Chapter 2 - Shining in the Wilds
Kyoji Kasshu awoke with a start he was breathing quickly and irregularly. It quickly returned to normal as Kyoji's dulled senses began working again. He took in his surroundings before slowly getting up; he let out a slight yelp and then clutched his still bandaged torso before finally sitting up.
This was his room, or to put it another way, it was the room he was borrowing from Sai Sici while he stayed with him. His parents, well his mother at least, had insisted that he spend some time recuperating after his battle with the Ultimate Gundam. Kyoji admitted that he probably needed the rest, but he didn't like sitting around doing nothing so despite some objections he was still doing some training under the tutelage of Sai Sici.
After dressing Kyoji intended to go looking for some food. If he was lucky he'd find Sici in the kitchen. Opening his door Kyoji took a step out but was nearly knocked over by the 6-year old Sai Long-Bai. Who was promptly followed by a rather angry Sai Anella. Apparently the younger sibling had done something to annoy the elder sibling. Regaining his balance Kyoji stuck his head out the doorway and watched to two children zoom off down the hallway.
'You two stop it now! You'll wake up Kyoji!' yelled an exhausted looking Cecil. Kyoji judged correctly that she must have been chasing the children for some time now. Upon reaching his door she paused for breath but the jumped when she noticed Kyoji looking back at her. 'Kyoji! I hope they didn't wake you.'
'No it's ok. I was getting up anyway.' said Kyoji meekly.
'Feeling any better?' she asked. Concern permeated her voice and Kyoji could tell that she was an excellent mother, more than compensating for her husband's less mature attitude to parenting. It kind of reminded him about his own parents.
'A little rough, but Ok.' he replied. 'I'm just not used to doing nothing.'
'Don't push yourself too much,' she told him. 'We don't want you hurting yourself.'
Kyoji was about to speak again when the sound of a vase smashing to the ground echoed down the corridor, followed by both children say 'I didn't do it.' in unison. Cecil jumped at the sound but she didn't stay shocked for long. With speed worthy of a Gundam Fighter she raced off down the corridor, caught up with the mischievous children and dragged them back down the corridor.
'Kyoji, Sici is in the kitchen. I'll join you once I've dealt with these two.' With that she dragged the children away and Kyoji quietly slipped off towards the kitchen.
The kitchen of the Sai household was naturally large and spacious and outfitted with all the latest cooking equipment. As Kyoji entered he quickly too note of who was there. Sici was behind the stove cooking up what would undoubtedly be another great meal and the bickering duo of Min and Hoi, who made up his support team, were already sitting at the table.
'Morning Kyoji,' said Hoi briefly looking up from his meal and waving a spoon. 'The parts we needed for the Shining Gundam came in earlier so I should have it up and round by midday.'
'There's no rush Hoi,' said Min. 'It's not like he's going to need it anytime soon. He's meant to be resting.'
'He still needs to practice.' replied Hoi. 'Nothing complex, just the basics.'
'No he needs to rest.' said Min, her voice getting slightly more aggressive. 'Didn't you listen to Rain?'
'And didn't you listen to Domon!' demanded Hoi
'Don't I get a say in this?' asked Kyoji timidly but they weren't listening to him. Judging from what they were saying it looked like his parents had sent conflicting messages about what he should do. Naturally his father wanted him to train, but his mother wanted him to rest. Kyoji sighed, accepted the bowl Sici offered him and sat down to eat.
Lisa Gill awoke abruptly. Kicking the duvet off her overheated body she sat up in the bed and pulled her legs in close to her chest. Sweat and tears clung to her gentle face. She'd had that dream again; no not a dream a nightmare was the best word to describe it. The nightmare had an odd sense of familiarity about it; she almost felt she knew the creatures it depicted; it was certainly an unsettling feeling.
