- Forever With You -
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters that belonged to the anime series Gundam SEED and Gundam SEED Destiny.
Author's note: The story takes place few years after the Bloody Valentine War.
Pairings: common couple pairings but mainly on Yzak x Shiho. Enjoy!
Thank You So Much for the reviews. I'll work harder to write better chapters in the near future to come…
- Chapter 13: Mishap! –
- On Voltaire's Bridge -
"What's the situation?" Yzak asked as he made his way into the Bridge. "Lt. Shiho and her team have launched. They are planning to help Rousseau on their way to Twilight, Sir." Tracy replied. Yzak added, "How many and whose in Lt.'s team?" "According to the report that is handed in by Lt, there are 5 of them including Lt. herself. They're Justin, Maurine, Sheila and Travis. The other 3 pilots are on standby phase, as Lt. said that she doesn't need all of the pilots." Dearka stated as he make his way to the front seat of the Bridge.
"Commander! The unknown battleship's distance from Voltaire is 250km away. The main cannons of the unknown battleship are rotating. Its going to fire at us any second from now!" Vincent, a soldier whose rank is the same as Tracy announced from the control section of the Bridge. Upon hearing the announcement, everyone in the Bridge looked at Yzak, their commander, waiting for his orders.
"Turn Voltaire around in the direction of 9 o'clock, increase thrusters to 30 for first 10 seconds and decrease to 20 for another 10 seconds. Hurry!" Yzak commanded taking the Commander's seat at the center of Voltaire's Bridge. "Officer Elthman, prepare the main and side cannons of Voltaire. Just in case, the unknown vessel starts to attack." Yzak added.
"Get ready the other 3 standby pilots to launch. I want them to protect this ship and do make it clear to them that they're not allowed to stray too far from Voltaire. And they should only start firing only when their MS has received and confirmed heat signal of the vessel attacking." Yzak continued. "Yes, Sir." Dearka replied, as well as Tracy when she made the announcement.
"There's an incoming live message from Lt. Shiho, Sir." Dearka announced. "Go ahead." Yzak replied. Just then, Shiho appeared on-screen. She saluted to Yzak and announced, "Sir, the unknown vessel belongs to Blue Cosmos. I believe someone from our side has spilled the beans on our mission to stop their big plan. And the mobile suits that are attacking Rousseau are mobile armors…" Somehow rather, Shiho's message was interrupted.
"What the hell is going on?" Yzak ordered. "Sir, we've lost contact with Deep Arms. The unknown vessel has interfered with our communications and air waves. We're currently unable to communicate with Deep Arms and other MS out there. But I'm putting a small on-screen view of Deep Arms and the others." Tracy announced worriedly.
Just then a live view of Deep Arms fighting head on with 2 mobile armors appeared on screen. Instead of the 2 mobile armors chasing after Deep Arms, it seemed that Deep Arms was the one hot on their trail. Deep Arms was firing the 2 mobile armor with its side blasters and at the same time chasing them into the Debris Belt.
As soon as the mobile armors were in the Debris Belt, Deep Arms stopped firing and let them chased after her. 'What in the world is Shiho doing? Bringing those 2 into the Debris Belt.' Yzak thought to himself. Just then, Vincent announced. "Sir, the enemy's vessel is turning around. Wait a minute… Commander, it seems to be heading towards the Debris Belt, towards Lt. Shiho and her team's direction!"
Upon hearing the bad news, everyone gasped in shock. Yzak gave orders without any hesitation. "Increase Voltaire's speed, head towards the unknown vessel's direction and prepare to take on the enemy's vessel! We must not let them get their hands on Lt. or her team. Or the plan is busted!" As soon as Yzak gave his order, everyone on the Bridge prepared Voltaire for battle.
Meanwhile, Deep Arms was still being chased by the 2 mobile armors. "I've enough of the two of you! Fun time is OVER!" Shiho shouted, as she maneuvers Deep Arms around, drawing its huge sword and charged towards the 2 mobile armors with full speed. Shiho's battle ended within seconds as Deep Arms flew past the mobile armors, slashing them at the pilot's cockpits which blew up in a major explosion. But of course, what Shiho and her team did was captured and watched by her fellow Commander and colleagues onboard Voltaire. Upon seeing all 4 mobile armors destroyed by Shiho's team, it took a slight weight off everyone's shoulder.
