Yeah, I'm a new guy in this business so forgive me for any mistake I may do. This story is an AU of where the existence of few people among Inaho's group could make the differences in the war between UFE and Vers Empire, how these individuals influence the story and change the fate of the other characters. Furthermore, the United Forces of Earth in this story possess more asset and technologies to prepare for the war against Vers Empire. Fifteen years is quite the long time for some R&D in multiple departments, I believe with the threat of Orbital Knights suddenly dropping their Landing Castle were enough threat for UFE to focus their research on new weaponry, new strategy and generally more paranoid enough to make them prioritizing the development of their forces. Thus that's why, Terran Kataphrakts isn't limited to KG-6 Sleipnir and KG-7 Areion in this story and their weaponry are also more diverse with addition of scatter cannon for being the example of additional Kataphrakt weapon.
English isn't my primary language so forgive me if I make any mistake. Please leave review for my story, constructive criticism are welcome but please don't flame me alright? I don't own Aldnoah Zero.
- Dasmara
'How things would have been different if that they weren't by my side' is what Kaizuka Inaho thought when he woke up in the hospital room with his sister and Seylum by his side which both of them have finished their whole crying fiasco after witnessing that Inaho indeed woke up from his short comma. Doctor and nurses have rushed in to check him while Seylum and his sister, Yuki moved to give the staff some space to do their work.
"How are you feeling, Mr. Kaizuka?" The doctor asks Inaho.
"…Sleepy, lethargic and sore all over my body" Inaho straightforwardly answer.
"I see. We will now go over some basic test" The doctor said.
They ask him simple questions at first like his name and birthdate, then it gradually increase to questions regarding his hobby, his school, his friends to finally asking him if he remember what happened prior to falling into comma. Inaho remember everything vividly, including the scene where he got shot. He remembered that he struggled against Count Saazbaum's Dioscuria before being interrupted by Slaine Troyard who's riding Tharsis and the three of them were slammed into the Landing Castle's Aldnoah Generator Room. He remembered that he managed to unstrapped himself from his Kataphrakt's cockpit and proceed to walk away while being guided by Princess Asseylum, all before he noticed Saazbaum tried to shoot at them with his gun.
He remembered pushing Asseylum down to the floor, pulled his Glock 17 handgun out of his holster and fired at Saazbaum several times. That's also the time when Slaine Troyard exited the cockpit of Tharsis and noticed the princess is with the terran, realizing the danger so close to the princess Slaine unsheathed his own standard issue Vers Military pistol. Inaho only get a brief glance at Slaine before he aims his Glock at him alongside Asseylum who screamed something to stop them both, a silent communication happened in few seconds with their eyes and guns pointed as they marked each other as their enemies. The guns erupted and it was all darkness engulfing him…That's what he remembered, yet the continuation was given by Seylum and Yuki.
Right after he was shot, Slaine tried to approach Seylum who were then in a panicked and distressed state. She even went so far to pick up Inaho's fallen gun and aimed at Slaine, Seylum ignored any word of comfort came from Slaine who insisted that he did this for her before Yuki and Inko, Inaho's teammate arrived on the scene. Needless to say, they immediately opened fire with their pistols at Slaine who returned fire as the same. Slaine then proceed to grabbed the dying Saazbaum, entered Tharsis and went immediately to snatch Asseylum with Tharsis large mecha palm. He would have succeeded, if not for a black colored KG-6 Sleipnir Kataphrakt rushed in the scene and jammed a large blade at Tharsis right shoulder.
Slaine opted to retreat instead fighting the black mech and escaped as soon as he can. Seylum, Yuki and Inko who have stabilized Inaho's condition immediately retreated from the room to head back toward Deucalion, all the way covered by the black Sleipnir who choose to take on the remaining Vers Empire Forces aboard the castle as distraction. The group then made it to Deucalion before flying back to Russian UEF Headquarters for safety, rearm and repair while leaving the black Sleipnir behind. That got Inaho to jolt awake, he knew the black Sleipnir pilot very well…Why did the others left him behind!?
"Grey! How is he!?" Inaho asks everyone in the room.
"Nao-kun, calm down! Grey is still alive. Right now, you need to calm yourselves down" Yuki says to Inaho.
