= = = = = = = = = = =
Kido Senshi Gundam: Char's Counter Attack
The Last Stand, Chapter 2
-Gredival
= = = = = = = = = = =
Mirai embraced her husband the moment she stepped off of the portable ladder. Bright pulled his wife closer, burying his head in her shoulder. "It's... good to see you..." Bright told Mirai as he pulled himself away, taking a moment to gaze at her. She was wearing a beautiful Chinese green and blue dress decorated with an ornate dragon designs. The colors and cut of the dress complemented the woman's fair skin and body. It was undoubtedly the most beautiful sight Bright had seen in months, and Mirai was certainly a sight for the sore eyes of the weary Captain.
Mirai nodded her agreement, smiling brightly at her husband. She was overjoyed to see that her husband was intact. Bright kissed her lightly on the cheek and knelt down and hug his daughter.
"Hey there Cheimin, how are you doing?" Bright asked her.
"I'm okay," she answered hugging her father back tightly.
"How's school?" the man asked, with as much forced cheer as possible.
"It's all right I guess," Cheimin responded. "I got an A on my science project!"
"That's great! I can't wait to see it, it was on magnetism right?"
"Yep!" the little girl responded happily.
"Our car is over there, so can you go over and sit with Hathaway? Mom and I need to talk."
"Okay," she replied. She made her way across the airport concrete to her father's car where her brother sat.
"She's growing up so fast," Bright commented as he watched his daughter climb into the car with a cheery expression, a sharp contrast to her brother's distant gaze outside the window.
"What's wrong Bright?"
"Is it that easy to see?" he asked chuckling a bit.
"I know you a bit better than most," Mirai reminded him, wrapping her arms around Bright's neck.
Bright bent his head down to kiss her again. He placed his hands on her arms, gently lifting them away. "Reports say that the Neo Zeon are moving and that Sweetwater's been evacuated. Not all of Luna II's nukes have been accounted for..."
"They're going to drop Sweetwater?" Mirai asked incredulously.
"The Earth Federation doesn't believe it. 'Sweetwater's a health hazard they're just being safe' or 'The Neo Zeon pose no more threat to us' is all I hear," Bright sighed looking off into pale blue sky, his voice's anger dulled over with grudging acceptance. He turned around and smiled weakly at his wife. "I'm glad you're here."
"I am too Bright," Mirai said, kissing her husband. "Let's go home."
= = = = =
She wrapped the blanket around her shoulders, the cloth falling down past her waist to guard against the chilly air. Her blue eyes stared up at the black night sky, dotted with the endless multitude of stars. She exhaled and her breath formed a misty cloud that floated through the cold air for the briefest of moments before disappearing into the background. She leaned forward, her arms coming to rest on the small wooden fence overlooking the hill her house sat upon.
"Hey there..."
She was only six years old when the war had changed her life forever. She watched the other children, the other orphans, from afar as they played in the grass. All the while Chihiro would sit alone under the big oak tree everyday instead of playing. She didn't want to make new friends; she wanted her family back. So since the day she arrived at orphanage she kept to herself, praying that somehow God would just let her go back to her Mom and Dad. That He would make it all right again.
'Hey there,' the little boy said as he sat down in front of her. He had tousled dark brown hair and cheerful green eyes.
'Who are you?' the girl asked, looking away.
'I'm Ryou, it's nice to meet you.'
'I'm Chihiro," she replied hesitatingly. Why was he being so nice?
'Why don't you come play with us?' Ryou asked.
'I don't feel like it.' She looked up at him, 'Why are you being nice to me?'
'Because you look sad. Come on and join the game, it'll help cheer you up.' He extended his hand with a smile. The girl regarded it curiously, and then slowly extended her own hand.
"Hey," Chihiro replied, turning around to face Ryou.
"You busy?" he questioned.
"No, just remembering some things," she answered. She put her hands on the fence and lifted herself onto it. She patted the railing to her left, beckoning her friend to join her. "What's on your mind?"
"Oh not much," Ryou responded as he pulled himself up. "Ow!" he muttered as he quickly hopped down and held one of his hands in pain. Chihiro sighed and slid off the fence, letting the blanket fall away as she took the man's hand. She angled it in the silvery moonlight and gently grabbed the wooden splinter, tugging it out. She touched her index finger to her mouth and rubbed it over the small bleeding prick.
