I don't own anything, except Elzam Zonbolt and the Gold Eagles
Flight of the Eagle
'Battle of Artemis Round 1'
Archangel, Bridge
Elzam looked at Kira for a moment, as if silently asking him what was going on. At the brown haired, amethyst eyed youth's shake of the head, Elzam cleared his throat. "Ehemmmm…."
That caught the trio of bridge officers' attention, drawing them away from their discussion. "Is there something you want to inform us, Mr. Zonbolt?" Murrue asked curiously, though Mu was openly grinning at his ex-rival. The Hawk of Endymion somehow knew that a wisecrack from the ZAFT ace was on the way, despite only meeting him recently outside of battle.
Elzam nodded, keeping a straight face as he said. "Well, yes. In other circumstances, I would understand the serious atmosphere, since we are, in fact, one, on the run, and two, we are still at war with ZAFT. But honestly, people… I am sensing an aura of doom and gloom here. Come on, this is a warship, not a bloody funeral parlor."
Natarle Badgiruel just raised an eyebrow at that comment, though her lips curved slightly into a ghost of a smile, while Mu and Murrue just chuckled, at the sound of that straight faced wisecrack.
"Remind me never to play poker with you, Elzam." Mu La Flaga said, a wide amused grin on his face as he approached the former ZAFT ace, clapping him on the shoulder. "I swear that was one of the best poker faces I have ever seen."
Murrue Ramius only nodded and said. "I agree with Mu. I have never played poker of course… but now, that you have gotten our attention, what do you want to say to us, Commander?"
"Please, Murrue… just like I told Mu here, just call me Elzam like everybody else. But since you asked so nicely… what is the current situation around here?"
Mu nodded and said. "Well, to be honest, that was what was discussing before you both came in just now. To be honest, Elzam… I don't like this at all. Not one bit."
Elzam just raised an eyebrow at that comment. "Whatever do you mean, Mu?"
"I think that you do know what I am talking about. This is too easy… far too quiet to my liking." Mu said, his face returned to that grim expression once again.
"I see… what's our status right now, by the way?" Elzam asked curiously.
Petty Officer Neumann looked at the sensors and said. "According to the logs, we have been on a silent run for almost two hours now… and currently, if the navigation sensors are correct, we are currently in Artemis airspace right now."
Elzam nodded and said. "I think I agree with what Mu had said… of course, part of it would be due to Artemis's main defense mechanism, one that no doubt, you all have heard of."
"You don't mean, the light-wave barrier, do you, Commander?" Natarle said, and Elzam sighed to himself. It seems that she was still a bit of by-the-book kind of officer, though he had seen signs that she had started to loosen up a little.
"Exactly... as you all well know, the light-wave barrier is also known by its impressive moniker. 'The Umbrella of Artemis.' I had some time to ponder over this issue for a while, even before I came to Heliopolis, and I think I can somehow make an analysis. Firstly, I think it is strange that a military satellite, especially with Artemis's caliber, one with a so-called ultimate, impenetrable defense system would be located in the middle of nowhere. Secondly, if you really think about it, the area that Artemis is located has no strategic value at al. None, whatsoever. I seriously think that whoever was in charge of building Artemis, must be either, One, drunk until he can't think straight, or Two, was smoking something that makes him a bit delusional, because if you really think about it, this was a needless, and extreme wastage of resources for the Eurasians."
Murrue was impressed somehow, and raised an eyebrow at the detailed rant and analysis that Elzam had made. "Is it just me, Elzam… but aren't you just a little bit too opinionated on this subject?"
Elzam scoffed and say. "I'm way past opinionated on this particular subject, Murrue. I have some extremely bad experiences with Eurasian soldiers after the Battle of Jachin Due. To put it simply, I do not trust them at all, and I am sure that I had mentioned this before, is Artemis' current commander, Gerard Garcia, is an unmitigated, power hungry jackass. I am not surprised if he tries to use this ship to boost his own status, and turn it to his advantage against the Atlantic Federation, that is the faction that you all belong to. Furthermore, if he learns about me and Miguel, he would try to 'recruit' us. That I can guarantee will happen, given my knowledge of the man."
