Episode 39
~ Guidepost to Tomorrow (Part IV) ~
Compromising Souls
Despite already spent more than a decade living his newfound life, Ave still sometimes remembered of the old world and former life of his. No matter how hard he wished to completely forget and let go, his past would always came back to haunt him. It was the one and only weakness that Ave had even after he accepted Ayin Barshem and Olivier Sägebrecht's offer back then. Since even after he accepted that aforementioned offer and became another Time Diver's candidate, Ave often thought on how his fateful choice would inadvertently affect his old world and led it into its own ultimate demise. In the end, no one could ever answer that, as Ave was left alone, pondering on what might have been transpired in the very world that his past former life already left for quite long time ago.
Leaning on his mobile suit's comfortable linear pilot seat, Ave was gazing upon the vast ocean of stars around him. The three hundreds and sixty degree panoramic cockpit of his mobile suit has done a great job on doing so, as he could truly feel the vast ocean of stars' tranquillity through it (them). Shortly after staring at the vast ocean of stars through three hundreds and sixty degree panoramic display in his mobile suit's cockpit, Ave inhaled deeply before letting a small sigh out. He was then took a quick glance at a small display monitor located on the right side of his linear pilot seat and smiled. It displayed the mobile suit that Ave currently was piloting together with any of its additional equipment and armaments.
The GN Drive-powered mobile suit that Ave piloted currently was CW-GNY-001A/hs-A01D Gundam Astraea Type-A in which also fully equipped with its High Manoeuvre Test Pack. It was officially known as Gundam Avalanche Astraea Type-A, a 2.5th or quasi-third generation of GN Drive-powered Gundam that Ave received right after he made his fateful choice and became another Time Diver's candidate. Originally a second generation GN Drive-powered Gundam unit, Astraea Type-A was later reclassified into 2.5th or quasi-third generation after heavily upgraded with spare parts and technology from its successor, the third generation GN Drive-powered Gundam Exia. Nevertheless, it was mainly the prototype of Avalanche Equipment Unit known as High Manoeuvre Test Pack that pushed Ave's Gundam Astraea Type-A further from its 2.5th generation into quasi-third generation status in the end.
Other than its standard armaments such as GN Launcher, Proto GN Sword and Proto GN Shield, Ave's Avalanche Astraea was also armed with multiple additional weaponries that have been attached on each of its High Manoeuvre Test Pack's hardpoints. These aforementioned additional armaments were consisted of Proto GN High Mega Launcher, a pair of Proto GN Twin Broad Blade, a pair of GN Beam Saber Blade and a pair of GN Beam Claw. Any of these optional armaments together with Astraea Type-A's High Manoeuvre Test Pack would later refined into a true Avalanche Equipment Unit used by Gundam Exia, as its signature Proto GN Twin Broad Blade has also been further perfected into a true GN Twin Broad Blade known as "Avalung". So far, all of these prototype equipments were working surprisingly well despite hasn't been used for quite some time. That was why Ave decided to pilot his Gundam Astraea Type-A while having its High Manoeuvre Test Pack equipped at the same time.
"It has certainly been a while since we fight together. So, let me count on you and your strength again buddy!" casually stated Ave while grinning towards the displayed Gundam Avalanche Astraea Type-A's schematic in front of him. Shortly after he made that casual remark, Ave once again turned his attention at the scenery in front of him. The tranquil ocean of stars in which Astraea's three hundreds and sixty degree panoramic monitor displayed has never failed to captivate his mind, as Ave always admire and cherish them. Especially when such tranquillity has also provide him an opportunity to ponder upon his former life prior on becoming another Time Diver's candidate together with the very old world that he left behind.
There were many version of his former life that led Ave on becoming another Time Diver and Gundam Meister's candidate. Nonetheless, one particular version of such past old life of his has been strikingly conspicuous while simultaneously became the one and only truth about what actually happened on that fateful day. It was also when Ave's mind once again drifted to the past, in which he remembered the actual event that led him on becoming another Time Diver and Gundam Meister's candidate in the first place. Since that aforementioned event was also the fateful day when he first met with two of his would be beloved future girlfriends, Reinforce Eins and her beloved meister, the last Queen of the Night Sky, Hayate Yagami.
Contrary to the known record and popular belief that has been circulated in some newborn multiverses, this fateful encounter would have cemented Ave's career further as Time-Space Administrative Bureau's one and only Time Diver's candidate and Gundam Meister. It also through this fateful encounter that Ave received the third modified version of Gundam Exia and officially became its designated Gundam Meister afterwards. After he became Exia's Gundam Meister however, Ave still in some occasion pilot his second generation Gundam Astraea. Since by doing so Ave could always remember his past and the fateful choice that he made on that fateful day as well.
Ave received the said second generation GN Drive-powered Gundam Astraea on the exact same day when he accepted Ayin Barshem and Olivier Sägebrecht's offer. It was also the day when he became another Time Diver and Gundam Meister's candidate that would allow him to take an important first step towards his dream. Astraea and subsequently Exia R3 have given him strength to make the long coveted dream of his into a reality. Followed by the aforementioned first and fateful encounter with Reinforce Eins, Ave launched a personal armed intervention. Using the second generation GN Drive-powered Gundam Astraea Type-A that he received recently, Ave fought against the corrupt system of his old world for around a week or so until Break The World took place and ultimately changed everything.
It was around twelve hours prior to Break The World when Ave met Reinforce Eins' former Lord or Meister, Hayate Yagami that would also happen to be one of his beloved future girlfriends as well. This fateful encounter would also helped to reunite Reinforce Eins and Hayate, as those two would also for one way to another share the exact same Linker Core with Ave himself. It was through those Linker Cores that has been completely intertwine, fused and melded, Ave, Reinforce Eins and Hayate could understand each other easily. They could also vividly see each other's concern, as well as concealed feeling or emotion, in which helped them to get even closer and more importantly than ever, rely on one another.
