Disclaimer: If I owned G-Gundam, we'd be seeing Gundam Fight 14 on the big
screen, and not in the fiction of dedicated fans. Sucks that I don't own it
huh? In this chapter I will be including original characters that are of my
creation.
I'd like to thank Jen for her kind words in her last review, it's always nice to hear that someone appreciates the story. Please keep r/ring.
In this chapter George de Sand heads out to the Jupiter area in hopes of finding Argo Gulskii, taking along with him Gundam Rose. However Allenby, Chibodee, and Sai Saici are not so lucky. The Gundam fight has not started so to bring their Gundams to Earth would violate the law, and end their search before it could begin.
So without further ado lets get things started. Gundam Fight all set. Ready! GO!
A New History Forgotten, Chapter 2: The Search Begins, Roland McGregor's Ambush
Allenby Beardsley was not happy. There were few people who knew her well enough to tell when she was genuinely enraged. Certainly plenty of people, her current company included had seen the monster born from the berserker system. Yet that was an artificial rage, designed to remove all restraint, remorse, and sympathy to drive Allenby to victory, no matter the cost to her soul, or to her unfortunate victim. The monster with hair standing on end, eyes as red as any blood spilt in battle, and a roar as unnerving and frightening as the worst demons in children's nightmares. Allenby had wished and prayed for the day when she would be free of the system, but right now she couldn't deny she wouldn't mind letting the monster out one last time. She felt his gaze, felt his breath tickling her ear. She knew that one of his hands rested above her head on her chair. She was trying desperately to hold onto her patience. She knew that he was nervous, weighed down with worry and anxiety. She knew it because she was too.
Sitting at the helm of an escape pod, lodged inside an artificial meteor, waiting to endure an uncontrolled free fall in the pull of earth's gravity. There really wasn't anything to feel optimistic about, especially the calculated eighty seven percent chance of success of making it to earth alive. So Allenby understood that Chibodee Crockett was scared. She also understood that she would have a hard time trusting someone else at the controls when her life was on the line. She also understood he had the right to ask if she could handle the controls. But to ask five times was playing on her last nerve. But even though her eyes were narrowed, her muscles tense and taut, and her teeth silently grinding, she held onto her patience.
"Allenby? Are you sure." Her patience snapped just as cleanly as a twig in the forest, only it snapped with the subtlety and tact of an atomic bomb landing in your lap.
"Chibodee Crockett, if you DARE finish uttering that question I'll strap you to the hull and use you as extra heat shielding." She hadn't even raised her voice, but Chibodee was all too aware of the sincerity, and menace behind her promise. He was thankful that he had the reflexes to click his jaw shut before anymore sound could escape from it. "And would you PLEASE stop looking over my shoulder? You're making me uncomfortable." Chibodee watched as she shifted in her seat, trying to work out the tension in her body. He let out a sigh and plopped back down in his seat next to an unusually silent Sai-Saici, whose eyes were closed, with his mouth working in prayer.
"I'm sorry Allenby. I guess this whole thing just has me wound up a bit too tight. I didn't mean anything by it." Chibodee's voice was subdued, distant, as if he were speaking to a stranger. He strapped himself in tightly, double checking all the locks. He was not able to see Allenby's head bob as she sighed and slumped her shoulders. "I know what you mean Chibodee. If I were in your place, I know I probably would've asked the same question ten times myself. I'm sorry I got angry at you." She turned her seat around and caught the small smile that tugged at Chibodee's lips and felt a grin forming on her face as well.
"Figures, first chance we get to see each other in half a year and instead of good food, better drinks, and awesome fun." Chibodee started
"I know. This wasn't exactly what I had hoped for either." Allenby agreed. Chibodee smiled and laughed, "Y'know, I haven't really thought about it till now, but I really like your hair that way."
Allenby smiled and tossed her head slightly to swing her ponytail over her shoulder, "Thanks, but as I recall, you had a very different opinion about my hair style the last time we saw each other."
Chibodee was puzzled, "What are you talking about?"
Allenby's smile grew, "Don't tell me you don't remember the wedding reception." She laughed as he suddenly blushed at the embarrassing memories.
"Yeah, well as I recall YOU were the one who had a few choice words about MY hair." Chibodee retorted.
"I was making a simple observation!" Allenby exclaimed, laughing all the while.
"You called me PINKY!" Chibodee practically shouted.
"So you decided the perfect response was to shout that I had little BOY hair!?" Allenby asked, unable to keep her laughter in. Chibodee stared at her, completely dumbfounded that she remembered the incident so fondly. But then again she wasn't the one.
"So THAT'S why she dumped your head in the champagne fountain." Sai- Saici exclaimed, adding his own laughter to Allenby's. Sai had been so quiet that Chibodee almost forgot he was there.