He paused for a moment and said. "I admit that I have no love for certain factions that are in ZAFT and in the PLANTs right now, but I do not have any intention on betraying my homeland, whatsoever. End of discussion."
"So… if what you say is true… I assume that we have to be on our guard?" Natarle said.
"There is no need to assume, Ensign… it is something that we all definitely have to do. We won't know what kind of underhanded tricks that jackass would pull… so it is a must that we have to been on guard at all times when we arrive." Elzam said in finality.
Petty Officer Romero Pal looked at the sensor and saw a blip appearing on the CIC's sensors. He then said. "Heat signature detected, ma'am! Pattern matches one of a Nazca-class! Current position… nine o'clock from our current location!"
All the discussion stopped at that announcement, and all eyes were turned towards Elzam, who said simply. "If my guess is correct, that ship would unmistakably the Vesalius, and I would bet on it, that the Gamow would definitely be close behind, and I reckon it would be in a position where it can intercept us if we try to retreat using the other direction as an escape route."
As if agreeing on Elzam's comment, Pal nodded and looked at the sensor panel and said. "Confirmed sir… I am detecting a Laurasia-class vessel directly astern from our current position. Distance… approximately a thousand miles off."
"So… it seems that they have seen through our deception." Murrue sighed, closing her eyes for a moment, before turning to Elzam. "You have any thoughts about this, Elzam?"
"I have to say one thing, and as much as I hate to admit it, for his entire disregard for innocents when he sets his mind of something, something that I absolutely detest, Rau Le Creuset isn't called the best space commander of ZAFT for nothing. Hell, the only person that comes close, and is able to match him on equal terms is your teacher and mentor, Lewis Halberton." He then shrugged. "Anyhow, I knew for sure, that if we pulled this trick, Rau would probably figure it out in no time. I didn't expect him to figure it out this quickly though. I was hoping that we could have a little more time on our side, before he finds out and comes after us."
"Wait… you said the only person that comes close to matching Le Creuset is my mentor… have you actually met him, Elzam?" Murrue asked curiously.
"Not really, but I have heard tales of him, and to say it plainly, he's one of the few Earth Alliance brass that I admire and respect. Why so, you might ask… I respect him, because he is one of the very few officers in the Earth Alliance that doesn't see Coordinators as some kind of disease to be purged." Elzam replied and then turned to Mu. "Well, it seems that we are needed to go into battle, Mu."
"Sure… but I have just one question. What about the Strike?" Mu asked.
"I've talked to Kira here, and he has agreed to pilot it again for us for the moment…" Elzam said. "Now that little detail has been taken care of… I think the most important thing we all should do, is to try and come up with a plan to get us out of this situation, preferably and most definitely, alive."
"Now that you mention it… I assume you already something in mind?" Murrue said, her eyebrows rose in a questioning look.
Elzam smirked and said. "I think I just might… I think me and Mu have more reason to deal some payback against that opera reject, don't you Mu?" At the other blond pilot's grin, he began to outline his plan to deal with the opposition, and made sure that everyone was clear on their individual roles in his plan, before he exited the bridge with Kira and Mu closely behind, and the three of them went towards the direction of the hangar bay.
Gamow, Hangar Bay
Dearka Elsman slipped into the pilot's seat of the GAT-X103, his thoughts heavy as he did so. Part of him was feeling quite eager to test his new machine in the fields of battle, like any pilot would, but a lot of his mind was focusing on who he was about to face in battle. Frankly speaking, it scared him at the thought of facing his close cousin, and someone he considered a brother. Though he secretly hoped that there was an explanation for all the madness that was going on.
Elzam… why the hell does these things happen? What on Earth managed to possess you, for you to join up with the Earth Forces? I've known you too long, since we were both kids, and I honestly know, that you would never do this. I really hope that there is a reason for your decision… at least I hope you do.
