GKC: What's up, everyone! This is GKC here bringing you a new chapter for Magitek Suit Gundam.
KRD: And this is Kamen Rider Duelist! Last chapter, Sorom escaped on his own and used the Paladin Equip Armor to kick ass!
GKC: And to any who have asked before. Yes, there will be other forms and no, they will not always be powerful.
KRD: And speaking of, for this chapter, I'm introducing to you a new character that I have made for this story! And yes, all you Kuro haters can rejoice, he's not going to be in this story. Get your cheers out of the way. I'll wait.
*Cricket chirp* *Cricket chirp*
KRD: Huh… weird. I guess that means there aren't any. HAH! Anyways, as you saw in the preview of the last chapter, the character I'm introducing to you is named Kairan Striker. A Hyur Midlander who- well, I'll have the chapter speak for itself.
GKC: So let's get the disclaimer out of the way and get this party started.
Disclaimer: We do not own, except our OCs, Mobile Suit Gundam or Final Fantasy XIV. All rights belong to their respective owners.
Chapter 6: Ishgard's White Paladin
The Holy See of Ishgard.
A city-state located in the harsh snowfields of Coerthas, in northern Aldenard.
In the central region of Abalathia's Spine, that great mountain range that spans Aldenard from east to west, can be found the forbidding highlands of Coerthas and the Holy See of Ishgard. The Archbishop of the Ishgardian Orthodox Church, Thordan VII, while leading his people in the teachings of Halone, the Fury, rules also as the nation's sovereign. The city-state proper is warded with a layer of wards known as Daniffen's Collar to prevent direct assaults from enemy attacks. The city itself is divided into two known districts: the Foundation at the bottom, and The Pillars above. The Foundation is home to the lower class citizens, and exhibits scarring from war with visible damage to the stone structure. The Pillars is comparatively cleaner, with open-air plazas.
It is also a strict theocracy led by the line of Thordan I, its current leader being Archbishop Thordan VII and his Heavens Ward. The Orthodox Church employs inquisitors to root out heresy among its populace (often with fatal results for the accused regardless of guilt or innocence). The church has a knightly order, the Temple Knights, led by Lord Commander Aymeric de Borel.
Most of the power in Ishgard is concentrated in the nobility. Almost universally staunch traditionalists, they are reluctant to trust outsiders, or even the other city-states of the Eorzean Alliance. Within the city-state, the "lowborn" commonfolk are often viewed as little better than disposable servants by the "highborn" nobles and the church. The nobility is divided into four "High Houses", each descended from four of the Twelve Knights of legend. Each high house, led by a Count, is composed of lords and a knightly order.
Once such house is House Fortemps, founded by Flavien de Fortemps and currently led by his descendant, Count Edmont de Fortemps.
Like many Ishgardian Highborns, the count upholds a proud, traditional gesture and manners. He is keen on educating his progeny in the way of knighthood, being a strict father. However, unlike many of his peers, Edmont has a liberal worldview, unshrouded by his immediate society's dogma.
"Father, are you in here?" A voice asked.
"Ah, Kairan," The Elezen nobleman said with a smile, "Come in, my boy."
The doors to the dining room opened up to reveal a young man in his early 20's with medium-length black hair who's fringe is swept to the left and has blue eyes. His attire consists of a long black shirt that covers his waist, followed by sleeveless white jacket that falls to his ankles while wearing black armor on his chest and right shoulder. He wore black gloves, navy blue pants and black greaves, and finishing off the look was a long blue scarf wrapped around his neck.
This was Kairan Striker, a Hyur Midlander that was adopted by the Count. He lost his real parents in the war against the Garlean Empire and Count Edmond took him in as an adoptive son. As a child, he grew up believing in the stories of King Thordan and his Knights Twelve. When he reached a suitable age, he joined the Ishgardian military and became friends with the Knight-Commander, Ser Aymeric de Borel. Unfortunately, he was unable to become one of the famed members of the Knights Twelve, but he served as one of Ishgard's best mobile suit pilots.
"I'm here letting you know that I'm about to leave for The Congregation and meet with Ser Aymeric." Kairan said.
Edmont sighed, "I knew this day would come. Just like your brothers, you eventually leave your father to serve Ishgard as one of its many defenders."
"Father, please, it's nothing of the sort." Kairan said. "I'm still coming home for supper as if it were any other job when the day's work is done. You know that."
The Count chuckled softly, "You can't let an old man have his jests?"
"And who's fault is that for making it sound convincing, hm~?" Kairan raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms.
"Hahaha! Can't blame your father for being a cheeky sod."
"Isn't that the truth?" Kairan smiled. "I best be off now. I'll tell Ser Aymeric, you sent him your regards."
"Of course. Take care my son." Edmont nodded, before Kairan left. "Oh before you go Kairan, I've been meaning to ask you something."
"Hm? Yes, Father?" Kairan asked, poking his head out from the door.
"Are you perchance inviting your… lady friend to dinner after work?"
This caused Kairan to stumble to the floor on his back before picking himself back up and dusting himself off. "Er-hem," Kairan cleared his throat as he tried to compose himself. "What makes you say that, Father?"
"Come now, lad. You can't honestly believe that I never noticed, did you?"
"Er well, that is…" Kairan cleared his throat again as he looked away. Indeed, he had been seeing someone as of late. The lady in question is named Hilda Ware, a half Hyur Midlander and half Elezen. She is quick-thinking, sharp-tongued and sharp-witted, and may appear gruff and resentful of the High Houses. But she possesses a formidable spirit and an unwavering sense of justice. And she is loyal to her home and countrymen. That's what attracted him to her in the first place.
