Vandread Fanfic - Slayer of God Duology Part 2: Together Forever
Chapter 8 - Trial of the Sword
Rating - G / Romance / Sci-Fi
Take me back to the land
Where my yearnings were born
The key to open the door is in your hand
Now take me there
To the land of twilight
Key of The Twilight, .hackSIGN Ending Theme
"Boss, is it time for us to send a team to the planet?" BC asked Magno.
Magno nodded.
Suddenly, Rick appeared on the screen.
"Excuse me. Can you send me down there?"
BC nodded in agreement.
"Fine. But you're not going alone, aren't you?"
"I...ah..."
Then, Meia, Jura, Barnette, Hibiki, Dita and Anton appeared.
"We'll go with him." Meia said.
"Please. I wanna see how the planet looks like." Dita pleaded.
"Don't worry. We won't screw up." Hibiki said, assuringly.
"You guys..."
Magno grinned.
"Fine, fine. Just make sure you'll be back should anything happens."
"Thanks, Boss. Really appreciate it." Rick thanked Magno.
Rick, Meia and the others were on their way to the nearby planet in their respective Dreads and Vanguards.
"Hey, why do you guys following me, anyway?" Rick asked.
"Rick, we want to be there should anything happen to you." Meia replied.
"I just wanna be sure you won't screw up." Hibiki said.
"Hibiki-kun, I thought you care for him..." Dita said.
"Oh, shut up."
"Hey, we're on a mission here. Right, Miss Jura?" Anton asked Jura.
"Hey, he's right. We're on a mission here."
"You're right, Anton. Guys, follow my lead." Rick said.
With that, the Vanguard X flew at unnerving speed, leaving the others behind. This agitated Hibiki.
"Darn. I won't lose to you!"
Then, his Vanguard followed suit.
"Hey! Wait for me!!" Anton shouted and followed Hibiki and Rick,
"Hibiki-kun! Don't leave me!!" Dita followed.
"What's got into them? Anyway, we won't lose to them. Right, Barnette?"
"Yeah. Let's go."
With that, both Jura and Barnette sped further ahead, leaving Meia behind. Meia sighed.
"Oh, boy..."
Raymond and Gasco were playing cards as usual in the requisition office. And as usual, Raymond won most of it. Then Aya entered the room.
"Uncle Ray, did you see Anton?"
Raymond looked up at her.
"Huh? I haven't. Hey Gasco, did you see Anton?"
"Umm...yeah. I heard he's on a scouting mission on that planet over there. I think your father is there too."
An expression of disappointment crossed her face.
"Oh well. See you later."
Aya left. Gasco turned to Raymond.
"How many times do I have to tell you? Not Gasco...Gascogne."
Raymond laughed.
"Ah, Hahaha. Sorry about that."
"Hey, that Aya really like Anton, doesn't she?"
"Well, you can tell by the look on her face just now."
Shortly after Aya left, Pyoro entered the room.
"Looking for whom, Pyoro?" Gasco asked the exhausted navi robot.
"Have you seen Axel and Karu-chan around here?"
"Hah! You're playing hide and seek again?" Raymond asked.
"Yeah..." Pyoro sighed.
"We haven't seen them for a while now." Gasco said.
"Thanks." Pyoro said and left.
Raymond turned to a nearby storage closet.
"Okay kids. You can come out now."
The door opened and Axel got out of the closet with Kahlua.
"On your way, kids. This ain't daycare center." Gasco said.
"Thanks. Mister Raymond, Aunt Gasco." Kahlua said.
Angry veins appeared on Gasco's "
Raymond quickly ushered the children out.
"Okay. On your way, you two. Gasco...I mean, Gascogne is in a really foul mood right now."
"That's because you never give her the chance of winning." Kahlua said.
"I tried, believe me. The game is purely on luck. What can I do?"
"How about you purposely shuffle the card that everytime you take out from the deck, you'll get a weak card?" Axel suggested.
Raymond considered the options. Then, he nodded.
"Okay. I'll do that. Thanks. Now, get out of here, you two. Before Pyoro finds you."
Duero entered the engine room where Parfet was busy with the maintenance work.
"How's the Paeksis?"
Parfet looked up.
"I don't know. There's something wrong with it even though it is in excellent condition."
"You mean something is bothering it?"
She nodded.
"Yeah. That's it."
Duero took out the book 'How to Forge and Maintain a Relationship' from the pocket of his coat. He then handed it to Parfet.
"Hey, I've just finished reading this book. You said you wanted to read it the other day."
Parfet smiled. She accepted the book gladly.
"Thanks."
"It was an interesting read. Never thought there are so many ways to maintain a relationship."
"Since you've said that way, I'll read it right away."
"Please do. I'll be on my way now. See you."
Duero then left the room and Parfet flipped the pages of the book and smiled.
