Elvengirl: I am back!
Sain: Amazing.
Elvengirl: Sorry this took so long. I got really busy right before the holidays. But today I finally sat down and said I'm not moving till I finish this chapter, which was originally supposed to be much longer, but I cut that in half. Just to make a few things clear: The Neo- prefix refers to a colony in space, again think G-Gundam. The Gundam SEED/Destiny stuff will become blatently obivious soon. Enjoy the chapter.
"You are the gundam fighters of Neo-Ostia and Neo-Pherae, are you not?" came a clear voice from the Nobel Gundam.
"So what if we are?" Hector retorted through a microphone.
"I am Lyndis of Neo-Caelin, and I challenge you, Hector of Neo-Ostia, to a gundam fight!"
"Eliwood, there's no way out of this. I've been formally challenged," Hector looked down at the communicator screen, sighing irritably. A small smile played on Eliwood's lips.
"So have I. While not as vocal as Lady Lyndis, Neo-Araphen's Gundam fighter has some spirit. Guess this'll be two-on-two. huh?"
"Yeah. Oswin, get Bolt ready. I'm heading out."
"Misuke-san, I'd advise you to move behind the transporters. It would be more safer for you." Marcus radioed the small jeep.
"I will. Thank you Marcus-san." Misuke turned the jeep around and drove until they were slightly behind Neo-Pherea's transporter. She angeled the jeep to get a clear view of the combat area. She then proceeded to set up a small video camers, while Omi hooked it up to the computer.
"I understand that you're going to record the fight, but why are you using a computer?" asked Matthew.
"The computer displays the stats and such," Misuke smiled, "It's the way that we find out the units, what they're armed with, the odds, and so on."
"Very cool," Matthew nodded. "I also assume that some of that involves hacking?" His eyes glowed with curiosity and admiration.
"How perceptive. And now you're wondering how we got our hands on this junk," Omi grinned.
"So you're the hacker...and yes, I am curious."
"My best friend Nagi gave it to us as a going away gift when we left."
"Nice. You'll have to introduce me."
"If you want to follow us home after the fight," Misuke laughed, starting the camera. The Gundam fight was about to begin.
Hector activated the Bolt Gundam and strode out to the battlefield. He faced the Nobel Gundam, sighing. It had been Hector's plan to reach Ostia without much delay. Now he was faced with another obsticle. Shaking his head to focus himself, Hector studied the Nobel Gundam. It lacked armor. That was the first thing he noticed. 'So it's built for speed,' he thought, 'Trying out a new strategy are they?'
The Nobel Gundam was this, and gave off a very female air. It looked like it wore a blue skirt and a white shirt with a red bow. There was yellow, metallic, hair flowing down the back.
While Hector analysied the Nobel Gundam, Eliwood did the same for the Rising Gundam. It stood tall, the sun reflecting off its read torso and white armour. Eliwood smiled, eager for the challenge. Neo-Araphen had lost early in the last gundam fight, so he hadn't had the chance to engage them in combat.
"Lord Hector, Lord Eliwood, the officials are readay," said Lowen, "Good luck to you both."
"Thanks Lowen. Ready Hector?"
"Ready Eliwood."
"Gundam fight ready...go!"
"So, who d'you think's gonna win?" asked Matthew, watching the four gundams charge each other.
"Well, if we look at the Bolt versus Nobel fight, all statistics point to the Bolt gundam as the winner. But I wouldn't cut the Nobel gundam out yet. This is a speed against power battle," Misuke concluded, never taking her eyes off the fight.
"I'd say that the Shining versus Rising fight's pretty much equal, stats or not," Omi smiled.
"You guys are amazing," Matthew laughed as he shook his head.
"Blast!" muttered Hector, blocking a kick from the Nobel gundam. The battle had just started and already he was on the defensive. He held his hands up in a defensive block, causing his forearms to take the vicious kicking attack.
