Flight of the Intruders

by mazinkaiser

A young man and a war machine was separately thrown into a chaotic future where men and women fight for dominance and an unseen enemy is waiting for the war to come into "fruition" to pick off the survivors...literally. They have to join a ragtag group of people with a new untested ship along with its partner mechas and fight in order to survive and maybe...even return home.

10. Grand Finale

For everyone who had been reading this, I give you my eternal gratitude as I had tried my hardest to make this story from a figment of my imagination to a readable fan fiction that you are reading now.

I am sorry if I was not able to post this chapter before New Year's Day for some of you, but I had actually started from scratch.

I was not really able to make this chapter until two weeks ago and thus it had taken me this long to make it (and in not so well written way either).

Still, I am happy to have finished my first story and I guess it is enough that it was read by so many people (276 hits at last count).

As my belated Christmas and (hopefully on time) New Year's present to you, I now give you the tenth and final chapter of the Flight of the Intruders aptly named...

---

Chapter 10 – Grand Finale

The Nirvana had just entered the cosmic storm that had plagued the first planetary pioneer mission and caused them to go separate ways.

You might even say that it was thanks to this storm that had actually shaped the destinies of the remaining humans in the universe especially those in Mejeera and Taraark beyond it.

Both Vandread Jura and Wing Zero had gone out to act as scouts to the Nirvana since the cosmic storm was wreaking havoc with the long range sensors and thus the crew could only see as far as twenty kilometers all around it.

Even then, the results were a bit fuzzy due to very strong magnetic interference and visual sensors were not that much better. All anyone could outside their canopies or eye cameras were strangely shaped cloud like formations, asteroids, and lightning as far as their perspective horizon.

Not to mention, a few Harvester pods had caught up to them and thus cubes and some of the Vandread copies including Dark Wing Zero had kept them busy.

The other dreads were launched with Dita taking Jura's place in the Vandread roster to provide the needed offensive power.

The battle was short and sweet with the Nirvana's lasers aiding the dreads in making short work of the pods and vandread copies it could see with Wing Zero making its copy disappear in the storm along with the others in an explosion.

The one big drawback to the whole battle was that the Vanguard had somehow separated from the group (and its partner dread) with Hibiki's craft chased by a Vandread Jura copy even further into the storm before both Vandread and copy had disappeared from the dreads, Zero's, and even the Nirvana's sensors.

Dita was forced to turn back along with the others since they could be lost as well; she was later seen in the hanger door crying on the gundum pilot's right shoulder.

Meia had blamed herself for not being an effective leader with Jura also sharing the blame as she was supposed to keep tabs on her fellow pilots despite the difficulties in doing so.

"Hey, calm down." William was saying while stroking the crying girl's long red hair gently. "If I know Hibiki, he'll make his way back…eventually."

"Really?" The red headed dread pilot said with watery eyes as she had separated from the taller pilot and looked up.

"Yes, nobody keeps a good man down and Hibiki is one good man in my book."

"Thank you, thank you, thank you." Dita replied as she had once again hugged the gundum pilot. "I knew that Mister Alien would come back to us."

"You're a pretty good man too, Zapanta." Barnette said with a relieved smile as she had also deplaned from her craft. "It's evident that you care for Tokai much like a brother."

"In some ways, he is my brother." The Filipino said as he had continued to stroke at Dita's hair. "And if there is any way we can find his whereabouts, I'll be joining Dita here in picking him up and bringing him home."

"Well, let's make sure that we can find him in this mess." Meia replied as her own hopes of regaining her confidence in her leadership and a good friend were rekindled by the gundum pilot's words.

-oOo-

We find our diminutive hero lying face down on what seemed to be a desert and his Vanguard was nowhere to be seen. This had clearly spooked the outspoken pilot as he had looked as far as he could see to find his mecha, no dice.

Hibiki had chosen to walk in any direction he could think off, hoping to find his beloved machine. The Vanguard pilot had thought that he could handle the arid landscape considering that Taraak is not exactly a garden planet either, well he was wrong.

After an hour of walking in random directions, Hibiki had forgotten the first rule in crossing a dessert or any arid land– respect it.

He did not think of looking for a place with sufficient shade and had even forgotten to look for any water supply in his zest to find his Vanguard. This was why Hibiki was found by a group of men fifteen minutes later, passed out on the sand.

The Taraakan had briefly woken only to say "Who are you guys?" before passing out once again.

One of the men who had surrounded the fallen pilot then said. 'He would not last long in this heat. Let us take him with us to shelter.'

'But Kokoperi, how could we know if he is not of the harvest spies?' a young man had asked his elder. "Surely, they could have used a human to spy on us."

'Do you hear what you are actually saying, Tatanaka?'

"My apologies, Chief."

'Everyone let us bring this young man to my home so we could revive him and guide him on his quest as he had seen Sam.'

There was a murmur of mental thoughts going around, but in the end, they had carried Hibiki as they were told.

It was sometime after that Hibiki had woken up on his own accord. Upon realizing where he was and who he was dealing with after being given some soup, he then started a rant about them joining the fight against the Harvest Fleet and their Masters – the Earth dwellers.

'No, we cannot.' Kokoperi then answered mentally. 'Even if the Earthlings had cut off our tongues and left us here in this desolate world for many generations, we did not think badly of them. We could even thank them for giving us the opportunity to communicate with the spirits.'

"But aren't you afraid of being Harvested as well?"

'They are afraid of us, afraid of what we are capable of,' the old Chief continued as if expecting the given question. 'Even with their technology, they could cannot connect with the spirits like we do and thus they left us alone for they are afraid of the spirits' true power.'

Seeing the Taraakan's confused look, Kokoperi then said. 'You must have seen the negative consciousness since you are hasty and also because you are afraid. Thus, we would not fight simply because of hate.'

"I am not afraid," Hibiki said before groaning at the sudden numbness in his legs as he had tried to stand up only to fall down once again. "But why won't you even fight to protect your own people."

'Acting on one's fear begets nothing except recklessness,' the wizened chief replied mentally. 'As a wise being from long ago once said – 'Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, and hate leads to suffering.' Also, victory is not found in battles of hate, but in battles of courage.'

"I don't get it," The Taraakan then said while rubbing his head in confusion. "How does fighting to protect differ from fighting with courage?"

'It is not yet our time to fight as we do not have a reason to do so,' one of the council members sitting to Tatanaka's right mentally spoke in reply. 'The Earth is simply ignoring that we exist as they could never understand our relationship with the spirits and neither could they actually possess such a relationship themselves.'

"Well, that makes some sort of sense." Hibiki then replied after a moment. He then slowly stood up in order to keep the blood vessels on his legs moving fluidly. "I guess I need to go since I have to find my partner."

