AN: I'm sorry that I've taken a while to update, but due to projects, the
mid-term exams, and a whole lot of other stuff, I'm just glad that I was
able to type up this chapter. Oh by the way, I'm sorry for some of the
missing words and all that keep popping up in some chapters. I'll try to
make sure it doesn't happen again. Oh, one last thing, don't expect this to
follow The Story In-Between exactly, consider this to be a slight AU
fanfiction, what with Crim and all. Oh and I've hoped that those who are
reading this have played ZOE: The Fist of Mars, because there's going to be
a reference to it in this chapter (for those of you who are curious, this
chapter takes place a month after the ending of FOM).Well, enjoy Chapter 4
and please review.
Disclaimer: Me! Own Zone of the Enders!? Ha, ha, ha!
Chapter 4: Arrival of Iblis
Nine months passed quickly for Leo Stenbuck. Soon, a knew year began and not too long afterwards he was a year older, but to Leo that didn't seem to matter as much as he thought it should have. Not when compared to everything else that happened during that time. Within those months, he had mastered all of the orbital frames that Crim had presented him with. Now, whenever he fought Crim in VR simulated battles, Leo fought with Jehuty once again and Crim with his Crescent orbital frame. The difference from the first time that they had fought was that they now fought on equal terms.
Outside of training, things had changed as well. Within a few months, both Leo and Crim had managed to become good friends; which eventually led to the both of them becoming friends with the other pilots and personnel aboard the Atlantis. For the first time in his life, Leo had finally found people who accepted (and even respected) him. The shy new kid who had arrived on the ship almost a year ago was becoming a memory; Leo was now considered as much of a member of the ship as any of the others on board.
The second change was by far the most notable to Leo, and that was with Celvice. Crim's prediction had come true. Leo had started to see her differently, and he couldn't explain how or when it happened. It was almost as if Celvice had become this way overnight, and Leo was starting to see things about her that he found were attractive and whenever he thought about them, it aroused strange feelings inside of himself that he had no clue what to do about. This was a problem that he had yet to solve.
But aside from that, things were going well, especially on the present day. He and Crim had been training and Leo had suddenly defeated Crescent. It had all happened so suddenly, and even afterwards, Leo still couldn't believe what had happened.
He had expected Crim to be angry with him or even embarrassed at being defeated like that, but Crim just laughed about it and said. " Don't get too cocky just cause you beat me, but I must admit that you're going to make one hell of a pilot soon. Anyway, let's break for lunch."
As they were eating, Leo received a call from Elena to come to the bridge because she had something that she needed to tell him. When he arrived, the news that she had for him hit him quicker than any of Crim's surprise attacks could ever have.
Thirty minutes later:
"Hey Leo!" Crim called when he saw the boy walk into the hangar. He then noticed something was wrong in the way that Leo was moving. Crim walked over to his friend and could see the blank expression on his face.
(Well, I know that expression well enough,) Crim thought.
"Hey, what's wrong?" he asked Leo.
Leo turned toward Crim and then asked him. "Crim, what was your family like?"
A more serious expression had replaced the usual cheerful one on Crim's face.
"Why do you want to know?" he asked.
"I have my reasons," Leo answered quickly. "You don't have to go into too big a detail if you don't want to."
"Fine," Crim said. "I had a mother and father who died shortly after I was born and my only sister and I were raised by an uncle on my father's side of the family until my sister was old enough to move out and I lived with her until she died. You satisfied?"
"No," Leo answered. "I want a better answer than that."
"You tell me why you want to know and then I'll give you the answer you want," Crim said. "Sound like a fair exchange to you?"
Leo was silent for a couple of minutes before answering.
"Alright," he said. "I'll tell you."
It was at that moment that Celvice walked into the room. She had seen Leo walk past her without even noticing her, and she knew that something was wrong so she followed Leo to try to talk with him. When she saw Leo talking with Crim, Celvice recognized the expression on his face. It was from whenever conversation went to the subject of his family. Unsure of whether to leave or not, Celvice stood where she was, feeling slightly guilty at hearing the approaching conversation.
