Author's Note: I humbly apologize for not updating this sooner. I had the worst case of writer's block concerning this and then as I re-read the synopsis, I saw that I had to add another chapter to make sure the plot had continuity and flow. So finally I finished this after renaming the chapter title. Thank you to everybody that have been following this story and have been patient and again my apologies.
RETURN TO LANTAU ISLAND
Domon made his way back to the gundam hangar and makeshift camp for his group, his mind focused and his purpose clear. As he came into the government complex out of the wilderness, his red cape fluttering in the breeze his allies and friends all rushed up to him followed by Akino.
"Domon-san! Domon-san! There is a communiqué for you inside from Soujiro!" Akino cried as the rest of the group of gundam fighters gathered around, their faces grim.
Domon growled as his eyes narrowed to umber slits. He pushed past Akino roughly and strode into the hangar and stood before the vast screen filled with the weasel-like visage of the once meek lab assistant. The rest of the Shuffles and the others followed.
"Soujiro, start talking," he barked.
Soujiro laughed evilly as he replied, "I must commend you, Domon Kasshu, King of Hearts. You, the Shuffle Alliance and your allies have all proven to be quite formidable. I'm afraid I underestimated you."
"Never mind the commentary, what have you done with Rain?" Domon demanded, fury pulsating throughout his entire being.
"Patience, King of Hearts. Your lovely Queen is safe, for the moment as her life is valuable to my wonderful Dark Gundam."
"You…piece of filth!" Domon roared, his hands balled into fists.
"Temper, temper, sticks and stones, Domon Kasshu. But take heart, I am going to tell you where the next battleground is, so you can put all that hostility to good use."
The rest of the Shuffles and the three gundam fighter allies had all come in and witnessed the Neo Japan fighter's exchange with the insane wannabe. Always the outspoken one, Chibodee came forth, his eyes green fire.
"Listen you little worm, get ready 'cause the Shuffle Alliance is gonna open a can whoop-ass on you and the Dark Gundam, the likes you've never seen."
Soujiro laughed again as he sneered, "Big talk, Neo America. But can you back it up? Based on what I saw from you earlier, it's all hot air."
Chibodee scowled as he responded hotly, "You just watch me back it up, pal."
Soujiro held his hand up. "Enough of this juvenile posturing. Domon Kasshu, you and the rest of your comrades are to meet us on a familiar battlefield a return to the scene of the crime."
"Knock off the innuendo and just tell us where," Domon snapped. "And we'll be there."
The screen then flashed and showed the nearly leveled desolation of Lantau Island, a still smoldering ruin from the recent Battle Royale that had taken place there. Soujiro's voice was sounding smug as he stated, "The next battleground is your former field of glory. I feel that true justice shall be meted out there as I destroy you at the place you were first victorious, so you can taste the bitterness of your inevitable defeat."
Domon glowered at the screen as memories flashed in his mind of what took place there. The deaths of Schwartz, his older brother Kyoji, and Master Asia burned bright in his mind's eye and fueled his rage as he snarled, "Soujiro, your plans will be destroyed as we destroy the Dark Gundam once and for all. And then I will send you to burn in hell permanently. That's not a threat, it's a promise."
The hangar echoed with Soujiro's crazed laughter as he responded. "Your bravado truly amuses me. I wait eagerly for you all so I may personally see to it that you are all obliterated. So prepare yourselves for the worst."
The screen went black and Domon slammed his fists on the console in abject frustration. "K'uso! I'll hunt him down and tear him to pieces if it's the last thing I do!"
George De Sand stepped forward and spoke matter-of-factly, "So it's back to Lantau Island for us."
Domon nodded, his angular features twisted in a dark scowl as the rest of his allies surrounded him. His eyes were nearly black with suppressed fury.
Allenby came over to the King of Hearts. "Are you okay, Domon?" Her emerald eyes filled with concern as she placed a hand on his tense shoulder.
