A.N. Welcome back to the war, everyone! In this chapter, we'll catch some glimpses into day-to-day life in the PPDC.
Disclaimer: This author does not own any of the properties represented in this story (unfortunately) except for original Jaegers. This work is made for nonprofit entertainment purposes only.
"Hello there!": Speech.
'What a drag': Thoughts.
A long time ago: Flashback/Jaeger Names
[All Jaegers, check in!]: Intercom Speech
[COMMENCE NEURAL HANDSHAKE.]: Mechanical Speech
{Your English is terrible}: Foreign Speech
ROOOAR!: Monster/Demon Speech
Let'sgetiton!
Chapter 4
Day to Day
Date: Oct. 13, 2085
Location: Pan Pacific Defense Corps Headquarters, Tokyo
The sun begins to rise, the warm glow illuminating the enormous skyscrapers towering over the bustling metropolis that is Tokyo, a city at the cutting edge of technological experimentation and advancement. The tallest and sturdiest of these skyscrapers has the symbol of the Pan Pacific Defense Corps showing proudly at the top of the tower.
This tower is the headquarters for the PPDC, where all of the decision-making for the organization takes place.
Location: Office of Marshall Sarutobi, Pan Pacific Defense Corps Headquarters
In his overly spacious office, Marshall Hiruzen Sarutobi is diligently finishing up the last of this computer-work for the morning. Once it's all completed, he takes a moment to catch his breath and let his aching fingers rest.
"I swear, working behind a desk is taking more years out of me than fighting in a Jaeger," the Marshall mutters. "Kami, how I miss Guardian Inferno."
At that moment, a brunette woman in a business dress enters the room. This is Shizune Kato, Hiruzen's secretary.
"They're ready to meet with you, Marshall," Shizune informs the Marshall.
Hiruzen nods. "Then let us begin."
Shizune pulls out a data pad and types in some commands, causing eight circles positioned in a curve surrounding Hiruzen's desk to light up from the floor. The expansiveness of Hiruzen's office is justified as a hologram figure soon appears on each of the circles.
The form on Hiruzen's far left is a dark-haired man roughly as old as the Marshall and also of Japanese descent. There is a stern expression on his face, which has bandages covering where his right eye should be. His most striking feature is his cybernetic prosthetic right arm. This is Commander Danzo Shimura, Head of Shatterdome 1 in Tokyo, and Hiruzen's old Co-Pilot in the Mk. II Guardian Inferno.
Next to him is Commander Hippolyta Prince from Shatterdome 2 in Hong Kong standing at attention.
To her left is Commander Nick Fury from Shatterdome 3 in Los Angeles.
To his left is Commander Erwin Smith from Shatterdome 4 in Sydney.
Next to him is an old, vertically challenged man with a bulbous nose and a partially bald head who is rubbing his back with an annoyed expression. This is Commander Onoki Kamizuru, Head of Shatterdome 5 in Lima.
The plain brown-haired man next to Onoki is much younger, around the same age as Fury. This is Commander Phil Coulson, Head of Shatterdome 6 in Vladivostok.
The man on Phil's left is the youngest of the group. He has short grey hair, pupilless pink eyes, and a long scar going from under his left eye all the way down his cheek. This is Commander Yagura Karatachi, Head of Shatterdome 7 in Madang, New Guinea.
Lastly, on Hiruzen's far right, is a heavyset older man with short grey hair. This is Commander Max Tennyson, Head of Shatterdome 8 in Anchorage.
All of them wear their medal-adorned uniforms signifying their ranks as Commanders in the Pan Pacific Defense Corps, and – after Onoki finishes with his back – give Hiruzen their full attention.
"I hereby call this official meeting of the Pan Pacific Defense Corps High Council to order," Marshall Sarutobi declares. "Firstly, I would like to thank each and every one of you for meeting me in the various dates and times you find yourselves in." He then gives Onoki a look of barely concealed amusement. "I hope I didn't catch you at a bad moment, Onoki."
"That blasted chiropractor of mine just had to reschedule my appointment to right before the meeting!" Onoki complains. "I swear, she's doing more damage to my back than my age is!"
"Perhaps you should consider taking a holiday, Onoki," Yagura suggests respectfully. "Some time away from the Shatterdome might improve your health considerably."
"Are you kidding?! My Shatterdome is the happiest place on Earth, and I'll be damned if I miss a single moment here!" Onoki proudly declares, before wincing from the strain on his spine. "What I really need is one of those fancy prosthetics, like the one Shimura has!"
"I'm not sure that Stark Industries has that technology available. I'm fairly certain that a person's spinal column will be more complex than a lost limb, Onoki," Danzo points out as he flexes his robotic arm.
"I'll mention your request to Stark later," Fury states. "Knowing him, he'll take it as a personal challenge."
"Tell him if he succeeds, he'll become my new best friend!" Onoki proclaims, before turning his attention to Max. "You seem as spry as a spring chicken after all these years, Maxwell. What's your secret?"
Max smiles and answers, "Well, I attribute that to a life of frequent exercise and a healthy diet."
Everyone else in the room cringes at the last part, knowing full well what Max Tennyson's "healthy diet" entails.
Max turns to Phil on and asks, "By the way, how did you enjoy the centipede gumbo I made for your birthday potluck, Phil?"
Phil takes a moment to find the right words. "…It was…a bit on the spicy side."
Max chuckles. "Yeah, that tends to be the case. I'll tone down on the seasonings for next time."
Phil has a strained smile on his face. "I appreciate that."
"As wonderful as this conversation is, perhaps we should focus on the business at hand?" Danzo calmly suggests, wanting to get back on track.
"Thank you, Danzo," says Hiruzen. "We should discuss our main topic for today's meeting: Operation: Endgame."
At that, everyone else in the room becomes dead serious, the gravity of the situation settling in.
"What is our progress?" Hiruzen asks.
"Our research facility in Hong Kong has informed me that development is right on schedule," Hippolyta reports.
"Same for our boys here in Vladivostok," Phil on states.
"The workers at our facility here in Los Angeles will be finished long before our deadline," Fury adds.
Hiruzen nods in satisfaction. "Excellent. Any issues security-wise?" At the three Commanders' 'no's', Hiruzen nods again. "Very good. Secrecy is vital for this project, especially with the more human threats facing us."
The threats that Hiruzen mentions are primarily associated with the Buenakai, a cult of Kaiju worshippers that rose to power during the First Kaiju War. They believed that the Kaiju were sent from Heaven to punish mankind for its sinful behavior. That belief took a major hit at the end of the war, when the First Breach was sealed, and the Kaiju menace was stopped.
During the era of peace that followed, the Buenakai's numbers dropped significantly, and it seemed that the faith would die off. Then, the Second Kaiju War began. Since then, the Buenakai found their second wind, and their power and influence have been steadily returning.
"Don't remind me. The Buenakai have become more powerful lately here in Sydney," Erwin Smith laments. "I've lost count of how many death threats that damned Kaiju cult has sent us."
"It's the same here in Lima," Onoki growls angrily. "Those ungrateful traitors! They should be wiped out along with the Kaiju!"
"Such action would only give credibility to their cause. We would be making them martyrs," Hippolyta states evenly.
"Agreed. What we need to do is discredit their movement," Danzo suggests. "They must be exposed for the fools that they really are."
"I'm in agreement, Danzo. I've given approval for the PR department to start a campaign against the Buenakai. I've also been personally lobbying support in governments around the world for them to denounce the cult for their despicable ways," Hiruzen explains. "Once the people know just who the Buenakai really are, their support will plummet."
"I still have some strings to pull in the U.S. government, if that'll help," Fury offers.
Hiruzen nods. "Thank you, Fury."
"Back on the topic of Operation: Endgame, there's still the matter of choosing the Jaegers who will be performing the actual operation," Danzo states.
"The operation won't be happening for almost two years. If we choose certain Jaegers now, there's no guarantee that they'll survive until the deadline," Max points out. "I hate to be pessimistic, but there's an old saying about counting your chickens before they hatch."
"I'm afraid that that decision is going to be made at the last minute. The only thing that we can do in the meantime is keep as many Pilots and Jaegers alive as possible. We'll need everyone we have when the time comes," Hiruzen says to the Commanders seriously. A warm smile then forms on his face. "On the topic of Pilots, how are our new graduates doing?" Hiruzen turns to his old friend. "Danzo?"
"All of them have completed their first runs in their Jaegers, and they've performed more than adequately," Danzo reports. "I have high hopes for Sasuke Uchiha and his father in Susanoo. They already have excellent teamwork and Drift Compatibility. So do the Pilots for Delta Hurricane. I foresee the three of them becoming the perfect successors for the Ino-Shika-Cho trio. As for the Hyuuga twins, I admit I was skeptical about their first run since the fighting style for Leo Equinox is vastly different from the Hyuuga clan's Dancing Blade, but they surprised me with their ability to adapt to their Jaeger. Overall, I am satisfied with their performances, and I look forward to seeing them in combat."
