Author's Note: Okay here's where the plot takes off—I hope everybody enjoys the involvement of other gundam fighters and the surprise coming. Thanks to all reading this and especially to those taking the time to review. I'll never beg for reviews but I deeply appreciate them.
SNATCHED INTO THE PAST
Rain stared up into the cerulean clime canopied over Neo Istanbul, Neo Turkey idly noting the clear weather. The last time she had been there the sky was gray and it poured as if it were crying tears of mourning over the city as it was nearly destroyed by their own Scythe Gundam, piloted by her former college flame, Saette Gyuzelle. He had been driven into a frenzy by the advancing DG cells that were taking over his body and after nearly strangling her as she was treating him, he took off with the Neo Turkish army in hot pursuit. Domon had challenged Saette to a Gundam fight, determined to defeat him not only because of his exposure to the Dark Gundam but also because of his own jealousy of Saette and what he had once meant to Rain. Just when Domon was ready to finish the former wrestling star off, Rain's anguished plea to spare him was the only thing that kept him from severing Scythe Gundam's head.
Rain sighed as she studied the information she had received on Saette's whereabouts prior to her trip. According to the Neo Turkish government report she had requested, he had recovered from his infestation of DG cells and was exonerated of the rampage he had gone on when the DG cells were taking their toll on his body and mind. He had been given a post as a wrestling coach at the public university where he was finishing work on his Master's degree in Engineering. She hailed a taxi and headed to the university campus.
The University of Neo Turkey was a fairly new complex, a bastion of local academe that was essentially a major recruiting ground for the Neo Turkish government. It was a cluster of flat roofed buildings encompassed by neatly landscaped and tree-shaded grounds. As she headed to the gymnasium where the wrestling team was practicing, Rain admired the relative tranquility the campus afforded.
She entered the gymnasium where a group of young men were grappling with each other on colored mats as a tall familiar figure observed the action, his broad back to her. A whistle sounded as Saette's voice called out.
"Okay men, now I want you to practice some holds, we have a meet in a week and we need to work on our holds, they've been sloppy." He turned and spotted Rain and his ink colored eyes flew open wide in astonishment.
"Rain?"
She smiled and walked over to him. "Hello, Saette."
Saette's handsome olive visage split open in a delighted smile as the two embraced. "Wow, I never thought I'd ever see you again. How are you?"
The lovely doctor nodded her head as she replied. "I'm just fine, Saette."
The wrestling team had stopped their practice and were watching the two with keen interest, their eyes on the shapely form of Rain in her miniskirt. She blushed at the attention as Saette spied the youths' gawking and blew his whistle to get their focus.
"Okay men, that's it for today. We'll meet same time tomorrow and practice holds then so hit the showers!"
The young men all dispersed, some snickering as they headed off. Saette turned to Rain and shrugged apologetically.
"Forgive them. They're young guys and they act like young guys when a pretty girl is in their midst." He gestured to the bleachers at the far wall. "Let's have a seat."
They strolled over to the layered wooden benches and sat down. Rain glanced around and said with a nervous titter, "It reminds me of when I used to go and watch you practice at Colony University."
Saette chuckled as he remarked, "Yeah, that was a while ago. But I get the feeling you didn't come all the way here from Neo Japan to talk about old times with me."
Rain shook her head. "No I'm afraid not. I'm doing research to come up with an antidote to completely eradicate DG cells."
Saette studied her with an inscrutable expression as he inquired, "You're not working as the gundam crewmember for Domon Kasshu anymore?"
Rain lowered her head as she replied, "I-I'm taking a break from the gundam for a while. I'm sure you heard all about what happened."
"Uh-huh. And that Domon and the rest of the Shuffle Alliance saved you and destroyed the Dark Gundam. So why are you researching DG cells, haven't they too, been destroyed?"
Rain sighed as she answered, "There still are some around. Domon and the rest of the Alliance have seen signs of self recovery, one of the Dark Gundam's three theoretical abilities so they're still around. I owe it to those whose lives have been destroyed by it to wipe out the DG cells." She frowned in grim determination as she added, "And I owe it to my father's memory to make atonement for what hand he had in it."
Saette examined her closely as he said softly, "I heard about what happened to your father. I'm sorry, Rain." He reached and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.
His touch stirred something in Rain, a fleeting feeling from long ago, at a time and place that seemed so very uncomplicated and carefree as her azure eyes were pinned by Saette's onyx ones. Then a pair of umber orbs smirked at her from under a shock of raven hair in her mind and she quickly jumped up and nervously stepped away from the bleachers as she turned from her former love and thought of her current one.