"I can't take much more of this," he spat, grabbing the Nobel gundam's ankle, throwing it to the ground. Hector used this time to summon the Bolt gundams Graviton Hammer, a large metal ball on a laser whip. The Nobel gundam rolled away as the metallic ball came down, leaving a small crator where some trees once stood. The Nobel gundam got up and began to run, in a hopes to confuse her opponent. Hector smirked, aiming for what was clearly an after image. At the last second, he snapped back around, slamming the hammer into the Nobel Gundam, badly damaging the right side.
"Not bad," Hector grinned. The Nobel gundam stood up, sparks flying from the now broken right arm.
"I haven't lost yet!" yelled Lyndis.
"But you will soon!" Hector knew this victory was his, "Gaia Crusher!" The Bolt Gundam slammed its fist into the ground, sending a shockwave towards the Nobel gundam. The Nobel Gundam leapt up, pulling out a metal rod, which ignited into a red ribbon. It encircled the right arm of the Bolt Gundam and pulled tight. There was a standstill.
"What are you going to do now?" Lyn asked.
"Blast," Hector yelled. The tables had been turned in a matter of minutes. In desperation, Hector activated the Graviton Hammer, attempting to further ruin the Nobel Gundam's right side. Possibly remove the head section as well and knock Neo-Caelin out of the tournament. This was cleary expected, as the Nobel Gundam leapt over the attack, using the hammer as a propulsion to land a kick squarely in the chest of the Bolt Gundam. Hector gasped, the wind knocked out of him. There was no time to recover. Another kick came to the cheek, nearly removing the Bolt Gundam's head. The Bolt Gundam fell.
"I...I lost?" Hector lay inside his gundam, confused. Finally recovering and climbing out, he watched the pilot lower herself. "Damn...where'd she get all the strength? She's about as skinny as Eliwood. I wonder how he's doing?" Hector looked over at the other fight. It to, was coming to a close.
Eliwood gasped for air. The fight had been going on for about thirty minutes and already he was exhausted. He couldn't recall the last time he'd had such and equal battle. Yet, in each blow that was exchanged, Eliwood felt a note of desperation from the Rising Gundam's pilot. It was the same desperation he fought with. The longing to see his father again. What, then, was this fighter searching for? What longing drove them?
"Why are you fighting?" Eliwood asked, when his breath returned. A new curiosity begged him to ask.
"Why shoud it matter/" came the reply, clearly a female, if somewhat monotone voice, "My reasons are my own!"
The Rising Gundam charged, activating its beam bow. The Shining Gundam dove to one side, avoiding the beam arrows and retaliating with a shining shot. With the Rising Gundam momentarily blinded, Eliwood charged for a final attack.
"Shining Finger!" he yelled, grabbing the head section of the Rising Gundam. The right hand of the Shinining gundam had turned a bright gold, sending enormous heatwaves through the Rising Gundam. In a few minutes the head section would be destroyed, the Rising Gundam disqualified.
"I...I give. You win," came a weak voice from the Rising Gundam.
"You forfiet?" Eliwood asked.
"Yes. I've already contacted the officials."
Eliwood let go. The Rising gundam fell, and rose no longer.
"Intense," Matthew grinned, nodding.
"Indeed," Omi agreed, stopping the video camera.
"This is going to be one great article," Misuke grinned, wider than Matthew. She rubbed her hands together eagerly, "I just need to interview the fighters."
"I'd suggest starting with Lord Eliwood, as Lord Hector may be in a bad mood," Matthew advised.
"Good call," Misuke agreed. Started up the jeep and drove towards the fallen Rising gundam.
"That was an awesome battle, Lord Eliwood," Omi smiled as they pulled up.
"Thank you, Omi," Eliwood smiled back.
"Is the pilot alright?" asked Misuke, looking towards the Rising Gundam with concern.
"She should be," Eliwood replied, "She forfieted before the attack got to severe. I'll just go check." Eliwood climbed onto the Gundam and walked towards the cockpit. It was open and the pilot was climbing out.
"Here, let me help you," Eliwood said, running the last few steps.
