Episode 50
The episode opens up with a montage. We start off showing Shadow and Raheem fighting, they're in the hallway and Shadow no surprise is the one taking a beating. Shadow is sent flying into a wall but he quickly hops back up and charges Raheem again.
One can't help but notice that Raheem is trying just a little bit harder to keep Shadow at bay and that their brief sword encounters, although still ending with Shadow being sent flying, are getting longer. The camera cuts to show Cagalli running with her group for the 10 miles.
The camera cuts again to Nick in the glass box, he's trying to fire while dodging gun fire (note laser tag fire), and he's able to hit a lot before he himself is shot. Nick curses and shouts "again", Nick continues practicing. The camera cuts to the Gundam bay to show Jack working on La Rouge with absolute focus.
Jack without looking up throws a wrench at a D-crew mechanic not working. She begins yelling at him to get back to work (Jack scary when yelling), and the camera cuts to outside the Dark-Angel to show Roxas running around Kenny.
Kenny was smart enough to bring a chair and umbrella for shade; he's still calling out information to Roxas. The camera cuts back to Cagalli to show the instructor and 2 students helping Cagalli stretch her arms and legs in very awkward position. Cagalli appears to be in pain.
The camera cuts back to Shadow and Raheem, Shadow charges Raheem and performs a right downward diagonal slash Raheem performs a left downward diagonal slash, their blades meet and for second they hold still as they lock in a struggler for dominance but the moment passes and Raheem's blade being more powerful, since Raheem is stronger than Shadow, pushes Shadow's back.
Pushing is a nice way of saying it. A more realistic metaphor would be Raheem hit Shadow like a cannon. Shadow is sent flying right into a wall but with the stubbornness only he has he jumps back up and charges again. The camera cuts back outside to show Cagalli carrying a box more than half her size, she's obviously struggling but whether it's from the weight or because the box is awkward it's impossible to tell.
Other students are running back and forth passing Cagalli easily carrying their boxes; unlike Cagalli they simply carry the boxes on their back. The camera cuts forward in time to show Cagalli practicing with the class. The camera begins to flip between the current time and future time when Cagalli is receiving private lessons from Ailill.
The images start coming faster as we cut forward in time, we see Nick being able to take on more and more enemies until it looks like he's surround. Roxas gets faster and faster. La Rouge looks more and more finish/repaired. Shadow is lasting longer and longer against Raheem. Cagalli is carrying heavier and bigger boxes, she also seems to be learning more complex and stronger techniques.
The images slow down for a moment on Shadow and Raheem, this isn't like their previous fights though, for starters it's lasting a lot longer than any other fight we've seen between Shadow and Raheem. Raheem is still the dominate fighter but a bead of sweat is running down his face.
Raheem has to keep full concentration on Shadow, a moment's slip up and Raheem will lose to Shadow, both Shadow and Raheem are grunting with effort as they continue to clash.
Raheem (To think that Shadow would be able to progress this far in a week and a half is unbelievable, he's corrected more than half of his foot work mistakes plus his sword swings have evolved and improved tremendously.)
The camera cuts outside to show Cagalli doing group exercises with her group while some students stumble slightly or move obviously below combat speeds Cagalli's form and technique are perfect. Also another thing to note is that their seems to be an air of respect for her coming from the other students their cold shoulders seem to have warmed up. Ailill is watching from the sidelines.
Ailill (Cagalli's improvement over the last week and a half is astounding it's even more then I hope for, she's already reached the skill level for her age group.)
The class finishes their lesson, and the instructor begins to single out people for advance class.
Instructor: Alright everyone that's enough for now, Pico, Zero, Villetta, Rebecca, Kess and Cagalli stay after for advance training.
Cagalli is surprise by this but in a good sort of pride kind of way while Villetta on the other hand is outrage.
Villetta: What! You want the outsider to join the advance training group today!
Instructor rolls his eyes not surprise by this outburst.
Instructor: Yes Villetta, and before you go on another rant about the honor of khiêu vũ and how outsiders are morally corrupted and so on the requirements to participate in the advance lessons are and have always been completing the daily group exercises without a single mistake for 3 days in a row. Cagalli has met these requirements therefore she is allowed to participate in the advance training if you have a problem with that Villetta you don't have to go to the lesson after all the advance training isn't required.
Villetta is the only one who has a problem with Cagalli, no one else seems to care. Villetta puffs unhappy but he's not going to miss the lesson. The rest of the students have left already and Ailill steps forward.
Ailill: Ok everyone gather up it's time for the advance lesson.
The camera cuts forward in time, the sun is beginning to set and the last traces of light disappear as the moon rises. The camera looks down and focuses on Raheem, Raheem is jumping from one hiding spot to another looking around each time obviously trying to avoid something. Nick carrying some supplies spots him.
Nick: HAhAHHAHAH, Shadow tiring you out that much mate?
Raheem upon seeing Nick glares at him.
Raheem: Look I'm not a 19 year old kid with no life ok, I get tired, I can't spend every waking moment fighting. What are you doing in town anyway I thought you'd be training too?
Nick holds up his crate of supplies to show Raheem.
Nick: Jack asked me to get some supplies for the making of La Rouge's weapons.
Raheem nods his head.
Raheem: It's impressive that she was able to finish repairing La Rouge's armor in only a week.
Nick is about to say something when he spots Ailill walking by herself, smiling he waves her over.
Nick: Ailill over here mate.
Ailill stops and looks over to where Nick and Raheem are. She raises one eyebrow upon seeing Raheem crouching down and hiding behind a crate.
Ailill: Nick, and Raheem?
She throws a questioning look at Raheem. Raheem suddenly self-conscious about the way he looks hiding behind the crate jumps up.
Raheem: Um hello Ailill.
Nick pulls his hat down over his eyes and shakes his head. Ailill stares at them for a moment then starts to walk away.
Nick: The mate here wants to ask you out for a drink!