"Thanks."
"Aren't you scared?" Chihiro asked quietly, her gaze still focused on the hand she held.
"Of what?"
"Of war," she answered, raising her watery eyes to look at Ryou. "Of fighting, of dying." A teardrop slowly rolled down her peach skin. She tried to tell herself not to be foolish, but she couldn't stop the tears. Ryou wordlessly encircled her with his arms and pulled her close.
"Of course I'm scared," Ryou whispered softly into her ear, "but I try not to think about it." He kissed her on the forehead lightly. "If you don't want me to go..."
"No," she cut him off, wiping away her tears and pushing him back a little. "You said it yourself, you have to do this. It's who you are."
"You know you always come first," Ryou responded.
"I know," she said with a wistful smile, leaning in to kiss him softly on the lips. "Thank you, but this is something that I can't, and shouldn't ask you for. Please, just stay here with me for a while," she asked resting her cold cheek against Ryou's chest. She held on, wishing in her heart that she would never have to let go, that she could stay this way, in his arms, forever.
= = = = =
"I'll lead the troops in the Jagd-Doga," Nanai restated.
"Nanai you can't be serious!" Lyle argued. "You could die!"
"I'm not stupid," Nanai replied. "I'm the only one strong enough to bring out the potential in that suit, and you know it. Unless you want to come out of cowering and give it a try," Nanai started, voice trailing off suggestively.
"A leader can't lead when they're dead," Lyle pointed out.
"So you still think a leader should hang back and let his or her men die for them without risking themselves?" Nanai asked bluntly.
Lyle gave up, throwing his hands up in the air and storming off. She was being just like Char, risking herself needlessly on the field. They wouldn't need her on the field to drop Sweetwater. But somewhere in his mind of rationality and self-preservation he did understand why she was doing this. And it wasn't because of suit potential or leading the men. It was because she had to carry Char's legacy.
= = = = =
Bright turned around in the bed to look outside the window. He could see the three o'clock night sky dotted twinkling stars. It's hard to think something so beautiful could be a place of war and death... Amuro, Kayra, Chan are you out there? He closed his eyes. Did I send you to your death?
Mirai opened her eyes slowly, a sleepy smile on her face while she scooted closer to her husband. She wrapped her arms around her husband silently. "Bright it's not your fault," Mirai whispered gently, reading his silent expression like a book. "They were your friends, and they knew the risks. They took them because they believed in what you were fighting for, and in you."
Bright turned his gaze to Mirai.
"And it's okay to grieve for them."
He collapsed into her arms was finally able to shed his tears for the men and women he had lost – his friends who had given their lives for the Earth – within the comfort of his her arms.
"It'll be okay," the sage woman assured him gently. "It'll be okay."
= = = = =
He ran a hand through her hair. Soft as silk... She's so beautiful in the starlight. What... what happens if I don't come back this time? Bright thought silently as he watched the lingering stars and moon with his wife.
"Don't you even think of not coming back," Mirai remarked, her head propped up on her hand
"Of course Mirai," Bright said turning to kiss her. "I love you."
"And I love you," Mirai said pressing her lips on Bright's for another kiss.
With wordless understanding Mirai moved to let Bright get dressed. He silently pulled on his Federation Uniform and moved to the door. Mirai favored him with an encouraging smile. He nodded and disappeared through the door.
Mirai hoped it would not be for the last time
= = = = =
He kissed her on the cheek softly and slowly rolled out of the bed. Ryou dressed quietly; he still felt a bit of morning daze in his limbs. As he finished buttoning his shirt he glanced back at her. She had a peaceful smile on her sleeping face; her long hair was strewn about her pillow. He would have loved nothing more than to pass the hours idly next to Chihiro back in that warm bed. But he also knew that if he got back into that bed, he would probably never leave. He crept quietly over to her dresser, tearing a slip of paper from a nearby notepad. He fumbled around in his pant pocket to find a pen.
Happy Birthday. Take care.
Always, Ryou
He folded it in half, sketching a quick birthday cake and writing Happy Birthday again, this time in calligraphy, atop the picture.
He slid the long velvet box out of his jacket pocket, opening it to make sure that the necklace was inside. He placed the paper and box on the bed's second pillow. He crept towards the door, turning the knob slowly as he pushed it open. Ryou looked back at the sleeping Chihiro one last time.