"When Elena called me to the bridge earlier," Leo began. "It was because I had asked her to find out whether or not my father was alive. She found his name on the list of the casualties."
"I'm sorry, Leo," Crim said. "I didn't mean to-."
"It's not what you think," Leo interrupted. "I told you the whole sob story about my family already; by all rights I shouldn't even be grieving but I am."
"Your grieving just proves that you're not a very hateful person," Crim suggested. "It's nothing to be ashamed of."
"I'm not ashamed of that." Leo said. "I'm ashamed of why my father died. According to one of the survivors, a man went to the area where I had found ADA to look for his son. The description of the man matches my father's which means that he died because of me."
"That may be," Crim said. "But maybe the reason that your father went looking for you is because in the end he truly cared for you. Isn't that at least a comfortable thought?"
Leo was silent but Crim could see that the boy was trying hard not to cry.
"I guess I should tell you my life story as promised," Crim said. "If you still want to listen."
"Of course," Leo replied sitting down where he was standing because he could tell that he was in for a long story.
"Well, Leo," Crim began as he sat down as well. "Unlike you, I never knew my parents, and I was born and raised on Mars not a space colony. Not too long after I was born, both of my parents were killed in a car accident. My older sister, who was thirteen at the time, and I were sent over to an uncle on my father's side of the family to live with. I don't remember him all too well I'm afraid; my sister was the one who really raised me. Those were hard times, but she was always a kind, devoted, and loving sister to me no matter what happened. I can even recall some wonderful memories of her and me back then. Well, moving right along, when she graduated from high school; she joined the BAHRAM academy to become an LEV pilot. There, she fell in love with a man who was also a pilot in training, just one year ahead of her. They planned to get married as soon as they graduated but he was killed in a skirmish between BAHRAM and the Space Force. Things would have gotten worse had it not been for the man's younger brother who helped us out and he also helped Vi- I mean my sister recover from her grief. You see he was also a pilot in training at the same year as my sister, and he ended up becoming an older brother figure to me. He also had a girlfriend who was a very kind and caring woman. She and my sister became fast friends and before I knew it, I had a sort of adopted family. That time was probably the best I can ever remember from my childhood. It really felt like I had a real family; there were so many good times I can remember like birthdays, holidays, and all those other things. Like I said, it truly was a wonderful time in my life."
For a moment, Crim was quiet, his expression peaceful as he remembered the times that he had enjoyed with his adopted family. Then his expression suddenly darkened.
"But it didn't last," he continued. "Not too long after Ra- I mean the brother and his girlfriend announced their engagement, the two of them, along with my sister, had to leave on some kind of special assignment for BAHRAM. They were gone for months and I stayed at friends house. For that time period, they called me whenever they could but I could see that this "project" that they were working on was taking its toll on them. Then, quite suddenly, I got a message from the people who ran that operation telling me that there had been an accident and of the three people that I had ever held dear to me, only my sister had survived. After that, things went downhill from there. Whatever it was that happened back there scarred my sister for life. I tried to be there to support her and for a while I thought I was successful but in the end it didn't work. My sister eventually died and I joined the BAHRAM academy. I thought that if I did, I could protect the land that the people that I loved had lived in. But I soon became disillusioned with BAHRAM's ideals when they left a squadron of pilots to die in a battle where they were completely outclassed by the enemy and could have easily sent reinforcements to help that squadron."
"And that's why you hate BAHRAM." Leo assumed.
"That's one of my top reasons," Crim replied. "But I've got plenty more than just that for hating those guys. Particularly since the one who led that squadron was my instructor, a man I'd respected greatly and who taught me everything that I knew in terms of piloting."
"If they did all that why did you stay with them for so long?" Leo asked.
"I just stayed to get what I needed from their training," Crim answered. "You know what happened after I did."