Nick blurts out as he points to Raheem, both Ailill and Raheem are surprise by this but Raheem's surprise quickly turns to embarrassment as he turns bright red.
Raheem: Nick what are you
Nick stomps on Raheem's foot to stop him from talking. Raheem bites his tongue to stop himself from shouting out loud. Nick smiling whispers
Nick: You'll thank me for this later mate.
Ailill getting over her surprise says slowly.
Ailill: Well I suppose a drink at this hour would be nice.
Raheem is stun but luckily Nick knows how to be cool.
Nick: Great, well I'll see you mates later then.
Nick almost throws Raheem at Ailill. Raheem stumbles for a minute then turns around to glare at Nick but Nick is already gone. Raheem extremely nervous says the first thing that comes to mind.
Raheem: Um well let's head to the tavern then shall we.
Ailill amused has to use an enormous amount of will power to stop herself from laughing.
Ailill: Lead the way.
Ailill allows Raheem to take the lead. The camera cuts forward in time again, Raheem and Ailill are sitting down in the tavern having dinner and drinking. They seem to be having a good time.
Ailill: Still out of all the Gundam Teams you could have come across you hit the jackpot, a Gundam Team loaded with this many talented individuals and they're still E rank.
Raheem takes a sip of his drink then says
Raheem: The most talented among though would be Cagalli and Shadow.
Ailill eats a little more of her food, after she finishes chewing she says
Ailill: Cagalli is extremely talented; her information processing ability is the highest I have ever seen. She picks up techniques and patterns so fast; she literarily only needs to see the move once then just from memory she can pick it up within the hour a day at most. You'll have to forgive me Raheem I don't see how Shadow can match that kind of skill.
Raheem is slightly amused.
Raheem: Of course you don't it's easy to spot Cagalli's talent when she chooses to put effort into her training and fighting ability after all it sticks out like a black bear in snow. Shadow's talent on the other hand is more subtle I'll admit I didn't see it at first either, only through watching Shadow's Gundam Fights and training methods did it finally begin to show itself. Shadow's gift is his endurance.
Ailill blinks confused.
Ailill: His endurance, I know stamina is an important factor in a fight but it hardly qualifies as an exceptional skill.
Ailill is a little disappointed in Raheem's anticlimactic answer. Raheem smiles enjoying their conversation.
Raheem: You're mistaken Ailill I said endurance not stamina, Shadow's greatest ability is his endurance to taking a beating.
Ailill raises an eyebrow unconvinced.
Ailill: And that is a very useful skill.
She says with a little sarcasm.
Raheem: You're still not seeing it Ailill, try looking at it like this after a sparring match when one person gets beat up they need to take an hour break to rest but Shadow doesn't need that rest he keeps going even after taking a beating. In one day he's able to do as much training as an average fighter does in a week because he doesn't take breaks. When fighting a stronger opponent Shadow can get up 2 to 3 times after getting his ass kick to continue fighting; that's equivalent to fighting an opponent 3 times in a row and you have to admit Ailill if you fight an enemy 3 times in a row you're going to get better at fighting him.
Ailill is in deep pause as she thinks this over. Raheem continues onward
Raheem: Why even when fighting with me his endurance is something to behold, from early in the morning to late at night he continues to come at me only taking a break for food, sleep and the restroom, I found myself struggling to keep up with him.
Ailill smiles at this and makes a joke.
Ailill: Getting old Raheem.
Raheem fake laughs back.
Raheem: Hahaha I can assure you that on any given day I can still beat Shadow in a fight, it's just that day in and day out he's coming at me and I don't have his endurance. I know this may sound corny but as the day drags on I grow weaker while Shadow grows stronger, its reach the point that by the end of day it's taking a serious effort on my part to keep Shadow at bay. In this week and a half he's seem to absorb months of swordsmanship training.
Ailill after another moment of silence says
Ailill: I think I understand what you mean, I agree with the notion that Shadow's talent is more subtle it's definitely something that could only be notice through careful observation. Still the fact that this Gundam Team has 2 prodigies with polar-opposite talents, it's just remarkable.
Raheem finishing his drink replies
Raheem: Well you know what they say about randomness, some people hit the jackpot.
Ailill gives a short laugh.
Ailill: HAHAHAH true enough anyway let's talk about something else other than work.
Raheem smiles as they continue on with their evening meal (date). The camera zooms out a little and turns around to reveal Nick, Kabira, and Roxas hiding behind crates spying on the couple. Roxas excited asks
Roxas: Oh this is so nerve racking, I can't wait until they kiss.
Kabira also excited says
Kabira: Raheem wouldn't kiss a girl on the first date.
Nick reciting from his own codes
Nick: A gentleman does not kiss a girl on the first date.
Roxas rolls her eyes unimpressed.
Roxas: The only reason that stupid educate rule exist is because most people don't like kissing some stranger, and according to the latest magazines poles it takes at least 3 dates to know somebody.
Kabira confused turns to Roxas and asks
Kabira: But you kiss strangers all the time?
Roxas smiles proudly
Roxas: That's because I'm unique, anyway Raheem and Ailill have known each other for god knows how many years so they don't have to follow that stupid rule.
Nick curious turns around to look at Roxas.
Nick: You're taking this awfully well mate; I thought you wanted to sleep with Raheem?
Roxas smiles slyly
Roxas: Oh I still intend to sleep with Raheem, this is all part of my seduction plan. If Ailill rejects Raheem, Raheem will be vulnerable and easy to seduce and if Ailill accepts Raheem then all I need to do is seduce Ailill after all everyone knows that the woman control the relationship and Ailill is nowhere near as shy as Raheem which is why she'll be easier to seduce.
Nick gives Roxas a look.
Nick: You know mate you're a little bit evil.
Roxas just shrugs her shoulders.
Roxas: If you're ever going to get ahead in this world you've got to be just a little bit evil.
Kabira is getting annoyed.
Kabira: Shhhhh I can't hear them.