"Yeah.well she totally overreacted." Chibodee tried to defend himself, but it did nothing to stop the laughter. He had to admit, thinking back it was pretty funny, as he recalled he was soaked head to toe in Champagne and the entire wedding reception erupted in applause and laughter.
"All right, all right." Allenby started as she finally caught her breath and turned back to her instruments. "Let's get back to the task at hand here guys. We're about to enter the upper stratosphere, this is where things are gonna get interesting."
Chibodee's stomach lurched right along with the rest of the escape pod as they hit the first bits of turbulence and began their rapid plummet towards the earth's surface. Sai-Saici let out a whoop of excitement as they picked up speed, Chibodee however just went pale and held both hands over his stomach. 'Just great, as if I didn't have enough to worry about. Damn Rose Boy, just cruising out towards Jupiter while I'm on a first class trip to seeing my lunch.again.' Chibodee's stomach churned again as the pod shook, 'Damn it. I bet the Frenchie's having the time of his life.'
[ The Thorn Bush, The de Sand family's personal yacht. En route to Jupiter area.]
George de Sand was quietly sipping tea on the observation deck of his personal ship. He was still several days out from Jupiter, and he was making good use of the time. Admiring the stars, drinking tea, and listening to classic opera. He had to take the ship out by himself, Karato insisted that George not take any crew. It suited George just fine, he was taking it just like an impromptu vacation. He let out a satisfied sigh, and let his eyes drift shut. However, no matter how sweet the tea was, or how soothing the opera, George could not truly relax. His thoughts were bent on his task, and for his friends. He hadn't wanted to be the one to search for Argo, but after discussion with the others he agreed he was the natural selection. Of their available Gundams, George's was the best suited for space combat. 'My Rose bits could make short work of any enemy. Even though I'd rather be on Earth, searching for Domon, I must accept that I can help the cause best by doing what I'm doing now. I swear with a Knight's honor I'll find Argo.' But for that moment, George decided to pour himself more tea.
[Fifteen minutes later, somewhere above the skies of Okinawa Neo-Japan. Last recorded appearance of astronomical object 3155]
Free falling five vertical miles in a wildly rotating escape pod was an experience that Chibodee wanted to forget very badly. He couldn't remember another time when he felt like vomiting, crying, and screaming all at once. He was proud however that he didn't do any of those things, he just really wanted to. Chibodee took minor satisfaction in the fact that Sai-Saici's yells eventually subsided as the G-forces, and inertia was bouncing his small frame around too violently for comfort.
"Okay guys, this roller coaster ride is coming to an end. I'm cutting in power, Sai, on my mark I need you to release the air car just like we practiced." Allenby's voice came through the hiss and static of the ear pieces all three of them wore.
"I'm ready and waiting sis." Sai confirmed, his arm hovering over a large red button.
"Now!" Allenby and Sai both slapped down their respective controls, and all three occupants winced at the deafening explosion that tore their small air car away from their entry craft. They came out spinning even more violently than while inside the pod, but Allenby quickly wrestled with her controls and leveled their craft out. "Well that was a blast!"
"Yeah, can we do it again?" Sai laughed.
"You'll have to kill me first." Chibodee gasped as his stomach lurched one final time and gracefully, blissfully settled. "Remind me again, why we couldn't just come to Earth on a shuttle? It's not like they're aren't three dozen coming and going everyday."
Allenby smiled lightly, "We've been over this Chibodee. Karato wanted us to be discreet remember? You don't get more conspicuous than a Gundam Fighter heading to Earth BEFORE the tournament even starts. Besides, I knew you were tough enough to handle it. I mean, you only screamed once." Her smile grew, and she wasn't disappointed at the reaction she knew was coming.
"I NEVER screamed." Chibodee shouted defensively. "The little guy was the one doing the yelling!" Sai and Allenby were laughing at him again, and it was getting annoying, "What's so funny!?"
"It's really too easy to tease you Chibodee Crockett." Allenby stated as she calmed down. "All right, our first stop is Domon's place. I know they haven't used it since the wedding but I think it's the best place we can start."
[The last known residence of Domon and Rain Kasshu. Okinawa, Neo-Japan.]