Inaho doesn't realize that he's trying to get up due to the sheer surprise he experienced when the others told him about the fate of the black Sleipnir pilot. Inaho soon laid down again helped by the nurse as he eyed the doctor with his left eye, Inaho want to know the extent of his injuries and it seems the doctor get what he wants.
"Mr. Kaizuka, it seems you have no prolonged damage to your brain other than minor concussion…Although, I'm sorry to say that your right eye has to be removed as it is beyond help. Other than that, you have minor fracture on your ribs and left foot which should heal given time and proper treatment. Furthermore, you are to undergo rehabilitation for a while and until you are able to move normally, strenuous activity must be avoided. Do you understand, Mr. Kaizuka?" The doctor explains the extent Inaho's injuries.
"…I understand" Inaho said.
"Thank you doctor" Yuki said.
"No problem. Call the nurse if you need something" The doctor said then left the room.
"Nao-kun, I have to report back to Captain Magbaradge regarding your condition and among few other things…Seylum-san, keep him company alright?" Yuki asks Seylum.
"Leave him to me, Yuki-san!" Seylum said cheerfully.
Seylum then sit back on Inaho's side as Yuki exit the room, all that left is Inaho and Seylum alongside the afternoon light shining through the window which illuminate them both. Seylum then proceed to take Inaho's left hand and squeeze it, Inaho who doesn't know what to do tried to do the same although his grip is weaker compared to hers. Yet, Inaho couldn't deny the warmth and comfort that simple gesture gave him. He feels so at ease, knowing that Seylum is alive and well. It had better be him who took the bullet than Seylum herself, just imagining what if Seylum herself who got shot is enough to fill him with worry and silent anger.
"I'm so glad…I was so terrified when you got shot…After everything, the knights won't listen and continue their attack…All of this are orchestrated by Count Saazbaum, just to punish the royal family" Seylum begins.
"…You aren't hurt, right?" Inaho asks Seylum.
"Fortunately, I'm not…" Seylum answer him.
"Seylum…What are you going to do? It is clear that Vers doesn't care that you live or die…They only want reason for war" Inaho asks her
"Does it still possible, for a peace between Earth and Vers?" Seylum asks herself.
"I don't know if it's possible…" Inaho said.
"…Inaho-san…I have lost my faith with Vers…My arrival on Earth is the trigger for this war and I paid for it by having my body double died alongside the lives of others when invasion begun…It's better if I stay dead in the eyes of Vers Empire or UFE" Seylum said.
"Are you sure, Seylum? Is this the way you choose?" Inaho asks Seylum.
"Seeing you almost die that day, it jolted me awake…How naïve I was in viewing this whole conflict, I was foolish to think that diplomacy would be enough to attain peace. I have a half-sister on the Moon base…I'm sure she could take my place as successor of the Vers Empire…Even though will she have the same view of peace as me is debatable, I already made my choice. From now on, I'll live as a terran" Seylum declared to Inaho.
Inaho was surprised by this that is the real facts, he thought that Seylum wouldn't give up her view for bridging the peace between Earth and Mars. But it seems that the princess had enough of it all, she has learned that it is not possible for her to be one. Even when finding out Asseylum Vers Allusia is alive, those Martians didn't hesitate to drop from orbit to kill her. It was clear that from the beginning, she was only a catalyst the Orbital Knights needed in order to invade Earth. Inaho was surprised but nonetheless accepts her decision, it was hers after all and he doesn't have any say about it. The feelings he harbored for her, it only further strengthens his resolve to quickly end the war so she could finally live in peace.
Sure, with her got out of the way, the war will continue longer. But even if she's alive, both sides won't just give up their weapons and shake hands with each other as it would be a joke of the history for human conflicts. They fired first, in the name of glory for Vers or those knights personal gain. Inaho couldn't care less what are their reasons as Seylum had decided that she will cast everything aside to live as a commoner from now on, it was only fitting for him to continue protecting her. Once, she is a Martian Princess who he unknowingly falls in love with. Now she's just an ordinary girl that he still loved despite her casting aside everything.
"…If that is your decision, Seylum…I will support you. I would be beside you whenever you need me" Inaho said while smiling a bit.
"Thank you, Inaho-san…I volunteered to be your caregiver during your rehabilitation too so let's get along, Inaho-san" Seylum said while smiling.