The spies go back to watching Raheem and Ailill. The camera cuts to someplace different, we're still in the desert and can see the lights from khiêu vũ; we're near a rock formation like Stonehenge only the rocks look more natural, most likely a form of erosion.
The moon is directly dead center in the sky, it's very late and the desert is perfectly quiet no wind no sound and very little light. The camera focuses on Shadow; Shadow is swinging his blade once again fighting his imaginary foes. His sword gleams in the moon light looking more like a lightsaber then an actual metal object.
Shadow has his goofy grin on clearly having the time of his life but there's also a seriousness in his eyes, he's taking his imaginary fight seriously. One can't help notice that Shadow's, at least compare to when he first started, swordsmanship has improved. A sword master can at least look at Shadow now without feeling the need to turn their head and cry in shame. A voice slightly annoyed and amused interrupts him.
Cagalli: You know you're exceedingly annoying to find Shadow.
Shadow in mid sword strike stops abruptly, he turns around and spots Cagalli.
Shadow: Cagalli what are you doing here?
Cagalli's annoyance wins over her amusement.
Cagalli: What am I doing here, I'll tell you what I'm doing here, a certain nice hard working mechanic became worried sick when a certain boneheaded Gundam Fighting loving stupid nut job hadn't come back yet even though it was midnight and asked me to look for him.
Shadow isn't that stupid and makes the connection, putting his sword back in his sheath and begins to rub the back of his head embarrass.
Shadow: Oh sorry I wasn't even thinking about that.
Shadow sits down while rubbing his head feeling like crap, morally not physically. Cagalli still mad at him sits down next to Shadow.
Cagalli: You should be sorry, I was lucky to find you a khiêu vũ saw you run off in this direction. What were you thinking?
Shadow leaning back on the sand shrugs.
Shadow: I wasn't, Raheem was busy on his date and I didn't want to bother him but I suddenly felt like running so I ran.
Cagalli getting over her anger looks at Shadow curious.
Cagalli: Running?
Shadow rolls his eyes not liking the way Cagalli makes that sound.
Shadow: Moving, running makes me sound like some scared little kid.
Cagalli didn't mean it like that and rolls her eyes in annoyance as she begins to stretch out on the sand. Shadow now lying down on the sand has his hands behind his head and is staring at the stars.
Shadow: I can't wait till our next Gundam Fight; I want to see just how much my training has paid off.
Cagalli also begins looking at the stars.
Cagalli: Why do you like fighting so much? Most people want to live nice and peaceful lives and only fight when they have a reason but what's your reason why do you want to fight so much?
This is obviously an important question for Cagalli, she's looking for something from Shadow some kind of answer to another question locked deep in the far edge of her mind. Shadow takes a moment to think about it then says slowly
Shadow: I don't know. The reason I want to fight is because it's my dream to become the greatest Gundam Fighter ever, but I have no idea why it's my dream it just is. It's almost like some kind of instinct tells me to fight, ever since I was a little kid every night when I go to bed I dream of Gundams, Gundams fighting each other using super awesome moves, I can't remember the last time I had a dream where there was another person in their besides me.
Cagalli listens to this all in silence, whether this answer satisfies her or not is hard to say.
Cagalli: So what did they call you when you were a kid?
Cagalli is trying to appear uncaring Shadow however sees right through (She's still trying to find out Shadow's real name.)
Shadow: Nice try.
Cagalli appears annoyed at her plan failing but doesn't push it.
Cagalli: Still it's ironic that out of all the places you could have chosen to run to you ran to here.
Shadow confused begins looking around.
Shadow: Huh why what's so special about this place?
Cagalli grins.
Cagalli: This is the place where Gino discovered khiêu vũ style of fighting, I learned about it from the instructor.
Shadow sensing a story behind this asks excitedly
Shadow: Tell me about it.
Cagalli smiling goes on.
Cagalli: Well the story goes that Gino was a member of the military, this happen back during the Great War when Haben was still a young nation. An enemy had entered Haben's boarders and Gino's unit was sent to fight against them. Gino ended up getting shot down; his unit had to abandon him in order to purse the enemy. So there Gino was stuck in the middle of the desert with no food or water and his Gundam useless, with no other choice Gino begins to walk in the direction where he thinks the closest town is.
Shadow is listening to the story with great anticipation.
Cagalli: So for 3 days and nights he walks in the desert until finally he collapses exhausted and dehydrated, so there he is lying on the ground unable to move and knowing his end is near when suddenly he begins to hear this melody. The melody is a song he's never heard before, a type of music he's never heard before, suddenly he finds the strength to get up and he finds himself inspired by the music. He begins to punch the air moving his body like never before in patterns matching the music, and from those patterns and moves khiêu vũ is born. He later goes on to find a watering hole as well as a village where he starts the khiêu vũ tribe and for the rest of his life the music he heard plays in his mind.
Shadow makes the connection.
Shadow: So these rocks are the reason behind the music?
Cagalli nods her head.
Cagalli: Yup, Ailill told me that experts believe that a river used to run through Haben a long time ago and this is all that's left of it, apparently when a strong wind blows against the rocks a song can be heard.
Shadow and Cagalli both turn to look at the rocks.
Shadow: I want to hear it once.
Cagalli: Me too.
The scene ends with the camera slowly zooming out and going dark while both Cagalli and Shadow watch the stars and the rock formation.
The next scene opens up in the morning, Cagalli is lightly jogging to the lunch room to meet her group. She's in the space between the Dark-Angel and the camp (in the desert), however Villetta coming out of the morning darkness steps right in her path, judging from his stance this isn't accidental. He's blocking her path on purpose. Cagalli stops annoyed.
Cagalli: Good morning Villetta.
Villetta with a look of distaste on his face cuts right to the chase.
Villetta: You're not welcome at practice today outsider.
Cagalli's annoyance is growing.
Cagalli: Oh really, by who?
Villetta eyes narrow.
Villetta: By me.
Cagalli resists her anger and takes the high road.
Cagalli: Look Villetta I apologize for hurting your little brother but I had no choice he was attacking a good friend of mine so please can't we just move on?
