GKC: What's up, everyone! This is GKC here bringing you a new chapter for Magitek Suit Gundam.

KRD: And Kamen Rider Duelist here too! Last time, we introduced one of the other Gundam pilots, that is my character Kairan Striker, a Hyur Midlander knight of the Holy See of Ishgard and pilot of the Alexander Gundam! But now it's time we focused back on Sorom and the crew!

GKC: Yup, it's relaxation time for the crew as they head to Space Colony Brynhildr for a resupply and some fun.

KRD: Woohoo! Fan service on the beach!

GKC: Well… I never said the beach but, alright. Girls in bikinis (or guys if any of you are bisexual or gay).

KRD: Onwards to the chapter!

Disclaimer: We do not own, except our OCs, Mobile Suit Gundam or Final Fantasy XIV. All rights belong to their respective owners.


Chapter 7: Resupply and Mysterious Girls


"Well damn me to all the seven hells…"

"Something you wish to share, Master Garlond?" Y'shtola inquired with a slight incline of her brow.

"This map…" Cid muttered. "…It has the location of every Gundam…"

"I'm sorry… could you repeat that?" Thancred pondered. "Because it sounded like you said that this map leads to the location of all the Gundams."

Cid rubbed his bearded chin, "Because I did. I had believed that all of them were lost five years ago. Well, save for the grouchy lizard in our present company."

"I heard that!"

"You were supposed to!"

"Just… go on, Cid." Sorom sighed in exasperation.

The master engineer cleared his throat, "Yes, now… Where was I? Ah yes," He gestured towards the map. "As you can see here, each of these blips on the planet shows the location of a Gundam. There are nine in total since we currently have Bahamut with us. Based on these aether readings, if we do land in Thanalan, there are two signatures there. Can't tell which one it is but hopefully, they'll be easy to obtain."

"What of the others?" Minfilia asked.

"Not sure. The only one other we see here, is this right here." He said, pointing to a location. "That's deep in the Holy See of Ishgard."

"Well, that's bloody fantastic." Thancred grimaced. "Ishgard always tried to stay out of the Eorzean Alliance's business due to their little war with the Dravanians."

"Speaking of which, it seems there's one also in Dravania." Cid said. "Two are in the Black Shroud, one in La Noscea, one in the Far East, and the last is… Oh dear…"

"What is it?" Yukino asked.

"The last one appears to be in Garlemald." Cid answered. "And if it's what I think it is, then we're all screwed…"

"Well, we can't exactly worry about it right now. If we're lucky, the Garleans might not have discovered it. Otherwise, we would've heard news of a Gundam attacking Eorzean cities or colonies." Alphinaud pointed out.

"In any case, we have a new situation," Minfilia interjected, getting the crew's attention. "Our supplies are running low and our aether reserves are dwindling. We will need to make a stop at a nearby colony."

"Is there any nearby?" Yukino asked.

Minfilia smiled, "Actually, there is. Thanks to our friend, Y'shtola, we are on a direct course to Space Colony Brynhildr."

"Brynhildr!?" Yda suddenly exclaimed with joy.

"Whoa, what's up with you?" Sorom asked, with a raised eyebrow.

The masked brawler grabbed the Gundam pilot by the shoulders and started shaking him, "Space Colony Brynhildr is one of the most popular resort-based colonies in space! It has beaches, shopping malls, and even food from other countries! It's a literal paradise!" Yda said, half excited and half crazed.

*WHACK!*

"OW!"

"Calm down." Yugiri said, after giving her a chop to the head.

"You didn't have to whack me on the head…" Yda whined.

Minfilia giggled then focused back on the matter at hand, "As I was saying, the ship will dock at Brynhildr and resupplying will take about two or three days just to get it loaded and refueled." She stated.

"In other words, we're going on vacation." Thancred translated for Sorom and Yukino.

"So as of now. Everyone." Minfilia began."I'm ordering a few days of leave. Take this time to enjoy yourselves."

"WOOHOO! VACATIOOOOOOOOON!" Yda cheered.

Sorom and Yukino looked at each other in surprise before they grinned in unison.

"I could definitely use one." The boy said.

"I agree with that." The Miqo'te girl nodded in agreement.


[Meanwhile…]


Aboard the Garlean warship commanded by the Black Wolf, Gaius was in his quarters, looking over a report from his officers detailing the list of casualties and damage costs to not only his vessel but even the mobile suits as well.

"General Gaius," A familiar voice spoke from behind the door to his office.

"Enter." He commanded.

The door slid open, revealing the white armored figure of Livia sas Junius, who entered the General's quarters and saluted him. "My Lord, I've come to report on the latest news of the Scions of the Seventh Dawn's warship."

"What news do you have for me?" Gaius inquired.

"The Revival is currently on a course towards a nearby space colony that is under the control of the Eorzean Alliance. We will not be able to approach it."

The Black Wolf sighed, "Confound it all…" He brought out a folder with a name written on it. "The colony they are approaching. It is Byrnhildr, correct?"

"Yes, My Lord." Livia replied.

"I see," Gaius remarked. "In that case, we have no need to fear."

"My Lord?" The woman raised an unseen brow of confusion.

"Though our adversaries have escaped our grasp for now… there is another unit currently integrated amongst the colony's population."

"I… do not understand." The woman said, still in confusion. "You mean to say there are… sleeper agents among them?"

"One in particular." Gaius spun the folder around and opened it to reveal the contents hidden. A picture of said agent… as well as their medical records.

"Seven hells…" Livia gasped in shock. "This is…"

"Yes, a soldier that even I would not dare to create." Gaius said as he stared at the image… of a young girl in her teens.


[Space Colony Brynhildr]


The Revival, after docking at the spaceport of the colony, was now being resupplied by the Alliance base situated on the outer hull of the colony. Meanwhile, its crew was disembarking to enjoy their few days of vacation and the first place that they went to was…

"Shopping spree~!" Yda cheered, dashing from one store to another.

"This place is amazing." Yukino said with awe as she, Yugiri, and Alisaie followed the boisterous brawler around looking at the various stores.