'Is your partner the large humanoid machine with swords on its back?' Tatanaka then asked.

"Yes, do you know where it is?"

'Yes, but first the Chief would like to ask you to do something for him.'

"Alright."

'Mister Tokai, since you yourself had seen a spirit; we would like you to train your mind in the Cave of the Spirits." Kokoperi said with certain firmness in his mental voice. 'In the meantime, we will fetch your machine.'

"It's a deal," Hibiki said as he and the Chief had clasped hands in a firm handshake.

-oOo-

Meanwhile, back in the Nirvana, Dita had contacted the bridge if she could look for Hibiki despite the low visibility outside.

This was mirrored by Meia, Jura, and even Barnette who had volunteered to do the same considering that the Nirvana had anchored itself to a large asteroid to keep itself in place.

Misty herself had gone to the bridge herself with both Seran and William chasing her to keep her from a nasty spill.

"I would like to join the search by means of the Nirvana's long range radar," the fourteen year old said with fire in her eyes.

"We'll help search for Hibiki as well," William said in behalf of himself and Seran. "I believe that he's out there somewhere and with enough effort, we'll find him."

"Well, I'll leave this one to you, BC." Magno said with a chuckle. "It makes me glad that all of you are concerned for a fellow crew member. So carry on."

No one had heard the slight grunt from the door behind the captain's chair as Magno had suffered a mild stroke before recovering in a flash.

"I want all pilots grounded until we know for sure where Tokai is," BC said with all seriousness. "For now, it's best that we use whatever other resources in our disposal to look for him."

"Yes, Ma'am." A slightly deflated set of teens said as they had left the bridge or turned off the communication gear.

"Ma'am, wouldn't be alright if we let Zero out since it does have long range radar?" Amarone then asked her superior.

"Yes, it would be a good chance of finding Hibiki using William and his gundum but if we were under attack by the copies or Dark Wing Zero then we would then be in big trouble."

"I see your point, Ma'am."

-oOo-

In the meantime, the others had gone to work in their own ways to express their support for the missing pilot and friend.

Meia, Jura, Dita, and Barnette were all huddled with Misty in the Radar room with William in Wing Zero and Bart in his cockpit.

All of them were busy looking for Hibiki's last known whereabouts and hoping to pick up any signal from the Vanguard and use it as a beacon.

Even Duero was trying his best to find any medical records for Hibiki in case he was injured upon his return. This did not get past Paiway or Parfeit with the latter's admiration for the younger man growing even more.

-oOo-

It had taken a good half-hour before Chief Kokoperi, the council member that spoke to Hibiki, and the Vanguard pilot himself had reached the cave in question.

"So all I have to do is get to the top?"

'Yes, that is all you have to do.'

Hibiki had cracked his knuckles in anticipation. "Alright, here I go."

After pumping himself up, the Vanguard pilot then continued on into the barely lighted cave with the intent of training his mind and proving his own worth.

As the Taraakan was slowly climbing up the sheer cliff with only his hands and booted feet propelling him up, he was assaulted by voices of his past echoing in his head. The familiar voices were those who had ridiculed him and the words that he had spoken before.

One would not be surprised that Hibiki had lost a handhold and fell, only to come back more determined than ever.

Again, voices had echoed in his head, but unlike before it was more of the words that had given him the need push and the mental images were those of his friends that were ready to pull him up whenever he was down.

Even then, a particularly annoying voice (it had reminded him of Pyroro's for some reason) had asked him questions as to what he is and what his reason for being is.

"I can't say anything more than being a human," Hibiki answered with a chuckle as he had found another foothold while his calloused hands were steadying him. "As for the second question, I guess I'll give you Zero's answer in that 'I'm the one who could find the answers which I myself seek'."

"A valid answer; given the complexities of the subject matter."

"Yeah, well." Hibiki said as he had stopped for a bit to catch his breath and regain his bearings. "Before I met the people who have become my friends, I was alone. I was thinking that I can do everything without any help, and I was proven wrong."

Hibiki was then pulled into the sub-space within the Paeksis as they had continued the interrogation.

"What are friends? What is their importance for the one called Hibiki?" The Paeksis then asked as its outer bluish layer had sparkled brightly with lightning jumping around its crust.

"Well, friends are those who watch over you and help you stand when you fall." The Vanguard pilot said with glee as he had now realized where he was. "Tell me, Paeksis. Do you consider Wing Zero as your friend?"

Taken aback by the question given to it, the Paeksis had pondered for a few minutes before giving an answer.

"Yes, Zero has been a good companion to me ever since we had exchanged information with each other months ago."

"Well, that is what William, Dita, Meia, and the rest are to me too."

"I can see now why friendship is so valued by your species."

"Hey, every living being including you can have a friend." Hibiki was saying with utmost glee at making yet another friend even if it is not human. "Zero may not be organic, but in a sense he is just as alive as we are."

"Thank you."

"No, thank you for making me realize that I had to work even harder and become even stronger just to protect all of you."

The Taraakan had found himself back to the ledge he was originally on and continued climbing.

-oOo-

While this was going on, Kokoperi and his companion were talking down below and just a little ways inside the cave. Both had heard the soft thud that had resulted from Hibiki's fall earlier along with his grunt as he had gotten up and climbed once again.

'It would seem that boy may not surpass his own limitations, Chief.' The Council member said with a mental sigh. 'He may have bitten off more than he could chew.'

'I see in that boy's eyes the same thing as Sam's own when he came here,' Kokoperi replied with a calm tone. 'He will succeed and draw courage from it.'

Suddenly Butan had shown up and hugged the surprised Councilman. Both he and his Chief had looked up to see Sam or to be more accurate – Rabat.

'Sam, it has been a long time since you have visited us.' Kokoperi said with surprise. 'It would seem that this boy Hibiki had contact with the spirits seeing that he has the Blue Kachina.

"No, he not only has the Blue Giant, but also White Wing, and Red Claw." Rabat replied quickly.

'I see,' Kokoperi then said as he had continued the ceremony for the introduction of a new warrior into the tribe. 'Then, Hibiki must be the Chosen One. I am sorry, Sam.'

Rabat then replied simply. "Don't be. From what I could see, he deserves it more than I do."

The colored sand had ended up in a circular painted drawing on the ground depicting Hibiki being surrounded by representations of the Vandreads, ten figures (two of which were not even human) and one hundred and fifty figures that line up around the edge of the circle with some stars and planets being drawn around the whole circle itself.

The meaning of the said drawing is that Hibiki is the center of the universe as he is protected and supported by the Three Guardians (the Vandreads), the Ten Shadows (Dita, Meia, Jura, Pyroro, Barnette, Magno, Parfeit, Paiway, Duero, William, and finally Wing Zero), and the One Hundred Fifty Hearts ( the crew of the Nirvana including Bart and Misty).