Villetta still looks angry and disgusted.
Villetta: You think I'm upset about you beating that little runt, the only anger I feel from that is the disgrace that failure brought upon my family by losing to you.
The force of shock is so great that Cagalli blinks and takes a step back. Villetta continues on
Villetta: No I'm angry because an outsider like you has the nerve to think she can just walk on in here and learn khiêu vũ. Everyone may be impressed that you pick up a few tricks from khiêu vũ so quickly but I know that you'll never be able to master khiêu vũ any more than a blacksmith can paint artwork. Ailill made a mistake by inviting you to learn khiêu vũ.
Cagalli gets over her shock, her guilt and pity are gone leaving only her anger.
Cagalli: Move Villetta I'm tired of hearing you rant.
Villetta's eyes almost pop out of their sockets at the way Cagalli just dismisses him.
Villetta: How dare you outsider speak to me like that! I can't stand you any more I challenge you to a duel!
Villetta shouts pointing at Cagalli. Cagalli didn't expect this.
Cagalli: A duel?
Villetta's smile is brimming with his confidence/arrogance.
Villetta: Yes a duel and to show you how incompetent you truly are I'll even fight you on your own playing field, in a Gundam Fight.
Villetta raises his left hand to reveal a Neon gauntlet that he didn't have one before. His Neon gauntlet is the same dull metal color Cagalli's is.
Cagalli: A Neon gauntlet!
Villetta smiles enjoying Cagalli's shock.
Villetta: Yes although our tribe is small and peaceful we are fully prepare to defend ourselves if the need arises even in a Gundam Fight. I've taken the liberty of barrowing one of the Gundams; now behold one of my tribe's pride Audrina!
Villetta hits a few buttons on his Neon Gauntlet. Cagalli realizing what's about to happen jumps back and takes up a defensive stance. A moment later Villetta's Gundam Audrina appears behind him. Audrina doesn't appear to be anything special just a standard military Gundam. Cagalli grits her teeth rapidly thinking.
Cagalli (Damn he summoned his Gundam looks like I'm not avoiding a fight.)
Cagalli raises her own Neon Gauntlet and hits a few keys as she shouts
Cagalli: La Rouge!
The camera cuts to inside the Dark-Angel, La Rouge's eyes flash and then it begins to stand up. No one luckily was on La Rouge working on it, but that doesn't stop everyone from jumping back and shouting in surprise. La Rouge gets up and heads towards the catapult, as La Rouge launches the camera turns down to look at an extremely agitated Jack.
Jack: Damn it Cagalli I just fix La Rouge!
The camera cuts back to Cagalli and Villetta. Villetta grinning with confidence has his hands folded waiting for Cagalli's Gundam. Cagalli on the other hand looks uneasy and nervous. A moment later La Rouge appears behind Cagalli.
Villetta: Well it's about time, let's get this Gundam Fight started!
Villetta turns around and heads towards his Gundam Audrina. Cagalli tries to stop him.
Cagalli: Villetta wait, arrrrrg damn!
Cagalli grits her teeth finally giving up on trying to stop the fight, turns and heads towards her own Gundam La Rouge. We'll skip the whole Gundam Pilot activation thing but just know that it happens. The camera cuts outside to show La Rouge and Audrina facing off. The camera cuts inside La Rouge's cockpit to show Cagalli definitely feeling the distance between La Rouge and the camp.
Cagalli: Villetta we're too close to the camp, if we're going to fight then let's move more into the desert so that no innocent person gets hurt.
We can see Villetta appear on Cagalli's helmet screen, although Villetta is an arrogant brat he's no monster.
Villetta: That's fine, lead the way but I can tell you that no matter what battle ground you choose you're still going to lose.
The camera cuts outside to show La Rouge and Audrina move away from the camp going deeper into the desert, after they get a far distance away from the camp they stop and face each other again. The camera cuts inside Audrina's cockpit and it doesn't take a people person to recognize Villetta is inching for a fight.
Villetta: This is far enough, now LET'S GO!
The camera cuts outside as Audrina charges La Rouge. The camera does a quick split screen to show Cagalli startle by the sudden attack. Audrina performs a strong forward right hand punch aimed at La Rouge's face. La Rouge ducks down dodging the attack but Audrina within the same heart beat squats down and twirls while sticking one leg out intending to foot sweep La Rouge's legs.
La Rouge jumps back just barely dodging the attack. The camera cuts inside La Rouge's cockpit to show Cagalli rapidly thinking.
Cagalli (I'll take Villetta out from a distance using my beam rifle.)
The camera cuts outside to show La Rouge reach towards its side while Audrina charges again. La Rouge however only grabs air. The camera cuts inside La Rouge's cockpit to show a shock Cagalli.
Cagalli (Where's my beam rifle!)
Cagalli is so shock she makes the classic mistake of taking her eyes off her attacker and looks to where her beam rifle should be. The camera cuts outside to show La Rouge look away as Audrina comes to a stop right in front of it and begins to perform a right roundhouse kick. The camera does a quick split screen to show Cagalli look back to Audrina just in time.
Cagalli (Oh crapppppp!)
The screen returns to normal as La Rouge raises its left arm to block and that's when Cagalli notices that her beam rifle isn't the only item missing. Audrina's leg hits La Rouge's left arm full force, time slows for a moment as we see the force of the attack just ripple through La Rouge's arm. The camera does another split screen over La Rouge to show Cagalli make her second shocking realization as pain spreads across her body like cracks on glass.
Cagalli (I'm missing my shield too!)
The screen returns to normal as the force of Audrina's kick sends La Rouge to the ground. The camera cuts into Audrina's cockpit to show Villetta grinning.
Villetta: HA looking away in a fight, I know you're a rookie Gundam Fighter but still any idiot knows not to look away from an opponent attacking. Geez I was even more right about you then even I realize.