Trailing behind them… were Sorom and Alphinaud, who had been designated as the 'pack mules' of the group.

"By the Twelve, why do we have to carry their belongings?" Alphinaud groaned, as in his hands were many bags and his arms looked like they were about to fall off.

"No use arguing." Sorom shrugged, carrying some bags of his own, but wasn't struggling as much as Alphinaud. "It's better to bear the burden with a smile and not argue with the ladies."

"Yes, hells hath no fury as a woman scorned… I know that song and dance all too well." The young Elezen boy said with a grimace. "Still… I was… not made… for physical labor."

"Oh, suck it up. You're a man, aren't you? Carrying bags of lady clothes shouldn't be that difficult."

"Sure, if carrying twenty bags in each arm is being man enough…" Alphinaud deadpanned, showing his arms for emphasis.

"You're just jealous I've got more muscle than you." Sorom countered with a bit of snark in his tone.

"Hey!" The boys turned in the direction of the girls, spotting Yda waving frantically at them as they stood outside… of a swimsuit store? "We're going to head inside. Hurry up, you're going to be our judges."

"I-I beg your pardon?" Alphinaud stammered.

"C'mon, c'mon~ they're on sale and cute!" Yda urged.

"I suddenly have the urge to run for my life…" Sorom said dryly.

"You're not the only one…" Alisaie mumbled.

Yukino went up to her childhood friend, "Come on, Sorom. Please come in?" She said while giving him a puppy-dog look.

"Yukino, no. No, don't- no! Not happening. Don't give me that look, Yukino, no! NO!" Sorom tried to protest, but Yukino's face became more puppy-like. "Doooooh, fine, you win! I hate it when you give me that puppy eye look!"

The blue-eyed cat girl smiled, "But you never could resist it." She said coyly.

"Yeah, yeah, whatever…" Sorom grumbled.


Forced to sit with the bags of various clothes laid before their feet, Sorom and Alphinaud were now made to judge the girls in the swimsuits they were choosing to try on. Unfortunately, Alphinaud was a blushing and stuttering mess while Sorom was bored out of his mind.

"Oh bo~ys," Yda cat-called, causing Alphinaud to stiffen like a board.

Both young men turned their heads in the direction of Yda's voice and froze as the blood began to rush to their cheeks. "By the Twelve…" They said in unison.

Yda stood out in a risque red two-piece swimsuit that revealed a generous portion of her cleavage and even rode up her firm butt. Strangely enough, she still wore her cap and mask. She had a flirtatious grin and seemed quite proud of herself.

Yugiri seemed more reserved despite the shade of pink on her cheeks, wearing a purple-black two-piece swimsuit with two intersecting strips of cloth crossing over her navel. Her reptilian tail swished nervously behind her rear.

Alisaie wore a modest red-cream one-piece swimsuit that accented her feminine curves even though she had no form of bust. She wasn't really worried about her twin seeing her since they were family but Sorom was a cohort she had hardly any interactions with, which left her with a cherry red face.

Yukino wore a white and blue frilled two-piece swimsuit that actuated with her cat features greatly, making her seem both womanly and appealing at the same time.

"Uh-uh-, uh-um-uh… um-um… um-uh-uh…" Alphinaud stuttered badly.

"So~ what do you think?" Yda asked, striking a pose, and Alphinaud's nose almost sprayed out blood as he quickly covered it and looked away.

Thankfully, Sorom came to the Elezen's rescue even if it was only out of instinct, "You all look really good in those." He admitted.

"Reeeeeeeeally?" Yda drawled out.

"Yes."

"Whaddya think of Yukino then?"

"Well, uh…" Sorom trailed off, looking at her, who suddenly covered herself with her arms being self-conscious.

"D-Dummy, don't look at me like that." Yukino stuttered.

"S-Sorry…" Sorom looked away, nervously scratching his cheek.

"Heh~?" Yda smirked slyly. "Someone's embarrassed."

"S-Shut up!" The two childhood friends shouted in unison.


An hour later after paying for the girls' swimsuits and even getting some swimwear for the boys, the group had returned their earnings to the ship and used their remaining twilight hours to have a little fun at the beach.

"Woohoo! Beach time!" Yda cheered, running towards the water.

"Yda, you're supposed to stretch first before going in!" Yugiri called out, but to no avail. "Huhhhhh… why do I even bother?" She sighed.

"Don't take it personally, Lady Yugiri," Alphinaud commented, dressed in a simple white shirt and a pair of blue swimming trunks. "Yda has always been hard-headed."

"Yes, I suppose you're right."

"Well, let's not stand around here. We're supposed to have fun as well." Alisaie stated.

Yugiri smiled softly, "You make a good point, Alisaie. Come, let us join in on the fun."

Yugiri and the Elezen twins followed Yda towards the crystal blue waters, leaving Yukino alone with her childhood friend.

The snowy-haired Miqo'te glanced nervously at Sorom, who stood in place dressed in only a pair of red-black swimming trunks and leaving his surprisingly fit torso left to bare. Her blue eyes trailed along each curve of her friend's muscles and she idly wondered how such a lazy young man could have such a body.

"Hm? What's wrong, Yukino?" Sorom asked, turning his head to her.

"N-Nothing!" The girl turned away from her friend with a tinge of red on her cheeks. "I'm just… taking in the sight."

"Well, it is something of a sight for sure." Sorom said. "Wish Tiamat had something like this though."

"Yeah," Yukino nodded in agreement as she and Sorom sat on the sand, watching the waves sway while their friends played in the water. "Y'know, my mom used to tell me that Doma had a beautiful view like this once."

"You mean… back before the Doman Rebellions? Before the Empire conquered it?" The young man pondered.

"Yes, that's exactly right." The Miqo'te nodded. "My mother told me she would walk on the sandy beach to admire the sea, letting the water caress her feet. It makes me wonder… if I'll ever see Doma like that." She brought her knees up to her chest, wrapping her arms around her legs as her feline tail swished around as if unsettled.