"So they're coming are they?" The man was tall, he had broad shoulders with a thick neck. His red beard and mustache were well trimmed and short. His eyes were ice blue, and he wore A black trench coat over a green wool vest, and a black button down cotton shirt. His loose trousers were a dark green and his boots, a thick leather. He held an old fashioned cordless audio only phone to his right ear. "The Ace o Clubs and the Queen o Spades ye say?" During a pause the man opened a refrigerator and smiled as he pulled a bottle of sake from it. "Ah and the wee lass from Neo-Sweden too. How far out are they?" Another pause as he popped open the bottle and took a healthy swig of it. "We won't be able to get out of here in time ta avoid them." Another pause, "Are ye sure? That wasn't the original plan." After a moment the man was waving his hands in a placating gesture to a person who couldn't see him. "I was just asking mate. I don't care when you want me to kill em just so longs as I get whats coming ta me." Silence. "It'll be done." He shut off the phone and promptly smashed it against the counter top. "They don't pay me enough to put up with that asshole. BOYS! Get yer arse's in here!" He took another long drink from the bottle as five more men, all clad in black and wearing dark masks appeared from several different rooms of the house. "Been a wee change of plan laddies. Time to get yer game faces on." He smiled wide, his white teeth almost seemed to shine with glee, "Company's coming."
[Five minutes later.]
Chibodee was on the ground even before Allenby finished landing the air car. He stretched his arms over his head and leaned backwards. Allenby watched him continue to stretch with a small smile on her face.
"Admiring the view?" Sai taunted as he tapped her on the shoulder. Allenby nearly jumped out of her seat and screamed, "Don't do that!" She shouted. "Sai-Saici could you just act your age for once!?"
Sai merely laughed and headed toward the back of the car, "You'd better be nice to me sis, or I might just let it slip to Bro that you've been staring."
Allenby protested, sounding exasperated, "What are we back in grade school?" She got out of her seat moved towards the door, "Besides, I was NOT staring at Chibodee."
"Fibbing sis? Now whose not acting her age?" Allenby's hands balled into fists as she tried to resist the urge to strike. Sai only laughed as he noticed her trembling arms, "You gotta take it easy sis. I'm just playing with ya. Sorry if I struck a nerve." He grinned one last time and patted her on the shoulder as he walked past her and outside the car. Allenby, just let out a deep breath and let her arms hang loosely at her side.
"Hey Allenby, what's the hold up? You okay in there?" Chibodee's voice called from outside.
"I'm coming." Allenby answered. She snatched her short black denim jacket from her bag and threw it on over her usual blue body suit, then she was out the door. The three Gundam Fighters walked up to the house and regarded the door.
"Well, do we knock?" Chibodee joked.
"Yeah right, if we went through all this trouble to find out bro just has a broken comm or something." Sai started.
"I'd be very relieved." Allenby interrupted. She reached out for the door knob, and distinctly heard a faint clicking noise. "GET DOWN!!" She screamed as she followed her own advice throwing herself away from the door. Chibodee and Sai-Saici's reflexes were just as sharp, they dove the opposite way just in time to avoid the barrage of bullets that ripped through the doorway.
"Well, I guess this means Domon's not at home." Chibodee was back on his feet in an instant.
"Chibodee stay down!" Allenby cried raising her voice, trying to catch Chibodee's attention over the din of fully automatic fire. It was no use, and Allenby was sure that the gunman that appeared through the ravaged doorway was going to kill Chibodee right in front of her.
"Cyclone punch!" Chibodee called out as he thrust his first towards the gunman. Even though he was at least ten feet away the man went down just as harshly as he would have if Chibodee had been standing right next to him. By now the bullets had stopped flying and Allenby and Sai-Saici were back on their feet. The gunman tried to aim his gun back at Chibodee, but with his hands calmly in his jeans' pocket, Chibodee kicked away the weapon. His foot was then firmly planted on the man's sternum.
"How ya doin champ?" Chibodee mocked the gunman, "The name's Chibodee Crockett. I'll be your ass kicker for the afternoon, and you're in luck. I'm offering a once in a lifetime deal. You get to decide just how badly I kick your ass. Tell me answers to my questions, and the ass kicking will be limited. Decide to be difficult, and the fun beings. Do we have an understanding?" Chibodee's tone was light and carefree, he was starting to have fun.
"The only thing you're going to understand is just how much you aren't going to understand!" The gunman's voice was muffled by his mask.
Chibodee looked up at Allenby who was still alert for more threats, "Hey Allenby? Is that even a sentence?" She spared a moment to grin and shake her head.
"Now if there is one single thing that riles me up more than trying to kill me and my friends, it's a guy who can't even put together a decent sentence." Sai-Saici laughed outright at Chibodee's performance. "That's strike one buddy boy. Strike two earns you something I like to call my BURNING punch. Who are you? Who are you working for? And where are my good friends Domon and Rain Kasshu?"
"Go to hell." Was the answer.
"Swing and a miss." Chibodee reached over grabbed the gunman's collar and hauled him up. He reared back with his right hand.
"Now that looks like it might hurt." A new voice called out. Chibodee, Sai, and Allenby all looked up to the roof of the one story home to see a red-headed man and four other masked gunman. They all cocked their guns and aimed them down at the Gundam Fighters. "Put him down please." The man spoke with a heavy accent.
