Disclaimer: This chapter will feature characters and Gundams born from my imagination. I have no claim to any of the original faces we all know and love.
Sorry if I've kept you waiting too long for it. I've recently discovered the wonder of satellite tv and have come across several new animes to love. Especially Inuyasha. This has taken a lot of my time and focus away from this project. Yet I'm back and raring to put everything in its place. I'll be asking an important question at the end of this chapter regarding a continuation or a possible sequel, so stay tuned and don't forget to review!
The last time we met things sure got hectic. Three Gundam fights, four Gundams taken out of commission. We saw Sai-Saici eliminate Chico Rodriguez and his Spike Gundam. Allenby met with the fierce Slade MaCaffrey and their battle brought half of the plateau down on their heads. And at last the fate of Domon Kasshu was revealed as Saette Gyuzelle fought to secure the escape of his former girlfriend Rain, and reluctantly her husband as well. Yet all did not end well, for as they made their final escape, they were ambushed by the dreadfully powerful Gundam Vlad. Its fighter Kane DeMarco easily defeated Saette and Scythe Gundam with only three blows. Can Domon fair any better in his weakened condition?
Gundam Fight All Set! READY! GO!!!
A New History Forgotten Chapter 7: Powerful Enemy, Gundam Vlad's True Strength Revealed.
"Prime Minister Yujikawa?"
Yujikawa, acting Prime Minister of the earth sphere was at the top of it all. His predecessor was safely locked away, framed for the murder that Yujikawa himself had carried out. His allies in the earth sphere delegation had secured him new powers, thanks to the absence of Karato's supporters. Best of all, the fourteenth tournament had finally begun. 'It seems like everything is falling into place. All I need now is for the predictable King of Hearts and his Shuffle Alliance to play their parts. Then this power of mine will never fade. I'll rule all of humanity till the end of my days!'
"Prime Minister? Do you need assistance?" Yujikawa was shaken from his stupor by the voice.
"No." He regarded the young woman before him. She was of minor rank, a mere technician. "What can I do for you?"
"Well sir, the Gundam Fight satellites have been recording an usual amount of activity in Neo-Australia. I thought you'd be interested."
'Neo-Australia? Has the Shuffle Alliance already caught on?' Yujikawa clenched his jaw. 'Its too soon. I can't allow it.' "Thank you. I'll monitor the situation from here. You're dismissed."
"Sir!" She answered smartly before making her leave.
Yujikawa was typing furiously at his monitor the moment he was left alone in his office. His screen flashed with the images of several Gundams in battle, listing names of machines and fighters alike. Yujikawa recognized some of them, but most escaped his memory and his attention. His fingers didn't stop moving until his true quarry appeared. Gundam Maxter standing over the ruined Highlander Gundam, Dragon Gundam peering down at the decapitated Spike Gundam, Noble Gundam lying among burning wreckage and debris, and finally Gundam Vlad standing tall on its own with the broken Scythe Gundam at its feet.
'At least something is going right.' Yujikawa grinned. 'DeMarco will make them pay for interfering. Waitwhats that!?'
[The Desert of Neo-Australia.]
"RISE BURNING GUNDAM!!!" Domon Kasshu's voice seemed to echo as he called out for his Gundam. As usual, his mobile fighter answered the call quickly. Its humanoid shape fell quickly from the sky, parting clouds with an awesome display of speed. It was surrounded by an intense yellow glow that exploded out in all directions as soon as the mobile fighter settled upon the ground. Domon was grinning as Burning Gundam stood to its full height, staring down Gundam Vlad as if the mobile fighter was ready to attack all on its own.
"Now!" Domon shouted as he started for Burning Gundam. However his forward momentum was halted by a pair of hands on his arms.
"Domon don't! You're in no condition to fight him!" Rain quickly stepped in front of Domon and looked up at him with eyes wide with fear.