Leo looked at his instructor and friend; in the beginning, he had thought Crim was just a lazy idiot who was just good at piloting and didn't have a care in the world. But what he had just heard from Crim had proven him wrong.
"Why exactly are you telling me this?" Leo asked.
"Because it was part of the deal you and I made," Crim answered.
"I know that," Leo said. "What I mean is why did you tell me your whole life story?"
Crim shrugged.
"I don't know," he answered. "Maybe it was because I felt like telling you, or maybe, in the back of my mind, I believe that telling someone else about my life will make me feel better even though it probably won't. Considering that today is..."
Crim stopped as if he realized that he had said too much.
"What's wrong?" Leo asked. "Is today something important?"
A shadow passed over Crim's face.
"Do you really want to know?" he asked.
Leo nodded.
"Today is the anniversary of my sister's death," Crim answered. "The fourth anniversary to be more precise."
"How did your sister die?" Leo asked before realizing what he said.
Crim stiffened up when he heard the question and Leo half expected him to say "None of your business" or something along that line. But instead Crim answered him.
"She was killed by someone," he answered bitterly. "Someone who I've sworn to kill for what he did to her."
Crim was quiet for a few minutes before speaking again.
"Well that's my whole sob story," he said as he got up from where he was sitting. "Well, better go get some rest. I've found that the cause for most states of depression is one of two things: hunger or lack of sleep. Besides, I know that my sis wouldn't have wanted me to mope around all day. So you're dismissed for the day, Leo. See ya at dinner." He then turned to leave.
"Wait!" Leo said causing Crim to turn around. "Have you gotten any new movies lately? You know, the way you get them."
"Well, yeah," Crim answered. "One movie anyway; it's called Yojimbo 2100. It's a modern day samurai movie. Why are you asking?"
"Well, Celvice has been complaining about not seeing anything new lately," Leo lied. "And I was wondering if you could..."
Crim looked at Leo and smiled. Not one of those smiles from when he was silly and all, but a genuine smile of a friend to another friend.
Then his smile turned into the sly kind.
"So the two of you have finally started dating," Crim said. "Why didn't you tell me?"
Leo's face reddened.
"It's not like that!" he shouted. "Celvice just wanted to see a movie and I suddenly felt like watching one as well. That's all."
"Ah, so you want to please her now," Crim commented. "One of the first major signs of a developing relationship. So tell me, Leo, have you started to find Celvice more attractive than usual? Or should I say: Do you think that she looks sexy?"
Leo's whole head now resembled an oversized tomato and he was starting to make strangling noises.
"Alright," Crim said, pretending to ignore Leo. "I'll have the movie the movie ready at 7:30 pm after dinner so don't be late, Oh yes, one more thing, the movie happens to be a very good one so don't you and Celvice make out too much or you won't be able to enjoy it. The movie I mean. Well, until then, ja ne!"
And Crim left, pretending not to notice a blushing Celvice standing near the doorway as he was leaving.
(Why did I make that lie up?) Leo thought to himself.
2 Days Later:
While Leo and Crim were training, they received a call from Elena asking the both of them to meet her at the entrance to the ship's storage room on the double. Recognizing that Elena's tone of voice was serious, the two of them got there as fast as they could. When they got there, Elena was there waiting for them as well as Thunderheart.
"So Elena," Leo said. "What did you call us for? Is it important?"
"Yes, Leo, it is." Elena answered. "Yesterday, at 0600 hours, we received a very interesting item from a group known as BIS. I'm sure that you know who they are."
"You mean that BAHRAM resistance group that's been on the Martian news recently?" Leo asked. "The ones that are being called a terrorist group? That BIS?"
"And also the group that is rumored to have a new type of orbital frame which resembles Jehuty in design." Crim added with a smile.
"How did you know about that?" Elena asked. "That wasn't on the news."
"The news will only give you so much information," Crim answered. "And that information only has some truth to it at best. However, our good friend, the Internet, has limitless information to offer, if you know where to look."