Shortly after Break The World finally took place, Ave received Exia R3 and finally met the third individual that also happen to be the another one of his beloved future girlfriends, Heidi E.S. Ingvalt or better known as Einhalt Stratos. Recently, it was his relationship with Einhalt that helped Ave on his adventures and misadventures after escape from multiple alternate versions of post-Break The World's timelines in which the reclusive Lord of Phantasm created using Arca of Recluse. Through experiencing these multiple alternate versions of post-Break The World's timelines together, Ave and Einhalt inherit infinite amount of knowledge in which originated from their own supposedly forgotten memories. It was thanks to these experiences that both Ave and Einhalt could also confront, as well as defeat each of their worst enemies in the end.
Ave once again decided to let another small sigh out, as he started to remember the time when Einhalt and her younger Sankt Kaiser-girlfriend, Vivio confront their worst nightmare together. This aforementioned worst nightmare, in which started with their confrontation against two of Yharnam's Old Hunters, Djura and Father Gascoigne has once again reminded Einhalt in particular of forgotten memory's fragments that she inherit from her ancestor, Shutra's Hegemon Claus G.S. Ingvalt. From the story that Einhalt eagerly shared with him in the past, Ave learnt that post-Break The World's timeline has been remade for hundreds, thousands or even millions times ever since he became another Time Diver and Gundam Meister's candidate. Because of that, Ave also sometimes vividly remembered past events in which he (perhaps) never actually experienced in person.
Once again Ave found himself staring at the endless tranquil ocean of stars in which vividly displayed on his Avalanche Astraea's three hundreds and sixty degree panoramic monitor. Reminiscing over multiple versions of past events that he might and might not personally experienced has certainly made Ave aware of his role as Time Diver's candidate. It also made him realize the very extend of responsibility that he would have as both Astraea and Exia's Gundam Meister. Especially when every decision he made after becoming another Time Diver and Gundam Meister's candidate could drastically affect countless multiverses' karmic balance, fate, as well as their very own survival.
Recently, Ave often thought about the old world of his that he left ever since Break The World took place. He also started to wonder about what might have happen to his old world, as Break The World has literally and drastically change almost everything. Hayate, Reinforce Eins and Einhalt sometimes tried to reassure him that his old world would certainly survive the ordeal in which Break The World has brought upon it. Nevertheless, Ave was still unable to stop worrying over the state of his old world that he has left behind. Since his old world together with its inhabitants were sadly too ignorant about the impending crisis that would befall them. It was also due to their ignorance that those aforementioned inhabitants of his old world were proven incapable of working together and helping one another even when unprecedented crisis would threaten their very own survival.
Sometimes Ave began to contemplate on whether he should spend more effort to find a way that would allow him visit his old world. His beloved future girlfriends, Hayate, Reinforce Eins and Einhalt have actually helped him with that. Although so far, none of any Crossgate Paradigm Portals that they have found would lead them towards Ave's old world. Because of that, Ave started to think that something terrible might have befell the old world of his. The fact that none of Crossgate Paradigm Portals that Ave and others encounter would lead them to his old world has exacerbated their suspicion further. Especially after he personally witnessed the destruction that other newborn worlds have suffered due to unprecedented threats that Break The World brought upon them.
Unlike these aforementioned other newborn worlds that still possess considerable power to fight back, the old world of Ave's former life was completely powerless on doing so. Its selfish and somewhat ignorant inhabitants were only good on fighting against one another, as they always waste their resources by just doing that. Other newborn worlds that Ave together with his newfound family, friends, allies and comrade in arms have been visiting in the past, at the very least, were able to face these unprecedented threats by working together. Because of that, most of these newborn worlds could survive long enough until ZEUTH arrived, helped and liberated them from these hardships in the end.
While pondering on that aforementioned issue related to his former life's old world, Ave noticed a friendly signal steadily approaching him. This signal in which he almost instantly identify as Riot 01 belongs to one of his two mentors, Time-Space Administrative Bureau's Executive Officer, Fate Testarossa Harlaown, in which decided to contact him. "Riot One to Long Arch Seven, is everything fine on your end?" greeted Fate, as her face popped up on the top right-hand side of Avalanche Astraea Type-A's main monitor. "This is Long Arch Seven. Everything is fine on my side here, Riot One. Did you instead find anything unusual from your end?" replied Ave before asking Fate over the same question as well, in return.
"So far, nothing unusual has been detected Long Arch Seven. Swordfish One and Swordfish Two have also just inform me the exact same thing, as they completed their own routine patrol…" answered Fate calmly while hovering in front of Ave's Avalanche Astraea Type-A. "It actually is good to hear that, Riot One. Since we might be able to wrap our routine patrol earlier today…" responded Ave, as he was certainly pleased to hear that. Fate in return was only smiling before she decided to reply back at Ave's respond just now. "I agree with you, Long Arch Seven. Nevertheless, it would be wiser for us to do it one more time before concluding our patrol for the day…" replied Fate while suggesting Ave that they do one more round of routine patrol for the day.
"I believe that would be the right thing to do, Riot One. Shall we do it together this time around?" affirmatively responded Ave before in return suggesting that they should done this one final round of their daily routine patrol together. "If you don't mind, I would like you to accompany me, Long Arch Seven. Since we might also even be able to conclude it quicker…" happily answered Fate, as she smiled towards Ave and his beloved Avalanche Astraea Type-A. Shortly after Fate concluded her answer, she and Ave began the final round of their daily routine patrol together. Not long after they started patrolling and arrived at the third newborn world's "Thunderbolt Sector", Ave decided to ask Fate a certain question that would kick-start another round friendly discussion between those two.
