Chapter 8- It is Time

Time flew by like a soaring falcon. And on the beginning of one day, everyone's eyes watched as the sun began to rise.

In the Guyana Highlands, it was no different. Domon and Rain stood side-by- side with their arms draped around each other, allowing the sun to light up their faces before heading to where God Gundam awaited them. Nearby, Sven and Allenby watched, smiling brightly all the while. It was time: time for the start of the championship!

The corelanders of God and Noble gundams were called forth to take the fighters and their crews to Neo Hong Kong. Allenby saluted towards Domon and Rain. "We'll see you guys there, huh?"

"Meet you at the docks!" Rain called as she and Domon sped away.

Sven waved to them as they disappeared from view, then cocked his head at Allenby. "The docks?"

Her head bobbed up and down enthusiastically. "Yup! That's where we'll all be staying!"

"Oh, ok. That's fine with me!" Sven started up the corelander and the two sped off into the horizon.

Meanwhile, for a brief instant, the eyes of Noble Gundam lit up red before fading away to green once more.

.......

Neo Hong Kong was alive with activity, just like it was every 4 years. Up to 1 million people had shown up to crowd around the giant ring and watch as the gundams began to assemble.

Karato and his assistant Akino were on the highest of the podiums as the opening ceremonies were about to commence. Helicopters zipped overhead as eager journalists eagerly awaited the beginning of it all.

"Good day folks and welcome to the 14th Gundam Fight Championship!" an all- too-familiar reporter greeted. "Let's get things started by bringing out our gundams!"

The throngs roared in response.

God Gundam, being the defending champion, was the first to appear, glowing as the sun touched its proud features. "You all recognize Neo Japan's God Gundam! This fine MF and its pilot Domon Kasshu ran undefeated through the entire 13th Gundam Fight and claimed the Battle Royale as well! Now the formidable duo is back to defend the title of its nation!"

From an all-too-familiar boathouse, Rain, Hoi, Min, and Gramps cheered. Domon spotted them as his gundam cruised into the ring and he gave a thumbs- up in their direction. Only Sven was staying quiet, though he respectfully clapped as he stood next to Rain and Hoi on the deck.

"And returning to represent their nations once again are the Shuffle Alliance!" the reporter continued while four other gundams sped into the huge arena. "Neo America's Gundam Maxter is here, piloted by small-town hero Chibodee Crockett!"

Chibodee raised his arm, giving everyone a peace sign. "The champ-to-be has arrived!!" he yelled smugly.

"Next are Neo China's Sai Saici and Dragon Gundam!"

Dragon Gundam came cruising to a halt beside the two others. "Hey Sai! Show us if you've grown!" Chibodee hooted.

BLIP! One of the computer screens zipped up, displaying a fighter who was no longer a little boy, but a sturdy young man. Sai Saici had grown up! Domon smiled. "Hey Sai Saici, long time no see."

"Yeah, good to meet again, Bro." Came a reply from a much deeper voice.

"Now here is Gundam Rose! Piloted by Prince George de Sand of Neo France!"

Rain caught this and giggled. "A prince now, huh?"

"You know what that means?" Chibodee asked Domon.

"I had a feeling the princess would get her way." Sai Saici snickered.

George smiled as he laid eyes on his old friends. "Well, well. Long time no see."

"And to complete the Shuffle Alliance, we have Bolt Gundam, piloted by Neo Russia's Argo Gulskii!"

Bolt Gundam came slowly out into the open and made its way over to the other four gundams. He smirked slightly. "I had a feeling I wouldn't be the only member of our alliance here to compete."

The next gundams to come out went blindingly fast. Mandala Gundam, Mammoth Gundam, Zebra Gundam, Mermaid Gundam, Cobra Gundam, Jester Gundam, Ashura Gundam, Matador Gundam, Skull Gundam, Tequila Gundam, all crowded into the ring, the audience cheering wildly as each one arrived. More raced out after them, including Noble Gundam.

Allenby wore a huge grin as she emerged into the light. Already, she could feel her blood boiling with excitement. She had forgotten the feeling of everyone's eyes upon her, admiring her and her gundam.

"All right Allenby!" Sven shouted over the roar of the crowds.

Rain and the others were cheering as well for their friend while she took her place among the masses of MFs.

Domon sighed as the last of the opponents entered. "It looks like Neo Germany has no representative this time." he murmured sadly.

His Shuffle allies gazed upon him in sympathy. They knew that Domon was still very much trying to cope with the losses he'd endured from the last Gundam Fight. Seeing that Schwarz wasn't there in his magnificent Gundam Spiegel made things seem all the more real.

"Sorry, Bro." Sai Saici ventured. Dragon Gundam placed a hand on God Gundam's shoulder.

Domon chuckled bitterly. "Well, that's why I'm here, you know." He held up his fist, the King of Hearts symbol burning into view. "I'm here not just to defend my nation's title, but to also honor the deaths of Schwarz, Master Asia, Mom, and Kyoji!"

God Gundam seemed to be glowing now. Allenby smirked to herself. 'We all have our own goals, Domon,' she thought. "And mine is to win this for me and Sven!" Noble Gundam seemed to be glowing as well.

Karato stepped up on the podium. Automatically, the gundams turned to face him. The crowds fell silent.

"Let the 14th Gundam Fight Championship begin!" he shouted. Somewhere outside the ring, a giant gong was hit.

BONG!

"Father, it is time for me to again try to restore our Shaolin Temple!" Sai Saici whispered, holding up one hand in a stance.

"It is time to show the world the true might of my nation!" George declared, holding a rose to his chest.

"It is time to continue the fight for my friends!" Argo muttered, clashing his fists together.

"And it is time for me to achieve my dream!" Chibodee yelled, the loudest of all.

Allenby spotted Sven and the others on board the boathouse. They exchanged smiles as the sun set in the background. It was time.