Well I fixed a lot at last: Corrected lots of major mistakes. And I do mean LOTS.
And yes, I know you can't make sixth Ingrid. Here's my reasoning for the sixth Ingrid: Since there are only five Ingrids and only five planets, put them together (DUH ^^). The Goddesses expressed a physical form to humans and they then created the Ingrids. So, this sixth Ingrid is from a sixth Goddess. If you get the part when Teela talks to Luria-Karrou, she is saying you were lost and we found you. She is referring to how they found the Sixth Goddess, wandering and lost. Well, this Goddess is from a planet that humanity use to live on (not by the humans defending Zion and living in the space colonies, different humans). A sixth planet now you say, "Well why didn't the humans of Zion live on that planet?" It was a planet that is to far away for them to know, billions of light years away. So the humans of Zion—as I will refer to them—found the Goddess and she expressed her longing for a physical form, thus creating the sixth Ingrid.
Now for the explanation of the Ingrid's abilities: Luria-Karrou, will allow its Pilot to neutralize the effects that Victim and Teela/Zero may have on the time and space continuum and can camouflage the other Ingrids if necessary, this ability is due to the new type of EX discovered, so it was put into use in the sixth Ingrid. The Pilots for this Ingrid are extremely rare and highly valued in the GIS hierarchy, due to the exiguousness of that type of EX.
Explanation of the EX: If EX is a natural force, and it comes from the brain. There has to be something that produces it? An EX gland perhaps? Wouldn't that be how EX runs out, once the gland is used up? The Pilots with the EX in my story, have not one, but two EX glands, allowing them to control more than one thing (the time damage and camouflage). However, as I said above, this condition is extremely rare.
Yes, Zero may seem out of character but think: What are five hundred years and two tragedies going to do to you? He's not going to be the same Zero, y'know. He is a Pilot now.
Also, I do capitalize Pilot, Repairer, Candidate, and Observer according to the correct context. I would capitalize 'Pilot' in this sentence: "I'm going to be a Pilot", said Zero. I wouldn't capitalize 'Pilot' in this sentence "I'm going to pilot an Ingrid", said Zero. So and so on for 'Repairer', 'Observer', and 'Candidate. I used the "find" option to do this and I've checked it a couple times, but if I missed a couple please inform me. I might have missed one, but I think I got 'em all. Jus' inform me if I have a couple that I missed.
Okay, I have absolutely no clue when GOA (I'm assuming it started in 5000 S.C. but I know that is probably wrong) did start. I do know that "Lost Property" happened in 4088 S.C. and that (I'm not positive) the year that Zero is brought to GOA is 5030. If anybody knows these dates, I would really appreciate them.
Italicized words mean telepathic communication, singing, or narration. '' (apostrophes used in place of quotes) mean someone is conveying a thought kind of like talking in your mind you know what I mean (I hope).
Candidate for Goddess
The Coming
Chapter One
The Black Goddess
It has been five hundred-thirty years since the start of GOA and since then a new breed of EX has evolved; these few have the ability to manipulate one's surroundings. The Violet Ingrid, Luria-Karrou, has joined the fight. Constructed in 5098 in total secrecy. Along with the new type of EX new forms of, Victim, have also spawned bearing the same ability as that of the top Goddess Pilot, the ability to control time. All that remains of the past are the two Zenoah.
"Klein, how many Victim are approaching?" The leader asked the other Pilot confidently, she never showed him the weakness.
"Ten are headed towards GOA, and there's eight approaching Zion ", replied the Pilot.
Zero. Teela entered the Pilot's mind; connected as one the two were now. A connection no one else had ever experienced (and no one else ever will), except him.
Yes, Teela. The usual reply; he was use to it. The connection of Zenoah was unbreakable.
Protect them. Teela's reply, short and simple, an enigma. The life of a Goddess was always a never-ending puzzle of mysteries.
"Keimeia, shields!" The cry of the other Pilots seemed so far from Zero. Yet the one of the Red called for the others as Zero's mind drifted.
"Shields deploy, S0S to S4 target is, Zion." The one of the Orange spoke delivering her protection. The "Angel of Defense", Agia-Keimeia.
Zero's mind snapped to the present. "Kallisto, move in, I'll cover you", Zero commanded. His commands were always acuminous and quick.