"Have you ever experienced vivid déjà vu or dream that seems indistinguishable from reality, Riot One?" casually asked Ave while using his Avalanche Astraea Type-A to scan through the entire area of the said third newborn world's "Thunderbolt Sector" at the same time. "Sometimes, I also experienced that. Although, none of them are vivid enough to confuse me from our reality, Ave…" calmly answered Fate, as she decided to refer Ave with his actual name instead of call sign. "Well, some of these déjà vu and dreams are very vivid, as if I experienced them myself, Fate-san. That is why I started to suspect that some of them have actually happened albeit in our third newborn world's old timelines…" argued Ave before reminding Fate on how some of these vivid déjà vu and dreams that he experienced might originally came from the third newborn world's old timelines. It was also when Ave decided to also refer Fate with her actual name instead of call sign.
"To be honest, I never thought about that. Especially when none of them should have any effect on how I perceive our world as well as reality, Ave. Don't you also agree with that?" calmly replied Fate, as she in return decided to ask on whether Ave was agree with her reply just now. "You're right, Fate-san. I also agree that our new reality is often defined by what is not after all…" affirmatively responded Ave while mentioning on how their third newborn world's current timeline was defined by those vivid déjà vu and dreams to a certain extend. "Well, minor details that differ between each one of these timelines are bound to exist, Ave. Although, I doubt that any of them could significantly alter the course of our newborn universe and other countless multiverses' future…" replied Fate before adding her own thought about it.
"I believe so as well, Fate-san. Since Break The World would still occurred in every timelines that I experienced myself or through those vivid déjà vu or dreams regardless…" affirmatively responded Ave, as he was also agree with Fate's reply just now. "Surely things were a lot easier in this new timeline compared to the old ones. I remember that you could easily fend off three members of the Hűckebein when piloting Exia R3 while having difficulty to do so with both Astraea Type-A and Gespenst Haken back in the third newborn world's old timelines, Ave…" replied Fate while simultaneously also reminding Ave on how every new iteration of post-Break The World's timelines were always easier for him due to newer and more advanced combat unit such as Exia R3 available at his disposal from the start.
"It certainly makes my fight a lot easier, Fate-san. Especially during our initial confrontation with Dimension Reaper Shurouga, in which almost completely overwhelm me in the third newborn world's older timelines…" responded Ave, as he acknowledge on how starting as Exia R3's Gundam Meister in this third newborn world's new timeline has been a lot easier after all. "I certainly am glad to hear that, Ave. Although, despite starting as Exia R3's Gundam Meister, things would still remain the same and progressed like the one that we experienced in the older timelines, I believe…" replied Fate before she decided to remind Ave on how things have still progressed almost exactly the same in this new timeline in comparison to its older counterparts.
"I also am aware of that. Since other than piloting Exia R3, everything else still progress exactly the same to any of the third newborn world's old timelines that we have previously experienced. That is why, I sometimes wonder if these older timelines that I saw might actually just another déjà vu or dreams and never existed in the first place, Fate-san…" calmly responded Ave, as this time around, he decided to refer back at his initial question not so long ago. Fate in return decided to briefly ponder upon Ave's respond before replying back. Especially when the explanation and concern that Ave has said just now did make a lot of sense.
"I personally still believe that those déjà vu and dreams were memories from tens to hundreds timelines in which no longer existed. Nevertheless, you shouldn't let any of them to cloud your view of possibilities for better present and future that our current newly made timeline has to offer. Don't you think so as well, Ave?" replied Fate while smiling towards Ave or to be exact his now quasi-third generation Gundam Avalanche Astraea Type-A in return. "I certainly agree with you, Fate-san. Since those worries has also gradually diminish ever since we arrive in this new timeline that Amita-san and Kyrie-san created using Arca of Recluse's last remaining fragment…" responded Ave, as he reassured Fate that they have been on the same page.
"That's good to hear. For now, shall we continue our patrol around this area first before heading back? I'm sure it won't take long for us to do so…" suggested Fate after replying back at Ave's respond just now. "Certainly, Fate-san! I only need to double check the area near Side-4 in case any hostile enemies were waiting to ambush us…" answered Ave affirmatively before he flew Avalanche Astraea Type-A closer to the area in which Side-4's scattered debris were seen floating around. "Just be careful and don't let your guard down, Ave. Since this area is notorious for being enemies' hideout during the First Defensive War…" warned Fate while staring towards Ave with concerned expression shown on her face and beautiful burgundy eyes. "I will, Fate-san. Thanks for reminding me that…" thanked Ave, as he also promised Fate to be very careful when double checking the area near the remains of Side-4.
Together, both Ave and Fate decided to check the area around "Thunderbolt Sector" while continuing their discussion as well, at the same time. It was from this discussion that Fate learnt more about Ave's concern in which she previously has been unaware of. Some of his concerns were justified, as Fate understood very well on how Break The World has brought upon drastic changes in their day-to-day life. Fate's own personal experiences as Time-Space Administrative Bureau's top Executive Officer, as well as special investigator has enable her to understand the urgency behind Ave's concerns. Especially when she also experienced these alterations over the third newborn world's timelines in the past.
One thing that Fate noticed however, Ave never once complained over those challenges in which Break The World together with its perpetually changing timelines present to him. He accepted his new role as another Time Diver's candidate wholeheartedly. That also why Ave could still always protect these newborn multiverses even after each one of their timelines have already changed for countless times. Realizing this fact alone has helped Fate to once again reaffirming her stance to help Ave protect these newborn multiverses together. It was a silent promise, a personal oath that Fate Testarossa Harlaown has made in the past. Now, she decided to reaffirm and renew that promise once again. Since through the promise that she made, reaffirmed and renewed, Fate could also protect these newborn multiverses' peace, stability, as well as future.
ED Theme Song: Iris (Performed By: Aoi Eir)
"What a persistent foolish fool! I thought you are wiser and smarter, Zarathustra…" taunted Christof Lohengrin while grinning evilly towards Ave's Exia R4 or Exia Flügel in which floating right in front of him. Instead of responding back at Lohengrin's taunt however, Ave decided to swiftly attack him using Exia Flügel's GN Tachi. Unfortunately none of his swift vertical and horizontal slashes manage to injure Lohengrin, as a powerful magical barrier seems to completely protect him. Realizing that none of his attacks were effective, Ave flew Exia Flügel away and created a considerable safe distance from the said Longinus Dreizehn Orden's acting leader, Christof Lohengrin himself.