"I'm pleased to hear that, Danzo," Hiruzen says in contentment. "And how are they interacting with their fellow denizens in the Shatterdome?"
Danzo shrugs. "Decently, from what I've observed. There is, however, a bit of drama between Pilot Ino Yamanaka and my new secretary, Sakura Haruno. Apparently, Pilot Yamanaka considers young Sakura her rival for Sasuke's affection."
"Oof," Phil comments. "You'd think that kind of behavior would stop after high school."
"You have no idea," Hippolyta mutters with a knowing smirk.
Hiruzen chuckles. "Well, if that's the only issue, then I'm satisfied with your management skills, Danzo. Good job."
A hint of a smile appears on Danzo's face as he nods to his superior.
Hiruzen turns his attention to Fury. "What about the new Pilots for the Los Angeles Fleet?"
The Marshall's question draws Commander Tennyson's attention, given that his grandson has just recently joined the Los Angeles Fleet.
"They handled their Jaegers well during their first run, and their training ever since has been going smoothly," Fury reports. "Naruto Uzumaki, Korra Grey, and Ben Tennyson have adjusted to Piloting the new Mk. VI's."
"Ah, the Three Musketeers, as they're called," Hiruzen says with amusement. "It's a shame they had to be split up to accommodate the new Jaegers."
"Well, Pilot Tennyson seems to be getting along with his Co-Pilot just fine," Fury says.
"Who is his Co-Pilot?" Max asks his fellow Commander.
Fury answers evenly, "Anko Mitarashi."
The others in the room look at Fury with mixtures of surprise and concern, though from Max, it's mostly concern.
"Anko Mitarashi? As in Orochimaru's former student?" Yagura asks.
Orochimaru was a former ward of Hiruzen who became a Kaiju Scientist in the Pan Pacific Defense Corps. As time passed, and he studied the corpses of fallen Kaiju, he wondered whether he could utilize Kaiju anatomy in order to physically benefit human beings through the use of cross-species genetics. Unfortunately, his curiosity morphed into manic obsession, and he began illegal and immoral experiments on humans in order to create the ultimate human/Kaiju hybrid. Before he could complete his work, he was caught, disgraced, and arrested for his crimes. Although justice was served, it left Anko, Orochimaru's own ward, without anyone to take care of her, until a Jaeger Pilot adopted her after a while.
"She's also the adopted daughter of decorated former Pilot Ibiki Morino," Danzo informs the younger Commander. "She's an excellent fighter, but her…'quirks' have caused many of her prospective Co-Pilots to be reassigned and/or sent to intensive therapy."
Max gives Fury a hard look. "What exactly do you mean by my grandson 'getting along fine' with her?"
"Apparently, they had a few heart-to-heart moments when they first met, and now they're a couple," Fury answers nonchalantly, surprising everyone else even further.
"…Are you telling me that my grandson, who just graduated from the Academy less than three weeks ago, is now in a romantic relationship with Anko Mitarashi?" Max asks incredulously.
"That's right," Fury confirms with a hint of a smirk, "and it appears to be a happy relationship, too."
"I feel like we should be concerned about this," Phil comments.
"Alright, let's all stop being so dramatic," Hippolyta demands. "She may have her 'quirks' and a questionable background, but she's still a proud member of the PPDC, and we shouldn't judge her so harshly. If she has a happy, healthy relationship with her Co-Pilot, then I see no reason to interfere."
Fury shrugs. "As long as they kill Kaiju once a month, I don't really give a damn."
"I for one offer my well wishes to the new couple," Yagura says enthusiastically.
The other commanders nod along, sharing Yagura's sentiments, though Max is still concerned for his grandson's wellbeing, something that Hiruzen's secretary notices.
"Forgive my intrusion, but I can personally testify that Anko-chan is a good person at heart," Shizune interjects in defense of her friend. "She, Pilot Kurenai Yuhi, and I have hung out together plenty of times during Anko-chan's time in Shatterdome 1, and she's displayed compassion and good will on numerous occasions. In my humble opinion, Commander Tennyson, your grandson is in safe hands."
Max's concern is lessened somewhat thanks to Shizune's words. The rest of the high-ranking officials feel their respect for the secretary increase greatly.
"Thank you for your endorsement, Shizune-chan," Hiruzen says with a smile, causing Shizune to shyly look away. The Marshall then turns to Erwin. "With that matter settled, how is the Sydney Fleet?"
"The new Pilots have successfully completed their first run in their Jaegers, and their subsequent training is going smoothly," Erwin reports. "Eren Jaeger is currently training to master Freedom Wing's Death Spiral. He's progressing at an acceptable rate."
"Acceptable by regular standards or by Captain Levi's standards?" Phil asks with a smirk, knowing Captain Levi's reputation as a slavedriver.
"…I can't speak for Levi," Erwin answers evenly, getting chuckles from his fellow commanders.
"What about the Pilots of Spirit Draco?" Hiruzen asks. "They should be receiving plenty of experience under Captain Albarn's tutelage."
Erwin grimaces at this question. "That would be the case if they were training under Captain Spirit Albarn. Unfortunately, Pilot Maka Albarn has made sure that she and her Co-Pilot have as little interactions with her father as physically possible. Apparently, she still holds a grudge against him for his adulterous behavior in the past."
Everyone in the room winces, knowing full well the rather turbulent history of the Albarn family. Spirit Albarn's multiple instances of infidelity not only cost him his marriage, but also the love and respect of his only child. Spirit has insisted that he still loves his ex and daughter to this day, though the frequent visits to the many gentleman clubs in Sydney during his leave time contradict his claims.
"We can only hope that the need to defeat the Kaiju menace will inspire young Maka-san to reconcile with her father, or at the very least learn his techniques," Hiruzen says. "Perhaps you can give her some encouragement, Erwin."
"I'll do my best, though I'm not exactly experienced when it comes to family issues," Erwin states.
"Hopefully, your best will be enough," Hiruzen says before turning to Onoki. "Moving on, how is the Lima Fleet handling its new Pilots, Onoki?"
After hearing the question, Onoki looks down and appears to be trembling, causing the others to look at him in concern.
"Onoki?" Hiruzen asks worryingly.
"YOU NEED TO GET HIM OUT OF MY FLEET RIGHT NOW!" a red-faced Onoki yells out in rage, causing everyone else to recoil away in fright.
"…Who are you referring to exactly?" Hiruzen asks nervously.
"Black Star! That annoying little brat!" Onoki answers furiously. "He thinks he's God's gift to mankind! Every day, it's the same thing; he declares his dominance at least three times a day in the loudest, most obnoxious voice I've ever heard, he disrespects me – especially when I give him orders – and he picks fights with the other Pilots in order to prove his superiority! The only comfort is that he's lost nearly every fight he's picked, and his only victories are against his fellow rookie Rex Salazar."
"I take it he isn't learning humility from all the ass-whoopings?" Fury asks.
"Just the opposite! He's become more emboldened with each loss!" Onoki replies. "The only person that has any success in reining him in is his Co-Pilot, Tsubaki Nakatsukasa. She's the complete opposite to him; an absolute angel that gets along well with everybody."
"Thank heavens for that miracle," Hippolyta comments.
"How is their teamwork?" Hiruzen asks. "From what I recall, Tsubaki was the only one in the Academy that was Drift Compatible with young Black Star."
Onoki sighs. "As much as I hate to admit it, their teamwork is incredible. Despite their opposing personalities, they are consistently 100% in sync with each other. When they're in their Conn-Pod, Tsubaki is able to keep Black Star enough in check that he can follow instructions and fight without rushing in recklessly. They've demonstrated exceptionable combat skills in their Jaeger."
"I see," Hiruzen mutters, before giving Onoki a sympathetic look. "I'm sorry, Onoki, but simply transferring Black Star to another Shatterdome won't solve anything. That would involve swapping an entire Jaeger and her Pilots with Assassin Nova, young Black Star, and Tsubaki-san. Not only would it be a logistical nightmare, but it wouldn't change his personality. I can't remove him either, since that would deprive Tsubaki of a compatible Pilot, which would take a considerable amount of time and energy to replace. I wish I could help you, but my hands are tied."
Onoki curses under his breath. "Well, hopefully I won't have to resort to any drastic measures to keep him in line."
"Just don't scar him physically or mentally, and you should be fine," Danzo states nonchalantly, causing Hiruzen to sweat-drop at his former Co-Pilot's mindset.
Hiruzen coughs. "Moving on, you mentioned Rex Salazar before. How is he?"
Onoki, happy for the change in topic, replies, "Well, he's not the best fighter, but he can certainly hold his own as a brawler. His Co-Pilot, Captain Adrien Smith, is showing him the ropes when it comes to piloting the Mk. IV Cusco Zeta, and the boy's a fast learner."