"Commander Joule, what is my team and I supposed to do next? Carry on with the plan, destroy the enemy's vessel first or leave the vessel to Voltaire?" Shiho asked trying to send the message over to Voltaire but soon realized that it was impossible. "It's no use, Shiho. Justin, Maurine, Travis and I have tried but we can't get through. We believe it's due to the enemy's vessel interfering with Voltaire's communication." Sheila noted, as she appeared on Shiho's screen. Shiho looked into Sheila's golden orbs and made up her mind.
"If we can't get through to Voltaire, because of this cursed vessel, than I suggest all of us here will shred it to pieces!" Shiho announced with anger and frustration in her voice. "Alright, Lt.! Let's go shred the enemy's vessel!" All 4 of the pilots cheered as they gunned their MS full speed heading towards the enemy's vessel together with Shiho.
As Shiho and her team are heading towards the Blue Cosmos' vessel, Voltaire was preparing to take down that vessel. "Commander, the team out there seemed to be heading towards the vessel as well." Dearka announced, turning around studying Yzak's flabbergasted reaction. "WHAT! You mean Lt. Shiho and her team take down all 4 of the mobile armors?"
"If you want to be in with details. Yes, less than 4 minutes. But for your info, less than 4 minutes as a team. Lt. Shiho alone only takes 1 minute and 45 seconds to take down the 2 incredibly fast and heavily armed mobile armor, Commander." Dearka said, pretty amazed by the fact himself. Upon hearing how fast Shiho takes down those 2 kinds of mobile armors, everyone looked rather shocked and surprised. They couldn't believe that Shiho was actually that fast in taking those kind of mobile suits especially those are mobile armors. "It seems that the rumor is true after all, Vincent. Shiho is really one of the fastest in taking down powerful enemies in ZAFT's record history." Tracy whispered to Vincent. Vincent nodded in agreement.
Yzak snapped himself out of his train of thoughts. "GET BACK TO WORK, PEOPLE! CONTINUE WITH YOUR ASSIGNED DUTIES! WE'RE ON A MISSION HERE!" Yzak barked loudly.
Meanwhile Shiho and her team were drawing closer towards their target. Just then, the vessel began to fire at them. "Damn it! What are we supposed to do, Shiho?" Travis asked. "Scan the vessel for its various weak spots! Once you've a lock on its weak spots, spread out and bring the vessel down! But be careful not to get hit by their cannons! Understand?" Shiho commanded. "Yes, M'am." The 4 pilots replied in unison as they spread out to attack the ship.
"Commander, Lt. and team has already began the assault on the vessel. It seems that they're trying to find its weak spots and take the whole vessel down from there." Vincent announced. "Maya, get ready main cannon's launcher 1 to 5. They may need our help" Yzak ordered to the ocean-blue headed girl, situated at diagonally in front of him. "Lt. Elthman, once Voltaire's in position, I'll give you the word." Yzak added. "But Sir, Lt. Shiho and team may get caught in the fire." Dearka brought up. "Don't worry, I've faith in Lt. Shiho and her team. I'm confident that they won't be that stupid to get caught in the fire especially when it's from their side." Yzak assured silently smiled to himself, knowing Shiho won't be that dimwitted.
Maya cringed upon hearing what Yzak have said. Her maroon eyes reflected nothing but hatred and jealousy. 'Shiho Hahnenfuss…' She thought darkly. "Commander, the enemy's vessel has been destroyed. I don't think there's a need to prepare the launcher 1 to 5 anymore." Tracy announced as she put up an on screen shot of Shiho and her team bringing down the whole vessel. "Amazing." Vincent said with his jaw dropped wide open. "The communication channel has cleared up as well. And there's an incoming message from Lt. Shiho." Dearka announced, putting forth the message.
Once again, Shiho appeared on screen with her usual salute to her commander. "Sir should my team and I go ahead with the mission plan?" Shiho asked sounding rather calm. Yzak looked into Shiho's eyes and nodded. "Go ahead, Voltaire and Rousseau will be ready at Twilight's shuttle port gate 5 together with your Gundam and your team mates' MS. So make sure everything goes well. Understood?" Yzak added firmly. Shiho didn't reply but just salute to Yzak. 'Be careful Shiho. It won't be easy.' Yzak thought silently.
"Alright, team. Let's head for Twilight. Everything will proceed according to plan." Shiho ordered through the communicator to her team members.
