The other guy is finally back… So this is what it feels like. This time, I am conscious. Is it because I finally got used to this? But I can't say I have control over this guy. Looking closely at him, he is pretty massive. He dwarfs just about every building in this city. Maybe not the central building… and Valos that just brought more of his fancy toys. He looks just as big after assembling whole machine body mass. He looks more refined. I guess he really prepared for this moment.
Grrrr…
Urgh… this guy isn't much into fighting. He turns his head and tries to flee like he did in the past, but Valos won't let him do that. According to him, we are power source he is looking for.
*Swoosh*
*Kaboom!*
*Boom!*
We are bombarded with cannons and missiles and laser… any crazy, fancy weapons I read from sci-fi books are pouring on us. I can feel it. I am not sure about feeling pain though. More like tickling. This guy is damn durable. Maybe, that's after all the beating we went through.
*Thud!*
*Boooooom!*
Kaaaaaaooooooooooo~!
Well… that hurts… bit I guess? This guy finally let out scream. It looks like we share just about everything: pain, vision, etc. That was one powerful canon fired at us. Yes, it's definitely the big ones that attacked Lowee. I can see those canons. They keep relentlessly firing at us. In the end, this guy finally gives up being passive… he turns his back at source of the attack. Then, he starts charging at Valos.
*Crash!*
*Crack!*
I see buildings crumbling down as this guy rushes. It's like humans stepping on ant hill. I now understand how ants feel about humans. I hope nobody is in those buildings, but unfortunately, I doubt it. It kinda feels like riding a rollercoaster if I have to describe this. The machine head and the sphere containing those girls get closer as we head on.
*Bam!*
Kaaaa!
We are hit with something… from the ground! I look at what hit us just as the other guy does. It's a giant mechanic arm! It punches us right at left side. We are pushed across several buildings.
*Crash!*
*Rumble!*
Uh… I can feel that. Impact of our fall sent shockwave throughout the city. We are lying on crushed buildings. They fell like dominoes. As I shake my head out of instinct, so does he. But Valos doesn't stop there. The nightmarish wires pop out of ground to entangle us. This time, they are bigger and more intense. The wires wrap us at much faster rate. We are literally being cocooned.
C-sha POV
"So the battle finally started…" I murmur, watching the fight along with Rom and Ram. It's frightening to say the least. In fact, it's so terrifying that we are momentarily frozen, forgetting to do next move. We faced Dark CPUs, but this guy is much bigger. Bruce is risking himself as distraction, so we can sneak in and rescue Blanc and others. I shake my head to wake up and decide to yank Rom and Ram. "Rom. Ram. We better move fast."
"R-right! We can't make Blanc wait any longer!" Ram gets back to herself.
"So we circle around where he can see us, right?" Rom asks to confirm our plan.
"Right. Let's circle… left side," I point at left side because Valos is focusing on Bruce… the other guy on our right. He is being bombarded with all kinds of weapons imaginable. I feel sorry for him, but we have to trust him. If we rescue them, Valos should be weakened somewhat… I hope. We swiftly and silently move around while constantly checking the fight. Bruce… just hang in there…
*Bam!*
Kaaaa!
"Bruce!" Ram gasps and stops.
*Crash!*
*Rumble!*
I can't imagine counting damage control after all this. I hope Noire wouldn't blame all the aftermath on Bruce… he is only trying to help.
"Oh no! He is getting all wrapped up!" Rom also halts and turns back. "Maybe, we should…"
"No, wait!" I warn them not to act hastily.
The big guy is getting wrapped up by countless wires. Those wires are forming a cocoon prison. Is Valos trying to suffocate him? Draining energy? I can't guess from look of it. It doesn't change the fact that there isn't much we can do for him. Then, I notice some glowing within black mass of those wires. It's glowing reddish yellow… like sun I guess? Is that Bruce? The wires starts melting like a hot knife through butter. Bruce… I mean the dragon emerges from pool of molten metal, but he looks much brighter. I think I can feel his hot temperature even from here… I don't want to imagine being closer to him.
"Yeah! He is free!"
"Go get him, big guy!"
It's adorable that both Rom and Ram cheer on the dragon. But now is not the time.
"We have no time to waste! Let's move on!"
"Right!"