"Luria-Karrou, on standby", came the eerie voice of the Violet Ingrid Pilot. Temme, its one mysterious Pilot.
Even though Zero's eyes peered into her heart, Teela did not sway from her position. The White Ingrid just stood there motionless as if waiting for something against the blackness of space.
Teela. Why can't you fight? I can't do it alone. I need you. These words were a whisper from Zero's mind, he almost regretted saying them.
Zero, you know I cannot fight anymore. You will be the one to lead them. Teela's mind, loud, clear, and resounding. Her voice never showed weakness.
How can that be…? What do you mean?. Zero's words covering his true thoughts His mind was clouded with thoughts of battle.
"Eemna-Leena, cover me", came the desperate cry of Tella-Kallisto. Courrs was now in the midst of battle and needed the help of his fellow Pilots. For the Ingrids were a team.
Zero moved towards the Victim. This seemed so familiar. He had done this since all the Pilots except Teela had been killed in the battle to save Zion. He had seen all the generations of Pilots, and now Zero Enna longed for it to end. He destroyed the Victim, but it always came back. Then finally to his avail, the White Ingrid moved unsheathing her sword destroying the last of the Victim.
They headed toward their home, GIS. The Ingrids fresh from battle, were taken without word by the Repairers. Each Repairer carefully reviewed each aspect of the Ingrid inside and out, but no Repairer was as tedious as the Repairer of Eemna-Leena. She stayed with it for hours as if guarding her own child.
"All checks complete, Zero", said Zero's Repairer. Kereema was always on top of the job. She had been the first Repairer to remind him of her.
"Thanks, Kereema", replied Zero smiling at his Repairer.
"Zero, I'm worried that when you battle your EX can overload the Ingrid's automic core. You know, your EX wasn't meant for this Ingrid." Kereema didn't have to point out that again, Zero knew very well this was the Ingrid he had not longed for or for that matter, the Ingrid he belonged in.
"Kereema, I've done this longer than you can imagine, but I'll be more careful next time. I have learned to control it", said Zero with a smile on his face.
Half way through Zero's sentence she stopped listening and was back to repairing. 'Guess she loves her job.' Zero stood there watching his partner carefully recheck the Ingrid. Kizna had been this way about his piloting skills, if only he could see her.
He could see it in his mind: The second time he piloted Eemna-Leena, the Victim attacked GIS. None of the Ingrids could get there in time. The Victim created a diversion and attacked destroying much of the exterior, but Kizna was still gone. He chose not to remember those painful days, but his grief overwhelmed him, even in battle.
Zero then turned his gaze towards his Ingrid, its massive size and armor, but that just concealed what the Ingrid really kept. The Goddess…
Then his mind flashed back to that day—all four them died—all except her. Seeing her bloodied face carrying the burden of their Goddesses. That is why the names of the Ingrids are kept so closely and the last names are the same to honor those four who died, even though their valiant efforts were in vain. The first time he piloted Eemna-Leena he felt almost guilty about it, to Pilot an Ingrid was his dream, wasn't it?
Teela stood in the cold, metal bay speaking to someone unbeknownst to this world. The incandescent light shone threw her teal locks of hair. "You were lost, we found you, wandering, Suri. I will protect you now, rest wandering spirit, I will protect you." Teela's eyes gleamed towards the Violet Ingrid; she gazed at as though it was her own. "Do not be afraid, young Goddess, you will grow as we have."
Teela. Why did you attack the Victim? Now Zero chose to enter her mind. Zero spoke to her as he lay on his bed seemingly doing nothing.
I could not bear the pain. Zero, I've seen what coming. Teela's mind chose not reveal all.
What's coming? Zero asked in a somewhat worried tone.
The true form of Victim. It's nothing the other Pilots can handle. It is my fight and my destiny. Teela held her ground, she wouldn't let Zero interfere. Not now and not with this.
What do you mean? Then in that moment she vanished, Zero had felt Teela's feelings and her power. Teela knew Zero; they are the only ones who really knew the truth. They will live forever until the end of the Victim. Zero lay still on his bed wandering why he and Teela were alone. Zero knew she wanted the same thing, the end to Victim, but she never revealed what she was to him, not fully anyways.