"Cusco Zeta? Isn't that the Jaeger that's been heavily modified with all kinds of strange weaponry for the past few months?" Phil asks.
Onoki smirks. "I've allowed my top Engineer, Shuri Bast, to use Cusco Zeta as her test subject when it comes to experimental weapons, and to say I'm impressed is an understatement. She's definitely earned her reputation as Wakanda Industries' Head of R&D."
"I look forward to seeing the fruits of her labor in due time," Hiruzen says with a smile, before turning to Yagura. "The Madang Fleet only received one new Pilot in the form of Monkey D. Luffy. How is he settling in?"
Yagura smiles. "He's fitting in splendidly. His friendly nature has endeared him to most of the other Pilots, and his training with his brother, Ace, in the Mk. IV Thousand Sunny is progressing steadily." Yagura's smile becomes strained. "Unfortunately, he has a much more monstrous appetite than his brother. I fear for our Shatterdome's food supply."
Everyone else chuckles good-naturedly at Yagura's plight.
"I'll make sure that the Madang Shatterdome is properly stocked with food, Yagura," Hiruzen assures the young commander.
"Much appreciated," Yagura says with a nod.
"That just leaves the Anchorage Fleet," Hiruzen says as he faces Max.
"The Inuzuka Twins' have phenomenal teamwork, and it shows in their training runs in their Mk. V Piercing Fang," Max reports. "The only real issue is that they've developed a rivalry with the Pilots of Hellfire Cat."
Fury notices his friend Phil holding in some laughter. "You're not going to be making any dogs vs cats jokes, are you?"
A startled Phil quickly coughs to compose himself. "No. Not at all."
"I thought so," Fury says as he gives Phil a knowing look.
Hiruzen turns his attention to Hippolyta and Phil. "My apologies for not providing new Pilots for Hong Kong or Vladivostok. Hopefully, the new Mk. VI Jaegers will be able to compensate."
"I certainly appreciate them. Bracer Phoenix and Guardian Bravo are wonderful additions to Shatterdome 6," Phil replies.
"I feel the same for Saber Athena," says Hippolyta. "She's smaller than other Jaegers, but hopefully that can play to our advantage."
"Glad to hear it," Hiruzen says with a smile. "Well, with that settled, is there anything else that needs to be addressed?"
No one else speaks up.
"Then on that, I officially conclude this meeting," Hiruzen declares. "Thank you all for joining me today. I wish you all safety and success for the next Kaiju attack, along with our eventual victory."
With that, the commanders' holograms dissipate one by one. Eventually, only Danzo's hologram is left active in the office.
Hiruzen notices Danzo's somewhat forlorn expression. "Something the matter, old friend?"
"Nothing awful, Hiruzen. It's just…," Danzo tries to explain, "…I've been part of this war for nearly my entire life. I want humanity to defeat the Kaiju menace as much as anyone else, if not more so, but imagining a future beyond the war has me…anxious, to say the least. What would become of the PPDC? Of the Jaegers? Of us? Without all of this in my life, I honestly wouldn't know what to do with myself."
"I feel the same kind of anxiety myself sometimes, Danzo," Hiruzen admits. He then adds, "However, I also feel something else; hope. Once the Kaiju are gone for good, humanity will once again be allowed to shape its destiny without the threat of destruction. We can use the peace to rest, recover, and create a better society for all." Hiruzen smiles at his friend. "That being said, I doubt the Pan Pacific Defense Corps is just going to be abandoned. We may be rebranded, and our duties may change, but the Jaegers have become an integral part of our life, and that isn't going to change anytime soon."
Danzo takes some comfort in his friend's words. Hiruzen was always the more optimistic of the two.
"On a lighter note, how is everything at home?" Hiruzen asks. "I believe you've recently taken in a young ward."
Danzo's expression brightens. "Yes. His name is Sai. He wishes to become a professional artist, and from what I've seen of his work, he's quite talented."
"You'll have to show me some of his art sometime."
"Gladly. How's Konohamaru?"
Shizune watches from the side as the two lifelong friends chat with one another. She smiles at the scene, enjoying the momentary peaceful atmosphere.
Date: Oct. 13, 2085
Location: Training Room 1, Shatterdome 4, Sydney
Classical music plays in the background as Eren Jaeger performs a pirouette for the umpteenth time today. His feet are aching in his ballet shoes and he's dizzy from the half-hour of spinning, but he pushes on. This has become a regular part of Eren's training regiment, alongside combat and Jaeger simulations. For the past two weeks, the rookie Pilot has worked tirelessly to perfect his pirouette in order to execute the Death Spiral technique, and after numerous spills and falls on the hard wooden floor, he believes that he has finally achieved that goal.
The stony face of Captain Levi, who's watching from the side of the room, says otherwise.
Levi sighs and shakes his head. "Okay, rookie. Take five."
Eren stops his spin and stands on both of his feet, taking a moment to straighten himself out and clear the dizziness in his head. This post-pirouette sensation used to be a lot worse. When Eren first started this training regiment, he nearly vomited quite a few times.
Levi approaches Eren and says, "Close, but not what I would call acceptable."
Eren gets frustrated upon hearing this.
"With all due respect, Captain, how is this not acceptable?!" Eren vents. "I've been improving my technique ever since I started this whole ballet thing weeks ago!"
"I'll ignore that outburst just this once, rookie," Levi states, unfazed by Eren's frustration. "While it's true that you've improved your technique, you haven't perfected it yet. The Death Spiral is devastating when performed correctly, but if you falter even the slightest bit, not only would we look ridiculous, but we'd also be exposed to a Kaiju counterattack that could destroy the both of us and Freedom Wing. To me, acceptable means a perfect, almost instinctual execution with minimal effort, and you're not at that level yet."
Eren looks down in anger, his fists clenching tightly.
Levi nods at this. "You're pissed off. Good. Let that fuel the fire under your ass and motivate you to perfection, rookie. Whenever we're deployed, I expect you to show me my definition of acceptable out there. Otherwise, I'll find myself someone else who can. Am I gonna have to go Pilot-shopping, rookie?"
Eren looks up at his Co-Pilot with determination in his eyes. "Absolutely not, sir!"
"Good answer," Levi says with approval. He turns around and heads back to the wall. "Now, back to it."
With newfound motivation, Eren returns to his training, eager to reach the captain's immensely high standard.
At the entrance to the training room stands Soul, who's curiosity led him to peak on Team Freedom Wing's training routine. He finds himself intrigued and perplexed by the rather strange methods of training that his fellow rookie is going through. Eventually, he decides that he's had his fill of peeping and walks away.
'Man, I was kind of jealous at first that Spirit Draco doesn't have a Death Spiral technique like those guys do, but now I'm glad I don't have to do any of that ballet stuff. A cool guy like me wouldn't be caught dead in those shoes,' Soul muses as he approaches a 3-way intersection. 'Then again, I suppose it takes a certain amount of coolness to put on those shoes and do ballet day after day without feeling any shame.'
Soul's contemplation is interrupted when a pair of hands grab him and pull him around the corner. The hands pin Soul to the wall, causing him to grunt in pain. As he regains his bearings, he sees that Captain Spirit Albarn is the one who has him pinned.
"What the – mmph!" Soul yells before one of Spirit's hands muffles him.
"Shush!" Spirit quietly orders before shadily looking around the corner. "Looks like the coast is clear."
Crunch!
"YEOUCH!" Spirit yelps as Soul's unnaturally sharp teeth chomp down on his hand.
After a moment of biting, Soul releases his hold, allowing Spirit to cradle his injured hand and comically blow on the throbbing wound.
Spirit gives Soul a glare. "What the hell?!"
Soul glares back. "Maybe that'll teach you not to sneak up on me. On that note, why did you do that?"
Spirit huffs tiredly before answering, "I'm asking for a huge favor from you."
Soul raises an eyebrow in confusion. "And you had to sneak up on me to do it?"
"I had to make sure that Maka wasn't around," Spirit answers conspiratorially.
Soul's confusion is replaced with understanding. "Ah, I see what this is."
"Just listen!" Spirit insists. "I need you to convince Maka to let me train you two on using Spirit Draco."
"Why?" Soul asks. "We're already learning plenty by ourselves."
"Oh, really? Well, did you know that you can use the scythe's Kaiju Hunter to take out flying Kaiju if you aim it right?" Spirit asks smugly.
Soul's face becomes equally smug. "We sure do. We managed to take down Otachi in the training simulations after some practice."
Spirit's smugness falters for a second, but he recovers. "Well, how about the fact that if you swing the scythe into a Kaiju while it's powered up by Kaiju Hunter–"
"–The blade slices cleanly into the Kaiju's body like a hot knife through butter, which we also figured out in the training simulations." Soul interjects, still smug.
Spirit starts getting irate. "The Kaiju Hunter can build up energy for 115 seconds–"
"–Until it explodes, which sends a shockwave of energy and shrapnel into the Jaeger's body. That was a cool experiment we did in the simulations, by the way."
