Arena

"I see them, guys.", I said.

"Zahahaha! I hope they bring up a good fight.", said Z.

"Confirming targets.", said Setsuna.

"So that's our opponent for the final round.", said Reiji.

We deployed our units to face off against Team After War. They consisted a Gundam Double X, Gundam Leopard Destroy, and Gundam Airmaster Burst. They were pretty much straight builds, so we won't expect much suprise from them.

"This is the power of the famous Team After War.", said one of them.

"We'll show how good mobile suits from the After War era really are."

"Look well and despair!"

The Double X pointed up as something came from behind them!

"-! G-Bits!?"

I then see the Leopard and Airmaster join the fray with them. They were coming right at us!

"What are they?", asked Reiji.

"They're unmanned mobile suits remotely controlled by the Flash System."

"Isn't that against the rules?", asked Marina.

"They're considerd as equipment, so it's legal to have them.", I answered.

"Fighting is about numbers! Even if the performance of each is low, we'll surround and destroy our enemies with force of numbers.", said the Double X pilot as we dodged the shots.

"Tch, how boring.", said Z as he dodged them and fought with the Leopard.

"I'm not gonna let you beat me.", said the Leopard pilot as he fired the machine gun.

Zeke just dodged each that came at him. Setsuna and Reiji also took evasive action. Mayu was shuddering in worry as Sasami and Ral-san watched.

"Three machines can't resist an army!", said the Double X pilot as Reiji blasted through two G-Bits.

Team After War was surprised from that as the Leopard went for Z and the Airmaster went for Setsuna.

"Tch, boring! Don't give us scrubs to fight!", said Z as he went through a group of G-Bits.

"You won't get through me!", said the Leopard pilot as he fired the machine gun at Z.

Z merely dodged each shot as he got up close to the Leopard.

"Your aim is off!", he said as he sliced the Leopard in half with his GN Sword.

"EH!?"

Setsuna went up against the Airmaster that was using the mobile armor mode to speed past Setsuna.

"You can't catch up to me when I use this.", said the Airmaster pilot.

"Trans-Am.", said Setsuna as he turns on Trans-Am.

"Huh!?"

Setsuna caught up to the Airmaster pilot quickly and was ready to slash it in half.

"But the Astraea never had a chance to use Trans-Am!"

"Our Gunpla..."

"Isn't just for show!"

Setsuna slices it in half as Reiji went for the Double X. He dodged each G-Bit that came at him while shooting them down, closing in on the Double X. Mayu felt relieved as Sasami smirked. I then see Setsuna and Z attack the G-Bits.

"Finish this up quick! I rather fight a real challenge!", said Z.

"We got your back.", said Setsuna.

Reiji nodded as he went for the Double X. The Double X pilot is very surprised.

"12 G-Bits, the Leopard, and the Airmaster wiped out?"

"Fire the twin satellite cannon!"

"I know that!"

They start to prepare for the Twin Satellite Cannon. However, I know one thing about the drawback of the trump card they have. It has a delay of a few seconds to finally be ready to fire. More than enough time for Reiji to close in. Before the cannons could aim, Reiji was already at point-blank range. The Double X's pilot knew he was screwed.

"I'll tell you one thing. Fighting is about quality, not quantity!", said Reiji as he fired and destroyed the Double X.

"Battle ended.", said the machine as it powered down.

The crowd cheered as we won the qualifiers to enter the World Tournament. Finally, my first step into achieving the dream has come true!

On the road

"That team with the white Gunplas really won! But how...?", said the driver as the man with the phone smirked and turned it off.

"You're perceptive. It was worth taking you under my wing.", he said as the car drove off.

With the Team

"This extra prize for the winner is so cool!", I said.

"Hey, Kaoru. Your grin creeps me out.", said Reiji.

"Oh, let it go." I replied.

"He's been like this since you guys won the tournament.", said Kaa-san.

The extra prize was a stay at a hotel for a few days at the beach. And it has a hot spring too! This is awesome! Ral-san's giving us a lift over there since we invited him. Sasami and Mayu are also with us. I'm sure This beach trip will be fun. But also... Mayu in a swimsuit...whoa, did I just picture her in a revealing swimsuit? My head needs a bit of a check.

"I didn't think the extra prize would be a trip to a hot spring. PPSE, the tournament sponsor, is pretty thoughtful.", said Ral-san.

"Ral-san, thank you for driving us.", said Kaa-san.

"N-Not at all, I'm happy to do it."

Ral-san, you're creeping me out.

"Um... Was it okay that I tagged along?", asked Mayu.