"No, I think he's just fine where he is for the moment." Chibodee couldn't stop the small twinge of fear that trickled in his gut looking down the barrels of four fully automatic weapons. "Maybe just as soon as you fellas put down the hardware."
"Suit yourself." The man spread his arms wide and then suddenly thrusted them forward. The gunman lifted their weapons to fire, but the Gundam Fighters were far faster. Allenby and Sai-Saici leapt up to the roof, their movements a blur. They reached the first two shooters before their fingers could touch their triggers. Chibodee quickly spun around, turned his hips and threw his prisoner at the other two gunman. They managed to squeeze off a few shots that tore into their partner's body before they were brought down to the roof top. Allenby and Sai had made short work of their adversaries, and both stood in ready fighting stances to either side of the final man standing.
"Impressive. I see you're reputations have been earned and not given."
"Who are you?" Sai-Saici demanded.
"How kind of ya ta ask lad. My name is Roland McGregor, at your service." The man made a motion as if he were tipping a hat.
"I've heard that name. You're representing Neo-Scotland in this year's tournament. You're a Gundam Fighter!" Allenby exclaimed.
"You sound so shocked lass, what's so hard ta believe?" Roland asked.
"What did you do with Bro and Sis!?" Sai demanded.
"What makes you think I did anything ta them?" Roland responded. "I'm only here ta pick up a few things that belong ta the good doctor Kasshu. You see, she's been doing us some favors, so I'm here to do her one."
"If you don't tell us where they are right now we'll beat it out of you the hard way." Chibodee promised. His voice dark.
Roland rubbed his hands together energetically and grinned, "Now you're talking lad. This should be fun."
"Are you nuts? They're three of us. You don't stand a chance." Said Allenby.
"Just makes the party all the more interesting lass. Now are one of you going ta start off. Or should I ring the bell?" Roland settled into a fighting stance, his legs spread shoulder length apart, knees slightly bent. Allenby and Sai-Saici looked at each other and nodded. They both sprinted forward at the same time, Allenby attacking with a flying punch, Sai with a low kick. Roland smirked and twisted his body completely around, pivoting on one foot, he smashed his elbow in Allenby's temple, and planted a spin kick on Sai's forehead. Both fighters went down with a painful thud, and quickly rolled back to their feet.
Chibodee was surprised at Roland's speed, but only for a moment, "BURNING punch!" A stream of flame surrounded Chibodee's fist and shot towards Roland. He actually laughed and reached inside his trench coat and quickly pulled a broadsword and swept it through the flames. They passed harmlessly on either side of McGregor, and he leapt off the roof, bringing his sword over his head. Chibodee rapidly backpedaled, but he didn't do it fast enough to avoid a small cut that slashed right down his chest. He grunted in pain and brought up his fists awaiting Roland's next move.
Roland pointed his blade at Chibodee and began to advance, but halted and turned in time to be cracked across the jaw with Sai's wooden staff. Roland grunted, but went with the blow turning and swinging his blade. Sai parried the blow, but his staff snapped in half. Roland pressed his attack rapidly cutting and thrusting at Sai, who easily stayed out of the blade's path.
"You surprised me before mister. You're pretty good. But you're not good ENOUGH!!" Sai leapt in the air over Roland's cut and rapidly rotated his hips, kicking Roland once with each foot. McGregor stumbled backwards right into Allenby's attack. She kicked at the back of his knee, dropping him down on it, in the same motion she spun to his front, grabbed the wrist of his sword arm, and crushed it between her elbow and knee. Roland screamed in agony and dropped his blade. He quickly grabbed Allenby by the hair and launched a vicious head butt, but the blow found Chibodee's fist instead of it's target. Roland was laid out on his back staring up at the sky. 'Damn it. Looks like I've no choice but to flee.' He flexed his uninjured wrist and a small black ball appeared in his palm. "Another time Laddies and Lass. You'll be seeing me real soon." The three Fighters were suddenly surrounded by a pitch black smoke that choked the air. By the time the smoke had cleared, there was no sign of Roland McGregor, or his gun bearing lackeys. "Well that went well." Allenby commented as she rubbed her throbbing temple. "Yeah, now at least we have an idea of how to find Domon and Rain." Chibodee sounded cheerful and optimistic. "What do you mean bro?" Sai asked. "You heard bagpipes didn't you? He was here to get some of Rain's things to bring to her. If we find Roland, we'll be able to find Rain." Chibodee reached down, "And since McGregor was kind enough to leave this little trinket behind." Chibodee lifted the broadsword for inspection. "We'll have a place to start looking."
End.