He looked down at the petite Neo Swedish fighter and shot her a painful half-grin as he replied flatly, "I'm fine. Let's just get this show on the road." He turned to Akino and inquired grimly, "Akino, you get the coordinates of the actual location of the Dark Gundam?"
The bespecled young woman referred to her ever-present clipboard. She replied in her usual coolly efficient manner, "We had pinpointed the signals from the Dark Gundam as coming from northern Neo Japan but the signals have changed location and are now emanating from Lantau Island, near Neo Hong Kong."
"Just as that slime just told us," Domon said grimly. He turned to the group of gundam fighter comrades awaiting his directions. "Okay everybody, it's showtime. Get to your gundams and let's go!"
They all turned and sprinted out to their machines. Domon watched them go and said to himself Soon, Rain koishii, soon. I'm coming to rescue you and this time the Dark Gundam will be completely destroyed, never to recover again. He then followed suit and rushed to the waiting Burning Gundam.
The isle that was situated just off the coast of the country known as Neo Hong Kong was a shadow of its former self. Since the finale of the 13th Gundam Tournament, the once lush and green island with its majestic hills and white beaches resembled what it had become, an abandoned battlefield, complete with desolate landscape from the numerous explosions and battles that had taken place. The sky above was leaden and gloomy, with intermittent flashes of lightning signaling a storm to come. . . .
The ominous shadow of the monstrosity known as the Dark Gundam temporarily blotted out the lightning as it landed on the highest peak, flanked by the DG infested gundams from Neo Mexico, Neo Canada, Neo India, and Neo Denmark. It stood as a diabolical sentinel over the bleak land as it waited for the battle to come.
Inside the control center, Soujiro sat as a manic monarch directing his troops of Dark Gundam mobile fighter suits, soldiers of his empire as he fancied himself a reincarnation of Napoleon Bonaparte. He smiled in grim anticipation for the invincible Shuffle Alliance to appear so his final act of revenge could exit his plans and dreams and enter into the realm of reality. He approached the encased form of Rain Mikamura.
"Well the time has come my lovely doctor. Soon it will be a battle with only one reasonable acceptable outcome, the destruction of the Shuffle Alliance."
Her closed eyes showed crystalline tears of frustration and fear as in her prison Rain heard the scheme of the man whose desire for revenge bordered on lunacy. He saw the rivulets and moved closer so she could hear his next taunt.
"I'm sure you're counting on being rescued by your love, the venerable King of Hearts, Domon Kasshu. Well this time, I've done my poor cousin one better, making sure that Kasshu and the rest of his entourage can't destroy my beautiful Dark Gundam." Soujiro indicated to a control in his hand, a micro box the size of a TV remote. "It's really quite the work of genius if I do say so myself. This is a device that encloses us in a impenetrable force field that nothing can puncture." He laughed in malevolent mirth as he added, "They will meet their demises at the hands of my army and justice shall be served."
Outside the dark scudding skies were pinpointed by eight dark specks that were getting larger as they drew closer. The Shuffle Alliance and their three allies were approaching and gathered around Lantau Island in a circle as they planned their strategy.
Domon in Burning Gundam addressed the others brusquely, "Okay everybody, here's what we'll do. We pair up like we did in Sapporo, George and Chibodee, Sai Saici and Argo, Kiral and Allenby and Saette and myself. We then surround the island and then watch for our opportunity. Make sure you are in position and stay with your partner until I give the signal. We'll be meeting up the Dark Army first I'm sure so just be on your guard."
Sai spoke up, "What about the ultimate attack?" The youngster was eager to unleash his new found power.
Domon regarded the diminutive fighter from Neo China with a smirk. "Don't worry, Sai Saici, we'll use Sekiha Tenkyouken this time, you can be sure." He then directed the rest of the gundams and fighters, "Okay, let's roll."
"Lead on, fearless leader," Chibodee quipped as they all scattered.
At the Dark Gundam, Soujiro was directing his troops as he stood before the newly created Dark Army, "Go out and destroy the enemy before they get to the Dark Gundam."