Letting her chin rest on her knees she looked around the room she'd been sleeping in. It was the master bedroom of Paul's country cottage and was surprisingly Spartan. There were few personal effects that belonged to Paul only a hand full of family photos and the occasional book. Shifting her weight she slipped her lithe frame off the bed and padded over to the chest of draws. She picked on one particular photo frame and stared at the picture it held. It was a family photo of the Snowdons. She recognised Paul's father and mother and judging from the date what looked like a five year old Paul but there were two things in the picture that were strange. There was another man in the picture, she didn't know who it was, but it looked like he was part of the family. The other things was a Gundam in the background it had the traditional red and black Neo England colours but it was virtually identical to Neo Japan's Shining Gundam; no not virtually identical, it was the Shining Gundam.
Lisa put the photograph down. Who was this new person in the picture? If he was related to Paul why didn't he ever mention him? And why did Neo England have the Shining Gundam? The date on the photograph was FC 64, the year Neo England was banned from the Gundam Fight. She sighed, this family had many secrets and she wasn't sure she'd ever be able to understand them properly.
Slipping the top she'd slept in off she picked up a towel from the radiator and quietly walked through to the bathroom. Fiddling with the controls on the shower she found the temperature she wanted and then got in.
Kyoji Kasshu sat cross-legged atop a tall mountain looking down on the valley below. A small stack of smoke rose slowly and erratically from Sai Sici's compound. Kyoji heard the noise of someone walking on the rocks and turned his head slightly to see who was coming. He watched as Sai Sici sat down next to him.
'You've been spending a lot of time up here.' said the older fighter.
'I wanted to do some thinking.' replied Kyoji.
'Anything you want to talk about?' asked Sici
'I.I feel responsible of Paul's death,' started Kyoji. 'If I'd been able to control the Super Mode I'd have been able to defeat the Devil Gundam. Paul would still be alive and Lisa wouldn't be depressed. I failed.'
'You didn't fail.' reassured Sici. 'The Super Mode is horrendously difficult to control and it took your father a lot of work to do it. You did your best fighting the Devil Gundam and no one could ask for more.'
'But I'm hopeless! How can I live up to my dad's reputation if I get defeated so easily?'
'So that is what this is all about?' said Sici. 'You are trying to prove you are just as good as Domon?' Kyoji nodded slightly. 'Well let me tell you. Don't. You should be trying to prove to people that you are Kyoji Kasshu, and not Domon Kasshu.'
Lisa was disturbed by the sound of the communication console informing her about the arrival of a message. Wondering who would be trying to contact her she went to over to investigate. She was surprised to find that it was a pre-recorded message from Colonel Harrison. She tapped the green receive button and waited for the message to start. The screen blinked for a few seconds before Colonel Harrison's face appeared. She wasn't sure but it looked like he'd gained a few extra grey hairs since she'd last seen him.
'Good morning Ms Gill,' said the message. 'I hope this finds you well. Although I'd love it too be this isn't a social call.' The colonel's expression turned to one of seriousness. 'I'm sure you are aware that Ms Wilson has take Paul's place as our Gundam Fighter. Unfortunately her pathological hatred for all men is making working conditions somewhat strenuous. I was hoping that you could come and join us and try to help Ms Wilson adjust. Not wanting to sound too intrusive but I thought this might also be able to help you. I'm sure Paul wouldn't have wanted you to mope around the colony forever. You don't have to come but please contact me.'
She paused for a little while, not really sure on what to do. Making up her mind Lisa tapped the new message button.
The Shining Gundam jabbed its right fist out then pulled it back quickly dropping backwards a few steps it then jabbed outwards with its left fist. Returning to the normal combat stance, turning on the ball of its left foot the Gundam sent its right leg out in a kick. Retracting its leg the Shining Gundam then went down and kneeled. The cockpit opened the Kyoji stepped out.
'How was it this time?' shouted Hoi from the ground.
'Better.' replied Kyoji. 'I think if you increase it .003 then we'll have the balance perfect. I'm a little concerned over the AFY382 circuit; my display was showing a power loss from it.'