Before reaching here, there was a briefing, and Dearka volunteered to confront Elzam, to at least talk some sense into him, and hopefully get him to return to ZAFT, or even if that doesn't work out, he hoped to find out just what his cousin was up to, and what was he planning to do.
It was a rather unanimous decision by the four G-Unit pilots that the order to shoot to kill was to be considered a last resort, and the final option, should Elzam and Miguel declined to return. Well, at least Nicol, Dearka and Athrun felt that way. Knowing his best buddy like he did, Dearka knew that Yzak was probably going to shoot first, ask questions later, which suited the silver haired pilot's impulsive nature. Though he supposed, he shouldn't worry about his cousin, for the fact that Yzak was nowhere near the Gold Eagle of Jachin Due's level.
The voice of his commander over the radio link stirred Dearka from his thoughts.
"Alright Dearka… you know what you are supposed to do. Your task would be to find Commander Zonbolt, and find out whatever information you can. Do not, I repeat do not fire on the Aquila unless you think that you have no other way out. I know that he is your close cousin and best friend, but I expect that you are able to follow orders when it is given."
"You got it sir…" He said and then said to himself. "Doesn't mean that I have to like it though…" He then lay back against his pilot's seat, and closed his eyes, taking short deep breaths like the way Elzam used to teach him.
As much as I hate to admit it, I can't afford to be distracted this time, even though Elzam is my best buddy and close cousin. I still have my loyalties, and duties to the PLANTs and to ZAFT.
He looked forward and said. "Dearka Elsman, Buster… GO!" He lined up the Buster on the Gamow's catapult, and when the lights turned green, his machine shot out into open space.
Archangel, Hangar Bay
Elzam entered the hangar bay, dressed in his top gun red flight suit that he was used to, with the matching helmet. Mu La Flaga, as usual was already present with his own purple and black flight suit, though Elzam was bemused that there was a small pair of white wings on top of the faceplate of the Earth Alliance ace. Kira, was now dressed in a light blue and white flight suit and Miguel still stuck to his original light green flight suit.
Elzam approached Miguel and said. "So, did you make any modifications on your GINN?"
Miguel grinned and nodded. "Yep… Murdoch and I just found some more spare parts to attach to my GINN. And he also installed a spare battery pack for the shoulder mounted cannons. I think you can take a look there." He gestured towards his GINN and smirked.
Elzam took a good look and said. "Nice…. Leg mounted, missile pods, each having six mini-missiles. How interesting… well, I think I'll let you in on our plan." He then told Miguel in general what his plan was, and the blond pilot grinned. "Sounds good… I'm in."
Mu approached Kira and said. "Remember kid, just stick to the plan. Focus only on defending yourself and this ship only, ya got that?"
"I'm not sure… but I'll try..." Kira said nervously, as he saw Mu floating over to his Moebius Zero.
Elzam saw Kira's nervousness and floated over to him. "You ready, Kira?"
Kira looked at the older pilot and said. "Well, to be honest… not really."
"I appreciate your honesty, Kira… but let me tell you this. As Mu said… stick to the plan, and defend this ship and yourself. Leave the rest to us." He then lowered his voice. "This is your chance, or should I say, our chance to prove to Flay that not all Coordinators are bad."
"Thanks… I guess you're right…" Kira said, smiling slightly as his spirits were slightly lifted, and he floated away towards the Strike.
"Glad I could help…" Elzam gave the youth a thumb's up before he floated to where Mu was. "So Mu… you ready to return to the hunt?"
"Heh, you can say that I am as ready as ever. Who would have thought that the Hawk of Endymion, the Gold Eagle of Jachin Due, and the Magic Bullet of Dusk, would be fighting on the same side?"
"Well, that's fate for you sometimes, Mu. Though in earnest, I wouldn't have traded this moment for anything. You two are the best hunting partners anyone could ask for. Now that the talk's done… let's get the job done!" With that the three ace pilots went for their respective machines.