A week had passed since the last Victim attack. This seemed unusually long to Zero. He kept thinking the Victim were concealing something. It didn't matter to him, he had lived long enough. Zero laughed reminiscing of his day as a Candidate, he could remember so little, but he could remember how anxious he was to pilot an Ingrid. His dream came true, but he still yearned to pilot the White Ingrid, seeing the White Ingrid only provoked his dream more. The true and endless dream of his young days still wavered in his mind.
Kereema and Marou sat together on a bench overlooking Zion, sitting as friends, allies, and partners. "Ah, Kereema", the other Repairer.
"Tough day huh, Marou, I know how it is. I have got my hands full just repairing Eemna-Leena," said the weary Kereema
"Well if Courrs was a little more careful. The way he fights worries me sometimes even though I know he has good intentions most of the time. His heart floats away from battle; I don't know where it is sometimes."
"You always say that, Marou. I don't know what to think honestly." Kereema just beamed happily at the other Repairer.
"Oh well at least we're still here, Kereema. We are here for them and they are here for us."
"Marou, do you ever...?" Kereema's voice trailed off into the darkness of the room, the light consumed her words.
"Ever what, Kereema? Kereema we are friends, can't you tell me?" The sea-foam-haired Repairer questioned her friend, worried as a friend would naturally be.
"Never mind, it was stupid." Kereema glanced away with somewhat of a pale pink face. Her violet eyes stuck out against this embarrassed expression.
"No, tell me", said Marou soothingly. Her tone was alleviated into a friendly and caring one. Yet still the sense of worrying hung in the air.
"Are you afraid they won't come back, is that why I don't reveal my feelings?" Kereema was slightly embarrassed asking this, but this was someone she could trust.
"Kereema, I don't know…" Even a friend could not answer a question such as that. There is always uncertainty in the future.
"C'mon, a song is always soothing, let's sing together, Marou." Sometimes there was nothing else Kereema could offer, singing was relieving.
The wind blows beneath my feet though I feel the pain of life I soar through the sky on wings, angel wings. Wings of white take me high upon the clouds. I beg to feel the land and sea but my angel wings take me higher upon the never-ending skies. True dreams, blue dreams. I fly past crystal castles, endless fields of light. I'm flying now, can't you see me? On my wings, can't you see me? Wandering, pondering, can't you see me?
He watched them from far away, hiding from them. Zero loved it when they sang together, just like them. Their sweet voices filled his ears and lulled him into deep thought.
The alarm rang. "Type T-S Victim sighted in Area Red; all Pilots and Repairers to your battle stations." The robotic voice once again filled his Zero's ears as it had for five hundred years.
"Zero, come on. They will launch without us." A worried friend tried to pull Zero along to the docking bay, Courrs.
"Let me finish", protested Zero. Zero was in a less-than-caring mood today, he wasn't in a fighting mood either. Even if it meant a chance, a chance for her.
Courrs proceeded to grab Zero away from the tray, but instead began to relentlessly tickle him. "That tickles! Hey, cut it out! One more bite, please." For some reason the meal seemed to taste good to Zero. He rarely enjoyed the food on GIS; it was a step up from GOA though. Well, he had been eating it for five hundred years, but today it was just in a sense better.
"Now, Zero! Marou and Kereema are probably waiting wondering where we are. They are going to kill us when they find out it was food holding us up!" The Pilot's faced was vexed, yet you still got the feeling that he was having fun.
"All right, all right, I'm coming, Courrs." Zero reluctantly got up from his seat and followed Courrs to the bay. The walk was nothing different than it was everyday. Metallic views of GIS and the occasional window view of Zion on the way to the docking bay.
Courrs and Zero had been good friends since Courrs became a Pilot. Courrs had reminded Zero of Erts; so long ago Erts had become a Pilot. He still remembered that day when he became a Pilot. The pain Erts had felt he now understood, what that pain was. Then that battle—he was helpless he could not even save him—his friend died before his eyes. Now he had true power, the power of a Goddess. The thought of seeing Erts in the Ingrid: The cockpit was gashed open with his bloody body inside. He saw him mouth "Goodbye Zero" and then collapse into the arms of his Goddess. The Goddess' arms, wide open and holding the young warrior, his body battered and torn, and then, his eyes. All that remained untouched were his eyes.