"Of ocurse it's okay. The ticket was for nine people anyway. This is your chance, Mayu-chan.", said Kaa-san as her eyes sparkled and Mayu started to blush.

Oh boy, Kaa-san's really trying to ship me with her. But...that would be really good. I do wonder though. How does she feel for me? I don't want to make things awkward between us if I'm wrong.

"What? What?", asked Reiji as he got curious.

"I-It's nothing!", replied Mayu as Ral-san and Zeke laughed.

"Man, she's red as a tomato.", said Zeke.

"It's good to be young!", said Ral-san.

Setsuna looked outside, deep in thought.

'I wonder if it's okay to be this far from the Quanta I left in the mountains. I hope no one finds it by accident. I need to find my way back home though. And take Marina with me too. But...'

Setsuna then looked at Marina as he saw her smile.

'I guess this is a nice way to relax a bit.'

Beach

We arrived at the beach and got off. Reiji jumps into the water and comes back out with a bitter look.

"Huh? The water's so salty! What's up with it?", he said.

"Of course. It's sea water.", I replied.

"Don't tell me you haven't been to the beach before.", said Zeke.

"Really? Awesome!"

"I figured as much.", said Zeke.

"Is this your first time swimming in the ocean?", asked Ral-san as he laughed.

"A salty one like this, yes.", he replied.

Reiji kept swimming out in the ocean as I looked at Ral-san.

"Ral-san, is there an ocean that isn't salty?", I asked.

"Maybe in the colonies...", said Ral-san.

Well, the colonies would have oceans that aren't salty, but that can't be possible. We don't have the tech for making an actual space colony. Setsuna looked out into the ocean with a far away look. If I remember, he did go to the beach with his friends from Celestial Being a couple times before he went to do some operations for them. I wonder if he misses them.

"We're ready, guys."

Kaa-san comes in with Mayu, Sasami, and Marina. And they're all wearing swimsuits! Kaa-san has a white two-piece with a pink trim. Sasami has yellow two-piece with white stars on the cups. Marina is wearing a simple black one-piece. And Mayu... she's wearing a sweater over her swimsuit.

"Come on, Mayu-chan. Don't be nervous.", said Sasami.

"B-But..."

Sasami then pulled Mayu's sweater off to show a revealing black two-piece that really showed her curves. ...Eh? I felt something on my mouth that tasted like metal. I checked o see I was having a nosebleed!

"Rinko-san, you look beautiful."

"Thank you, Ral-san."

Sasami and I looked at Ral-san with an annoyed look. He froze up as he knew he got the message.

"And you girls are looking marvelous.", he continued.

"Hehe, thanks. But it looks like you're not the only one who thinks that.", said Sasami as she looked at me.

"Damn, you look really hot. I wish I could see Asuka in something nice.", said Zeke as he muttered that last part for no one to hear.

"Yes, but I think Mayu's swimsuit is really nice. Right, Kaoru? After all, you're bleeding from there.", said Kaa-san as she made Mayu and I blush.

Geez, Kaa-san and Sasami sure put me on the spot there. Marina goes over to Setsuna who was looking out at the ocean.

"Everything alright?", she asked.

"Just thinking the last time I saw a scenery like this."

"Wasn't it with your friends from Celestial Being?"

"Yes. I haven't been to the beach in a long time.", said Setsuna as Marina held his arm.

"This time, you have your other friends to be here with you. And..."

"And?"

"I-It's nothing.", said Marina as she had a small blush.

"Hey! Aren't you gonna swim?"

Reiji comes in after having a bit of a swim. Looks like he wants up to join in the fun.

"So, Reiji. What do you think of Mayu-chan's swimsuit?", asked Kaa-san.

"Huh? What do I think?", he said as Reiji looked at Mayu for a bit.

He looks at Mayu for a bit and gives her a thumbs up.

"You look great. You doing it for Kaoru?", asked Reiji as Mayu blushed madly.

"Eh!? For me!?", I shouted.

Mayu then went to get a drink. I guess that was pushing it. Us guys went to relax a bit while the girls got Mayu from the bar after calming her down. After a few drinks, they started playing with the beach ball. Setsuna and Zeke went to them and decided to join in. Ral-san was relaxing in a sand Gouf while I was with Reiji, sitting on the rocks.

"We really won the tournament.", I said.

"You're saying it again, Kaoru.", said Reiji.

"Thanks."

"For what?"

"Without you, I'd be troubling the team. My Gunpla wouldn't have won.",

"Oh come on. Are you still dreaming? The World Tournament's coming up. Act confident, man." He said as he got up.

"Yeah, you're right.", I said.