The camera cuts outside to show La Rouge struggle up onto its feet after crashing into the sand. The camera cuts inside La Rouge's cockpit to show Cagalli grit her teeth in pain from the damage her left arm took.
Cagalli (What's going on? Where's my shield and beam rifle?)
A new frightening thought enters Cagalli's brain.
Cagalli (Wait don't tell me)
Cagalli once again tries to look over her shoulder as the camera cuts outside to show La Rouge begin to reach behind its back looking for its beam Guan Dao, but just as Cagalli feared her beam Guan Dao is missing too. The camera cuts inside La Rouge's cockpit as panic begins to grip Cagalli.
Cagalli (Even my beam Guan Dao!)
Cagalli: Where's all my equipment!
A window pops up on her helmet screen as Kenny appears to answer her question.
Kenny: Still being repaired.
Cagalli blinks surprise and moves back.
Cagalli: Kenny?
Kenny smiles
Kenny: The one and onughj
Kenny is interrupted by Jack roughly pushing him out of window's view.
Jack: Cagalli you son of bitch I just finish fixing La Rouge's armor don't you dare get a single scratch on her!
As Jack talks the camera switches viewpoints to inside the Dark-Angel's bridge, everyone is there, Shadow, Kenny, Jack, Roxas, Nick and even Zuke. We can see Cagalli on Kenny's computer monitor and on the main monitor we can see the Gundams. Cagalli is surprise
Cagalli: Jack what are you
Cagalli is interrupted when Shadow pushes Jack out of the way.
Shadow: Duh when you called La Rouge didn't you think we're going to notice.
Kenny fighting Shadow for the chair explains
Kenny: We didn't call you last time because we didn't know what the situation was but we can see you now.
Shadow struggling against Kenny for control of the chair adds.
Shadow: Yea and it's not fair that you keep getting challenge to Gundam Fights and I don't, I'm the freaking team leader!
Nick shouts.
Nick: Mate watch out!
The camera switches back to inside La Rouge's cockpit to show Cagalli switch her focus back to Villetta just as Audrina punches La Rouge right in the face. The camera cuts outside to show the punch La Rouge dazed stumbles backwards. Audrina without hesitation twirls around once then performs a vertical kick.
La Rouge however recovers quickly from the fast attack and blocks the second. La Rouge blocks the attack by putting both palms out and moving them up and down in small but fast motion. Audrina's leg seems to curve off La Rouge's palms away from La Rouge's body. The camera cuts inside Audrina's cockpit to show a mild look of annoyance cross Villetta's face.
Villetta (Hmm a khiêu vũ power attack block.)
The camera cuts outside to show Audrina still with one leg in the air bring its second leg in the air and spinning its whole body perform a left horizontal kick aimed at La Rouge's head. La Rouge ducks down barely dodging the blow by an inch and then jumps back as Audrina lands lightly on its feet.
The camera cuts into La Rouge's cockpit to show Cagalli scrambling to put her thoughts together, unfortunately Shadow and the others comments aren't helping.
Zuke: Tis even for a natural it's pathetic that you didn't realize your Gundam didn't have any of its equipment the moment you saw it.
Shadow: What are you doing Cagalli go on the offensive, even if you don't have any weapons you can still give him or her the good old righty lefty attack!
Shadow holds up his right and left fist. Cagalli becoming extremely annoyed snaps
Cagalli: Will you all shut up I'm trying to ahgkjak
The camera cuts outside for a moment to show La Rouge get punch in the face again. The camera returns to inside La Rouge's cockpit just as Shadow says
Shadow: Geez Cagalli you should pay more attention to your battles.
Shadow gives Cagalli one of his knowing smiles. Cagalli glares at him which of course results in her getting nailed in the face again. Cagalli blinks through her watering eyes and pain to focus on Villetta's incoming fist. Cagalli is successfully dodging the attacks. The camera cuts outside as Cagalli goes on the offensive. Audrina does another forward punch.
La Rouge takes a step back then twists its upper chest, as Audrina's punch misses La Rouge, La Rouge pivots on its left foot and holding out its arm La Rouge untwist its body intending to whack Audrina on the back of the neck but Audrina reads this like a book, and drops down into push-up position dodging the attack.
The camera does a momentary split screen to show Cagalli surprise her attack didn't hit. The screen returns to normal as Audrina does a hand stand. Audrina's back is facing Cagalli and it is upside down completely vertical. Audrina brings down its legs slamming it into La Rouge's head/shoulders.
La Rouge gets slammed face first into the ground. Audrina jumps up and back in the air using just its hands, does a flip in the air then lands on one leg and sticks the second out as it begins to spin heading straight towards La Rouge. La Rouge struggles to its hands and knees but that's as far as it gets before Audrina's spinning top attack connects.
La Rouge is sent rolling for a good couple of feet before stopping. The camera cuts inside La Rouge's cockpit to show Cagalli climb back on her knees her training plus battle experience seem to be making her more pain tolerate. Valletta pops up on her helmet screen.
Villetta: HAHAHA you thought you could use khiêu vũ against me, I've been studying and practicing khiêu vũ for years so don't think for one second that that level of skill will work against me.
Cagalli grits her teeth in annoyance.
Cagalli (Jerk, but he's right. Villetta does know khiêu vũ better than me but khiêu vũ is the only fighting style I even remotely know, anything else I try would just be random punching and kicking.)
Cagalli looks very frustrated not knowing what to do.
Shadow: Cagalli you're not actually listening to that stuck up brat are you?
Shadow burst into Cagalli's thoughts in his classic loud way. Shadow goes on
Shadow: You've been working yourself to the bone learning khiêu vũ so don't let this guy psych you out into not using it.
Cagalli is still hesitant.
Cagalli: But
Everyone else though joins Shadow's side.
Nick: The mate's right Cagalli don't back down.
Jack: Yea Cagalli kick that little punk's ass using his own fighting style!
Roxas: You're 10 times hotter using khiêu vũ then he is Cagalli!