He would try his hardest. But they both knew something deep down in their hearts that they did not want to admit.
Not all promises could be kept.
= = = = =
The chirping of the birds in the tree outside forced her to try turn around to avoid the noise. Not here again, as usual, Chihiro thought to herself noting Ryou's absence. You think he'd at least try stick around today at least.
She stretched out her arms groggily and heard her hand hit something to make a crackling sound. She turned her head to see the crumpled makeshift card and the present sitting atop Ryou's pillow.
"You idiot," she muttered, even though her grin was wide. She read the card, smile widening on her face. She opened the small box.
Her hands pulled out the silver necklace and a dangling sapphire crescent moon gem. "You didn't," she whispered in disbelief.
'Wow look at that, it's so pretty!' Chihiro said, tugging on Ryou's arm. She pointed in the store window at the dummy neck mold. The bright silver shined from the store's bright showcase light, and the beautifully cut sapphire cut dazzled on display.
Ryou smiled and nodded politely, about ten times; Chihiro shoved him a little bit for his joking disinterest. What she didn't see was Ryou's eyes looking at the price tag and his mind thinking of how he'd get the money by March.
She held the necklace to her chest, clutching it in her hand. "Thank you Ryou, thank you."
= = = = =
"Late for your first day?" Bright asked disapprovingly as the Second Lieutenant came running, panting from lack of oxygen.
"Sorry sir," Ryou huffed. "I had a birthday present to give."
"The test is about to start, go to the hangar."
"Thank you sir," the younger soldier gasped, jogging towards the hangar.
Bright laughed a little to himself. Would he really have what is takes to be a pilot?
The young man was thinking the same things as he sat in his cockpit, trying to recover from his morning of sprinting.
"Jegans 1-15 link up confirmed," one of engineering crew reported.
"Jegans 16-30 link up confirmed," another chimed in. "Simulation started."
The cockpit turned dark, and suddenly was immersed within a battle. Ryou glanced around. They were all on base jabbers, quickly approaching the center of the field formed by the Neo Zeon and Londo Bell ships. He gripped the circular controls.
"Missiles!"
The man's hands reacted instinctively to the alert. The teal machine boosted off the gray two-unit sled and shot upwards as the Neo Zeon wave of warheads created a line of explosions. Ryou leaned forward on the controls, directing his unit back towards combat.
He weaved through the blasts of energy and streams of bullets, firing two shots into an approaching Geara Doga squad. An exploding orange ball took the place of one unfortunate Geara Doga. Ryou swerved to his left to avoid the oncoming fire, his unit spinning around in motion to face the enemy. He raised his shield and fired off its two missiles at the unsuspecting foes, eliminating another two units. His thrusters flared up as he jetted upwards, weaving through the incoming fire of the remainder of the squad. He could feel the suit shudder as shots riddled the shield.
He dropped his guard to take a quick dive to the right. He pointed his riffle at the three attackers and watched carefully as the targeting circle swung from side to side on the screen. He fired off four shots in rapid succession striking two remaining Geara Dogas down; the last one, a distinctive blue color, dodged the shots by a quick thrust backward. Ryou's eyes widened as he saw four sturm fausts shoot out towards him.
= = = = =
"How are they doing?" Bright asked as he leaned forward to watch the monitors of the simulation.
"Five are down. They're certainly not aces but, they seem more capable of handling a few Geara Doga pilots," a technician, Jake, answered. He flicked a switch and his screen flashed the words 'Ace Unit engaged'.
"What does that mean?" Bright asked, pointing to the alert on the technician's screen.
"We programmed in ace units to lead every squadron of Geara Dogas using data based off that purple Doga that came a bit too close to the Ra Cailum," Jake explained. "There's three on the field right now; Unit 30 is in combat with one of them."
"Who is Unit 30's pilot?"
"Second Lieutenant Okuimi."
= = = = =
One grenade shot out from the Jegan's left side skirt armor. The Jegan quickly boosted backwards from the ensuing explosion that engulfed all five of the explosive rounds. The blue unit came charging through the explosion with its short beam axe arched for a deadly sweeping strike. Ryou reacted quickly, throwing his shield at the approaching enemy. It was quickly destroyed, but gave the Jegan the time needed to dodge the crippling blow. Ryou drew his own beam saber and it sparked to life. The Geara Doga's single red eye glowed in recognition; the beam axe head faded and a saber blade replaced it.