"Now, now, there's no need to be embarrassed. I remember back in my younger years before I met my wife, may her soul rest in peace, the ladies could never keep their hands off of me." Edmont said. "Bring that girl home sometime. It would be prudent to see who your future bride will be."
"F-Father! This is no time for stories about your… e-escapades!" Kairan stammered, while shuddering at the thought. "And we're nothing of the sort! Well, that is… not as of yet, but…" He said, trying to structure his words but they were failing him.
"Ah, get going before you burn a hole in the floor with how red you look." Edmont said with a laugh.
"Mmmmm…" Kairan pouted, before saying, "This conversation is not over, Father." He huffed, before going on his way. What a way to start off the day.
After cooling himself down, partly thanks to the cold frigid temperatures in the city, Kairan made his way to the Congregation of Our Knights Most Heavenly, the headquarters of the Temple Knights, and home to the Seat of the Lord Commander, the office of Ser Aymeric. But when he arrived at the Hoplon, the largest plaza in the city, there Ser Aymeric was waiting which confused the young man.
Aymeric is a male Elezen with black hair, dark eyes, and fair skin while garbed in an elegant suit of gray armor with blue cloth. By his side is his royal blue and silver longsword, Naegling. Even as a Knight-Commander and in his early-thirties, the man had the face of a prince if some of the women that tried to court him were of any indication.
"Hello, my friend." Aymeric greeted with a smile.
"Ser Aymeric, good morning." Kairan said with a salute. "Pray forgive, but did we not agree to meet at the Congregation?"
"Yes, but there's been a recent development and it pertains to the safety of our nation."
"What's happened?"
Aymeric's expression turned grim, "We've been hearing reports that one of the lost Gundam units has been discovered."
"A Gundam? Where?"
"You're not going to believe this, but…" Aymeric said, as he looked… down? Kairan looked down as well, then back at him then back down again. His mind was racing, noticing the implications that he was bringing.
"Impossible, that's preposterous! You can't mean to say that it's right beneath our feet, beneath the Foundation?!"
"That's exactly what I'm saying." The Elezen stated.
"By the Fury…" Kairan gasped in disbelief. "When did you discover this?"
"Several days ago."
"Have you explored deeper?"
"Somewhat. But what's beneath the Foundation is so vast and large, we won't cover enough ground to see what else lies beyond. We'll need our Mobile Suits to enter."
"You're jesting." Kairan said.
"I wish that were the case."
"Does the Archbishop know?"
"No, this is not something I would tell the Archbishop. At least, not yet."
"What do you suggest we do? Actually, I think the most important question is, how do we even get in?" Kairan asked.
Aymeric smirked, "Are you up for a climb?"
"Oh dear…" Kairan muttered.
And so, Aymeric and Kairan decided to immediately go to their mobile suits, still in their armors. In the hangars, they were met with the sight of their mobile suit, the EAS-022 Dragoon. Like its human counterpart, they were made amidst the timeless conflict between men and dragons and these lance-wielders have developed an aerial style of combat, that they might better pierce the scaled hides of their mortal foes. Taking to the firmament as though it were an extension of the land, they descend upon the enemy with every ounce of their bodies behind the blow.
As Aymeric went on ahead, Kairan was following behind, but not before someone grabbed him and pulled him away to a hiding spot. The next thing that happened was that Kairan was pinned against a metal crate and before he could figure out what was happening, he felt soft lips meshing with his own. He initially struggled at first, but eventually relaxed as he knew who it was. Breaking the kiss, he saw a woman that has physical traits from both races of a Hyur Midlander, and the only obvious sign of her Elezen heritage being her pointed ears. She has jet black hair and ruby red eyes, the former inherited from her father and the latter from her mother. She wears a black and brown leather jacket with matching thigh-high boots, and a red scarf.
"Hilda, we have got to stop meeting like this." Kairan said, panting softly with a flustered look.
Hilda gave the young man a sly look, "Oh? Bored of me already?"
"What are you doing here anyway?"
"I wanted to see you," She said with a grin.
"I love you with every fiber of my being, I truly do, but I'd rather not have rumors spreading amongst the Pillars. Especially Ser Charibert when he sees me, as he puts it, 'consorting with the Queen of Rats'."
Hilda fake gasped, "Kairan, are you ashamed of me?" Crocodile tears began to mist her eyes. "Oh, how my heart breaks!"
"Hilda, please don't." Kairan pleaded. "Must you always make my heart bleed?"
"Yes," She said bluntly with a smile.
"Clever girl as always," Kairan shook his head but with a small smile, "Now, what are you really here for? Besides the obvious. You wouldn't really come all this way just to see me. Or is it… that you overheard about the mission Ser Aymeric and I are going on?"
"You mean the mission about there being a hidden discovery of a lost mobile weapon from five years ago?" Hilda inquired with a knowing look on her face.
"So you did overhear." Kairan sighed. "And let me guess, you want to come along."
"Right on the Gil."
Kairan sighed, "What am I going to do with you?"
"Well, you could give me another kiss." She offered with a brief flutter of her eyelashes.
"That could be arranged… after dinner with my father." Kairan said. "He invited you over."
Hilda beamed happily, "Well, about time! I was looking forward to meeting the head of your household."
"And my brothers you'll have to deal with as well. And as long as he doesn't tell stories about his younger days, I'll stay a sane and happy man." Kairan scoffed good-naturedly before holding Hilda close. "But while we're on the subject of happiness… perhaps after this mission and having dinner we could… fool around? At your place?"