Now, Spirit is getting desperate. "Well, uh, how about–"
"Enough already!" Soul interrupts with a serious look. "This isn't about our Jaeger at all. It's all about you and Maka."
"Well, excuse me for wanting to make amends to my daughter!" Spirit yells. "I've tried everything I could on my end to even have a civil conversation with Maka, but she's rejected me every single time!"
"I don't blame her," Soul mutters in annoyance from being forced into this conversation. "Look, whatever's going on with you and your daughter, you have to be the one to make it right. Don't go dragging me into this."
"But you can help!" Spirit exclaims with a hopeful gleam in his eyes.
"How?" Soul asks in confusion.
Spirit clasps Soul's hands in between them, causing Soul to cringe.
"Nothing difficult at all. All you have to do is set up a meeting with Maka and I where we can have a heart-to-heart with each other. You can even sprinkle in a few suggestions that I'm not a bad man and I truly love my daughter dearly," Spirit advises.
Soul looks unconvinced. "Even though you have sex with call girls on a regular basis?"
Spirit huffs in exasperation. "Okay, so I'm a little hedonistic! That's not really a bad thing!"
"It is if it destroys your marriage with the woman you claim to love with all of your heart, and causes your precious daughter to hate your guts," Soul states.
"Hey! I do love the both of them with everything I have!" Spirit defends indignantly.
"Then why did you betray them? Why are you still betraying them now?" Soul asks the father of his Co-Pilot.
The older man has a desperate look on his face and tears welling in his eyes as he answers, "I'm a hot-blooded male, alright? I just…I can't help myself."
This infuriates Soul, who rips his hands away.
"That's a bullshit excuse!" Soul yells, startling Spirit. "If you really loved your wife and daughter, you'd try to be a better husband and father for them! You wouldn't let your desires get in the way of that! The fact that you're putting fucking hookers over being with your family tells me that you don't care about your wife and kid as much as you fool yourself into thinking you do!"
Soul's words stun Spirit, who slumps down to his knees. The older man thinks back on his behavior. His actions. He had told his daughter countless times that he had changed for the better. That he would redeem himself to her. And every time, he would just go off to a brothel and have his way with women who only ever truly cared about his wallet.
'…I really have been betraying Maka all this time, haven't I?' Spirit laments internally as tears flow from his eyes.
Soul has little sympathy for the redhead. "I won't betray Maka by manipulating her into liking you. If you want your daughter back, you have to do it yourself."
With that, Soul walks away, leaving Spirit to lament in the hallway and rethink his life.
Soul only gets as far as the next intersection, however, when another pair of hands pulls him around the corner and pushes him against the wall. This time, it's Maka Albarn, who has a serious expression on her face, that has him pinned.
"Seriously?!" Soul cries out in annoyance. "First the creep, and now you?! Is this just an Albarn thing, or what?!"
"…Did you mean it?"
Soul's annoyance slips away as he blinks, trying to process Maka's question. "Pardon?"
"Did you mean it when you said that you wouldn't betray me?" Maka asks again with an almost desperate look in her eyes.
Soul answers seriously, "Absolutely. I'm not the kind of guy who stabs people in the back, especially not the people close to me."
Maka looks down, hiding her eyes from her Co-Pilot. Her hands tremble as they clutch Soul's shirt.
"…My father was supposed to be my hero. My role model. The one who was supposed to teach me what a proper man should be. And then, he went and cheated on Mama…twice," Maka mutters with a quiver in her voice. "Ever since then, I've been afraid of getting close with guys. I kept thinking to myself that what happened with Mama could happen to me. If my own father could cheat, then…"
Soul gives his Co-Pilot a look of sympathy as she bears her soul out to him. He then smiles and pats her head, causing Maka to look up at him with surprise.
"You don't have to worry about me cheating on you. You know why?" Soul asks. Maka doesn't answer, so he continues, "It's because I'm the coolest guy ever, and cool guys don't cheat."
A feeling of hope swells inside Maka's chest. Maybe, just maybe, she can trust Soul to stand by her side.
Besides being her Co-Pilot in a Jaeger and fighting monsters, of course.
Maka smiles at Soul as she releases her hold on him. "Thank you."
"Not a problem," Soul replies.
The two of them walk side by side as they head for the Mess Hall.
"…You're still an idiot," Maka states.
"Whatever you say, bookworm," Soul fires back.
"…Makaaaaa CHOP!"
Pow!
"Ow!"
Date: Oct. 14, 2085
Location: Hallway outside the Cafeteria, Shatterdome 5, Lima
Uuuurggllglglgl!
That's the sound of a young man's stomach growling, which echoes throughout the hallway. The young man has black eyes and short black hair that's spiked back. He wears a crimson jacket with orange stripes over a blue and white T-shirt, blue jeans, and black combat boots. On his head are brown goggles with yellow lenses. This is Rex Salazar, Pilot of the Mk. IV Cusco Zeta.
"Híjole, am I starving!" Rex exclaims. "I could eat a whole sled full of food right now!"
"Didn't you have some breakfast before our morning exercises?" asks an older gentleman in a green suit walking with Rex. The other man has black buzz-cut hair, a triangular goatee on his chin, and black sunglasses covering his eyes. This is Rex's Co-Pilot, Adrien Smith.
"Dude, a single protein bar does not count as breakfast," Rex firmly states.
"It can be if you properly manage your calorie intake," Adrien retorts matter-of-factly. "You'd be surprised by how little the human body can effectively function with should the situation call for it."
Rex rolls his eyes. "Of course. I forgot that I'm talking to the guy who happily ate MREs three times a day growing up."
"Don't be ridiculous…those were delicacies compared to the usual stuff," Adrien says evenly, getting a surprised look from Rex.
"…The usual stuff being?" Rex asks tentatively.
"Do you really want to know, or would you like to keep your appetite?" Adrien asks.
Rex looks somewhat queasy. It takes no time for him to decide. "I'll choose the latter, thank you."
Adrien nods. "Wise decision."
With that, Rex and Adrien enter the cafeteria, which is already abuzz with activity. The two waste no time in loading up their trays with their morning meals before starting their search for seats.
As they walk, Rex eyeballs Adrien's tray hungrily. "So, since you're all about regulating calories, then you wouldn't mind me snagging your serving of peaches, right?"
Adrien's shaded gaze turns to Rex. "When's the last time you beat me in a spar?"
Rex feels a blow to his pride at this question, given that Adrien has both metaphorically and literally wiped the floor with him ever since they started training together.
"Well, I, uh…I got close three days ago," Rex defends.
Adrien looks ahead again. "The peaches stay with me."
Rex sulks slightly in defeat.
"Ayo! What's happening, Rex-O!"
Rex perks up at hearing the shout from one of the many friends he's made here at Shatterdome 5.
This one is an older, dark-skinned man sitting at a nearby table with white combed-back hair, oval-shaped sunglasses over his eyes, a white bandana over his forehead, and two blue horn tattoos on his left cheek. He wears a white flak jacket over his bare torso, grey pants, a red rope around his waist, and white shin guards. This is one of the Pilots of the Mk. III Lightning Lariat, known as Killer Bee, or B for short.
"B! My main man! How's the grub?" Rex happily asks as he and Adrien approach B.
"I wouldn't call it fine dining, this bit of slop, but it's got what I need to keep my shape tip top!" B raps to his friend.
"Good to know, amigo," Rex says as Adrien joins them.
B takes notice of Adrien. "If it isn't Mr. Kaiju Killing Machine! Still rocking that horrible shade of green?!"
Adrien simply raises an eyebrow. "I thought your brother instituted a ban on rapping?"
"It's more of a guideline than an actual rule," B argues. "Besides, he's nowhere around us, fool, ya fool."
B then notices Rex and Adrien looking past him.
"…He's right behind me, isn't he – ACK!" B asks nervously before a large hand grabs his head painfully.
That hand belongs to another dark-skinned man with white combed-back hair who appears to be several years older than B. This man has a small mustache and a goatee on his face. He wears a white coat over his bare torso, long gold vambraces on his arms, a gold belt with a boar's face, and black pants. He is Killer B's brother and Co-Pilot, known as Killer A, or A for short.
"In case you were wondering, it is absolutely a rule," A affirms as he squeezes on his brother's temple with his Iron Claw technique.
"H-Hey, Big Bro. I thought you were at a meeting with the commander?" B asks nervously, no longer rapping.
"It got postponed due to another sudden back issue," A answers as he releases his brother and sits down beside him with his tray of food.
"Seriously? How's el viejo not in a wheelchair by now?" Rex asks incredulously.
"You do know that's your superior officer you're talking about, right?" Adrien reminds his Co-Pilot.
"The kid's only saying what we're all thinking, Adrien," A says as he digs into his food. "I respect the man for sticking around as long as he has, but honestly, he's one slip away from ending up in a wheelchair."