The thrusting Geara Doga's saber was knocked out to the side with a quick double parry motion of the Jegan's saber, which whipped across to slash the Zeon unit's now unguarded torso. The plasma blade grazed the blue armor, before the enemy was out of reach. The Zeon wasted no time in countering, its own saber sweeping from the Geara's low right to top left in a rising slash. Ryou boosted backwards; the saber barely missed the cockpit. The Doga pilot quickly swung the blade straight down in an attempt to cleave the Jegan in half. The Jegan frame shook slightly for a brief moment as the sabers locked.
The sabers whipped across trying to disable each other, meeting with a crackle of energy each time. The Zeon unit suddenly disengaged, flying backwards. Ryou quickly pursued, then he saw the Geara-Doga's right hand plate opening up. The Jegan ran into three balloon dummies, before its pilot could notice the arching overhead saber swing from the diving blue Geara-Doga.
Ryou swung the left controller in rapid motion, the beam riffle in the left hand aiming the Zeon unit's chest. The weapon clicked, and a lance of energy shot forth and ripped through the Zeon cockpit. The suit was blasted backwards before it exploded a few seconds later. The Londo Bell suit flew backwards through the air from the impact.
Grunting, the pilot forced the graying green unit to a stop with its thrusters. "Great..." Ryou muttered, shaking the controls in his hands. The suit's limb responses were sluggish because damage incurred in the explosion. Beeping, his monitor opened a window focused in on a group of three approaching Geara-Dogas. Each had their left arms replaced with mega beam cannons. "You've got to be kidding me," he groaned.
The Jegan thrusters flared sending the Jegan upwards; the three beams of energy aimed for it crashed into debris that promptly became stardust. Five other Jegans had noticed the approach of the new units and had come to join the battle. Three more lances of energy shot at the Jegan congregation, striking one grunt suit through the head. The remaining Londo Bell quickly took note to scatter.
Ryou aimed his riffle at the Heavy Armor Geara Doga on the left and fired his last shot. The Doga responded by moving its heavy right shoulder plate in the way of the blast. The armor was scorched black, but not much else. Ryou moved towards the disabled headless Jegan, stealing its shield and riffle as he tossed his own spent weapon. He strafed away from the pursuing unit as best, keeping the shield in front at all times. The last thing he wanted was to be hit with that energy cannon. The Second Lieutenant took careful note of the timing of the Zeek's mega cannon fire. A weapon that powerful couldn't fire at will, it had to have a cooling period.
The next shot by the Doga blasted a chunk out of the bottom of the defensive plate, but Ryou had already got the timing pattern down. His Jegan lurched forward and launched the two missiles from the newly acquired shield. The Zeon machine boosted out of the way, but didn't notice the downward slicing saber until it was too late. The mega cannon arm flew off. The Jegan's arm pulled back and then thrusted forward, the blade piercing the Geara-Doga mono-eye with a shower of yellow sparks. The Jegan boosted backwards.
= = = = =
"He's not exactly the most refined pilot yet, but he's resourceful," the technician told the Captain as the screen focused in on Unit 30.
"What's the status of the Re-GZ?" Bright asked, mind racing with ideas for this diamond in the rough pilot.
"It should be ready to go within a few hours."
"Get Anaheim on the line for me, and prepare a shuttle for the Re-GZ."
= = = = =
The frame shook as another mega cannon blast destroyed the Jegan's second shield and left the guarding arm almost useless in terms of movement speed. Ryou swerved and hurled his saber; the hilt and blade twirled through space. The hilt stuck into the cannon arm causing a small explosion before two shots from another Jegan finished it. Ryou strafed away from another beam shot, searching the battlefield for its source. The Jegan danced backwards in short bursts of medium distance, keeping one step ahead from the incoming shots.
Beam riffle fire from two Jegans forced the Geara-Doga to break its pattern, thrusting around the shots. Ryou fired, and the beam crashed into the Geara-Doga just as it stopped its thrust.
= = = = =
The image of the battlefield flashed white then disappeared. The new recruit leaned his body back against the piloting seat as he wiped his brow. Ryou noted Bright Noah approaching through the line of stationed Jegans. He slid down the cable to meet the older man.
They exchanged a salute.
"You did well," Bright congratulated him. "What do you think of taking it up a notch?"