We resume our mission. As we hear sound of massive footstep, we get closer to the sphere prison. It's weird that Valos is off guard even with distraction. He is machine. I thought we would've been detected already, but I guess even machine makes error. When we reach certain distance,
*Crack!*
"Kyaaa!"
*Tchzzzz!*
"Ouch! What the!?"
All three of us hit something. After shaking heads, we see what blocks us.
"Barrier?"
"It looks some kind of energy shield."
"Haaaaa!" I put all my power at breaking the shield.
*Bzzzz!*
*Crash!*
"Ice Coffin!"
*Kang!*
We continue attacking the shield, but it won't even budge. We can see only shield flickering everytime we attack. When we are about to bring more powerful move, I sense danger. It isn't just me who felt that. Ram and Rom also halt their attack. Then, we notice change at that huge machinery construct… Valos. It looks like we drew his attention. I see miniature version of that obnoxious metal head with a weird sign. It's so creepy that it gives chill on my spine.
"Watch out!" I shout and move Rom and Ram.
*Pzzz!*
It's laser. Pretty big one. Damn… he has no blind spot. So much for sneaking in…
"Here come more!" Ram point her finger. I gasp at swarm of wires coming at us.
*Pzzzz!*
Two lasers go out and destroy those wires. I look at its source and sigh out of relief.
"Nepgear! Uni!" Rom shouts happily.
"Sorry that it took so long!" Nepgear comes to us while waving her hand.
"How is it going?" Uni asks.
"Well… Bruce finally brought his friend as you can see."
"I see. He is buying us time to rescue our sisters."
"That was the plan, but it looks like Valos put pretty tight defense," I fire my blaster at Valos. His shield blocks my attack and flickers.
"Maybe, if we keep concentrating on the same spot…" Nepgear murmurs, but she can't do that longer.
"Look out!" Uni shouts and fires her gun. She shoots down a bunch of missiles. "Ha! Is that all you got?"
*Booom!*
"Don't let your guard down!" Nepgear shouts as she shoots down wires coming at us.
*Bam! Bam! Bam!*
"Uh… at this rate, we won't be able to even scratch the barrier, let alone reach our sisters," Ram frowns.
Unfortunately, we are pretty much locked on fending off attack. We keep firing while keeping our distance from wires. Ugh… it's getting nowhere… What should we do? Just retreat? No… Maybe, if I cover them while they prepare their big shot…
"Look! Bruce is getting at Valos!"
As soon as Rom yells, it felt as if Valos' attack on us lessened. I look back at the big guy. He ignores all the attack and charges at Valos. Wires get melted before they can reach him… Damn… that's quite convenient… but more reason to stay away from him. Then, he finally reaches the barrier.
Grrrrr…
*Boom! Boom!*
*Bzzz!*
"He is getting attacked!"
Kyaaaoooo!
"Yeah, but it looks like he doesn't care. Look. He is ignoring attack and focusing on the shield," Uni says, staring at him.
"Look! He is breaching the barrier!"
We are so astonished by what we are witnessing that we momentarily freeze on spot. The big guy is grabbing and penetrating the shield with his claws!
*Tchzzz!*
He is struggling while taking all the hits. At least, missiles explode before they can reach him due to his intense heat. As I gulp, his claws finally penetrate the damn shield!
*Psssshhh!*
"He did it!" Ram cheers.
"Should we follow?" Rom asks.
"What about the heat?" Uni brings up valid concern.
"We should be able to keep safe distance if we make it fast. Let's move!" I shout at others.
"Right!" Others answer at the same time. I feel like I am the captain here.
We fly straight at the orange sphere. We can see Blanc and others there. Hang in there… we are almost there!
*Kaboom!*
"What the?"
"Hold on! Rom!"
"Got it!"
"Ice Coffin!"
In nick of time, Rom and Ram cast their ice spell to block the explosion. We all stay behind the cover, but the ice can't even last few seconds. I glimpse at Bruce. He is also getting pushed by the impact. Was the whole thing planned? Did Valos set this trap in case the shield would be breached?
*Crack!*
"It can't take much longer!"
"Kyaaa!"
We are all sent all across the city. Damn it… I think I am losing… I can barely look at others flying right beside me…
*Thud!*
"Urgh!"
"Kya!"