"Oh~?" Hilda gave her lover a flirtatious smirk, "Already thinking of me without clothes on? Such a dirty mind you have~" She purred. "And you're supposed to be a Holy Knight."
"I'd rather call it a blessing in disguise." Kairan smirked.
"Er-hem!" Kairan and Hilda flinched as they turned to see Aymeric standing there with his arms crossed and tapping his foot. Immediately, the couple stepped backwards. "I was wondering what was keeping you…" The Knight-Commander's dark eyes landed on the half-Elezen girl. "Lady Hilda." He greeted with a curt nod.
"Hello." Hilda chuckled nervously.
"She wants to accompany us." Kairan said.
"And you said yes?"
"I can't refuse a lady's pleas. You know that."
Aymeric sighed, "Very well. She can hitch a ride with you in your Dragoon. Just turn your radio off so I don't hear any unpleasant noise."
"She'll be standing behind my seat. Guaranteed." Kairan assured.
And so the now three-man team got into the Dragoons and once the cockpits closed, the computers and controls came online. They then did the takeoff procedures and once their list had been check-marked, the two Dragoons took off. From there Aymeric led Kairan and Hilda towards the entrance of where they would begin their search for the lost mobile weapon, which just so happens to be at the very base of the mountain under the very city itself.
"Okay, so you weren't jesting about the entrance." Kairan muttered.
["When have I ever joked about something this serious?"] Aymeric pondered.
"Alright, point taken." Kairan said. Taking the controls, Kairan unsheathed his Dragoon Lance and decided to first walk in with the lights turned on and Aymeric followed suit. The light revealed a passageway of smooth white stone with small blue crystals jutting out of the surface. "Aether Crystals…"
"There's probably enough for the army if rationed right." Hilda commented. "Gil for your thoughts, Ser Aymeric?"
["What is it?"] The Knight-Commander inquired.
"These Aether Crystals are lined on these walls, you sure your ears work properly?"
["They work just fine."]
"Then how come you didn't hear my inquiry of minings these Aether Crystals for the army, if rationed properly?"
["I might be the Knight-Commander but I'm also overruled by the High Houses. They didn't deem these crystals necessary right now, especially with our war against the dragons."] Aymeric explained.
"We could certainly use them right now." Kairan commented.
The two Dragoon mobile suits continued making their way through the maze of tunnels they were treading through. The deeper they went, the more they realized how complex the tunnels were with its twists and turns. No matter which they go, they seem to get more lost than ever. "You'd think by now that for a lost mobile weapon, there would be traps surrounding this thing." Hilda said.
"You think it's too easy?" Kairan asked.
"In my line of work, yes." Hilda admitted.
"Well, let's just hope that we don't-"
Kairan's words were cut off when one foot of his mobile suit sunk deeper than it should have. Kairan moved the camera downward and saw that he pressed on some rough square outline.
"-trigger it."
["What happened?"] Aymeric questioned.
"Kairan triggered a trap." Hilda said. And the moment after she said that, the walls of the caves started rumbling and shaking. "Well, we're all going to die now."
They looked towards the back and saw the tunnel they came in from was starting to cave in. "Run!" Kairan shouted as he and Aymeric moved their Dragoons to run deeper into the cave. With each passing second, the cave tunnel they were running in continued to collapse behind him and the two Dragoons barely able to keep ahead by gunning their thrusters. Near the end of the tunnel they came upon a clearing and once they were clear of the tunnel, the rocks caved in, blocking their way out and the rumbling stopped.
["By the Fury, we're trapped!"] Aymeric cursed.
"Well, it could be worse." Kairan said, as the head of his mobile suit moved and looked to see three tunnel paths. "So… which path should we take?"
"Should we split up to cover more ground?" Hilda suggested.
["Sounds like a plan. But be careful."] Aymeric told them.
"You as well, Ser Aymeric. May the Fury keep you safe." Kairan said, before moving his Dragoon to go down the middle path. Aymeric then took his Dragoon on the right path.
The Vault.
The Office of the highest authority of Holy See of Ishgard.
It serves as both the headquarters of the Ishgard Orthodox Church, and effectively the seat of government for the Holy See. The clergy is often referred to as "Vault priests" or "The Vault" for this reason. Its current leader is the Archbishop Thordan VII. He dresses in elaborate white-blue-and-gold regalia befitting his station as he is an elderly Elezen with a long white beard who wears a tall decorated miter, a robe with floor-length sleeves, and holds an elegant staff of a crosier.
The Archbishop was holding a meeting with his Knights Twelve as news of the rumored lost Gundam beneath the Foundation have now just been brought to their attention.
"Your Eminence, we should send an expedition force to recover this lost machine. It could be beneficial in our war against the dragons." Ser Ignasse de Vesnaint suggested.
"And pray tell how are we to retrieve this fabled Gundam of old?" Ser Grinnaux de Dzemael asked. "We've yet to confirm whether or not this tale is true or fiction."
"Would you rather sit on your backsides and miss this opportunity to gain a valuable asset?" Ser Janlenoux de Courcillant retorted.
"None of us are saying that." Ser Zephirin de Valhourdin said. "However, nonetheless it is of great importance. I've heard that Ser Aymeric was already leading the expedition with his right-hand, Kairan Striker."
"The one consorting with the 'Queen of Rats?'" Ser Charibert de Leusignac scoffed in disgust.
"And what do you have against him?" Adelphel de Chevraudan inquired. "Is he not one of the best knights in our Kingdom? Granted he is a Hyur Midlander adopted by Count Fortemps, but his skills as a knight and his dedication to the Faith are unquestionable."