Sorom could only smile sadly as he reached out to pat her head. "Don't worry, once this war is over, and we free Doma from the Garlean Empire's grasp, we can walk on those beaches."

"R-Really? We can?" Yukino looked at her childhood friend hopefully.

"Promise." Sorom smiled softly.

Yukino smiled at her friend and leaned over to lay her head on his shoulder, causing the boy to seize up as the girl said, "Thank you."

"U-uh, no problem." Sorom looked up at the artificial sky with a heavy blush on his face.


["Do you understand your objective?"]

"Yes, I understand." A young feminine voice said. "Discover the identity of the Bahamut's pilot, locate the Scions of the Seventh Dawn's warship, and capture the Gundam unit."

["Good. Remember, failure is not an option. Do not forget whom you serve."]

"Yes, my Lord." The voice replied before the communication line ended. The owner of the voice sighed before a pair of soft green eyes stared out into the sea that was made into a popular attraction for tourists visiting Brynhildr.


"Man, this is nice." Sorom said as he lounged on a beach chair. The others were busy grabbing snacks at a local booth and even dragged Yukino along with them, leaving the Gundam pilot to relax all by himself. "A simple day to myself."

"Are you talking to yourself?"

"Huh?" Sorom opened his eyes and looked at who decided to interrupt his relaxation before his cheeks burned crimson like his eyes.

Standing in front of him was an Auri girl in her late-teens and judging by the dark color of her horns and her tail, she was of the Xaela clan. She had beautiful soft green eyes, light teal skin, and dark blue hair styled in a hime cut. She was also dressed in a simple green two-piece bikini with a yellow scale pattern running along the surface. The bra piece seemed to hug her well-proportioned breasts quite snuggly, which made Sorom gulp out of instinct.

"Uh…" He said rather dumbly, utterly mystified by the beautiful Auri girl.

The girl stared at him for a moment, "Aren't you going to answer me?"

"What? Oh, uh…" Sorom rubbed the back of his head in sheepish embarrassment. "Well, I guess you can say that."

"Hmm…"

'Okay, this is getting really awkward.' Sorom thought to himself. He stood up from his seat until he stood in front of the girl, "Look, maybe we're getting off to a rough start. So, how about we introduce ourselves?"

"Very well. My name is Tsune. Tsune Torioi." The girl introduced herself.

"Tsune? That's a really pretty name. Oh, my name is Sorom Jaeger." Sorom said with a smile. "A pleasure to meet you."

"Sorom… what an odd name." Tsune commented.

"Hey, my name isn't odd." Sorom complained with a pout.

"It is to me."

"Okay, is this conversation gonna revolve around making fun of my name?" The boy grumbled.

"Hmph, not really," Tsune smirked, before turning to face the beach. "So, what brings you here to Brynhildr?"

"On vacation, actually." He answered. "You?"

"Same."

"Ah. How long will you be staying here?"

"Not long."

Sorom made a quick check around the area, "So… are you here by yourself?"

"Why do you ask?" Tsune raised an eyebrow.

"I just…" The Gundam pilot rubbed the back of his head sheepishly, "…think it's a little weird for a cute girl like you to be by yourself. If you want, you could… hang out with me and my friends."

"Me?"

"Yeah, why not?"

"I'm… not very good with people." She admitted, rather shyly.

"Well," Sorom said as he stood up. "Now's your chance to open up. Come on. I'll introduce you." He said, before gently grabbing her wrist and pulled her along.

"H-Hey, wait!" Tsune cried out, but to no avail.

"Don't worry, you'll like them. And I'm sure they'll like you in return." Sorom said with a confident grin on his face. He led the Auri girl from the beach and towards a snack booth, where he spotted his friends gathered around and holding styrofoam cups filled with an icy yet creamy beverage. "Hey, guys!"

"Huh? Hey Sorom, where were-" Yda said, before noticing the new girl. "Oho~ what have we here?" She smiled slyly.

"Yda, no." Sorom warned the brawler.

"Yda, yes~!" The blonde squealed. "Come on, spill it. Where'd you find this cutie?"

"That isn't any of your business…"

"Are you sure~?" Yda smirked, as she looked towards Yukino… who looked absolutely pissed.

"Huh? What's that look for, Yukino?" Sorom asked his childhood friend.

"Sorom… who… is that girl?" Yukino asked.

The boy glanced at the Auri then back at the Miqo'te, "This is Tsune. A new friend I made."

Alisaie glanced at her twin. "This isn't going to end well for him."

Alphinaud nodded in agreement, "Unfortunately, it will not."

*CRUNCH!*

"And it just got worse…" Alphinaud said as they saw Yukino crush the styrofoam cup that once held the sweet treat. The Miqo'te girl could care less about how cold her hand was or the stickiness of the cream dripping all over her hand.

"Whoa, Yuki, that seemed like a big waste of ice cream." Sorom pointed out as he looked at the dripping creamy liquid.

"I'll be sure to remember that." Yukino said with a forced smile and gritted teeth.

"Well, anyways, you guys got something to share for Tsune here?" The crimson-eyed Hyur asked.

"Well, we did get you a milkshake." Yda answered as Yugiri handed over a cup filled with said beverage, which Sorom graciously took.

"Thanks, you guys." Sorom then offered it to Tsune. "Here. It's pretty hot out so this'll help keep you cool."

"Are… you sure?"

"Yeah, go ahead, take it." Sorom nodded.

Tsune cautiously took the drink from the boy then stared at it for a solid minute before taking an experimental sip from the straw. When the beverage hit her tongue, her tastebuds were assaulted with a sweet and creamy flavor… that had her quickly slurping up more and more.

"Good, isn't it?"

"Yes…" Tsune mumbled.

"Oh right. I haven't introduced you yet." Sorom said. "This is Yda, Yuguri, Alphinaud, Alisaie, and Yukino. Everyone, this is Tsune Torioi."

"A pleasure to make your acquaintance." Alphinaud inclined his head in greeting.

"Same here." Alisaie added.

Yugiri nodded her head in reply.

Yda waved her hand, "Nice to meet you! Hope you don't mind our little knucklehead."