The mobile suits took off in waves to meet the attacking forces in all directions and as they came to the line of attack, the gundams all spread out and sent out the energy from their attacks, obliterating the mechanical soldiers as they advanced.
"Burning Machinegun Punch!" Chibodee roared as the flaming fists took out the suits.
"Rose Hurricane!" George shouted as the lethal blooms showered lasers on the Dark Army.
"Dragon fire!" Sai shrieked as flames engulfed the one-eyed soldiers.
"Graviton hammer!" Argo bellowed as he sent pieces of the mobile suits flying as they were bludgeoned by the brute strength of Bolt Gundam.
"Nobel Hula Hoops!" Allenby cried as she sent the orbs of energy to destroy the Dark Army soldiers.
"Concealed Blade Staff!" Kiral yelled as he swung the weapon, causing the suits to scatter and explode upon impact.
In Burning Gundam, Domon was viciously slashing with his laser sword, his fury at epic proportions as visions of Rain, his beloved entrapped by the contraption that had a life of its own, refusing to die and relishing its role as obstacle in his life flooded his being. That thought alone spurred the King of Hearts on, as he operated on pure adrenaline, focused and determined.
"Burning Slash!" he screamed as like an enraged animal, he tore through the Dark Army soldiers. But they were merely means to an end and he treated their demise as an inconvenience, tossing them aside like a spoiled child discards his toys.
Saette was swinging his scimitar to destroy the mobile suits as well but not with the passion and rage that the Neo Japan fighter was displaying. He remembered Rain as his motivation for becoming a gundam fighter to begin with, her leaving him at Colony University without a word causing him unspeakable anguish. But as hurt and angry he had been then, it was nowhere near the intensity of the wrath Domon was displaying. It was clear along with the rage was an underlying current of agony, deep agony at having to fight the monster to save his love again.
The relentless destruction of the Dark Army was nearing its completion and Soujiro was in a near tizzy, pounding on the control board as he watched his forces fall to the Shuffle Alliance and their allies. Snatching the communication microphone he thundered, "Get out there and destroy them NOW!"
A hatch opened and out flew the Dark Gundam cell infested mobile suits of Neo Canada, Neo Mexico, Neo India, and Neo Denmark. The four gundams darted out and made their way to the battle scene.
Standing over the pile of twisted metal that once was the Dark Army, the Shuffle Alliance and Kiral, Allenby, and Saette were gathered to plan their next move. Exiting their cockpits, the intrepid fighters all huddled to compare notes and strategize.
Domon addressed the group feeling very antsy, as if something else was about to go down but in his role as leader he kept his emotions in check as he spoke, "Okay guys, good work in wasting these suits but we gotta keep our guards up, the Dark Gundam isn't finished with us, not by a long shot."
"But what about the gundams and fighters infected by the DG cells?" Allenby wanted to know. Isn't there something that we can do to save them?" Her concern was for Hans who was one of the victims.
Domon shook his head as he replied, "I'm afraid that we can only try to use our ultimate techniques to blast through to them. But it's still no guarantee."
"B-but that means---" Allenby couldn't finish the thought, it was too incomprehensible.
Domon felt terrible about the way he had to break the news to the petite Neo Swedish pilot but he remembered how the predecessors of the Shuffle Alliance gave their own life forces to rescue the present Alliance members when they were under the control of the DG cells. He was afraid that the solution to their dilemma would be the same.
His communicator screen flashed with Dr. Kasshu's visage as he called his youngest son. "Domon! Domon, son, can you hear me?"
"Dad? What is it?" Domon asked.
"Son, Prime Minister Karato contacted me and filled me in on what's happened. I have something here to aid you and your comrades. Rain's research has helped me develop a circuit card for the main power unit computer that can not only wipe out DG cells but assist in the total and complete destruction of the Dark Gundam."
"You're kidding! But Dad, how did you do that? And how can we get a hold of the units?"