"Enough!" The Archbishop commanded, silencing the squabbling between his Knights Twelve. The wizened leader of Ishgard gave each member a small glare, "It matters not who or what young Kairan is. Nor does it matter if he consorts with commoners. What truly matters is this discovery. If it truly is one of the ten fabled Gundams then it is only right that Ishgard would call it to service."
"Then what do you propose, Your Eminence?" Ser Vellguine de Bourbagne asked.
"Ser Aymeric and young Kairan will continue their expedition unimpeded." Thordan said.
"There is also one other matter." Ser Paulecrain de Fanouilley added. "There needs to be a perfect candidate as to who can pilot it."
"He's right. There are very few in between." Ser Hermenost de la Treaumaille pointed out.
"And the Warriors of Light who were intended to use them, had disappeared during the Battle of Carneteau." Ser Haumeric de Peulagnon replied.
"My knights, fret not. Our candidate will reveal themselves to us soon." The Archbishop explained to the knights.
"Let us pray that it is so." Ser Guerrique de Montro nodded.
"Our war with the dragons must end swiftly. As well as our war with the Garlean Empire." Ser Noudenet de Jaimberd said.
Aymeric continued on his way going down his tunnel. As he did, he felt a sense of uneasiness. Sure, he had gone on many solo missions by himself and is able to complete his duties without fail. But this was different. Granted, this cavern has many unknown factors and there are many possible traps that he could trigger, which could possibly spell the end of his life.
"Perhaps I should've accompanied them…" Aymeric pondered to himself. Of course, he didn't want to be seen as a sort of coward. He was capable of taking care of himself. No question about it. But it didn't help the fact that there was still something uneasy about this whole maze of caverns. It was unwelcoming and eerie.
*Blip*
A drop of liquid from above the Knight-Commander's Dragoon's head made him pause one-step. His dark eyes narrowed dangerously as he realized that he was not alone in this chamber as he once believed before. Cautiously, he slowly drifted a hand to the folded lance resting on his mobile suit's waist. Unsheathing it, the lance extended before he turned his mobile suit around and looked up to see what dripped on its head. It was a monstrous beast that looked like a hybrid between a lion and a bull with large curved horns, tough dark skin, and hungry white eyes as pools of saliva dribbled from its maw.
"A Behemoth… perfect." Aymeric cursed with a frown.
The Behemoth roared as it suddenly pounced on Aymeric, but he moved his Dragoon, dodging the pounce.
"Alright, it sounds like peaceful negotiations are out of the question." Aymeric said before he twirled his lance then gunned the thrusters to charge at the Behemoth.
Meanwhile with Kairan…
"Just how far does this cavern go?" Kairan wondered.
"Who knows?" Hilda shrugged.
They continued onwards as the Dragoon kept walking, the headlights lighting the way in front of him. But then all of a sudden…
*ZING!*
"Ergh…!" Kairan suddenly held his head. "What in-"
"What's wrong?" Hilda asked. "Are you alright?"
"I… don't know…" Kairan shook his head. "I don't know why I'm having this headache, I-"
His eyes widened as he suddenly saw a vision.
A devastating battle between an army of flying creatures and a single humanoid machine.
A giant darkened creature towers over the machine.
The machine fires a powerful red beam.
Ice and rock pile over the machine, burying it deep below the earth.
The metal titan was forced to slumber to prevent deactivation.
"Ahhhhhhhhh…!" Kairan gasped as he was panting heavily. "What… was that?"
"Kairan, what's wrong?!" Hilda asked worriedly.
"I saw… a vision…" Kairan said.
"A vision?" Hilda repeated.
"I think I saw… how the Gundam was buried here…" Kairan said. "I think it was fighting dragons and then it fired a huge beam at this huge creature, but all of the rock and ice piled on top of it."
"So… it's buried under here after all." The half-breed young woman comments.
"…Come."
Kairan gasped. "Did you hear that?"
"Here what?" Hilda pondered. "I didn't hear anything."
"You don't hear that? I heard something… calling out to me."
"Come hither, young one…"
"There it is again."
"What are you talking about? I hear nothing." Hilda said, confused by her lover.
"I'm perfectly sane, Hilda. Something is in here, calling out to me." Kairan said.
"Okay, did you hit your head?"
"No."
"You sure about that? You sound crazy." Hilda gave her lover a dry look.
"Would I ever lie to you?" Kairan retorted.
"No, but…" She trailed.
"Then there should be no room for doubt." Kairan said, before raising an eyebrow with a smirk, "Besides, how did you think that you and I got together?"
The half-breed pouted, "Fine, fine. Say that there is a voice, what's it telling you?"
"It's telling me to come hither. So I would assume I would have to follow the voice." Kairan said.
"But if it's in your head, how will you be able to follow it?"
"I just have to listen to how loud or soft the voice is. Nothing more to it."
"Whatever you say." Hilda frowned.
And so Kairan moved his Dragoon deeper into the caves as he listened to the voice. Each step he took, it got louder and louder. Taking turns left and right wherever the voice was loudest. At the very least, he wasn't triggering any traps. After for what seemed to be an eternity, but only an hour in reality, his Dragoon finally arrived at the sight of where the voice was calling him to. It was a large and spacious chamber, despite the rocks that have caved in over the years. But Kairan and Hilda were met with the sight of something they thought they'd never see.
It was a mobile suit. A large one at that. It easily towered over the Dragoon and the armor that covered its frame was denser. There also seemed to be a multitude of weapons on it that made it suitable for a supporting role. Wide eyes roamed over the white and gold color scheme, giving the machine a sort of regal design. The most important factor about it were the golden antenna horns on its head and the smooth faceplate.