Kido Senshi Gundam: Char's Counter Attack
The Last Stand, Chapter 2
-Gredival
= = = = = = = = = = =
Mirai embraced her husband the moment she stepped off of the portable ladder. Bright pulled his wife closer, burying his head in her shoulder. "It's... good to see you..." Bright told Mirai as he pulled himself away, taking a moment to gaze at her. She was wearing a beautiful Chinese green and blue dress decorated with an ornate dragon designs. The colors and cut of the dress complemented the woman's fair skin and body. It was undoubtedly the most beautiful sight Bright had seen in months, and Mirai was certainly a sight for the sore eyes of the weary Captain.
Mirai nodded her agreement, smiling brightly at her husband. She was overjoyed to see that her husband was intact. Bright kissed her lightly on the cheek and knelt down and hug his daughter.
"Hey there Cheimin, how are you doing?" Bright asked her.
"I'm okay," she answered hugging her father back tightly.
"How's school?" the man asked, with as much forced cheer as possible.
"It's all right I guess," Cheimin responded. "I got an A on my science project!"
"That's great! I can't wait to see it, it was on magnetism right?"
"Yep!" the little girl responded happily.
"Our car is over there, so can you go over and sit with Hathaway? Mom and I need to talk."
"Okay," she replied. She made her way across the airport concrete to her father's car where her brother sat.
"She's growing up so fast," Bright commented as he watched his daughter climb into the car with a cheery expression, a sharp contrast to her brother's distant gaze outside the window.
"What's wrong Bright?"
"Is it that easy to see?" he asked chuckling a bit.
"I know you a bit better than most," Mirai reminded him, wrapping her arms around Bright's neck.
Bright bent his head down to kiss her again. He placed his hands on her arms, gently lifting them away. "Reports say that the Neo Zeon are moving and that Sweetwater's been evacuated. Not all of Luna II's nukes have been accounted for..."
"They're going to drop Sweetwater?" Mirai asked incredulously.
"The Earth Federation doesn't believe it. 'Sweetwater's a health hazard they're just being safe' or 'The Neo Zeon pose no more threat to us' is all I hear," Bright sighed looking off into pale blue sky, his voice's anger dulled over with grudging acceptance. He turned around and smiled weakly at his wife. "I'm glad you're here."
"I am too Bright," Mirai said, kissing her husband. "Let's go home."
= = = = =
She wrapped the blanket around her shoulders, the cloth falling down past her waist to guard against the chilly air. Her blue eyes stared up at the black night sky, dotted with the endless multitude of stars. She exhaled and her breath formed a misty cloud that floated through the cold air for the briefest of moments before disappearing into the background. She leaned forward, her arms coming to rest on the small wooden fence overlooking the hill her house sat upon.
"Hey there..."
She was only six years old when the war had changed her life forever. She watched the other children, the other orphans, from afar as they played in the grass. All the while Chihiro would sit alone under the big oak tree everyday instead of playing. She didn't want to make new friends; she wanted her family back. So since the day she arrived at orphanage she kept to herself, praying that somehow God would just let her go back to her Mom and Dad. That He would make it all right again.
'Hey there,' the little boy said as he sat down in front of her. He had tousled dark brown hair and cheerful green eyes.
'Who are you?' the girl asked, looking away.
'I'm Ryou, it's nice to meet you.'
'I'm Chihiro," she replied hesitatingly. Why was he being so nice?
'Why don't you come play with us?' Ryou asked.
'I don't feel like it.' She looked up at him, 'Why are you being nice to me?'
'Because you look sad. Come on and join the game, it'll help cheer you up.' He extended his hand with a smile. The girl regarded it curiously, and then slowly extended her own hand.
"Hey," Chihiro replied, turning around to face Ryou.
"You busy?" he questioned.
"No, just remembering some things," she answered. She put her hands on the fence and lifted herself onto it. She patted the railing to her left, beckoning her friend to join her. "What's on your mind?"
"Oh not much," Ryou responded as he pulled himself up. "Ow!" he muttered as he quickly hopped down and held one of his hands in pain. Chihiro sighed and slid off the fence, letting the blanket fall away as she took the man's hand. She angled it in the silvery moonlight and gently grabbed the wooden splinter, tugging it out. She touched her index finger to her mouth and rubbed it over the small bleeding prick.