-oOo-

At nearly the same time, Paiway had noticed something about the Paeksis Pragma as it seemed to be growing even brighter. She had already seen Pyroro being possessed and floated towards the clinic where Duero was in about fifteen minutes ago.

Being the dutiful muckraker that she was, she had learned Hibiki's real secret along with both Duero and Parfeit and all three were shocked to the core.

This revelation then led to Duero showing his findings to the shocked Bridge crew including Magno herself.

Also, a sudden thought had gone through Dita, Meia, and Jura and in a trance had pointed the location of Hibiki's whereabouts in the radar screen showing the map of the sector of space where they were.

This had led to Dita's and William's scramble to their mecha with everyone celebrating the finding of their lost crew member.

Even Misty was hugged by Jura in her joy, with Barnette too happy to be jealous. Bart was waving his arms in joy at the single flashing dot in the space map before he was ejected so to speak and had even added that Hibiki is just too bullheaded to die just yet as he stood up and brushed his shoulder.

The Nirvana then started up and followed the signal to its source before BC had permitted the warmed up mecha to launch.

All of this had happened while Hibiki had swatted away the influence of the Red Paeksis as he continued to tell the spirits (Peaksis) of his resolutions to become a better pilot and person as he has accepted his new responsibilities with even greater vigor than before while climbing even higher up the cliff face.

Down below, Rabat had sensed that Hibiki had finally gone through his trial with flying colors and shouted. "You had now reached your stage. Now tell them your name."

As if hearing the words of his former enemy, the Vanguard pilot then stood up on the rock face above a mountain and shouted with determination. "I am Hibiki Tokai!"

In the distance, the Taraakan could see the details of two of his closest friend's mechas approaching fast and smiled contentedly.

He then waited for both dread and gundum to hover near him and their hatch/canopy to open.

"Welcome back, Hibiki." William said simply while Dita had added. "We missed you so much."

"I miss all of you too," Hibiki told the crying Dita before turning his gaze to his big brother figure and adding. "It's good to be back, William."

William then used Zero's hand to get the Taraakan into the dread's cockpit before heading back to the village.

Rabat then spoke as he and the other two desert people had emerged from the cave and had seen the two mechas pass by above them. "With friends like those two with him, that boy will never lose his way."

'Indeed.'

-oOo-

Later, when the Vanguard was being moved to a plane like shuttle craft with Wing Zero's help, Hibiki had one last talk with Kokoperi.

"I would like to thank you for teaching me a valuable lesson in patience and understanding," the Taraakan said with a slight bow.

'No, it was you yourself who had gotten such a lesson while being with the spirits.' Kokoperi replied before pulling out a small green pod like crystal and putting it on Hibiki's forehead. 'You are now one of us and this planet is your new home.'

After a slight pause, Kokoperi then added. 'You could come back here in good times or bad, when you need someone to talk to, or when you are in need of advice.'

"Thank you once again."

'You are indeed welcome.'

After getting back to the Nirvana, Hibiki then told his friend while they were both lounging around in Hibiki's room. "Did everyone really miss me?"

"Yeah, even the Squirt was worried about you and that's saying something." William replied with a laugh as he had stood up to get a glass of water.

"Hey, thanks for not giving up on me." The Taraakan said from his position in his bed with the special bed covers that Dita had made a month ago.

"Tell that to Dita as she did not even give up for one second."

"Maybe later," Hibiki said with a nervous chuckle. "Right now, a relaxing game of poker with us versus the girls would be good."

"You're on."

-oOo-

A day later, Vandread Jura had surrounded the Nirvana as well as itself in a force shield to safeguard from the effects of the cosmic storm.

In the Nirvana, excitement was clearly in the air as most of the crew members were on their way home. For three of them though, it was just another planet in transit.

In the park below the bridge, Misty was about to speak out about the crew celebrating way too soon since the Harvest fleet was not that far away if their latest encounter was anything to go by when she had felt two hands on both her shoulders.

Looking back, she saw both William and Seran looking back at her with shaking heads. The Plutonian had understood their unspoken message and thus kept quiet.

Even then Meia did look back at the three of them, knowing the dangers that were all too clear. She then linked hands with both girls before leaving the park altogether.

William had taken a seat since he was off duty for the day and wanted some time for himself to gather his thoughts before arriving at their destination.

In Vandread Jura, Hibiki was wishing for the same thing as William since Jura was being a bit too much of a tease and Dita was not exactly helping either.

It had all started when Dita had contacted Vandread Jura and offered some food for a job well done after he and Jura get back to the ship.

Jura had whined a bit after hearing the offer until Barnette had made a similar offer, and a happy Jura is…well, a happy Jura.

"Oh, by the way, males are prohibited in Mejerra, but you already know that." The blonde Mejeeran said to tease her already flustered co-pilot after thanking her best friend (more like lover at this point) again and again.

"Yeah, yeah." Hibiki said with a growl. "It's not like it is my business to be there anyway. It's the Harvest Fleet that I'm worried about."

"Don't you worry, Mr. Alien." Dita then added from the screen. "I will fight with you to the death if necessary."

"Now let's not be too hasty, Dita." The Taraakan could feel a headache coming as he had tried to salvage the whole situation. "If there is anything I have learned from my experience in the last planet we've been through is to live life to the fullest, so no talk of dying alright?"

"Hey, if you two are getting a little too serious, then why don't you two have a child?" Jura interjected in a teasing way.

"How about you quit joking around and help me fly this thing instead," Hibiki now shouted as his blood pressure was slowly rising. Dita had already cut the communication on her end, embarrassed by the given insinuation.

"And here I thought that Hibiki had already matured," the blonde Mejeeran had said to no one in particular before sighing.

I am betting that if a Vandread could sweatdrop, Vandread Jura would have already done so…twice.

-oOo-

Back in the ship, Meia had led two of the newer crewmen to the core of the ship where the Paeksis and engineering section is located.

As they had passed the engineering section, the girls had overheard the conversation between Duero and Parfeit.

"You know, you've changed a bit since you and guys have been here." The female engineer said with glee perceptible in her already bubbly voice.

"I'm glad you noticed."

The three crewmen had rolled their eyes at the obvious flirting between the two and wished that they would admit their feelings as soon as possible.

After reaching the Paeksis, they had stopped and leaned on the railings. The oldest of the three then said. "Personally, even if we have gotten back to each of our home planets, the Harvest Fleet would still find a way to destroy us so it doesn't really matter if we get back home."

"You've read my mind," Misty said in awe. Seran's mouth had hung open in surprise at her commander's wisdom.

