StevieBond: Here we go folks, the third and final part of the GA II Retold trilogy has begun.
Arnold: And it's going to be the best one yet I think.
StevieBond: I was going to leave it until next week to start, but I wanted to get this chapter out of the way
Kazuya: A heck of a lot is gonna happen I'm sure.
StevieBond: Well sit back everyone and enjoy the first chapter before next week starts.
Old School Reunion
What is six months divided by two? Why it's three of course and before I think any further, this isn't a math class, instead it's just being told from my mind once again.
On a serious note, it had been three months since we defeated the Three Marquis and stopped Parfait in the Infinite Corridor. The Arms Alliance had entered a truce with the Seldar Alliance by order of Soldum so the Empire was now whole as one again.
Things on the Luxiole and especially among us Angel Wing members had been mostly peaceful and with no conflict for three months, we were able to make up for lost time.
Kazuya and Lily had a vacation away before promising that they would visit Bianca's resting place on Roselle's behalf and Roselle was still on our minds from time to time. Kahlua kept a photo of him in her room and in her own words. "It's more than enough to help me asleep, so I can see him in my dreams."
Three months later, we were all involved in one huge event. The Luxiole was on route to Juno, the homeworld of Eden, in the EDEN galaxy…it had been a long time since I last visited my homeworld.
But it was for an important reason, today marked the fifth anniversary since the Val-Fasc were defeated and that Eden was saved, but it was also five years since the remains of the Fal-Fasc and the EDEN civilization agreed to a truce which was the only thing I wasn't really paying attention to.
But it meant that everyone who was involved in those battles at the time would be there, so in a way, it was going to be like a reunion with all of the gang that I grew up with for years and I was incredibly happy and deep down excited about.
Soon the Luxiole had landed on a free docking area and all of us angels were in our uniforms, Coco had to rush off to change, since I just heard that the anniversary required everyone to be in their old clothes to relive and honour the occasion.
That was no problem for me since I've worn my angel wing uniform for the past several years and not once has it started to feel uncomfortable, although I did wonder how the Moon Angel Wing were going to look once they're back in their old uniforms.
But I didn't have to wait for long, the Elsior was already in place in a huge field where there would be a crowd that would attend and my group walked into a room where the others were waiting.
"Ahhh, there's our missing male member." Forte said, noticing me. "We're back together once again."
"Oh yes, nothing like the old school." I replied getting into a group hug with the six girls. "Five years on and you all can still dress well in those old uniforms."
"Thank you Arnold." Milfie replied, walking over to kiss me. "I was so worried that I was going to look out of place with my old uniform on."
I kissed her back. "But why would you, you know that I'll love you, no matter what you wear."
"I do worry that I may have gained a bit of weight." Chitose said. "I almost had problems putting this on after many years."
"Well I had no problems." Ranpha replied. "Because I can do anything if it's for my darling husband."
"There were no issues with my uniform." Vanilla said.
"Agreed, same with mine." Mint added.
"So what do you think, Rune Angel Wing?" I asked them. "These are the iconic uniforms they wore many years ago."
"Well I can see one thing that hasn't changed." Anise said. "Mint's height."
"Watch it, Anise!" Mint glared. "I'm still the owner of my family's corporation."
"You look great, mother." Nano complimented.
"Thank you." Vanilla replied.
"See sister, we're dressed almost the same now." Apricot said.
"Yeah, I wish we could go out like this and destroy automated ships." Milfie giggled.
Kahlua was smiling. "This is exactly what I needed, after what I've been through."
"Glad to hear it." Ranpha replied. "What you also do to remember Roselle is very cute."
"Speaking of which, where's your boyfriend, Chitose?" I asked.
Chitose blushed. "Oh umm…Clayton's working with his crew in setting up the event that will start soon."
"That reminds me, where are the other two?" Forte asked.
Then as if her question was answered, in came Kazuya and Lily.
"Sorry we're a little late." Kazuya said. "We got held up on our space shuttle."
"We delivered the flowers to Bianca's resting place." Lily added. "But we also couldn't help to have a few seconds of loving each other."
Kazuya blushed, laughing nervously. "Hehe, that's right."
"Umm, so you're the Moon Angel Wing?" Natsume asked. "I am…just so honoured."
"Hi Natsume, you probably remember meeting me during the downtime after we defeated Verel." Chitose said.
She smiled, feeling braver. "Yes I do, I am incredibly honoured to meet you six heroines."
"Oooh did you hear that, we're the six heroines!" Ranpha bragged.
"Ahem!" I said, clearing my throat. "How could you forget me?"
"Because you're not every woman?" Mint teased.