Damn… that hurts… it looks like all of us crashed on buildings. I try to move muscle, but I can barely move a finger. After few moments, I shake head and lift my body. It looks like Nepgear and Uni are also barely getting up. I approach Rom and Ram with my body trembling.
"Rom! Ram! Are you alright?"
"Urgh… that hurts… but I think I am fine…" Ram shakes head and answers. "Rom?"
"I'm fine too… what happened to Bruce?" Rom says with eyes wide open.
"Well… he was pushed back just like us."
I look at where the big guy is. He is already on his feet. No… he is already back on fighting. But Valos isn't giving him time to rest. Weird machines form here and there out of buildings. And endless barrage of onslaught on top of that. The big guy slashes bunch of machines with his claws and swings his tail to sweep away all those buildings turned into weapons. But he is not only one being targeted.
"I don't think we can afford to help him. Look!" Nepgear points at buildings ahead of us.
They are morphing into wires, mechanical arms, weapons… any freaky design machine can come up with. We have no choice but to fly above.
"Girls! Fly above!"
"Understood!" All four answer in unison.
We quickly fly up while fending off attack. Once he set his eyes on us, he totally locked on us. We keep blasting and maneuvering as best as we can. Fortunately, the big guy is getting more of his attention, so this side becomes less intense as time goes… Bruce… the other guy is taking hits for all of us.
Man… this is getting nowhere… This Valos guy is crazy! I mean… we literally had no choice, but bank on this. We are literally fighting a living city. Missiles blowing on our skin. Cannon shells bombarding on our head. Mechanical arms and wires hitting and grabbing us… We already crossed Rubicon River. There is no backing away from this. We must continue on. Still, it feels uncomfortable not knowing this guy's name. Should I name him? What am I thinking in this mess?
"Hey… big guy! Can't you do something other than swinging claws and tail?"
I think I shouted, but it looks like I am doing that from within. I doubt my voice can reach others.
"No one tells Drago what to do!"
"Drago… So that's your name, huh? I will take that. Anyway, can't you… do that explosion like the last time? I think I remember what you did."
"Drago works for no one! Drago wants to be left alone!"
"Look. We are in pinch. We have to try something different. We are like partners. I am ordering you around or anything. I am just suggesting the best course of action! We share the same body, so let's work together, okay?"
"Fine… if a puny man puts it that way…"
"Call me Bruce, Drago."
"Grrr…" Drago is pondering in midst of fight. "Fine. If Bruce wants so much! Kaaaaaaaaaa!"
Drago swipes nearly every machine around us and stomps the ground. It looks like the whole city trembled in one go. After his roar, the blast goes off to clear off pesky machine. Aftermath reminds me of nuclear site. I sigh out of relief. We are good to go… so I thought.
*Btzzzz!*
"Kaaaooo!"
It feels… heavy! Attack from above? It's huge laser! It keeps on going! Damn it! When will it end? After long flash, I shake my head and look up. There is nothing in the sky. Is the weapon above the orbit?
*Btzzzz!*
Another shot. Drago briefly takes the hit before moving out of the way. This time, I clearly see where it came from. There is no mistake. It is coming from the sky! Really? That's totally unfair. Like war was ever fair since this is pretty much war. I am not sure whether Drago can fly beyond orbit. Besides, there is no way Valos will allow us to do that. I notice machines are forming back. Drago tries to fly upward toward source of the attack, but swarm of wires and mechanical arms grab our feet to slam against the ground.
*Crash!*
Urgh… it's like combo attack. When we try to focus on ground force, orbital attack distracts us. Drago tries to do another explosion, but keeps getting interrupted by that damn laser. Valos must've figured out weak point: explosion needs time to focus. Although it takes only few seconds to go off, the laser hits with pin point accuracy at right time. If we can do something about that laser….
*Thud!*
*Boom! Boom!*
*Crack!*
This time, Valos is plummeting us with bigger rocket punch and drill. It looks like heat from Drago no longer has any effect on his machines. Drago makes glass and ooze just by standing on the ground. Did Valos quickly adapt to us and improve during battle? On top of that, did he figure out timing? He doesn't allow us to focus by constantly attacking us with different methods from different angles. When we try to focus on ground forces, laser hits us from above. When we try to concentrate and avoid the laser, those damn machines drag us down. Uh…. I am getting dizzy… it's blurry, but is that another laser? But this time, it's way more intense, brighter and most of all…. Bigger. By the time, we try to move out of the way, Valos already locked us in one place by holding us down with wires and arms. The bright light suddenly engulfs us. It's blinding.
