'Dammit. None of my systems are responding' Jay yelled as his damaged ship drifted. 'Hang on brother I'm commin' Hideki said flying through the harvest fleet to cover his friend. 'Baron squadron escort the retrieval ship to Jay's position get him back to the ship' O'Brian commanded as the battle raged on.
'Are they signaling me out or something' Jay yelled as several cube-types attack his ship. A harvester latched onto him and began cutting through his hull 'Get him off me guys' Jay cried as his hull began to give. 'Don't worry I got your back' Hideki said shooting the harvester off his comrade.
'All right ships are linked returning home' Kai said after connecting the retrieval pod with Jay's Wyvernn. 'Prep my spare fighter I'm going back out immediately' Jay ordered as they drew closer to the Emerald's Edge. 'I've got a huge hit on the long-range radar, my god. It's a flagship' the bridge operator yelled into the radio. 'We can't scramble any fighters the hanger doors are jammed' one of the engineers announced from the hanger.
'This is getting too hot Hideki, Baron squadron return to the ship we're getting out of here' Jay commanded. 'Go ahead I'll cover you' Hideki yelled slicing through several cube-types. 'Hideki this is an order return to the ship' Jay yelled. 'Sorry captain not this time' Hideki replied firing his ship's cannon at the flagship. 'Prepare the stealth field' O'Brian yelled at the bridge operators 'Once they're on board we're getting out of here'.
'Side hanger is ready hurry and get in' Kira called out opening the hanger doors. Hideki screamed in pain as several sphere-types impaled and rammed his fighter. 'Hideki retreat that's an order Dammit' Jay barked after docking in the hanger. A screen appeared in Jay's ship as well as in the bridge and hangers showing an injured Hideki, blood dripping from his forehead, his left arm limp and twisted. 'I can't my systems are shot nothings responding' he said through the sounds of metal and steel being crushed around him.
'Hideki no' Kira cried her eyes quickly filling with tears at the sight of her lover's condition. 'Heh never thought I'd go down like this' he said as several of his controls began erupting in sparks. 'Hideki hold on I'll be there soon' Jay yelled as he boarded his spare fighter. 'Its too late. Activate the stealth field and get outta here' Hideki coughed up a small amount of blood as he began flipping several switches behind him. 'Hideki don't give up just yet' Jay yelled activating his fighter. 'I'm gonna miss that voice. Kira I love you babe' Hideki's screen cut to static as the sphere-types ripped his ship in half causing an explosion that destroyed them as well as his ship.
'Activate the stealth field we're leaving' O'Brian ordered. As the Emerald's Edge was rendered invisible it quickly slipped away from the battle with the harvest fleet randomly firing its lasers in all directions.
Jay opened his eyes and sighed heavily. "I'm really getting annoyed by these nightmares," he said before kicking up from his bed. Running his hands over his head and down his neck he straightened his white shoulder-length hair before grabbing a change of clothes and heading for the shower. Stepping out of the shower Jay stared at his reflection in the mirror gazing into his own eyes "Well I should at least try to enjoy today" he said to himself before changing into his usual white shirt covered by an open black Hawaiian shirt, as well as his desert camo jeans and white socks. Exiting the showers Jay swiftly returned to his room 'I'm really not to sure about all of this' he thought to himself as he put his watch on before leaving.
"Morning Jay" Kira said as Jay entered the elevator. Jay simply nodded still lost in thought over his recurring nightmares. "Your nightmares started up again didn't they?" Kira asked seeing his face. Jay didn't answer he was locked in the dreams he's been having. The doors opened and Meia, Barnette and Jura entered the elevator "Morning you two" Jura said brushing her blond hair back.
"Morning beautiful" Kira teased. "Oh stop flattery will get you everywhere" Jura replied in a fake embarrassed tone. Meia and Barnette looked over to Jay who was still staring at the floor as he ran his thumb and index finger up and down his chin. Kira placed her hand on his head and shook him violently snapping him from his trance. "What'd I miss?" he asked looking up.
"Jay you really need to stop dwelling on those things and enjoy the day" Kira said waving her hand next to her face. "I guess your right especially considering that today marks the rebirth of my streak" Jay replied with an evil grin. Kira laughed at the statement obviously hiding something from him. Jay looked at each of his fellow crew members gazing into each of their eyes for a clue as to what Kira was hiding.
When his eyes were about to meet Meia's she turned her head avoiding eye contact "You and Meia are planning something Kira. Spill it" he barked. "Your so paranoid just relax" she replied as the doors opened. "So Jay how old are you?" Barnette asked gazing at him. Jay smirked before looking over to her "Exactly one year older than I was yesterday". Kira couldn't help, but laugh at her friend's remark as they stepped off the elevator and headed for the gym.