'Ok I'll check it out.' said Hoi. 'That's part of the energy transfer system, might be just playing up because of the maintenance.'
Kyoji sat himself down on the edge of the cockpit, hanging his legs over the edge; he pulled a terminal over and pulled up the maintenance report. Idly reading the reports he munched his way though some cakes that had been stashed in his cockpit. The output reading next to circuit AFY382 changed from yellow to green.
'That got it.' he called down dropping the terminal into the cockpit. Standing up Kyoji noticed a warning light flashing on the sensor controls. Moving to investigate he pulled up the readout. It showed a Gundam level energy signature approaching. Knowing it couldn't be Sai Sici's Dragon Gundam he surmised that it was another Gundam.
A communications window popped up next to Kyoji showing Hoi's face. 'What is it?' he asked.
'Gundam level power signature.' replied Kyoji. 'I think someone's looking for a Gundam Fight.'
As the words left Kyoji's mouth a Gundam rocketed over the roof of the surrounding buildings and landed in the courtyard.
'Kyoji Kasshu. It has taken me a little while to track you down.' Kyoji recognised the voice instantly. 'I've come for our rematch.'
'Rob Sexton.' said Kyoji. 'I see you've had your Gundam rebuilt.'
'All for the job of beating you.' said Sexton.
'I'll fight you, but not here,' said Kyoji calmly. 'Too many civilians.'
'As you wish.' replied Rob. 'We wouldn't want anyone getting hurt now would we.'
The two Gundams took off flying out of the compound and off into the mountains. Coming to a stop above a clearing Kyoji set the Shining Gundam down. He was quickly followed by Rob Sexton in the Roo Gundam. Kyoji carefully observed his opponent. He judged that the Roo Gundam's legs had been reinforced since the last battle.
'GUNDAM FIGHT!' 'READY?' 'GO!'
The two Gundams raced towards each other, colliding with enough force to send themselves rebounding backwards. The Roo Gundam took an early lead by planting a series of powerful punches on the Shining Gundam but Kyoji replied in kind. Charging in close the Roo Gundam shoulder barged Kyoji, knocking him off balance. The Roo Gundam leant back so that it was being help up by its tail. In this position it used its powerful legs to pound the Shining Gundam.
Through the combination of the barge and then the kicks it took Kyoji a little while to regain his composure. Dropping back just put of reach he took out a beam sabre and ignited it. He ducked in low under the Roo Gundam's flaying legs with a mighty swipe he sliced the Roo Gundam's tail off causing it too fall to the ground.
The Roo Gundam bounded back up and planted a well placed foot smashing into the Shining Gundams head, for a moment it looked like the head would come off, but it held firm. Kyoji replied by taking several slashes at the Roo Gundam, but he failed to make contact. Panting slightly he shifted back onto the defensive as the Roo Gundam restarted its assault.
Jumping into the air the Roo Gundam raised a leg and aimed it at the Shining Gundam. The sole of its foot began to glow lightning blue. 'Lightning Roo Kick!' Yelled Sexton as his Gundam rocketed toward Kyoji.
Rather than countering with the Shining Finger like last time Kyoji slipped sideways at the last moment and let the Roo Gundam plough into the ground.
'Enough!' Roared Kyoji.
'Gah! Not again.' stammered Rob Sexton.
'My hand is glowing and roaring!' said Kyoji as the Shining Gundam's faceplate opened and the head fins shot out. 'It's telling me to defeat you!' The Shining Gundam's hand began to glow bright green. 'Sure Win! Shining Finger!' The glowing super heated hand smashed into the Roo Gundam. Desperately trying to escape the Roo Gundam clawed at the Shining Gundams outstretched arm to no avail. After a few agonising moment the Roo Gundam's head exploded. Kyoji pulled his arm back and let the Shining Finger fade, once it was gone steam began to rise of the hand.