"Hi…" Yukino said rather quietly.

"It's nice to meet you all as well." Tsune nodded. "By the way, Sorom, how long are you going to hold my hand?"

"Huh?" Sorom looked down to notice he was still holding the girl's hand. Blushing brightly, he quickly removed his hand from Tsune's and sheepishly looked away, "Uh, right! Sorry about that."

"Hmph." Yukino sniffed, looking away.

"This is… incredibly awkward." Alisaie said.

"So~! Who's up for volleyball?" Yda asked, hoping to change the subject and get back on the fun.

"I'm in." Sorom said with a grin. He looks over at Tsune, "Wanna join?"

"I… don't know how to play." She admitted.

"It's easy. Don't worry, we'll teach you."

"Well, okay…"


Meanwhile…

"Oi, Biggs, Wedge! We don't have time to rest! We gotta resupply!" Cid called out as they were in the ship's storage, the crew members helping out bring in more supplies for the ship.

"But boss, the Captain said-" Biggs tried to argue.

"You can take your break when you finish the resupply! Do you wanna go out there with no food, water, or ammo?" Cid countered.

"…You've a fair point." Wedge answered.

"Exactly, now get your arses back to work!"

"Yes boss!" They saluted before taking off.

"My goodness, no need to be harsh on those two." Urianger said, approaching Cid. "Those two work harder than anyone else on this ship."

"I know, but it pays to be prepared than to be lax and getting blown to smithereens." The head engineer stated.

"While that much is true. All work and no play is simply no good. We don't want them to literally overwork themselves to death, now do we."

"Well, you worry about your co-workers and I'll worry about mine." Cid told the chief medical officer.

"Very well…" Urianger sighed. "But please do consider it." He said, before leaving Cid back with the resupply operation.


"Oooooh, this is simply delectable!" Tataru squealed in delight as she was enjoying her ice cream along with a few of her fellow Scions from the Dawn. It's not often she gets to have a vacation, especially with the war between the Alliance and the Empire going on. But it was better than having no form of break.

"I couldn't agree more. This strawberry sorbet is quite palpable." Papalymo said, taking a spoonful of his own treat.

"By the way, aren't you worried for Yda? She is with two boys her age." Tataru asked her fellow Lalafell.

"I'm not particularly worried. Alphinaud is too thick-skulled to see when a girl likes him and Sorom is rather… I wouldn't say dim but not at all able to notice."

"So you're calling them simple-minded?" Tataru raised an eyebrow.

"In simple terms, yes."

"And what does that make you, mister tactless?" Tataru deadpanned. Papalymo looked rather astonished that she would say such a thing.

"Now why would you think that?" Papalymo asked incredulously.

"There is such a thing as being too open-minded." Tataru pointed out. "And besides, I'm sure it's not that bad. After all, what's the worst that can happen?"

"…You do realize that you jinxed yourself with that phrase, right?"

"I know…"

"And unfortunately for you, there's no wood to knock on either."

"Yes, I know that as well…"


"It's been forever since we've been on a lunch date." Minfilia smiled as she and Thancred were sitting at a table, just outside of the restaurant, as they were eating their food.

"Well, I wouldn't say that. We've been on plenty of dinner dates." Thancred stated.

"But not one where we don't have to worry about the war," Minfilia pointed out. "And on the beachside no less."

"…I will concede to that." The white-haired man admitted.

"Hehehe… and this is why you can't win against me." Minfilia giggled. "Let alone any other lady."

"I take offense to that! Name one time I was ever bested by a lady?" Thancred retorted with a mock angry pout.

"Oh, I can think of several. That girl from Ul'dah, those Elezen girls from the Gold Saucer, and even Y'shtola."

Thancred opened his mouth to say something then paused… before sulking as he quietly ate his food.

"See?" Minfilia smirked matter-of-factly.

"You've been spending too much time with Yda…"

"Mmmm, no."

"What? Then- ugh, lemme guess, your 'mother'…" Thancred rolled his eyes.

"That's right." Minfilia said with a giggle.


Meanwhile, Tataru and Urianger were having a day to themselves as well after Papalymo parted ways to find some other activities to enjoy.

"I have to say, Urianger. I thought you'd be in your quarters, looking at the stars or coming up with some new poetry." Tataru remarked.

"Ah, alas, while 'tis true that I would retreat to my humble abode to engage in activities I love most, it's not always too bad to go out once in a while." Urianger replied.

The Lalafell nodded, "I suppose that makes sense. By the way, don't you think that Sorom and Yukino would make for a cute couple?" She asked.

"Hm? Why the sudden inquiry?" Urianger raised an eyebrow.

"Oh, call it a woman's intuition." Tataru said with a sly grin.

"Hoho~ trying to play cupid, are we?" Urianger smirked.

"What can I say? I'm a sucker for romance." The short woman shrugged.


"Yuki!" Sorom called out as he bounced the volleyball up with his arms to set her up.

"I got it!" Yukino shouted as she jumped into the air and smacked the ball over to the other side.

"No you don't!" Yda shouted as she dove in to save it and bounce it back up. Tsune without thinking then jumped up high and spiked the ball down hard. In fact, it was so hard that the volleyball suddenly splat in Sorom's face, before falling down stiffly on his back.

"Ow…" Sorom muffled out.

"Point, set, and match!" Alphinaud declared.

"What!? Oh, come on!" Yukino yelled.

"I'd have to agree. It's a point." Yugiri nodded in concurrence.

"Yeah, for us! My partner got hit in the face!" Yukino argued.

"And I'm in a massive amount of pain." Sorom added, his face red with a perfect outline of the volleyball's surface.

*WAPISH!*

"OW!" Alphinaud cried out after his twin sister bopped him on the head.

"You're a terrible referee…" Alisaie deadpanned.

"Excuse me for not being a part of physical activities back when we were in the Sharlayan Academy!" Alphinaud scowled.

"Among other things…" Alisaie mumbled.

"Hey!"

"Are you okay?" Tsune asked as she looked down at and hovered over Sorom. Her… assets being in his clear view.