"Let's get along, Seylum…" Inaho trail off a bit.
"What is it?" Seylum asks Inaho.
"…Grey, I still wonder what happened to him" Inaho said.
"Oh, you're concerned about him…I'm supposed not to say this, but regarding him, he's-"
Somewhere near Moscow
Vers Empire Eastern Europe Forward Base
17.30PM, 3rd January 2015
"A piece of shit who almost died! I'm sure that what goes through your mind, Yuki-san"
A quite tall teenager with spiky medium black hair, serious emerald eyes, firm mouth and long scar run alongside his left forehead all the way to his cheek said to Kaizuka Yuki over the phone. The teenager named Grey Draconia who is wearing UFE Infantry uniform fully equipped with gears is currently alongside UFE 22nd Airborne infantries firing at the Vers Empire forward base while being supported by Humvee's and several Infantry Fighting Vehicle, Vers soldiers fire their portable missile launcher at the armored vehicle which they manage to avoid when they saw the missile approaching their position.
"You bet that was goes through my mind Grey! You are only cleared from your rehab two days ago! How the hell did you manage to participate in that raid!? You should be resting and calibrating that new equipment of yours instead going to battlefield directly!" Yuki shouted over the phone.
"Your concern is appreciated, really! I'll be back at night for dinner to the hospital! I'll see you at that time!" Grey said loudly due to gunfire nearby.
Grey manages to disconnected the phone call just in time before Yuki rant that he is reckless piece of-. Yeah, he got a job to do for now. A UFE soldier approach his position and handed him a Dragunov Sniper Rifle, tapped his helmet cladded head before returning to his position while firing his AK103. Grey positioned himself and aim down the rifle scope, he positioned the crosshair over the Vers machine gunner and squeeze the trigger. The rifle fired, the bullet launched and it hit the machine gunner directly in the face. Few other snipers did the same to the soldier that manned the base defenses and in just five seconds, Vers forward base defenses fell silent temporarily and the UFE immediately charge inside the base.
"This is it boys! Move it!" One soldier said.
"Alpha six, this is Ganymede One. FOB's entrance secured, we're moving alongside Mustang Omega! Proceeding to acquire the objective!" The soldier with callsign Ganymede One said.
"Understood Ganymede One! We are ready to reinforce in case you need it! Damascus Platoon are on stand by in case you need someone to face against Martian Kataphrakts!" Alpha Six responded.
"Copy that! How is the platoon composition?" Ganymede One asks Alpha Six.
"Two Areions, one Sentinel and one Titan. Very versatile if you ask me" Alpha Six responded.
"Roger, we'll get it done! Over and out!"
United Forces of Earth have learned that their KG-6 Sleipnir being the only active Kataphrakts in the First Terran-Martian War weren't enough to fend off Vers military might. As KG-7 Areion being produced as the successor of KG-6, several blueprints for specialized model of KG-7 also being mass produced. This is to give UFE Kataphrakts some specialization and combined with the versatile weaponry capable on equipped by the standard model, the hope is it will provide an edge needed when Second Terran-Martian War broke out and it was proven now.
KG-7 Areion is the standard model that retain similar design with KG-6 Sleipnir, this model is painted olive green and have thicker armor than the Sleipnir thus giving it more protection. The model gives the perfect balance between agility and protection and thus who could master the potential this model could give, would survive better on the battlefield. The model also capable on equipping numerous weaponries that the Kataphrakt could use. Large melee weapons, standard hand cannon as sidearm, standard assault cannon which commonly used by terran Kataphrakts, scatter cannon which essentially a large shotgun, battle cannon which is the more powerful and longer barreled version of assault cannon but with lower rate of fire, sniper cannon which equipped for long range engagement, large grenade launcher, heavy barrel sniper cannon which is powerful enough to wreck everything Vers armor could throw and the experimental recoilless cannon that designed to deal damage against landing castle. The large array of weaponry available to this model, enhanced its effectiveness and versatility on the battlefield.
KG-7B Sentinel are the more agile model of the KG-7. The model has thinner design than Areion and it also possess inertia thruster which could be used to increase its agility, the model only possesses minimal armor so the Kataphrakt is light enough that it can perform acrobatic maneuver. The main advantage of this model is the special thruster on it's back that can give it the ability to fly for short time, the speed and agility of this model require their pilot to attend additional training before they were cleared to pilot one. The model mainly equipped bladed weapons for close quarter combat and with hand cannon, scatter cannon or standard assault cannon that used by standard Kataphrakt models for long range engagements.