Hope you liked it. Don't forget to review, I wanna hear what you thought about it. Next time will see even more action as Roland McGregor is joined by two more Gundam Fighters. Things are heating up, and I hope to get the next chapter up soon.
I'd like to thank Jen for her kind words in her last review, it's always nice to hear that someone appreciates the story. Please keep r/ring.
In this chapter George de Sand heads out to the Jupiter area in hopes of finding Argo Gulskii, taking along with him Gundam Rose. However Allenby, Chibodee, and Sai Saici are not so lucky. The Gundam fight has not started so to bring their Gundams to Earth would violate the law, and end their search before it could begin.
So without further ado lets get things started. Gundam Fight all set. Ready! GO!
A New History Forgotten, Chapter 2: The Search Begins, Roland McGregor's Ambush
Allenby Beardsley was not happy. There were few people who knew her well enough to tell when she was genuinely enraged. Certainly plenty of people, her current company included had seen the monster born from the berserker system. Yet that was an artificial rage, designed to remove all restraint, remorse, and sympathy to drive Allenby to victory, no matter the cost to her soul, or to her unfortunate victim. The monster with hair standing on end, eyes as red as any blood spilt in battle, and a roar as unnerving and frightening as the worst demons in children's nightmares. Allenby had wished and prayed for the day when she would be free of the system, but right now she couldn't deny she wouldn't mind letting the monster out one last time. She felt his gaze, felt his breath tickling her ear. She knew that one of his hands rested above her head on her chair. She was trying desperately to hold onto her patience. She knew that he was nervous, weighed down with worry and anxiety. She knew it because she was too.
Sitting at the helm of an escape pod, lodged inside an artificial meteor, waiting to endure an uncontrolled free fall in the pull of earth's gravity. There really wasn't anything to feel optimistic about, especially the calculated eighty seven percent chance of success of making it to earth alive. So Allenby understood that Chibodee Crockett was scared. She also understood that she would have a hard time trusting someone else at the controls when her life was on the line. She also understood he had the right to ask if she could handle the controls. But to ask five times was playing on her last nerve. But even though her eyes were narrowed, her muscles tense and taut, and her teeth silently grinding, she held onto her patience.
"Allenby? Are you sure." Her patience snapped just as cleanly as a twig in the forest, only it snapped with the subtlety and tact of an atomic bomb landing in your lap.
"Chibodee Crockett, if you DARE finish uttering that question I'll strap you to the hull and use you as extra heat shielding." She hadn't even raised her voice, but Chibodee was all too aware of the sincerity, and menace behind her promise. He was thankful that he had the reflexes to click his jaw shut before anymore sound could escape from it. "And would you PLEASE stop looking over my shoulder? You're making me uncomfortable." Chibodee watched as she shifted in her seat, trying to work out the tension in her body. He let out a sigh and plopped back down in his seat next to an unusually silent Sai-Saici, whose eyes were closed, with his mouth working in prayer.
"I'm sorry Allenby. I guess this whole thing just has me wound up a bit too tight. I didn't mean anything by it." Chibodee's voice was subdued, distant, as if he were speaking to a stranger. He strapped himself in tightly, double checking all the locks. He was not able to see Allenby's head bob as she sighed and slumped her shoulders. "I know what you mean Chibodee. If I were in your place, I know I probably would've asked the same question ten times myself. I'm sorry I got angry at you." She turned her seat around and caught the small smile that tugged at Chibodee's lips and felt a grin forming on her face as well.
"Figures, first chance we get to see each other in half a year and instead of good food, better drinks, and awesome fun." Chibodee started
"I know. This wasn't exactly what I had hoped for either." Allenby agreed. Chibodee smiled and laughed, "Y'know, I haven't really thought about it till now, but I really like your hair that way."
Allenby smiled and tossed her head slightly to swing her ponytail over her shoulder, "Thanks, but as I recall, you had a very different opinion about my hair style the last time we saw each other."
Chibodee was puzzled, "What are you talking about?"
Allenby's smile grew, "Don't tell me you don't remember the wedding reception." She laughed as he suddenly blushed at the embarrassing memories.
"Yeah, well as I recall YOU were the one who had a few choice words about MY hair." Chibodee retorted.
"I was making a simple observation!" Allenby exclaimed, laughing all the while.
"You called me PINKY!" Chibodee practically shouted.
"So you decided the perfect response was to shout that I had little BOY hair!?" Allenby asked, unable to keep her laughter in. Chibodee stared at her, completely dumbfounded that she remembered the incident so fondly. But then again she wasn't the one.
"So THAT'S why she dumped your head in the champagne fountain." Sai- Saici exclaimed, adding his own laughter to Allenby's. Sai had been so quiet that Chibodee almost forgot he was there.