"Uh…" The crimson-eyed Hyur blushed brightly as he stared at the Auri girl's impressive bust.

"Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!" Yukino clearly didn't look happy at all.

"Uh-oh…" Yugiri murmured.

"Sorom, your face is red. Do you have a fever?" Tsune pondered as she placed a hand on the young man's forehead. In a split second, Sorom had literal steam bellow out from his ears as his face mimicked a boiler.

Yukino's face was the same but for a completely different reason.

"She's gonna blow~" Yda murmured. Yukino began to growl like a literal feline as flames of jealousy burned in her eyes.

"I will never understand women…" Alphinaud deadpanned.

"Not like you ever could, dear brother." Alisaie said to her twin.

"What's that supposed to mean!?" The Elezen boy squawked.

"Just what it sounds like…"

"You…" Yukino growled, catching the attention of Tsune.

"Hm?"

"Get your hands off of him!" Yukino screeched as she jumped up in the air and had her hands out as if claws had come out, ready to pounce her.

"Ah! Yukino, don't!" Sorom cried out in genuine terror for his new friend. However, much to his astonishment and the surprise of the others, Tsune had grabbed one of Yukino's arms then judo flipped the Miqo'te onto her back. "Whoa…"

"Ow…"

"You alright, Yukino?" Yugiri inquired.

"Fine…"

"I give that judo flip a solid 8 out of 10." Yda commented.

"This isn't a competition, Yda…" Alphinaud sweat dropped.

Sorom looked at Tsune in confusion, "Where did you learn to do that?" He questioned.

"…pure instinct?" Tsune offered weakly.

Yugiri narrowed her eyes, "Quite the instinct."

"Pay it no mind." Tsune waved off before looking at Yukino who was getting up. "It seems I've upset you for some reason. Care to tell me why?"

Yukino looked away from the Auri girl with a huff, "It's none of your business."

Sorom quickly interjected to keep the two from fighting, "Look, uh, how about we go for lunch?" He offered.

"Fine…" Yukino pouted, before storming off.

"Yukino?" Sorom said worriedly. "Did I do something wrong?" He asked the others.

"In a lot of ways." Yda stated.

"Huh?!"

The ladies all sighed. Boys will never understand a woman.


The group of seven were all gathered outside of a seashore restaurant and seated at a large dining table but Sorom was sandwiched between Yukino and Tsune, the former glaring at the latter with contempt. Alphinaud, Alisaie, Yda, and Yugiri were watching with nervous expressions.

"Yeah, this is getting awkward…" Yda whispered to Yugiri.

"I'm a little worried that Yukino might kill Tsune." Alphinaud whispered to his twin sister.

"What was your first guess?" Alisaie deadpanned.

"So! Tsune, how did you meet our friend, Sorom?" Yugiri asked.

"I simply came across him when he was snoozing." Tsune answered.

"Of course, him being a lazybum is no surprise." Yukino huffed.

"Hey, I'm not that bad." Sorom complained.

"Sorom, you could sleep through a meteor shower and only be awake for breakfast, lunch, or dinner." Yukino pointed out.

"Wait, really?" Yda said wide-eyed.

"Yeah. He's a heavy sleeper. Mainly because he works on gadgets and trinkets back in our home colony all the time without any sleep. Sometimes for almost a week, before everything crashes down on him."

"That's… practically impossible. No normal human being could go without sleep for that long." Alphinaud said in surprise.

"Trust me, you'd be surprised." Yukino stated.

"You're just exaggerating." Sorom sweat dropped.

"But it's always like that with you. Once you get a passion project started, you don't stop til it's done." Yukino argued.

Sorom planted his face onto the table, "You got me there…" He grumbled.

"All work and no play?" Tsune raised an eyebrow.

"Pretty much." Yukino said, before realizing something, "N-Not like you care." She huffed, looking away.

Tsune looked at the Miqo'te in confusion, "Why wouldn't I care?" She pondered.

Before Yukino could retort, the surface of the makeshift ocean suddenly erupted as a large shape began to emerge, towering over the beach like an angry god. The shape is revealed to be a massive humanoid reptilian creature with coal black scales, dark red spikes running along its arms, legs, back, and tail, a short snout, a mouth lined with razor sharp teeth, glowing amber eyes, and a pair of bat-like wings on its back.

"What in the Twelve is that thing!?" Alisaie exclaimed in shock.

"Oh gods, it's a monster from the Void! It must've been slumbering beneath the waves!" Alphinaud realized in utter horror.

"What do we do?!" Yda asked.

"Don't worry, I got this." Sorom said, before standing up and running off.

"Sorom!" Yukino called out, but to no avail.

"Hey Bahamut, get your scaly ass up!" Sorom said on his watch.

A gurgling sound erupted from the watch before an image of Bahamut's face appeared on the screen. "What is it? Can't you see I'm trying to sleep?"

"Shut up and listen. I've got a giant monster rising from the ocean here and it's about to destroy the colony. I need you. NOW!"

"...Give me a few minutes." Bahamut told the boy before the connection was cut.

Sorom heard the distant sound of thrusters overhead and noticed a squadron of EA Defense Force mobile suits flying towards the Void beast. Based on their design, he could tell that three of them were Gladiators while the other two were EAS-014 Archers, mobile suits designed for long-range combat. The Gladiators attacked the monster with 180mm Machine Guns they were equipped with but the bullets hardly did any damage against the creature's tough hide.

"Those Archers and Gladiators can't even do anything to that thing!" Yda cried out.

"They're gonna need more than just those." Yugiri added.

The Void beast roared angrily at the five machines and swung its left claw at the squadron. The mobile suits all tried to dodge but one unfortunate Gladiator was caught in its grip. With a squeeze of its claw, the monster crushed the upper and lower body of the Gladiator along with its pilot before throwing the remains as it slammed into a building and promptly exploded.

"No…" Yukino covered her mouth with her hands in horror.

"We need to get back to the ship." Alphinaud suggested.

"With that on the rampage? Have you lost your wits?" Alisaie asked incredulously.