"So young…why did you die? Why? Why did you leave me?" Zero whispered quietly. Zero's legs gave out, and then his arms. His eyes welled up and slowly tears ran from his eyes onto the floor. Zero didn't know why this happened, those feelings. "Erts…"
"Zero, Zero." Courrs offered him a hand, but it was just tossed aside. 'Sometimes his pain is mine', he thought.
"Go on…I'll… make it", Zero said between choked tears. Courrs just stood there. His body towered above the chestnut- haired boys, as Zero was on all fours.
"Damn it, you heard me, go!" He stood there till Zero came back to himself. The Zero that Courrs and everyone else knew. At last Zero rose to his feet and the two Pilots advanced towards their Ingrids.
All the Pilots and Repairers were there, eleven in all since the construction of the Violet Ingrid. Preparing for battle and checking their Ingrids.
"Where were you? All the other Pilots were here on time, EXCEPT YOU! Zero, Zero, Zero."
The boy just stood there staring at her as if she really meant those words. Then he burst into laughter and she did as well. Unlike any past Repairer besides Kizna, Zero had developed a strong relationship with Kereema, a very strong bond.
"Luria-Karrou, checklist complete.
"Agia-Keameia, checklist complete."
"Reneglein-Klein, checklist complete."
"Tella-Kallisto, checklist complete."
"Eemna-Leena, checklist complete.
"Errn-Laties, beginning launch sequence."
"Air-lock 1 completed…air-lock 2 completed. All Pilots launch. Air-lock 3 completed."
"Pilots, we will go with formation A-3", Teela announced
The Ingrids gleamed against the never-ending silhouette of space as they launched into space. Zion shined in the background giving off its ethereal light. The light that cannot be lost; the hope that cannot be lost; the souls that can never be forgotten. As if they were all merged into one being, and that being would be Zion.
One Type-T-S Victim confirmed. Fifty more Type-E Victim approaching, this can be a problem", said the Pilot of Reneglein-Klein.
"T-Shields up, setting three, I have enough energy to hold for an hour. I can't maintain this for long." The Pilot of Luria-Karrou spoke through the intercoms in an almost panicky voice.
"Luria-Karrou, go to setting five", said Teela. Her voice came through unequivocal and commanding. The voice and mind of a Goddess didn't face doubt, not in battle.
Temme was dumbstruck about First's decision. Though, not being one to disobey her, Temme changed the shields. "Recalculating shields, shields rest…setting five."
"Eemna-Leena, initiate attack on the Type-E Victim, they have arrived ", came the voice of Reneglein-Klein.
The Blue Ingrid attacked the victim sending it into the darkness. Her guns sending rippling waves of fire into the echelons of Victim. The creatures continued their attack not only on the physical dimension, but also on the dimension of time. The Violet Ingrid held this defense.
"Shields up, S0S to S4, target is Zion." Agia-Keimeia released her wings sending the field-units to protect the last star.
Teela. Zero called for her yet again.
Zero, it's coming. Teela's response was cryptic.
Tell me. Zero didn't understand her mind, for the mind of a Goddess was a vast sea of life, not to be understood by a mere child.
Do not fight it. The response was yet again oracular and enigmatic.
"Another victim approaching." Reneglein-Klein called out to her fellow Pilots. Her cry was frantic.
Protect them, Zero. I can no longer. Teela's voice was now fading from Zero's mind. Slowly, slowly, each bit of her voice resounding into the very cells of his body.
Teela, wait. Zero called for the Goddess, but she vanished.
"Tella-Kallisto, attack from behind"; the Pilot of Reneglein-Klein had control over the situation at the moment as he was issuing commands. This was not unusual for him to do.
The Red Ingrid moved in, but was suddenly knocked away by an unseen force. "Reneglein-Klein, what was that?"
"I am unable to confirm it is Victim." This unknown force troubled Rells' mind. Something didn't knock an Ingrid out of nowhere everyday, something with that kind of force and stealth.
The voice of Teela rang in, "Klein, locate it now." Teela was now back in the sortie, or her mind was for that matter.
Rells' hair glowed and the young Pilot began looking into their souls piercing the very heart of the creature. "Victim, confirmed Type-C Victim, weight and height unknown. Tella-Kallisto, proceed with the attack."