Both of the Angel Wing groups laughed, quite a moment of embarrassment for me there. But it stopped when four more familiar faces arrived.
"Well, well, well, looks like we're all back together." Tact said.
"Yeah, although not much has changed." Lester added.
"Darling!" Ranpha exclaimed, rushing into the arms of her husband.
"Honey!" Tact replied happily, sharing a vocal kiss with his wife.
Lester sighed. "Like I said, not much has changed."
"So Coco, doesn't it feel good to be back in our old uniforms?" Almo asked, who had her arm around Lester.
"It's only been a few months since I wore this." Coco replied. "But I feel quite nostalgic, wearing this again."
"And both of the angel wing groups are getting along well." Tact commented.
"Well why wouldn't we be?" I asked. "We're all here for one reason, aside from having an old school reunion party."
"It's not a party, Arnold." Forte laughed.
"By the way, Rune Angel Wing." Coco said. "I won't be returning to the Luxiole until tomorrow and Kazuya, I request that you organise the wall scrolls in the commander's room and bring them elsewhere later on when I return."
"Yeah, it's because I wanna spruce up my office on Central Globe and I want you to move the wall scrolls for me when you have the chance." Tact added.
"Sure, I can do that." Kazuya replied, holding Lily's hand.
"Anyways, we gotta make a move, the first members of the crowd are joining around the plaza area." Lester said.
"Then let's go angels and remember to form the line that we were ordered in." Tact added.
"You don't have to tell us twice." I replied, taking Milfie's hand.
We left the small room and walked over to the Elsior that was docked around the main plaza, we got on to the stage and noted the formations where we would be standing.
The Moon Angel Wing stood on the left side of the stage a few meters from each other and the Rune Angel Wing stood on the right side of the stage in the same way whilst I was standing in the centre since I was a member of both groups. The crowd was enormous and they were pleased to be a part of the event.
"Ladies and gentleman, a few opening words from Tact Mayers." Almo stated.
Tact stood forward and was given a huge cheer, since he was the Hero of the Empire.
"Today marks the fifth anniversary since we liberated this home world of Juno from the Val-Fasc." He announced. "And with the help of Arnold who you may remember, we paved the way to the future through the founding of ABSOLUTE, the UPW and the alliances created between galaxies." The crowd cheered. "Times have changed since then, the Val-Fasc themselves have changed as well and I hope for the unity between the people of EDEN and the Val-Fasc will last forever."
With the speech soon over, the celebration began and it was more than a party, it was like a whole summer beach party had just arrived and everyone was invited, well apart from the evil foes we had to take down.
There was a massive food buffet and a dance party followed in one of the big halls inside, most of the music was up tempo, but there was a ballad and I knew that I wanted to dance with Milfie.
She smiled at me as I grabbed her hand and we walked to the dancefloor, we had our arms around each other and began to move to the slow music. We weren't the only ones with the same idea, we saw Tact and Ranpha, Chitose and Clayton, Kazuya and Lily…even Lester and Almo were on the dancefloor dancing to a beautiful love song that I knew some of the words to.
Hold onto the nights
Hold onto the memories
I wish that I could give you something more
Then I can be yours
We shared a quick kiss under the disco ball that moved slowly in the centre. I will most definitely hold onto this memory…and maybe someday, Milfie and I will do this again at our wedding.
When the event was over and it was the start of night time, the Elsior was getting ready to leave, so we had to say goodbye to the Moon Angel Wing as well as Tact, Lester and Almo who were going with them.
"I'll see you again soon, Arnold." Milfie said, holding me close with our heads together. "I love you."
"Milfie…I love you too." I replied, smiling. "I'll definitely see you again soon."
We shared a passionate kiss and she walked with the others as they boarded the Elsior. We stood a long way back as it began to move up high in the sky till it flew away. When it was out of sight, we had to go back to the Luxiole. Once inside, I walked up straight to my room, but not before seeing Lily visit Kazuya's room.
I had to laugh, cause last month, he had his birthday and he was now 17, Lily was still 19 since her birthday was not for another two months. That reminded me of the other Rune Angels.
Anise was also 17, her birthday was two weeks after we saved the galaxies from evil. Natsume was 12 and her birthday was of a nigh class standard and that was two months ago. Kahlua was still 21 and her birthday was coming up next week, we made a funny promise that we would eliminate and stop whatever the Will would throw us before her birthday.
We didn't know Nano's age, but with Vanilla's help, we had her birthday on the day when she was created from the bio labs on the Femto moon and yes, there were plenty of candy crackers for everyone who joined in her birthday.