Rex gives A a questioning look. "You're not exactly young and spry yourself, A."
A gives Rex a deadpan expression and flexes his right arm, showing off his bulky gun of a limb.
"…Point taken," Rex concedes evenly.
"Rex! Over here!"
Rex and Adrien's attentions are drawn to a young woman waving from a nearby table, with two others sitting beside her.
Rex smiles and turns to the Lightning Brothers. "If you'll excuse us, we gotta join our other amigos. Catch you two on the flip side, Killer Bros," Rex raps before walking away with Adrien following.
"Don't encourage that!" A yells in annoyance at the retreating pair, only to hear some muttering right next to him. A turns and is horrified to find his brother writing in his notebook, apparently inspired by Rex to write some new verses.
A drags his hand over his face. 'Sometimes, I can't believe we have the same mother.'
Rex and Adrien arrive at the other table where Rex's three friends are sitting. One of them is the young woman that was waving at Rex and Adrien, who smiles as Rex sits next to her. She has dark skin, braided brown hair tied in a bun, and brown eyes. This is Engineer Shuri Bast, who is also the Head of R&D at her brother's company.
Speaking of her brother, he's currently sitting next to her with an amused expression on his face. He is several years older than Shuri and has short curly brown hair. This is T'Challa Bast, CEO of Wakanda Industries and Pilot of the Mk. III Storm Panther.
Across from him sits a beautiful dark-skinned woman with snow white hair and brown eyes. This is Ororo Munroe-Bast, T'Challa's wife and Co-Pilot.
"Nice of you to finally join us, Rex," Shuri teases the goggle-wearing Pilot as he sits down next to her, while Adrien takes the seat across from Rex.
"Not my fault that my Co-Pilot's a total slave driver," Rex remarks, gesturing to Adrien.
"I put the recruit through basic training to get him in fighting shape to fight monsters, and I get called a slave driver," Adrien laments with a straight face as he digs into his food.
"Speaking of 'fighting shape'," Shuri says as she pulls out a tablet, "I have some new weapon designs and enhancements for Cusco Zeta."
Rex looks excited. "Really? What kinds?"
"Well, since your Co-Pilot has instituted a ban on all firearms and blasters…" Shuri says as she gives Adrien an amused look.
Adrien quirks an eyebrow. "What? I don't like guns."
"Your Jaeger is going to be very up-close-and-personal when fighting," Shuri continues as she types on the tablet. "With that being said, here's the first enhancement."
She pulls up a 3D image of a gun-metal grey Jaeger with orange highlights. Its design is similar to Gipsy Danger, except it has the shoulders of Cherno Alpha and the feet of Striker Eureka. Its chest reactor has a blue glow and four glowing-blue lines extending out of it and wrapping around the Jaeger's torso. This is the Mk. IV Cusco Zeta.
Shuri zooms in on the Jaeger's torso and arms. She types in a few commands, and the lower arms are replaced with large orange boxy gauntlets.
"First up, we have the Smack Hands," Shuri explains, internally reveling in Rex's visible delight. "They're not as powerful as Cherno's fists, but they're much easier to maneuver with. These will be your go-to weapons."
"Damn right, they will! I can't wait to try them out!" Rex exclaims excitedly.
Shuri smiles at Rex's enthusiasm. "You think that's impressive? Check this out."
Shuri types some more on the tablet, and the Jaeger's lower right arm transforms into a massive orange broadsword with a boxy hilt.
"This will be the real Kaiju Killer," Shuri says with pride. "I call it the B.F.S., or Big Fat Sword."
T'Challa chuckles at the name. "I see you have your usual knack for naming your inventions, Shuri."
Shuri gives her brother an annoyed look. "What is wrong with my names?"
"I still have the shoes you made for me that silence my footsteps when I walk. I believe that you called them 'Sneakers'," T'Challa recounts, getting an embarrassed look on his sister's face.
Rex can't help but snicker. Unfortunately for him, this catches Shuri's attention.
"Is something funny, Rex?" Shuri asks challengingly.
Rex gulps. "Uh, nope! Nothing at all!" he says with a nervous smile.
Shuri nods with a smirk. "I thought so. Now pay attention. I still have to go through the Jaeger modifications and attachments."
"Yes, ma'am," Rex responds obediently as Shuri shows him her tablet.
T'Challa and Ororo watch the scene with amusement.
"Young love is a wonderful thing, isn't it, dear husband?" Ororo comments with a content smile.
T'Challa gives his wife a surprised look. "What are you talking about? There's nothing romantic happening here," he says quietly while glancing at his sister talk animatedly to the youngest pilot at the table.
"Is that so? Because I seem to recall a similar scene back in our Academy days, when you showed off your Wakanda Industries technology in an attempt to woo me," Ororo points out knowingly.
T'Challa looks away with a flushed face. "Well, uh, now that you mention it–"
"GOOD MORNING, PEASENTS!"
All the people in the room cringe from the ear-splitting cry coming from the cafeteria entrance. The source of the cry is a young man with spiky blue hair and a cocky grin, who everyone else is trying their best to ignore.
This is rookie Pilot and Lima Shatterdome's resident pest, Black Star.
Standing next to him is a much taller young woman with black hair tied in a ponytail and large indigo eyes. This is Tsubaki Nakatsukasa, Black Star's Co-Pilot in the Mk. V Jaeger, Assassin Nova. She's currently holding her forehead in her hand, looking away from her partner's antics.
Black Star is ignorant to his Co-Pilot's embarrassment as he waltzes into the cafeteria and begins his morning speech.
"REJOICE, FOR YOUR PRESENCES HAVE BEEN GRACED BY THE LEGENDARY BLACK STAR, THE GREATEST JAEGER PILOT THE WORLD HAS EVER SEEN!" The young Pilot proudly announces. He then gestures to Tsubaki. "ACCOMPANYING ME IS NAKATSUKASA TSUBAKI, THE ONLY ONE WORTHY OF DRIFTING WITH A GOD SUCH AS MYSELF!"
Tsubaki blushes slightly from her partner's praise.
Black Star leaps onto a table and snatches a random spoon, getting an angry "Hey!" from the now spoonless Mechanic sitting at the table. Black Star ignores the upset worker as he uses the spoon as a makeshift microphone to continue his speech.
"TOGETHER, WE ARE THE ULTIMATE FIGHTING FORCE IN THE PAN PACIFIC DEFENSE CORPS!" Black Star continues as he leaps from table to table, drawing the ire of the people sitting at them. "WE STRIKE FEAR INTO THE HEARTS OF THE KAIJU, AND TEAR EXTRATERRESTRIAL MONSTERS APART WITH OUR BLADES OF AWESOMENESS!"
Black Star eventually reaches the table where Rex, Adrien, Shuri, T'Challa, and Ororo are sitting, much to the annoyance of the five.
"BE NOT AFRAID, FOR THE DESTRUCTIVE POWER OF ASSASSIN NOVA IS ONLY USED FOR THE GOOD OF HUMANITY! INSTEAD, YOU CAN WATCH AND REVEL AS MY PARTNER AND I DESTROY THE KAIJU MENACE AND SAVE THE WORLD!"
As Black Star continues his oratory assault, Rex locks eyes with Shuri for a moment, before smirking and giving her a wink. Shuri holds back her giggles as she watches Rex stealthily mess with Black Star's shoelaces.
Black Star is oblivious to this as he closes his speech. "I'M PERSONALLY HAPPY THAT YOUR SPIRITS HAVE BEEN RAISED BY MY NATURAL CHARISMA AND WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT!" Black Star prepares to leap from the table. "ALWAYS REMEMBER THE HERO THAT BRIGHTENED YOUR DAY TODAY; THE LEGENDARY BLA-AAAAGH!"
WHUMP!
That is the sound of Black Star's surprised face hitting the ground hard after his unsuccessful leap off of the table. His legs stick up in the air, with his feet tied together by his shoelaces.
A panicked Tsubaki rushes to her partner's aid, while the rest of the cafeteria watches the awkward display in silence.
Rex has an amused smile on his face as he breaks the silence. "Wow! I've heard of falling stars before, but this is ridiculous!"
The words set off a powder keg of laughter in the room. Next to Rex, Shuri finally lets loose the giggles she was holding in. Next to her, T'Challa nearly doubles over with laughter, while Ororo uses her hand to hide her chuckles. Around them, a cacophony of laughter fills the cafeteria, with the Killer Brothers' guffaws sticking out over those of the others.
Adrien Smith is one of those not laughing out loud, though a small smirk shows his amusement.
Black Star, however, is far from amused. He slowly rises from his crashed position, revealing a broken nose and blood streaming down from his nostrils down his enraged face.
Tsubaki reaches her Co-Pilot and gasps in concerned shock. "Black Star! Your nose!"
Black Star ignores his partner's concern as he spins around and points challengingly at Rex. "YOU!"
"Yes?" Rex asks with an impish smile.