"A Victim…that's impossible. That's not what I saw, it resembled an…" Courrs stood still, the thought boggling his mind. "Impossible…could the Victim be its decoy?"
"Kereema, send in the Number Five Cannon now", called Zero. He needed these weapons; they were the heart of the Blue Ingrid.
"Transporting now, Zero", confirmed the voice of his Repairer.
"Zero, stop! This is too close, back off", called Courrs frantically. "There's something hidden, it's a decoy!"
"Eemna-Leena wait!" Reneglein-Klein's Pilot called to Zero.
The cannon fired: A huge explosion rocked the area sending all but the White Ingrid sprawling backward into space. The aftermath of the cannon spread through the area. The wave of energy rocked GIS, sending the crew and Repairers alike into a tumultuous frenzy.
It took a while for them to recover from the shock of the cannon. "Eemna-Leena, why did you attack? Couldn't you see the distance? Clearly a Pilot with your skill and experience should know", demanded Courrs.
"Death of Victim, confirmed", Zero's voice was cold. Zero was becoming more like Teela in a sense, bit by bit he adapted to her way of life. For he was—in a sense—the next leader. Even if being like this wasn't him, Zero was becoming like this. "Tella-Kallisto, do no question my attack. The Victim is dead that is our top and only priority."
Courrs seemed shunned out from Zero as if thrown away from him. This side was totally alien to Zero. He had never experienced that before. 'This is not the first time he has done this and I fear it may not be the last.' Courrs glanced out towards the White Ingrid, 'why?'
All the Ingrids all began to advance towards GIS fresh from battle. The weary souls of the Pilots would rest again for just another battle. The never-ending cycle of war dragged on with mere adolescents fighting in its midst.
"Wait, something is approaching", the Pilot of Reneglein-Klein announced.
"Impossible, we killed the last of that swarm", Courrs scoffed. "Check it again, there must be an error."
"Nothing is wrong, Courrs", said Rells. His voice was positive, showing no sign of doubt whatsoever.
"You idiot, Rells, did your Repairer not fully check Reneglein-Klein and not even realize it!" This accusation would definitely lead to an argument. Yet somehow in the silence it was interrupted.
"Shut up, both of you!" Zero said angrily.
Zero had to concentrate, she was calling him. Look deep into my mind. Teela's voice was luring him into the inner depths of her soul.
He saw it inside Teela's mind: The birth of Victim. They were humans, but violent EX reactions turned them into these monsters. He saw it the first Victim he felt its pain the tortured human soul and mind. He could bear no more. Why?
You must lead them now. I am not their leader, my power fades, and you must be the one. The epiphany still hadn't come…
"Unknown vessel approaching", called Reneglein-Klein.
Why did you save me? Was I that important? Zero had to know even if this question was irrelevant.
I saw your destiny, my child. We are the last hope. This is the last I could leave you before my time ended, they are humans, imperfect, tortured, living souls.
Zero shuddered at the sound of being called her child. 'Was she lying? Had his life been nothing more than intricate lies'?
A coldness swept through the area as it entered the realm of the Goddesses. The vessel approached the Goddesses. To everyone's disbelief it resembled an Ingrid. A sleek black designed adorned with thick yet flexible armor. The Ingrid rose above all the others. Her head christened with a crown of three black spikes. Her shoulders flowed with thick black panels caressing and hugging the body of the Ingrid that acted like wings. Its body was slender and pressed. Swords graced the sides of the Ingrid, one on each side. The perfect opponent for the Goddesses.
"A Black Ingrid, but how?" Is this, Victim? Zero shot his questions to Teela and the other Pilots.
Yes, its true form. What Teela spoke was now beginning to unfold in his mind.
"Zero", came an unknown voice. "Zero Enna, a Pilot." An evil cackle pierced Zero's ears.
'No, it couldn't be. I know that voice. He's, dead. He died so long ago, but how!' Zero's thoughts raced over and over.
"Long time no see", hissed the voice in an oily tone. "You don't remember me? You should, I could've killed you."
'That voice, but how, he's dead.' Zero's mind raced frantically around searching for a plausible answer, but no answer that seemed sane was found.
"What? Shocked to hear me, Zero?"
"Damn you, get out of my head. You're not real! You were killed a long time ago. Hiead Gner!" The thought of Hiead sickened Zero.