"We can't exactly do anything out here, Alisaie!" Alphinaud told his sister. "The Defense Force of this colony does not have the necessary equipment or man power to deal with this beast."

As he said this, the Void monster roared again, nearly shattering the eardrums of all those nearby.

"Urgh… at this rate…" Yugiri gritted her teeth. "Fine, but we need to hurry."

"Sorry about this, Tsune, but… Tsune?" Yda said, as she looked around, but was nowhere to be found. "Hey, Tsune! Where'd ya go?!"

What the group didn't know was that Tsune had followed Sorom and was hiding in an alleyway, observing him with a strange look in her eyes.

"Dammit, Bahamut, hurry up." Sorom growled in annoyance.

An Archer fired its long-barreled sniper rifle at the Void beast directly at the head, hoping to get one of its eyes but was swiftly backhanded, sending the mobile suit falling towards the ground… directly over Sorom.

"CRAAAAAAAAAAAAAP!" Sorom shouted as he made a run for it.

Sorom quickly dove out of the way the moment the mobile suit wreckage came down and exploded violently in a blaze of heat. The young man lifted his head up and noticed that he had landed… directly in front of…

"Tsune?" Sorom said in surprise.

"You okay?" Tsune asked.

"Uh… yeah, wait, what are you even doing here?" Sorom asked, as he pushed himself off of her, prompting the new Auri girl to stand up too.

"I… lost my way to the shelters." Tsune offered.

"You lost your way?" Sorom raised a brow in confusion. An explosion drew their attention overhead, another of the Gladiators had been destroyed by the Void beast. "Damn! Where is that stupid lizard when you need him?"

"Lizard?" Tsune asked confused.

"Long story- Bahamut, where are you?!" Sorom shouted, comically at the watch.

"Did you just say Bahamut?" Tsune pondered while her eyes took a strange gleam.

"Uh, well…" Sorom started to sweat before he noticed an overpassing shadow. "Look out!" He shouted, grabbing the girl and diving to avoid a fallen arm from a Gladiator that had been ripped off. The two teens managed to avoid it but a few shards of shrapnel lanced out, cutting their skin.

"Gh!" Sorom gritted his teeth. "Damn… Tsune, you alright?"

"Yes…" Tsune said with a twinge of red on her cheeks when she noticed how close the Hyur was to her face.

"S-Sorry, just… give me a minute…" Sorom winced as he managed to get off her again. "Bahamut, you stupid ass lizard, where are ya?!"

"Hold your chocobos, I'm right here! Sheesh! The old fart wouldn't let me go!"

Descending from the 'sky' was the dragon-themed Gundam as it landed in a crouch in front of its pilot. However, the mobile suit had no form of weapons except for what was already affixed to it.

"About time! You know, I could've died several times out here!" Sorom yelled as he grabbed the extension cable connected to the cockpit hatch and glanced at Tsune. Realizing that she would be in danger if left on her own, he outstretched his hand to her. "Tsune, come with me." He said to her.

"Huh?!"

"Trust me, you'll be safer with me. At least until we kill that thing." Sorom said.

Tsune was silent for a bit, but decided to take his hand with a nod, and the cord suddenly sprang up to the cockpit, with both of them getting inside.

"Oho~? What do we have here?" Bahamut chuckled. "Who's the hot chocobo, huh?"

"This is really not the time to ask, Bahamut." Sorom told the Black Dragon as he took hold of the controls while Tsune sat on his lap since it was the only thing she could get stability on. "Alright, listen, judging by what we have right now, we can only use the Vulcan Guns and Beam Sabers. Can't risk using the Mega Flare inside the colony."

"Yeah, sure, but if things go south, we have no choice, but to use it. Mega Flare can pretty much destroy just about anything, even that monster."

"But it will also destroy the colony! I'm not risking it, no matter what you say!" Sorom said firmly.

"Alright, have it your way. Just a suggestion." Bahamut said.

"This is…" Tsune began.

"Again, long story." Sorom said. "Let's go, Bahamut!"

The Gundam stood up on its feet as the yellow eyes flared brightly. Igniting its verniers, the Bahamut took off into the air and flew directly towards the Void beast, firing its Vulcan Guns to get its attention. The beast turned its head and roared loudly.

"Well, we got its attention. Now what?" Bahamut asked.

"We get it clear of the city." Sorom said as he pressed a few buttons and the Gundam pulled out one of its beam sabers. Bahamut then rushed in towards the beast and made a large cut across its body as it flew by. The Void beast shrieked in pain from the cut, but then the surprising thing happened as its body regenerated! "What?!"

"It has a powerful healing factor." Tsune commented.

"Well, that's just perfect." Sorom growled in annoyance before moving the Gundam to fly back in order to avoid the monster's claw when it took a swipe at it. "Still, at least we've got its attention. So, let's keep it on us."

"Just how long do you think we can hold it off?" Bahamut questioned his pilot and partner.

Sorom narrowed his eyes as he scanned the area for anything that might help him deal with the monster then a thought crossed his mind. "Wait, there's a space gate nearby. If we can lure it there…"

"We can suck it out andit goes bye-bye." Bahamut finished.

"Exactly, it might even give us a clear shot with the Mega Flare." Sorom added with a nod.

"Will it work?" Tsune asked.

"Only one way to find out. Hit it, Bahamut!"

The Gundam quickly took off, flying towards the Void monster and slashed at its face, burning off its left eye as it howled in pain. Bahamut flew back and hovered over the water, it's mere presence taunting the beast as if goading it to try and attack it.

"C'mon, you overgrown beastie! I got a lot more where that came from!" Bahamut taunted.

If a monster had a facial expression, it would be contorted into comical rage. The Void beast roared at the mechanical menace and started shuffling after it if only to make it pay for hurting it.

"It's working." Tsune commented.

"Then let's keep it focused on us." Sorom said.

The Gundam fired a barrage of bullets from its Vulcan Guns, which impacted against the monster's hide, irritating the creature as it roared and entered the entrance, following after its prey.

"Alright, now let's head to the space gate." Sorom smirked.