"Yeah.well she totally overreacted." Chibodee tried to defend himself, but it did nothing to stop the laughter. He had to admit, thinking back it was pretty funny, as he recalled he was soaked head to toe in Champagne and the entire wedding reception erupted in applause and laughter.
"All right, all right." Allenby started as she finally caught her breath and turned back to her instruments. "Let's get back to the task at hand here guys. We're about to enter the upper stratosphere, this is where things are gonna get interesting."
Chibodee's stomach lurched right along with the rest of the escape pod as they hit the first bits of turbulence and began their rapid plummet towards the earth's surface. Sai-Saici let out a whoop of excitement as they picked up speed, Chibodee however just went pale and held both hands over his stomach. 'Just great, as if I didn't have enough to worry about. Damn Rose Boy, just cruising out towards Jupiter while I'm on a first class trip to seeing my lunch.again.' Chibodee's stomach churned again as the pod shook, 'Damn it. I bet the Frenchie's having the time of his life.'
[ The Thorn Bush, The de Sand family's personal yacht. En route to Jupiter area.]
George de Sand was quietly sipping tea on the observation deck of his personal ship. He was still several days out from Jupiter, and he was making good use of the time. Admiring the stars, drinking tea, and listening to classic opera. He had to take the ship out by himself, Karato insisted that George not take any crew. It suited George just fine, he was taking it just like an impromptu vacation. He let out a satisfied sigh, and let his eyes drift shut. However, no matter how sweet the tea was, or how soothing the opera, George could not truly relax. His thoughts were bent on his task, and for his friends. He hadn't wanted to be the one to search for Argo, but after discussion with the others he agreed he was the natural selection. Of their available Gundams, George's was the best suited for space combat. 'My Rose bits could make short work of any enemy. Even though I'd rather be on Earth, searching for Domon, I must accept that I can help the cause best by doing what I'm doing now. I swear with a Knight's honor I'll find Argo.' But for that moment, George decided to pour himself more tea.
[Fifteen minutes later, somewhere above the skies of Okinawa Neo-Japan. Last recorded appearance of astronomical object 3155]
Free falling five vertical miles in a wildly rotating escape pod was an experience that Chibodee wanted to forget very badly. He couldn't remember another time when he felt like vomiting, crying, and screaming all at once. He was proud however that he didn't do any of those things, he just really wanted to. Chibodee took minor satisfaction in the fact that Sai-Saici's yells eventually subsided as the G-forces, and inertia was bouncing his small frame around too violently for comfort.
"Okay guys, this roller coaster ride is coming to an end. I'm cutting in power, Sai, on my mark I need you to release the air car just like we practiced." Allenby's voice came through the hiss and static of the ear pieces all three of them wore.
"I'm ready and waiting sis." Sai confirmed, his arm hovering over a large red button.
"Now!" Allenby and Sai both slapped down their respective controls, and all three occupants winced at the deafening explosion that tore their small air car away from their entry craft. They came out spinning even more violently than while inside the pod, but Allenby quickly wrestled with her controls and leveled their craft out. "Well that was a blast!"
"Yeah, can we do it again?" Sai laughed.
"You'll have to kill me first." Chibodee gasped as his stomach lurched one final time and gracefully, blissfully settled. "Remind me again, why we couldn't just come to Earth on a shuttle? It's not like they're aren't three dozen coming and going everyday."
Allenby smiled lightly, "We've been over this Chibodee. Karato wanted us to be discreet remember? You don't get more conspicuous than a Gundam Fighter heading to Earth BEFORE the tournament even starts. Besides, I knew you were tough enough to handle it. I mean, you only screamed once." Her smile grew, and she wasn't disappointed at the reaction she knew was coming.
"I NEVER screamed." Chibodee shouted defensively. "The little guy was the one doing the yelling!" Sai and Allenby were laughing at him again, and it was getting annoying, "What's so funny!?"
"It's really too easy to tease you Chibodee Crockett." Allenby stated as she calmed down. "All right, our first stop is Domon's place. I know they haven't used it since the wedding but I think it's the best place we can start."
[The last known residence of Domon and Rain Kasshu. Okinawa, Neo-Japan.]
"So they're coming are they?" The man was tall, he had broad shoulders with a thick neck. His red beard and mustache were well trimmed and short. His eyes were ice blue, and he wore A black trench coat over a green wool vest, and a black button down cotton shirt. His loose trousers were a dark green and his boots, a thick leather. He held an old fashioned cordless audio only phone to his right ear. "The Ace o Clubs and the Queen o Spades ye say?" During a pause the man opened a refrigerator and smiled as he pulled a bottle of sake from it. "Ah and the wee lass from Neo-Sweden too. How far out are they?" Another pause as he popped open the bottle and took a healthy swig of it. "We won't be able to get out of here in time ta avoid them." Another pause, "Are ye sure? That wasn't the original plan." After a moment the man was waving his hands in a placating gesture to a person who couldn't see him. "I was just asking mate. I don't care when you want me to kill em just so longs as I get whats coming ta me." Silence. "It'll be done." He shut off the phone and promptly smashed it against the counter top. "They don't pay me enough to put up with that asshole. BOYS! Get yer arse's in here!" He took another long drink from the bottle as five more men, all clad in black and wearing dark masks appeared from several different rooms of the house. "Been a wee change of plan laddies. Time to get yer game faces on." He smiled wide, his white teeth almost seemed to shine with glee, "Company's coming."