"Don't worry about me, Rain. I could defeat this scum in my sleep. I won't stand his presence any longer, I'll erase him from this world for what he's done!" Domon gently pushed Rain out of his path and took off at a dead run for his Gundam. Rain tried to catch up with him but with a snap of his fingers he was swept into his core lander and he was beyond her reach.
"No, Domon." Rain's voice was small as she halted in her steps. She was trembling violently. 'Not after all I've been through. Please Domon, don't leave me now.' She begged her husband in her thoughts, but knew that it would do no good. If her husband had one flaw, it was that he didn't know when to give up.
'I'd hope that after all this time Rain would have more faith in my abilities.' Domon mused as he settled into the cockpit. The Mobile Trace system had activated and he let his body relax as he was draped into his familiar black fight suit. 'No matter, I'll defeat DeMarco once and for all.' He let out a breath and narrowed his gaze as his displays were activated, revealing Gundam Vlad standing before him. It hadn't moved from it erect pose. Its arms were crossed, its black cape was spilling over the gray armor, and its eyes were dormant.
While Domon was busy preparing himself for battle Kane DeMarco was assaulted by the panicked voice of Prime Minister Yujikawa. "DeMarco, you must not fight him!"
"I may not have much choice in the matter, Yujikawa." Kane's voice was usually calm and measured, but it now possessed an anxious and angry edge. "I doubt the venerable King of Hearts will stand back and let me off with a warning."
"I don't care what Kasshu wants!" Yujikawa all but shrieked. "The fools been on drugs for the last two months, if you fight him now you'll destroy him!"
Kane's eyes narrowed and the arms in his muscles tightened, "What's wrong with that?"
Yujikawa's voice suddenly grew dark and serious, "Nothing, if you don't mind being disqualified from the tournament and locked in prison for the rest of your days."
Kane's eye twitched. "I don't like threats Yujikawa."
"Then make sure you follow our arrangement. If you truly must fight Kasshu be sure not to eliminate him from the tournament." Yujikawa's voice no longer assailed Kane's ears, but the pained grimace remained etched on his face.
'I can't wait for the day when I have his throat in my hands.' Kane thought bitterly as he surveyed Burning Gundam before him. Its eyes finally lit with activation.
"Now! I challenge you to a Gundam Fight Match!" Burning Gundam lifted a finger to point at Gundam Vlad to accompany Domon's challenge. "READY!!!" Domon called as he settled into a fighting stance.
"I refuse." Kane had control of himself once again, he sounded bored and disinterested.
"What!?" Was Domon's shocked reply. However his face quickly twisted into a mask of deep rage. "You refuse!? What kind of coward are you!?"
Domon's ears were assailed by Kane's mocking laughter and a growl escaped his throat. "Coward, am I? What reason do I have to accept your challenge, King of Hearts? You are no match for my power."
"You seriously underestimate me." Domon's voice was dark, laced with his deep rage.
"I doubt it. Look at you, you can barely move your Gundam. Challenge me again in a few months when you've regained your strength. I'll be happy to fight you at your best." Gundam Vlad finally moved, turning away from Burning Gundam. Kane turned his head to regard Domon over his shoulder. "For now, just be grateful that I'm granting you this respite."
Kane was not disappointed at Domon's reaction. Burning Gundam's limbs were trembling, perfectly copying Domon's clenching muscles. His eyes were wide, pupils narrow. 'Who does he take me for!? How dare he turn his back to me!?' "KANE!!! Turn and face me!" Domon finally exploded.
"Save your anger for a more appropriate occasion Domon Kasshu." Was Kane's only answer. Gundam Vlad starting walking off.
"If you won't face me head on in an official Gundam Fight Match, you leave me no choice. Prepare yourself!" Burning Gundam's verniers flared brilliantly as Domon launched himself headfirst at Gundam Vlad, his fist reared back for an attack.
