Author's Note: Here is the introduction to the coming battle—special to RedLion2—I am honored you like my story so because it was your story that inspired me to write my first G-Gundam story "Remembrances in the Latter Rain" and now this one. Your work is fabulous and I am glad you find my humble scribbles to your liking.
And for the rest who are reading and my ever so faithful reviewers—I am as always in deep and sincere gratitude for your support. Jen23—your friendship as always is a treasure.
CALM BEFORE THE STORM
In his underground sanctum, Soujiro was directing the Dark Gundam created androids to oversee and do the grunt work of making his aspirations become reality and the machine itself, using another theoretical ability was self multiplying to create its army of mobile suit soldiers. As this was going on, in another chamber the four kidnapped gundam fighters were encased in DG cell cultivation capsules, being administered injections of DG cell serum that would infect them with a dose strong enough to have the cells completely take over their host. The metallic scales immediately began to cover the hapless fighters as the Dark Army androids made the other necessary preparations for the objective, taking over planet earth.
Soujiro smiled in smug satisfaction as he observed the activity and he mused on how being assigned to the Neo Japan's research laboratory was fateful in as it was there he was able to purloin DG cell serum that had been under lock and key. As Rain Mikamura's trusted assistant he was privy to information as well as actual serum that the creator, Dr. Raizu Kasshu had developed and cultivated to its purest form. He was also in possession of Wong's meticulous research on the Dark Gundam's need for a strong lifeforce, courtesy of his devoted cousin Ulube who had sent the documents to him for safekeeping. A contingency plan that was genius of foresight for he may have figured that someone could carry on should he be defeated. So as his cousin, Soujiro saw it as carrying out his family duty to honor the memory of Ulube.
"You can count on me, cousin. I will see to it that your death was not in vain," Soujiro promised grimly.
Back in the Neo Japan research lab, Dr. Raizu Kasshu was hard at work, using the documents that represented Rain's notes that she had e-mailed him in creating a foolproof antidote to wipe out the cells that he and Kyoji developed for the benefit of the earth. He shook his head at the sad irony that he was now working to make a material that would neutralize and eventually wipe out another of his creations. But the original design for having them was to replenish and restore, not to proliferate for the purpose of destroying.
Dr. Kasshu slipped his glasses off and wearily rubbed his eyes, his mind on the irreplaceable people gone and irrefutable damage that was done because of his work. His own losses were uppermost in his mind as he lost himself in reverie and thought of his wife and son, both first victims to the Dark Gundam. The day Kyoji was born came to mind as he remembered holding the tiny bundle with black hair and deep blue eyes that seemed to study him inquisitively even at a few days old. He knew right away that his first born son would be a future scientist.
When Domon was born, he seemed quite different; emotional and short tempered, with a belligerence that made him feisty as an infant and toddler and a bit of a handful for Raizu and his wife. There were only two other people besides his parents that Domon seems to respond to, his brother Kyoji and Rain Mikamura, Dr. Kasshu's friend and colleague's little girl who had become Domon's best friend. From toddlerhood and beyond the two were virtually inseparable. The fact that she was once again being used as the life force for the outlaw gundam served to make his resolve firmer, he had to make sure that he aided his youngest son in wiping all traces of the monster out.
Dr. Kasshu looked upward and spoke to the individual that was uppermost in his thoughts I should feel fury toward you, Mikamura. Fury and unforgiveness but instead I only feel pity. You were aligned with Ulube to destroy me and my family out of envy but all you did was seal your own fate. You used Rain and aided and abetted those corrupt in our government but ended up losing your life and nearly losing your own daughter. The horrendous object of your desires and ambitions, the Dark Gundam took her once and now it has her again, just as she was trying to right your wrongs. But I will do all in my power to see to it that she and your dying wish to atone for what you did are both saved. This is my promise to you.
Grateful for the assistance that other nations were giving in providing their gundams and fighters, the Neo Japan government supplied the fighters and their crews with comfortable if not fine accommodations while strategy for the upcoming battle was devised. Day by day the fighters were in the wilderness clearing to train with Domon as the crews sat and strategized. At the end of the day, the fighters would reunite with their crews to get briefed, fed, and get some sleep.
At the quarters that housed the Neo Russia team, Nastasha was staring out the window as Argo sat and consumed the huge meal she had prepared for him. Strangely, cooking was like a therapy of sorts, it helped her to unwind and explore her more domestic side, a side she had kept well hidden when she was the military attaché who had been assigned jailer to prisoner Argo Gulskii, ex-pirate. But as the year of the gundam fights progressed, she had found herself caring deeply for the man who their government had attached a bomb in order to force him to fight. It was him and him alone she would allow herself to show this soft and gentle side, a side that she had kept locked up since childhood.
Argo finished the meal silently and noticed Nastasha's brooding of which he knew the reason, but it still concerned him. "You know, it was bound to be inevitable, that monster wasn't really dead and we both know it."