"He is tough!" acknowledged Ave while once again readying his or to be exact Exia Flügel's combat stance. Not far from his, as well as Exia Flügel's current position, Nanoha, Reinforce Eins and Vita were seen fighting a group of powerful Berserker-class corrupted Heroic Spirits led by Longinus Dreizehn Orden's tenth member, the manipulative "Crimson Spider", Rot Spinne. In reality, Rot Spinne was the weakest Longinus Dreizehn Orden's member, as Nanoha, Reinforce Eins and Vita could easily defeat him. Unfortunately, that was never be the case here with those corrupted Berserker-class Heroic Spirits under his command, as they were proven more of the threat than the said "Crimson Spider" himself.
Together with Vita and Reinforce Eins, the venerated Time-Space Administrative Bureau's Ace of Aces, Nanoha manage to keep these corrupted Berserker-class Heroic Spirits and Rot Spinne from interfering with Ave's confrontation against Longinus Dreizehn Orden's acting leader, Christof Lohengrin. Yet, none of them were able to decisively defeat these five aforementioned corrupted Berserker-class Heroic Spirits and Rot Spinne. Since by far, Nanoha, Vita and Reinforce Eins could only keep them busy from interfering with Ave's own fight against Longinus Dreizehn Orden's acting commander, Valeria Trifa or better known as Christof Lohengrin.
"These enemies are quite troublesome. Don't you think so as well, Vita-chan?" asked Nanoha while blocking one of the corrupted Berserker-class Heroic Spirit's spear with her Strike Cannon AEC Armament. "Berserkers are usually tough cookies. Especially when those armours seem to amplify their strength even further, Nanoha…" acknowledged Vita in her answer towards Nanoha's question just now. At the same time, she was also mentioning on how these Berserkers' strength was greatly amplified by the armour sets that they have been equipped.
"Those full body armour sets are Type-IV Heroic Spirit Restraining Device known as Held Krieger that Ainsworth's artificial Servants use in the past. Although, I never am expecting Obsidian Round Table to obtain and use them in their own forces…" added Reinforce Eins, as she unsuccessfully tried to take one of these aforementioned corrupted Berserker-class Heroic Spirits down using her faithful gauntlet-like (wearable) Device, NachtWal. "That probably is why these enemies are way more of a threat in comparison to their own master. Since each one of them have their strength been greatly amplified by Type-IV Heroic Spirit Restraining Device that they were wearing…" responded Nanoha, as she successfully pushed her opponent away.
Using her Strike Cannon and Fortress AEC Armaments, Nanoha went into offensive as she fought two of those corrupted Berserker-class Heroic Spirits simultaneously. Using three of her Fortress AEC Armament's sub-units known as Beam Cannon Unit, Plasma Cannon Unit and Blade Unit, Nanoha kept of those two corrupted Berserker-class Heroic Spirits completely preoccupied while fighting the other directly with her Strike Cannon AEC Armament in "Cross Range" or close quarter combat. Vita and Reinforce Eins in the meantime were dealing with the remaining corrupted Berserker-class Heroic Spirits in front of them, as well as their leader, the manipulative "Crimson Spider", Rot Spinne. It was also when Vita began to take a notice and question discrepancy at the reality in which taking place right in front of her, as well as Nanoha, Reinforce Eins and Ave themselves.
"Aren't you supposed to help Fūka and Rinne fight other Obsidian Round Table's member, Eins? Since I almost certain that you have left us a while ago just to do so…" curiously asked Vita, as she remembered vaguely on how Reinforce Eins should currently be away to assist Fūka and Rinne in their fight against Longinus Dreizehn Orden's Einherjar, Machina. Yet, instead of leaving them behind, Reinforce Eins is currently helping Vita, Nanoha and Ave fought these corrupted Berserker-class Heroic Spirits, Rot Spinne and Christof Lohengrin. Vita previously never really thought about it, as small contradictions and discrepancies were quite common in these constantly altered timelines across different newborn multiverses out there.
"I don't believe so, Vita. Since miss Fūka and miss Rinne are actually fighting other Obsidian Round Table's member that has been identified as Hróðvitnir. That is why, I don't recall any plan, situation or development that you mentioned to take place just a moment ago…" calmly answered Reinforce Eins while continuing to help Vita fight their enemies at the same time. From Reinforce Eins' answer, Vita started to feel even more certain that several minor changes have been made over their third newborn world's timeline at the very least just a moment ago. While these aforementioned changes so far only affect small details that most certainly won't significantly alter any established preconception of new reality and predetermined outcomes of these infinite newborn multiverses' destiny, Vita has never personally fond at any of them.
In Vita's own personal view, these constantly altered timelines have inadvertently confused if not distort her perceived reality. She was certain that others also experienced similar things one way or another. That was also why she often discussed these matters together with her fellow Wolkenritter secretly in the past. Since it was through the said discussions that she had with her fellow Wolkenritter such as Signum, Shamal and Zafira, as well as Reinforce Eins, Vita could learn to accept these infinite newborn multiverses' ever-changing timelines while simultaneously protecting each one of them without fail. Remembering that fact alone has once again put a smile on Vita's face, as she responded back at Reinforce Eins' calm answer just now.
"Well, as long as they were able to defeat their opponent, things should work just fine according to the outlined mission plan. So, instead of worrying about them, shall we try to crush our opponents, Eins?" reassured Vita before suggesting that she and Reinforce Eins should focus their attention on these corrupted Berserker-class Heroic Spirits and Longinus Dreizehn Orden's apostle, Rot Spinne first. "I concur that as well, Vita. Since we could also help meister Ave fight that enemy of his afterwards…" affirmatively answered Reinforce Eins while using NachtWal's Spear Cannon to shatter one of these remaining corrupted Berserker-class Heroic Spirits' oversized steel lance.