"It's obvious that the Earth wouldn't just give up its ways as shown in our latest encounters with the Harvest fleet," Meia continued to let some of the things that she felt in relation with the pirate's homecoming. "The only thing left for us is to stand and fight, seeing that we can't run away from them anymore."

"I agree."

A new voice had entered the conversation as the egg robot had floated to the walkway where the three girls were staying. "Hey, the party is going full swing at the park. Let's go, let's go."

"Hey Pyroro, where's Kahlua?" Seran asked rather innocently even though there was a spark of mischief in her eyes.

"Pyroro 2 is with her Fama and her 'Ohma' in the park," the egg robot answered in defeat.

It was a no-brainer that Ezra would seek a chance to sit back on a park bench and relax with her daughter and her so-called close friend who happens to be male. Of course, both William and Kahlua enjoy each other's company too.

"Oh, so how about you head on back and we'll catch up with you." Misty said to cheer the robot up.

Suddenly, Pyroro had frozen up as its black screen acting as its face had suddenly became covered in static and snow.

After rebooting itself, Pyroro then acted as if it was possessed, but for the three girls, they knew who was really speaking.

"Loneliness," Pyroro spoke. "Why are humans lonely at a time of celebration?"

"Well, sometimes we get lonely since we feel like we don't belong." Misty said in matter of fact tone. "Don't you feel lonely too?"

"Once, we were one but due to accident with an Earth research ship, we separated ways." Pyroro responded. "My other half had joined with Earth, leaving me alone."

"Hey, don't worry, Peaksis." Seran said as she and the others had embraced the robot. "We're all here for you."

"Yes, Miss Seran is right." A deep voice had added from somewhere. "In the course of our meetings with the Harvest fleet, we may finally meet your other half."

Everyone then looked at the newly arrived William and Ezra with Kahlua happily reaching for them from her mother's arms.

"We've been looking for the three of you for the past ten minutes," Ezra said as explanation as Pyroro had regained his senses upon hearing the child's happy gurgling. "Let's go back. And Paeksis, please believe in us as we believe in you."

The giant sphere had only glowed softly in response as the group left for the party with Zero suddenly saying from his comlink's speakers. "You're welcome."

-oOo-

Two things had happened at the same time after some of the group had returned to the party. The first was that Bart had tried to invite BC using a badly written handwritten note and Jura asking Hibiki on what it was like to be having a child.

With the first one, this is what had happened. Bart had tried to look cool (even if it meant popping out from behind of a console like a Jack in the Box) and gave the above mentioned note along with a passable speech about giving the older woman the pleasure of his company.

BC simply said. "I am flattered for the gesture so I'll think about it."

Enter a Vocaloid song entitled Karakuri Pierrot since Bart would be feeling the same thing once a secret was revealed, that's for sure.

As for Jura's answer, a more thoughtful Hibiki had exchanged his yelling at his co-pilot about stupid things with thinking about what he would teach his children (if he does have them).

"Men, give them something to ponder and they turn into 'The Thinker' complete with mumbles." Jura said half to herself as she had taken full control of her craft.

Soon, the Nirvana had passed the magnetic storm and the crew had cheered loudly. To a certain pilot, it had reminded him of the times when people root and cheer in victory against a political despot or their school's opponent in basketball.

Dita then separated from the group, running towards the hanger with Barnette doing the same.

Sometime later, the foursome had returned and they headed for the banquet table happy to have gone through the cosmic storm and for most of them - being able to return home.

After the crew had their fill, alarms were heard blaring throughout the ship. Amarone had said that they had blundered into a Taraakan minefield.

The minefield was large enough to actually surround the whole of planet Mejeera many times over and it was also armed with automated and block-like turrets with forty inch laser cannons, all of them directed at the Nirvana.

The pilots had thought of scrambling with their craft and destroying the mines with Bart giving them cover fire when Magno had told them no since the defensive system could help in the coming battle with the Harvest fleet.

Belatedly seeing the wisdom in the order, the others had stopped looking for a way to fight back. Even then, both Parfeit and later Duero had run to the engineering section to look for a way to isolate the system temporarily.

As for the three Taraakans, none of them could actually provide the needed codes and William was not even a Taraakan to begin with.

With the clock ticking, the whole ship's crew was tense and anxiously waited for something to happen – a sudden stop in the countdown, a malfunction, anything that would keep them alive would be preferred.

Out of all them, BC was the most affected and had actually clenched her hands repeatedly and thus was noticed by Magno.

BC then pushed a button on her choker on her neck as the counter had reached two seconds remaining. This had caused her voice to change completely from a soprano to a bass (and yes, it surprised me too).

BC then reintroduced herself as Tenmei Urugasumi and he was really an intelligence officer in the Taraak military with a rank of Colonel. He then spoke the required clearance code to permit the passage of the Nirvana through the minefield without stuttering.

After the code was accepted and the Nirvana cleared for entry, Tenmei had ordered two things – a beacon through the newly-made passageway so they could pass through if necessary and his arrest.

"I wish this day would have never come, but that would be asking too much." Magno said, breaking the awkward silence as two of the security officers had handcuffed Tenmei with heavy hearts.

Tenmei could not believe that Magno had seen through his deception and praised her for being a good person. He then praised everyone for doing a good job and asked the guards that he be escorted to the brig.

Duero, Hibiki, and William had joined him with Bart being too shocked to even move. Along the way, Tenmei said with some regret. "I am proud of all of you. You four had done a lot in improving relations between men and women."

"So, why did you do it?" Hibiki said while trying not to keep his voice even.

"It is my job," Tenmei answered simply. "Your job is to keep the Nirvana and its crew safe and well."

"I understand," Hibiki said before leaving.

William was about to leave as well when Tenmei then asked him to stop. The gundum pilot did before uncovered spy said. "If you were in my shoes, would you do the same?"

The question had shocked the two guards and Duero who was leaning on the wall near the prison cell.

"Yes," William said then walked away as well; his posture slouched as he had tried to keep his errant emotions in check.

"Duero?"

"Yes?"

"I'm sorry."

"No, it wasn't your fault." The Tarrakan doctor replied with a frown. "If it wasn't for you, we wouldn't even be talking right now."

"You're right," The older Taraakan said with a wry smile. "We've all changed."

"And it is a good thing we did." Duero added before walking away as well.

In the bridge, Amarone had detected the radar signatures of large paints coming from both Taraak and Mejeera. There was no escape for them now.

-oOo-

The approaching fleets had set their demands on the crew of the Nirvana – unconditional surrender of the crew from the Taraakans and the women pirates being escorted for trial.

Tenmei was released and had given some requests to a select group of people without the knowledge of the others.