"I know," she said hollowly as if she were somehow resigned. "But I can't help feeling frustrated and a bit anxious." She turned and regarded the large man with the piercing ice blue eyes that had captured her tightly guarded heart.
Argo rose from his seat and stepped toward her to take her shoulders in his huge hands gently. His gaze became a soft summer sky blue as he tried to assure her. "Nastasha, we both claimed the victory before. Now we must do it again, only I have no personal stake in it other than to rescue the love of my very dear friend. But also, we need to rescue the countless others here on earth that this madman wants to rule with the Dark Gundam."
Nastasha sighed as she studied Argo with her violet orbs soft yet penetrating. She nodded almost imperceptibly as he ran his hand with a feather touch on her soft cheek.
He said in a quiet, yet determined tone, "We will win…again." His mouth captured hers as her arms encircled his bulk, drawing him in.
Over at the bunker where the Neo American team was housed, Chibodee Crocket stood just outside and stared off into the distance with a thoughtful frown, wondering just when the first inevitable strike of the next phase of the Dark Gundam would come. He had an almost overwhelming feeling of ambivalence; both yearning and dreading the battle, and pondering the outcome this time.
Shirley, the titian-haired leader of his faithful crew and the one out of the bevy of street-smart beauties that understood him the most approached him as he watched the fading light of day.
"Penny for your thoughts," she murmured.
He grinned crookedly at her as he said, "Believe me, Shirl they aren't worth that much. "I was just thinking about…things."
She gazed directly into his almost translucent green eyes with her own verdant ones. "You're worried about the battle ahead, aren't you?"
Chibodee lowered his head and shook it with a wry chuckle. "There isn't much that gets by you is there? It's impossible to hide anything."
Shirley continued pinning him with her eyes. "Then why do you?"
"It's a man thing," he admitted. "I don't want to worry any of you."
Shirley turned away and sniffed, "We're your crew, Chibodee. And your friends, it's a no-brainer that we will worry, regardless of how much you try to hide your feelings."
Chibodee glanced at the stubborn back turned toward him. He smirked as he remembered Shirley opting to leave when his misguided crew had tried to purloin the battle data from Neo Japan's Shining Gundam while they were in the Guyana Highlands. She was contrite but held her head up and offered to leave looking brave and as always…beautiful. And that same proud reticence was there as she left her offer of comfort on the proverbial table.
He took hold of her slender shoulders and spoke in a gentle tone. "Thanks for worrying. And for caring."
She turned slowly and matched his smirk with one of her own. "No problem."
He looped an arm around her and they headed back to the bunker.
The clash of finely honed metal echoed in the early evening air outside of the Neo French camp as George De Sand and his faithful butler Raymond sparred, with Raymond shouting out directions to the young knight. Princess Marie Louise sat on the grass watching the men intently, enraptured by the elegant pseudo-battle.
"Don't be afraid to thrust when you see an opening, George," Raymond admonished. "Channel your aggression in your thrusts toward your opponent's weakness. Just as I taught you."
George did as he was directed and was able to hit the mark on Raymond's chest protector, in the general vicinity of his heart.
"Well Raymond I guess I win. Consider yourself skewered." George sheathed his saber and went to shake hands with his butler.
"Very good, Master George," the amiable servant answered with satisfaction as he too sheathed his weapon. "Your skills are impeccable as always."
"Thank you Raymond. But as I must, I give you due credit for you're the one who taught me," the Jack of Diamonds rejoined graciously.
"Think nothing of it. I am merely doing my duty as I have for forty-five years to the De Sand family. As you are the lone living member, I shall continue to serve you in any and all ways," Raymond declared to the flame haired young man who he loved like a son.
Marie Louise got to her feet and came over to the two men. As she approached, clad in a simple pair of jeans and blue denim bomber jacket, George noticed although still delicately beautiful, that she was different, not the spoiled little girl who had fabricated her own kidnapping by Domon Kasshu to goad George into a fight for her honor. This Marie Louise moved with a feminine grace, tempered with a courage that made her seem older, and in some ways wiser. Raymond had told him that the diminutive princess risked being burnt to a crisp as she crawled through the miniscule gap of the energy barriers at Lantau Island to destroy Wong's diabolical device to keep the gundam fighters in the arena. He relayed as how she had tossed the explosive that shattered the barrier, allowing both Rising and Shadow Gundam entrance to the battle that was nothing more than two men acting out their evil plans. And he also told George about Marie Louise's manning of one of the powerful laser cannon on Neo Russia's huge spaceship that had run interference for the Shuffle Alliance during the battle on the colony with the Dark Gundam. Since hearing of those actions of the petite blonde, George was seeing her in a whole new light.
"George, you were wonderful. I know that you and the rest of the Shuffle Alliance will beat the Dark Gundam this time." She gazed at him affectionately yet confidently.