Vita in return was only grinning back at Reinforce Eins, as she crushed the other corrupted Berserker-class Heroic Spirit in front of her using War Hammer AEC Armament's "Plasma Pile". By doing so, she successfully crushed her opponent's greatsword and shield while throwing him or her away in the process. Right after they manage to disable those aforementioned corrupted Heroic Spirits temporarily, Vita and Reinforce Eins turned their attention at Rot Spinne, the "Crimson Spider" before charging at him simultaneously. The two of them were then wasted none of their time to simultaneously charging at Rot Spinne's direction, ready to take the said Longinus Dreizehn Orden's apostle down once and for all. During her, as well as Reinforce Eins' direct confrontation with Rot Spinne, Vita briefly remembered about similar fight that she has previously been involved in the past.
In the latest iteration of these infinite newborn multiverses' timelines and possibilities, the First Defensive War has played quite differently than the one that she together with everyone else experienced previously. For starter, her beloved meister Hayate's younger boyfriend, Ave became Exia's Gundam Meister and received Exia R3 almost immediately after he made his fateful choice on becoming another Time Diver's candidate. Other than that, Time-Space Administrative Bureau's Special Duty Section 6 have also received their AEC Armaments and EM Equipments two months prior to Break The World, as they now have enough time to extensively test them in combat simulation first. From these two new development alone, things should have progressed a lot easier, as Time-Space Administrative Bureau's Special Duty Section 6 were now better prepared and equipped than before.
In reality however, such ideal scenario never actually manifested, as most if not all predestined events, situations and incidents have been altered drastically from what Vita, as well as others should already knew beforehand. Because of that, none of their memories or prior knowledge of these infinite newborn multiverses' timelines were useful, as they have all now progressed differently from what they originally meant to be. Nevertheless, none of these new things were bad, as Vita could personally attest that. Some of them were instead proven to be beneficial for Time-Space Administrative Bureau's Special Duty Section 6. Since they have actually made Time-Space Administrative Bureau's task in these newborn multiverses a lot easier than how it originally meant to be.
Briefly remembering these new changes have certainly made Vita more than ever confident on her and others' strength, as well as ability to defeat Longinus Dreizehn Orden. Especially when she also remembered on how Longinus Dreizehn Orden by far wasn't the only evil secret society that they ever face after Break The World occurred. It was also when Vita remembered her past confrontation with another mysterious secret society, as she together with Reinforce Eins have finally defeat Rot Spinne, the manipulative "Crimson Spider" using their ultimate attacks, "Plasma Pile" and "Schwarze Wirkung" respectively.
This aforementioned shadowy secret society, in which also proven as equally dangerous as Longinus Dreizehn Orden has been manipulating the course of these post-Break The World's newly born histories and timelines from behind the shadow. From Executive Officer Fate T. Harlaown and Executive Officer Teana Lanster's report, this aforementioned secret society, in which Time-Space Administrative Bureau also referred as the "Society" has instigated multiple incidents prior to, during and after the First Defensive War ended. Teana and her beloved protégé, Ave however decided to continue investigating the "Society" further as per-Hayate's request, as they also manage to find out more about its true main objective in the end. Shortly after Teana and Ave learnt more about the "Society" its true name, "Ouroboros" and main objective, they together with Teana's own mentor, Fate successfully convince Time-Space Administrative Bureau to officially allow Special Duty Section 6 becoming more directly involved in any cases in which related to the "Society" or "Ouroboros".
From what Vita also remembered, both Fate and Teana have also been using this opportunity to introduce Ave with new contacts that they establish across multiple newborn worlds after Break The World occurred. Soon enough, thanks to both Fate and Teana's tutelage, her beloved meister Hayate's younger boyfriend Ave could finally establish his own network across multiple newborn worlds, in which some of them have also became his lifelong trusted allies. That was also when Vita together with her beloved meister, Hayate realized on how every single network of friends, allies and comrade in arms that Ave made has without even a slightest doubt helped them in their struggle in these brave new multiverses. Since it was also through those bonds that he created across multiple different multiverses and timelines, Ave could always without fail protect these newborn multiverses' future in the end.
"Heh, no wonder he always ends up becoming Exia's Gundam Meister. Since Exia symbolises one's authority over his or her own choice in life after all…" muttered Vita alone before she vertically slamming her War Hammer AEC Armament towards Christof Lohengrin while Reinforce Eins simultaneously crushed his chest using NachtWal's Spear Cannon. Almost instantly Christof Lohengrin block both Vita and Reinforce Eins' attacks before glaring towards them in rage. At the same time, Ave was certainly pleased with Vita and Reinforce Eins' arrival, as they could now focus their entire attention towards Christof Lohengrin. Since despite having to personally acknowledge his opponent's strength that might equal or even surpass Exia Flügel's, Ave already made necessary preparation that would allow him win in the end.
It was when Ave decided to exploit the opportunity that both Vita and Reinforce Eins have just gave him by unleashing Exia Flügel's true power. Using Exia Flügel's Quantum and Bit Control System, Ave activates its four GN Sword Bit units and launches them towards Christof Lohengrin's direction. Unlike the preliminary concept of Exia Repair IV that Shario Finieno had in the past, minor alteration and modification have been made when she decided to finally realise it. Exia Flügel was originally never meant to have GN Sword Bits equipped and instead relied solely on its close quarter combat weaponries. In the end however, Ave opted to have four GN Sword Bit units attached on Exia Flügel's GN Shield together with its GN Battle Swords and GN Battle Blades. That was why Exia Flügel's combat performance was slightly higher than its original Exia Repair IV concept and touted to be comparable to Celestial Being's strongest and most advanced Gundam unit, GNT-0000 Gundam 00 Qan [T].
Despite smaller or more compact than their original counterparts, these four GN Sword Bit units were still proven effective against Christof Lohengrin, in which also currently preoccupied with Vita and Reinforce Eins' relentless assaults. That was also why Ave managed to catch Christof Lohengrin off guard using Exia Flügel's GN Sword Bit units, as they successfully shred through a powerful magic barrier that protected him previously.