Dr. Kasshu replied, "I took the notes that Kyoji and I originally compiled to develop the cells. Then I took the notes Rain had been taking and through her research, developed a unit that produces the raw energy needed to wipe the cells out. She had informed me on how the previous Shuffle Alliance used the power of their life forces to cure Chibodee and the others. Kind of like radiation treatments for certain forms of cancer. And the units are on their way to you, Karato sent them by mobile suit messenger."
Domon took a deep breath as he took it all in. "So Dad, these units you developed can be used in cooperation with the mode line units in the gundams?"
"Precisely. The energy generated by your ultimate attacks will unleash the energy needed to obliterate the cells. And once the cells are gone, the infected individuals can be treated to be completely free."
Domon answered quietly, "Thank you, Dad."
Dr. Kasshu responded, "The real thanks goes to Rain. If she hadn't done the research she did, we'd still be treating the cells topically and they could return. This way the cells can be treated and destroyed as the host is immunized of the cells by the energy."
Domon closed his umber orbs and said silently to his beloved in absentia Arigatou koishii. Your penance is over at long last, and I will tell you that when I rescue you and bring you back to me.
He came out of his cockpit and addressed his allies, "Listen guys. I just heard from my father. He has with the help of Rain's research developed an energy unit that fits into our mode lines of our gundams that can wipe out the DG cells."
The Alliance and the others all said in unison, "What?"
As if on cue, a mobile suit from the Neo Japan military swooped down on the group and the cockpit opened as a soldier came out, carrying a bag with the unit boards inside. He proceeded to hand each fighter a unit then without further ado, got back into the mobile suit and departed.
"Okay guys. We now install these cards in the mode line so it interacts with the gundam's energy and then we'll be ready," Domon directed.
The fighters, all trained technicians who knew every inch of their mobile suits installed the circuit cards within seconds. They all exited their collective cockpits to further plot the battle tactics for the fight looming on the horizon.
"It's too quiet," Kiral pointed out. "Mr. Domon, I don't like it."
"Yeah," Domon agreed. "Something's up."
Argo remarked, "It was like this when the Four Kings attacked us."
Sai said fearfully, "D-do you think that the Dark Gundam resurrected the Four Kings too?"
Domon replied sullenly, "I hope not but I wouldn't be surprised. I'm sure that the monstrosity has its defenses in place."
"Yeah, but we don't have to deal with those scumbags Michelo and Chapman. They were sent to hell, courtesy of the Shuffle Alliance," Chibodee gloated much to the Jack of Diamond's dismay.
Always the pragmatist, George pointed out, "Domon, I agree with Sai Saici. I wonder if the Four Kings have been revived as well. Remember, they were the next layer of protection for the Dark Gundam the last time we were here. Perhaps the gundams from Neo Mexico, Neo, India, Neo Denmark and Neo Canada will be used as the Four Kings were."
As if in answer to his statement, the four purloined gundams that had nearly led to the group's demise appeared in the sky, coming fast and furious.
"Everybody to their gundams on the double!" Domon ordered as they all did as he bade. The mobile suits powered up and he added, "Stay paired up with your partner and don't get separated, there's strength in numbers! Let's go!"
The group of gundams paired off and then scattered to conceal their whereabouts to provide an element of surprise to the advancing enemy.
The four renegade gundams came to the far end of the island and then split up as they searched for their prey. Then spotting their objective, they leveled their attacks at the Shuffle Alliance and their allies. Tequila Gundam came over to where Gundam Maxter and Gundam Rose lay waiting. The mobile suit drifted by as the two fighters conferred.
"Ready George?" Chibodee asked his own body tense and coiled to strike.
"Indeed I am," the debonair knight replied.
"Then let's rock 'n roll." Gundam Maxter blasted off to confront the Neo Mexican mobile suit with the elegant machine known as Gundam Rose in tow. George contacted the Neo American gundam fighter as they tailed Chico.