I wish I could be that confident when it comes to Mayu.

Hotel

It was sunset and we went to the hotel we were staying at. The place is, uh...

"This place looks really run down.", said Reiji.

"We're staying here?", asked Sasami.

"That's strange. In the pamphlet, it says 'high-class inn'.", I said.

"An inn's quality is about the service, not the outside.", said Kaa-san as she and the others went for the door.

Still, a high-class in with good quality wouldn't let the place look run down. Either this is a joke they're pulling or something's going on. Kaa-san opens the door and shouts out.

"Hello."

"I'm coming!"

Wait, I know that voice anywhere! I then see a familiar face approach us.

"Welcome."

"M-Mao-kun!?

"Why?", asked Mayu.

"Who's this?", asked Reiji.

"He's Mao Yasaka, a member of Team Shingyo, the winning team of the championship's 5th block. Oh, I get it. You're here about the extra prize too, right?", I asked.

"That's right. And I'm not the only one here.", said Mao-kun.

Two more boys come in to greet us. One has short brown hair that's combed back and the other has orange hair that looks a bit spiky.

"Shoji, Haruto, they're here!"

"So this is them, huh?", said the brown-haired one.

"Yeah Shoji. This is Team Celesital Being.", said Mao-kun.

"Hey there, I'm Shoji Kazama.", said Shoji-kun with a smile as he then looked at Sasami and started to drool a bit.

"I'm Haruto Mifune. Hey Shoji, you're drooling.", said Haruto-kun.

"S-Sorry. Just that the girl with them is hot.", he said as Sasami looked at him plainly.

"You're hopeless.", said Haruto as he sighed.

" The winners of the other blocks must be coming on different days.", said Mao-kun as he and I looked at the guest board.

"Are they? I wanted to meet them. By the way, why are you three dressed like that?", I asked.

The three boys look like they're dressed to be working here. I wonder why.

"Oh, that's because..."

"Yasaka-san, Kazama-san, Mifune-san!? What's... Sorry for not noticing.", said the woman.

"That's alright.", said Kaa-san.

"Pleave it to us."

"You're our guests here, too. Please relax in your room with your team", said the woman

Shoji then gets close to me and whispers in my ear.

"He's got the hots for her and is trying to impress her. He's been trying to do that all day."

Oh, I think I get the idea why he's wearing the outfit now.

"Don't say that. I want to help you, Misaki-chan!", said Mao-kun.

Misaki then gave him a kind smile.

"I appreciate the thought, but..."

"Please let us! I... want to spend time with you.", said Mao-kun as he blushed.

"See what I mean?", whispers Shoji as I nodded.

Yeah, Mao-kun has it really bad for her. He's really trying hard to impress her, just like what Shoji said.

"He's as persistent as ever.", said Ral-san as Reiji had a bored look.

"So nice.", said Kaa-san.

"Kaoru. Is that guy really going to the World Tournament with his team? You're kidding right?", asked Reiji.

Mao-kun then turned to Reiji. He sure stepped on a landmine there.

"What did you just say? You're Reiji-han, right? Wanna see if I'm kidding? They have a battle system in this inn."

"Oh, here we go.", said Haruto-kun as he rolled his eyes.

"I'm staying out of this.", said Shoji-kun.

"Interesting.", said Reiji.

Well, looks like the first thing we'll do here is a battle between Mao-kun and Reiji. Things sure escalated quickly. I can even see sparks flying between them. I think we're better off saving that for later.

"Anyway, let's go see our rooms. Please.", I said as I held Reiji down.

"Y-Yes! This way, please.", said Misaki as she and Mao-kun gestured to our rooms.

We went to our rooms and opened the door. It looks pretty nice. TV for shows, comfy beds, and on opening the window, a nice view of the sunset as we looked outside to see the ocean and the city. This place might look run down, but it's really nice.

"Beautiful!", said Mayu.

"Wow, great view.", said Kaa-san.

"It's an amazing view to see the sunset like this.", said Marina.

"No kidding. This place has it really good.", said Sasami.

"Oh?"

Mayu looked down as Kaa-san did. The yard looks vandalized. The lantern was knocked down and broken, and the walls were painted on.

"Ah, never mind, never mind.", said Kaa-san.

"Still, it's terrible someone would vandalize this place.", said Marina as she frowned.

"If those jerks come, I'm giving them a real kick in the teeth.", said Sasami.

"Now, now. Let's not do something hasty.", said Marina.

"By the way, Mayu-chan."

"Yes?"

"Why don't you go for a walk with Kaoru? I think you should learn from Mao!", said Kaa-san as her eyes sparkled.