*Krathuum!*
C-Sha POV
That was the biggest laser I have ever seen. I am speechless. The big guy got overwhelmed by such massive laser that more than engulfed him. It's like calm after storm or thunder. We all felt enormous shockwave. When we opened our eyes, we witnessed massive hole. It looks like almost half of Lastation was banished. I can't seem to find end of the hole either. Such terrifying power.
"Uni…" Nepgear tries to comfort Uni who is about to cry river… I feel sorry for her. It's shame that we are pretty much hopeless.
"C-Sha… do you think Bruce…" Rom yanks and asks me. She is also about to shed tear.
"Maybe… he is not done yet… I hope…" I try to calm her as best as I can.
"What do we do?" Ram approaches and asks.
I am kinda bluffing at the moment. We came here underprepared. Or should I say we underestimated Valos. My mind becomes blank with desperation, shock and hopelessness. Yet, there still lies flicker of hope within me. I don't know why… is it because of Bruce? His attitude and philosophy? Valos' main head is searching the hole. It's as if he is making sure not even tiny bit of hope remains. Or did he put just enough power to put Bruce into near death? I see that weird machine face projecting light… scanner light I guess? Just when the light hits below, huge impact occurs from the whole.
*Kaboom!*
*Rumble!*
"Kyaaa!"
"I-is that Bruce?" Ram mumbles with an awestruck face.
"Who else?" Rom adds.
Huge explosion comes from the hole, followed by massive smoke. It blows away Valos off guard. He is pushed away from the hole. After smoke clears, there is something massive red glowing thing emerging from the hole.
"That's Bruce!" Ram shouts as she points her finger at it.
From the smoke, giant glowing claws emerges and grabs edge of the hole. Soon, his gigantic head comes out. I start to shiver for different reason… excitement… hope. The reason is simple. He is much brighter than before. He almost looks like the sun by look of his glowing body. Even Valos seems dumbstruck as he watches the big guy slowly setting foot on the ground. The next thing I hear pounds my heart even harder!
"Drago…."
It sounds like murmuring or casting spell, yet loud enough to be heard from here.
*Kokoko~!*
Next, I hear vibration… or some kind of energy concentration? The big guy's mouth glows even brighter. Rom and Ram hug me as all of us witness this scene. Next, he shouts out loud!
"BLAST!"
*Bssshhh!*
*Kaboom!*
In instant, the big guy fires enormous blast from his mouth. It's reddish yellow blast. The blast cuts through Valos' shield and the main body like a hot knife through butter. I am not sure whether he carefully aimed not to hurt Blanc and others, but the blast carved upper section of the sphere, shattering it in process. They are falling…
"Hey! No time to stay dumbstruck! We gotta go save them while we can. This is our chance!" I shake up Rom and Ram and yell.
"O-oh right! Let's go!" Ram gets back to her sense.
"Right! We can't let go of this chance!" Nepgear shouts as well.
Blanc. Hang in there. We are coming.
Blanc POV
*Kaboom!*
*Crack!*
"Heh… your friend finally did it…" Neptune says like she is on dying breath. "After all that beating… it's worth watching him kicking ass."
"Still, he manage to avoid hitting us. Do you think…" Vert asks.
"Yeah. Bruce is still in there. I am sure of it."
Bruce… he finally did it… good job… go get this bastard… ugh… I am too drained to move muscle… getting blurry… I think we will just fall to the ground at this rate…
"Blanc!"
"Noire!"
"Neptune!"
I hear someone shouting at us. These voices… Rom? Ram? C-Sha?
"I got you!" It's C-Sha that catches me in midair. "Blanc, are you alright?"
"Blanc!" Rom and Ram rush to my side. "Thanks goodness, you are okay!"
"I am all good now. But Vert..."
"It looks like someone got her covered," Ram glances at Vert.
"Sorry that I couldn't contact you!" It's Uzume in her HDD. She is carrying Vert on her shoulder.