"Thanks."
"Aren't you scared?" Chihiro asked quietly, her gaze still focused on the hand she held.
"Of what?"
"Of war," she answered, raising her watery eyes to look at Ryou. "Of fighting, of dying." A teardrop slowly rolled down her peach skin. She tried to tell herself not to be foolish, but she couldn't stop the tears. Ryou wordlessly encircled her with his arms and pulled her close.
"Of course I'm scared," Ryou whispered softly into her ear, "but I try not to think about it." He kissed her on the forehead lightly. "If you don't want me to go..."
"No," she cut him off, wiping away her tears and pushing him back a little. "You said it yourself, you have to do this. It's who you are."
"You know you always come first," Ryou responded.
"I know," she said with a wistful smile, leaning in to kiss him softly on the lips. "Thank you, but this is something that I can't, and shouldn't ask you for. Please, just stay here with me for a while," she asked resting her cold cheek against Ryou's chest. She held on, wishing in her heart that she would never have to let go, that she could stay this way, in his arms, forever.
= = = = =
"I'll lead the troops in the Jagd-Doga," Nanai restated.
"Nanai you can't be serious!" Lyle argued. "You could die!"
"I'm not stupid," Nanai replied. "I'm the only one strong enough to bring out the potential in that suit, and you know it. Unless you want to come out of cowering and give it a try," Nanai started, voice trailing off suggestively.
"A leader can't lead when they're dead," Lyle pointed out.
"So you still think a leader should hang back and let his or her men die for them without risking themselves?" Nanai asked bluntly.
Lyle gave up, throwing his hands up in the air and storming off. She was being just like Char, risking herself needlessly on the field. They wouldn't need her on the field to drop Sweetwater. But somewhere in his mind of rationality and self-preservation he did understand why she was doing this. And it wasn't because of suit potential or leading the men. It was because she had to carry Char's legacy.
= = = = =
Bright turned around in the bed to look outside the window. He could see the three o'clock night sky dotted twinkling stars. It's hard to think something so beautiful could be a place of war and death... Amuro, Kayra, Chan are you out there? He closed his eyes. Did I send you to your death?
Mirai opened her eyes slowly, a sleepy smile on her face while she scooted closer to her husband. She wrapped her arms around her husband silently. "Bright it's not your fault," Mirai whispered gently, reading his silent expression like a book. "They were your friends, and they knew the risks. They took them because they believed in what you were fighting for, and in you."
Bright turned his gaze to Mirai.
"And it's okay to grieve for them."
He collapsed into her arms was finally able to shed his tears for the men and women he had lost – his friends who had given their lives for the Earth – within the comfort of his her arms.
"It'll be okay," the sage woman assured him gently. "It'll be okay."
= = = = =
He ran a hand through her hair. Soft as silk... She's so beautiful in the starlight. What... what happens if I don't come back this time? Bright thought silently as he watched the lingering stars and moon with his wife.
"Don't you even think of not coming back," Mirai remarked, her head propped up on her hand
"Of course Mirai," Bright said turning to kiss her. "I love you."
"And I love you," Mirai said pressing her lips on Bright's for another kiss.
With wordless understanding Mirai moved to let Bright get dressed. He silently pulled on his Federation Uniform and moved to the door. Mirai favored him with an encouraging smile. He nodded and disappeared through the door.
Mirai hoped it would not be for the last time
= = = = =
He kissed her on the cheek softly and slowly rolled out of the bed. Ryou dressed quietly; he still felt a bit of morning daze in his limbs. As he finished buttoning his shirt he glanced back at her. She had a peaceful smile on her sleeping face; her long hair was strewn about her pillow. He would have loved nothing more than to pass the hours idly next to Chihiro back in that warm bed. But he also knew that if he got back into that bed, he would probably never leave. He crept quietly over to her dresser, tearing a slip of paper from a nearby notepad. He fumbled around in his pant pocket to find a pen.
Happy Birthday. Take care.
Always, Ryou
He folded it in half, sketching a quick birthday cake and writing Happy Birthday again, this time in calligraphy, atop the picture.
He slid the long velvet box out of his jacket pocket, opening it to make sure that the necklace was inside. He placed the paper and box on the bed's second pillow. He crept towards the door, turning the knob slowly as he pushed it open. Ryou looked back at the sleeping Chihiro one last time.