KG-7C Titan is the UFE's walking weapon platform. Titan possess larger build than Sentinel or Areion and it has even thicker armor than Areion, it was heavy and cumbersome but the sheer protection it has make it worthwhile. Due to the sheer weight it has, the exoskeleton of the model is more powerful than the standard one so it capable on delivering heavier blow with its hand or feet. While it has stabilizer thruster just like any terran Kataphrakts, it was primarily used for stability when using their weapons rather than mobility. Their weapons are considered heavy weapons even for Kataphrakt standard, Gatling cannon, heavy artillery and the prototype rail gun. The mech also equipped with melee weapons in form of retractable spear along it's forearm and could also be equipped with a large shield.
"Hey Mustang, stick close alright? Don't want you getting shot!" A girl said, her callsign is Ganymede Two.
"I can handle myself in infantry warfare, appreciate the concern though" Grey smiled at her.
"Ganymede Two, you could ask him on a date later! Focus your rifle on the enemies, now!" Ganymede One said.
Needless to say, Ganymede Two whose motive have been found out could only turn around with blush on her cheeks and start firing her AK103 at the enemy forces. Grey also occasionally spot someone trying to man the defensive emplacement of the base and if that person isn't wearing UEF uniform, he wordlessly would aim and shot them without hesitation. The radio then informed them that the FOB inner perimeter is cleared and the retreating Vers soldier are being chased by several squad. Ganymede squad then raise from their position and entered the base, Grey slung the sniper rifle on his back as he follows Ganymede squad from behind.
The scene around him show the aftermath of absolute carnage as the dead bodies of Vers soldiers scattered on the area, several UFE soldier laid or sit on the ground while their injuries are treated by medics. It is absolutely a miracle today that the raid on this base did not cost any life from UFE side, this is the further proof that Vers Empire did not actually that skilled in infantry warfare. Their reliance on their highly advanced war machines and orbital assets are the determining factor on battle, their infantries isn't that skilled yet they are still threatening enough to actually able to defeat UFE soldiers so taking them likely never crossed their mind.
There's a Vers soldier that still alive while clutching his wounded torso, Grey recognized him as the one who manned the machine gun near the gate of the base. The wound is quite horrid and there is no doubt that he's experiencing blood loss that would follow by shock and that will lead him to his death, slow and painful but it definitely will get the job done. On a glance, Grey is a teenager which forced to fight for Earth as an innocent teenager who suppose to fun in their youth but forced to pilot a Kataphrakt. But Grey is far from that, he lost that innocence long ago and the war only sharpen his skills and provide him life changing lesson that he will remember for life.
"P…Please…D-Don't!" The soldier said in hoarse voice.
Grey didn't hate the Vers Empire, he's outraged by what they did though. Martians blown the moon in half, messed up Earth in just under fifteen years and even destroy his home in Shinwara and even that favorite café he liked to hang out with his fellow friends, that place served delicious food! He only wanted to live peacefully but the so-called Orbital Knights carrying the banner of Vers Empire and using Princess Asseylum assassination attempt orchestrated by themselves decided to trample his peaceful life upside down, only a saint who wouldn't pick up a gun and have round two with them. Grey didn't hesitate when he raises his Dragunov and aim it toward the injured soldier's helmetless head, he makes sure to look the guy in the eyes as he squeeze the trigger and the gun erupts.
It goes without saying that 7.62mm NATO bullet penetrating a human head, scrambled the brain inside and exited through the back of their head isn't healthy at all. The soldier died before he even had the chance to blink and Grey didn't feel any sorry in fact, he gives him a merciful death by sparing him from anymore pain. Grey entered the base and found Ganymede squad already awaiting his arrival, Grey approach the leader who quickly lead him into a structure which had Vers computers rowed alongside a large screen. No matter how they look, it's the base command center.
"I heard from Major on why a young Kataphrakt pilot participating in this raid, honestly to say I'm quite sure you have few loose screws in the head kid" The leader of the raiding UFE forces said.