"Chibodee, I think we'd be better off if we planned a surprise for Chico Rodriguez. It's the only way we can save him from the DG cells."
Chibodee agreed as he asked, "I take it you've cooked up an idea."
George nodded with a smirk. "Indeed I have."
The two gundams huddled together to game plan. Then satisfied the plan was in place, they went to confront Tequila Gundam.
Chico Rodriguez in Neo Mexico's gundam was hovering above, its head moving back and forth as it scanned the perimeter, seeking after its attackers. All of a sudden Gundam Rose and Gundam Maxter shot out from opposite sides.
"Burning machinegun punch!" Chibodee yelled as he battered Tequila Gundam with the fists of energy.
"Rose Hurricane!" George called as the deadly blooms swirled, shooting out the blue rays of energy from the new unit encompassing the Neo Mexican gundam in a maelstrom of power.
"EAHHHH!" Chico cried, driven to his knees as the gundam fell. His body convulsed as the power ran through him and the DG cells evaporated.
Gundam Rose and Gundam Maxter both touched down, flanking the immobilized Tequila Gundam. The Queen of Spades and Jack of Diamonds both exited their respective cockpits and sprinted over as the hatch opened and Chico tumbled out.
Chibodee knelt beside Chico and said reassuringly, "Take it easy, amigo. We'll get ya to the hospital ASAP."
"That's right so hang on," George said as he and the Neo American hoisted Chico up and supported his limp form, taking him away from the smoldering wreck that was Tequila Gundam.
Dragon Gundam and Bolt Gundam were ready to ambush as an unsuspecting Lumber Gundam came flying into view. As Andrew Graham pulled into their sights, the crests on their right hands began glowing brightly.
"Sai Saici, the crests are glowing again. We have to break through and destroy the DG cells that have infected Lumber Gundam and Andrew Graham," Argo pointed out.
"Yeah, I hope this new circuit card for the gundam will do it," the diminutive fighter from Neo China said uneasily.
Argo assured him, "I have faith in Domon Kasshu and his father. I know that the units will work." He leaned over as he stated, "Okay Sai Saici, I'm gonna stop him with the Gaia Crusher, and you use your ultimate attack with the new weapon."
"Gotcha," the Neo Chinese youth agreed.
Lumber Gundam was hovering above a rocky crevice as Andrew Graham scanned the area as he searched for Bolt and Dragon Gundam. Argo watched closely, biding his time for Lumber Gundam to position itself right for it to become inexorably trapped. Finally he saw his chance.
"Gaia crusher!" the ex-pirate roared as fingers of earth came up and encircled the unsuspecting gundam from Neo Canada. As the earth seemed to swallow Graham, Sai Saici aimed his ultimate weapon.
"Dragon claws!" he railed as he shot his energy through the claws, instead of the flames that usually rushed out a bright blue-white bolt of energy shot out and infused the trapped gundam and its fighter.
"OHHH!" Andrew howled as the energy wave permeated the gundam and entered him. The DG cells covering his flesh began falling off and disintegrating. He collapsed in the cockpit as he wondered what had transpired.
"A-Argo G-Gulskii! What's h-happening?" he gasped as he tried to rise but fell, his gundam in a charred heap.
Argo flew before him in Bolt Gundam. "Take it easy, Andrew. It's all over now." He set the gundam down and then left the cockpit to get to Andrew.
To the eastern end of the island, Kiral and Allenby waited as they were silent, lost in their own individual reveries. Allenby especially was lost in thought, her mind and heart both in harmony as they pondered the situation before her. She was torn, between her allegiance to the Shuffles and the others and her love for Hans, who she saw as a victim to the darkness. She knew all too well how the DG cells could make a person into the Dark Gundam's slave, having been in that position herself once.
"Miss Allenby, are you all right?" Kiral asked, sensing her reticence.
Allenby shook herself out of her melancholy as she said brightly, "I'm fine, Kiral. Just waiting for the attack that's coming from the Dark Gundam."