[Five minutes later.]
Chibodee was on the ground even before Allenby finished landing the air car. He stretched his arms over his head and leaned backwards. Allenby watched him continue to stretch with a small smile on her face.
"Admiring the view?" Sai taunted as he tapped her on the shoulder. Allenby nearly jumped out of her seat and screamed, "Don't do that!" She shouted. "Sai-Saici could you just act your age for once!?"
Sai merely laughed and headed toward the back of the car, "You'd better be nice to me sis, or I might just let it slip to Bro that you've been staring."
Allenby protested, sounding exasperated, "What are we back in grade school?" She got out of her seat moved towards the door, "Besides, I was NOT staring at Chibodee."
"Fibbing sis? Now whose not acting her age?" Allenby's hands balled into fists as she tried to resist the urge to strike. Sai only laughed as he noticed her trembling arms, "You gotta take it easy sis. I'm just playing with ya. Sorry if I struck a nerve." He grinned one last time and patted her on the shoulder as he walked past her and outside the car. Allenby, just let out a deep breath and let her arms hang loosely at her side.
"Hey Allenby, what's the hold up? You okay in there?" Chibodee's voice called from outside.
"I'm coming." Allenby answered. She snatched her short black denim jacket from her bag and threw it on over her usual blue body suit, then she was out the door. The three Gundam Fighters walked up to the house and regarded the door.
"Well, do we knock?" Chibodee joked.
"Yeah right, if we went through all this trouble to find out bro just has a broken comm or something." Sai started.
"I'd be very relieved." Allenby interrupted. She reached out for the door knob, and distinctly heard a faint clicking noise. "GET DOWN!!" She screamed as she followed her own advice throwing herself away from the door. Chibodee and Sai-Saici's reflexes were just as sharp, they dove the opposite way just in time to avoid the barrage of bullets that ripped through the doorway.
"Well, I guess this means Domon's not at home." Chibodee was back on his feet in an instant.
"Chibodee stay down!" Allenby cried raising her voice, trying to catch Chibodee's attention over the din of fully automatic fire. It was no use, and Allenby was sure that the gunman that appeared through the ravaged doorway was going to kill Chibodee right in front of her.
"Cyclone punch!" Chibodee called out as he thrust his first towards the gunman. Even though he was at least ten feet away the man went down just as harshly as he would have if Chibodee had been standing right next to him. By now the bullets had stopped flying and Allenby and Sai-Saici were back on their feet. The gunman tried to aim his gun back at Chibodee, but with his hands calmly in his jeans' pocket, Chibodee kicked away the weapon. His foot was then firmly planted on the man's sternum.
"How ya doin champ?" Chibodee mocked the gunman, "The name's Chibodee Crockett. I'll be your ass kicker for the afternoon, and you're in luck. I'm offering a once in a lifetime deal. You get to decide just how badly I kick your ass. Tell me answers to my questions, and the ass kicking will be limited. Decide to be difficult, and the fun beings. Do we have an understanding?" Chibodee's tone was light and carefree, he was starting to have fun.
"The only thing you're going to understand is just how much you aren't going to understand!" The gunman's voice was muffled by his mask.
Chibodee looked up at Allenby who was still alert for more threats, "Hey Allenby? Is that even a sentence?" She spared a moment to grin and shake her head.
"Now if there is one single thing that riles me up more than trying to kill me and my friends, it's a guy who can't even put together a decent sentence." Sai-Saici laughed outright at Chibodee's performance. "That's strike one buddy boy. Strike two earns you something I like to call my BURNING punch. Who are you? Who are you working for? And where are my good friends Domon and Rain Kasshu?"
"Go to hell." Was the answer.
"Swing and a miss." Chibodee reached over grabbed the gunman's collar and hauled him up. He reared back with his right hand.
"Now that looks like it might hurt." A new voice called out. Chibodee, Sai, and Allenby all looked up to the roof of the one story home to see a red-headed man and four other masked gunman. They all cocked their guns and aimed them down at the Gundam Fighters. "Put him down please." The man spoke with a heavy accent.