Neptune and Noire are supported by Nepgear and Uni respectively. In midst of this, Bruce's alter ego is still on blasting frenzy. He is blasting almost every piece of Valos he sights.
"Alright! Let's move out! I don't think he can afford to avoid hurting us any longer!" C-Sha waves her hand and shouted.
"Watch out falling debris!" Nepgear points upward.
"Follow my lead!" C-Sha gestures to lead them while blasting off incoming debris.
"I'm also helping with clearing the path!" Uzume clears her throat. "Waaaah!"
She clears huge chunk of debris with that. I can't complain about hurting ears in process. I am not the only one who covered ears.
While we are on our way to safety, I can still hear the sound of blast and roar. He must be really pissed off. More than any of us. Can't blame him. I would've done the same or worse after all that beating.
"This feels like dejavu," Noire smirks.
"ASICS. Kurome… you are right," I giggle. "I am sure our little sisters are used to this by now."
"This only makes me jealous of you three…" Vert sighs in sad tone.
"This is not time to mourn about that," Neptune says in serious tone. "I think we can settle down here."
We arrived at a certain ruined building and landed on top of it. We made sure no surprise would pop up around here. Thankfully, Bruce must've cleared those machines with his blast. We quickly look back at the fight scene. Valos main body frame is reduced by half with glowing molten side. That must've heavily damaged him because other machines are not reacting like before. But then…
*Btzzzz!*
"Kaaaaoooo!"
I forgot about that damn laser. We don't have a mean to counter that. Bruce is still struggling against that damn thing. Perhaps, if he uses his blast…
*Slam!*
*Rumble!*
He is busy dodging at the moment. But it looks like he finally figured out. When and where to strike back. His eyes are fixated on the direction that the laser came.
"He is charging his blast!" Ram shouts with an awestruck face.
"Yeah. By look of his mouth," Vert adds.
"Here comes another shot from above!" another shot comes from the sky like Uni said. But this time, it's much bigger. Probably the last resort.
"I think we better get to cover…" Noire gulps. "I don't like where this is heading."
As soon as we start making our move, Bruce quickly counters the shot with his blast.
*Boom!*
*Rumble!*
"Kyaa!"
"What power!"
Collision of the blast and laser created huge explosion and shockwave. We can feel its impact from here. Buildings are crashed and sent all the way as side effect.
"Ice Coffins!"
"Thanks for the cover, Rom. Ram," Nepgear compliments my little sisters.
"It looks like they are at stalemate," Neptune shouts with her eyes barely open.
"We have to trust him!" Rom says.
"Like there was any other choice," I smirk to lighten up the mood bit.
"Look! He is pushing back!" like Uzume says, Bruce is repelling the laser. His blast begins to push faster. After few seconds, the blast totally overwhelms the laser and soars all the way to the sky. Next, we witness large explosion. He must've destroyed the laser canon up there.
"He did it!" Ram jumps and cheers.
"Good. That's one thorn out of eye," Vert adds.
"It's too early to celebrate. Look!" We all pay attention to where Uni points at. Valos is scavenging everything he can to form a massive metal structure. It's like blob emerging and forming a giant dogoo… except it's hideous mechanical amalgamation and abomination. It slams Bruce with a gigantic metal fist.
*Slam!*
*Rumble!*
"Wow!"
The entire city shakes as Bruce is pummeled onto the ground. He quickly gets up to fight back. I think he still has enough energy to blast one more time by look of his glowing head. But his mouth is suddenly wrapped by mechanical swarm. His intense heat doesn't seem to work against it. Valos locks his legs, wings and tail, so he can't break free of his mouth. From there, Valos unleashes all the weapons he showcased. Sparkles erupt from Bruce's skin drills try to penetrate. Rocket punches keep showering on other side. He is totally locked on beating session.
"Oh no! Bruce is in trouble! We have to do something!" Ram looks back at us.
"Maybe, if we sneak and attack the weak point?" C-Sha mumbles.
"You mean that glowing thing on the backside?" Nepgear points at back of the mechanical chunk. "That must be it. If we focus on that part."
"We should be able to do enough damage to free Bruce," C-Sha adds.
"Then, what are we waiting for? Let's go help him!" Uni stands and shouts.
"Wait! We can't let you go…"
"No, Noire. You are too tired to do anything right now."