Minutes later, Voltaire and Shiho's team reached the destination. Shiho grabbed the utility belt which contains special devices and equipments that are needed for the mission and wore it on her slender waist. She did the final check for devices and also stripes a gun onto her belt. Once everything was in place, she stepped out of Deep Arms. And move towards her team members. Every one of them salutes to her but she signals them to be at east. "All of us are equal in this mission. All we need to do is to work together as a team and get out of here alive before time runs out. Or else we'll be gone together with Revolution as well. Are you guys with me?" Shiho said.
"Of course we're." Justin said hugging all of them. All of them exchange confident smile. "Alright, time's up. Let's proceed." Shiho said as she signals all of them to follow her closely. All five of them arrived at back gate of the shuttle port, as expected the back gate is protected by a password. Shiho took out a little gadget and scanned the keypad for the password. Seconds later, the door was opened and a narrow looking tunnel was reviewed. Lasers that were spread out all over the tunnel disappeared due to the correct password that was typed in.
Shiho headed in and was followed after by her team mates. She reached the path that has 2 tunnels, each leading to different destination. She took out the same gadget again but this time it showed a digital map. The map shows where they are and how far are they from the lab. After studying the map, Shiho continued to lead the way.
- Back at Voltaire -
Yzak began to worry for Shiho even though less than 10 minutes have past. Despite the fact that Yzak knew Shiho has 2 ½ years of experience in this line, he still can't help to fear for her safety. Unknown to Yzak, Dearka was watching him. Dearka knew that his best friend was falling for Shiho big time but also knew that his hot headed friend would not admit the fact until some time later. Dearka let out a sigh, 'Make it back alive in one piece, Shiho. Yzak might be a pain in the ass sometimes but you're breaking major records that some other girls can't for Yzak's case.' Dearka thought.
Meanwhile, Shiho and team were getting closer to the lab according to the map. "We're near the lab, very near. Hang in there." Shiho whisper softly. "Gotcha, Lt." Sheila replied. "We're here." Shiho said signaling her team mates to stop moving. Shiho carefully peeped out of the ventilation shutters and saw soldiers guarding the exit and the entrance of the lab. Just then, she caught sight of Revolution. It was awfully huge but the bad news was that it's near completion. Her team better worked fast and blew up that weapon or else PLANTS will be gone.
"We'll have to shut off their security cameras then get rid the soldiers that are station at the exit routes including those standing in our way. Each of you has your own job to do, and we only have 15 minutes at most including the escape time to complete this mission. I wish all of you the best of luck. Justin, Maurine and Travis, you guys are in charge of shutting down the cameras and defenses. Right? So you 2 will take the tunnel that is above me right now and proceed. Remember to watch each others back and be careful." Shiho ordered softly. Justin, Travis and Maurine saluted to Shiho. "Both of you as well." Maurine replied and went up the tunnel after Justin and Travis.
"I'm with you. Lt." Sheila said. "You're right. Right now, we'll have to wait for those 3 to shut down all the defenses. Then the 2 of us will come into action." Shiho said. Sheila replied, "Just like planned. I hope they will make it, as there's only 15 minutes. No less." Shiho nodded in agreement, "After all the delays and stuff, all 5 of us only have 5 minutes to make our escape before this lab blows up into pieces." "Agree."
- Back at Voltaire's Bridge -
"Did you receive anything from Lt. Shiho and her team yet?" Yzak asked Tracy, at the same time getting off his seat. "No, Sir. All I've got is their location traced from their heat sensors that are attached to their pilot suit." Tracy replied, looking worried as well. "Currently, Sheila and Lt. Shiho are located above the laboratory. Travis, Justin and Maurine are leaving the security room. It seems that they've succeeded in shutting down the security cameras and the other security lines. They're currently heading towards the lab where Revolution is." Tracy continued. Yzak let out a sigh.
Meanwhile, Sheila was beginning to get impatient. She was sick and tired of waiting even though 5 minutes has just past after the three left. Just then, both Shiho and Sheila received a voice message from Maurine. "Lt! Both of you may proceed. The three of us are done with the shutting down of security lines. We're reaching the lab to cover your back."
"Got it! Once the three of you reach the lab and begin distracting everyone, contact me again." Shiho replied, signaling Sheila to get ready as she knows that the trio is reaching there any minute. Even though there isn't much room for Sheila to move about freely, she took out a stack of bullets and loaded her gun.
Not long after, Shiho received the word form Travis that they're in. Shiho signal Sheila to get down from the tunnel into the lab first, since the trio has caused quite a huge distraction and commotion due to the fighting of both sides and the explosion of tear gases. Sheila got down without being noticed. From where Shiho is positioned, she got a good view of firing the explosive devices onto the weapon Revolution itself. She positioned the launcher, 'You better latch yourself to that Revolution. Or else I'll have to latched you myself.' and launched the device.