"Heh! That's certainly unexpected to see such weapon installed on Exia Flügel. No wonder this supposedly invincible demon lord is now having quite a trouble against it…" telepathically remarked Vita while grinned briefly at Reinforce Eins at the same time. Reinforce Eins in return gave Vita an approving nod before responding back at her telepathic remark just now. "Certainly meister Ave has successfully caught his opponent off guard using Exia Flügel's GN Sliders, Vita. Unfortunately however, they still are inadequate to completely defeat meister Ave's opponent, as it really up to us to do so…" calmly responded Reinforce Eins, as she was referring at Exia Flügel's GN Sword Bit units using their official name, GN Slider units.
"Meh! We all know about that, Eins. Since he is Obsidian Round Table's acting leader after all…" replied Vita with her blunt and seemingly annoyed Vita-centric voice tone. Nevertheless, Reinforce Eins knew that the said petite Knight of the Iron Hammer, Vita Yagami was never actually feel annoyed with the respond that she gave her. In contrast to her blunt and seemingly annoyed reply towards Reinforce Eins' respond just now, Vita was actually very concerned over the outcome of their fight against Christof Lohengrin. That was why she went full power and full throttle against the aforementioned Longinus Dreizehn Orden's acting commander in front of her. Especially when only by doing so that she together with Reinforce Eins could hope to help Ave defeat Christof Lohengrin and the rest of Longinus Dreizehn Orden after all.
Fighting against Longinus Dreizehn Orden's members in the meantime have also made not only Vita but also Reinforce Eins remember of the final "correct" timeline in which Amitie and Kyrie Florian created. Despite having the entire historical events played out almost exactly the same with the initial timeline that they together with Ave experienced, this final "correct" iteration of their newborn multiverses' timeline contain many significant changes that would in the end led them to "probably" more desirable outcome in the end. Since not only that they retain memories from the previous timeline's iterations but also combat experiences in which has been accumulated across those past timeline's iterations so far.
For starter, their beloved surrogate Lord, Ave received the more advanced Gundam Exia R3 instead of Gundam Astraea immediately after he became another Time Diver's candidate. Shortly after he rescued and assist Executive Officer Fate T. Harlaown in her confrontation against Hűckebein's Eclipse Drivers, Break The World took place, as it once again merge multiple multiverses into one. Nonetheless, there were some stark differences on how these new changes played out, as Vita, Reinforce Eins and others notice almost immediately after their newborn eternal reality came into existence. Unlike the initial timeline of many newborn multiverses that often unpredicted and chaotic, the final iteration of these newborn multiverses' timelines has been more consistent albeit simultaneously challenging as well.
Instead arriving in this newly born multiverses during the first phase of Ouroboros' Orpheus Final Plan in which Vita, Reinforce Eins and others remember simply as the "Gospel", they have all arrived during the beginning of its second phase, the "Phantasmal Blaze Plan" that took place one and a half year after the "Gospel" itself. In this newborn eternal reality in which so far yet so close to their own beloved third newborn world, a new iteration of the famed First Defensive War took place, as Vita, Reinforce Eins and the rest of their allies directly experienced it firsthand. Both Vita and Reinforce Eins remembered on how Ave together with his prized Exia R3 was getting actively involved in this new iteration of the eponymous First Defensive War that has been started as early as spring of the newly born timeline's calendar post-Break The World.
Equipped with an experimental GN Armour Type-E that Epstein Foundation's Crossbell Branch and Reinford Group hastily made, Ave's Gundam Exia R3 was often seen participating in many major battles across this new iteration of post-Break The World's infamous First Defensive War itself. Vita personally remembered on how Ave's participation in this new iteration of the First Defensive War has made him together with his Gundam Exia R3 famous. Even before his new allies and enemies found his true identity as another Time Diver's candidate, Ave's exploit has made him somehow famous. Especially when he aided ZEUTH and Crimson Wings in their effort to end a senseless war. It was also during his participation in this war, Ave in which studied under Teana's tutelage manage to learnt more about two secret societies that have been successful on manipulating this entire conflict from behind the shadow, Ouroboros and Chimera Corps.
It was after he became full-fledged Time-Space Administrative Bureau's Executive Officer or Enforcer that Ave decided to pursue, as well as investigating both Ouroboros and Chimera Corps. Vita knew exactly well on how challenging, as well as time consuming this investigation that Ave decided to personally undertake right after he graduated from Teana's tutelage and became a full-fledged Time-Space Administrative Bureau's Executive Officer. From her beloved meister, Hayate's story, Vita learnt that Ave's decision to investigate Ouroboros and Chimera Corps stemmed from a promise that he once made in his (previous) old life. It was a promise that also helped Ave to make an important decision in his (previous) old life by accepting the Originators' offer and became another Time Diver's candidate.
Remembering these during their confrontation against Longinus Dreizehn Orden's acting leader, Christof Lohengrin has once again emboldened Vita and Reinforce Eins' resolve to protect this newest iteration of their beloved newborn eternal realities together with others. Ave has once done it multiple times in the past, showing Vita, Reinforce Eins and everyone else the exact same determination that they currently felt in their hearts. His unwavering determination and action alone has undoubtedly allow Vita, Reinforce Eins as well as others to rediscover their own resolves while simultaneously deciding the very next step that they would take to realize any of them.
At the moment Longinus Dreizehn Orden has proven to be the one and only threat that could led these infinite multiple multiverses towards their ultimate demise. Simultaneously however, it wasn't impossible for Vita and Reinforce Eins to still somehow defeat Longinus Dreizehn Orden, as most if not all of their allies have also participated in this fight together with them. In the end, remembering these old memories that they experiencing together has alone made Vita and Reinforce Eins more determined to help Ave.