"No, I think he's just fine where he is for the moment." Chibodee couldn't stop the small twinge of fear that trickled in his gut looking down the barrels of four fully automatic weapons. "Maybe just as soon as you fellas put down the hardware."
"Suit yourself." The man spread his arms wide and then suddenly thrusted them forward. The gunman lifted their weapons to fire, but the Gundam Fighters were far faster. Allenby and Sai-Saici leapt up to the roof, their movements a blur. They reached the first two shooters before their fingers could touch their triggers. Chibodee quickly spun around, turned his hips and threw his prisoner at the other two gunman. They managed to squeeze off a few shots that tore into their partner's body before they were brought down to the roof top. Allenby and Sai had made short work of their adversaries, and both stood in ready fighting stances to either side of the final man standing.
"Impressive. I see you're reputations have been earned and not given."
"Who are you?" Sai-Saici demanded.
"How kind of ya ta ask lad. My name is Roland McGregor, at your service." The man made a motion as if he were tipping a hat.
"I've heard that name. You're representing Neo-Scotland in this year's tournament. You're a Gundam Fighter!" Allenby exclaimed.
"You sound so shocked lass, what's so hard ta believe?" Roland asked.
"What did you do with Bro and Sis!?" Sai demanded.
"What makes you think I did anything ta them?" Roland responded. "I'm only here ta pick up a few things that belong ta the good doctor Kasshu. You see, she's been doing us some favors, so I'm here to do her one."
"If you don't tell us where they are right now we'll beat it out of you the hard way." Chibodee promised. His voice dark.
Roland rubbed his hands together energetically and grinned, "Now you're talking lad. This should be fun."
"Are you nuts? They're three of us. You don't stand a chance." Said Allenby.
"Just makes the party all the more interesting lass. Now are one of you going ta start off. Or should I ring the bell?" Roland settled into a fighting stance, his legs spread shoulder length apart, knees slightly bent. Allenby and Sai-Saici looked at each other and nodded. They both sprinted forward at the same time, Allenby attacking with a flying punch, Sai with a low kick. Roland smirked and twisted his body completely around, pivoting on one foot, he smashed his elbow in Allenby's temple, and planted a spin kick on Sai's forehead. Both fighters went down with a painful thud, and quickly rolled back to their feet.
Chibodee was surprised at Roland's speed, but only for a moment, "BURNING punch!" A stream of flame surrounded Chibodee's fist and shot towards Roland. He actually laughed and reached inside his trench coat and quickly pulled a broadsword and swept it through the flames. They passed harmlessly on either side of McGregor, and he leapt off the roof, bringing his sword over his head. Chibodee rapidly backpedaled, but he didn't do it fast enough to avoid a small cut that slashed right down his chest. He grunted in pain and brought up his fists awaiting Roland's next move.
Roland pointed his blade at Chibodee and began to advance, but halted and turned in time to be cracked across the jaw with Sai's wooden staff. Roland grunted, but went with the blow turning and swinging his blade. Sai parried the blow, but his staff snapped in half. Roland pressed his attack rapidly cutting and thrusting at Sai, who easily stayed out of the blade's path.
"You surprised me before mister. You're pretty good. But you're not good ENOUGH!!" Sai leapt in the air over Roland's cut and rapidly rotated his hips, kicking Roland once with each foot. McGregor stumbled backwards right into Allenby's attack. She kicked at the back of his knee, dropping him down on it, in the same motion she spun to his front, grabbed the wrist of his sword arm, and crushed it between her elbow and knee. Roland screamed in agony and dropped his blade. He quickly grabbed Allenby by the hair and launched a vicious head butt, but the blow found Chibodee's fist instead of it's target. Roland was laid out on his back staring up at the sky. 'Damn it. Looks like I've no choice but to flee.' He flexed his uninjured wrist and a small black ball appeared in his palm. "Another time Laddies and Lass. You'll be seeing me real soon." The three Fighters were suddenly surrounded by a pitch black smoke that choked the air. By the time the smoke had cleared, there was no sign of Roland McGregor, or his gun bearing lackeys. "Well that went well." Allenby commented as she rubbed her throbbing temple. "Yeah, now at least we have an idea of how to find Domon and Rain." Chibodee sounded cheerful and optimistic. "What do you mean bro?" Sai asked. "You heard bagpipes didn't you? He was here to get some of Rain's things to bring to her. If we find Roland, we'll be able to find Rain." Chibodee reached down, "And since McGregor was kind enough to leave this little trinket behind." Chibodee lifted the broadsword for inspection. "We'll have a place to start looking."
End.
Hope you liked it. Don't forget to review, I wanna hear what you thought about it. Next time will see even more action as Roland McGregor is joined by two more Gundam Fighters. Things are heating up, and I hope to get the next chapter up soon.