"T-thank you, Saette. So let me ask you, what other symptoms from the DG cells did you encounter when you were infected?"
Saette replied nonchalantly, "You treated me. What did you see?"
Rain countered, "But I didn't see the initial infection. Where on the body did they first appear?"
Saette leaned back and frowned in thought. "After my encounter with the thing, the cells started in patches on my legs but then disappeared. Then you saw them on my arms when you treated me last time."
Rain nodded as she mentally took notes. Saette was gazing intently at her as he asked hesitantly, "Rain, can I ask you something? I know that you came here to ask me questions about the DG cells but I have to know was that the only reason?"
Rain looked at him in puzzlement. "What other reason would I have?"
Saette looked nonplussed as he replied sheepishly, "None, I just thought or rather I hoped that--"
He trailed off letting the statement hang in the air between them as Rain gazed at him with a mixture of fondness and regret. She sat back down beside him and addressed him gently.
"Saette, you didn't think I was here to rekindle the flame between us did you?"
He grinned wryly at her. "You can't blame me for hoping."
She shook her head slowly. "No I can't but you need to know that Domon and I are very much in love. We've always been close since childhood and when he rescued me from the Dark Gundam he broke down and told me he loved me. And I've loved him since we were training in the Guyana Highlands"
Saette picked up her ringless left hand. "And yet, you still aren't married."
Rain pulled her hand from his grasp. "We've talked about marriage but until I can right the wrongs of my father, I can't commit myself to marrying Domon and raising a family with him. I won't bring children into this world when their late grandfather has brought such shame by his actions." The pretty brunette had a stubborn tilt to her delicate chin.
The wrestling coach studied the determination in the bright cerulean eyes that had captivated him since the day he met her and knew that Rain would be tireless until she wiped the slate clean. Ironically, he found himself pitying Domon Kasshu, for if the champion gundam fighter was anxious to make Rain truly his, he would have to wait. Saette actually felt sorry for the man who could under different circumstances, be his rival. His eyes sparkled with warm understanding.
"That is so typically you, Rain. Family duty always was important to you and others' needs came before your own happiness. I hope that Domon realizes how very blessed he is."
Rain smiled as she responded, "We are both equally blessed. Domon is a very special man."
Meanwhile, the Burning Gundam of Neo Japan, the Gundam Maxter of Neo America, the Dragon Gundam of Neo China, the Bolt Gundam of Neo Russia, and the Gundam Rose of Neo France and their pilots, the infamous Shuffle Alliance were gathered in a clearing in the Rocky Mountains of Neo Canada. They had just arrived from an investigation in Neo Mexico, near Acapulco and the remnant of the Dark Gundam they saw. Neo Mexico's Gundam pilot, Chico Rodriguez was there to meet them and had given them a brief rundown of how the thing got there. Domon assured him that Neo Japan's mobile transport fleet would remove the tentacle as soon as possible. They then headed to Neo Canada and were there to check on a report of Dark Gundam remnants that had fallen from space and were showing signs of self recovery, a clear indication that somehow the dormant Dark Gundam was trying to make a comeback. The Alliance was gathered about Andrew Graham, the gundam pilot for Neo Canada to ask questions.
"So, Andrew," Domon began. "How long has this Dark Gundam part been here?" He gestured to a piece of tentacle about thirty feet long that appeared to be pulsating ominously, like a living monster.
Andrew frowned at the monstrosity. "It was reported by some hikers about two days ago. The Neo Canadian government sent some troops and then they called me. As soon as I saw that area animals had those metallic scales on them, I called for you, Domon and the rest of the Shuffle Alliance."
The rest of the Shuffles were strolling around the tentacle making their own observations. The Shuffle crests on each of their right hands were glowing and got brighter as they continued their inspection.
Domon and Andrew walked over to the thing and the King of Hearts commented cryptically, "This is just another piece in the puzzle." To his comrades he called out. "You guys seen enough here?"
Chibodee let out a low whistle. "Yeah, we've seen enough. Where to next, oh Fearless Leader?"
Before he could answer, Andrew scowled and demanded, "So what do we do about this?"
Domon eyed him steadily and responded, "I'll contact my government and get the mobile transport fleet here to retrieve it. We have a team in Neo Japan that are taking apart the remains of the Dark Gundam to arrest the theoretical abilities and disable them. Neo Japan is leader over the earth so we'll take care of it."
Andrew nodded as he turned and headed to the Lumber Gundam. Domon watched and asked the Black Joker, "Argo, I thought you said that he'd never pilot a gundam again after Allenby almost killed him in the Battle Royale?"