"It's me, Zero. Surprised to see me?" Hiead's voiced snaked his way through the mind of Zero. Even the sheer words of Hiead threatened to destroy Zero's mind.
"Hiead, you're not real, you're dead!" Zero's hands clutched his head as if trying to claw out the memory of Hiead.
"Is this real enough?" The Black Ingrid began to glow emitting red light from its palm that suddenly exploded sending the Blue Ingrid careening into the oblivion of space.
The enraged Zero came back, attacking Hiead. Striking him with the fire of bullets over and over. Then the EX took over, pushing Zero to his limits. Hiead watched the graceful figure weave around him. Then he struck him with a sword scarring the Ingrid. Eemna-Leena stopped, the sword piercing her shoulder. "How…how could you be that powerful?"
"Hiead, you can't do this to me we are the same! Stop! You sadistic bastard!" Zero's words seethed of hate so strong that even the Goddess was appalled at his behavior.
"Hate so strong…when he found me, I did not see this. What has happened? Or should I be the blind one, not even noticing this boy's…" The Goddess trailed off, standing eerily behind her Pilot. "I will not let you go, Zero."
Suddenly the Black Ingrid stood still as if frozen, it was Teela she was controlling Hiead. "Your EX doesn't work on me, Teela", Hiead screamed trying to deny the fact that she was controlling him. "If you hadn't stopped me, I would have killed Victim, all of Victim; but now, Victim and I are one. Not even you can stop us!"
"You had to be stopped. Your hatred runs deep through your soul, Hiead Gner. Teela had a hardened look on her face; her own Ingrid gazing intently upon the Black Ingrid.
"I have power beyond power now, one that even transcends yours, Teela. Now I will kill you all of you!" Hiead viciously attacked the White Ingrid. Once again she regained control of him. "Stop your childish games, Teela; soon I will be free—free to kill you all!
Even Teela remembered that day, that fateful day: Zero and Hiead had moved up taking the place as Top Candidates. They had been assisting the Ingrids, the Victim was dead, but she had sensed something in her own child that made her wonder.
Teela watched as Hiead moved closer Zero, as if trying to taunt him. Then it happened: His EX exploded so forcefully within him that he lost control of it. Zero stared him and then challenged him. Zero tried but, Head's EX was out of control, Hiead overtook him in an instant. Zero floated in his Pro-Ing unconscious in the depths of space. The power so immense that even his rival was taken out in an instant.
Even the current Pilot of the Blue Ingrid was no match and that Pilot was far more skilled than Hiead. He overpowered the Ingrid in the Pro-Ing! She knew she had to intervene or he would kill them all.
Hiead then proceeded to go after the unconscious Zero with unreal speed. Teela's EX caused the intervention; she stopped Hiead. The Pro-Ing stopped, its Pilot unaware of what was happening. She could feel him fight her trying to escape her grasp.
"Forgive me, God, for the death of my child." The Goddess shined moving in. The light exploded and the Pro-Ing was diminished, its Pilot nowhere to bee seen. All the Pilots stared at her in disbelief, their Goddesses comforting them. Something that was never seen before…
It was silent, they all seemed too afraid to question her at GIS. They all wondered why she had killed that Candidate; it seemed to them that it was the wrong choice to make.
"They must never know what Victim is, Teela. Is that why you killed him?" Kuro lay upon his bed, dying…
"Yes, my dear Kuro, it is. My heart shall lead a never-ending ache that pain should not be there though. I don't know why I mourn the death of my child; he was not mine to begin with. Should I have stopped the birth of Victim? Was it my choice?"
"Courrs", Teela spoke to the Red Ingrid Pilot. "Stop Eemna-Leena, he will try to attack."
"I understand, First." Courrs looked onto the road of this battle, 'where shall we end up after this? Will we live? Who is this and what is this? So many questions to answer, yet I have no time…'
"Hiead Gner, I am the Goddess of Zion, your savior", Teela's voice was algid and harbored no regret. A Goddess…
The enraged Hiead now attacked her full force. Black blades now grazed the skin of the White Ingrid. This damage was minimal compared to the damage he had in store for her, much more…
"What's going on? I can't let her die, not like Erts. I promised. Not her, he shouldn't have died. I won't let you die either, Teela!