"Don't assume since I'm a young pilot that I can't fight on the ground without my Kataphrakt, I'm quite capable on handling myself on the battlefield too. Inside a Kataphrakt or on foot" Grey reply as he begins messing with one of the computers.
"Well I got to admit, you proved yourself today. So, what kind of Intel are we looking for in this base?" The leader asks Grey.
"Few weeks ago, during the battle on UFE Russian Headquarters on Novosibirsk. I saw a guy with light blonde hair and blue eyes shot my best friend in the head, his name is Slaine Troyard and I'm trying to locate on where did he go after that" Grey said.
"Is that it? This is all for personal revenge?" The leader asks in disbelieved tone.
"That's half the reason. That guy also brought the leader of the forces who attacked us, Count Saazbaum with him…Data we gathered before suggested that Slaine is a traitor to Vers Empire, yet he suddenly swooped in on our last battle and took their side…Something doesn't add up. Recon spotted him on this base, that's why this raid took place. We need information and we miss the window to capture and interrogate him" Grey explain to the leader.
"Shit, you did your homework I suppose…So, what did you find?" The leader asks Grey.
This kind of thing is Inaho's specialty, hacking was never Grey's expertise yet nevertheless he knows how to do it so it's sufficient enough. Breaking into Vers Empire battle network isn't actually easy so managing to pull it off was a satisfaction of its own for him, he immediately searches for arrival list on any Vers major stronghold and run the search feature with keyword Slaine Troyard, Count Saazbaum. When he got no result however, he pulled his own phone to dig a data from Tokyo's landing castle and search for the name of missing Kataphrakt as Grey was sure that thing was on Saazbaum landing castle. He found the name Tharsis and immediately run another search, he found a match…on Vers Moon Stronghold.
"I'll be damned, he went to space" Grey said.
"Huh, figures. The moon base is the safest spot for those Martians" The leader said.
"Exactly, with this I had proof of his whereabouts. At least we have answers for now, I'll have to report back to Captain Magbaradge regarding this. Thanks for your help, Captain" Grey said.
"You're welcome buddy, hope we'll fight together again soon" The captain said.
"Maybe next time I'll be on my Kataphrakt, but sure. Be on the lookout for a black Sleipnir" Grey said.
"I'd be sure to remember that" The captain smiles.
UFE Military Hospital
Somewhere near Moscow
19.23, 3rd January 2015
"…Explain yourself" Yuki Kaizuka is mad.
Grey just arrived to the hospital and went to check on Inaho because he heard that the maroon eyed boy has awake from his comma. That was lucky for Inaho, not many people survived head shots. Unlucky for Grey, when he went in still on wearing his UFE Infantry uniform, full gear and Dragunov strapped on his back while carrying basket of fruits he was lamenting his fate when he saw that every friend he knew was there. You name it. Inaho, Seylum, Inko, Nina, Calm, Lieutenant Marito, Captain Magbaradge, Lieutenant Mizusaki and lastly, he dreaded, Kaizuka Freaking Yuki. He's officially a dead man.
"…Captain Magbaradge gave me this mission-" Grey begin
"Uh uh, don't shift the blame on me young man. You volunteered for the mission yourself, almost begging in fact" Magbaradge said while smirking.
"Great, thanks for throwing me into fire pit Captain" Grey said sarcastically.
"You're most welcome" Magbaradge answer while smiling.
"Grey, start talking or will I have to call my little sister who was resting next door? Awoken from sleep and finding your being a bad boy who disobey her direct request on resting after that battle would certainly be hell for you" Yuki said, oh shit…is what Grey currently thought.
Grey is dating Kaizuka Yuki's little sister, which in fact is the twin sister of Inaho that goes by the name Kaizuka Nino. A sweet girl actually, took up mostly on Yuki's bright and sociable personality over Inaho's logical and loner vibe. She is average heighted girl with long brown hair which usually tied into side ponytail, maroon eyes just like Inaho and people consider her beautiful girl with amazing rack. Her expertise is on medical things and she is well on her way having the same skill as junior doctor, under Dr. Yagarai's tutoring she also manage to acquire even more skill and knowledge thus she got her license to work as assistant doctor on Deucalion's crew under Dr. Yagarai.