Kiral responded sagely, "You need not worry about Hans, you know. I feel that we'll be able to get through to him after we eliminate the DG cells with Dr. Kasshu's device." He patted her on the shoulder in a fatherly way.
Allenby smiled and she grasped the blind ex-assassin's hand. "Thanks Kiral. I'm glad we're partners."
At that moment, a roar sounded overhead as Mermaid Gundam soared above them and then hovered before them as an ominous force ready to be unleashed.
Hans' voice boomed over the gundam sound system as he taunted, "Well, well I see you're back for more punishment. I am most happy to oblige, since getting rid of noisome pests is my duty and privilege to do. So prepare yourselves!"
Mermaid Gundam got into battle position as Nobel Gundam and Mandela Gundam also squared off, preparing for the charge.
"Miss Allenby we must get our ultimate attacks ready. Are you going to be all right?"
Allenby sighed and felt the warm trickle of a tear from one forest pool eye. But she shook herself, telling herself this is not your Hans, he's under the influence of the DG cells. Remember when you were under the same spell, and nearly killed Rain? She reached through to you through her kindness and concern, you can do the same thing, you love him.
She wiped the moisture away and said grimly, "You bet I am, let's do it!" She brought forth the laser sash and twirled it, creating the circles of energy that were lethal orbs. They streaked over to Mermaid Gundam but Hans deftly avoided the attack.
He laughed as he said scornfully, "Do you honestly think that your childish efforts can stop me? You're wasting your energy and my time." He then raised his trident and DG cell powered rays shot out, knocking both Mandela and Nobel Gundams back.
Kiral spoke to Allenby, "Miss Allenby, I'm going to distract him with my ultimate attack, the Mandela Circle. You then can use your ultimate attack and activate the new weapon though it. It's the only way we'll be able to rescue him."
"Okay Kiral. You do that and I'll get ready," Allenby responded as they both rose from the ground. They flew off to surround Mermaid Gundam.
Kiral began spinning his staff, faster and faster until the sphere of energy appeared, glowing with energy barely held in check. He got ready to unleash it as he cried, "Mandela Gundam ultimate attack, Mandela Circle!"
The ball of power streaked to Mermaid Gundam as Hans raised the trident to intercept the attack. But in his concentrated defensive, he failed to notice Nobel Gundam drawing up behind him.
Allenby closed her eyes as she drew from her fierce fighter's spirit, closing out all thoughts and feelings but for one, defeat of the DG cells and rescue of the man she loved. She twirled the energy sash as a blue white bolt of energy shot out and enveloped Mermaid Gundam, causing it to glow with a brilliant unearthly light.
"AHHHH!" Hans screamed as the wave of energy entered into the cockpit and into him, causing the DG cells to disintegrate, as he fell to his knees and Mermaid Gundam fell to the ground. The charges of power arced about him as the gundam writhed on the ground.
"A-Allenby h-help m-me, please!" Hans croaked, his strength gone as the DG cells continued disappearing.
"Oh Hans, I'm here," Allenby said as she knelt beside him in Nobel Gundam. Both cockpit hatches opened and she hurried over to the prostrate form of the Neo Danish gundam fighter. She cradled him in her arms.
He gazed up at her his cobalt eyes glistening with gratitude as he said weakly, "T-thank you, Allenby, you saved my life." He leaned in close in her embrace. "Forgive me for trying to attack you."
"Oh Hans I'm just glad you're going to be all right." She continued her tender ministrations to the man she loved.
Kiral came forward in Mandela Gundam. He exited his cockpit to approach and said, "Miss Allenby, we should get him to the hospital in the city to complete his treatment."
She nodded as they both hoisted the limp form of the barely conscious fighter and brought him to the waiting Nobel Gundam.
Meantime, Burning Gundam and Scythe Gundam were laying in wake as Cobra Gundam flew about searching for them. Shiejima taunted them, "Fools, you can't hide from me, you're destruction is assured!" He began to play the eerie song that brought forth the malevolent snake that sought them out.