"And might I ask where you found this information on the Internet?" Elena asked suspiciously.
""In a chat room of course," Crim answered. "An old friend of mine from Mars told me about it. The site, of course, shall remain anonymous."
Placing her right hand on her forehead, Elena sighed and said. "Fine, I guess that will do as an answer, for now. Thunderheart, you explain the situation."
"Thanks, Elena." Thunderheart replied then he turned to face Leo and Crim. "Now, the both of you listen, what happens in this room stays in this room unless you are told otherwise by Elena or by me. Is that understood?"
"Yes sir." Both pilots answered at the same time.
"Good." Thunderheart said. "Now follow me."
They followed Thunderheart through the storage room until they stopped at a large black metal crate. Thunderheart walked over to the front of the crate and slid a card key into the key slot and the front door of the crate opened.
On the inside of the crate was a large black orbital frame the same size as Jehuty plus the wings on its back. Leo took one look at the black frame and shuddered, instantly reminded of Jehuty's twin frame Anubis except that this frame seemed to resemble some sort of person's portrayal of a devil instead of the Egyptian god of the dead.
"This is the orbital frame Iblis," Thunderheart said. "BIS recovered it from BAHRAM a few weeks ago. The reason that they gave it to us is because the only potential pilot for this frame is going into hiding and since we have an orbital frame already, they decided that another one would be helpful to us."
"So now we own this thing?" Crim asked.
"For now," Thunderheart answered. "At the moment, though, BAHRAM is looking for this frame so, as of now, we're heading for the space colony Argetlam to lay low until the search dies down. In the meantime, I want you, Crim, to try and pilot this frame and have a look at its structural design both inside and out."
"Of course," Crim replied. "But why me?"
"Of all the other pilots on this ship, you seem to be the prime candidate for piloting Iblis," Thunderheart said. "And also, your knowledge of orbital frame mechanics might help us give this frame a tune-up if need be."
"Those sound like good reasons," Leo agreed. "Besides, if you pilot a frame like that, I'm sure training will be even more interesting."
"Heh, don't get cocky just because your starting to win more simulation battles than before, Leo," Crim said and then he turned back to Thunderheart. "Alright, you can count on me to do all of that. However, I have one request regarding this matter."
"Name it first," Thunderheart answered. "And then I'll see if it can be arranged."
"I'd like to have a look at the structural data for Jehuty," Crim said. "I want to see how alike those two frames are in structure."
"Normally I wouldn't grant this request," Thunderheart said. "The reasons being that you are asking to see highly classified information. However, due to the fact that you are involved in a top-secret mission already, I believe that I can make an exception to this. Come by the bridge later and I'll have the data ready for you."
"Thank you, sir." Crim said.
"Alright then," Thunderheart said. "That will be all for now. The two of you may leave."
In the hallway:
"So what do you think of all this?" Leo asked Crim as they walked away from the hangar.
"I think that things are about to become very interesting, and probably very soon" Crim answered. "What do you think, Leo?"
"I don't really know." Leo replied. "I'm not exactly all that keen on fighting enemies for real; even though I know that we'll have to sooner or later. Well, I'll see you at you at dinner, then. Later!" And then Leo turned and left, leaving Crim walking in the hallway alone with his thoughts.
(A new orbital frame,) Crim thought to himself. (Exactly what I need to avenge my sister's death. After all, the one who I am to kill uses one very similar to it. Now all I need is the right opportunity. The data that Thunderheart will be giving to me will show me a weakness in my quarry's frame, and, once the right opportunity comes, I'll finally avenge you, Viola, my dear sister.)
Author's Ramblings: Well that was quite a long chapter and with a nice plot twist as well. Don't worry about it not making sense, it'll become clear in the later chapters. Look for another update once Christmas Break starts and please don't forget to review. Thank you!