"YOU TOTALLY RUINED MY MOMENT!" Black Star accuses as Tsubaki reaches her hands for his nose. "WHAT KIND OF PERSON DOES THAT TO THE ONE AND ONLY BLACK STAR?!"
SNAP!
"AGH!" Black Star cries out as his nose is reset by Tsubaki.
"Sorry, Black Star!" Tsubaki apologizes.
"I have absolutely no idea what you're talking about," Rex answers innocently as he slyly looks away from the fuming blue-haired Pilot.
Black Star huffs and wipes his nose clean of blood. "You're just jealous that I'm a better fighter than you will ever be."
"Oh, really?" Rex asks, before turning to his Co-Pilot. "Hey, Agent Smith, what's our record in the sparring ring?"
"13-12 in his favor, though you've been undefeated for the past eleven matches," Adrien answers easily, recalling how Rex was once Black Star's punching bag in the ring, only for the tables to slowly turn once Adrien's training took effect.
"You hear that? I'm catching up to the Legendary Black Star!" Rex boasts, before jokingly wiggling his eyebrows at Shuri. "Looks like I'm the one that should be showered with praise, huh?"
"In your dreams, funny boy," Shuri amusingly refutes.
Tsubaki, meanwhile, recoils slightly from the metaphorical steam rising from Black Star's head.
"I'll, uh, just go ahead and get us some food, okay?" Tsubaki asks nervously. Not waiting for a response, she heads off to the food line, leaving Black Star alone in the middle of the cafeteria.
The blue-haired young man's face is uncharacteristically serious as he addresses the people around him.
"Let's get one thing straight, people; I, Black Star, am the hero this world deserves!" Black Star proclaims. "I will ascend past God himself and save humanity from the Kaiju Menace! THIS I SWEAR!"
"Don't get ahead of yourself, Mr. Hero," T'Challa chides the younger Pilot. "You need to survive your first Kaiju encounter before you can talk about saving humanity."
"Besides, this is a team effort. Every one of us here – Pilots, Engineers, Mechanics – must help and support each other if humanity is to be victorious," Ororo kindly lectures. "Not even the greatest among us can hope to win by themselves."
"I've got all the support I need with Tsubaki here," Black Star retorts while gesturing to his Co-Pilot, who has just returned with two trays of food, "and don't worry about me surviving; I'm gonna take the biggest Kaiju's head myself and make it my trophy! Just you wait!"
Black Star takes a tray out of Tsubaki's hand and turns away. He then gives Rex a sidelong look.
"As for you, Salazar, the next time we meet in the ring, I'm gonna show you just where you stand in the pecking order," Black Star declares.
Rex looks unbothered as he digs into his oatmeal. "Whatever you say, Your Excellency."
Black Star grumbles at Rex's uncaring remark. The blue-haired Pilot then turns and heads for one of the cafeteria tables in the back of the room, Tsubaki trailing behind him with a worried expression.
With things quieting down, the rest of the diners turn back to their groups and resume their meals.
Adrien turns to his Co-Pilot. "You know, Rex, if you keep messing around with annoyances like him, they'll become a real pain in the ass in the future."
"Relax, Agent Smith. That wasn't messing around," Rex assures Adrien as he scoops up a spoonful of oatmeal.
Rex then gets a cheeky smile as he bends the spoon back and releases, sending the scoop of gloop flying over his head, through the air…
Splat! "ACK!"
…and into Black Star's hair.
Black Star curses a storm as he tries to clean the gunk out of his hair, with Tsubaki desperately trying to assist him.
Rex smirks at his tablemates. "Now that's messing around," he quips, getting a bit of laughter from Shuri, which causes Rex's smile to grow.
This catches the attention of all three older Pilots at the table. Adrien pays no mind to it and continues eating his breakfast. T'Challa, however, has a wary look on his face as he watches his baby sister happily interact with young Rex Salazar.
"Of course, T'Challa. Nothing romantic happening at all," Ororo teases her husband.
T'Challa gives his wife an annoyed expression, then continues to glance at Shuri and Rex. It appears he might one day have to give Mr. Salazar "The Talk."
Date: Oct. 15, 2085
Location: Main Hangar Bay, Shatterdome 1, Tokyo
Three Jaegers are currently being transported back into the loading bay after another day of training.
One of them is modeled after Crimson Typhoon, except it has a forest-green paintjob with aqua highlights. This is the Mk. III Delta Hurricane, a machine that's been part of three families' history for the past three generations.
The second one is a newer model, with a lavender colored body and indigo accents. It has the body, legs, and head of Striker Eureka, and the arms of Cherno Alpha, though the fists are much smaller. On its chest is a sky-blue design of a growling lion's head. This is the Mk. V Leo Equinox, piloted by the Hyuuga Twins.
The third Jaeger is the Mk. I Susanoo, the oldest mech that is still in commission, having been maintained and upgraded by Uchiha Corps since the very beginning of the Second Kaiju War. It currently has a deep dark purple color with blood red accents. It has the head, arms, and lower legs of Gipsy Danger, but the body and upper legs of Striker Eureka. On its chest is the design of a red and white hand fan; the symbol of the proud Uchiha Clan.
Once the jaegers are docked, the Pilots exit their Conn-Pods.
Out of Susanoo come her two Pilots, each one garbed in a purple and red Drivesuit. The shorter of the two removes his helmet, revealing Sasuke Uchiha, who fixes his helmet hair with an annoyed expression.
"Well done, both of you."
Sasuke and his Co-Pilot turn and see Commander Danzo approaching them. Accompanying the Commander is a young woman with short pink hair and jade eyes wearing a professional suit and skirt. This is Sakura Haruno, Danzo's newest secretary.
Sasuke's Co-Pilot removes his own helmet, revealing Captain Fugaku Uchiha; Sasuke's father and husband to Uchiha Corps' CEO. He has short brown hair, black eyes like his son, and creases under his eyes.
"Thank you, Commander," Fugaku replies respectfully. "The new weapon upgrades seem to perform adequately."
"Just adequately? I believe Mikoto will want to hear something stronger than that, considering it's her company's designs," Danzo says with a knowing smile.
Fugaku and Sasuke both try their best to hide their nervousness. Mikoto is usually a sweet and compassionate angel, especially when it involves her children. At Uchiha Corps, however, she is a completely different person, wanting nothing but perfection from her company's products. Fugaku fears that a report of adequate will result in a cold fury descending upon him from his wife.
"Did I say adequately? I meant 'superbly'!" Fugaku quickly amends.
Danzo laughs at this. "That certainly sounds better. How is Mikoto, by the way?"
As the two older gentlemen continue their conversation, Sakura approaches Sasuke.
"I saw your mock battle with Yamarashi. You and your father fought well out there," Sakura compliments with a smile.
"Well, my father and I have been training together for years, so we already have plenty of experience," Sasuke explains, "although it's no substitute for the real thing."
Sakura gives Susanoo an appraising look. "I've always wondered; what's it like being in an actual Jaeger? Being in control of a metal monster?"
Sasuke turns to Susanoo as well, giving the giant a look of respect. "The original Susanoo was the Shinto God of Storms. He was a wild Kami that was equal parts beneficial and destructive to mankind. Uchiha Madara, the founder of Uchiha Corps, embodied that powerful spirit when he created this Jaeger. For generations, my family was taught that whenever we stepped foot inside the Conn-Pod, the God of Storms would join us and grant us his power. I never fully understood that concept until I first entered Susanoo. I felt that incredible power first-hand, and it was exhilarating. But it also felt like having a huge weight on my shoulders. I knew that if I misused the god's power, it would lead to disaster. In short, it's both exciting and humbling at the same time."
Sakura glances at Sasuke with a cheeky smile. "You make quite the poet, you know that?"
Sasuke looks away with a slight blush to his cheeks.
Sakura turns back to the Jaeger. "You do paint a pretty picture, though. It makes me want to step into one someday."
Sasuke takes a moment to analyze Sakura's form. He notes the muscle on her arms and her toned legs sticking out from under her skirt. She certainly seems to have the body of a Pilot.
"You're pretty well built for a secretary," Sasuke notes.
Sakura quickly turns to Sasuke, startled at the unexpected praise, but then smiles again.
"Thanks!" Sakura replies. "I like to keep an active lifestyle. A healthy body means a healthy mind, after all."
Sasuke gives the pinkette a curious look. "You seem like you want to be a Jaeger Pilot. How come I never saw you at the Academy?"
Sakura's smile drops as a disheartened look forms on her face. "Well, the thing is–"
"Sasuke! Come along! Itachi's waiting for us to videocall him!" Fugaku calls out from across the catwalk, interrupting Sasuke and Sakura's conversation.
Sakura gives Sasuke a sheepish look. "To be continued?"
Sasuke smirks at the pinkette. "I'll hold you to that, Sakura-chan," he says before walking away to join his father, leaving Sakura standing by herself with a stunned expression.