George's violet eyes glowed as he took her slim shoulders in his hands. "As always, your approval honors me, Miss Marie Louise." He knelt on one knee before her and taking her hand held it and kissed it as usual. Only this time, he gazed up into her surprised teal eyes as he allowed his lips to linger on her hand like a caress.
Marie Louise stood transfixed at the ardent expression of devotion from her knight. It was more than the customary gesture of respect for her station, this was a display of intimate affection and she was breathless as she saw the emotion in his eyes.
"Oh George!" she murmured as he rose slowly, still holding her hand. He gently cupped her face in his hands and leaned down to capture her mouth in a soft lingering kiss.
Neo China's camp was quiet as Sai Saici stood and like his other comrades was contemplating what lay ahead. But his thoughts were on his father, the one who had tried and failed to revive the Shaolin Temple. The responsibility then went to him, his son who was driven to accomplish his father's desire, which was his legacy.
Sai cast his cinnamon eyes skyward and in his mind's eye and ear he saw his father and heard his voice speaking encouragement Sai Saici, my son. I am so proud to call you my son. You have brought great honor to our family.
Oh Father, I'm so sorry that I didn't win the gundam tournament and revive the Shaolin Temple. But I promise that I will do everything in my power to defeat the Dark Gundam again. In that, I shall be the best representative of the Shaolin Temple I can. Sai fiercely determined as he clenched his fists resolutely.
Zuisen and Keiun came upon the introspective youth as he was deep in the depths of his thoughts and Keiun cleared his throat. "Sai Saici, we were wondering how your training with Domon Kasshu went."
Sai shook the thoughts from his head as he responded, "Great. Bro showed us how to use our fighter's spirits to crush a rock. We as the Shuffle Alliance are going to join our powers and finally beat the monster."
Both monks exchanged glances and Zuisen said, "Sai Saici, your father would be proud of his son. And the Shaolin Temple is well represented."
Sai grinned at the two holy men and gave them a thumbs up.
Down a bit further, Domon and Saette sat together outside the gundam hangar and watched as the evening advanced, both lost in reveries that had the same chief player, Rain. Domon had offered government military clearance to Saette as he had to Allenby and planned to do with any other nation that would send their gundam and fighter and after eating, both men sat outside in quiet contemplation. There appeared to be an uneasiness between them as they sat wordlessly side by side.
Domon closed his eyes as he spoke in his head to his beloved Rain I miss you so much! But that's all I have been doing, missing you since you left. And I'm so very sorry, koishii, for not supporting you when you were here researching and trying to rid the world of the evil incarnation of my father's work. If I were any kind of a son or lover, I would have joined you and done all in my power to do the same. Instead, I just thought that you were being too morbid and wrapped up in the grief of losing your father. But knowing you the way I do, I shouldn't have been surprised that you would do what you could to make things right. That's always been your way, even when we were kids, you always made things right when we would fight, why should I expect any less from you now?
Saette studied the dying light of the setting sun and mused Oh Rain, I really wish things had been different between us. The day you left Colony University, without a word was one of the darkest days of my life, afterward I didn't care about anything so I became a gundam fighter. I figured that if I perished in a fight, it wouldn't matter, now that you were gone. When the DG cells infected me and I came to, the eyes that had haunted my dreams since you left me were looking at me and I knew that you were still deep in my heart. When you took care of me I hoped beyond hopes that you had come back to me. But I was wrong. When I woke up in the hospital after the fight with your partner, again you were gone, relegated once more to my memories and wishful thoughts. Then when you came to see me, my hope rose again only to be dashed when you confessed your love for Domon Kasshu. So when I heard what happened to you again, where else would I be? I see it as a sacred duty to see to it that you are happy, happy with the man you love.
Both men were shook from their collective broodings by the sound of gundam jets and the bell-shaped form of Mandela Gundam, Neo Nepal's official gundam. Domon and Saette shot to their feet as they saw the cockpit door lower and the lean tall form of Kiral, the sightless fighter jump down and approach them.
"Mr Domon, I'm here to assist you in beating the Dark Gundam again," the reformed assassin announced as he thrust a hand forward.
Domon shook it and answered, "I'm glad to have you join us, Kiral. But I thought that you had resigned as Neo Nepal's gundam fighter. At least that's what I heard."
Kiral smiled evenly as he said matter-of-factly, "I was but when they informed me of the return of the monster, I couldn't in good conscious stay out. I fought before and I'll fight again to save mankind as my atonement for my many crimes." He bowed his head humbly.
Domon marveled at the man's resolve to right his many wrongs. It was commendable that he wanted to propitiate the many lives he wiped out as a killer for his government even to sacrificing himself on the field of battle, as they all did. He nodded his head as he responded in kind.
"Then we're glad to have you join us, Kiral."
The former assassin smiled and nodded. "It's my pleasure to serve you once again, Mr. Domon. To save mankind, I am at the ready."
NEXT---FIRST BLOOD