Thus, the women pirates had prepared to leave the ship with Ezra actually getting all of William's clothes and accessories inside a secret compartment in Wing Zero's cockpit.

Dita was supposed to give the men, who were told to remain on the ships, some bento only for the food to be swatted away by a fellow Mejeeran. Dita was about to protest when Meia had shushed her.

Speaking of the guys, they were passing though the core of the ship on their way to the hanger where they were to be picked up by the Taraakan soldiers.

Suddenly, both Hibiki and William had gotten unconscious and were pushed to the waiting Peaksis. Bart then asked his fellow Taraakan. "Is this really necessary?"

Duero could only answer as Pyroro had fallen to the gangway seemingly deactivated. "Yes, since Tenmei said so. Both Hibiki and William are our aces and we need them here and out of hands of either Mejeera or Taraak."

"Well, I trust you know what you're doing." The blond said before they had heard a soldier bark. "Hands on your heads and turn around so I can see them."

Elsewhere, Barnette had gotten the ship in lock down status and with Zero's help had also done the same with the Vanguard and the gundum. She then joined Jura who had taken the baby book with her as they left the ship.

After the pirates were escorted to the waiting police ship, the Taraakans had secured the Nirvana.

-oOo-

In Mejeera hours later, the captured women were put on trial for heresy with the book about babies being proof of their heresy.

"Ladies, your punishment is death for trying to make a coup d'état by spreading rumors of the Harvest fleet to the people of the planet." The lady judge said with finality. "What say you?"

"I say that this is pure and unadulterated bull shit since you would not even listen the truth," Dita said with a shout as she stood up. "We have come here all this way from God knows where to warn you of the Harvest and this is how you treat us."

The other women pirates were both impressed and worried for the gutsy redhead who had spoken her mind especially Misty.

"How dare you?!" The judge said in a sputter. "Guards, seize them."

As the women pirates were led to their prison ship in chains, Misty had leaned close to the red head and whispered. "I don't care what anyone else would tell you later; I still think you're awesome."

Dita then smiled as she had finally realized how her courage had grown in order for her to speak up when it is needed.

-oOo-

In Taraak, Tenmei had received a medal for going far and beyond the call of duty in a private ceremony in the latter's office. The Prime Minister then asked. "Don't you think it is time to get rid of your disguise?"

"Sir, I will only discard my disguise when my mission is over." Tenmei replied with nary an expression.

"Well then, your new mission is to keep those two buffoons from joining the women." The Prime Minister said before sitting down on his chair.

"Understood, Sir." Tenmei replied with a salute and quickly left.

-oOo-

Going back to the women pirates who had just arrived at the Mejeeran orbital prison, Magno was asking Meia if she was scared. The Nirvana Air Boss then skirted the question by asking what if Hibiki was asked the same question.

With a chuckle, Magno then replied. "I'm sure that either he or William would be asking the same question as you did.

It was then that the pirates were hearing the sounds of cheering from the other prisoners and their hearts had swelled at the number of women that also wanted to change the system and world as well.

In Taraak, Tenmei had rescued a cruelly beaten Duero and Bart from a severe back lashing to the surprise of their guards. Duero had already confessed that he had made a lot of friends and that he had found his future partner in life there.

As an afterthought, Tenmei then threw the medal he had received before saying. "I have learned a great many things in my time in the Nirvana and one of those things is that you do not leave your friends behind."

The trio then made their escape, making as much as a ruckus as possible.

Meanwhile in the Nirvana, both Hibiki and William had woken up from their respective naps. The latter was a bit confused as to where they were when the former had answered that they were inside the Paeksis Pragma.

"Seriously?!" William said in shock before the surroundings had changed color. He then added. "Don't worry, Paeksis. We won't let you be taken by these dopes in uniform."

Hibiki then nodded and said. "Yeah, we'll get everyone back on board so that we can fight and win."

Seeing that the teens were sincere in their words, the Paeksis had released them, only to fall onto the lone guard that was stationed there.

"Before we do get the Nirvana running, let's do some needed bopping of the idiots stationed here," Hibiki said with a feral grin. "Being cooped up in the Paeksis means we need to do some exercise."

"I read you," William said with a similar smile. "You get the bridge, the living spaces, and the pantry. I'll hang around the hangers and armory plus the clinic. We'll meet in the engineering section in an hour."

Picking up Pyroro, Hibiki then said. "See you in an hour."

The two teens separated and knocked out as many Taraakan guards as possible with take down moves and surprise on their side.

By the time the two male teens had met in the Engineering section, William was carrying two cases of bento that they ate ravenously. Hibiki had even praised the food as a gift from heaven, given how hungry they were.

It was then that the Pyroro had booted up from his self-deactivation and told that Barnette had gotten the ship on lock down just in case.

So even if the Paeksis had booted up the whole ship's navigation and defense systems, neither Hibiki nor William could actually fly or have it bare its multiple fangs.

"I guess we'll have to wait for the others then," The Taraakan said with a slight frown. He then picked up a deck of cards from the table near him. "Anyone up for a game of Old Maid?"

-oOo-

Back in the orbital prison, the women pirates and their new allies had been broken out of the prison by the remaining pirates who had chosen to hold the fort.

"Sorry for the delay, Boss but we had to time the patrol fleet's rounds." A tall dark blue haired pirate named Rebecca said as she had embraced her lifetime partner and daughter. "We've heard the news from the grapevine and we'll join you against the Harvest fleet."

"There is no need for apologies," Magno replied with a wave of her hand. "Just get us back to our ship and prepare for battle."

"Yes, Boss."

Both she and a red headed pilot named Valore were quickly introduced to Misty by Dita before a few teases were made in Meia's direction. It was a given that Meia did not like to be teased thus had left quickly with Misty right behind her.

After the ships were readied, the whole fleet of pirate ships then left the prison on their way to the Nirvana.

-oOo-

In the front hanger of the Nirvana, the pirates had come in and docked. They were greeted by a visibly relived Hibiki and William before Pyroro had made a mad dash for Pyroro -2.

The egg robot was stopped by seven arms working together to keep him away from the surprised babe and made her laugh as well. One of the arm's owners had used her other arm to hold the baby herself.

"Well well well, it would seem that this is Kahlua's loving nanny." Rebecca said while studying the struggling robot at literally arm's length.

She then looked past the robot to the young man standing in front of her and pulling on Pyroro's left leg before saying. "And this is her surrogate Ohma."

Everyone in the hanger was shocked at how calm the young woman was when she spoke. Both had released Pyroro along with Hibiki and Ezra before shaking hands with firm grips.

"You have just proven how good a man could be, Zapanta." Rebecca said with all sincerity. "Thank you for looking after my Fama and little one."