"Hang on, it's gonna be a bumpy ride!" Bahamut said, before firing the verniers, boosting itself ahead to the said gate.

The sudden movement jostled Tsune in her seat but wrapped her arms around Sorom's neck to keep herself from falling out of the seat. However, this had the unfortunate effect of pressing her breasts against his bare chest, much to his embarrassment.

"Um…"

"Hehehe… Yukino's gonna be jealous," Bahamut snickered.

"Shut up, dammit!" Sorom shouted.

"I bet she is right now, with how close you are with your uh… new friend."

"Swear to the Twelve, I'm gonna paint you pink." Sorom growled. "Then you'll be called the Pink Dragon."

"It'll be worth it to see that kitty scratch ya." Bahamut chuckled.

"You see what I have to go through?" Sorom deadpanned at Tsune. "One of the most advanced weapons ever known to man and they decided to put in this annoying lizard."

"Hmhmhmhm…" Tsune giggled.

"It's not funny…"

"You're right. It's hilarious! HA!"

"Just focus on the mission!"

The Void beast continued to follow the flying Gundam, leaving the city behind while they approached one of the space gates affixed to the space colony. "Alright, Bahamut! We got it where we want it! Let's blast it into the space gate!"

"But… how are you going to open it?" Tsune asked.

Sorom paused as he realized what she meant. "Ah crap! I didn't think that far ahead!" He began to panic.

"Well… we're screwed then."

"C'mon, Bahamut!" Sorom cried out.

Tsune pointed at something on the main camera, "Why not use that access port? It's big enough for a mobile suit to manually open the door." She suggested.

"Eh?" Sorom looked at where she pointed, "That's it! Tsune, you're a genius!"

Tsune looked at the young man in surprise as a tinge of pink appeared on her cheeks. "T-Thank you?"

The Gundam held its left hand out and a panel slid open, revealing mobile suit-sized buttons and a cranking lever. Bahamut took hold of the cranking lever and rotated it counter-clockwise. Slowly but surely, the space gate began to open exposing a docking bay that was bereft of any ships.

"Nice, now to lure it out of here." Sorom said, before maneuvering the Gundam. It would face the monster… only to see it appear directly in front of them. "Ah hells…"

The Void beast roared right in front of the Bahamut, spraying saliva and other unmentionable liquids.

"That's disgusting…" Sorom groaned in disgust.

"Ugh… it needs a hundred gallons of breath mints…" Bahamut growled, wiping off any of the unmentionable liquids.

"Okay, when we space this thing… we're vaporizing it." Sorom said with a scowl.

"Then what are we waiting for?! Let's do it already!" Bahamut snarled.

Sorom nodded then quickly pulled back on the control levers to move the Gundam back to avoid a claw swipe from the monster then fired the Vulcan Guns from its head unit. The bullets pinged against the beast's hide, irritating it as it followed the dragon mobile suit into the space dock. However, artificial gravity stopped right when it entered the dock, which caused the creature to float aimlessly in the air.

"Now, let's push this ugly sucker out of here!" Sorom declared as he ignited the verniers on the Gundam's back and flew right at the flailing monster then grabbed it by the tail. Thanks to the lack of gravity, he was able to swing it round and round for a few seconds. "GET OUTTA HERE!" He shouted before he sent the Void monster flying into the vastness of space.

"Now to blast it to smithereens!" Bahamut said as the dragon head on its chest opened up its large maw and aether particles gathered around the barrel.

The beast flew out into space, several yalms from the colony. With the Void monster far away from the colony, the Bahamut drifted outside and prepared to unleash its strongest weapon.

"Locked on target." Sorom narrowed his eyes as the Aetherial energy levels began to rise near critical levels. His finger hovered over the trigger and said, "Say goodbye, freak!"

With a pull of the trigger, the Gundam's eyes flared before firing its Mega Flare energy cannon. The powerful beam swirled and twisted in space as it slammed into the monster. The Void monster roared in agonizing pain as it felt the energy piercing into its flesh and through its body. Though after the beam pierced through, the monster began to disintegrate before it vanished into motes of black ash.

With the threat gone, the Bahamut's dragon face chest piece closed while steam blew out from the mobile suit's exhaust vents.

Sorom released a sigh as he leaned back into his seat, "Glad that's over with…" He looked up around the cockpit, "Nice work, Bahamut."

"Amazing…" Tsune whispered in awe, seeing the destruction on the screen. "Such power… such beauty in its destruction…"

"Uh… Tsune?" Sorom got out. "You okay?"

"I'm fine." She said, her eyes never leaving the sight of the vanquished creature from the Void before she leaned back into Sorom's chest, much to his embarrassment. "Can we go back now?"

"Uh… yeah."

["SOROOOOM!"] A voice shouted from the comms grabbing their attention. They saw the Pugilist, Ninja, and Red Mage flying towards them. And judging by the voice, Sorom felt a cold shiver of fear run down his spine when he realized who else was here.

"Y-Yuki?" Sorom gulped.

Yukino's face showed up on the screen as she was riding with Yda. ["You okay?!"]

"Perfectly fine." He quickly said, trying to make sure that she didn't see his current predicament.

["Thank goodness. I was worried when you just ran off like that."]

"Don't worry. Bahamut and I took care of it." Sorom assured. "Though, Cid is gonna be pissed when he sees Bahamut covered in monster spit."

"Please, don't remind me." Bahamut cringes in disgust. "I still have saliva in places I would rather not discuss."

["Well regardless, why don't you head back into the colony?"] Yugiri suggested. ["You'll have to make your report to the Captain as well."]

"Do I have to?" Sorom groaned.

["Yes."]

"Aw man…" Sorom whined. "Alright, I'm on my way." And with that, he turned off the comms. "Thank the Twelve they didn't see you…"

"Why? Is there a problem?" Tsune asked.

"Trust me when I say that Yukino is scary when mad. She always gets mad when I'm with other girls and I don't even know why." Sorom answered.

"Uh, excuse me. I don't mean to interrupt this little love thing you two have but we're still receiving communication from the others." Bahamut interjected.