Mu's Moebius Zero was the first to launch, concealed under the cover of the Lohengrin positron cannons that the Archangel fired, which the Vesalius dodged. Miguel's GINN Cannon was next, serving as the vanguard of the operation.
Now, it was time for the two main roles for the plan to launch. The Strike was lined up on the port catapult, while the Aquila was on port. Both pilots, watching the lights go green, said their own call phrases.
"KIra Yamato… Strike, ikimasu!"
"Elzam Zonbolt, Aquila, ikuzo!"
As both machines shot out into open space, Elzam turned on the radio frequency and let out his trademark piercing wail, which was exactly Dearka was waiting for.
He then said to his comrades. "Yzak, Nicol… I'm going out there to go after Elzam. Maybe I'll be able to talk some sense into him."
"I hope you succeed, Dearka…" Nicol said sympathetically in his GAT-X207 Blitz Gundam.
"I know his your close cousin, Dearka… but if he steps out of line, and you don't do anything about it, buddy… then I'm stepping in." Yzak declared from his GAT-X1102 Duel Gundam.
On board the Aegis, Athrun looked on his display screen in dismay as he saw a familiar mobile suit appear. It was the GAT-X105 Strike. "Kira…" He said softly to himself.
Kira's face paled as he recognized the maroon mobile suit that was present as well. The GAT-X303 Aegis, that was moving towards him. "That mobile suit… Athrun!"
"Alright guys, it's time to show me what you've got!" Elzam announced. "I wish I didn't have to do this, but I have no choice, so bring it on!"
"Elzam? Elzam Zonbolt, so it is you!" A surprised voice, which sounded so eerily familiar, came through the radio, one that he would have never thought he would hear again. On his view screen, a beige, light red and brown mobile suit halted in front of him.
"Dearka… Dearka Elsman! Can you explain to me, what on earth are you doing in that thing, Cousin!?" Elzam growled slightly over the radio.
"One thing I am sure, Cuz… talking some sense into that thick skull of yours!" Dearka retorted.
"Uh-huh, riggght…" Elzam deadpanned. "So, what makes you sure I need some sense to be hammered into me, huh?" He took note that the G-Unit that his cousin was piloting was the X103 Buster.
"Let's see now… the fact that you 'disappeared' four months ago, only to appear now, piloting an Earth Alliance machine, and to add insult to injury, you had to kill Olor! They were your… our comrades, Elzam! How could you betray us like this!?" Dearka said, a wave of emotion creeping into his voice.
"I have my own reasons, cuz…. But let me ask you something… have they completed GENESIS?" He mentioned the last part very softly, so that only Dearka could hear it.
"Huh? Genesis? What the hell are you talking about?" Dearka said, becoming more confused, at the question that his cousin had asked him.
Elzam sighed in relief. "So it is not yet completed… good. Listen to me, cuz… when you return to the PLANTs, I suggest you ask your father about it. It will change the way you think, and what you should be REALLY be fighting for."
Meanwhile, while the Aquila and the Buster were having their little 'chat', the Aegis and the Strike had finally come face-to-face, once again. Athrun beat Kira to the punch, hailing the other machine.
"Kira… it's you isn't it!?" He demanded. "Why did you join up with the Earth Forces!? Why are you siding with the Naturals!? TELL ME,KIRA!!"
Kira flinched; almost breaking down under Athrun's verbal assault, but then he remembered what Elzam had told him before. Not everyone fights for a nation or a faction… believe me, you can be fighting to protect the lives of your family, your friends and loved ones, and that is the purest of reasons to be fighting for.
He steeled himself and retorted. "I'm not fighting for the Earth Forces, nor am I with them! I am only fighting to protect my friends that are on board this ship!"
"What?" Athrun said in disbelief.
Hearing the pause, Kira took the chance to retaliate. "Besides, wasn't it ZAFT who started all this!? You attacked Heliopolis!!"