"It was my pleasure." William answered with a small smile as their gloved hands had met in a firm handshake.

"Hey guys," Barnette with Jura by her side then approached the four. "If you're looking for the password, here it is."

The two young men then looked at the little device that Barnette was holding to safeguard the Nirvana's systems and laughed out loud. The word – "Smile" was flashing in the black LCD screen.

"Well I''ll be darned," both teens said with a fake Texan drawl before laughing once again, this time joined by the others.

They had already missed the arrival of the other men who had come back to their respective stations.

In the bridge, Tenmei was about to apologize and wait for his punishment when Magno simply replied. "Like I said earlier, no need for apologies, all I want is my Vice Captain back."

"Understood," Tenmei said before activating the voice changer in his/her collar. And BC has once again gone back to take her rightful position.

All of the pirates were preparing for what is yet to come as the Nirvana had gone out of its Geo-sync to meet the Harvest fleet head on.

-oOo-

In the Nirvana, some people had talked about the upcoming battle to release the tension so to speak. For instance, Hibiki, William, Dita, and Pyroro were talking about what they would do once they defeated the Harvest as they sat down in the armory office.

"For me, I'll continue to pilot my partner here in the Nirvana as you guys never seem to have plenty of adventures." Hibiki said with pride.

"Is that the only reason?" Pyroro said with a bit of teasing in his tone.

"Of course," Hibiki then checked himself before saying. "Alright, I wanted to be with Dita and you guys too. Happy?"

"Very."

"How about you, William?" Dita said to change the conversation. "Are you going to stay with us?"

"Honestly, it would be nice to remain a space pirate." The gundum pilot said with his head down. "But I still need to get home as I am not supposed to be here in the first place."

"Don't say things like that," the only rose among the thorns interjected quickly. "There is a reason as to why you are here with us."

"True, but there is also a reason as to why I shouldn't be here as well."

"I've read some of the books you're reading in your room and I don't think that a time traveler should just leave the place where he had grown accustomed to without returning of course." Hibiki then laid his own two cents.

"Well, I don't plan on leaving you guys yet as I still have to fight in this battle."

"Of course and that we will win." The Taraakan said while standing up and puffing his chest proudly.

"Yeah."

In the clinic, Paiway then confessed to Duero that she would be giving up her Pai-checks as she sorts herself out.

Duero replied that he is proud of the pre-teen's initiative and that he too would sort himself out.

-oOo-

In Taraak, an old muscular man with a mustache and beard had barged into the High Council meeting where Grandpa was talking to his fellow councilmembers on what to do with the Nirvana.

The meeting was adjourned with Grandpa and the High Council now turning their attention to the new arrival.

"Jin, what is the meaning of this?" Grandpa said with irritation at his old friend. "This better be important."

"Zen, my friend." Jin said with purpose as the potted plant he held with both hands was raised for the Council to see. "See, this plant. It is the first of its kind to grow in the wastelands."

"So, what does it mean for us?" A feminine voice had spoken from a newly opened giant screen.

"Grandma, no Anri, my sister." The guardian of the people in cryogenic sleep said in return at the face in the screen. "All I am saying is that we let the future generation decide for themselves."

A High Council member had scoffed at the words spoken as he said. "And repeat what had happened a hundred years ago, surely you must be mad."

"No, I am not crazy." Jin said in response. "Yet, I held myself back at the time, which I now regret fully. Now, I wouldn't make the same mistake again."

Zen had enough as he spoke up. "Even if we did vote in your favor, it would still be four votes to four."

"Oh, really?" Jin said to himself, his voice barely audible in the massive meeting room.

"I don't think that you really understood the situation, Grandpa." A second feminine voice had spoken up as a second giant screen had opened up.

"What insolence?!" a second High Council member had spoken. "Who are you to intrude on this important meeting?"

"I'm Magno Vivan," the Pirate Chief said with a crooked smile. "And Hibiki Tokai is fighting with us."

"Hibiki?!"

"Yes, and he is the ninth member of the Council." Jin said to the surprised heads of the planets Mejeera and Taraak. "Magno, it's nice to see you again after all of these years."

"Likewise, Uncle Jin."

"Hibiki was supposed to be in cold sleep even now," Grandma Anri said as she had remembered putting him in the chamber herself.

"He had woken up, fourteen years ago and since then, fate had started to change for us."

"I understand," Anri said quietly, her heart filled with both dread and joy for knowing her only son is now among the living.

"So my brothers, are we ready to give Hibiki the power to decide the fate of the future generations?"

Zen then made his decision. "My brothers, we have done well this far and I am proud of being with you all the way. But we have to let the new generation decide on-"

'Grandpa," a third voice had shouted from a similar number of screens that is now situated behind Jin. "I've made a lot of friends."

"Yes, it shows in how you carry yourself, Hibiki." Jin replied with a grin. "But don't let that go through your head."

"Jeez, you should have at least given me some praise." The young Taraakan said after recovering from a near face plant.

"You've still got a lot to learn before you could avail yourself of such praise," Jin said, enjoying his teasing of his nephew.

Anri was visibly shocked at seeing her son's face after such a long time while Zen remained expressionless yet inwardly he was glad to see his only son once again.

"Well, I've been through a lot these past few months and without my friends behind me, I probably wouldn't even be here talking to you now."

"Stop this footage from leaking outside," A third Council member had commanded the Audio-Visual team.

"You shut up," Hibiki then yelled at the said Council member in full view of the screens in the cities within both Taraak and Mejeera as well as in the Nirvana. "As I was saying, we've come all this way because all of us in the Nirvana have learned from each other not hide like rats in their respective holes."

After a pause of breath, Hibiki continued. "We would like to thank you for doing all you can until now, but it's our turn now. It is time for us to take the stage and act not only for ourselves but for those who will come after us."

Seeing that everyone is listening, he then said with a flourish of pride and determination. "We don't need to be cowered by everything we see as it will still be there whether we act with courage or not. The future is what we make it to be."

Dita could not help but say as she was watching the whole speech in her ship before being launched. "No, we will not just standby and not be heard. We will continue to fight for what we believe in. Am I right, William and Seran?"

"I agree," the gundum pilot said as he had finished launching Wing Zero. "I'd rather go out and fight to the last drop of my blood than hide and regret about not fighting at all."

"Yes, back then I could only support my friends and my partner." Seran said with some tears escaping her eyes as she had flown beside the gundum. "Now, it is my turn to fight."

"Let's go." Hibiki said as the Vanguard and blue dread had taken off before combining to Vandread Dita.

The High Council was suitably impressed with the demonstration even though they did not say so outright.

In space, a second green pirate ship (Paraiso) had joined the Nirvana with Magno grudgingly agreeing to the request of Rebecca.