"No, it's alright. I'm fine," the pilot gasped in response, pulling herself out of the cockpit.
"That was a good fght you put up," Eliwood smiled, reaching out his hand, "I'm impressed."
"Thanks, but why were you asking me those questions on the battlefield?" She brushed away his hand and stood up herself.
"Because, I fight with the same desperation. Are you looking for someone? Limstella, right?"
"Yes, I am. Who are you looking for then?" Limstella asked, making eye contact for the first time. Eliwood was surprised. Limstella's eyes were an intense gold, gazing into his with ferocity emphisized by her black hair and pale skin. All of this was accented by the black fight suit she wore.
"Oh...I'm looking for my father. He dissappeared about six months ago. Have you seen him?" Eliwood held up a worn picture of an older man. He looked similar to Eliwood, except that he had a moustache and older, careworn eyes. Limstella took the picture and studied it.
"No, I'm sorry. I haven't seen him at all," she replied, handing the picture back.
"It's alright. Who are you searching for?"
"My brother, but he dissappeared a long time ago, after the last gundam fight."
"So, about four years ago?"
Limstella nodded and looked away. Eliwood looked down. It was clear that this matter upset Limstella.
"Can I offer assistance? We have food and maitenence."
"That would be greatly appreciated. Neo-Caelin's ground crew aren't the most reliable."
"Neo-Araphen's still having finacial problems then?"
"Yes. Affording a proper ground crew is difficult."
"I see, well then, come with me. Oh yeah, a young reporter is travelling with us, so I hope you don't mind if she asks you for an interview."
"Not at all. It's rare that something like that occurs." Limstella's eyes lit up but she did not smile.
"Hey Matthew! Could you radio Marcus and tell him to aid with the Rising Gundam?"
"Sure thing, Lord Eliwood!"
"You do have your own transporter, right?"
"Of course." Limstella slid off the gundam, landing softly on the ground below. Misuke ran up to her, smiling like a madman.
"Hi, I'm Misuke, a freelance reporter. Think I could interview you later? You're Limstella, pilot of Neo-Araphen's Rising Gundam, right?"
"Y-yes. Yes I am." Limstella was a little unnerved by Misuke's abrutness. Eliwood grinned. He was about to say, "I told you so," but a loud curse ripped from the forest nearby, cutting him off.
"Hector's match didn't go to well?" He glanced at Misuke and Omi for clarification. Omi shook his head, watching as Hector stomped onto the road, muttering angrily to himself. He was accompanied by a young woman and two young men.
"Lady Lyndis of Neo-Caelin?" asked Eliwood with a nod. Lyn nodded back.
"Yes, and you are Lord Eliwood of Neo-Pherae, correct?"
"Indeed. Who are your companions?"
"These are my bodygaurds, Kent and Sain..."
"Oh, I have never seen a fairer beauty!" The one named Sain ran up to Misuke and grabbed her hands. Misuke took a step back, her face bright red. She gazed into a pair of brown eyes, alight with joy. His short, messy, brown hair was tied back with a green bandana. He wore black jeans, a white shirt and green jacket. His smile was unnerving.
"I am known as Sain, and what, pray tell, is your name, fair angel?"
"Um...I'm Misuke..." Misuke squeaked, her former abrutness gone. She let go of Sain and backed up behind Limstella.
"Oh, she even has the voice of an angel," Sain crooned.
"That's enough Sain," sighed the other knight, boxing Sain over the years. He introduced himself as Kent. Though younger than his companion, Kent clearly had much more wisdom, His hair was also cut short and was a red-orange colour. Right now, his brown eyes were filled with annoyance. He was dressed similar to Sain, though with a red jacket.
"I apologize," Lyn smiled sheepishly, coming over to Misuke and Limstella, "he's a bit of a womanizer, Sain is."
"So I noticed," Misuke smiled, making eye contact with Lyn. Her eyes were green, same with her hair, which was long, and tied back in a pony-tail. Her fightsuit was green, showing a well-toned body.