Kyoji Kasshu awoke with a start he was breathing quickly and irregularly. It quickly returned to normal as Kyoji's dulled senses began working again. He took in his surroundings before slowly getting up; he let out a slight yelp and then clutched his still bandaged torso before finally sitting up.
This was his room, or to put it another way, it was the room he was borrowing from Sai Sici while he stayed with him. His parents, well his mother at least, had insisted that he spend some time recuperating after his battle with the Ultimate Gundam. Kyoji admitted that he probably needed the rest, but he didn't like sitting around doing nothing so despite some objections he was still doing some training under the tutelage of Sai Sici.
After dressing Kyoji intended to go looking for some food. If he was lucky he'd find Sici in the kitchen. Opening his door Kyoji took a step out but was nearly knocked over by the 6-year old Sai Long-Bai. Who was promptly followed by a rather angry Sai Anella. Apparently the younger sibling had done something to annoy the elder sibling. Regaining his balance Kyoji stuck his head out the doorway and watched to two children zoom off down the hallway.
'You two stop it now! You'll wake up Kyoji!' yelled an exhausted looking Cecil. Kyoji judged correctly that she must have been chasing the children for some time now. Upon reaching his door she paused for breath but the jumped when she noticed Kyoji looking back at her. 'Kyoji! I hope they didn't wake you.'
'No it's ok. I was getting up anyway.' said Kyoji meekly.
'Feeling any better?' she asked. Concern permeated her voice and Kyoji could tell that she was an excellent mother, more than compensating for her husband's less mature attitude to parenting. It kind of reminded him about his own parents.
'A little rough, but Ok.' he replied. 'I'm just not used to doing nothing.'
'Don't push yourself too much,' she told him. 'We don't want you hurting yourself.'
Kyoji was about to speak again when the sound of a vase smashing to the ground echoed down the corridor, followed by both children say 'I didn't do it.' in unison. Cecil jumped at the sound but she didn't stay shocked for long. With speed worthy of a Gundam Fighter she raced off down the corridor, caught up with the mischievous children and dragged them back down the corridor.
'Kyoji, Sici is in the kitchen. I'll join you once I've dealt with these two.' With that she dragged the children away and Kyoji quietly slipped off towards the kitchen.
The kitchen of the Sai household was naturally large and spacious and outfitted with all the latest cooking equipment. As Kyoji entered he quickly too note of who was there. Sici was behind the stove cooking up what would undoubtedly be another great meal and the bickering duo of Min and Hoi, who made up his support team, were already sitting at the table.
'Morning Kyoji,' said Hoi briefly looking up from his meal and waving a spoon. 'The parts we needed for the Shining Gundam came in earlier so I should have it up and round by midday.'
'There's no rush Hoi,' said Min. 'It's not like he's going to need it anytime soon. He's meant to be resting.'
'He still needs to practice.' replied Hoi. 'Nothing complex, just the basics.'
'No he needs to rest.' said Min, her voice getting slightly more aggressive. 'Didn't you listen to Rain?'
'And didn't you listen to Domon!' demanded Hoi
'Don't I get a say in this?' asked Kyoji timidly but they weren't listening to him. Judging from what they were saying it looked like his parents had sent conflicting messages about what he should do. Naturally his father wanted him to train, but his mother wanted him to rest. Kyoji sighed, accepted the bowl Sici offered him and sat down to eat.
Lisa Gill awoke abruptly. Kicking the duvet off her overheated body she sat up in the bed and pulled her legs in close to her chest. Sweat and tears clung to her gentle face. She'd had that dream again; no not a dream a nightmare was the best word to describe it. The nightmare had an odd sense of familiarity about it; she almost felt she knew the creatures it depicted; it was certainly an unsettling feeling.
