.
I approached the door that led to the core inside, where the dimension gates were operated, two guards were standing on either side but they didn't move, for they recognised me instantly.
They bowed and I bowed in return before opening the door. I was inside the core, there was a lot of levers and each one of them were connected to a dimension gate, all of them lead to another galaxy.
To think that Verel was discovered here and completely forgotten about, if Tact hadn't forgotten about him, the capturing incident could've been avoided. But that's in the past, since then, security in ABSOLUTE had been increased tenfold thanks to the forces from EDEN and NEUE.
"Milfie…are you here?" I asked.
"Catch me, Arnold!" She replied from somewhere. "Here I come."
I turned to my left, there she was about to jump towards me. I quickly held out my arms and she leapt into them. I giggled as I spun her around before stopping and wrapping our arms into an embrace.
"Did you miss me already?" she asked.
"No matter how far I am, I will always miss you." I replied with a smile.
We shared a quick kiss. "So what are you doing here?"
"Ah, I and the other angels came here after our mock battle after six months of not being in our frames. That and we're now under orders from UPW."
She looked at me. "Oh yeah, Tact mentioned about the UPW, I only know a bit about it."
"But enough about my work…have you missed my love?"
"Definitely…I'll never get tired of your love."
"Oh Milfie…"
"Oh Arnold…"
We shared a few kisses, before a beep went off in my earpiece.
"Arnold, you gotta come back to the Luxiole." Kazuya said. "We're heading to the tea lounge."
"Alright, I'll be there as quick as I can." I ended the call and sighed.
"Don't worry Arnold, we'll have another moment like this another time." Milfie said. "Just be careful out there and watch over everyone around you."
I smiled at her. "I will, my love…I'll see you again soon." I locked in a kiss for about a minute until we pulled out of it and the hug and I left the master core before walking back to the Luxiole, it felt good to be in love.