Outside, all of the dreads had formed up under Meia's command as she had instructed them to go in formation with Vandread Dita in the center. She did squash some incessant chatter regarding the appearance of the winged gundum beside Jura's dread.

Barnette herself had gone on Jura's right, eager to refuel and resupply while also joining in the action.

It was then that dreads and the ship's sensors had detected a huge craft coming behind them. It was identified to be a Harvest mother ship yet instead of black, it was gold in color. Also, the ship had also carried the Nirvana's ID code.

Barnette had her ship turn back to confront the newcomer with William trying to stop her. Both of them had stopped near the battlewagon when a familiar voice was heard in the command net.

"Thanks for keeping this hot head's tail from being shot off, William. She needs to cool off every other time."

A certain image had popped up in the communication screens in time with the voice message and no one could have believed it even if they did recognize the face.

"Miss Gasco!"

"Damn it, I've returned from the dead and you still call me that." The thought to be dead Registrar said with an irritated tone. "It's Gascogne, I tell you. Gascogne."

"I'm surprised to see that you're alive, Gascogne." Magno said with relief and joy. "Welcome back."

"Thanks, Boss." Gascogne said with a slight blush as the former enemy battlewagon had joined in the formation. "I've brought you guys a present. Sorry, it took so long since it was too big."

"That's ok," Magno replied while wiping a tear in her eye. "Just program them to fight in our side and we'll adjust our IFFs accordingly."

A while later, Gascogne had gotten her old job back while resetting the Nirvana's and other ship's IFFs to mark her new ride as friendly.

After Gascogne's arrival, another fleet had arrived. The ship in front had looked familiar though… It's Rabat and with him were Kooperi and Tatanaka. They were also joined by Liz and Patch and their ships.

"Hey, thanks for leaving those markers. Mind if we join the group?"

"Not at all," Magno replied. "We've got a few reserved seats for the coming show."

A few minutes later, yet another fleet of ships had arrived. This time, it was those from Melanus.

The fleet commander had sent his greetings to the Nirvana and had heard that a former crew member of the destroyed fleet had joined the crew.

Seran was beside herself in joy as Celtic had confirmed the report and even added that Seran is now her partner for life.

"We wish you well, Young Celtic as we Melanusians pride ourselves with being loving partners."

"Thank you, Sir."

Then came yet another transmission, this time it came from a Taraakan ship – the Todoroki. This time, it was William's turn to sweat bullets as it was the very same ship that he and Wing Zero had fought before upon their arrival in the universe.

Thankfully, his little blunder was already forgiven.

Still, the commander of the Gale Squadron of the Vanguards – Ozeki Kyummel had stated that he wanted to have the first blow to pretty much everyone's resigned disgust.

"We agree with your intentions and would like to offer our support," The captain of the Todoroki said simply.

"We will gladly take any support against the Harvest." Magno said with a little sweatdrop at Ozeki's boast. Misty had even added mostly to herself - "Some men are still reckless and stupid."

Finally, it was the Space Patrol of Mejeera who had also transmitted their intentions to join in the battle and was accepted.

After all of the fleets had gone into their positions, three Harvest Flagships have arrived. The minefield and cannons had managed to take one of the three down while the remaining two had launched all of their pods.

As much as a hundred fakes including ten Dark Zeros had faced them. Ozeki had taken down a fake Vandread Jura and Vandread Meia by thrusting his mecha's spear in the latter and throwing it in the former. The battle is now on.

-oOo-

From here on, dreads and gold cubes had locked in battle versus fake vanguards and other cubes. The ships had hammered the pods with their heavy firepower with Vandread Dita and Wing Zero offering the initial salvos.

Both massive mecha then charged towards their foes. A Dark Wing Zero was about to charge on a Melusian fighter when it was slashed from behind and exploded as the latter craft had gotten away.

This had gotten the other nine copies' attention and charged at the lone gundum. In response, a monotone voice was heard in Zero's cockpit saying- "Bring it on."

Seran and Barnette had helped the winged gundum fend off further attacks as they knew that William had activated the ZERO system and was now slashing all of the gundum copies along with cubes, vandread fakes, and even pods in a dizzying rush to satisfy its pilot's controlled bloodlust.

In turn, the gundum's AI had activated the CD player to play the music that soothed (or in this case, pumped up) the unleashed savage beast's soul.

During the course of the battle, Valore had noticed that her friends – Meia and Jura had changed.

In return, both of them had demonstrated how they had changed with their respective Vandreads. Valore did say that Vandread Jura was ugly thus making the gundum pilot laugh mirthlessly in the tac net.

"Who asked you?!" Jura had shouted in the tactical net to both Valore and William while continuing to shoot down some copies and cubes including a newly formed fake Nirvana that they had all tag-teamed, saving grateful Ozeki in the process.

Seran's dread had played mother hen to the vetern Taraakan's dread as they head back to the combined fleets before the former had come back fully rearmed and refueled.

The battle had continued on as the defenders had inched their way towards the battlewagons with each and every kill of the enemy's fighters.

Wing Zero had followed the Vandread and its accompanying dreads deep in the battlefield before Zero and Pyroro (who was riding with Jura) had sensed something big and big it is as the super battleship that Rabat had called Big Boy had made its appearance.

Vandread Jura had gone in first followed by Dita, Meia, Valore, Seran, and William. It was for naught though as Big Boy had fired a huge red laser after opening up like a sinister tri-petal flower – disabling the force field and separating the Vandread into its two parts.

At Pyroro's suggestion, Super Vandread was formed and charged at the huge battleship with Wing Zero covering its back with support fire against the copies that had defended the enemy ship. Barnette, Seran, and Valore were told to turn back and defend the fleet instead.

Another red laser was fired but deflected by Super Vandread's own laser attack that went on to damage the super battlewagon.

The ship then opened up to reveal a Star-shaped structure at its open front end where a small boy was sitting on its crystal like throne further inside– the personification of the Red Paeksis itself.

-oOo-

In another part of the battlefield, Butan had gone into action just as another Harvest battlewagon was completely destroyed.

Big Boy then fired a rain of lasers that had actually disabled if not destroyed a lot of the allies' fighters and ships. Even the commandeered Harvest battlewagon was hit in various places by the single attack and was quickly debilitated.

Some of the dreads had managed to evade the blast and then neared the ships for safety.

The Nirvana was saved by its force field but all systems especially the Peaksis Pragma had gone frozen. The Paeksis core was already red in color which puzzled Parfeit completely as it had only done it partially twice and the Nirvana was in grave danger during both times.

Near the Big-Boy, both the Vandread and Wing Zero were equally shielded but they were not entirely affected by the red lasers for some reason.