Kane's mouth lifted in a smirk as he continued walking at a steady pace, almost ignoring Burning Gundam completely. Domon quickly closed the distance between the two Gundams and let his fist fly, the sheer violence behind the attack seemed to shred the very air is passed through. Unfortunately air was all is passed through. Domon blinked, 'What?' he mused. Gundam Vlad was no longer in front of him, and he never even saw it move.
"What are you looking at so intently?" Kane's voice came from behind, and sure enough as Domon quickly whirled around Gundam Vlad was there, walking along just as it had.
Domon growled as he answered, "I don't know how you do that, but your tricks won't help you."
"Then attack me again." Kane replied.
"With pleasure!" With a great cry Domon rushed forward and struck out again with his fist, but just as before his enemy simply vanished before his eyes.
"Try over here." Domon didn't even hesitate as he launched an attack towards the voice, but again he was unsuccessful. "Ready to give up yet?" Kane asked.
"Never!!!" Domon threw himself at Gundam Vlad once more, never halting his attacks even as Gundam Vlad appeared in different places. Domon never hesitated, striking out just as soon as his senses picked up any trace of his enemy. 'I have to catch him soon. I don't know how long I can keep up this pace.' Domon's heart was racing, sweat was running down his face, and his limbs were beginning to burn.
'I'm really beginning to grow annoyed.' Kane thought as he easily stayed well ahead of Domon's attacks. 'I don't have all day to play around. I guess I'll have to try a more aggressive means of persuasion.' Kane grinned as he formed a fist. He waited for Domon to swing again, and quickly appeared behind him. 'Too easy.' Kane let his fist fly, but was astonished when Burning Gundam's arm came up to harmlessly knock the attack aside.
Domon's arm acted almost of its own accord, and suddenly he felt the contact, "There you are!!!" He called triumphantly as he brought his fist to bear and launched yet another punch. Gundam Vlad managed to block as well, and each Gundam was locked together, pushing at each other in a test of strength.
'How did he know where I was?' Kane wondered as his face shifted with the effort he was exerting. 'He couldn't possibly have seen me, so how did he block?'
Domon seemed to be reading his mind, he smiled as he answered, "I already told you DeMarco. Your tricks won't work on me. As the King of Hearts, I'll defeat you, no matter what powers you have!" With a mighty roar Domon ended the stalemate as he lifted a foot and planted it viciously into Gundam Vlad's torso, right below the black cockpit hatch.
Kane grunted with the blow, he was bent over slightly with the effort of maintaining his balance. With that one kick Gundam Vlad was sent skidding back on its heels. When he finally arrested his backward momentum Kane turned a dark glare at his opponent. "Very well Domon Kasshu. I'll answer your determination to fight. I'll show you the power of my Gundam." Kane's mobile trace system was flashing with a violent red light that was mirrored in the ruby glow emitted by Gundam Vlad's eyes. Kane let out a battle cry as he swept his left arm out towards Burning Gundam.
Domon was slightly awed by the sight of Gundam Vlad's cape arching towards him, but he was still able to leap above it. He was amazed as he heard the vicious sound, 'That was just like a sword slashing through the air!' Domon was left on the defensive as Kane launched an attack. His cape was attached to the back of both arms, and the thin curved blades that suddenly ran the lengths reminded Domon of a bat's wing. However from the way light reflected of it's glossy surface he knew they easily possessed the power to shear right through his armor.
"Now you're mine!" Kane shouted as he began swinging his blades through the air.
[Dosstoy, in the skies above Japan.]
"This is getting us nowhere." George de Sand commented bitterly. His injuries had long since healed and he was skillfully operating the scanning equipment arrayed before him. To no success unfortunately. "There are over two hundred Gundams on earth, it could take days to catalog them all."
"You have a better suggestion?" Argo Gulskii's voice was almost accusatory. He continued before George could answer. "We have no way of knowing where Chibodee and Sai-Saici's search could have taken them. Aimlessly wandering about won't find them any faster."
"Yes, but" George's protest was quickly interrupted by Nastasha.
"This is odd. We're receiving a signal from a Neo-Japan satellite."