Anime Quote of the Day:
"Sanosuke Sagara has just entered the building! Right!! So where's this Makoto Shishio guy?" (Sanosuke Sagara to Kenshin Himura and Hajime Saito when he makes a dramatic entrance onto the "Rengoku" to fight Shishio and the Jupongattana (that's how it's spelled, right?) but unfortunately, they've already left) (Rurouni Kenshin the manga)
Disclaimer: Me! Own Zone of the Enders!? Ha, ha, ha!
Chapter 4: Arrival of Iblis
Nine months passed quickly for Leo Stenbuck. Soon, a knew year began and not too long afterwards he was a year older, but to Leo that didn't seem to matter as much as he thought it should have. Not when compared to everything else that happened during that time. Within those months, he had mastered all of the orbital frames that Crim had presented him with. Now, whenever he fought Crim in VR simulated battles, Leo fought with Jehuty once again and Crim with his Crescent orbital frame. The difference from the first time that they had fought was that they now fought on equal terms.
Outside of training, things had changed as well. Within a few months, both Leo and Crim had managed to become good friends; which eventually led to the both of them becoming friends with the other pilots and personnel aboard the Atlantis. For the first time in his life, Leo had finally found people who accepted (and even respected) him. The shy new kid who had arrived on the ship almost a year ago was becoming a memory; Leo was now considered as much of a member of the ship as any of the others on board.
The second change was by far the most notable to Leo, and that was with Celvice. Crim's prediction had come true. Leo had started to see her differently, and he couldn't explain how or when it happened. It was almost as if Celvice had become this way overnight, and Leo was starting to see things about her that he found were attractive and whenever he thought about them, it aroused strange feelings inside of himself that he had no clue what to do about. This was a problem that he had yet to solve.
But aside from that, things were going well, especially on the present day. He and Crim had been training and Leo had suddenly defeated Crescent. It had all happened so suddenly, and even afterwards, Leo still couldn't believe what had happened.
He had expected Crim to be angry with him or even embarrassed at being defeated like that, but Crim just laughed about it and said. " Don't get too cocky just cause you beat me, but I must admit that you're going to make one hell of a pilot soon. Anyway, let's break for lunch."
As they were eating, Leo received a call from Elena to come to the bridge because she had something that she needed to tell him. When he arrived, the news that she had for him hit him quicker than any of Crim's surprise attacks could ever have.
Thirty minutes later:
"Hey Leo!" Crim called when he saw the boy walk into the hangar. He then noticed something was wrong in the way that Leo was moving. Crim walked over to his friend and could see the blank expression on his face.
(Well, I know that expression well enough,) Crim thought.
"Hey, what's wrong?" he asked Leo.
Leo turned toward Crim and then asked him. "Crim, what was your family like?"
A more serious expression had replaced the usual cheerful one on Crim's face.
"Why do you want to know?" he asked.
"I have my reasons," Leo answered quickly. "You don't have to go into too big a detail if you don't want to."
"Fine," Crim said. "I had a mother and father who died shortly after I was born and my only sister and I were raised by an uncle on my father's side of the family until my sister was old enough to move out and I lived with her until she died. You satisfied?"
"No," Leo answered. "I want a better answer than that."
"You tell me why you want to know and then I'll give you the answer you want," Crim said. "Sound like a fair exchange to you?"
Leo was silent for a couple of minutes before answering.
"Alright," he said. "I'll tell you."
It was at that moment that Celvice walked into the room. She had seen Leo walk past her without even noticing her, and she knew that something was wrong so she followed Leo to try to talk with him. When she saw Leo talking with Crim, Celvice recognized the expression on his face. It was from whenever conversation went to the subject of his family. Unsure of whether to leave or not, Celvice stood where she was, feeling slightly guilty at hearing the approaching conversation.
"When Elena called me to the bridge earlier," Leo began. "It was because I had asked her to find out whether or not my father was alive. She found his name on the list of the casualties."
"I'm sorry, Leo," Crim said. "I didn't mean to-."