Nino was greatly shocked when she learns that her twin brother was shot in the head, luckily Yuki manage to shake her up to get a grip so she and Yagarai expertly gives him temporary treatment to stabilize Inaho's condition for surgery. That collected self however was short lived as she realized that Grey isn't with them when the Deucalion took off, Nino was torn into two where she wants her brother to live and making sure that Grey has place to retreat. In the end, she went with saving her brother and pray for the best when it comes to Grey.
Gray was founded in the state of complete exhaustion beside his fallen black Sleipnir which was utterly in irreparable situation by UFE reinforcement, what amaze the reinforcing UFE soldier however is the sheer number of victims he brought down with him. Grey also took a grenade shrapnel to his right eye and knife slash to his left has rendered him blind. The reinforcement then called in medical evacuation and took him to the UFE Russian Headquarters, Nino was the first to rush to his side and found out the hard way that his eyes can't be saved. Two important guys in her life have been rendered blind and half-blind by this war, she isn't sure how long will the war last but she did hope it ends soon.
After getting his eyes removed, Grey was offered to test new ocular implants that UFE developed. That would mean his and Inaho's second chance on seeing things normally again, Grey agreed on the spot while Inaho's are to wait after he wakes up. The operation is success and Grey were able to see again, with even better feature than his organic eyes. He has a Heads-Up Display which can be configured, the implant has analytical engine to interpret lots of data and it can zoom in with range like a freaking telescope that he could see the moon's surface just by standing outside! That was a week ago and Nino have explicitly requested him that he took it easy and just rest until he's completely healed, but screw that. Grey approach Captain Magbaradge to request mission to find out what the actual fuck is going on in Saazbaum Landing Castle during Princess One Mission on assaulting the landing castle. That was done in secrecy, if Nino found out then it's the real good bye for him.
"Anything but that, please" Grey almost tempted to kneel in front of her.
"Then tell us, what did you find and why the hell did you do it in the first place!?" Yuki asks Grey.
"I found out that Slaine took off to Moon base, we miss the window to capture him. It is quite likely Saazbaum need quick medical attention and that base is the nearest bastion other than the landing castle, after getting Saazbaum stabilized enough they immediately went to the Moon. But no record of their presence ever noted on the arrival log on Vers Empire Battle Network, only Tharsis which is the Kataphrakt they use are recorded there" Grey explained to everyone.
"The entire thing was done in secrecy…Saazbaum has so much influence that he managed influence the orbital knights to participate in his assassination attempt in order to ignite war using my death. I have a speculation that his influence also run all the way inside Moon base too, it would be quite possible to erase their track in the meantime to plan what are they going to do…With my supposed death, Saazbaum hold the control over Vers military stationed on Earth but I wasn't sure if that is his end goal or not. We would have to wait for their next move" Seylum said her conclusion regarding Grey's Intel.
"That does make sense and Seylum-san was right, we still don't know what was Saazbaum endgame…Though, he spoke about punishing the royal family who let his lover died during Heaven's Fall fifteen years ago" Yuki said to everyone.
"Then he has succeeded, Seylum died in the eyes of Vers Empire and UFE. Only Saazbaum and Slaine knew that she is still alive…I can confirm myself that Saazbaum forces in landing castle are all dead to tell the tale" Grey said in affirmation.
"Regarding that…There is something I want to say to everyone" Seylum said.
Thus, she explained to everyone about her decision to remain dead in the eyes of Vers and UFE. This cause mixed reaction coming from everyone, mostly were supportive regarding her decision and some choose to let her do what she wanted as they already consider her a normal girl so her action did not affect them that much. Grey himself sense there are more than meets the eye regarding Seylum change of heart, betrayed by her own people and they even tried to kill her when they knew she's alive does make most people lose hope for them. What he didn't expect is Seylum herself to be among such people.
He remembers how idealistic she is, Seylum said that she wanted to be the bridge for peace between Earth and Mars. Grey found it to be naïve, so naïve that the princess believe that words and diplomacy would solve everything. She doesn't know the true nature of a human and he once argue with her regarding it. People are willing to avert their eyes from the truth in order to live in a comfortable lie, people are capable of cruelty to get what they believe to be their rights. If that means murdering their own princess to spark the war that will justify their existence, then so be it. Those orbital knights knew a thing or two regarding framing a side to spark a war.