"Courrs… Now… Stop him", Teela was straining to speak. Hiead forced her into a position barely allowing her to breathe. Errn-Laties was being crushed under the immense pressure of the blade.
Before Eemna-Leena launched Tella-Kallisto unleashed her blade sending them through Eemna-Leena immobilizing the Ingrid. Gelid metal ripped through the skin of Eemna-Leena. Her Goddess flinching in pain at the Pilot's face. Zero's face distorted in pain, stabbed in the back.
"Zero, what is happening? Eemna-Leena isn't responding! Your Ingrid lost all power a-and I need some time to reboot the main core", said the apprehensive GIS Repairer.
"Hurry, Kereema", responded the voice of the worried Pilot. Zero's time was running out, running out to save her. "Teela…"
Five Repairers now graced the floor GIS focusing on their duties of their Pilots. "Somi, report. What has Reneglein-Klein issued?" One of the Repairers had called out to her.
"There is one unknown vessel on the battlefield, Eemna-Leena, has been disabled from combat, and Errn-Laties is engaged in combat. I have lost visual contact from Reneglein-Klein's sensors."
"Do you have confirmation on what the unknown vessel is?" Once again a random Repairer questioned her.
"Reneglein-Klein has been unable to transmit any other information regarding the vessel. All other Ingrids on standby."
"I am sending a request for GIS to send out a vessel that will give us visual contact. Please standby. 'What could this be? Zero has never felt like this, his brain activity is increasing, connection with the Ingrid is one-hundred ten-percent and rising. It's—it's going to overload!' Kereema frantically thought.
"Darkness, which way out, I must fight on, but where, where am I? This feeling, the first time I was in here. The Goddess and her…"
"Do not be afraid, we are the same." The Goddess appeared behind him, showing her brilliant turquoise hair.
"But, how, Elia? whispered Zero.
'Connection with the Ingrid one-hundred fifty percent, still rising. Zero won't even need me to reboot the core, now.'
Then the EX reaction occurred. The EX flowed through his body and into the Ingrid coursing the wires giving it life. Eemna-Leena began to move, her body was living, and the Ingrid was now strengthening.
"Impossible, he took a direct hit from me", Courrs said astonished. "Keameia, shields. Set up a barrier between Eemna-Leena and the current battle. I won't let him get through no matter what."
"Left wing S0 to S5", ordered Kellaru. Agia-Keimeia responded flooding the battle with her protection.
"Courrs, don't try to stop me!" Zero's anger peaked.
"Zero, I must." It is not my will it is hers. I am just obeying orders."
Errn-Laties now drew her sword, unsheathing the holy blade seemed to almost make Hiead wince in pain as he remembered it as the blade that pierced his soul. 'That blade is not an ordinary blade. It was forged with the power of the Goddesses. It was never meant for humans to feel its wrath.'
Their EX would distort time, but Luria-Karrou silently did her duties. She went on alone unnoticed by the other Pilots, remaining far away.
"Kereema, send the Number Five Cannon now! It must come, I won't let her die", Zero called frantically to his partner.
"You should be receiving it shortly, Zero", confirmed Kereema.
"Eemna-Leena stop, you will not win", said Courrs. "This is not your battle."
"Courrs, don't question me! I have to."
Suddenly Reneglein-Klein moved in front of the Blue Ingrid. "You'll have to kill me first", said its Pilot.
"Rells, what are you doing? Stay out of this Reneglein-Klein", hollered Courrs
"Then if that's what it—."
Courrs abruptly cut him off. "—Zero, Zero Enna Stop!" Courrs cried. "This is not the Zero I know." Tella-Kallisto blade sliced through space towards Eemna-Leena. Suddenly a deafening noise crackled through space. Zero had shot the blade away leaving it floating in the vastness of space.
"Don't try to stop me, Courrs! My goals are set and not even you can stop me", voiced Zero.
"How… H-h-how… could you, I was too close. No one could have shot that away in time. Even the best of Pilot would have surely failed to deflect it."
"Don't get in my way. I am not like any other Pilots, I am myself", Zero said dignantly.
"First said stand down, Eemna-Leena", interrupted Rells. Reneglein-Klein tried to stay in this conflicting battle among the Pilots.