"What's odd about it?" George asked.
"It's a text only message, and it is addressed to the shuffle Alliance." She announced.
Argo and George were quickly at her side, reading over her shoulder. The message was brief but George read aloud, "Shuffle Alliance in danger, Karato betrayed. Neo-Australia."
"Dmitri." Argo called out.
"Already on our way boss." Was the curt response.
George turned to look at Argo, "What do you suppose it means?"
"I'm not sure. Nastasha, has our communications been restored yet?" Argo asked.
She shook her head in a negative. "The whole unit needs to be replaced."
"Very well, then see if you can download some news feeds. I want to know what has been happening in Neo-Japan since we left."
"In the meantime we see what we can find in Neo-Australia?" George asked.
"Yes, but we remain on our guard. The message could be a trap." Argo replied.
[Prime Minister Yujikawa's office.]
'Well, it seems like the Black Joker and Jack of Diamonds have caught on to the plot.' Yujikawa monitored the situation with growing unease. The Dosstoy had shifted course and was heading with all possible speed towards Neo-Australia.
Yujikawa reached out a finger and suddenly his screen displayed the scowling image of Chelsea Waresa. "Status?" He asked calmly.
"Phantom Gundam isn't ready for battle." Was the terse reply. "However Gundam Longshot and Anne are ready to go on your orders Prime Minister."
"Very well, send Anne to intercept the Dosstoy."
"She won't stand a chance by herself." Chelsea interjected.
"I'll be sending her some backup, just carry out my orders." Yujikawa demanded.
"As you wish." Chelsea's scowl deepened as her image winked off screen.
Yujikawa pressed another button, this time revealing a man with a thick face covered by unruly and burly black hair. "Alexei, you are to take Steel Gundam and intercept Gulskii and de Sand. I don't want them to meet up with the other Shuffle Alliance members."
Alexei Pavlovski didn't even respond to Yujikawa's commands, his image faded just as quickly as it appeared.
[The Desert of Neo-Australia.]
Kane was quickly growing frustrated. Despite his best efforts Burning Gundam remained unscathed. Domon Kasshu was able to avoid every one of his attacks. Kane reluctantly admitted to himself that he needed a new strategy. 'Fine, if I can't take him with sheer brute force, I'll just have to let him come to me. Then I'll skewer him on my blades.'
'At last, here's my chance!' Domon thought to himself as Kane's assault finally abated. He drew both of his beam sabers and launched himself at Gundam Vlad. He was surprised when his sabers were stopped by Gundam Vlad's blades. With a vicious crackle of energy his attacks were deflected but he pressed on unabated. However Kane successfully dodged or blocked every strike. Finally Domon lifted both weapons over his head and leaped into the air to deliver a powerful attack.
Kane merely grinned, "Now!" He called out. His cape seemed to be moving of its own accord, the blades vanished and the black material writhed and shifted until it surrounded both of Gundam Vlad's arms. Finally with a triumphant cry from Kane the coiling black mass shot out with violent force from each arm at the wrist, forming new deadly blades.
"What!?" Domon cried out in alarm as he tried to dodge too late. Each skewer pierced his sabers and they detonated violently. Domon grunted as his fight suit relayed the damage, but he didn't dwell on it. He was forced to dodge yet again as the blades suddenly became as elastic as whips. Kane's arms were swinging quickly and his cape hissed through the air as he tried to press his advantage.
Domon couldn't hold in his pained scream as one blow landed on his leg, then another crushed into his torso, knocking him on his back. "Damn you!" He fired his verniers, which carried him away from the double strike that Kane launched.
Kane was laughing with glee as he gave pursuit, still striking out with his whips, "I tried warning you Domon Kasshu. Accept your fate and kneel before your superior!"
"In your dreams!" Domon suddenly changed his momentum, catching Kane by surprise. Burning Gundam easily slid in the gap between Kane's reckless attacks and Domon grinned as his fist finally made contact with his enemy.