What he suspected is since that day on her assassination, something inside her cracked which is her innocent view of the world to be exact. During the fight on Tanegashima's Island, she witnessed that terrans only want to defend themselves and given time they may try to talk for peace if they weren't attacked for long enough. When Rayet tried to choke her to death, she once again learned the hard way that she is just an excuse and cause for the conflict and all in the name of glory of Vers Empire. The last straw he suspected was during The Battle on UFE Headquarters. She tried every peaceful solution she could, she plead for ceasefire, she plead for the stop of hostilities and then she also found the hard way that her people simply don't care about her view of peace. Her view and dream of peace that full of cracks, finally shatters into million pieces thus she gave up, peaceful future be damned.
That was her main reason, then what drives her wants to be a Terran? So far, he concerned, being a royalty of Vers and rightful heir of Mars wouldn't mean a damn thing if her people try to kill her. But some must be loyal to her, they could provide her aid in order to usurp control of the Orbital Knights on Earth. What stopped her from doing that? Then Grey's vision falls toward Kaizuka Inaho who just awaken today, his left hand being gripped by Seylum. 'Ah, now everything makes sense' thought Grey. Despite all her suffering, grief, shattered hope, Inaho are capable providing her the comfort she needs. Love tramples everything in the end, she is willing to cast everything aside to be with the man she loves who almost died in the hands of her childhood friend who claimed that killing Inaho is for the sake of Seylum…Oh hell, all of that plan seems to worth it now 'Pfft, pathetic Slaine Troyard. Inaho saved her from Saazbaum, does everything he could so she could remain safe. You, in your so-called protection tried to murder the one whose protecting her all along? What do you say for yourself, asshole' Grey thought to himself.
"Seylum, this also means we have to forge your new identity and background" Grey said.
"I will handle that, Grey-kun. I already have a perfect scenario to forge her identity as a Terran…Now, we prioritize in letting Inaho-kun healed. As for you, Grey-kun. You are to rest for now, in two or three weeks, I got an important job for you" Magbaradge said.
"Understood Captain" Grey said.
"Good, I still have something to do. Get well soon, Inaho-kun. Mizusaki, let's go" Magbaradge said.
"Yeah, we'll be going now" Mizusaki said.
Magbaradge and Mizusaki left the room, the others in the room talked to Inaho about what have they been doing and fill him out on what happened after few weeks he had gone in comma. Marito though, he looks at Grey who show the group his given Dragunov sniper rifle and after taking out the magazine and pull the slide to eject the bullet in its chamber he handed it to Calm. Marito had his suspicion on Grey since the war begin, Grey never shown how skilled he was until that bastard with a Kataphrakt that could absorb anything dropped from the sky.
If that isn't enough to make him suspicious, then the next part will make it. Darzana Magbaradge and Mizusaki Kaoru, both of them supposedly never met with Grey before. But when the invasion hit, when they meet Grey, they immediately became aware of one thing…It's that their combat potential of their little group just improved by talking with Grey once, Marito still remember it clear as day. Magbaradge asked Grey a question regarding the last fight in which Grey responded 'There's so few of us, but we are prepared. That's why we could get that bastard' After that, Magbaradge nodded her head and replied with 'Glad those few could join us, we need all the help we can get'…
"How do you feel, Grey?" Marito ask Grey.
"What do you mean?" Grey raise one of his eyebrows.
"The mission, how do you feel about it?" Marito make his question clearer.
"…Relieved that there are no casualties on our side" Grey said.
"Good. Though, you really got what it takes to be a soldier" Marito said.
This cause few eyebrows to raise, mainly Inaho and Grey. In their case, they both knew damn well that Marito implied something with his question and statement just now. The others don't find the connection that makes their former instructor words to make sense, Seylum are even more confused than the others due to being the most recent addition of the group and she still know very little of others except for Inaho.
"Lieutenant, what do you mean?" Inko asks Marito.
"…Look at him, Inko. Grey doesn't look like someone who just returned from a battlefield few hours ago. Tell me, do any of you ever being trained to be infantry except for firing your sidearm in the shooting range?" Marito ask everyone.
"Nah, mostly we trained using Kats, right?" Calm said.