"That's-" Hilda gawked at the sheer size of it. "That's the largest mobile suit, I've ever seen!"
"By the Fury… the rumors are true…" Kairan got out.
"Thou hast arrived."
Kairan and Hilda gasped as not only that they heard the voice, but the golden eyes suddenly lit up with life as well.
"Did it just… speak?" Hilda asked.
"I would prefer if thou didst not refer to mine form as an it."
"Who… are you then?" Kairan asked.
"I am the Lord of Time. The Guardian of History. I am Alexander… and I have waited so long for thee."
"Alexander? But isn't that a Primal!?" Hilda pondered with a look of fear.
"By the Fury… you're one of many legendary Primals. But… what are you doing here beneath the Foundation of Ishgard?"
"It happened during the fated battle five years ago. I was engaged in combat against the hordes of Dravania. My designated pilot had left to fight at Carneteau. I was buried beneath the stone and ice but in order to preserve my life, I entered a hibernating state."
"And you've been waiting for their return ever since?" Hilda inquired.
"Aye. And when thou hast entered my chambers, the life force had awakened within me, when I sensed a kindred spirit within the young Hyur…"
"Me?" Kairan pointed at himself.
"What is thy name?"
"Kairan. Kairan Striker, adopted son of House Fortemps."
"Tell me, child. Does thou possess the Echo?" Alexander questioned.
"The Echo…" Kairan pondered. "Wait, you mean to tell me those visions I saw…"
"The Echo." Hilda said in surprise.
"You know something about that, Hilda?" Kairan asked.
"It's supposedly a gift granted to those born under the blessing of the Mother Crystal. They are referred to as Hydaelyn's Blessed. It allows those people to see into the past."
"Thou art correct." Alexander said. "I have waited for someone such as thyself for a long time, young Hyur. Will thou become one with me?"
"Beg pardon?"
"He wants you to be his pilot." Hilda translated.
"W-What?" Kairan looked surprised. "Become… Alexander's pilot," He said as he looked down while pondering. "I'm greatly honored that you would choose me, but… why do you believe me to be the one?"
"It is understandable that thou art doubtful." Alexander said. "My designated pilot also felt the same but she pushed on. Thou hast a similar trait to her that sparked a feeling within mine soul."
"I see."
"Heed this warning. This war will forever change the course of history. Countless lives will be lost, ideals will clash, and thy resolve to see this war to the end will be tested. Does thou have that resolve to move forward?"
"I…" Kairan pondered as he thought about it before turning to his lover. "What do you think, Hilda?"
"It's your decision, love. I don't have an opinion for something like this." Hilda said with a shrug.
"I know. I just… need to know if you'll still stay by my side." Kairan said.
"I'm still with you, aren't I?" She said with a grin then planted a small kiss on the young man's cheek.
"Heh…" Kairan chuckled, before looking back at the gundam. "Alexander, I-"
*BOOOOOOOOOOOM!*
["Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!"] Aymeric yelled as he suddenly came crashing in the chamber as his Dragoon fell on its back next to Alexander Gundam's feet. ["Ergh… how unpleasant…"]
"Ser Aymeric!" Kairan gasped.
["Oh… you found the Gundam… Wonderful, now if you don't mind. I require your assistance."]
"Huh?" Kairan got out, before they heard a roar and looking up, they saw a Behemoth coming out of the hole Aymeric made. "A Behemoth…" He said, before looking at Hilda. "Do you know how to drive a Dragoon?"
"Of course! I take a few out for a joyride when nobody's looking." Hilda admitted with a smirk.
"That would explain the inconsistencies with the flight manifest." Kairan deadpanned. "Alright, you take over." He said, getting out of the seat to allow Hilda to sit in. "Take me up to Alexander's chest."
"You got it." Hilda nodded as she moved the Dragoon over to the Gundam. The cockpit opened as an open hand was positioned under the cockpit. Kairan then ran towards the Gundam jumping off the Dragoon's hand. The chest then opened up, revealing the cockpit and he jumped inside before it closed.
[Initiating Start-up Sequence]
The control panels all lit up and the monitors in front of them turned on to reveal what was outside of the Gundam. In front of them, the computer was loading up.
Welcome to E.A.M.S.
Eorzean Alliance Mobile Suit Operation System
"Incredible…" Kairan said to himself before a scanner popped out in front of him then shined a red light in front of his pupils.
[Biometrics scanned. Genetic Code registered, locked, and engaged.]
[Primal Aetherial Energy Core online]
A pair of holographic control levers appeared on the pilot seat. Kairan grasped them in his palms, noticing that they were made of hard light material, allowing the young man to grasp and hold them with ease.
[PRG-08 Alexander ready for launch]
"Alright. I'm ready. What say you, Alexander?"
"I am ready if thou art ready."
"Very well. Let's kill that Behemoth and be done with it. Kairan Striker, Alexander Gundam, going forth!"
The eyes of the Gundam fleshed their golden color as it began to move its frame. The earth and stone cracked and crumbled. The right arm came free then the left. The rock that embedded its joint unglued, freeing itself from its rocky prison. "It's been too long since I've moved freely." Alexander said, moving its arms in circular motions to get back movement. The Behemoth noticed the big Gundam and roared.
"Show me what you can do, Alexander." Kairan said.
"T'would be my honor." Alexander said as it prepared for eventual combat.