"Kaa-san, shouldn't it be Kaoru that should learn from him?", said Sasami.

Kaa-san then started pushing Mayu out to my room.

"Um...I..."

"Just go."

"Yeah, he'll need to take a break at some point from his work. Best if you're there when he does go on a break.", said Sasami.

"I'll go around the inn for a bit.", said Marina as she left the room.

"See? I think Marina's gonna be with Setsuna for a bit."

As that was happening, I was in the room with Zeke, working on our Gunpla. I had my nail file on hand as I worked on the beam rifle of the Build Gundam Mk. II.

"Right after checking in, this is what they do?", asked Reiji.

"Seeing Mao-kun again and his team must've rekindled his Gunpla spirit. The same for Zeke-kun.", said Ral-san.

"Well, it's better than him grinning all the time."

"I agree. You have only two months until the World Tournament."

Well that's rude. Saying all that while I'm right here in the same room. Still, I have time to work on our Gunpla to get them ready for the World Tournament. I'll make the best there is.

"I'm going to have a bath.", said Ral-san.

"I'm going for a walk, too. Setsuna's already going around the inn.", said Reiji.

That's good. At least Zeke and I can work in peace while they're not around. I need to focus on this beam rifle. I then hear a knock on the door.

"Yes."

I hear the door open to see Mayu at the door.

"Oh, Kirishima-san."

"Sorry for disturbing you."

"No! Come in.", I said.

"Yeah, it's no problem for us.", said Zeke as he worked on his Gunpla.

Mayu came into the room and saw us work.

"What're you doing?", she asked.

"I'm modifying the rifle a little.", I said as I shown her the rifle.

"As for me, I'm tuning the ones I use in Gunpla Battle and making a new one.", said Zeke as he had his Excalibur along with his new Epyon that he got the other day.

"Wow, they look cool.", said Mayu as I chuckled.

"Hey Kaoru, I think I'll use the Epyon custom I'm making."

"I thought you would use one of the UC Gunpla.", I said.

"I know, but I want to change things up a bit and try my hand on the Epyon."

I guess Zeke has something he wants to try out with the Epyon. Well, I'm sure he'll be fine.

"Well, I'm sure you have something in mind for it at least.", I said.

"Yeah."

I then glance at Mayu as I then focus back on my work. It's nice to have her here. I feel really good when she's close by. I hope Zeke doesn't think that I'm thinking of lewd thoughts of her.

"Um... I continued on building the Gunpla you were helping me with.", said Mayu.

"Really? You're doing a bit yourself?", I asked as she nodded.

"That's pretty good. It's nice to have Kaoru show you the ropes, but your best work has to be done on your own. Only get help when you feel stuck.", said Zeke as he continued his work.

"I'll have it ready soon and I think I'll use it to make a painting.", said Mayu.

"I hope I see it soon.", I said as Mayu smiled.

Meanwhile, Reiji was checking out the sweets the inn has in stock.

"I'll have one of these!", he called out.

But there wasn't anyone to answer him.

"Oh? Where did that Misaki go?", said Reiji.

Misaki was outside with a bucket on hand. As she walked, she noticed the wood floors were polished and the lanturn was fixed. She huried to see Mao-kun with his teammates cleaning the walls.

"Geez man, you really wanted to go all out for her.", said Shoji as he cleaned a section of the wall.

"Well, this place looks like a mess and it's better to help Mao out at least. WE could get the job done quicker that way.", said Haruto.

"Exactly, Haruto.", said Mao-kun.

"Yasaka-san, Kazama-san, Mifune-san?"

Mao got up as Shoji and Haruto kept going.

"Misaki-chan!"

"Did you repair that?", asked Misaki.

"It's just a temporary fix.", said Mao-kun.

"Yeah, the plaster would only be able to hold that for so long. Best to get better equipment to fix that up nicely.", said Haruto as he kept cleaning.

"We've been at it for a while to get everything cleaned up.", said Shoji.

"That's my job, you three.", said Misaki.

"No, please let us do it."

"Yeah, best not to let a lady's hands to be troubled by this kind of thing. I know you can do this on your own, but it would take a while.", said Shoji.

"But you three are guests..."

"We're very good at handicrafts.", said Mao-kun.

"Yeah, doing this stuff is nothing compared to making Gunpla.", said Haruto.

Mao-kun then took out his tool kit and showed it to Misaki.

"I'm the guy who's gonna be the world's best Gunpla builder!", said Mao-kun.

"You have to beat Kaoru-han first though.", said Haruto.

"I know that!", said Mao-kun.