Domon spoke softly to Saette, "Nothing's new here, Sheijima's dirty tricks are still the same."
"So where do we go from here?" Saette muttered as he watched the Cobra Gundam slither along, the serpentine machine appearing formidable.
"Come on Domon Kasshu. You're only postponing the inevitable, so why don't you just give up?" Sheijima mocked as his high pitched cackle pierced the air.
"Don't worry I'm coming, Sheijima. But why don't you just ditch the cheap tricks and fight me yourself instead of having your snake do your dirty work," Domon countered under his breath from his concealment, his ire rising.
Saette asked, "How are we going to get him, Domon?"
Domon replied tersely, "We'll ambush him. Right now he's still at a disadvantage 'cause he can't see us. You get behind him while I draw his attention then use your ultimate attack to activate the new weapon's energy."
"Okay."
Domon then brought Burning Gundam out of hiding and soared over to Sheijima in Cobra Gundam to confront him. "Here I am, Sheijima. You can come at me anytime, I'm ready for ya."
Sheijima laughed maniacally as he answered, "Then prepare for death, Domon Kasshu. You defeated me before but you won't this time."
"Oh yeah? We'll see," Domon snapped as he got into position. He closed his eyes and concentrated, focusing his ki as he drew from his fighter's spirit. "This hand of mine glows with an awesome power, its burning grip tells me to defeat you! Erupting, burning finger!" He reached to grab Cobra Gundam by the head.
"Oh no, not this time! This time it's your turn," the snake charmer snarled as he began playing the melody that sent a spiral of energy toward the gundam from Neo Japan, halting the right hand that glowed with power. But he did not notice Scythe Gundam behind with the scimitar ray that was shooting blue-white energy that surrounded Cobra Gundam, rendering it helpless.
"AHHHH, noooo!" Sheijima screamed as the serpent machine fell prostate on the ground, the blue glow emanating from its surface. The contraption twisted as if in agony.
"Sheijima!" Domon bellowed as he exited Burning Gundam to offer aid. The snake charmer/fighter was slumped in a heap, out cold on the open cockpit hatch.
Saette came over after leaving the cockpit of Scythe Gundam. "How is he?"
Domon picked up the slight form of the Neo India fighter and brought him to Scythe Gundam. "Saette, I want you to bring him to the hospital. I have more work to do, I gotta defeat the Dark Gundam, once and for all." He jumped up to the cockpit of Burning Gundam.
"Domon, wait. What about the rest of us, we're joined with you to beat this monster. Let's see how the others are and then we'll all go."
"Ummm! I can't, I gotta beat this thing so I can save Rain!" He closed the cockpit and Burning Gundam powered up.
"Wait, we all want to save Rain! Domon!" Saette called after the rapidly departing mobile suit but to no avail, it disappeared toward the mountain and the Dark Gundam. With a sigh, he got back into his gundam.
"Damn, he's trying to do it all alone," the wrestling coach muttered as he communicated to the others, "Everybody, we gotta head over to the Dark Gundam, Domon left to take it on alone." He flew over to the Neo Hong Kong hospital to drop Sheijima off and then contacted the others. They all gathered around in a destroyed block to touch base as Saette relayed the circumstances to the team.
Chibodee's voice and image flashed on the monitor. "That jerk! He always does that, goes off by himself. He did it before when we fought the monster to rescue his Rain."
George's visage then flashed on the Scythe Gundam monitor. "Domon is a very strong willed individual especially where Rain is concerned. He wants to save her at any cost."
"Yeah but he needs us to help him," Argo pointed out as his fierce visage appeared. "We're the Shuffle Alliance after all."
"That's right," Sai Saici piped up as his gamin face projected on Saette's screen. "We gotta stay together, we're a team. So let's gather together and go help Bro get Sis."
"Uh-huh," the group said in unison as the group of mighty mobile suits blasted off.
NEXT—SEARCH, DESTROY AND RESCUE