Letting her chin rest on her knees she looked around the room she'd been sleeping in. It was the master bedroom of Paul's country cottage and was surprisingly Spartan. There were few personal effects that belonged to Paul only a hand full of family photos and the occasional book. Shifting her weight she slipped her lithe frame off the bed and padded over to the chest of draws. She picked on one particular photo frame and stared at the picture it held. It was a family photo of the Snowdons. She recognised Paul's father and mother and judging from the date what looked like a five year old Paul but there were two things in the picture that were strange. There was another man in the picture, she didn't know who it was, but it looked like he was part of the family. The other things was a Gundam in the background it had the traditional red and black Neo England colours but it was virtually identical to Neo Japan's Shining Gundam; no not virtually identical, it was the Shining Gundam.
Lisa put the photograph down. Who was this new person in the picture? If he was related to Paul why didn't he ever mention him? And why did Neo England have the Shining Gundam? The date on the photograph was FC 64, the year Neo England was banned from the Gundam Fight. She sighed, this family had many secrets and she wasn't sure she'd ever be able to understand them properly.
Slipping the top she'd slept in off she picked up a towel from the radiator and quietly walked through to the bathroom. Fiddling with the controls on the shower she found the temperature she wanted and then got in.
Kyoji Kasshu sat cross-legged atop a tall mountain looking down on the valley below. A small stack of smoke rose slowly and erratically from Sai Sici's compound. Kyoji heard the noise of someone walking on the rocks and turned his head slightly to see who was coming. He watched as Sai Sici sat down next to him.
'You've been spending a lot of time up here.' said the older fighter.
'I wanted to do some thinking.' replied Kyoji.
'Anything you want to talk about?' asked Sici
'I.I feel responsible of Paul's death,' started Kyoji. 'If I'd been able to control the Super Mode I'd have been able to defeat the Devil Gundam. Paul would still be alive and Lisa wouldn't be depressed. I failed.'
'You didn't fail.' reassured Sici. 'The Super Mode is horrendously difficult to control and it took your father a lot of work to do it. You did your best fighting the Devil Gundam and no one could ask for more.'
'But I'm hopeless! How can I live up to my dad's reputation if I get defeated so easily?'
'So that is what this is all about?' said Sici. 'You are trying to prove you are just as good as Domon?' Kyoji nodded slightly. 'Well let me tell you. Don't. You should be trying to prove to people that you are Kyoji Kasshu, and not Domon Kasshu.'
Lisa was disturbed by the sound of the communication console informing her about the arrival of a message. Wondering who would be trying to contact her she went to over to investigate. She was surprised to find that it was a pre-recorded message from Colonel Harrison. She tapped the green receive button and waited for the message to start. The screen blinked for a few seconds before Colonel Harrison's face appeared. She wasn't sure but it looked like he'd gained a few extra grey hairs since she'd last seen him.
'Good morning Ms Gill,' said the message. 'I hope this finds you well. Although I'd love it too be this isn't a social call.' The colonel's expression turned to one of seriousness. 'I'm sure you are aware that Ms Wilson has take Paul's place as our Gundam Fighter. Unfortunately her pathological hatred for all men is making working conditions somewhat strenuous. I was hoping that you could come and join us and try to help Ms Wilson adjust. Not wanting to sound too intrusive but I thought this might also be able to help you. I'm sure Paul wouldn't have wanted you to mope around the colony forever. You don't have to come but please contact me.'
She paused for a little while, not really sure on what to do. Making up her mind Lisa tapped the new message button.
The Shining Gundam jabbed its right fist out then pulled it back quickly dropping backwards a few steps it then jabbed outwards with its left fist. Returning to the normal combat stance, turning on the ball of its left foot the Gundam sent its right leg out in a kick. Retracting its leg the Shining Gundam then went down and kneeled. The cockpit opened the Kyoji stepped out.
'How was it this time?' shouted Hoi from the ground.
'Better.' replied Kyoji. 'I think if you increase it .003 then we'll have the balance perfect. I'm a little concerned over the AFY382 circuit; my display was showing a power loss from it.'