"Don't worry about us. We will make it fast!" Rom says confidently.
"Just don't fight recklessly… don't get caught…" I heavily pant as I raise my hand.
"Don't worry. How do you think we rescued you?" Ram grins. Cheeky brat, but I can't argue that.
"Just watch us from here. Uzume, please protect our sisters while we fight," Nepgear requests before the final assault.
"Got it. Leave it to me!" Uzume winks and thumbs up.
With that, our sisters and C-Sha head to battle. It pains me that all we can do is sit and watch. Please be safe. We are counting on you.
Valos POV
Adaption successful. Converting the enemy's heat into energy.
Good. Just in time. I didn't expect this creature… Drago as it calls itself could devastate most of my arsenals. It took some time to adjust and figure out, but now, I am in control. Still, Drago continues resisting. He has power beyond my imagination. I am not sure whether I can keep using his power against him.
Warning: the target's energy level rising.
Warning: lock #1 and 3 weakening.
I must move energy to those sections and reinforce them while doubling conversion. I can't stop here. I must push on. I must continue my onslaught and obtain his power. I am the pinnacle of evolution. It is my…
*Boom!*
Energy core damaged.
I forgot to take care of those small fries. Drago decimated my sensor and shield generator. I have to manually protect my core and deal with those pests.
"E-Force Blizzard!"
*Crack!*
"EMB: Empress!"
*Kaboom!*
It's difficult to focus on both sides at the same time. As I try to attack or catch one, others attack my core from other angles.
"Slash Wave!"
I am losing power due to damaged core. I have to make quick repair…
"Keep it up! We are getting his attention!"
Don't get cocky, you lowly…
Warning: the target broke confinement.
C-Sha POV
We did it… Drago is breaking free!
"Yeah! Go kick his ass!" Ram cheers.
"I think we better move back and sit this one out," Nepgear waves her arm.
The big guy shatters every machine binding him and bites Valos' main body. Next, he roots out Valos like pulling out a carrot.
"Watch out!" Uni shouts.
We quickly move out of the way. It turns out he managed to pull out Valos' entire body from the ground. It's massive. Valos' volume must be almost equal to the entire Lastation… It's scary that Valos planted this much within the city.
"What's Bruce up to?" Rom asks next to me.
"I don't know… but it won't be safe to watch from here. Let's fall back!"
As we move to safe distance, the big guy swings his head and sends Valos all the way to the sky. Such bite force and neck muscle… I gulp as I see something bigger than Dark CPU soaring all the way up.
*Gugugugu~*
After hearing some loud vibration sound, I look back at the big guy. It looks like I am not the only one who switched attention to him.
"Is he…?" Ram gulps.
"Yeah, he is doing it again!" Rom shouts in excitement.
"Drago…"
I hear deep roaring sound from the big guy.
"BLAST!"
*Kaaaang!*
*Bssshhhh!*
"Kyaaa!"
All of us are pushed by sheer wind force generated by the blast as side effect! I look at the ground and find that nearby buildings and debris are scattered all around!
"What power! Just firing that blast sends this much shockwave!" Uni comments.
"And his blast looks a lot bigger and stronger this time!" Nepgear adds.
I see the blast going all the way as well. It engulfs and overwhelms Valos like a hot knife through butter. But what follows after that isn't pretty.
*Booooooooooooom!*
It must be Valos' core exploding. It's good that the big guy blasted him all the way there, but it looks like explosion may still reach here. I hope I am wrong.
"Get to cover!" I shout.
"Oh no, Blanc!"
"We can't make it in time, Rom!"
"Neptune…"
We are all engulfed by flash. It's so blinding that I can hardly open my eyes. It feels very long although it happens very fast. I guess this is moment before death, huh? I see my memory passing through my mind like a set of images. Tournament… hunting together… Blanc. Rom. Ram. We are like family… and lastly, Bruce… it's been short, but fun to be with you all this time.
After an hour
"C-Sha! Wake up!"
"Uh…" I hear voice. Someone is shaking me. "Ram?"
"Yeah. Are you alright?"
"My head still… feels dizzy. What about others?"
"We are all here!" Rom waves hand at us from far away with Nepgear and Uni.
"Is it over?"
"It looks like it. We did it… thanks to Bruce…" Ram collapses on her knee.