"It's not what you think," Leo interrupted. "I told you the whole sob story about my family already; by all rights I shouldn't even be grieving but I am."
"Your grieving just proves that you're not a very hateful person," Crim suggested. "It's nothing to be ashamed of."
"I'm not ashamed of that." Leo said. "I'm ashamed of why my father died. According to one of the survivors, a man went to the area where I had found ADA to look for his son. The description of the man matches my father's which means that he died because of me."
"That may be," Crim said. "But maybe the reason that your father went looking for you is because in the end he truly cared for you. Isn't that at least a comfortable thought?"
Leo was silent but Crim could see that the boy was trying hard not to cry.
"I guess I should tell you my life story as promised," Crim said. "If you still want to listen."
"Of course," Leo replied sitting down where he was standing because he could tell that he was in for a long story.
"Well, Leo," Crim began as he sat down as well. "Unlike you, I never knew my parents, and I was born and raised on Mars not a space colony. Not too long after I was born, both of my parents were killed in a car accident. My older sister, who was thirteen at the time, and I were sent over to an uncle on my father's side of the family to live with. I don't remember him all too well I'm afraid; my sister was the one who really raised me. Those were hard times, but she was always a kind, devoted, and loving sister to me no matter what happened. I can even recall some wonderful memories of her and me back then. Well, moving right along, when she graduated from high school; she joined the BAHRAM academy to become an LEV pilot. There, she fell in love with a man who was also a pilot in training, just one year ahead of her. They planned to get married as soon as they graduated but he was killed in a skirmish between BAHRAM and the Space Force. Things would have gotten worse had it not been for the man's younger brother who helped us out and he also helped Vi- I mean my sister recover from her grief. You see he was also a pilot in training at the same year as my sister, and he ended up becoming an older brother figure to me. He also had a girlfriend who was a very kind and caring woman. She and my sister became fast friends and before I knew it, I had a sort of adopted family. That time was probably the best I can ever remember from my childhood. It really felt like I had a real family; there were so many good times I can remember like birthdays, holidays, and all those other things. Like I said, it truly was a wonderful time in my life."
For a moment, Crim was quiet, his expression peaceful as he remembered the times that he had enjoyed with his adopted family. Then his expression suddenly darkened.
"But it didn't last," he continued. "Not too long after Ra- I mean the brother and his girlfriend announced their engagement, the two of them, along with my sister, had to leave on some kind of special assignment for BAHRAM. They were gone for months and I stayed at friends house. For that time period, they called me whenever they could but I could see that this "project" that they were working on was taking its toll on them. Then, quite suddenly, I got a message from the people who ran that operation telling me that there had been an accident and of the three people that I had ever held dear to me, only my sister had survived. After that, things went downhill from there. Whatever it was that happened back there scarred my sister for life. I tried to be there to support her and for a while I thought I was successful but in the end it didn't work. My sister eventually died and I joined the BAHRAM academy. I thought that if I did, I could protect the land that the people that I loved had lived in. But I soon became disillusioned with BAHRAM's ideals when they left a squadron of pilots to die in a battle where they were completely outclassed by the enemy and could have easily sent reinforcements to help that squadron."
"And that's why you hate BAHRAM." Leo assumed.
"That's one of my top reasons," Crim replied. "But I've got plenty more than just that for hating those guys. Particularly since the one who led that squadron was my instructor, a man I'd respected greatly and who taught me everything that I knew in terms of piloting."
"If they did all that why did you stay with them for so long?" Leo asked.
"I just stayed to get what I needed from their training," Crim answered. "You know what happened after I did."
Leo looked at his instructor and friend; in the beginning, he had thought Crim was just a lazy idiot who was just good at piloting and didn't have a care in the world. But what he had just heard from Crim had proven him wrong.
"Why exactly are you telling me this?" Leo asked.
"Because it was part of the deal you and I made," Crim answered.