I was in my room and mine had a few changes. The sword I used to slay Parfait was now displayed on a plaque and it was hammered onto a wall, I had used it once and I believed that I wouldn't need to use it again. My desert eagle was still in use, because you never know what might happen in space.
As for the prototype space suit, I gave it back to Lady Shatyarn on the White Moon, promising that I would never ever do something crazy like that again.
But on the more safe side, there were new photos displayed. Two of which had the whole gang, all thirteen of us angels and the other one with Tact and the old commanding crew from the Elsior days.
There were two other new photos I kept close to my bed, both of which had me and Milfie close together. One looking at the camera and the other one where we shared a kiss. Apricot took both of those photos and we thanked her for it, the more I think about it, the more I was sure that she would be a great step-sister someday.
The next day followed and I saw Kazuya in the Piroti and he was feeling happy.
"Morning Kazuya." I said. "What's got you happy in the morning?"
"Well…I can't tell you." He replied. "But Lily wanted to see me in my room last night."
"I see and I bet it was because you two got to dance at yesterday's event. But you can trust me, I won't tell anyone or anything about it."
"Okay, well we shared a kiss and well…could you finish for me?"
I smirked. "I think I know what happened…she slept with you, right?" I raised my eyebrows.
He nodded. "Yeah…"
I put my hand on his shoulder. "Then I congratulate you on climbing the next step, young man."
Kazuya giggled. "Thanks, Arnold, but she only slept with me. We didn't do anything more because we were both tired."
"That is perfectly fine. It took me and Milfie a long time before we were ready to sleep together."
"So you know exactly what it's like."
"Darn straight." I laughed.
A beep went off on my jacket. "Yes?"
"Arnold, have the Angel Wing report to the bridge." Coco said. "The peace time may be over."
"Got it." I replied, making a new call. "Angel Wing, our downtime is over. We're heading to the bridge."
We walked to the bridge where Coco who was back in her commander's uniform and Tapio were waiting. Tact was on the big screen and it looked like it was urgent.
"Angel Wing, we don't have much time." Tact said. "The Will have entered the EDEN galaxy."
"What is the location?" Tapio asked.
"They have appeared in the Val-Vaross System, one of the Val-Fasc sectors."
Noah suddenly entered on the bridge. "I suggest that we set a course for Val-Vaross immediately."
"Luxiole, order an immediate course for Val-Vaross." Coco ordered.
"And just before you say anything about the UPW, Tact." Noah continued. "Remember that I chose to quit that job last week and I became the Head of the Sciency and Research department, since I am much better and handling technology than diplomatic negotiations."
"If that is so, who will take your place?" Tapio asked.
"That really isn't my concern."
"Most likely that Admiral Luft will most likely take over." Tact replied.
Admiral Luft, now there's a person I hadn't seen for years, I thought he retired a long time ago or something.
"Luxiole, move ahead of our forces and prepare to counter the Will's advance first, we'll contact you later. Stay safe out there, Angel Wing."
He ended the transmission and the Luxiole moved towards the Val-Vaross system, I had not visited that sector for years, not since we defeated the Val-Fasc in their homeworld over there.
In the meantime we were in the tea lounge with Tapio and Noah.
"I have been studying the Infinite Corridor for the past three months." Noah said, "But I have made slow progress in being able to know the nature of it. However, I can predict the next time it'll appear."
"You can do that?" Kazuya asked.
"Of course, it's appeared in EDEN once and NEUE twice, so the next time it appears, it'll be here in the EDEN galaxy. But that isn't all of it. They've been opened whilst studying the proximity of the Luxiole and the Elsior. Simply put that with the Elsior circling Juno and the Luxiole far away, Val-Vaross was chosen as the Will's target."
"The determination of the Val-Fasc may be another reason for the Will's choice in attacking Val-Rundal." Tapio added, but then got a call. "It appears that a course has finished been optimised, we can begin to make our move."
"Every one of you, prepare to face our worst enemy yet."
We nodded and Noah and Tapio left the lounge.
The Luxiole had finally arrived in the Val-Fasc homeworld, strange to think that five years ago, I was fighting with the Moon Angel Wing, defeating Gern and stopping the Chrono Quake Bomb. But this place hasn't changed, it was still the same as it was.
I was on scouting duty since I knew this area more than the others. Suddenly, a rift opened and I could see the Infinite Corridor on the other side among the enemy ships we fought before appearing from it, it was time for war, war again.
"Angel Wing members!" I called. "Scramble to the hanger and prepare for combat, there's a lot of ships coming out from that rift."
Moments later, the rest of the angels joined alongside me and Tapio appeared on my screen with a radar. There were six destroyers, four fast attack ships and a cruiser.