"It's because those damned NATURALS that made it a target. They built these weapons there and violated their own neutrality!" Athrun replied harshly.
Meanwhile, the stand-off between the Aquila and the Blitz continued.
"Elzam… please tell me that there is something you know, something more to this. I just can't accept that you would willingly betray us like this!" Dearka said, his voice a little upset.
Elzam sighed and said. "I wish, I really wish that I could tell you, cuz… but I can't. There's something going on in ZAFT, cuz…. Something dark and sinister that I wish I had never stumbled upon. All I can say is this…. I will not be part of an organization that plans to wreak genocide on others!"
Kira didn't relent as he retorted. "I don't care who violated the neutrality! Heliopolis is neutral and so am I! Besides…" He paused for a moment before continuing. "Besides, you told me that you hated war, Athrun! So why did you join ZAFT in the first place!?"
"I'll tell you why, Kira… we are all fighting for our lives! And we didn't start this, Earth did!" Athrun retorted.
A barrage of green beams streaked past, and Kira barely evaded them.
"You aren't fighting, Athrun! Why!?" Yzak demanded as he blasted away at the Strike.
"The Duel…. Oh no!" Kira exclaimed, and the battle was truly joined.
Vesalius, Bridge
"Report sir… the enemy forces consist of three mobile suits, two G-Weapons… and some sort of modified GINN." A crewman reported.
"No mobile armor… it seems that the Hawk of Endymion's Zero is not ready to be sortied just yet." Rau Le Creuset commented, smirking evilly. "I suppose that destroying his wired gunbarrels and linear cannon would cause some maintenance problems for them."
"It is safe to make that assumption, Commander…" Fredrik Ades, Vesalius's captain agreed. "But it's a moot point, since we aren't able to hit that legged ship yet, not to mention there's that modified GINN out there."
"It's hardly unexpected, Captain… both Dearka and Athrun have their own personal problems to deal with, and if I am not mistaken, another one of our comrades that jumped ship is on that modified GINN. It's a shame really… to lose both the Gold Eagle of Jachin Due, and the Magic Bullet of Dusk… but rules are rules. One of them is piloting an Earth Forces machine, and both of them killed two of our pilots as well. That is effective treason, and I am sure you are fully aware of the penalty for that."
Artemis airspace
Dearka cursed to himself as Yzak began attacking the Strike. "I'm soory cuz… but I have to do this…" He maneuvered the Buster back, and the missile pods on the Buster's shoulders opened, and missiles flew at the Aquila… only to miss as Elzam transformed the mobile suit to its 'Bird' mode and effectively dodged the missile barrage, and returned fire, using the wing mounted Igelstellungs.
"I have to admit, you're good Dearka… and a credit to that red shirt you're wearing!" Elzam smirked. "But you of all people should know that it will take more than that to stop me!"
"OH Yeah!? Then take this one for size!" Dearka said as he fired with his beam cannon, but Elzam dodged the emerald darts easily, only to return fire with the Aquila's eye beams.
Mu should have reached the Vesalius by now, and once he has finished his business there, I hope they would leave us alone for a while after this. Elzam thought.
Artemis airspace, near Vesalius
"Payback time, Rau… let's see how you enjoy being on the receiving end of this!" Mu hissed and targeted the Nazca-class cruiser with his weapons.
On board the Vesalius, Rau Le Creuset stiffened as he felt his rival's presence, and realized what was going on. He then barked out. "Maximum thrusters! Activate CIWS! Lower bow, pitch angle sixty!"
Too late, you masked bastard! Have at thee! Mu La Flaga thought, smirking sadistically as he revved up his engines to full throttle, deploying his wired gunbarrels, and fired them along with repeated blasts from his linear cannon, slagging the Vesalius's underbelly until it was a charred mess.
You will die for this little stunt of yours, Mu! I swear on it! Rau snarled silently, at the thought of being shown up by his rival.
Mu's Moebius Zero waggled triumphantly, as if mocking Le Creuset, earning further ire from Rau, who thought that the mobile armor was mocking the ZAFT ship as it pulled away.