The Behemoth roared one more time before it lunged at Alexander. The Gundam took hold of the Behemoth by the horns as both monster and machine wrestled with ferocity. Both powerhouses struggled for dominance, but in the end, Alexander was the stronger one as it threw the Behemoth over his head and had it crash into a wall. "Now, comrades! Attack it while it is down!"
"Try to keep up, Knight-Commander!" Hilda told Aymeric as she motioned the Dragoon to charge at the Behemoth with the lance poised to pierce the hide.
"As if I'd be slow!" Aymeric said as he followed suit. The two of them pierced the hide of the Behemoth, causing it to roar in pain before it shook itself wildly, throwing them to the walls. The two Dragoons got up as the Behemoth grabbed the lances and pulled it out with its maw and threw them one at a time towards the Dragoons, to which both managed to dodge. They both picked up their lances and charged again, only this time, the Behemoth swung its tail and knocked both of them away. Alexander moved in and grabbed it by the horns and the wrestling match continued.
"Alexander, what armaments do you currently have operational?" Kairan asked.
"Here is the list." The Primal informed his pilot. A holographic appeared in front of him and Kairan's eye almost bulged out.
"By the Fury, these specifications are astronomical!"
"Wouldst thou like to try?" Alexander inquired.
"Of course!" He said before he selected a weapon and on one of Alexander's arms, a twin-barrel beam gatling gun was aimed at the Behemoth. "Eat aether!" He shouted.
*RATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATA!*
The energy pellets pierced into the Behemoth, as it was pushing back the creature with little effort, once he was done firing, Alexander rushed in and used the guns as a blunt to knock its head several times.
The Behemoth roared in pain as it tried to swipe its claw at the Gundam in retaliation. But Alexander blocked it. "Ser Aymeric, Hilda! Now!" Kairan shouted.
"Fall, beast!" Aymeric declared as his Dragoon took hold of its lance and drove it deep into the Behemoth's ribcage.
"And here's another one for good measure!" Hilda shouted as her Dragoon drew back her lance and stabbed it into the Behemoth's skull from above. The beast coughed and gagged out blood, as it struggled momentarily before eventually slumped lifeless. They stayed there for what seemed like forever, until they were sure it was dead and both Dragoon's pulled out their lances.
"Well done, brave ones. We have attained victory. Thou hast done well, young Kairan." Alexander praised.
"Thank you, Alexander." Kairan smiled.
"I must say, this Gundam is amazing." Aymeric said.
"Hear, hear. It would do well to defend Ishgard." Hilda added. "Still, all in a day's work."
"Now the question is… how do we get out?" Kairan said.
"If I may." Alexander said as he took control. Selecting from the weapon list, it grabbed from its back a High Aether Mega Cannon and aimed it at the rock wall. "I suggest that the two of thee stand behind."
"Why?" Hilda pondered.
"I believe we are about to find out." Aymeric answered.
The two Dragoons stood behind Alexander and the weapon charged up. After a few seconds, the Mega Cannon fired, producing a high and powerful concentration of an Aether Beam. It was so powerful, the recoil sent Alexander sliding harshly before gradually sliding back, and the Dragoons had to take cover. The sheer amount of power broke through the bedrock like a skewer to a boar. After what seemed like forever, the beam died down and Kairan, Aymeric, and Hilda were shocked to see that the cannon made a large tunnel that led straight to the frigid outside.
"By the Fury…" Aymeric said stunned.
"Do all the Gundams have this kind of firepower!?" Hilda exclaimed with awe.
"Quite frankly, despite my… qualities, I'm only the third strongest out of my ten siblings."
"Third strongest!?" Kairan exclaimed.
"Yes. But that is a story for another time. Come, we must go posthaste to Ishgard up top."
"By the Twelve, I'm one lucky bitch…" Hilda muttered.
"Your Eminence! Come quickly!" One of the priests shouted. "The rumors are true! The Gundam beneath our Foundation has surfaced!"
The Knights Twelve all gave simultaneous gasps and cries of surprise. The Archbishop narrowed his eyes at this piece of news and stood from his throne.
"Then it is time to meet this legendary machine." He declared.
The Knights Twelve and the Archbishop soon left the Vault and were escorted by the knights of Ishgard, they were then led down from the Pillars and into the Foundation, where its many citizens were gathered around the Alexander Gundam, flanked by the two Dragoons. Hilda had managed to get out and into the crowd so as to not draw attention. Kairan and Aymeric were standing in front of Alexander at attention, as the Knights of Ishgard arrived, followed by the Knights Twelve and finally Thordan VII, who made his way towards the two men responsible for retrieving this Gundam.
"Your Eminence." Aymeric said as he and Kairan both dropped on one knee in respect.
"Knight-Commander Aymeric de Borel, care to explain your recent discovery?" The Archbishop asked as he stared down at the kneeling young man.
"Yes, Your Eminence. We have discovered the Alexander Gundam beneath our Foundation. It was buried in the bedrock after its battle with the many hordes of Dravania that threatened the safety of our nation and has been in slumber ever since… until now."
"And yet you did not inform me of this before your excavation for approval."
"A thousand apologies, Your Eminence. But I assure you, I had no ill intention of keeping this from you. I had to be certain."
The Archbishop leveled a calculated gaze upon the dark-haired Elezen, searching for any form of treachery or hidden agenda but found none. "I see. Very well then, you performed an admirable response and because of your actions, we have gained a valuable asset against our dreaded foe."
"Thank you, Your Eminence." Aymeric bowed.
The Archbishop then turned towards the youngest member. "And you, young Kairan, you have done well in assisting Ser Aymeric in his efforts."
"Your praise is wasted on me, Your Eminence. I could not have done this alone." Kairan said. "Truth be told… Alexander has chosen me to be his pilot."