Misaki started to chuckle as she and Mao-kun were enjoying their moment. Suddenly, the sound of tires screeching to a halt sounded off. A woman came out of the car and ran to Misaki.

"Misaki!"

"What's going on, okaa-san?", asked Misaki.

"Take the guests and get away from here.", she said.

"Are they here again?", asked Misaki.

"Great, looks like the ones who did this are coming back. Oh joy.", said Haruto sarcastically.

"Just hurry!"

The sound of more screeching tires went off as a truck was going full speed at the entrance!

"What's all this noise?", asked Reiji.

The truck went right for the door! Reiji jumped out of the way to not get turned into roadkill.

"Huh!?", I said.

"A crash!?", said Kaa-san.

"I sense trouble.", said Setsuna.

We all went for the foyer of the inn and saw Reiji on the ground.

"What was that?", asked Reiji.

Some men came out of the truck. And they don't look friendly. Setsuna looked like he was ready to get a gun out and shoot them. Thankfully for us, he's unarmed and won't get himself arrested if he shoots them. He'd pretty much let them live, but they'd probably take a bullet to the knee or something... What did I just do there?

"What the heck is this!?", I asked.

"Watch where you're going!"

I heard Reiji yelling. I saw the men were with Reiji. I get the feeling this is going to be really bad.

"Those guys..."

"Looks like trouble's here.", said Sasami.

"Say something!", yelled Reiji.

"Shut up, kid.", he said as he turned to the landlady.

"So sorry, landlady. It seems the brakes were faulty. But you can't keep this inn open in his condition. So now will you give us the rights to this dump?"

Yeah, right. Your brakes happen to be faulty when you were flooring the pedal. Still...

"They want to buy the inn?", I said.

"They're typical land-sharks.", said Kaa-san.

"Great. Our fun ruined by those guys.", said Sasami.

"Jerks.", said Zeke.

Reiji was completely confused when he heard about land-sharks. I'm guessing he's never heard of them.

I don't think it's a bad deal. Sell us the rights.", said the man.

"It doesn't matter how many times you come. This inn has been handed down from generation to generation. I won't sell it to people like you!", said the landlady.

"Yeah, go home!", said Misaki.

I then see Reiji step in between the men and the landlady.

"I see. So, you're the bad guys, right?", asked Reiji.

"Did you forget that I told ou to shut up, kid?"

"Yeah, I did. Who listens to bad guys?", said Reiji.

"So you're looking for a beatdown.", said the man as I step in.

"Reiji!"

"Stay back! Kaoru, this is my specialty."

"Cool, a brawl.", said Zeke.

Marina was behind Setsuna as he looked at the men plainly. Well, given with his experience, these guys would be nothing to him.

"No, Reiji!", said Kaa-san as we then hear Ral-san.

"She's right. Fighting is no good."

We turn to see Ral-san in a bathrobe and sandals.

"Stay out of this, Ral-ossan!", said Reiji as the man was surprised.

"R-Ral!? L-Lieutenant."

"Long time no see, Tatsuzo. No... Blazing Tatsu!", said Ral-san.

"Do you know him?", I asked.

"Yes. I certainly do."

"Blazing Tatsu... Three years ago, I think, a Gunpla builder by that name fought in the World Tournament.", said Mao-kun.

"Oh yeah. I remember too. The guy was pretty good back then. He was a top competitor.", said Shoji.

"A name worthy to be considered as a member of the Hall of Fame.", said Haruto.

"He's a Gunpla builder?", I wondered.

I never would imagine that this land-shark is actually a former contender in the World Tournament. But, I wonder why he's taken this kind of job instead of continuing his career in Gunpla. Someone like him would famously be considered as a legend.

"What happened, Tatsuzo? You drove people around the world into a frenzy with your Gunpla. So why...?", asked Ral-san.

"Don't talk lightly about my past. This is my job now! Keep your nose out of it!", he shouted.

It looks like whatever happened to him must be something he doesn't want to remember. Something so bad that it made him retire from Gunpla to do this.

"So, landlady, tell me what I want to hear. If not, I'll keep coming back until this place is a vacant lot."

Reiji looked ready to strike. But I have an idea. If he's a former builder, then we'll settle this the only way I know how. I then got in the way to get their attention.

"Wait! Let's settle this with Gunpla!"

"Kaoru?"

"You were a Gunpla builder, right? Then let's settle this in a Gunpla Battle!", I said as Mao-kun stepped up too.

"Yeah! If we win, don't ever bother Misaki-chan's family again!"

"Shut up, kid!", said one of the goons.