"I know that," Leo said. "What I mean is why did you tell me your whole life story?"
Crim shrugged.
"I don't know," he answered. "Maybe it was because I felt like telling you, or maybe, in the back of my mind, I believe that telling someone else about my life will make me feel better even though it probably won't. Considering that today is..."
Crim stopped as if he realized that he had said too much.
"What's wrong?" Leo asked. "Is today something important?"
A shadow passed over Crim's face.
"Do you really want to know?" he asked.
Leo nodded.
"Today is the anniversary of my sister's death," Crim answered. "The fourth anniversary to be more precise."
"How did your sister die?" Leo asked before realizing what he said.
Crim stiffened up when he heard the question and Leo half expected him to say "None of your business" or something along that line. But instead Crim answered him.
"She was killed by someone," he answered bitterly. "Someone who I've sworn to kill for what he did to her."
Crim was quiet for a few minutes before speaking again.
"Well that's my whole sob story," he said as he got up from where he was sitting. "Well, better go get some rest. I've found that the cause for most states of depression is one of two things: hunger or lack of sleep. Besides, I know that my sis wouldn't have wanted me to mope around all day. So you're dismissed for the day, Leo. See ya at dinner." He then turned to leave.
"Wait!" Leo said causing Crim to turn around. "Have you gotten any new movies lately? You know, the way you get them."
"Well, yeah," Crim answered. "One movie anyway; it's called Yojimbo 2100. It's a modern day samurai movie. Why are you asking?"
"Well, Celvice has been complaining about not seeing anything new lately," Leo lied. "And I was wondering if you could..."
Crim looked at Leo and smiled. Not one of those smiles from when he was silly and all, but a genuine smile of a friend to another friend.
Then his smile turned into the sly kind.
"So the two of you have finally started dating," Crim said. "Why didn't you tell me?"
Leo's face reddened.
"It's not like that!" he shouted. "Celvice just wanted to see a movie and I suddenly felt like watching one as well. That's all."
"Ah, so you want to please her now," Crim commented. "One of the first major signs of a developing relationship. So tell me, Leo, have you started to find Celvice more attractive than usual? Or should I say: Do you think that she looks sexy?"
Leo's whole head now resembled an oversized tomato and he was starting to make strangling noises.
"Alright," Crim said, pretending to ignore Leo. "I'll have the movie the movie ready at 7:30 pm after dinner so don't be late, Oh yes, one more thing, the movie happens to be a very good one so don't you and Celvice make out too much or you won't be able to enjoy it. The movie I mean. Well, until then, ja ne!"
And Crim left, pretending not to notice a blushing Celvice standing near the doorway as he was leaving.
(Why did I make that lie up?) Leo thought to himself.
2 Days Later:
While Leo and Crim were training, they received a call from Elena asking the both of them to meet her at the entrance to the ship's storage room on the double. Recognizing that Elena's tone of voice was serious, the two of them got there as fast as they could. When they got there, Elena was there waiting for them as well as Thunderheart.
"So Elena," Leo said. "What did you call us for? Is it important?"
"Yes, Leo, it is." Elena answered. "Yesterday, at 0600 hours, we received a very interesting item from a group known as BIS. I'm sure that you know who they are."
"You mean that BAHRAM resistance group that's been on the Martian news recently?" Leo asked. "The ones that are being called a terrorist group? That BIS?"
"And also the group that is rumored to have a new type of orbital frame which resembles Jehuty in design." Crim added with a smile.
"How did you know about that?" Elena asked. "That wasn't on the news."
"The news will only give you so much information," Crim answered. "And that information only has some truth to it at best. However, our good friend, the Internet, has limitless information to offer, if you know where to look."
"And might I ask where you found this information on the Internet?" Elena asked suspiciously.
""In a chat room of course," Crim answered. "An old friend of mine from Mars told me about it. The site, of course, shall remain anonymous."