A resounding number of gasps echoed around from the populace, more so from the Knights Twelve.
"Preposterous! You?! A pilot of a legendary Gundam?!" Ser Charibert demanded. "What kind of farce is this!? A common-born child should not be in command of such power! It should go to the Knights Twelve!"
"You will hold your tongue, Ser Charibert." Thordan scolded. The Knight went silent as he scowled at Kairan in disbelief. The Archbishop returned his gaze at the Gundam's new pilot. "Kairan Striker, is what you say true?"
"Yes, Your Eminence." Kairan answered.
"Hmmmmm…" Thordan VII hummed, while stroking his beard. "It would seem the winds of fate have placed a great burden upon you, young one."
"Yes, Your Eminence. Alexander has told me so." Kairan replied as he looked up at Thordan while still on one knee. "But I do this of my own free will, for the protection of this nation that I call home, to defend the common man highborn and lowborn alike, and uphold the duties of my office faithfully."
"I see." Thordan VII pondered, thinking about it for a moment.
"Allow me, with Halone, the Fury as my witness, to renew my vow to you and this nation of Ishgard."
Thordan stared at the young man for a moment longer before coming to a decision. "So let it be written so let it be done. From this day forward, now and forevermore, I proclaim you as Ishgard's White Paladin. Although the Azure Dragoon has ever been our spear against the hordes of Nidhogg, you shall serve as its shield. Do you accept this burden?"
"With all that I am and with all that I will do, now and forevermore, I hereby solemnly take this vow!"
"Then rise, Ser Kairan!" Thordan declared. "Stand before the citizens of our great nation as the First White Paladin and Gundam Master of Ishgard!"
Cheers erupted from the crowd as Kairan stood up and looked around, seeing the races that live in Ishgard all cheering him on. Kairan could only smile as he waved to the crowd. Hilda couldn't help but smile at his accomplishment. She really is lucky to have a lover such as him. The Knights Twelve, save the obvious one, even approached him to give their praise.
That obvious one, Ser Charibert was not pleased at all. How could such a lowly common-born commandeer such a legendary machine!? It was unthinkable! Unimaginable! Ridiculous!
It didn't matter in the end. Let the child play the hero for now. As long as the Knights Twelve and the Archbishop gained the power needed to destroy the dragons and eradicate all forms of war, the boy could be used as a sacrificial pawn for all he cared. After all, not even a Gundam can comprehend the true power of a dragon's eyes.
"HAHAHAHAHA! I knew this day would come! I'm so proud of you, my boy!"
"Father, please, it's not really-" Kairan said embarrassed.
"Nonsense! My son, Ishgard's White Paladin and the pilot of a Gundam! Fury above, I almost feel like dancing!" Edmont laughed.
"Father…" Kairan facepalmed. Never mind the escapades of his younger days! This is even worse!
"Your father is… quite the eccentric man." Alexander commented from the watch that Kairan equipped himself with.
"That's an understatement of the millennia…" Kairan sighed.
"Ah, but let's not forget your lovely bride!" Edmont praised while gesturing to Hilda, who sat on a luxurious couch along with Aymeric. The former with a blush while the latter watched with amusement.
"Well, we're not exactly ready for that quite yet." Hilda said.
"But of course. Love can be such a fickle thing."
"Believe me, Lord Edmont, I cannot go ten seconds without these two exchanging saliva with each other." The Knight-Commander said with a smirk.
"SER AYMERIC!" Kairan and Hilda shouted.
Edmont laughed boisterously loud, "Just like your old man. Your brothers could learn a thing or two from you, Kairan. I've yet to meet any of their lovers."
"Father!"
"What is this I'm hearing about me finding a lover?" A new voice said as the group turned to see an Elezen with silvery hair, garbed in full chainmail.
"Hauchefrant!" Kairan smiled.
"Hello, little brother!" The Elezen greeted with a smile. "Or should I refer to you as Ser Kairan?"
"So you heard, did you?"
"How could I not? As soon as I heard about you retrieving a legendary Gundam, I left Camp Dragonhead immediately."
Edmont looked upon his third son with a grin, "Good to see you, my boy. I trust the cold hasn't been too harsh?"
"You as well, Father. And of course not."
"Where's Artoirel and Emmanellain? Are they coming?" Kairan asked.
Hauchefrant smiled, "They should be arriving sometime this evening. They do have other duties as knights to our esteemed Knight-Commander." The silver-haired man glanced at his honorary brother. "Ser Aymeric." He greeted with a nod.
"Lord Hauchefrant." Aymeric returned the gesture with a grin of his own.
"Hm, I don't see Lucia here. That woman hardly ever leaves your side, my friend."
"Er-hem. She's erm… how should I say this?" Aymeric cleared his throat.
"Ah, I see. Because of the mission, you'll be taking the couch for your bed tonight." Hauchefrant chuckled.
"Huh? You mean the Knight-Commander's second in command?" Hilda pondered.
"Milady, Ser Aymeric may be an outstanding leader but when it comes to women, he is rather…" Hauchefrant rubbed his chin. "How should I say this… ignorant?"
"Hauchefrant, you will hold that tongue or I will cut it myself!" Aymeric snapped.
"Ha! Ignorant is an understatement, my boy. Young Aymeric is terrified of Lady Lucia whenever she gets angry. Not even counting the admiration she feels for him." Edmont stated.
"Count Edmont, how could you!" Aymeric gaped in scandalous horror.
"Well, well, that'd be a lot of dirt on ya." Hilda smirked in amusement.