The Archangel then followed up the assault with its Lohengrins, and though the Vesalius had managed to dodge one blast by moving hard to starboard, but the other blast managed to graze is, which is definitely NOT a good thing to happen to one's vessel. Suffice to say, there were a lot of unhappy people on the Vesalius, namely one masked ZAFT commander.
Vesalius, Bridge
Rau Le Creuset, was well known to both sides as ZAFT's best space commander for one reason. The fact that he could retain his calm demeanor in all situations, including the tensest of situations and battlegrounds was nothing short of legendary. However, this was one instance where he went completely out of character. So infuriated at being shown up by his rival, and tactically outmaneuvered by his former subordinate only added insult to injury, as he began cussing a blue streak, using every language he ever learnt, so much so, that it would have impressed any sailor, and every female member of the bridge crew blushed heavily.
"Report! Damage to number three sodium wall; reactor output down; engine thrust down fifty percent, Captain!" A crew member reported from his console.
Fredrik Ades looked at his commander nervously, asking tentatively. "Your Orders, Captain?" He secretly hoped that he wouldn't have to bear the brunt of his superior's wrath.
"Send out orders to retreat…" Rau snarled. "As much as I hate it, we have lost this round, Captain. Order our mobile suits to return at once!"
"Yes sir…" Ades said, relieved that he was off the hook this time.
Artemis airspace
Elzam grinned as he saw a flash in the distance. "All right, Mu did it!" He then said to Dearka over the radio. "Looks like this round is ours, Dearka. I would say that you should be receiving a recall message right about….. Now."
True enough, a message flashed on Dearka's viewscreen. VESALIUS ATTACKED. RETURN TO SHIP IMMEDIATELY.
"I think you are right, Elzam… I hope we won't meet each other again for a very long time, cuz. I'd hate to have to kill you." Dearka said earnestly, relieved that he didn't have to really kill his cousin.
Yzak, on the other hand, was very pissed. "The Vesalius was hit? They are ordering US to RETREAT!!" His anger rising as he read and re-read the damning sentence. "Hell NO! We can still win this!" He roared as was about to intensify his attacks against the Strike, when emerald beams lanced past him, catching his attention.
"Leave the kid alone, Yzak! Your opponent is me!" Miguel said in his GINN Cannon as he intercepted the Duel.
"Miguel? You bloody traitor! I'll kill you!" Yzak said as he fired recklessly, shooting emerald green beams that Miguel easily dodged, and he retaliated, by releasing two missiles from the left leg missile pod towards Yzak, who dodged one, and destroyed the other using the Duel's Igelstellungs.
"Stop your attacks, Yzak! We have been given the order to retreat!" Athrun said over the radio, secretly feeling dismay to the knowledge that even Miguel had betrayed them.
"I suggest you shut the hell up, coward!" Yzak sneered as he dodged another barrage of machine gun fire from Miguel's GINN.
This is bad… Kira thought to himself. I hope that this doesn't get any worse. If he had known any better, Kira would do well not to think those words, because the Strike's beam rifle suddenly spluttered and the phase-shift armor went down.
"Now I've got you! Out of the way, Miguel!" Yzak sneered sadistically as he tried to get past the GINN blocking him to get to his target. But Athrun was faster, transforming the Aegis to its mobile armour mode, and beat the duel to the prize.
Elzam scowled as he heard the familiar 'cluink' sound and what he saw confirmed his worst fears. The Aegis, now shaped like a giant claw, had the powered down Strike in its grasp. "Oh helll… this is just bloody great!"
Archangel, Bridge
"Bad news ma'am! The Strike has been captured! Phase-Shift Down!" Jackie Tomomura reported.
Murrue's face paled slightly. "What do we do now?" She said softly, looking around for advice.
"Wait, Ma'am!" Tomomura looked at the console. "Incoming message from Commander Zonbolt! His words are 'Prep the Launcher Striker pack and launch it through catapult.'"