Kenny: It's a proven statistic fact that fighters who go up against someone better train in their own fighting style are 63 percent more likely to walk away having learned more than 3 weeks training under a sensei regardless of winning or losing.
Zuke: Your opponent is a natural too so you have a slight chance of overcoming the difference in battle strength.
Cagalli is feeding off the words of encouragement from her friends. The camera cuts to inside Audrina's cockpit to show Villetta grow tired of his gloating.
Villetta: Come on for an outsider who has disgraced my family's honor is that all you've got!
The camera cuts outside as Audrina charges La Rouge. The camera cuts inside La Rouge's cockpit to show Cagalli still unmoving, she seems to need some kind of spark to get the flames going, and that spark comes in the form of Shadow.
Shadow: Hurry up and win already Cagalli!
Shadow's spark ignites the flames in Cagalli; Cagalli eyes refocus with renewed determination. The camera cuts outside to show Audrina perform another straight punch aimed at Cagalli's head then cuts back inside as Cagalli shouts
Cagalli: Right!
Cagalli surges forward as she does so the camera cuts outside to show La Rouge slide left while at the same time catch Audrina's punching arm. La Rouge pulls Audrina's punching arm forward slamming Audrina into the ground. La Rouge uses this opportunely to hop up onto its legs.
Audrina also quick to recover moves to get up too but La Rouge performs a vertical kick in order to stop this. Audrina sees the kick coming and quickly leans back dodging it by a hair, without waiting a heartbeat Audrina puts all its bodyweight onto its hands and after bringing both its knees to its chest shots its legs out nailing La Rouge right in the chest.
La Rouge slides on the sand from the force of the kick but this time stays on its feet. Audrina jumps straight up onto its legs and charges La Rouge again but this time La Rouge charges too, both Gundams meet in the middle and begin unleashing a series of punches and kicks on the other while trying to block at the same time. Their defense and attacks are very similar since they're using the same fighting style.
The Gundams defend with a combination of bending their bodies and using the palms of their hands to manipulate the attacks away from their own bodies. They attack using coinciding punches, kicks and different foot sweep techniques, however it quickly becomes obviously that La Rouge is at a disadvantage.
Audrina's attack patterns are more complex and also have more variety of punching, kicking and foot sweeping techniques. La Rouge on the other hand only knows a couple of punching and foot sweeping techniques, and there's even worse news for La Rouge, all the techniques La Rouge does know it appears Audrina knows too.
Audrina is able to react faster to La Rouge's attack because it recognizes it, therefore Audrina is dodging most of La Rouge's attack while La Rouge on the other hand is taking a fair amount of hits from Audrina. The camera cuts to inside Audrina's cockpit to show Villetta grin as he realizes Cagalli hasn't learned any kicking attacks yet.
Villetta: What's the matter outsider why aren't you using kicking attacks?
The camera cuts outside as Audrina shows off its own kick attack. La Rouge blocks it but Audrina continues using kicking attacks. The camera returns to inside Audrina's cockpit as Villetta smiling wickedly continues his baiting.
Villetta: Did Ailill forget to teach you some; understandable since we didn't start learning kicking techniques until about 3 years ago, I guess that sucks for you!
The camera cuts outside to show La Rouge still struggling to block all of Audrina's kick attacks. The camera cuts inside La Rouge's cockpit to show Cagalli gritting her teeth in frustration as sweat pours down her face. We can still see Kenny on her helmet screen.
Kenny: Don't listen to him Cagalli he's just trying to bait you.
Shadow pushes Kenny out of the way
Shadow: Cagalli don't just stay silent and take that, turn around and insult him!
Kenny now really pissed turns around and pushes Shadow back.
Kenny: Damn it Shadow how many times do I have to yell at you for pushing me out of my seat, I don't go and push you out of Nightwing's cockpit!
Shadow annoyed snaps back
Shadow: Well sorry if you hog the monitor.
Kenny: I'm supposed too I'm the programmer!
Cagalli becoming extremely irritated snaps
Cagalli: Will you both shut up and stop backseat Gundam Piloting!
Cagalli's breath gets knocked out of her as she takes a hit to the chest from her lack of concentration. The camera cuts to inside the Dark-Angel's bridge to show everyone watching the main monitor intensely except for Zuke who is leaning against the wall with his eyes close. Nick is tapping his gun holster not liking the way this fight is going.
Nick: This skiff isn't going Cagalli's way mate.
Jack replies fiercely
Jack: Cagalli isn't going to lose, just watch she's going to make a comeback!
The others aren't convince.
Shadow: How are La Rouge's power levels holding up?
Shadow asks Kenny
Kenny: Fine, it's not like La Rouge is using any kind of beam weaponry and La Rouge's armor really isn't taking all that much damage from this Audrina Gundam's attacks.
Jack full of pride says
Jack: Of course not, I used a brand new metal welding technique I came up with on La Rouge's armor; it's not going to break under those weak attacks.
Kenny typing at his computer nods his head.
Kenny: Jack's right, La Rouge can keep this up all day *pause* it's Cagalli I'm worried about.
Shadow looks at Kenny confused not understanding but Zuke comes in and explains
Zuke: It's one thing to have a good Gundam it's another to be able to pilot it. The blonde natural girl doesn't have the strength or skill to operate a third rate Gundam like this to its full operating ability.
Jack and Nick are offended by this.
Jack: Whose Gundam are you calling third rate!
Nick: Who are you calling weak mate!
Zuke is uncaring under the glares of Jack and Nick. Kenny though reluctantly nods his head in agreement.
Kenny: Zuke's right guys, Cagalli doesn't have the stamina to fight in a long drawn out battle like this especially against a stronger opponent.
Roxas carefully observing the fight notices that La Rouge isn't attacking anymore and that it's reacting slower.
Roxas: Cagalli's reached her limit, should we go out and help her Shadow?
All eyes now turn to Shadow for a decision; Shadow bites his lip as he thinks this over.
Shadow: Cagalli can win this I know she can, she's just got to know she can too.