"Okay then. But if I win, I'll take the rights for free.", said Tatsuzo.

"Oh no..."

That really worried Misaki's mother. This is one battle we can't afford to lose. I then see Mao-kun turn to Misaki and show her his tool kit.

"Yasaka-san..."

"Heh, I think he's serious. He wants to do this.", said Shoji.

"Of course he does. And this isn't one to back down from. We'll stay out of this. You take care of it, Mao.", said Haruto.

"As much as I'd like to fight a legend, I want to at least see how this plays out. It's all you from here, Kaoru, Reiji.", said Zeke.

"We accept your conditions!", said Misaki.

"Misaki!?"

"Trust me, okaa-san. I don't want to lose this place without doing anything!"

"Okay, it's a deal. I'll take you on all at once, kids.", said Tatsuzo.

"You think it's that easy?", asked Reiji.

"I'm returning a favor. You made my job easier."

Made his job easier? We'll see about that. But for him to not mind my Gunpla and Mao-kun's against his, he probably has a really good Gunpla. We went to the battle system and turned it on. The particles started to fly and things were getting set up as our GP bases were on the machine.

"Field 5, City."

The city huh? Looks like there's a lot of room for cover.

"Please set your Gunpla."

"Let's go, Kaoru and Mao!", said Reiji.

"Yeah!"

"I'm ready!"

"This is gonna be good.", said Zeke as he had some snacks with him.

"I hope they come out as the winners.", said Marina.

"It'll be fine. They wouldn't do this if they think they wouldn't win.", said Setsuna.

Reiji sets the Build Gundam Mk. Ii on the GP base as Mao-kun sets his Gundam X Maou on his.

"Battle start."

"Gundam X Maou!"

"Build Gundam Mk. II!"

"Let's go!"

Reiji and Mao-kun launch out as they enter the city. The alert system then goes off immediately as we see a beam shot go through a building and right for us! We dodged to see it make a huge explosion on one side of the city!

"What firepower."

We turn around to see a large mobile armor that looked really familiar.

"That's... Heavy assault mobile armor, Apsaras III!"

The Apsaras III!? We sure got a tough one on our hands. But if it's following like the anime, I know it's weakness.

"That's right. This is the ultimate Gunpla that swept the world!", said Tatsuzo as he charged up.

"Just because your Gunpla's big-!"

Reiji fired at it as the beam shots bounced of it!

"It bounced off!?"

"Is that an I-Field!? It didn't have one in the official setting!", I said.

Mao-kun then fired at the large spherical knees to see his shots bounce off too.

"There's no doubt. It deflects the Plavsky particles and repels the particle beams! That's the Gunpla that fought through the World Tournament for sure!", said Mao-kun.

"Damn, this is bad from the get-go.", said Zeke as he made a low whistle.

"An Apsaras III with an I-Field. A dangerous combination of sturdy defense with high firepower. This won't be easy.", said Haruto.

"No kidding.", said Sasami.

So much for the usual weaknesses. The Apsaras III then fires it's beam cannon at us! We flew off to evade the shot, but it kept going and started to annihilate the city!

"Why did the beam bounced off?", asked Kaa-san.

"The surface of the Gunpla is specially treated to alter the Plavsky particles. That's just like Tatsuzo. He's tough.", said Ral-san .

"Should you be so relaxed!?"

"Yeah, if they lose, we lose our paid hotel stay and they lose their home.", said Sasami.

"I-I know."

The Apsaras III kept firing the beam cannon, trying to get us! We kept evading each barrage that came at us. We could only fire back potshots at him. His defense is insane!

"You restless kid!"

He then started to spread some gas around the battlefield. Just what is that? I then see our Gunpla starting to freeze up!

"Wh-What!?"

"What's this gas?"

Then, two objects landed right on us and trapped us. We're in what seems to be a cage. I think I know what this is!

"An Adzam Leader!?"

The Adzam Leader fired up and started to fry our Gunpla. A combo of gas to look up the movements with the Adzam Leader to do significant damage is scary.

"Darn. It won't move!"

I hurried through the operator controls on trying to find a way to break free.

"They sure are in a pinch due to that combo.", said Shoji.

"Isn't there anything we can do, Kaoru!?", asked Reiji.

I then look to see the damage was taking it's toll on the Mk. II! It's starting to crack like glass!

"Iori-kun!"

Mayu looks really worried. I continue to keep looking for solutions.

"Can't they do something?", asked Kaa-san.

"No, they can't. Nobody has ever escaped from this blazing inferno. Landlady, keep your promise!"

Things were looking bad until...the Gundam X Maou started to glow! It then destroyed the Adzam Leader! But how!?