"I thought that was the case," Argo replied as he watched Andrew climb with great agility into the cockpit of the Lumber Gundam. "Perhaps he received a special treatment that allowed him to recover completely."
"Hmmm, it's something to wonder about," Domon said with a thoughtful frown.
Back in the research laboratory at the government building of Neo Japan, Soujiro Ishakawa was busy checking over some files as he quickly jotted down his own notations. His thin lips curved into a sly smile as he reflected on his inspection of the Dark Gundam when Commander Akino and her crew had vacated the area. He also made sure that the troublesome Shuffle Alliance had taken their leave as well before he made his observation. Prime Minister Karato had unwittingly played into his hands by sending the gundam fighters out to investigate sightings of the remnants of the Dark Gundam that had fallen from space around the world.
He unfolded a printed e-mail sent to him from Rain. As she had promised, she kept in touch with her assistant, letting him know of her location in case of an emergency, never realizing that doing so would place her in a precarious and dangerous position. . .
To: sishakawa@DOR.jap.gov
Date: October 23, 60 F.C.
From: drrmikamura@DOR.jap.gov
Subject: My location
Soujiro,
I am now in Neo Italy, my business in Neo England and Neo Turkey completed.
I will contact you with a phone number as soon as I secure lodging.
Sincerely,
Rain
Soujiro picked up the phone and dialed a number that rang at a dilapidated villa on the outskirts of Neo Rome in Neo Italy. Inside, a motley crew of delinquent scrappers all sat indolently draped on the broken-down and sparse furnishings in the rundown house as the leader jumped to his feet to answer the phone.
"Yeah? Uh-huh. Okay, we'll take care of it, bye." He replaced the phone on its cradle and then regarded his minions with devious delight. "Well, boys it looks like it's game time. Let's head out."
The grungy group got up and followed him out. . . .
Rain shaded her eyes against the setting sun behind the ruins of the Coliseum in Neo Rome as she tried to get her bearings. Of all the people she was seeking out to add to her case studies so she could begin the real work, to come up with a antidote to totally wipe DG cells from the face of the earth, the ones she was trying to find now were the ones she was most nervous about, Michelo Chariot's old gang members.
She had gone to the police station and approached the inspector who had remembered vividly the last time she and Domon had been in Neo Italy and mentioned so.
"Ah, Signorina Mikamura, how nice to see you. Is Mr. Kasshu with you?"
Rain smiled politely as she shook her cinnamon curls. "Not this time, I'm afraid."
"I see. Well, what brings you to Neo Rome, if I may ask?"
Rain took a deep breath as she began. "I need to find the whereabouts of the surviving gang members of Michelo Chariot's gang."
The inspector's eyes widened in amazement. "You must be joking."
"On the contrary, inspector I'm quite serious." Rain studied the man evenly, her azure orbs unflinching.
The inspector appeared dismayed. "Oh, I'm sorry to hear that. You see, as the police inspector and a gentleman, I cannot allow you to go looking for the worst criminals in the city. In the absence of Michelo Chariot, his consigliore, Andre, has taken the reins of the gang and carried on the nefarious activities. I cannot allow a lady such as yourself to willingly walk into their midst."
Rain sighed deeply as she protested, "But, Inspector, sir it is imperative that I speak to Andre and the rest. They may be able to give me further information on Michelo's infection of the DG cells."
The inspector shook his head, frowning darkly. "I'm afraid I can't allow it, signorina it's too dangerous. I'm sorry."
Rain rose to her feet to leave. "Thank you for your time Inspector, but you need to understand. I made a vow to do everything in my power to help those infected by DG cells and I have no intention of abandoning that vow no matter who they are or were."
The steely resolve in her clear summer sky eyes unnerved the inspector, making him feel both furious and powerless. He then decided like Pontius Pilate, to wash his hands of the responsibility.
"Very well, I cannot do anything to stop you. But I caution you to be careful, they are still a very strong arm of the local Mafioso." He busied himself with a sheaf of papers on his overloaded desk dismissing Rain.
It appears that I'm on my own. Rain told herself as she walked out of the police station and onto the busy Roman streets. . . .
Someone grabbing her and dragging her into a nearby alley interrupted her thought and as she began to struggle a chloroform soaked cloth was pressed tightly to her mouth and nose, causing her to gag and then quickly lose consciousness. Her luggage and laptop flew out of her hands as she fell.
Lete, a squat, swarthy individual with rodent eyes guffawed loudly as he watched Cameron, a large dull brute with a bulbous nose and broken teeth scoop the now limp form of Rain Mikamura in his arms and dumped her into a sack which he slung over his shoulder. They both headed to a battered hover car where Andre waited.