Sorom's eyes turned into pinpoints. "...what?" He said meekly. "But I-"

"You turned off the video feed. Not the communication line in general."

"Oooooooh crap…"

["Sooooooorooooooooom~?"]

["Someone's sleeping on the couch tonight~"] Yda's voice giggled.

"Yukino, it's totally not what you think!" Sorom tried to explain.

["Wait, Yuki, what are you- whoooooooooa!"] Yda cried out as Sorom could guess that Yukino was controlling the Pugilist!

["YOU IDIOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOT!"] Yukino screamed as she maneuvered the Pugilist… to kick Bahamut between the legs?!

*WHABAM!*

"OWWWW! HEY! I'M INNOCENT HERE!" Bahamut wailed in pain.

Seeing as how that failed, Yukino equipped the Pugilist with its knuckle dusters and lunged to start wailing on him. ["You're going to get it now! Come here!"]

"No! Stay away!" Sorom screamed in fear as he piloted Bahamut to fly away from the angry Miqo'te piloting the Pugilist. "Mommy!"

"Seven hells! I knew the kitty's gonna be jealous, but not like this!" Bahamut said. "She didn't have to kick me!"

"Shut up and fly! Or we're both dead!" Sorom yelled as he avoided an angry fist that nearly crushed the Gundam's head. "Whoa!"

["Stupid! Stupid! Stupid! Stupid! Stupid! Stupid! Stupid! Stupid Sorom!"]

As the Bahamut fled from the Pugilist, the other two mobile suit pilots watched in silence. "So… we're just going to stand here and watch?" Alisaie pondered.

"Do you wish to get in between this?" Yugiri inquired.

Alisaie stared at the childish squabbling as the Bahamut covered its head as the hijacked Pugilist started comically beating on the Gundam's head. "No, I don't think I will."


After that entire fiasco, and dropping Tsune off, Sorom and the group returned to their ship, although Yda was motion sick from Yukino's erratic piloting, if it could even be called that, so she was taken to the infirmary to rest there.

As for Bahamut, he was being cleaned of the monster saliva by the engineers.

Supplies were being loaded and ammunition fixed into weapons. Preparations to leave the colony would be soon. However, no one in Brynhildr would ever forget about the mechanical guardian with dragon wings that protected their home from a beast of the Void.

Meanwhile, Sorom was dressed in his clothes and staring out the window from the observation deck aboard the Revival. His thoughts drifted to the girl he met in the colony.

"Tsune…"

"Hey…"

Sorom flinched when he turned to see Yukino staring at him neutrally. "Gah, please don't kill me…" He flinched, raising his hands up in defense, hoping his punishment would be bearable.

"I'm not here for that, Sorom." Yukino told her childhood friend as she approached and stood by his side while leaning against the steel bar to watch the stars. "That Tsune girl… do you like her?"

Realizing that he had escaped his friend's wrath, Sorom calmed down and leaned on the bar with Yukino. "I don't know. I mean, sure, she's pretty and all but… I can't explain it but there's something about her that draws me in."

"In what way?" Yukino asked.

"I don't know. That's just the mystery of it all." Sorom shrugged.

The two stood in silence for a moment then Sorom glanced at Yukino, who seemed distant for some reason.

"Yuki, I don't know what will happen. But just know, I won't be able to see Tsune again. For all I know, it might have been just a one-time meeting. But what I do know… is that you're still with me and I thank you for that." He told her.

"Really? You mean that?"

"Of course I do. I wouldn't trade you for anything else in the world." Sorom smiled.

Yukino looked down with a heavy blush on her cheeks and contemplated if she wanted to tell her friend how she really felt right then and there… but held off.

"Yuki, what's wrong?" Sorom asked, causing her to quickly turn around.

"I-It's nothing! I'm just… glad to hear that."

Sorom raised a brow in confusion but accepted her answer all the same, "Alright then." He replied.

"So um…" Yukino turned back around, but was still fidgeting. "Are you doing anything else?"

"Other than sleeping after this? No. Why?"

The Miqo'te girl looked down but smiled softly all the same, "It's nothing."

"Yuki, what's gotten into you?" Sorom asked confused.

"I'll tell you, one day. Just… don't ever change." Yukino told her friend.

The Hyur, figuring that he wasn't going to get anything else from her, relented and went back to admiring the stars. The snowy-haired Miqo'te by his side, gazing into the vast reaches of space beside him as the Revival prepared its journey for the world of Hydaelyn.


["You are certain?"]

"Yes sire, I've made contact."

["Excellent work, Agent. Now we have definitive proof on not only the mobile suit's capabilities but also the identity of the pilot. The Emperor will be pleased. Report back to the ship at once. I have a new mission for you."]

"Does this relate to the Gundam?"

["Indeed. We need battle data from it as well as a new prototype unit we have in development. You shall be its pilot."]

"I am honored, sire."

["Pray that his faith in you has not been misplaced. After all, the Emperor has hopes for you… Tsune."]

The Imperial Agent, revealed to be Tsune, stood in a dark room wearing the outfit of a Garlean officer. Her expression in a neutral style. "Yes, sire." She replied robotically.


*DUN, DUN, DUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUN!*

KRD: Dammit! Why is it that the hot girls always have to work for the bad guys?!

GKC: Anime logic, dude.

KRD: Besides the obvious! DX

GKC: Forget that. It's preview time.

KRD: Wait, you can't just-


PREVIEW

? ? ?: Another day of freedom for me!

Kan-E-Senna: That girl is going to get herself into trouble one day.

Raya-O-Senna: Remind me why we let her stay with us in the first place again?

? ? ?: I sense a great power within you, child.

Next Time: Wings of Liberation, Garuda

? ? ?: OH YES!


GKC: And that's the end of the preview. Look forward to the chapter. Oh, and quick note, the monster used in this chapter was based on Godzilla. Didn't really have a name for it, so I just went and called it a beast.

KRD: Yeah, and the next chapter features a new Gundam being introduced!

GKC: Yep, so review and comment. Love it, hate it, but just know that you've read it. Peace out, everybody!