Together with their beloved surrogate Lord, Ave, both Vita and Reinforce Eins manage to finally defeat Christof Lohengrin in the end. Despite desperately trying to overwhelm Ave, Vita and Reinforce Eins with his supposedly superior demonic power, Christof Lohengrin was still incapable of defeating them. Christof Lohengrin's overconfidence and arrogance has in the end spelled his own doom, as Exia Flügel's GN Tachi vertically cleaved him into half. Simultaneously, Vita's War Hammer and Reinforce Eins' Spear Cannon also completely crushed Christof Lohengrin's remains. It was also when the said gruelling battle against Christof Lohengrin together with Rot Spinne, the manipulative "Crimson Spider" and his (its) corrupted Berserker-class Heroic Spirits has finally ended with Ave, Vita and Reinforce Eins emerged victorious.
"Thanks for helping me Vita-san, Reinforce…" thanked Ave, as his Exia Flügel kneeled on the ground underneath. "Meh, that's not a big deal really. I just am glad that we manage to defeat them…" casually responded Vita using her usual Vita-centric tone before letting a small relieved sigh out afterwards. "I agree with Vita. Although, it only is thanks to miss Nano…instructor Takamachi that we could help meister Ave defeat his opponent…" added Reinforce Eins before reminding Vita on how Nanoha's help on fighting those corrupted Berserker-class Heroic Spirits has been proven imperative for them to win this entire battle. Shortly after Reinforce Eins mentioned Nanoha's name, the aforementioned Time-Space Administrative Bureau's Ace of Aces was finally arrive after defeating the remaining corrupted Berserker-class Heroic Spirits that she and Vita previously left behind.
"Speaking of the devil…" remarked Vita while grinning towards Nanoha, in which only innocently staring back with slightly confused expression shown on her face. "Did I just miss something, Vita-chan?" asked Nanoha, as Vita just shrugged before letting either Ave or Reinforce Eins to answer her question just now. "Other than a gruelling fight against our opponent just now, you haven't missed anything Nanoha-san…" calmly answered Ave on Vita's behalf before turning his gaze towards the said petite Knight of the Iron Hammer, Vita and letting a small sigh out afterwards. "Really? I believe that you, Vita-chan and Eins-san have just remembered about something that we almost completely forget before…" replied Nanoha, as her reply has somehow made Ave, Vita and Reinforce Eins once again remember about something important that they briefly recall just a moment ago.
"You are certainly correct, instructor Takamachi. Meister Ave, Vita and I have just remembered a long forgotten truth that has been concealed from us until now…" affirmatively acknowledged Reinforce Eins with her calm respond towards Nanoha's reply just now. "Is that about our own newborn world in which has once again been remade without us realizing it? Or it is about the truth behind Yggdmillennia's Great Holy Grail War, Longinus Dreizehn Orden's arrival in our newborn world, as well as more importantly the Society's true intention, Eins-san…" calmly responded Nanoha with another question on her own. This time around, the said petite Knight of the Iron Hammer, Vita decided to reply back at Nanoha's respond while voicing her own thought about it.
"To answer your question, I almost am certain that those three are closely related to one another, Nanoha. Although I do think that none of us are able to discern the Society's true intention after our newborn worlds' timelines have been perpetually remade and fixed…" replied Vita while staring at her fellow Time-Space Administrative Bureau's combat instructor, Nanoha at the same time. "For me, it actually is more about how our newborn eternal realities have been remade over and over again rather than Yggdmillennia's Great Holy Grail War or Ouroboros' true intention, Nanoha-san. Since our fateful encounter with Longinus Dreizehn Orden has once again made me remember of the old version of our newborn eternal realities' timelines…" added Ave before mentioning on how he has once again remembered those aforementioned old version of their newborn worlds' timelines that has ceased to exist.
"I think almost every single one of us have also experienced similar things, Ave-kun. Especially during our accidental visit to a certain dying world in which Longinus Dreizehn Orden most likely originated from…" calmly responded Nanoha, as she also acknowledged Vita and Ave's answers just now. Simultaneously, Nanoha also mentioned on how she as well started to remember about the third newborn world and other newborn eternal realities' past timelines that has no longer existed. "Miss Amita and miss Kyrie have more than once overwrote our newborn worlds' timelines in order to save us, instructor Takamachi. Together with miss KeA, they tried to change any grim outcomes that await us in those old timelines by doing so…" explained Reinforce Eins this time around while replying back at Nanoha's respond just now.
"None of us, including our newfound allies should have survived back then. It only is thanks to KeA-chan's decision to overwrite the original timeline that the aforementioned tragedy could be completely averted…" once again added Ave before reminding Nanoha, Vita and Reinforce Eins over KeA, as well as Amitie and Kyrie's decision to overwrite their original timeline has inadvertently save them from their supposedly ultimate demise. "Tsche! No one would have expected that demons and devils from Gehenna together with members of Volkruss' Cult would ambush us! Even after those three overwrote our original timeline, I still find them extremely formidable and dangerous…" argued Vita, as she vividly remembered on how one of those seventy-seven devils have ambushed and violently tore her apart in the old original timeline.
"It certainly is easier for our enemies to kill us back in the original timeline, Vita-chan. Since our situation was far from ideal back then…" responded Nanoha while reminding Vita on how their situation in the old original timeline was different and far from ideal. From Nanoha's respond, Vita once again remember on how they have been completely outnumbered and ill-equipped when helping Special Support Section back in the old original timeline.
"Everything that took place in Crossbell back then was certainly not the only instance that have forced Amita, Kyrie and KeA to overwrite our timelines, Nanoha-san. I am certain that they have also been doing the exact same thing during Midsummer Night Incident or Unbreakable Darkness Incident, as well as many other incidents that would certainly lead to our unavoidable demises…" calmly remarked Ave, as he decided to support Nanoha's respond with his own reply. "I also remember quite well on how instructor Takamachi has also been severely injured during Midsummer Night Incident. Thankfully, miss Amitie and miss KeA have decided to undo such outcome while letting miss Kyrie to patch if not completely overwrite that particular timeline…" added Reinforce Eins before mentioning another incident in which almost kill if not severely injure Nanoha.