"There doesn't seem to be many, but don't let your guard down." Tapio said. "Eliminate the enemy fleet."
We nodded and the first battle began. I went straight for the fast attack ships whilst the other angels dealt with the destroyers. I teared down the first fast attack ship with my trusty miniguns, a second one was taken down by heat seeker missiles.
My spirit was ready…"SPIKE DRIVER!" The third one was no match for me, leaving one last fast ship that went down with my weapons.
The other angels had taken out the destroyers and were swarming around the cruiser, it didn't last long.
"Enemy fleet defeated." I said.
"Remain out in the field." Noah replied. "I'm still detecting enemy ships from that rift."
She was right, more enemy ships came out but in bigger numbers. There were now eleven destroyers, eleven fast attack ships and one heavy ship. For a moment, it looked pretty ugly, until I detected seven ships approaching us from behind.
"You're not starting the battle without us, are you?" Forte appeared on my screen.
"Forte, that means the rest of you are here." I replied.
"That's right!" Ranpha said. "With all of us together, let's give these ships the old school knockout special!"
The second battle started, this time with the Moon Angel Wing and the Elsior dealing with the ships on the top right of the map, we took care of the ships coming from the left with the Luxiole moving with us.
Those destroyers were getting mowed down and our specials were wiping out the fast attack ships.
"ANCHOR CLAW!" Her frames claws were rebounding, hitting other ships.
"FATAL ARROW!" Chitose was aiming at the heavy ship and after four of those shots, it was gone.
"Second enemy wave defeated." Tact said. "Well done everyone."
"The rift is closing up." Coco replied. "But we can't relax yet."
"Agreed. Arnold and Forte, keep the Angel Wing on standby."
"Got it, Tact." I replied.
"Roger that." Forte added.
We travelled towards the Val-Rundal planet where a singularity was detected, upon closer reading, it was turning into a black hole. This could get very nasty.
"Rune Angel Wing, retreat to the Luxiole." Tact said. "Moon Angel Wing, return your frames to the Elsior, we'll have a space shuttle ready for evacuation."
"Wait, what's going on?" I asked.
"An angelic figure known as Sorbet has left us a gift so to speak." Noah relied on my screen. "The only way we can consume the black hole is by detonating a large amount of Chrono Strings and to do that, the Elsior and its Emblem Frames must be sacrificed."
"No! There has to be another way!" Kazuya protested.
"It's okay Kazuya." Tact replied, sighing. "We are ready to sacrifice the Elsior."
"But it should be the Luxiole and our frames! Apart from our ring leader, the rest of us haven't had the wings grow out of our frames yet."
"Please calm down." Milfie said.
"We believe that our frames have done enough." Mint added.
Ranpha nodded. "It's going to hurt, but we need to remind you that we're not a proper unit anymore."
"We are willing to let go of the past." Vanilla said.
"And let the new generation succeed us." Forte added.
"Wait, don't you need my frame as well?" I asked.
"No Arnold, you still have orders to lead the Rune Angel Wing." Chitose said. "It is for the best in the long run."
"You're right…Rune Angel Wing, let's get back to the Luxiole and escort the shuttle."
We flew back inside the hanger and the space shuttle docked with the Moon Angel Wing and the rest of the Elsior crew that were on board. Every one of us stood on the bridge with the view of the Elsior close to the black hole.
"Tact, it is time." Noah said. "You must do the honour of activating the self-destruct sequence with your angel partner."
Tact nodded and took Ranpha's hand, they walked to the red button.
"Ranpha honey, let's do this together." He said.
"Tact, I am with you all the way, darling." She replied with a tear.
They held their other hands and pushed the red button together.
We watched through the windows as the Elsior detonated in a huge amount of explosions, it managed to work and the black hole was disintegrated, disappearing away.
Val-Rundal was saved, but at a staggering cost of what used to be a second home.
"Darling, hic…" Ranpha sniffed, grabbing onto him.
"Honey…" Tact replied as they held on tight.
"Arnold…" Milfie sniffed, wrapping her arms around me. "...my room...my cooking."
"Milfie." I replied with my arms around her.
The rest of the girls were emotional at the event, we had first met and shared a whole amount of memories on that ship…but now it's gone, the times we had on there…in a blink of an eye.
"The symbols of EDEN, sacrificed for my peoples sake." Tapio said with a tear. "I will never forget this."
The Rune Angel Wing were incredibly sad and they felt for us.
The only silver lining was that my Silver Speeder would now be the last remaining existence of what remained from the Elsior, but that was never going to be enough to ease the sting we felt that day.