I look around us. All these decimated buildings… it will take a while to reconstruct the whole city. I am sure Blanc and other CPUs will lend hands. Other Gold Thirds should as I will ask them in time. As I try to get back on my feet, I see Blanc and others coming to us.
"Hey! Are you alright?" Vert asks from above.
"Yeah, we are in one piece!" Nepgear replies.
"Rom! Ram!" Blanc shouts as she approaches them.
"Blanc!" the twins rush toward her. Then, they hug each other.
Each CPU except Vert rush to their respective candidates.
"Uni… thanks goodness you are alright!" Noire hugs her little sister with tear dropping.
"Come on… we've been through this kind of stuff, so chill," such tsundere just like her sister…
After brief hug session, Noire lets go of Uni and looks around. It only makes sense that she would look frustrated and depressed.
"Urgh… I don't know how we can come back from this… it will be tons of work…" she deeply sighs.
"Don't worry Noire. We have you covered," Neptune comes in and puts her hand on Noire's shoulder.
"Lastation is our important trade partner, so there is no way we would leave you in this state," Vert also comes to offer help.
"Guys…"
"Damn… you should've checked your subordinate… anyway, I am also in," Blanc also adds.
I think I am about to shed tear like Noire. What beautiful friendship…
"BTW, where is Bruce?" Ram asks.
"Now that you mention it… did he fly away?" Blanc looks around to find him.
"There!" Rom points at certain direction.
Since most buildings were destroyed, it's pretty easy to spot the big guy… wait… why is he still in that state?
"It looks like… he is sleeping," Rom comments on the big guy. Yeah… he is soundly sleeping, alright.
"So that's Bruce. I guess he deserve rest after all this," Blanc adds.
We decide to get closer to him. When we get close enough, we awe at his massive size. I actually touch his skin despite others telling me not to. Then, Rom and Ram follow and touch the skin as well."
"It's weird. The last time the big guy got tired, he reverted back to Bruce right in front of me."
"Then, why is he still in this form?" Ram shudders.
"Maybe, the big guy is subconsciously keeping this form, so both of them will be protected?" Rom suggests theory that I thought wouldn't come from her. I am little amazed that she came up with the idea, but she has a point. What if the big guy is aware that Bruce is fragile and needs protection, so he will also survive? After all danger they went through, this means survival instinct.
"Grrr…"
"Oh! He is waking up!"
"Rom! Ram! C-Sha! Get back!" Blanc shouts.
"I guess we better keep some distance."
All three of us quickly move back. The big guy snorts and slowly lifts his head. Dust falls off with each movement. After standing up, he shakes his head and takes each step slowly.
*Rumble! Rumble!*
"Ouch!" Neptune slips and falls on her butt due to quake caused by his footstep.
"What's he up to?" Vert ponders like rest of us.
Next, he spreads his magnificent wings. We can feel wind force generated by his wings as we cover our faces with arms. Then, he lifts his head all the way up and roars.
"Kaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!"
"So loud!"
"It hurts!"
We cover our ears in response. Some of us fall on our knees. But I manage to look up to his head. He looks pretty cool. It must be his victory roar. His roar lasts like 10 seconds. After that, dead silence resumes. Our eardrums feel numb to say the least. After a while, we regain our sense of hearing.
"Lady Noire. Shall we engage?" I hear voice chat. It must be one of Noire's men.
"No! Don't! Let him be!" Noire quickly gives order. I can't believe that some people would be that dense. Then again, after this devastation, they probably became meaner.
"Who's that idiot? Doesn't he know Bruce saved us?" Ram pouts.
"Give him a rest, Ram. After all this, it's only natural that they would be more alert," Blanc says as she blocks her mouth.
"I think he is about to leave," Rom says, looking at his wings. He starts flapping his wings.
*Swoosh!*
"Kyaa!"
"Uh…"
"Hang on!" Neptune stabs the ground and holds Nepgear.
"I got you, Uni!" Noire follows the suit.
After just one flap, he is already in the sky. With another flap, he disappeared from our sight in blink of eyes.
A/N
Sorry for long delay. I was working on other fanfic. I also had real life issue to deal with. Although I did say I had ending in mind, I am not sure whether I will quickly get to that point. I will probably update this again much later.