"Uhm, that probably is the main reason behind a sore, numb as well as throbbing sensation that both my right eye and arm sometimes feel, Eins-san. Since none of these symptoms have emerged until when we visited Crossbell for the first time…" replied Nanoha, as she personally acknowledge Reinforce Eins' statement just now. "It certainly is disturbing to find out about this so suddenly. Nevertheless, I would rather learn about the entire truth behind many strange things that we experienced…" added Vita while simultaneously letting Nanoha and others know about her own thought over this recent revelation that took place in front of them. Ave and Reinforce Eins meanwhile only affirmatively nodding back at Nanoha and Vita, as they were agree with them. Ave in particular also mentioned on how all of these changes have definitely provided him with an alternative opportunity to pilot Astraea and Exia.
This fact alone has also made him aware of many major changes that took place after Amitie Florian, Kyrie Florian and KeA Bannings overwrote these newborn eternal realities' infinite possibilities in the past. By acknowledging this, Ave has certainly able to accept such changes and keep on moving forward. Since instead of dwelling over what have no longer existed, he could now focus his undivided strength and attention on the role that the Originators have passed on him.
It was when Ave together with Nanoha, Vita and Reinforce Eins continue to infiltrate deeper into Glaðsheimr's inner sanctum after they manage to once again rediscover these long lost memories, as well as realities of theirs. Despite still having many questions about these rediscovered long lost memories of theirs, Ave, Nanoha, Vita and Reinforce Eins decided to continue this infiltration mission for now. Since again, only by doing so that they could protect this new timeline, as well as opportunity that Amitie, Kyrie and KeA have given them.
Not long after he together with Nanoha, Vita and Reinforce Eins decided to descend further into Glaðsheimr's inner sanctum, Ave received an unexpected call from one of his dependable Bracer friends. This unexpected call has been came from the newest sixth-generation Tactical Combat Orbment known as eXternal Interface for Post Human Activation or XIPHA that Ave received from his close acquaintance, a young senior Bracer name Fie Claussell just recently. From her brief explanation, Fie told him that this sixth-generation Tactical Combat Orbment, XIPHA would in theory significantly outperform the current fifth-generation Tactical Combat Orbment, All-Round Communication and Unison System or ARCUS II in which members of White Fang Squadron has just recently use to replace their quasi fifth-generation Tactical Combat Orbment, ENIGMA II.
Unlike the original ARCUS and ARCUS II Tactical Combat Orbment that Ave has personally been using in the past, the streamlined sleek design of XIPHA somehow reminded him to his old world's latest smartphone model or the third newborn world's Xiphone in which also strangely enough having almost an exact same function to Zemuria's fifth and sixth Tactical Combat Orbment, ARCUS II and XIPHA respectively. Unlike the somewhat slightly bulkier ARCUS II, XIPHA's sleeker and compact design has allowed Ave to easily pick it up from its portable terminal holder in front of him.
It was when Ave smiled as he saw Fie's nickname, "Sylphid" has been displayed on XIPHA's screen. He never actually expect Fie to contact him this soon, as the last time Ave met her was a night before and during Operation Radiant Wings in which took place concurrently with three other crucial operations six months ago, Operation Jörmungandr, Operation Mille Mirage and Operation Reconquista. Despite have been working together with Fie and other Bracers for every now and then, Operation Radiant Wings and Reconquista were actually happen to be the only time when those two have been working closely together almost every single day. Because of that, Ave once again remembered on how dependable and trustworthy Fie has ever been. Since from the day when he first met her, Fie together with her friends would never fail to help him protect these newborn worlds after all.
"Is that Fie-chan? I actually am surprised that she agrees to help us without asking any question, Ave-kun. It probably is because she also likes you as well?" asked Nanoha while teasing her adopted younger brother, Ave at the same time. "Uhm, I won't deny it Nanoha-san. Although, it actually is embarrassing when you mention that…" replied Ave, as he was also admitting on how the said young senior Bracer, Fie Claussell undoubtedly has been very close to him.
"Tsche, it certainly is nice to be popular eh. Although, I never thought that you also manage to steal Sylphid's heart together that young Research and Development Chief from Epstein Foundation's Crossbell Brach in which also happen to be my fellow Mishy's connoisseur as well back then…" added Vita before she decided to also tease Ave using her usual Vita-centric voice tone. In return, Ave only sheepishly laughed and decided to answer Fie's call while for the time being ignoring Nanoha, as well as Vita's teasing in the process.
Reinforce Eins in the meantime was only letting a small chuckle out, as she witnessed the exchange between her beloved surrogate Lord, Ave with Nanoha and Vita just now. She knew exactly well on how Ave's strong ability to empathize with both Fie Claussell and Tio Plato have been a driving factor that made them love him. Again her beloved surrogate Lord, Ave was not the only one that manage to find himself or herself surrounded by multiple love interests, as a certain young Divine Blade in which previously known as Ashen Chevalier, the Elemental Lord of Wind, Cybuster's chosen pilot, Masaki Andō, a certain high school student that inherit Imagine Breaker, Tōma Kamijō and leader of Special Support Section, Lloyd Bannings were also happen to be well famously known for experiencing the exact same situation after all.
One particular important attribute that Ave and these other aforementioned four individuals have in common were again happen to be an ability to empathize with their respective love interests, as well as to support them in the time of need. Since in the end, it was thanks to these important attributes that they could always support and in return depend on their love ones as well. It was when Reinforce Eins began to understand more about his surrogate Lord, Ave as well as those people that always support and love him. Especially when caring people like Fie and Tio would always be there to support, love and cherish her beloved surrogate Lord, Ave, as well as accompany him in his journey across these countless (newborn) eternal realities after all. Because of that, Reinforce Eins could also finally letting a small relieved sigh out, as no matter what might happen to her beloved surrogate Lord, Ave, he would never be alone in this journey of his anymore.
To Be Continued…