He would try his hardest. But they both knew something deep down in their hearts that they did not want to admit.
Not all promises could be kept.
= = = = =
The chirping of the birds in the tree outside forced her to try turn around to avoid the noise. Not here again, as usual, Chihiro thought to herself noting Ryou's absence. You think he'd at least try stick around today at least.
She stretched out her arms groggily and heard her hand hit something to make a crackling sound. She turned her head to see the crumpled makeshift card and the present sitting atop Ryou's pillow.
"You idiot," she muttered, even though her grin was wide. She read the card, smile widening on her face. She opened the small box.
Her hands pulled out the silver necklace and a dangling sapphire crescent moon gem. "You didn't," she whispered in disbelief.
'Wow look at that, it's so pretty!' Chihiro said, tugging on Ryou's arm. She pointed in the store window at the dummy neck mold. The bright silver shined from the store's bright showcase light, and the beautifully cut sapphire cut dazzled on display.
Ryou smiled and nodded politely, about ten times; Chihiro shoved him a little bit for his joking disinterest. What she didn't see was Ryou's eyes looking at the price tag and his mind thinking of how he'd get the money by March.
She held the necklace to her chest, clutching it in her hand. "Thank you Ryou, thank you."
= = = = =
"Late for your first day?" Bright asked disapprovingly as the Second Lieutenant came running, panting from lack of oxygen.
"Sorry sir," Ryou huffed. "I had a birthday present to give."
"The test is about to start, go to the hangar."
"Thank you sir," the younger soldier gasped, jogging towards the hangar.
Bright laughed a little to himself. Would he really have what is takes to be a pilot?
The young man was thinking the same things as he sat in his cockpit, trying to recover from his morning of sprinting.
"Jegans 1-15 link up confirmed," one of engineering crew reported.
"Jegans 16-30 link up confirmed," another chimed in. "Simulation started."
The cockpit turned dark, and suddenly was immersed within a battle. Ryou glanced around. They were all on base jabbers, quickly approaching the center of the field formed by the Neo Zeon and Londo Bell ships. He gripped the circular controls.
"Missiles!"
The man's hands reacted instinctively to the alert. The teal machine boosted off the gray two-unit sled and shot upwards as the Neo Zeon wave of warheads created a line of explosions. Ryou leaned forward on the controls, directing his unit back towards combat.
He weaved through the blasts of energy and streams of bullets, firing two shots into an approaching Geara Doga squad. An exploding orange ball took the place of one unfortunate Geara Doga. Ryou swerved to his left to avoid the oncoming fire, his unit spinning around in motion to face the enemy. He raised his shield and fired off its two missiles at the unsuspecting foes, eliminating another two units. His thrusters flared up as he jetted upwards, weaving through the incoming fire of the remainder of the squad. He could feel the suit shudder as shots riddled the shield.
He dropped his guard to take a quick dive to the right. He pointed his riffle at the three attackers and watched carefully as the targeting circle swung from side to side on the screen. He fired off four shots in rapid succession striking two remaining Geara Dogas down; the last one, a distinctive blue color, dodged the shots by a quick thrust backward. Ryou's eyes widened as he saw four sturm fausts shoot out towards him.
= = = = =
"How are they doing?" Bright asked as he leaned forward to watch the monitors of the simulation.
"Five are down. They're certainly not aces but, they seem more capable of handling a few Geara Doga pilots," a technician, Jake, answered. He flicked a switch and his screen flashed the words 'Ace Unit engaged'.
"What does that mean?" Bright asked, pointing to the alert on the technician's screen.
"We programmed in ace units to lead every squadron of Geara Dogas using data based off that purple Doga that came a bit too close to the Ra Cailum," Jake explained. "There's three on the field right now; Unit 30 is in combat with one of them."
"Who is Unit 30's pilot?"
"Second Lieutenant Okuimi."
= = = = =
One grenade shot out from the Jegan's left side skirt armor. The Jegan quickly boosted backwards from the ensuing explosion that engulfed all five of the explosive rounds. The blue unit came charging through the explosion with its short beam axe arched for a deadly sweeping strike. Ryou reacted quickly, throwing his shield at the approaching enemy. It was quickly destroyed, but gave the Jegan the time needed to dodge the crippling blow. Ryou drew his own beam saber and it sparked to life. The Geara Doga's single red eye glowed in recognition; the beam axe head faded and a saber blade replaced it.