Shadow struggles for a good minute trying to decide what to do when suddenly his eyes open wide as he sees something on the main monitor. It's impossible to tell what he saw and even if we did know it would be impossible to tell how it matter, but Shadow has his crazy excited grin on. He's come up with something.
Shadow: Kenny prepare to fire the positron cannon.
Kenny looks at Shadow surprise.
Kenny: Um Shadow I want to help Cagalli too but don't you think using the positron cannon is a little bit of an overkill?
Jack adds
Jack: Plus the Gundams are too close together, the positron blast is more than likely to hit Cagalli too.
Shadow smiles, he's got something up his sleeve.
Shadow: We're not aiming it at Villetta.
Everyone is surprise by this even Zuke.
Zuke: Then what are you planning on doing with it?
Shadow ignores Zuke and asks Kenny
Shadow: Hey Kenny can you move the monitor camera to the right.
Kenny still doesn't get what's going on but decides to just go with it.
Kenny: Um sure, tell me when to stop.
We watch as the image on the main monitor moves and looks away from the battle into seemingly endless desert. Zuke watches Shadow trying to understand what he's up too.
Zuke (What's that natural planning, the positron cannon is the most powerful weapon on board this ship capable of taking out several square blocks so why is he aiming it at nothing?)
Shadow: Stop right their Kenny.
Kenny stops the image from moving, as far as we can tell it's just plain desert but to Shadow it's good.
Shadow: Ok Kenny when I tell you to, fire the positron cannon at that exact spot.
Roxas grows impatient.
Roxas: What are you up to Shadow?
Nick: Yea mate tell us?
Shadow just smiles.
Shadow: Just watch and see.
We cut back outside to the battle, La Rouge tries to punch Audrina but it's in vain. Audrina easily counters the attack with a jump kick that sends La Rouge crashing into the ground. La Rouge lying face down on the ground doesn't get up this time. The camera cuts inside La Rouge's cockpit to show an exhausted Cagalli.
Cagalli is on the ground breathing extremely heavily desperately trying to recover her breath, sweat is pouring down her face almost drowning her. Her eyes appear to be a little out of focus
Cagalli (Damn it, I lose again.)
The camera cuts outside to show Audrina standing triumphantly in front of La Rouge. We cut inside Audrina's cockpit to show Villetta looking down at Cagalli expecting this outcome.
Villetta: Just as I thought this is all you outsiders are capable of heh all that's left is to finish you off.
The camera cuts outside to show Audrina prepare to do the final move. The camera quickly switches back to the Dark-Angel as Shadow shouts
Shadow: Fire!
The camera cuts outside to show the positron cannon fire and hit absolutely nothing. It does however create a good size gust of wind, but the wind dies down long before it hits Audrina or La Rouge. The camera cuts inside La Rouge's cockpit to show Cagalli's POV, the screen gets darker as Cagalli is slowly passing out.
Cagalli (This…..is…it.)
The screen goes completely black and for a moment we see and hear nothing then.
Cagalli (What's that noise.)
It's soft, at first it's almost impossible to detect but it's enough to give Cagalli's mind something to focus on, to gather her spreading thoughts. The sound seems to grow and as it grows we can tell it's some kind of flute.
Cagalli (A flute? Where?)
We hear a flashback (note not see).
Ailill: Gino laid there his life fading when he heard a sound, a sound that inspired in him a new rhythm a new reason to stand.
The sound continues to grow stronger as we begin to hear other wind instruments. The melody is catchy, not slow or sad like most wind songs but steady and heart pumping, a beat design to get the heart rate up. We switch back to regular POV to see Cagalli still lying down but her fingers twitch and begin to tap with the beat.
Cagalli (This sound, it's kind of catchy.)
The tempo of the sound increases as it does so we can see Cagalli's fingers move to match its pace but it's not just Cagalli's fingers now. Cagalli's feet are tapping and Cagalli's head is nodding to the beat. We begin to see color come back to Cagalli's skin as her mind gets lost in the song.
The camera cuts outside as Audrina raises its foot over La Rouge's head preparing to stomp down. Audrina begins to bring its foot down, the beat suddenly changes and as it does the camera cuts inside La Rouge's cockpit to show Cagalli's eyes pop open with renewed energy.
Cagalli begins to move and as she does so the camera cuts outside. La Rouge placing its palms on the ground does a quick vertical hand stand with its feet sticking straight up dodging Audrina's attack. The camera does a momentary split screen over Audrina to show a surprise Villetta but returns to normal as the beat changes again.
This time we hear 2 distinct notes, and upon each note La Rouge strikes out with its legs, kicking Audrina twice in the face. Audrina is sent back, La Rouge rolls to get itself right side up but we can still hear the music. The camera cuts inside La Rouge's cockpit.
Something seems to be happening inside Cagalli, doors are opening, pathways are connecting, knowledge is intertwining, a new rhythm is emerging and all the while the music keeps on playing. The camera cuts to inside Audrina's cockpit to show an angry Villetta.
Villetta: Playing dead, a cowardly move I should have expected from an outsider but that only works once!
The camera cuts outside as Audrina charges La Rouge. Audrina begins to launch a series of attacks but something is different with La Rouge. Audrina tries a straight punch with the right arm but La Rouge spins once to the left dodging it. Audrina tries another straight punch with the left hand but La Rouge does another twirl dodge.
Audrina switches to kicks, Audrina does 3 rapid kicks aimed at La Rouge's chest but La Rouge bending and twisting its chest dodges them all. Audrina finally finishes off with a right leg foot sweep but La Rouge jumps lightly in the air easily avoiding it, while still in the air La Rouges performs a powerful right roundhouse kick hitting Audrina's face.
Audrina is sent flying. The camera cuts inside La Rouge's cockpit to show Cagalli's mind going double time.
Cagalli (I get it, I get it now, each movement corresponds to a note, khiêu vũ is all about rhythm but you need a beat or song to align your rhythm up perfectly. With the right melody khiêu vũ can become an unstoppable fighting style.)