Rick was the first one to arrive on the planet called Alpha-1. He landed on an empty land. He got out of the Vanguard X and looked around. The surroundings reminded him of Gale, his hometown in Terra. Shortly afterwards, others arrived and landed on the same place. They got
out and approached Rick.
"Looks like a nice place to be." Anton said.
"The air here is...breezy." Jura said.
Meia was about to give her opinion when he saw Rick crying.
"Rick? What's wrong?"
Rick wiped the tears and looked at her.
"No. Nothing. I just felt this pain deep inside me."
"Looks like they already know we're here." Hibiki said, looking and a group of people approaching them. An elderly man led the group. He was carrying a wooden staff. Atop of it is a stone that radiates a faint, white glow.
"What is your purpose here?" he said.
"We just came down here to look around. We mean no harm." Rick replied.
The old man looked at him in the eyes. The staff in his hand radiated brighter than before.
"You...you're not from Earth?"
"No, we're not. In fact, we're fighting against them."
Suddenly, the staff moved at its own accord, pointing at the Vanguard X. The old man stared at Rick in astonishment.
"You...you're the Slayer of God..."
This time the followers of the old man discussed with each other. Hibiki frowned.
"What's happening now?"
"You brought a part of the Axis Alpha with you. You seek the Sword of The Slayer."
Rick raised an eyebrow in puzzlement.
"Axis what?"
"The Axis Alpha. You didn't know about it?"
Rick shrugged.
"Beats me. But this guy asked me to retrieve the sword." Rick pointed at the Vanguard X. It hummed loudly and a light shone in its eyes. The old man nodded.
"That thing you brought is the Axis Alpha."
Rick looked at the Vanguard X then the old man.
"What? I don't understand."
"Master Xero, do you know any of this?" Anton asked.
"No. I don't."
The old man looked up at Rick and said,
"Please follow us to the village. I'll explain what exactly happened."
Rick and the others followed the old man who is the elder of the village. They arrived at the village and the children of the village gathered around them.
"Elder, who are these people?" said a small boy.
"They are visitors from another world." The Elder replied.
"Woo. They must have those cool stuff like laser blaster and stuff," said another boy.
"Children, these people are tired. They need to rest at my place. Let us be on our way."
Rick gave a nod.
They arrived at the elder's house and a woman came out, running towards the elder.
"Elder!"
"What's wrong?"
"Lely! Her condition is worsening!"
"I'll go and look after her. You make sure that out guests here comfortable."
The woman nodded.
Rick, Meia, Hibiki, Anton, Dita, Jura and Barnette were sitting in the guestroom of the elder's house when the elder came out of a room nearby.
"I'm sorry about that."
"What happened?" Dita asked.
"It's my grandchild. An unknown disease has infected her. We tried all we could to heal her but all is in vain."
"That's too bad..." Meia sighed.
"If only we bring Duero here..." Jura said.
Suddenly, Rick stood up.
"Elder, can I have a look at her?"
"Rick?" Meia asked.
The elder stared at him. He nodded.
"Yes. Please follow me."
Rick turned at his companions.
"Stay here."
"We're not going anywhere." Barnette replied.
"Rick, what's the matter?" Meia asked.
"I...I think I can help her. Please stay here." he replied.
Rick then followed the elder into the room. The elder's grandchild was lying on the bed, breathing heavily. Cold sweat covered her face. Rick could feel the pain she's suffering. The girl looked at Rick. She forced a smile.
"Hello..."
Rick kneeled beside the bed.
"Hello. Your name is Lely isn't it? I'm Rick. I'm here to help you."
Lely shook her head.
"No one can help me. I'm...dying."
Rick wiped the sweat that's covering her face.
"Listen, you mustn't give up your life that easily. As long as you're breathing, don't give up on life just yet. No matter if, your life is destined to be a short one. Every human were trying to live as long as they can. Survival is what human is all about."
The elder looked at Rick in awe.
"That's one good speech, young one."
Lely looked at Rick. Suddenly she cried.
"You're right, Mister Rick. I shouldn't give up on life."
Rick smiled and touched her forehead gently.
"Good girl. Now please be calm and accept my life force I'm giving to you."
A white glow surrounded both Rick and Lely. The glow was too bright that the elder was forced covered his eyes. A short while later, the light was gone and the elder rushed towards Rick. He was breathing heavily.
"You're alright?"
Rick turned at him and smiled.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Lely's okay now."
The elder looked at her grandchild. She opened her eyes and sat up. She touched her own face, her arms and her body. She looked at the elder then Rick.
"I'm...I'm healed..."
"Is it true, Lely?" the elder asked.
She nodded. She then got out of the bed and stood up.
"See?"
"I'm glad..." Rick said.
Lely then hugged Rick.
"Thank you, Mister Rick. I promise I won't give up on life anymore. I promise."
"Thank you, Rick. I don't know how to repay your kindness..."
Rick shook his head.
"Elder, you don't have to pay anything. Our value on life will be always the same. Whether it is an adult or a child."