"Oh Jay" Kira said in a singing tone. "Kira I swear to the heavens if you start singing that song I will kill you" Jay said glaring at her as he pushed the doors to the gym open. Seeing the crew gathered around the mat once again Jay smiled as he turned to see Kira swiftly walking past him "Oh Jay our little match is a triple-threat" she said turning to face him. "How lovely" he said laughing as he turned to look at Meia who was smiling shyly.
"She convinced me to do it" Meia said as she walked past him joining Kira on the mat. Sighing Jay looked at Kira then over to Meia "Very well" he said running up to the mat "Rules are simple grab the keys and then the coin" he said throwing a key to each of them while Kira placed the emerald coin at the edge of the mat. Removing his watch Jay placed it in the pocket of his Hawaiian shirt before removing it and throwing it behind him. "All right. Let's Conquer"
The three opponents slowly circled around the mat sizing each other up Jay unconcerned about Meia kept his focus on Kira which proved a mistake as Meia quickly took advantage kicking him in the back of his knees, Falling to one knee Meia quickly chained her attack into a kick in the back then a chop to his neck successfully knocking him out. Kira grabbed Meia by the back of her head and pulled back slamming her to the floor. Kira reached down to grab Meia's key, but Meia rolled to the side and swept her legs knocking her down. Quickly getting to her feet Meia looked over at Jay as he pushed himself off the ground and jumped to his feet.
"You know this is actually hard to do" he said staring at her. "For you maybe" Meia replied with a small smile. Returning the smile Jay stepped forward holding his right arm out in front of him. Meia stepped forward doing the same as the two locked in a grapple hold, turning around Jay quickly shifted his hold ducking around Meia and grabbing her from behind. Wrapping his arms around her waist Jay said, "Up we go" as he lifted her off the mat holding her above him slowly turning around.
Kira intercepted Jay with a super kick causing him to fall back dropping him and Meia hard. Jay immediately kick up only to have Kira dropkick him knocking him down again, Jay grunted as he rolled to the side and pushed himself back up and sidestepping an attempted spear by Kira. Meia had gotten to her feet watching Jay closely as he evaded Kira 'Now' she thought seeing her opening. Running over to him Meia kicked his leg up knocking him back and following up with an elbow drop to his chest.
Getting back to her feet Meia quickly dropped back to the ground wrapping her feet around Kira's causing her to fall forward. Meia quickly reached over obtaining Kira's key, unaware that Jay had already taken hers. Silently raising his legs up and rolling back onto his shoulders Jay kicked up and waited for Meia to get to her feet. "What are you thinking Jay?" she asked standing up and facing him. "Well I was thinking about spearing you, but I decided against it" he replied as their eyes met.
The two of them smiled at each other as they returned to their respective battle stances. "Well I say we enjoy this dance while it lasts" Jay said keeping his focus on Meia. Responding with a smirk Meia took a page from Jay's book stepping back and super kicking Kira as she attempted to grapple her. Staring at her shocked Jay let out a nervous laugh "I love you". "Your not going to let that get in the way are you?" she asked him still smiling. Lowering his stance Jay thought for a second "Well I guess we'll find out won't we" he replied returning to his battle stance.
Stepping up to each other they locked up in a grapple, Meia quickly kick Jay's shin forcing his leverage to falter switching her hold into a headlock grapple forcing Jay to his knees. Tightening her hold Meia looked down at Jay, as he slowly faded "This isn't really my idea of a date" Jay coughed as he struggled against the hold. Finally blacking out Meia pulled his head one last time before releasing him. Dropping to the floor Jay laid motionless Meia reached down grabbing his key "Thanks for the dance" she whispered in his ear.
Feeling around her belt Meia realized that her key was gone 'When did I?'
Flashback
"Up we go" as he lifted her off the mat holding her above him slowly turning around. Quickly hooking his ring finger in the key's lace he pulled it from her belt.
End flashback
'He had it this whole time' she thought to herself. Looking back Meia saw Jay kick up and stumble forward, reaching into his pocket Jay revealed the key he took from her "Missing something?" he asked smiling weakly. "You're a lot better than Kira said" Meia said looking into his glazed eyes. Taking a step forward Jay collapsed to the ground. Kira had slammed her forearm into his neck. Taking the key she looked up at Meia "That was a nice kick you really surprised me" she said rubbing her jaw line. 'This isn't going to be as easy as I hoped' Meia thought gripping the keys in her hand. Kira looked into Meia's eyes and said, "You know Jay's second match was against me. He won with a super kick just like the one you gave me. Only I don't think he's getting up this time".