The thrusting Geara Doga's saber was knocked out to the side with a quick double parry motion of the Jegan's saber, which whipped across to slash the Zeon unit's now unguarded torso. The plasma blade grazed the blue armor, before the enemy was out of reach. The Zeon wasted no time in countering, its own saber sweeping from the Geara's low right to top left in a rising slash. Ryou boosted backwards; the saber barely missed the cockpit. The Doga pilot quickly swung the blade straight down in an attempt to cleave the Jegan in half. The Jegan frame shook slightly for a brief moment as the sabers locked.
The sabers whipped across trying to disable each other, meeting with a crackle of energy each time. The Zeon unit suddenly disengaged, flying backwards. Ryou quickly pursued, then he saw the Geara-Doga's right hand plate opening up. The Jegan ran into three balloon dummies, before its pilot could notice the arching overhead saber swing from the diving blue Geara-Doga.
Ryou swung the left controller in rapid motion, the beam riffle in the left hand aiming the Zeon unit's chest. The weapon clicked, and a lance of energy shot forth and ripped through the Zeon cockpit. The suit was blasted backwards before it exploded a few seconds later. The Londo Bell suit flew backwards through the air from the impact.
Grunting, the pilot forced the graying green unit to a stop with its thrusters. "Great..." Ryou muttered, shaking the controls in his hands. The suit's limb responses were sluggish because damage incurred in the explosion. Beeping, his monitor opened a window focused in on a group of three approaching Geara-Dogas. Each had their left arms replaced with mega beam cannons. "You've got to be kidding me," he groaned.
The Jegan thrusters flared sending the Jegan upwards; the three beams of energy aimed for it crashed into debris that promptly became stardust. Five other Jegans had noticed the approach of the new units and had come to join the battle. Three more lances of energy shot at the Jegan congregation, striking one grunt suit through the head. The remaining Londo Bell quickly took note to scatter.
Ryou aimed his riffle at the Heavy Armor Geara Doga on the left and fired his last shot. The Doga responded by moving its heavy right shoulder plate in the way of the blast. The armor was scorched black, but not much else. Ryou moved towards the disabled headless Jegan, stealing its shield and riffle as he tossed his own spent weapon. He strafed away from the pursuing unit as best, keeping the shield in front at all times. The last thing he wanted was to be hit with that energy cannon. The Second Lieutenant took careful note of the timing of the Zeek's mega cannon fire. A weapon that powerful couldn't fire at will, it had to have a cooling period.
The next shot by the Doga blasted a chunk out of the bottom of the defensive plate, but Ryou had already got the timing pattern down. His Jegan lurched forward and launched the two missiles from the newly acquired shield. The Zeon machine boosted out of the way, but didn't notice the downward slicing saber until it was too late. The mega cannon arm flew off. The Jegan's arm pulled back and then thrusted forward, the blade piercing the Geara-Doga mono-eye with a shower of yellow sparks. The Jegan boosted backwards.
= = = = =
"He's not exactly the most refined pilot yet, but he's resourceful," the technician told the Captain as the screen focused in on Unit 30.
"What's the status of the Re-GZ?" Bright asked, mind racing with ideas for this diamond in the rough pilot.
"It should be ready to go within a few hours."
"Get Anaheim on the line for me, and prepare a shuttle for the Re-GZ."
= = = = =
The frame shook as another mega cannon blast destroyed the Jegan's second shield and left the guarding arm almost useless in terms of movement speed. Ryou swerved and hurled his saber; the hilt and blade twirled through space. The hilt stuck into the cannon arm causing a small explosion before two shots from another Jegan finished it. Ryou strafed away from another beam shot, searching the battlefield for its source. The Jegan danced backwards in short bursts of medium distance, keeping one step ahead from the incoming shots.
Beam riffle fire from two Jegans forced the Geara-Doga to break its pattern, thrusting around the shots. Ryou fired, and the beam crashed into the Geara-Doga just as it stopped its thrust.
= = = = =
The image of the battlefield flashed white then disappeared. The new recruit leaned his body back against the piloting seat as he wiped his brow. Ryou noted Bright Noah approaching through the line of stationed Jegans. He slid down the cable to meet the older man.
They exchanged a salute.
"You did well," Bright congratulated him. "What do you think of taking it up a notch?"