Placing her right hand on her forehead, Elena sighed and said. "Fine, I guess that will do as an answer, for now. Thunderheart, you explain the situation."
"Thanks, Elena." Thunderheart replied then he turned to face Leo and Crim. "Now, the both of you listen, what happens in this room stays in this room unless you are told otherwise by Elena or by me. Is that understood?"
"Yes sir." Both pilots answered at the same time.
"Good." Thunderheart said. "Now follow me."
They followed Thunderheart through the storage room until they stopped at a large black metal crate. Thunderheart walked over to the front of the crate and slid a card key into the key slot and the front door of the crate opened.
On the inside of the crate was a large black orbital frame the same size as Jehuty plus the wings on its back. Leo took one look at the black frame and shuddered, instantly reminded of Jehuty's twin frame Anubis except that this frame seemed to resemble some sort of person's portrayal of a devil instead of the Egyptian god of the dead.
"This is the orbital frame Iblis," Thunderheart said. "BIS recovered it from BAHRAM a few weeks ago. The reason that they gave it to us is because the only potential pilot for this frame is going into hiding and since we have an orbital frame already, they decided that another one would be helpful to us."
"So now we own this thing?" Crim asked.
"For now," Thunderheart answered. "At the moment, though, BAHRAM is looking for this frame so, as of now, we're heading for the space colony Argetlam to lay low until the search dies down. In the meantime, I want you, Crim, to try and pilot this frame and have a look at its structural design both inside and out."
"Of course," Crim replied. "But why me?"
"Of all the other pilots on this ship, you seem to be the prime candidate for piloting Iblis," Thunderheart said. "And also, your knowledge of orbital frame mechanics might help us give this frame a tune-up if need be."
"Those sound like good reasons," Leo agreed. "Besides, if you pilot a frame like that, I'm sure training will be even more interesting."
"Heh, don't get cocky just because your starting to win more simulation battles than before, Leo," Crim said and then he turned back to Thunderheart. "Alright, you can count on me to do all of that. However, I have one request regarding this matter."
"Name it first," Thunderheart answered. "And then I'll see if it can be arranged."
"I'd like to have a look at the structural data for Jehuty," Crim said. "I want to see how alike those two frames are in structure."
"Normally I wouldn't grant this request," Thunderheart said. "The reasons being that you are asking to see highly classified information. However, due to the fact that you are involved in a top-secret mission already, I believe that I can make an exception to this. Come by the bridge later and I'll have the data ready for you."
"Thank you, sir." Crim said.
"Alright then," Thunderheart said. "That will be all for now. The two of you may leave."
In the hallway:
"So what do you think of all this?" Leo asked Crim as they walked away from the hangar.
"I think that things are about to become very interesting, and probably very soon" Crim answered. "What do you think, Leo?"
"I don't really know." Leo replied. "I'm not exactly all that keen on fighting enemies for real; even though I know that we'll have to sooner or later. Well, I'll see you at you at dinner, then. Later!" And then Leo turned and left, leaving Crim walking in the hallway alone with his thoughts.
(A new orbital frame,) Crim thought to himself. (Exactly what I need to avenge my sister's death. After all, the one who I am to kill uses one very similar to it. Now all I need is the right opportunity. The data that Thunderheart will be giving to me will show me a weakness in my quarry's frame, and, once the right opportunity comes, I'll finally avenge you, Viola, my dear sister.)
Author's Ramblings: Well that was quite a long chapter and with a nice plot twist as well. Don't worry about it not making sense, it'll become clear in the later chapters. Look for another update once Christmas Break starts and please don't forget to review. Thank you!
Anime Quote of the Day:
"Sanosuke Sagara has just entered the building! Right!! So where's this Makoto Shishio guy?" (Sanosuke Sagara to Kenshin Himura and Hajime Saito when he makes a dramatic entrance onto the "Rengoku" to fight Shishio and the Jupongattana (that's how it's spelled, right?) but unfortunately, they've already left) (Rurouni Kenshin the manga)