'Sakura…chan?' Sakura processes in her mind, surprised that Sasuke called her by her first name. Her face turns rosy as a warm feeling flows through her, causing her to smile.
Nearby, an amused Danzo watches his secretary become flush from her interaction with the young Uchiha.
'Ah, young love.'
On a separate catwalk, however, someone else is watching the scene with much less enthusiasm. That someone is Ino Yamanaka, standing in her green and aqua Drivesuit and looking at Sakura with an annoyed look on her face.
Behind her are her two Co-Pilots, Shikamaru Nara and Chouji Akamichi, watching her with weary expressions.
"C'mon, Ino. Give it a rest," Chouji pleads. "She's not hurting anybody."
"No, she's just trying to seduce Sasuke-kun right in front of my eyes," Ino retorts. "Look at her, with that bright pink hair, that clean skirt, her innocent façade, her casual demeanor…"
"And, of course, it has nothing to do with the fact that you're not in her place right now," Shikamaru quips.
Ino whirls around and glares at her Co-Pilots with a raised fist. "Say another word and you will feel my wrath."
Shikamaru and Chouji wisely heed the threat and shut their mouths.
Satisfied that her message was received, Ino huffs and storms off. "I need a drink."
Shikamaru and Chouji watch her walk away with tired looks.
"Like my father always says, 'the only thing more troublesome than a Kaiju is a woman'," Shikamaru mutters.
"I'm starting to agree with you there," Chouji tells his friend.
On the other side of the Hangar Bay, the Pilots of Leo Equinox exit their Jaeger and remove their helmets, revealing the faces of Hinata and Hanabi Hyuuga.
Hanabi lets out a moan as she stretches out her body. "What a workout today, huh, Sis?"
"It certainly was, Hanabi-chan," Hinata replies as she massages her shoulder.
Hanabi notices this. "Shoulders still bothering you?"
Hinata nods. "It's still a problem after all these years. I just wish I knew the cause of this pain."
Hanabi glances at her sister's rather sizable bust, which easily dwarfs her own.
"I can think of a couple of things," Hanabi mutters. She then grins impishly. "You know, I bet you'd like a certain blond hunk to give you a nice massage, huh?"
"Eep!" Hinata cries out, surprised by Hanabi's insinuation. "H-Hanabi-chan! D-Don't say things like that!"
Hanabi leans in close and continues, "I bet he wouldn't stop at your shoulders, either. I bet he'd have his hands all over you, every curve and every crevice, making you cry out in sheer pleasure."
Hinata covers her bright red face in embarrassment as R-rated images flow through her head.
Hanabi snickers. "It's so easy to tease you, Hinata," Hanabi jests. "Still, I certainly wouldn't mind being part of that action."
"H-Hanabi! Y-You shouldn't joke about that kind of thing!" Hinata yells, mortified at her sister's insinuation.
Hanabi still smirks as she whispers in Hinata's ear. "Who says I'm joking?"
Hanabi steps back and revels in Hinata's mortified beet-red face.
"Catch you in the Mess Hall, Sis!" Hanabi calls out as she strolls across the catwalk, leaving her sister to try and gather herself.
Hinata takes a few breaths to calm herself after Hanabi's teasing. Her sister was always the wilder, more risqué of the two. Still, as she relaxes, she admits to herself that some of Hanabi's suggestions weren't unwelcome.
'Naruto-kun…I wonder what you're up to now?'
Location: Naruto and Korra's Quarters, Shatterdome 3, Los Angeles
"Ugh…yeah…right there!" Korra moans loudly as she lies on her stomach on the bed, sweat dripping down her body as she eagerly takes what her partner gives her.
"Here?" Naruto asks as he moves, causing Korra to gasp in pleasure.
"Oh yeah! That's the spot!" Korra cries out. "Feels…so good!"
"Just…about…" Naruto mutters.
Korra's head suddenly jumps up, her untied hair flying about as Naruto presses something.
"HAAGH!" Korra yells as her eyes roll up slightly. She then collapses back on the bed with a dopey smile on her face.
Above her, Naruto gives his Co-Pilot an annoyed look.
"It'd be a lot easier for me if you stopped jerking around so much, dattebayo," he says evenly as he straddles Korra's back, his hands massaging Korra's skin.
"I can't help it…your massages feel so good!" Korra whines as she allows the blonde to knead all of the tension out of her body.
Naruto sighs and continues working on his partner's back, all while using every bit of his willpower to not let Korra's moaning affect him.
This has become a routine of theirs for the past week, ever since Naruto innocently offered to help Korra with her post-workout pains. Korra was skeptical at first about the blonde's massaging skills, but all skepticism disappeared fifteen minutes into their first session. Needless to say, she had become spellbound by Naruto's magical hands.
Ten loud minutes later, and Naruto is all done. He moves himself off of the bed, allowing Korra to stretch out and bask in the afterglow.
"Seriously, Naruto, where did you learn to do that so amazingly?" Korra asks as she slowly raises herself from the bed.
"My godfather, Jiraya, taught me a few things after I started living with him," Naruto explains. "Apparently, it was one of 'life's essential skills'."
"I should thank him when I meet him someday," Korra says as she stretches her arms.
"I wouldn't. He's a self-proclaimed super pervert that has a habit of peeping on women," Naruto replies casually.
Korra frowns at this information. "On second thought, maybe a punch would do better."
Korra then looks down at her shorts and notices a significant wet spot in the front, causing her entire face to flush in embarrassment.
"I'm, uh, gonna use the shower real quick!" Korra yells before rushing to the bathroom, much to Naruto's confusion.
"…Okay…" Naruto replies to no one.
Fifteen minutes later, Korra finishes her rather cold shower. She exits the bathroom, her hair and body wrapped in towels. Naruto considerately turns away with a small blush, allowing Korra to fully dry herself in peace.
"So, are Ben and Anko gonna join us for Karaoke Night tonight?" Korra asks as she finishes drying herself off.
"I texted Ben about it, though I haven't seen either of them since breakfast this morning," Naruto answers. "Ever since they got paired up, those two are either eating, training, or…doing 'that'."
Korra rolls her eyes as she slips on her panties. "They're like rabbits on steroids, I swear."
Naruto shrugs. "Well, Anko's a proud nymphomaniac, and we both know Ben never really backs down from any challenges, so…"
Korra smirks as she puts a fresh pair of pants on. "Sounds like a match made in heaven."
Naruto chuckles. "It's a match made somewhere; I'll say that for sure."
Korra laughs as she finishes getting dressed. She takes a moment to admire her outfit in the mirror before grabbing some hair ties.
As she ties her hair in her signature ponytail, she takes a glance through the mirror at the blonde that's still facing away from her and sitting patiently on the bed.
Her Co-Pilot. Her partner. The guy that's been by her side since she began her journey as a Jaeger Pilot. The one that's earned her unwavering trust.
"Hey, Naruto? Can I ask you a personal question?"
Naruto's eyes widen in surprise at this, but replies, "Of course."
"Have you ever considered being in a relationship? Like, a romantic relationship?" Korra asks as she ties her ponytail.
Naruto blinks a couple of times. He then crosses his arms and closes his eyes in thought.
"Well, to be honest, ever since my parents died, I focused primarily on my Pilot studies," Naruto answers. "I picked up a few other skills here and there along the way, and I made quite a few friends as well, but being a Jaeger Pilot was my top priority."
"Well, now that you are a Pilot, would you want to be in a relationship?" Korra presses.
Naruto takes a moment to think about the question.
"I would," Naruto answers, "but it can't be with just anyone. I want someone kind, someone strong, someone who likes me for who I am and not because I'm a Jaeger Pilot, and most importantly, someone who I can trust to have my back even in the worst of times."
Korra smiles at Naruto's answer.
She finishes tying her hair, then turns towards the blonde. "Alright. I'm done."
Naruto turns around on the bed and takes in Korra's look. Her hair is styled in her usual ponytail with the two long bangs framing her face. She's wearing a pair of black sneakers, torn blue jeans, and…a black T-shirt with an orange spiral that's very familiar to him.
"…Is that one of my T-shirts?" Naruto asks curiously.
"I think it matches the pants nicely," Korra explains. "Is this an issue?"
"Not at all. I think you look great!" Naruto answers. He then smiles cheekily. "I guess orange isn't a bad color after all, huh?"
Korra smirks back. "Only in moderation."
Naruto chuckles at her answer. He then jumps off the bed. "Well, guess it's my turn for the shower."
With that, he heads for the bathroom, passing Korra along the way.
Korra stops him at the bathroom door.
"Naruto…thank you for everything. You're the best partner I could have asked for," Korra says to the blonde with genuine appreciation in her voice.
Naruto takes in the sincerity in her tone, then gives her a bright grin. "I feel the same for you, Korra!"
Naruto enters the bathroom and shuts the door, leaving Korra alone in their shared bedroom.