Shiho was praying and hoping that the device latched on at the same time she watched from the tunnel above. But she was snapped out of it. One of the soldiers flung the explosive device out of the way and onto the floor when it was so close to latching onto Revolution. She was frustrated and got fed up. She jumped out of the tunnel and ran towards the direction of the soldier.
"DAMN YOU!" Shiho yelled as she grabbed her gun and fired at the soldier. As expected, the soldier also have weapon, a bigger gun compared to Shiho. Both of them exchanged shots at one another. Somehow, the both of them managed to dodge the shots. Shiho continued to get closer to the soldier, cursing and swearing loudly. When she gets close she noticed that the soldier she was firing at was a commanding officer. But she didn't give a damn, just then she caught sight of the device and dashed over to grab it.
"LT.!" Justin yelled in order to warn her that the soldier aimed his gun at her. But it was too late; Shiho was hit by the bullet at her thigh area. Shiho slammed hard onto the ground. Gritting her teeth not giving up, Shiho reached out towards the device which was only few centimeters away from her. Suddenly, Shiho was harshly pulled up into standing position by the enemy as he took off her helmet. "You bitch! Do you think you and your team could stop us? You're dreaming!" He said sarcastically. Shiho was even angered further by his words that she quickly draws her dagger and stabbed him deep into his right arm.
Immediately the soldier let go of her. Shiho quickly grabbed her gun and the device from the floor. She swiftly and skillfully loaded the gun and shot the soldier until he lay motionless on the ground. Other soldiers in that particular lab were lying dead on the ground. However Shiho was snapped out of her anger by Maurine. "Shiho, quickly… the bomb. We are left not much time. Hurry before the reinforcements arrived." She panted heavily.
Shiho nodded and quickly made her way to the huge unfinished weapon. She latched the device onto and starts the countdown timer. Because there isn't much time, she set the countdown timer to 3 minutes. Once she's done, Shiho and the rest quickly made their escape towards the back of the shuttle port where Voltaire is waiting for them and Rousseau positing itself to cover Voltaire's back.
"This is Lt. Shiho speaking. Voltaire, can you hear me?" She panted, as she was bleeding heavily due to the 'exercise' she had earlier on and the injury. Her message sounded throughout the Bridge of Voltaire. Yzak's face lighted up. "Hurry... Reply to the message!" Yzak barked. "This is Tracy from Voltaire replying. Lt. Shiho, where is your current position? Voltaire is waiting for you and your team." Tracy replied sounding a little relief.
"My team and I are towards Exit 6 of the back gate of Twilight's shuttle port. Can Voltaire station there? Cause there's only less than 3 minutes before the lab blows." Shiho added. Tracy looked at her commander for answer and Yzak nodded. "Alright, Lt. Voltaire will be waiting for the team at Exit 6. Hurry." Tracy stated, praying that every single one of them made it back.
Shiho and the rest hurried but Shiho felled to the ground due to her badly hurting and bleeding leg. "Come on, Lt. we're going to make it." Travis encouraged as Justin and him lifted Shiho, supporting her with both their broad shoulders.
After seconds of running, they finally caught sight of Voltaire's entrance at the exit. The wanting to return to the ship and reuniting with everybody makes all 5 of them run towards the exit even faster. Just then, Shiho caught sight of a half dead soldier aiming at Sheila, about to fire at her.
Just then, she gathered her strength and pushed Sheila down onto the ground. A deafening gunshot sounded throughout the place. Sheila then come to realized that Shiho has saved her life. But Shiho was shot again, at her shoulder. "Shiho…" Sheila was lost at words.
Somehow, the two guys snapped her out of it and ordered her to help them carry Shiho towards the exit. "Hurry. This place is going to blow!" Luckily for the 5 of them, they made it back safely to Voltaire just a minute before the lab explodes.
As Voltaire made its escape, Justin yelled for help. "Somebody get the medics! Lt. Shiho is badly injured!" The next moment, Shiho heard Maurine telling her to hang in there. But she was losing consciousness as each second passes by.
"Yzak…" It was all Shiho could say before she past out.
-End of Chapter 13-
Author's note: Hey there! My apologies if this chapter is updated late. This is my first time typing an action chapter/story, so I hope you guys have enjoyed reading it. Pls review and I'll really appreciate it. Thank you all reviewers for your wonderful support!
Till the next chapter/time!