"Well, who wants supper?" asked Matthew, looking around. Everyone stared at him oddly. Eliwood broke the silence.
"Sounds like a good idea."
"But we have to get back to Ostia," Hector complained.l
"After supper. We'll drive through the night."
"Fine."
Dinner was small, as they had to divide their depleting rations amoung twelve people. Luckily, it was enough that everyone could still enjoy their meals. Misuke was able to interview the four gundam pilots, and set off promptly after dinner to write the article. Omi and Matthew had become fast friends, and Omi was aiding Matthew in the repair of the Rising Gundam. Lowen talked freely with Kent and Sain. Eliwood was discussing politics of the gundam fight with Lyn while Marcus and Oswin argued over the shortest route to Ostia. Limstella sat alone, gazing at the stars.
"How is the article coming, Misuke?" Hector asked, coming over. Misuke jumped.
"Oh...fine, Lord Hector," she blushed. Hector smiled back. He wore his normal clothes now. A black t-shirt, blue jeans, and a blue jean jacket.
"That's good to hear." He took at seat beside her.
"Are we really going to try for Ostia?" asked Misuke, saiving her files and turning off her laptop.
"Yeah. I wanna get there as soon as possible."
"Why are you in such a rush?"
"Well my brother's there..."
"I see..." Misuke nodded.
"Not really," Hector sighed, "Y'see, my brother hasn't been in the best of health lately so I wanna check up on him, but I just know he'll rag on me for losing."
"Now I see. I can relate," Misuke smiled.
"How so?"
"Back home, in the village I grew up in, I was the only girl. So the boys in my village are like my brothers, older, younger, and the same age. My older ones are really protective of me."
"I can see why," Hector smiled, putting his arm around her shoulder. Misuke blushed, but at the same time leaned on him.
"Lord Hector! Oswin says we're ready to go!" Matthew yelled, his voice cutting the silence.
"Alright," Hector sounded annoyed, "Misuke, you wanna hitch a ride on one of the transporters? It's still a couple hours till Ostia."
"Sure. That'd be great."
"Hey Hector!" This time Eliwood's voice rang through the night.
"Now what?"
"Is it alright if Lyn and Limstella join us?"
"Yeah sure, whatever." Hector turned back to Misuke, "Guess you can ride on the Bolt Gundam Transport."
"Thanks, but I think I'll join Omi on the Rising Gundam Transport. Good night, Lord Hector."
"There's no need for formalities," sighed Hector, getting out of the jeep, "Hector is just fine. Good night Misuke."
Dawn came quickly the next day, not that Omi had slept well. Despite the size of the transporters, it still suffered from the bumps on the road. Omi sat up and looked at his watch. It was about five thirty and sunlight was just starting to peak through the heavy clouds. Omi sighed. He wondered how far away they were from Ostia.
"Omi-kun, you're awake?" Misuke looked up at her young companion.
"Oh...yeah. Good morning, Misuke." Omi looked down at Misuke, who lay in the driver's seat of the jeep.
"Lovely morning," Misuke yawned, sitting up. Omi nodded in agreement.
"'suki-chan, how far away are we from Ostia?"
"Let's see," Misuke turned on the scanner.
"We should be there in about ten minutes or so."
"That's great!"
"What the hellare you two doing up so early?" asked Matthew, sleepily. He had stayed out with them.
"Why not, Matt? It's a lovely morning. Besides, we're ten minutes away from Ostia." Misuke answered his question with a grin. Matthew yawned, rubbing his eyes.
"I see, so we're almost there. You guys have been to Ostia, right?" He asked, sitting up.
"Yeah." Omi gave an annoyed snort.
"Not a morning person, Omi?"
"Omi-kun just didn't sleep well is all."
Matthew nodded, climbing into the jeep. Omi slid into the front seat, and attempted to use his remaining ten minutes to catch up on sleep. Misuke debated on wethere or not to turn on some music. deciding not to so that Omi could sleep.
Elvengirl: I hope you all enjoyed that, and I'll try to be more prompt on the update next time.