Natarle then had a thoughtful look. "He means to get a spare battery pack to the Strike.. along with some heavier firepower. That could work! Comply with his orders immediately!" Natarle said.
"Roger that, ma'am!" Tomomura said as he relayed Elzam's orders to the hangar bay.
Artemis airspace
By now, the Buster and Blitz had joined up with the Duel, Aegis and Strike.
"What the hell are you doing, Athrun!" Yzak demanded as he continued to try and shake off Miguel's GINN.
"I don't usually comment, but we were specifically told to destroy it! You are blatantly disobeying orders!" Dearka added, though he still seems distracted somehow.
"If we can capture it and bring it over to our side, we will be much better off!" Athrun retorted. "Besides, I think that the Commander would approve of my decision."
"Just what are you planning to do with me, Athrun!?" Kira asked.
"Taking you back to the Gamow, and talk some sense into you, for one thing!" He snapped slightly at Kira. "If you know what's good for you, you'll keep quiet until we reach there."
"As if I could do that!" Kira replied hotly. "I'm not, never going on any ZAFT ship!"
"You will do as you are told Kira… unless you want me to shoot you down…" Athrun said rather shakily.
Athrun… Kira thought sadly. How did it finally come to this??
"I don't want to fight or kill you, Kira… if I can help it. I already lost my mom in the Bloody Valentine… I don't…." Athrun didn't get a chance to finish as a volley of beams, and projectiles rained down like hail on the five G-Weapons, as the Aquila and the Moebius Zero, joined by Miguel's GINN Cannon entered the fray.
"You alright Kira?" Elzam asked.
"Get out of here, kid!" Mu said, blasting at the Blitz and Buster, while Miguel's GINN was keeping the Duel busy. "The Archangel's going to launch the Launcher Striker pack soon. I suggest you don't miss it!"
"Thanks Lieutenant La Flaga!" KIra said as he jettisoned the Aile pack and moved on the Strike's back thrusters only towards the Archangel.
"Oh no, you don't! You're not going to get away from me!" Yzak roared as he made a feint, and took the split second that Miguel dodged, and blasted off towards the Strike.He aimed his beam rifle towards the Strike, ready to launch a grenade round.
"Hey Yzak! I told you, you're not getting past me to reach the kid!" Miguel said as he used the maneuverability of his GINN to cut Yzak off, firing his beam cannons and leg missile pods, throwing off Yzak's aim so that the grenade flew harmlessly past Kira.
"NO!" Yzak was enraged that he missed his target, due to Miguel's interference, but soon his blood grew cold as he saw the Strike linking up with the Launcher pack, and he felt something akin to fear, though he would not admit it as he saw that the barrel of the Agni hyper-impulse cannon was pointed in his direction. Only his quick reflexes prevented the Duel and himself from melted into slag, as beams of energy shot in all directions from the Strike's position.
"Heh, I suggest you get away from here, Yzak." Elzam commented. "Kira maybe a relative greenhorn in this game, but I can assure you, he has a very high learning curve. He won't miss the next time, which I can absolutely guarantee."
"I'll remember this, you traitors! Resst assured I will!" Yzak roared as he steered the Duel away from the battlefield, followed by the Aegis and the Blitz. The Buster lingered on for a moment; a silent moment as it and the Aquila stared at each other, before it too, took off.
The pilots that remained were exhausted, but still alive and well. But for three of their number, it was crystal clear in their minds that the next time they meet, they might have to strike down people who they regarded as best friends, comrades, or brothers. At that solemn note, the Strike, Aquila, Zero and GINN returned to the belly of the Archangel, and the voyage to Artemis resumed.
Author's note: WHEW! As requested, I made my chapters longer… hope all of you like it! The first round of the Battle of Artemis is officially over. Next round, Elzam wastes Garcia, Flay's anti-Coordinator sentiments get eroded further… and Elzam gets to encounter some old friends. Till then cheerios!
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