"So ya got 'er," he growled as he peered at the sack Cameron tossed in the rear of the conveyance. They joined their leader in the front seat.
"Yeah, it was a piece of cake, she walked right into us." Cameron said with a snicker.
"Uh-huh, she didn't even know what hit her. So what're we gonna do with her?" Lete asked as Andre pushed the start button and the craft shimmied as it took off.
"We got someone waiting for her in Neo Japan. So we're gonna take her there," was his brusque reply.
They headed for an abandoned airfield where a jet transport was awaiting their arrival. Then it was off to a private airfield in the middle of Neo Japan. . . .
The next stop for the Shuffle Alliance was Neo Denmark, to check on yet another report of falling debris from the destruction of the Dark Gundam in outer space. Meanwhile, in Neo Copenhagen, Sai Saici, the Ace of Clubs was enjoying the beauty of the town square with the lovely Cecile Holgar as the two strolled hand in hand. Sai was only too aware that he had a mission to accomplish with the rest of the Alliance but he wanted to take advantage of the golden opportunity to see the wee girl that stole his heart during the tournament.
They sat together on a bench watching the birds as they fluttered about, the perfect idyllic scene for young lovers. Sai slipped his arm around Cecile as the sunshine caressed the two with unseasonably warm rays.
"Oh Sai, it's so great to see you again," Cecile bubbled as she snuggled closer.
The Neo China gundam pilot smiled shyly "I couldn't come here to Neo Denmark and not come to see you, Cecile."
"By the way, why are you here?" she wanted to know.
Sai's smile faded as he replied with reluctance. "I'm here with the Shuffle Alliance to investigate a Dark Gundam remnant that fell here in your nation."
Cecile nodded in understanding as she said, "That explains why Hans was called away so suddenly. He left early this morning for the area near Ringkabing Fjord. I guess that he went to investigate the same thing."
Sai said with trepidation, "Yeah, that's why Bro and the other Shuffles are here too."
Both sat in silent contemplation, the mood broken by grim thoughts of the Dark Gundam.
In an isolated area by the Ringkabing Fjord leading out to the North Sea, there was what appeared to be another tentacle only this one was in the appearance of a long thick tube with smaller tentacles protruding from one end.
The members of the Shuffle Alliance were huddled about the remnant that appeared to dwarf them, even in their gundams. George De Sand remarked, "Well, it certainly appears that these Dark Gundam remnants vary in size in these different locations. Which proves that there are probably more remnants in space or even on the colonies."
"Yeah," Domon replied as he examined the tubes, insidious and foreboding as he remembered fighting the huge contraption as the monster used the life of his beloved to try to destroy him. His thoughts then dwelled upon Rain and he felt the yearning in his heart for her which was a moment to moment occurrence since her departure over a week ago. It had only been seven days but to him it was as if it were longer, he had no idea he would miss her so much.
He was lost deep in his reverie when Chibodee's drawl broke through. "Earth to Domon, come in Domon," the Neo American quipped as he shook the shoulder of the King of Hearts.
"Huh?" was the intelligent response.
All the Shuffles exchanged glances as Argo replied, "We were just asking you if you knew were Sai Saici is. He never showed up."
Domon shrugged as he answered, "Beats me. He said he'd meet us here."
"I bet I know where the little twerp is," Chibodee said slyly. "Makin' time with Hans' little sister. We are in Neo Denmark you know."
"Chibodee, must you be so gauche?" George sniffed.
Chibodee glared at the knight as he scoffed, "I tell it like it is, rich boy."
"Okay guys, knock it off." Domon ordered and then nodded as he added, "Yeah, I should've figured. Oh well we'll let the kid alone, we don't really need him, we can get him when we leave." The sound of jets heralded the arrival of another gundam and the Alliance looked skyward as the unmistakable fish form of Mermaid Gundam approached and landed beside them. The cockpit opened as Hans Holgar leapt down and approached them.
"Good to see all of you," he said as he offered his hand in greeting.
Domon shook it briefly as he responded, "Same here, Hans." He gestured to the tangle of metal tubes. "So this landed here in your country, huh?"
Hans nodded, his sky blue eyes filled with concern. "Yeah, it landed here last night according to our military. They called me out as soon as they saw it was a remnant of the Dark Gundam."
"We've been traveling all over to investigate other landings," Domon informed him.
"Yeah, we were just in Neo Canada and Neo Mexico," Chibodee added. "They had the same thing happen, a remnant of the Dark Gundam falling and landing, causing general panic and mayhem."