'Ok I'll check it out.' said Hoi. 'That's part of the energy transfer system, might be just playing up because of the maintenance.'
Kyoji sat himself down on the edge of the cockpit, hanging his legs over the edge; he pulled a terminal over and pulled up the maintenance report. Idly reading the reports he munched his way though some cakes that had been stashed in his cockpit. The output reading next to circuit AFY382 changed from yellow to green.
'That got it.' he called down dropping the terminal into the cockpit. Standing up Kyoji noticed a warning light flashing on the sensor controls. Moving to investigate he pulled up the readout. It showed a Gundam level energy signature approaching. Knowing it couldn't be Sai Sici's Dragon Gundam he surmised that it was another Gundam.
A communications window popped up next to Kyoji showing Hoi's face. 'What is it?' he asked.
'Gundam level power signature.' replied Kyoji. 'I think someone's looking for a Gundam Fight.'
As the words left Kyoji's mouth a Gundam rocketed over the roof of the surrounding buildings and landed in the courtyard.
'Kyoji Kasshu. It has taken me a little while to track you down.' Kyoji recognised the voice instantly. 'I've come for our rematch.'
'Rob Sexton.' said Kyoji. 'I see you've had your Gundam rebuilt.'
'All for the job of beating you.' said Sexton.
'I'll fight you, but not here,' said Kyoji calmly. 'Too many civilians.'
'As you wish.' replied Rob. 'We wouldn't want anyone getting hurt now would we.'
The two Gundams took off flying out of the compound and off into the mountains. Coming to a stop above a clearing Kyoji set the Shining Gundam down. He was quickly followed by Rob Sexton in the Roo Gundam. Kyoji carefully observed his opponent. He judged that the Roo Gundam's legs had been reinforced since the last battle.
'GUNDAM FIGHT!' 'READY?' 'GO!'
The two Gundams raced towards each other, colliding with enough force to send themselves rebounding backwards. The Roo Gundam took an early lead by planting a series of powerful punches on the Shining Gundam but Kyoji replied in kind. Charging in close the Roo Gundam shoulder barged Kyoji, knocking him off balance. The Roo Gundam leant back so that it was being help up by its tail. In this position it used its powerful legs to pound the Shining Gundam.
Through the combination of the barge and then the kicks it took Kyoji a little while to regain his composure. Dropping back just put of reach he took out a beam sabre and ignited it. He ducked in low under the Roo Gundam's flaying legs with a mighty swipe he sliced the Roo Gundam's tail off causing it too fall to the ground.
The Roo Gundam bounded back up and planted a well placed foot smashing into the Shining Gundams head, for a moment it looked like the head would come off, but it held firm. Kyoji replied by taking several slashes at the Roo Gundam, but he failed to make contact. Panting slightly he shifted back onto the defensive as the Roo Gundam restarted its assault.
Jumping into the air the Roo Gundam raised a leg and aimed it at the Shining Gundam. The sole of its foot began to glow lightning blue. 'Lightning Roo Kick!' Yelled Sexton as his Gundam rocketed toward Kyoji.
Rather than countering with the Shining Finger like last time Kyoji slipped sideways at the last moment and let the Roo Gundam plough into the ground.
'Enough!' Roared Kyoji.
'Gah! Not again.' stammered Rob Sexton.
'My hand is glowing and roaring!' said Kyoji as the Shining Gundam's faceplate opened and the head fins shot out. 'It's telling me to defeat you!' The Shining Gundam's hand began to glow bright green. 'Sure Win! Shining Finger!' The glowing super heated hand smashed into the Roo Gundam. Desperately trying to escape the Roo Gundam clawed at the Shining Gundams outstretched arm to no avail. After a few agonising moment the Roo Gundam's head exploded. Kyoji pulled his arm back and let the Shining Finger fade, once it was gone steam began to rise of the hand.