'He's been my friend since the Academy, he's my damn Co-Pilot, he trusts me with his life, and I trust him with mine,' Korra muses to herself. 'He's the only real choice.'
Korra's mind and heart are in full agreement with each other. Naruto Uzumaki will be hers!
Now she just needs to find the right time to make the first move. Preferably before anyone else, especially the Hyuuga Twins, beat her to it.
Location: Anko and Ben's Quarters, Shatterdome 3, Los Angeles
Meanwhile, down the hall, the Pilots of Chrome Viper are currently involved in some non-Jaeger training.
"HA! HA! FUCK YEAH!" exclaims Anko, who's wearing a black corset and black full-arm gloves. She has a blissful smile on her sweat-soaked face as she vigorously rides her mount with all her strength.
"A-Anko! I'm…I'm gonna…" a fully naked Ben groans from underneath Anko. His wrists are handcuffed together around the bed's headboard, leaving him immobilized and allowing Anko to have her way with her Co-Pilot.
"HA! HOLD ON! HOLD ON! I'M JUST…JUST ABOUT…!" Anko cries out, bouncing faster on Ben's member, chasing the ecstatic feeling, until…
"HAAAAAGH!" Anko lets out a throaty scream as she reaches her climax, her eyes nearly rolling up into her head from the sensations down below.
The sight of Ben's partner losing herself above him and the sudden dampness on his rod cause him to reach his own peak, emptying his load inside his lover for the third time today.
Both of them catch their breaths as they take a few moments to calm themselves from their combined highs. After a little while, Anko gives Ben a proud smile.
"That's three times without breaks. Nice job, brat," Anko congratulates her student and Co-Pilot.
"Ah, you know me, Anko. I aim to please," Ben replies cheekily.
Anko chuckles as she wipes the sweat off her brow. "Well, you certainly succeeded here."
Ben raises his handcuffed hands slightly. "A little help?"
Anko smirks before maneuvering her tongue inside her mouth. She then sticks out her tongue, revealing a small silver key resting on the tip.
Ben groans at the sight. "I'd be so turned on if it wasn't so sore."
"Ah, don't be such a wimp, brat," Anko chides as she leans forward and gives Ben an up-close view of her breasts as she unlocks the handcuffs.
Anko notices Ben's eyes focused on her chest, and smiles.
"Enjoy the view, lover," Anko encourages as she frees Ben's wrists.
"With pleasure," Ben replies as he massages his sore red wrists.
At last, Anko dislodges herself off her partner with a sigh of contentment and moves off the bed, allowing Ben to sit up and wipe himself off with a nearby towel.
"I sure hope the Kaiju never attack during one of our 'training sessions'," Ben comments as he slowly stands up off of the bed. "Otherwise, my mobility in the Jaeger might be a bit limited."
"Why do you think I'm putting you through this?" Anko replies as she cleans herself off with another towel. "With all of the training in and out of the Jaegers, your body will be used to strenuous activity on a regular basis. That way, whenever the Kaiju pop up, you'll always be physically ready to suit up and fight."
"So that's what all this is about," Ben says as he stretches. "I thought you just liked my good looks and my charming personality."
"That certainly makes the training easier," Anko replies with a smile as she takes off her gloves.
"By the way, I think Naruto and Korra wanted us to join them for Karaoke Night tonight," Ben comments as he watches Anko undress.
"I'm not exactly the singing type," Anko says as she finishes taking off her corset. She then notices Ben staring at her with a thoughtful look. "What?"
"I was just thinking; every time we've been together, I'm the one tied up, handcuffed, and/or blindfolded, and you get to have your way with me," Ben says as he approaches Anko. "I'm curious to see what it'd be like the other way around."
An incredulous Anko snorts at this. "You honestly think you can dominate me? You're getting a little hotheaded, brat."
"You think so, huh?" Ben asks as he stops right in front of Anko.
He then surprises the wild woman by slamming his right hand on the wall behind her, making a loud "don!" sound as he traps Anko between her and the wall.
"I think you're underestimating your Co-Pilot, Anko," Ben challenges the shocked purple-haired woman. "I also know from our time together that you're not truly repulsed by the idea. In fact, I'd wager that you've secretly wanted to be dominated for a long time. That's why you portray yourself as this crazy predatory woman, putting your potential partners through hell. You want someone to rise up to the challenge. Someone to punish you. Someone to tame you."
Anko's face flushes red as she's stunned by her student's audacity. She looks away, not responding to Ben's accusations, though the way her thighs rub together gives Ben a major clue to her thoughts.
Ben then shrugs. "Eh, but what do I know? I'm just the guy who's been connecting my mind with yours on a regular basis for the past seventeen days, as well as the only guy who's survived your training from hell this long."
He then takes his right hand off the wall and gently clutches Anko's chin, turning her face to look directly at his.
"Also, I'm the guy who trusts you with everything. My mind. My body. Everything," Ben tells his Co-Pilot in a no-nonsense tone that stuns Anko even further.
"…You sure you should be trusting a woman like me?" Anko asks disbelievingly.
Ben wraps his other arm around Anko's waist and brings her naked body closer to his.
{Mitarashi Anko, if you can't trust your own Co-Pilot, then who can you trust?} Ben answers Anko in fluent Japanese before kissing her lips.
The two engage in a fiery make out session, with Ben pouring in every bit of emotion and affection, and Anko accepting all of it as her tongue is expertly manipulated by his.
After a minute, the two Pilots separate and stare into each other's eyes as they catch their breath.
"…Survive," Anko mutters.
"Pardon?"
Anko gives Ben a serious look. "When we finally face our first Kaiju together, I expect you to not only survive, but help me tear those beasts apart limb from limb. If you can do that, then you'll have earned my full trust, and everything that comes with it."
Ben smiles. "I'll hold you to that," he says as he releases Anko. "So…karaoke?"
Anko chuckles. "Let me get cleaned off first." She heads for the bathroom, but then stops and gives Ben a smoldering look. "Maybe we should get cleaned up together. To save water. Just a suggestion."
With that, Anko saunters away with an extra sway to her hips, leaving Ben alone with quite a dilemma.
He's already gone three rounds with this wild woman, and his body is aching from all of the strenuous activity, but…
Ben sighs and glances down at his Little Ben. "It's all part of the training, little guy."
The young man then hurries after his Co-Pilot, hoping that this impromptu "training session" won't make them too late for Karaoke Night.
Date: Oct. 21, 2085
Location: Pan Pacific Defense Corps Headquarters, Tokyo
A feeling of tenseness and apprehension surrounds and fills the people working at the PPDC Headquarters. Since the start of the Second Kaiju War, the waves of monster attacks have always followed a 29-day cycle, give or take a few hours.
There are plenty of benefits to this regular schedule. For starters, this gives humanity four weeks to take care of any infrastructure and Jaeger repairs, as well as preparing and supplying bunkers for future attacks. Plus, it allows the people residing on the Pacific Rim – both within and outside of the PPDC – the opportunity to live their lives during the long grace periods.
However, the people of the world know in the backs of their minds not to get too complacent. During the last war, humanity's lax attitude towards the Kaiju attacks led to everyone being blindsided by the increasingly stronger beasts. Knowing that, despite the peaceful atmosphere, the people of Earth always have a sense of anxiety around them as they remain vigilant against the alien threat.
That anxiousness is amplified on days like today, as cities all along the Pacific prepare for the very reasonable chance that they will be the target of a Kaiju attack.
The proud people of the Pan Pacific Defense Corps feel this anxiety the most, as they have the responsibility of defending these cities, and the millions of people living in them.
And so, the workers of the PPDC prepare for the coming storm, from the analysts monitoring The Breach to the Pilots standing by to send their Jaegers into battle.
Hours pass by. The tension builds. Everyone holds their breaths.
And then…
ERRRRRRP! ERRRRRRP! ERRRRRRP!
Location: Office of Marshall Sarutobi, Pan Pacific Defense Corps Headquarters
ERRRRRRP! ERRRRRRP! ERRRRRRP!
Marshall Hiruzen Sarutobi sits alone at his desk as the Kaiju Siren screeches all around him, his face set in stone and his hands clasped in front of his face.
Shizune quickly strides into the office, tablet in hand. "Marshall!"
"Report," Hiruzen calmly orders.
"Four signals have just exited The Breach," Shizune reports as she taps on her tablet. "Three Category 3s and one Category 4."
"And their destination?"
"According to our projections, the target is…"
End Chapter
A.N.: Happy Halloween! I hope everyone is safely enjoying the spooky weekend!
Not much to say about this chapter except that I hope I got the characters' personalities right. Granted, some character traits changed due to the setting of this story, but still.
Next time, a Kaiju attack hits the Pacific Rim, meaning that some new Pilots will be having their first true battle! Which fleet will answer the call? What will the Kaiju look like? Can the Jaegers pull off another W? Find out in the next chapter!
Until next time!
Dropareviewifyoucanflamerswillbeignored.