"Well, there's very little panic here," Hans said matter-of-factly. "This is a part of our nation that's mostly uninhabited and since the landing, the military has blocked it off. His majesty the king has asked assistance from our nearest ally, Neo Sweden."
As if on cue, there was again the sound of gundam jets as the feminine styled Nobel Gundam appeared and landed by Mermaid Gundam. The cockpit hatch opened and out leaped the petite energetic Neo Swedish gundam pilot, Allenby Beardsley. The effervescent young woman scampered to the group of gundam fighters.
"Hey everybody!" she announced cheerfully as she drew up to her friends. She hugged Domon tightly in greeting making the Neo Japan fighter nonplussed, blushing bright red. "Hey Domon, it's great to see ya!"
"Uh, yeah same here, Allenby," he responded in embarrassment as the other Shuffles and Hans looked on, the latter observing the exchange tightly.
Allenby drew back and released Domon as she acknowledged the rest of the Shuffles and then approached Hans, taking his hand. "Did you tell them what we saw?"
"Not yet. I was just about to when you got here," Hans replied, taking her elbow and turning to the huge metallic tube that seemed to be alive. "You guys follow me," he tossed over his shoulder.
His proprietary attitude to the blue-haired girl was not lost on Domon and the rest as they all exchanged knowing glances and followed the two.
Hans and Allenby stepped carefully toward the smaller tentacles as they turned and addressed the Shuffles. Hans spoke up, "These tentacles were not here when the thing landed, they just began growing out since this morning."
"Yeah and they've grown even more since we first saw them," Allenby said as she stared at the pulsating tubes, scowling at them.
Domon glared at the tentacles with a scowl of his own. "It looks like self recovery of the Dark Gundam, without a doubt," he commented as the other Shuffles nodded in agreement.
Hans stepped before the King of Hearts and stood eye to eye. "Well, what are your plans?"
A little taken aback by Hans apparent belligerent attitude toward him Domon returned the intense gaze. "What we've said to everyone else we've seen. I'll have the mobile transport unit from Neo Japan come and retrieve this as they have been doing with the others. There's a team working there now to disassemble the main remains of the brain center of the Dark Gundam and disable the theoretical abilities. I'll contact them immediately." He strode over to Burning Gundam to do just that. . . .
In the Prime Minister's office, Prime Minster Karato was seated at his desk when the red alert button on his phone flashed insistently. Alarmed, the excitable leader answered the summons.
"Hai, what's wrong? NANI? Are you sure? Well, what are you waiting for, contact the army!" Karato bellowed into the phone before he slammed it down. He then went to his communication board where he could contact the Burning Gundam.
"Domon! Domon Kasshu, are you there? DOMON!" Karato barked.
At that exact moment, Domon entered Burning's cockpit to contact the mobile transport fleet when he saw the apoplectic visage of Prime Minister Karato. He addressed the monitor.
"Prime Minister Karato, what's wrong?"
"What's wrong? I'll tell you what's wrong, the Dark Gundam's missing, that's what's wrong!"
Domon's umber eyes flew open wide, "Nani? What are you saying?"
Karato's voice was strident over the monitors. "What do you think I'm saying? The Dark Gundam has disappeared! I want you and the Shuffle Alliance back here to start investigating on the double!" His image disappeared from the face of the monitor.
"Kuso!" Domon growled as the Shuffle crest on his right hand blazed a crimson glow. He spoke harshly to the rest of the Shuffles. "Chibodee! George! Argo! Get to your gundams we gotta head back!"
The Black Joker, Jack of Diamonds and Queen of Spades crests were also illuminated brightly as Argo, George and Chibodee sprinted to their gundams.
"What's up, Domon?" Allenby inquired curiously.
"I don't have time to explain! C'mon guys we gotta go, the Dark Gundam's gone!" He activated the thruster jets as the rest of the Shuffles jumped into their gundams. The four gundams then lifted off and became dots in the blue sky.
Allenby shuddered as Hans drew close. "There's a battle on the horizon," he said as they watched the Alliance fade from view. She nodded as he took her in his arms.
As they streaked across the sky, Domon used the communicator again intending to page Sai Saici but Dragon Gundam came out of the blue and joined the formation.
"What's up Bro, my crest is glowing like the sun?" he asked Domon.
The King of Hearts grunted as he replied shortly, "The Dark Gundam's disappeared so we're heading back to Neo Japan to get the lowdown."
"Yeah," Chibodee's voice chimed in. "Looks like the party's about to start."
NEXT-----THE GAUNTLET TOSSED