Pyroro then explained that the Paeksis is a being that changes its heart according to the hearts of those that touch it.

In Earth's case, it had become red to symbolize uncertainty, danger, and a closed heart from humans that had lost hope and trust in its fellow beings.

Back in the Nirvana, a contented Paiway had watched Kahlua sleep in its crib in the clinic. She and Duero then had a chat about how different time passes for the next generation as Kahlua did not even feel the franticness of battle outside as she was in her own peaceful little world of dreams.

Near the Big Boy, Super Vandread had once again charged at the monster ship with Wing Zero now joining it in a headlong rush.

Copies were slashed left and right as both mechas had used their swords in the fight before getting hit once again by the Big Boy's main laser. Super Vandread had gotten the most of the beam and separated while Zero was also temporarily disabled.

Jura had the worst of it though as Pyroro had gotten in front of her chest while the others were getting dizzy as their craft had gone into an uncontrollable spin.

"You little," Hibiki said as the Vanguard had charged once again with its sword trying to force itself through the Big Boy's force shield. It worked after Hibiki had gotten its thrusters to full power.

The dreads had tried to follow only to be repelled then cocooned in the force shield's web-like energy beams. Wing Zero then came into play as it had slashed the beams keeping the cocoons in place only to be caught in one itself.

"Damn it," William said as he had felt the pressure outside trying to break his machine apart. "You girls alright?"

"No," Meia then answered as Dita had tried to make contact with Hibiki. "Some sort of pressure is trying to break our vehicles apart."

Seeing that Meia and Jura were captured, Magno had gotten Barnette and Velora to take command of the dreads and lead them against the remaining enemies.

The Red Peaksis then opened all channels to Mejeera, Taraakan, and the allied ships before telling them that Earth thanks them for their sacrifice so that Earth may continue to live forever.

In the Nirvana, everyone in the bridge had fallen into despair at the given speech mostly because of the virtue of sacrificing oneself for another even though it was twisted to suit the speaker's needs.

Misty had tried to rally her fellow crewmembers into not believing the lies, but could not rally herself in such a twisted truism.

Dita had taken the stage as she said that the Earth had no right to determine the lives of the other humans for its own survival and had even called them murderers.

The Red Peaksis had countered that it was only fair for the weak to die and the strong to survive.

The redhead then said that dying could be done by one's own will not those of a higher authority, something that even she knows despite her being a bit dumb and a klutz.

Jura had added that no matter how powerful the Peaksis (or by extension - the Earth itself) is, it would not be able to actually move peoples' hearts.

Meia had chimed in that dying only makes one yearn to live to fullest and not just for themselves but for those who would follow its footsteps.

She had also added that cowards that are afraid to see beyond the bright horizon of the future and would forever remain in the bleakness of the present.

The spoken words had stirred up Hibiki from his short slumber as he tried to get up. William too had summoned the courage to speak as well when his friend had beaten him to it.

After the Child had answered that he was getting bored of the persistent lies that were peddled to him when he had heard Hibiki laugh.

"You know, for all my bravado of actually saying that I'll be stronger and all that shit, I've actually lied." The Taraakan said as he had finally gotten himself in a sitting position. "It's not the weapons, the number, and the power of the enemies I face that scare me. It's my own fear- my fear of finally losing."

"But I'm not afraid of losing anymore," he then added. "So I'll fight to the hardest and accept whatever the outcome may be."

"Blasphemy," the Child had answered. "Victory is the only acceptable outcome."

"Bullshit," William had finally gotten his turn to speak. "With that mindset, everybody will do what it takes to win even if it resorts to cheating or disabling or even killing their opponent. That's just a pathetic excuse for people who do not know how life works."

"That's telling him, William." Hibiki said with a grin. "You know what, you're also scared much like us, but you keep on making stupid excuses to prop yourself up when the chips are down."

"Even more blasphemy."

"So even though you and I are the same," The Taraakan said as he had finally stood up. "I've got friends. Friends that help me up or scold me when I need to be, friends that are beginning to feel like family to me, friends that won't leave me alone even if I am like this, that sort of friends. As for you, you're alone, forever alone."

"I…hate you," the Child said as he had struck Hibiki hard enough for the Taraakan's left arm to bleed before returning him back to his craft.

The Vanguard, gundum and dreads were all ejected from Big Boy with the Vanguard caught by the winged gundum. In the Nirvana, the Paeksis had shaken off its fears and had turned light blue once again.

A portion of the Big Boy had separated from its main body and was about to escape, but the real danger was the remaining part of Big Boy that was trying to create a wormhole big enough to destroy the whole sector of space according to Pyroro.

The worse news is that there is no escape from it.

"I won't let you do whatever you want," Hibiki was saying as he had led his craft to the center of the laser that was trying to create the wormhole. "Not now, not ever."

"Well Gramps, I guess I had finally reached my whole potential in this final act." The Taraakan said to himself. "Even if I die, as long as everyone lives, it's ok. Right, partner?"

"No, I won't let you go alone." Dita said in the radio speakers as she was trying to force her way in through the force field. "Even if I'm not that smart, I know what I feel and that is I love you, Hibiki. And I will protect you like I should."

Dita's feelings had created a sort of barrier that had permitted the dread to pass through Big Boy shell's own barrier and form Vandread Dita despite the yells for her to stop.

It was about that time that the remaining dreads had also gotten in and Super Vandread was formed to block the gate.

The Red Paeksis's craft had tried to ram the Super Vandread away only to get a face full of plasma from Wing Zero's twin buster rifle at full power and the snake-like portion of the Big Boy had exploded as the beam had torn through it from the starfish-like bow to its tail-like stern.

Even then, it was not enough for William to get his machine to break through the gravitational forces pulling them into the wormhole and thus was also sucked in after colliding with a Dark Zero copy.

Super Vandread was not able to reach its fellow mecha in time when it was saved by the Paeksis as the Nirvana had fired super peaksis missiles that had closed the wormhole and kept its friends in a protective cocoon.

In the end, trade and communication between Mejeera and Taraak have been opened with the Nirvana as the middle ground. Still, the crew missed one of its members and the Paekis, a loyal and brave AI friend.

So in between the bittersweet merriment as the men would return to their planet to choose suitable Tarrakans for interaction with the Mejeerans, a certain picture was kept in the bridge, the clinic, and in some of the cockpits – the picture of a black haired young man and his powerful winged machine in the midst of their flight, a flight of the intruders.

---

Well, this is my real goodbye as I have yet to make a sequel to this story or just make a brand new one instead.

If I do make a brand new one, it would still not be a mainstream kind of fan fiction as I would rather stay clear of that (too many of them anyway).

Once again, a happy 2013 to all of you.