"Precisely. Then Grey, you are steady under fire, capable handling guns well, knew your way around the battlefield, wasn't afraid in participating infantry shootout even you are primarily a pilot and not to mention, you are calm and collected for a student who just volunteered to get shot at just to get an Intel…You're just a student in my eyes before, but this war has definitely change my impression of you. Captain and her aide knew something about you that we don't, you're not just a student…You are too trained" Marito said his opinion.
"Hmm…Of all things, of course I can't fool a veteran. I suspect you knew that I held back during practice?" Grey asks Marito in serious tone.
"Of course. Kaizuka's little bro over there top the scoreboards because you held back, just enough to be number two. That's the reason of your signature combo, isn't it? A mystical orange Kataphrakt who has a shadow that roams around it. You two sure make an interesting legend" Marito said then chuckles.
"I told you that he won't be fooled, Grey" Inaho said suddenly.
"Yeah, yeah. You told me that a thousand times already" Grey said.
"No way…I thought that just because you like black!" Calm said.
"No Calm, that's the entire philosophy why I choose black as my Kat's paint. Inaho has the brain and skills, I only have the skills. That is why, I'm a shadow. This is what we agreed on when the fighting starts and we are content with it" Grey explain to everyone.
"Huh, that reminds me. Yeah, Grey is the number two all along. So that's why!" Inko said.
"So that's why! I thought you two are in intense rivalry, but it turns out you two already agreed to it?!" Nina said.
"I told you before, he's my best friend…I can't tell you guys in here, too risky" Grey said.
"Right, we better talk about it on Deucalion later…Hey…This is a bit sudden, but gathering like this really bring the nostalgia" Inko said.
"Yeah, I do agree with you" Nina said.
Ah, good times, where life is simple. Inaho muse to himself what would happen if the war never begins and all of them could continue living as a civilian? But then, he would have never met and fall in love with Seylum. She will keep being a princess and he could see himself getting into college then work in some office or laboratories, Inaho never realized that he possesses such drive to make Earth safe by battling Orbital Knights until he saw Okisuke, his friend died right in front of his eyes. If he wasn't determined enough when Okisuke died, he become much more after his feelings for Asseylum grew. Protecting her have become one of the highest priorities in his mind.
"…I still don't know so much of my friends before the war" Seylum murmur at herself.
"Oh?" Inaho comment at Seylum murmur.
"D-Did you hear?!" Seylum asks Inaho.
"Hear what? I didn't hear anything" Inaho asks her back.
Seylum sigh in relief that Inaho didn't hear her, she is quite curious regarding her friend's past before the war. 'Well, I could always ask Inko or Nina later' Seylum thought to herself, it's kind of embarrassing thing to ask in this situation. Unknown to Seylum, Inaho actually caught on what she said and he want to help Seylum in getting everyone knew better. She earned that much just by being their friends.
"Seylum wants to know how are we doing before the war begun" Inaho suddenly said.
"Inaho-san! Mou, you said you didn't hear about it!" Seylum said while blushing.
"Well yeah, she deserves to know right? She's our friend!" Calm said.
"Alright, we got time and snacks! So, who wants to begin?" Nina ask the group.
"Inaho proposed it, but we can't strain him today. So, Grey?" Calm ask Grey.
"I suspect as much" Grey could only shrug.
Marito could only smile at the scene in front of him, 'well kids will be kids in the end' Marito thought. Now he just remembered that Intel Grey brought here will mean that they will be deployed into space sooner or later, great. It isn't that he doesn't have the necessary training to fight on outer space inside his Kataphrakt, it because hell it will going to suck three times more than ground combat against Vers Empire…Those Stygis Fighters are annoying as hell, it is a good thing that their armaments type for Kataphrakts operating in space have added weaponry type. It wasn't that thrilling fighting those guys with only that bulky recoilless cannon while those fighters had quad machine guns and missile pods!
"I'll be leaving you kids to catch up, holler if you need me will ya?" Marito said to everyone.
"You better not be drinking!" Inko said.
"Heh, I'm an adult already, I do what I want hahahaha" Marito said as he leaves.
"Stubborn old man…Oh well, two days before all went down is a great start, I think. So, here how it turns out" Grey said.
Well that's quite long for a prologue, next chapter will backtrack to what happen with the characters before Operation: Earthfall is commenced by the Orbital Knights. I will try to update the next chapter as soon as I can but, being in college do limit the free time I had. For now, this is the prologue of the story. Until next time.