The camera cuts outside to show La Rouge going on the offensive charge Audrina. La Rouge's attacks are different now, she's including a lot more styles of punching appearing to just go with the flow, she's also using kick attacks as well, but the most important difference is in her movements.
La Rouge is moving in a much more balletic manner then before, in fact one could mistake it for dancing if Audrina wasn't trying to punch La Rouge. The camera cuts back to the Dark-Angel to show that in all the excited of La Rouge's comeback the positron blast has been all but forget, except of course by Zuke.
Zuke (I see khiêu vũ is an art based on music and I had heard that the founder had heard a melody come from the wind passing through a rock formation. By firing the positron blast you created a gust of wind to pass through the rocks allowing the female blond natural to hear the melody but it's more than that. By hearing that melody she's heard the melody for which khiêu vũ was originally built upon giving her an edge on her opponent. Heh not bad for a stupid weak natural.)
The camera cuts back outside to show that as more and more of La Rouge's attacks hit Audrina. Audrina's defense is begins to crumble leaving even more openings. The camera cuts inside Audrina's cockpit to show panic begin to creep into Villetta.
Villetta (What the hell is going on, her movements her rhythm it's completely change. It's become almost exactly like the one Ailill and the other masters' khiêu vũ users' use.)
Villetta makes this realization in shock. The camera cuts outside as La Rouge performs a straight punch aimed at Audrina's face. Audrina goes to block it but La Rouge stops its punch, we do a momentary split screen.
Villetta: A fake!
Villetta realizes this too late as La Rouge already shoots out its leg sweeping Audrina's legs out from under it, in the next heartbeat La Rouge jumps onto its hands and performs a duel kick nailing Audrina in the chest. This time Audrina is sent a good distance away.
Both Gundams climb to their feet as they stare off at one another. The camera cuts inside Audrina's cockpit.
Villetta (Tis I don't know where she came up with this new rhythm but it doesn't matter, I've been learning khiêu vũ much longer then she has and have accumulated a number of special techniques, I'll crush her using them.)
The camera cuts to inside La Rouge's cockpit.
Cagalli (Villetta can't hear the rhythm; he's too caught up in his own confidence to listen to the music. The beat tells me everything from when to dodge how to dodge and how to attack and as long as I hear it I can win.)
Both Pilots are obviously exhausted. They're both breathing heavily and sweating buckets but they're oblivious to this. They're completely focused on their goals right in front of them. The camera cuts outside as both Gundams begin to move charging one another, each has a fist raised for a punch. The camera does a split screen.
Right side shows Cagalli and left shows Villetta, they both scream at the same time.
Cagalli and Villetta: I'm going to win!
The screen returns to normal and the episode ends with a new third Gundam coming out of nowhere stepping in the middle of the 2 charging machines and stopping both punches with one hand each with plenty of muscle left to spare.
Ailill: This fight is over.
Author's note: *party noise* episode 50 is finally out! A milestone for any anime writer or (fanfiction writer) and I have so much to say. Ok for starters I like to thank Lynxx96 for the name Audrina and I like to apologize for my poor grammar. Although I'm pretty sure I already said this but my grammar sucks, if this were to ever become a real anime/manga then the first thing I'd do is hire a editor but as of now you guys will have to settle for me proof reading it twice (unless one of you wants to do it for free) however if I ever do make any spelling mistakes just point it out to me and I will correct it.
It's been a little over a year since I started writing this and in that time I've written 50 episodes, the story sure has come a long way hasn't it *moment reflection* in fact if this was a normal Gundam series it'd be over by now, hahaahahahhahah but rest assured this is still what I consider the beginning arc, there's a long way to go before the curtain closes on Gundam Seed Shadow. I like to turn around and give thanks now to a couple of people who I feel I owe a debt to with this story, my real life friend Kenny who I'm always sharing Gundam ideas with. To my Grandparents who always support me and to my old man who always annoys me, and to my sister who always loves me.
To my first (well I'm not really sure first but definitely oldest) reviewer Byron Lancaster, he or she (I'm pretty sure we went over this already but I forgot) was their at the very beginning and has review every episode I have ever written. Now I know I don't turn already and make that much of a deal about reviewing like some other fanfic writers do it's still nice to know that someone out there is reading this, enjoying this and I will admit during dry spells when I'm having a crappy day and I turn around and think to myself "why do I even bother" I can always count on Byron to review my story and brighten my day if only just a little. I hope my writing skills have improve since you first started reading my story. ANYWAY take a bow and have your moment.
And finally the last person I want to thank is you the readers. You guys are the heart and soul of any anime or manga group, you have all the power you are in charge and it is because you are reading my story that it exists! If this ever does become a real anime of manga then it will be because YOU shouted out to the producers "we aren't ready for this to end, we want this story to shine". So I'd like to thank my past readers, those who have read my story in the past, they were there at the beginning, when I was a rookie (still am) they guided me down the right path and although they may no longer read my story they are the roots that hold it in place.
I'd like to thank my present readers, those who will read this within the week, you the supports that give me strength encouraged me to write more and to try my best to excel my limit, to not take the shortcuts and to be strong when the world is bleak, you are the trunk that is unbending and unmoving. I'd like to thank my future readers, those who will read this episode 6 months from now or longer, you may be new but you are already a vital part of this fanbase, you are my hopes and dreams, I'm hoping that someday my story will have hundreds of readers all dying for the next episode, I'm dreaming that someday kids will chat online about Gundam Seed Shadow and argue that it's the best Gundam series ever with the Universal Century fans because it has been achowledge as an official Gundam series. You are reasons why I started posting my story on this site in the first place, you are always pushing me forward towards tomorrow, you are the tree branches that are reaching towards the sky, towards the future.
So too all fans past, present and future I order you to get up right now and take a bow and proclaim yourselves the most important part to this story writing process bow and know that I value each and every one of you. I will end this interruption of Gundam Seed Shadow with these final words.
Happy mother's day!