"Don't you even think about it." Aymeric growled.
After quite the eventful dinner, Kairan escorted Hilda back to her home and given how the two are, Alexander decided to move his consciousness back to his Gundam body for the evening. From there, as soon as they went inside Hilda's home, they started kissing each other senseless, and it wasn't long before they were in her bedroom, with him on top of her.
The two broke the kiss as they stared into each other's eyes while panting heavily as if starved for air.
"Wonderful night." Hilda said with a smirk.
"It's about to be incredible soon…" Kairan smirked back as he leaned in to suck on her neck, earning a gasp of pleasure from her. "I'm going to love all of you tonight…"
Hilda giggled as her ruby red eyes burned with passion and lust, "Oh, I do not doubt that~" She purred. "I'm so proud of you, Kai."
"As am I, for you." Kairan smiled at her. "Everything's going to change for the both of us. But as long as I have you by my side, I know things will be okay."
"I know. Whatever you decide, I'm with you until the end."
"Thank you." Kairan smiled, before kissing her, which she gladly returned. "So then… shall I now give you my 'blessings'?"
"If you have the strength to handle me~" The half-breed woman winked.
"Oh believe me, by the time I'm done, you're going to be one with the Mother Crystal." Kairan chuckled.
And from there, let's leave it all to the imagination.
GKC: And that's the end of the chapter.
KRD: Yep! And now… it's time once again for~ *steps back to side to reveal the stage*
The Mobile Suit Corner
PRG-08 Alexander Gundam
Classification: Prototype Heavy Support Mobile Suit
Model Number: PRG-08
Design Base: MSZ-010 ZZ Gundam, MSA-0011 S Gundam, XXXG-01H2 Gundam Heavyarms Custom (EW)
Manufacturer: Eorzean Alliance
Operator: Kairan Striker
Height: 22 m
Weight: 95 tons
Power Plant: Primal Aetherial Energy Core
Armor Material: Magic Adamantine
Pilot Accommodations: 360-degree panoramic view (cockpit located in the torso)
Weapons:
-4x Heavy Machine Gun: Chest-mounted machine guns that have superior firepower and damage output than regular vulcan guns. These are preferably used to destroy light-armored vehicles or missiles and can do moderate damage to mobile suit armor.
-2x Twin-barrel Beam Gatling Gun: Handheld beam weapons that have superior rate of fire and deal damage over time with each energy pellet fired. These are heavy enough to be used as blunt weapons due to the Alexander Gundam's lack of close-combat weaponry.
-High Aether Mega Cannon: A long-range high energy cannon that can be carried on the unit's back or in its hands. Due to its high energy consumption, it is preferably used in long-range support operations.
-2x: Heavy Cannon: Backpack-mounted cannons that fire mass-accelerated slugs that deal wide-spread damage to targets. These are considered the Gundam's anti-ship weapons since they tear through armor like tissue paper.
-8x 6-tubed Missile Launcher: A set of missile launchers set up on the Gundam's armor and limbs. Each payload is loaded with miniature fire crystals that release a chemical reaction when exposed to a tough surface. These cannot be refilled via the AIS and are usually purged from the Gundam during a battle.
-Divine Judgment Photon Ray: A head-mounted energy cannon that replaces the head sensor on Alexander Gundam's forehead. It has a devastating effect when fired with a calculated expectancy of annihilating an entire space colony in one blast. The Divine Judgment can only be utilized if the unit's core possesses enough aether for a charge.
Special Equipment:
-Aetherial Intake System: A system designed by Magitech engineers under Cid nan Garlond to use the aetherial energy born from the planet as an energy source. It allows a mobile suit with this system to intake aether at a steady pace, refueling its own power reserves for its weapons and core. However, the AIS has a certain limit to how much aether can be taken into a mobile suit's core. If the core is over the limit of its capacity, it will short out and eventually explode.
Appearance: The head of the Alexander is composed of the S Gundam with the ZZ Gundam's high-mega cannon replacing its head sensor. The torso resembles the Heavyarms Custom (EW).The arms are a combination between the Heavyarms Custom and the S Gundam. The legs mimic the ZZ Gundam with missile launchers on the sides of its shins. The backpack unit is a heavily armored version of the S Gundam. The color scheme of the Alexander is primarily white with gold as a secondary. The optic eyes are gold in color.
KRD: The Alexander Gundam is designed to be a heavy support unit with a wide-array of long-range weaponry that deals devastating damage. Data analysis shows that the Alexander is one of the heaviest of all the Gundam units, making it a walking tank. However, studies and theorists believe that if the right pilot were to control it, they could use its weight to perform amazing feats of agility and strength.
Alexander: I was not built to do party tricks… dost thou expect me to do a handstand?
KRD: That'd be kinda funny, actually.
GKC: Actually, it would probably break the servos in its arms from the combined weight pressing down on it.
Alexander: The young man proveth his point.
KRD: It's fiction! Reality can suck it!
GKC: Even in fiction, the laws of physics still apply even in a fantasy-based world with mechs.
KRD: Hmph… anyways, don't we have a Preview clip to roll?
GKC: Yup.
PREVIEW:
Minfilia: Everyone, I'm ordering a few days of leave. Take this time to enjoy yourselves.
Yda: WOOHOO! Vacation! What should we do first?
Yukino: Wow, Brynhildr has a lot of different stores.
?: Hello… who might you be?
Sorom: This girl… just who is she?
Next Time: Resupply and Mysterious Girls
?: So that's Gundam… my enemy…
KRD: And with that, we'll see ya on the next one!
GKC: Peace out, everybody!