"How did they...?"

"Bouncing beams by altering the particles... You aren't the only one who knows that technique!"

Mao-kun then goes up on a building after dropping his beam rifle.

"Old man! How could you do this to Misaki-chan?", said Mao-kun as he unfolded for the Hyper Satellite Cannon.

"Oh, he's pissed now.", said Shoji.

"Fool! The Satellite System won't work if the moon hasn't come out.", said Tatsuzo.

"Who do you think I am!?"

I then see the panels on the Gundam X Maou glow!

"I'm the guy who's gonna be the world's best Gunpla builder. Mao Yasaka. The heir apparent to the Gunpla Shingyo school!"

"You... Are you Chinan's pupil!?"

"Not just him. Shoji and I are his pupils too. We're part of Team Shingyo.", said Haruto.

"Team Shingyo!?", said Tatsuzo.

"Remember it!", said Mao-kun as he fired the Hyper Satellite Cannon.

Tatsuzo fired the Apsaras III's beam cannon to counter it. The panels on the Gundam X Maou were starting to fade, but it overpowers the beam cannon and penetrates the I-Field! It left a hole on the right shoulder, leaving an opening for us!

"Kaoru and Reiji!"

" "Okay!" "

We went forward with the Mk. II at the opening! Tatsuzo fired again, but we dodged the shots as we closed in! We were now right in front of the hole!

"Take this!"

Reiji then fired the beam rifles at the hole, destroying the Apsaras III!

"Battle ended."

The machine shuts down as we got our win.

"Yes, they did it!", said Kaa-san.

"I knew they would.", said Sasami as she smirked.

"Awesome job, you guys.", said Zeke.

"They pulled through.", said Marina as she smiled.

"Yasaka-san."

"Thank you, everyone.", said the landlady.

Misaki and her mother are happy that they won't lose their home. Mao-kun does his victory signs as Shoji and Haruto give him some high-fives.

"How... How come my blaze didn't..."

"Tatsuzo. Gunpla is constantly evolving. The goddess of victory won't smile on those who neglect their daily efforts. One more thing. Keep your promise to the landlady." said Ral-san.

"L-Lieutenant..."

Tatsuzo and his goons looked defeated as they left the inn. We were able to enjoy the rest of the day in peace.

Later

It was getting late and I just came out of the bath. It sure was relaxing after what happened earlier. Zeke and Setsuna are still soaking up and the girls probably are too. I went to my room as I wanted to work more on the Mk. II and Astraea for a bit. The Mk. II sure got damaged a bit and I want the Astraea to at least still be ready in case Setsuna needs it. But with the World Tournament coming up, I know that these units won't be enough to do anything in the tournament. The Quanta Kyuubi and the 00 Hayabusa. Those two need an upgrade. But, I don't have much on ideas right now. I then sat on the couch and looked up at the ceiling.

"I just need a good idea for them. But what...?"

Just as I wanted to think for a bit, I heard a knock on the door.

"Yes."

"It's me.", said Mayu as she opened the door.

"Oh, Kirishima-san. Come in."

I looked to see her wearing a bathrobe. Her hair still seems a bit wet. I guess she just got out of the bath. The way it sticks to her skin... I shake my head to snap myself out of it. Geez, I seem to be thinking more about Mayu doing something lewd. My head needs a serious check. Mayu then comes over to me and sits next to me.

"What happened earlier was pretty exciting.", said Mayu.

"Yeah. It was close too. If Mao-kun wasn't there to pull us out of there, we definitely would've lost and Misaki-san would lose her home.", I said.

"Yes, but I'm glad that you and Mao-kun were able to help her.", said Mayu as she then held my hand.

I blushed a bit as I felt her soft hand touching mine. I bet she feels something rough right now.

"You know... There's something I wanted to talk to you about."

"Wh-What about?", I asked nervously.

"Iori-kun... H-How do you feel about me?", she asked.

"Eh!?", I asked as my face should be red as a tomato now.

"Sasami-chan told me to ask you about that. I...I'm curious because... I..."

And Sasami had to do this, figures. I look at Mayu as she looked at me. Is this what I think it is!?

"I-I... Uh..."

Man, I'm totally nervous! If this is what I think it is... I... I then feel Mayu hug me. Her breast is pressed on my arm!

"K-Kiri-... M-Mayu..."

Mayu was then surprised by my change of calling her.

"I-I...I love you."

Mayu gasped as she then smiled and hugged me more.

"I love you too.", said Mayu as I was surprised.

"R-Really?", I asked.