"Enemies are approaching in fast!" Ezra gave a shout as more than a dozen dots appeared on the screen.
"Contact Meia and the others. We need them right now." BC ordered.
Bart was dozing off in his room when he heard the alarm and the sounds of footsteps outside. Then, he heard BC calling for him.
"Bart! Where are you? We need you at the bridge."
He sat up, rubbing his eyes and shaking his head.
"Yeah, yeah. Coming."
He put on his boots and walked out of the room towards the bridge.
Meia and the others were waiting for Rick when her communicator buzzed. She turned it on and the blurry image of BC appeared.
"Meia. The enemy is coming. We need you now."
Meia nodded.
"Understood."
Jura looked at her.
"What's wrong?"
"The enemies. We've got to leave."
"Then, what about Rick?" Barnette asked.
Rick then appeared with the elder and Lely.
"You guys go on without me."
"Rick? What's wrong?" Meia asked.
"I must seek the sword. It is located at a mountain not far from this village."
"Is it going to be dangerous?"
"Maybe. But don't worry about it. I'll come as soon as I'm done."
"But..."
Dita then pulled her away.
"Leader, he'll be fine. Right, Rick?"
Rick grinned.
"Hell yeah. Go. They need you."
"Master Xero, please be careful."
"Don't worry, Anton. I'm not gonna die up there."
With that, they left Rick at the elder's house and got into their Dreads and Vanguards to engage the enemies.
Rick turned to the elder.
"Elder, please lead the way."
The elder nodded. Lely then tugged his robe.
"Can I go too? I wanna go!"
He smiled.
"Where's the harm? Follow me."
"YAY!"
"Elder, can you tell me again about Axis Alpha?" Rick asked.
"Axis Alpha was created hundred years ago on Earth. It supposedly to replace Paeksis Plasma as the main power source. However, because of the crisis caused by Deus, The creator was forced to split the Axis Alpha into three. One was imbued into the Sword of the Slayer. A man by the name of Kay Ell forged the sword and fused the power of the Axis into it. The other one was into your Vanguard X."
"So, where's the other one?"
"I don't know where it is. But since we believed in the prophecy of the Slayer of God who one day will come and seek the sword to vanquish Deus and restore the balance of the universe and you came seeking the sword, you might as well try to retrieve it."
"I see. Now I understand..."
"Mister Rick?"
Rick turned to Lely.
"Yeah?"
"Do you have children?"
"Yeah. A boy and a girl. Why?"
"Nothing. I was just curious."
"Here we are." The elder said. They stood before a huge cave entrance at the foot of the mountain. Then, a portcullis that was sealing the cave suddenly opened itself and a gust of cold air blew at them.
"I can feel it. The Sword of the Slayer is here. Thank you for everything, elder."
"No, I should thank you. If you haven't come, I don't know what will happen to Lely."
"I wanna thank you too, Mister Rick. You taught me the most important thing; life has a lot to offer."
Rick patted Lely on her head.
"Lely, take care okay. I'm gonna miss you."
"Yeah. Me too. Promise me you will come back after you settled everything."
"Promise. I'll be seeing you two, elder, Lely."
Rick then entered the cave and the portcullis shut the cave entrance.
The battle was getting fierce by the minute. Even though Hibiki and Dita formed Vandread Dita, it still wasn't good enough to deal with the enemies who had their own version of Vandread, a direct copy of Vandread Dita.
"Darn. Why do they have to imitate us?" Hibiki muttered as he steered the Vanguard away from the blast.
"It's because that they don't have better things to do?" Anton asked.
"Hahaha. You guys never failed to humor me." Jura replied.
"They just got better since the last battle. If only we have Pyoro..." Meia muttered. She then looked at the planet Alpha-1 below.
(Rick...)
After he followed along the tunnel, Rick arrived at a huge, spacious area. Then, his head started to buzz. Suddenly, Erick appeared before him. He too, was clutching his head as he did.
"Hey, tell me if you wanna kick me out, okay?" Erick yelled.
"Erick? What the hell are you doing here?"
"Huh? What? We're coexisting with each other? What happened?"
Rick looked up and said,
"I guess we're about to find out..."
Erick looked up and saw a horde of winged dragon came down from their nests above. He and Rick looked at each other. Then, they threw a punch on each other's face.
"Yeow! That hurts. We're not dreaming alright." Erick said as he wiped his blood from his nose.
"Yeah. Do we have a choice here?" Rick asked as he took off his coat.
"Yeah. Fight or chicken out." Erick replied.
Rick grinned.
"Very good set of choices. But we already knew the answer. LET'S DANCE!"
With that, both Rick and Erick leapt towards the dragons to engage into the biggest fight of their life.
Time to burn, you losers better learn
No one controls our goddamn life
We'll do just what we feel, riding horses made of steel
We're here to burn up the night
Return of the Warlord by Manowar from the album Louder