Jay rolled over and kicked off the ground "I'm sorry did you say something?" he asked looking at the shocked Kira. "You know Kira thanks to that hit my eye sight isn't blurred anymore so thank you," he said stepping back. Spinning around to attack Jay, Kira lost her grip on the key as Jay ducked under her retrieving it "Game over" he said as he sprinted towards Meia. Bracing herself Meia waited for him to get closer before swinging her left elbow to intercept him. Swiftly ducking around her attack instead of retaliating Jay embraced her wrapping his arms around her waist and resting his chin on her shoulder.
Meia blushed as she felt his arms wrapped around her. Jay smiled warmly "I can feel our hearts beating in sync with one another. I'm willing to bet that means something," he whispered as he took the keys from her. Meia oblivious to this turned her head gazing into his blue eyes 'This isn't the time for this what's he doing' she thought to herself. The crew members around the room were standing in awe at what they were seeing including Kira, she couldn't believe what she was seeing. 'He's really changed. I'm proud of you Jay' she thought to herself with a warm smile on her face.
Jay finally released Meia stepping away from her he said "Sorry about that I just couldn't help myself". Meia and Kira still shocked by what had just happened didn't realize the three keys in Jay's hand. 'What just happened? One second he's charging towards me and then he just embraces me like that' Meia was confused unable to shake the moment from her head. Deciding to break the silence Jay spoke up "You two realize I have all the keys right". Snapping out of their stupor the two girls looked at Jay's hand seeing the keys with the coin just a few feet behind him.
'Dammit' Kira thought as she sprinted over to him Meia right beside her. Jay smirked as they began running at him ducking under them he immediately turned around as they slid to a stop at the edge of the mat. Gently jumping off the mat Jay twisted his torso rolling over Meia's back landing on the floor behind them and rolling to the side. Looking down Kira didn't see the coin or any of the keys "No" she cried looking at Jay as he got to one knee. "I win" he smirked holding his hand open with the keys and coin "The streak begins anew".
Kira fell to her knees with a disappointed smile on her face 'He got me. I hoped that Meia being in the match would distract him or at least throw his concentration off a bit I guess I was wrong. Still I'm amazed at how quickly he's changed' Snapping out of her train of thought Kira got to her feet and patted Meia on her shoulder before walking over to Jay extending her hand she helped him to his feet "Congratulations Jay" she said still smiling, still disappointed.
Meia turned her head frustrated that she lost, but smiling gently as well. Jay walked over to her a slight limp in his left leg "Hey you did great" he said placing his arm around her shoulders. Meia turned to look at him as her heart began racing yet again with Kira joining them Jay stood between them grabbing their wrists and raising their arms up celebrating a glorious match. The entire room roared with a massive applause from the crew.
"Well I should thank you three for that, it was definitely worth while," Captain Magno said before leaving with B.C. and Bart. Jay sat on the mat catching his breathe Kira and Meia still standing next to him. "You two go ahead I'll catch up later" he said falling back lying on the mat.
After everyone had left the gym Jay stared at the ceiling completely lost in thought 'I don't have it in me to leave I can't. I'm going to stay here with her.' Getting to his feet Jay grabbed his black Hawaiian shirt and exited the gym heading for another shower. Finishing their own shower Kira and Meia sat on a nearby bench as they dried their hair "So Kira how old is Jay now?" Meia asked draping her towel over her shoulders. "He's 19 now" Kira looked at the ceiling of the steam filled room "I can remember back when he was a kid just starting his pilot training. He was so scared of the speed and G-force of the training simulator. He screamed and even began crying at one point. I can also remember Hideki and me playing with him when he was a kid he was like our little brother" a small tear fell from her eye as she lowered her head.
"How old are you Kira?" Meia asked beginning to brush her hair. "I'm 23 one week and I'll be 24. Jay doesn't enjoy his birthday because two years ago today his father died, but that doesn't seem to bother him anymore and I probably have you to thank for that Meia" Kira continued to stare at the floor, but a small smile was clearly visible. Meia blushed as she turned her head "Kira do you…do you think Jay would leave after your ship found you" Meia's voice sank as she spoke those words she could feel a small painful tugging in her heart.
"I'm not sure I've known him since he was born and I still can't predict him. I do know that he'll always hold you dear to him that's the kind of person he is" Kira said standing up. "Meia can you promise me something?" Kira asked after wrapping herself in a towel. "Sure" Meia replied curious at Kira's sudden change in tone. Taking a small breath Kira said, "If something happens to me I want you to protect him, hold on to him and never let go. He needs someone like you to fall back on promise me you'll be there for him".
Meia was stunned by Kira's request "Nothing's going to happen to you Kira, but I'll be there for him I swear it" she replied. Kira gave Meia a quick hug before she put her shirt on and left the room. After Kira left Meia looked at her reflection in the shrouded mirror 'I'll stay with him no matter what' she swore to herself.