"Yes. For some time now. I've always been looking at you.", said Mayu.

"I-I have too. It's just that..."

"Hm?"

"I was scared. Of being rejected. You rejected all those other guys at school that tried to ask you out, that I thought I had no chance."

I then felt Mayu hug me more.

"I rejected them because you're the one I wanted. I was scared too. I wasn't sure if you would accept my love."

"I guess we were both scared of how we would react to each other's feelings."

"It seems so.", said Mayu as she giggled a bit.

The next thing I knew, I felt something really soft. Mayu was kissing me! Like mouth-to-mouth kissing!

"M-Mayu."

"Yes, Iori...Kaoru-kun?"

"W-Would you want to be my girlfriend?"

"As long as you'll be my boyfriend.", she said with a smile.

I then let out a small smile as I hugged her back.

"Yeah.", I said as I kissed her.

I'm sure I'll be seeing her parents soon about this development. I bet her dad will pulverize me.

"I'll head back to my room and call it a night."

"Okay."

"And Kaoru-kun."

"Hm?"

I then hear her whisper in my ear. I then had a massive nosebleed from hearing her. She wants to do "that" if her parents accept me!? I never knew Mayu could be that bold! B-B-But...going that far if her parents accept me? Is it really that deep? Mayu then left the room as my brain had crashed. I decided to head to bed. Man, I have a raging stiffy that's screaming to ram her. I know I'm going to have lewd dreams tonight. I won't be surprised if I see her naked in my dreams.

'I told him my feelings. My chest even feels hot when I think of him. I hope they accept him. I...I want to hold him.', thought Mayu as she went to her room.

Morning

It was morning. I wake up after having a really lewd dream of Mayu, like I thought last night. Geez, if she and I did that, we'd be all over each other every time. And probably be parents before we graduate from school. Mao-kun's team was leaving as the van was ready for them with the landlady driving.

"Well, we'll be leaving now.", said Mao-kun.

"We'll see you at the tournament.", said Haruto.

"Hope I see you there, Sasami-chan.", said Shoji as Sasami shrugged.

"Mao-kun. Seriously, thank you for yesterday. Please be sure to come again.", said Misaki as Mao-kun pretty much lit up.

"Of course I will! We'll win the qualifying tournament every year and come back.", said Mao-kun.

"I'll be waiting."

"Boy, you sure are fired up.", said Zeke.

"Of course he is. After all, he had a dream last night that he-"

Shoji's mouth was then covered as Mao-kun as his hand on him. Mao-kun smiled to hide whatever Shoji was going to say.

"Oh, look at him.", said Reiji.

"By the way, Reiji-han, we still have to fight it out.", said Mao-kun.

"Bring it on.", said Reiji as I push him aside for a bit.

I was curious as to how he did what he did in the Gunpla Battle.

"More importantly, Mao-kun... How did you fire the Hyper Satellite Cannon without the super microwave system?", I asked.

"I can't tell you that. It's top secret", he said.

"That's something for us to know.", said Haruto.

"If you want to find out, you'd have to fight us at the tournament.", said Shoji.

"Okay."

The van then drove of with Team Shingyo. I'm sure we'll face each other in the World Tournament.

"We'll definitely win in the World Tournament.", said Reiji.

"I'll start building the new Gunpla as soon as we get home.", I said.

"We're counting on you.", said Reiji as we did a high-five.

"The new Gunpla will be ready by then, right?", asked Setsuna.

"Yeah.", I said as I nodded.

I'm really excited now. I still need ideas for the Gunpla of course. Well, I'm sure I'll get something in mind while I'm building.

At PPSE

"They're finally complete. The works models our PPSE research team used all its resources to build. Of course, the fighters are you three. Kawaguchi, Kurosawa, Kagami. You three are Team PPSE's fighters.", said Allan.

Kawaguchi stood by as he looked at his model as Kurosawa-san and Toshio were next to him.

"Not bad on the models.", said Asuka.

"Well, they do have the best tech in making them here.", said Toshio.

"Yeah. And I'll be keeping them tuned up before you go into battle.", said Allan.

Kawaguchi looked at his model. Deep down in his cool demeanor, lies a raging flame that's ready to burst in battle.

A/N: Finally got a chapter done. Sorry for the hiatus. My computer went bad on me and I couldn't put down chapters. I had to wait until I got a new one since nobody else would let me borrow theirs. At least now, I'll try to be more regular with my fanfics. Even though, I'm having a lot of Destiny hype as House of Wolves is coming soon so you know I'll be busy. But I'll still upload chapters. Next time, Encounters of Fighters. Time to meet the other teams.