"Until Courrs give me proof, I won't stop." Zero stood his ground still trying to break through the barrier.
"First, that is all I can do you must convince him, the bonds of friendship only go so far", said Courrs gravely.
Zero. Now Teela was the one calling him. In the midst of battle her mind swayed to help her child.
Teela. Zero's reply was full of regret even if he only spoke "Teela."
Listen to them; neither Hiead nor Victim can harm me.
But you will...Zero worried, yet his worrying did not change the future.
Yes, I will die, but not by his hand. I cannot let you die for me, you were not destined for this, and it is already my time to leave.
You must Teela....
Zero, you must lead them now.
No, no I won't let this happen.
Protect them, Rei.
Wait, Teela. Don't leave me behind. She was gone her voice still echoed in Zero's mind. The thoughts of Victim resounded in his head over and over. 'Why, why did this happen? 'I cannot allow this to hinder me, I will keep fighting until that day, the day I kill the last Victim.'
"So Zero, will you stop now?" Questioned Courrs in a rather quiet tone.
"Yes, I will stop. It is all right, I will lead you now."
'What is he talking about? Could she be handing him the position,' thought Courrs.
'Was God right to let us live? Was I meant to be the Pilot of you, Errn-Laties, or was he? Why was I burdened with this, to walk alone in this body? Now it is my time to advance towards the awakening of Zion.'
The White Ingrid fought on; almost as if dancing she struck the Black Ingrid over and over. "You have improved over the years, Teela Zain Elmes", hissed the dark voice of Hiead Gner.
"I will free you—free you of Victim's grasp, Hiead Gner." Teela struck the Black Ingrid struck across the arm leaving a hole exposing wires. Immediately the metal began to regenerate covering the hole. Teela hadn't expected this but she glanced at it knowing her destiny.
"Why did you do this, why do you want this power? It wasn't meant for humans", said Teela.
"You will never know, in your arrogance you failed to notice my power", Hiead spat back.
"If I had not stopped you, you would have become one of them. Would you rather be some distorted and grotesque creature floating in space with no soul? Or would you rather be dead?"
"I did not choose my fate", said Hiead. "You're sense of life has been numbed. A Goddess, not to me. This power radiates within me makes me unstoppable; even you are no match for me."
"Even though I could not stop the inevitable, I tried to deny your existence. Death by my hand was not enough; you had to sell your soul to Victim! Now Hiead, I shall give you freedom", said Teela disdainfully.
The Black Ingrid lunged at her in anger bearing its cold blade. Errn-Laties dodged and struck him down. "I'll kill you!" Hiead spat his words; so full of hate and death. The Black Ingrid's body suddenly began to pulsate with the color of blood. It glowed crimson and the Ingrid carried a gigantic ball of crimson light that it even made GIS seem elfin. Red light danced everywhere flowing through the body of the Black Ingrid. "Now Teela, die!" A massive flow of energy engulfed Errn-Laties delivering a blow to that left Teela barely alive."
"You have grown strong, Hiead", Teela said in a weakened voice." Teela's body stood bruised and blemished in the cockpit. She barely hung to life in the Ingrid. She gave one last weakened all to her closest one. Elia, help him now.
Suddenly a holy echo resounded within the Ingrids and Teela's EX exploded sending a shockwave destroying the Black Ingrid and Victim. The bits of the Black Ingrid dissolved in the blackness of space.
"How could you? Teela!" Hiead screamed, as he was being torn away from the living world and thrust into an eternal hell forever.
The spirits of the Ingrids cried out in unison, "Teela!"
Suddenly Zero's true EX shined. Eemna-Leena emitted a blue light from her chest that shielded the other Ingrids from Teela's EX. "Condition Blue", said the amazed Kereema.
Four of the Pilots felt the cry of their Goddesses. Each knew they were feeling it, but known spoke of it. Their voices crying out to her, so sad and distant. The Pilot of Luria-Karrou did not feel anything from his Goddess, for she had not known Teela, she chose the path of loneliness and despair straying away from the other Goddesses. So cold she was to them, frightened in this new universe.
"Is this the true power of the Goddess? Is this my power, that I have been searching for", whispered Zero.
"Yes, we are now one, you and I. Zero Enna, you have truly ridden a Goddess", spoke Elia.