Kane's thoughts were a jumbled blur as his mobile trace system pushed against his face with the same violent intensity that Burning Gundam exhibited. Domon was quick to press his advantage and he launched a blizzard of lightning fast blows with every limb in his body, letting out a triumphant roar to accompany the sounds of his flying fists.
Red lights were dancing all over Kane's black fight suit and his body was being jerked beyond his control. 'Damn him! Where is he getting this energy from!? He should barely be able to move at all!' A final stiff blow sent Gundam Vlad crashing to the ground, and it skidded a fair distance before coming to a stop. Kane groaned as he lifted his torso from off the ground and rubbed his forehead.
'Now its time to finish him off.' Domon thought with a smile on his face as he brought his right fist up. "This hand of mine is BURNING RED!!!" He called out, his voice echoing dangerously.
Rain watched the whole battle unveil before her eyes, and once she saw Gundam Vlad fall to the earth she finally began entertaining hopeful thoughts. 'He's actually doing it! He's winning.' However her stomach quickly filled with ice as she recognized what Domon was doing next. 'No, he can't!' "DOMON! Don't do it!" Rain shouted as loud as she could, but she was simply too far away. "DOMON!!" She tried again, but to no avail.
Kane quickly rose to his feet and regarded his foe with an amazed expression on his face. 'What does he think he's doing?'
The fins on Burning Gundam's back spread wide and released their power, a bright circle of pure energy began dancing along their length as the gauntlet on the right arm slid into place over the glowing hand. Domon reared back, "ITS LOUD ROAR TELLS ME TO GRASP VICTORY!!!"
"Not BURNING Finger!!!" Rain begged, her lungs expelling her plea as loud as they could, but Domon couldn't hear her. The ground around her was shaking and she turned to see Dragon Gundam carrying Noble Gundam, and Gundam Maxter. Tears were streaming down her face as she cried, "Quickly! You must stop Domon!!!" Chibodee and Sai both were dumbfounded at Rain's request and hesitated.
"ERUPTING, BURNING FINGER!!!" Domon roared out as he launched himself at Gundam Vlad.
"You FOOL!" Kane's amazed expression turned to one of pure glee as he flexed the fingers on his right hand. He drew the limb back and let if fly accompanied by his cry of, "VAMPIRIC CLAW!!!" Gundam Vlad's proffered claw was suddenly bathed by the same material that made up its cape.
The two Gundams met with a violent impact, their extended hands clutching tightly against each other. At the point of contact a brilliant orange glow exploded outwards temporarily blinding Kane, Domon, and their audience. The earth shook, and the howling winds completely drowned out the stunned gasps of Chibodee, Sai, and Rain as they futilely covered their eyes against the invasive light.
Domon grunted as he pressed everything he had into the attack. 'Something's wrong. I've never felt anything like this!' Domon's expression turned to one of surprise when he heard the strangest sound. It was Kane's laughter. He still couldn't see his foe through the blinding light, but he grunted when the felt the pressure on his hand increased dramatically. Domon tried focusing on Kane's sound but he quickly gave up the effort as his body trembled. It wasn't the mocking laugh the Domon already heard, it was a violent and uncontrolled heaving, forcing air past his mouth as hard and as fast as his body would allow. It was the laugh of a madman, and it unnerved Domon to his very core. Suddenly another unfamiliar sensation attacked Domon's senses. The glow from the Burning Finger quickly disappeared as Domon felt the power completely leaving his Gundam. "What?" He called out confused. The blinding light finally died down slightly and Domon gasped at what he saw.
Gundam Vlad's red eyes were spilling a dangerous glow, the junctions of its armor that were once white and gray where now a vicious blood red. The amber glow that seemed to emanate off its very frame reminded Domon of the hyper mode, but he decided this glow was malicious and deadly. Domon finally was able to let go of Gundam Vlad's claw and he unconsciously backed away a few steps. Kane was still laughing.
"What in the name of hell?" Chibodee asked, totally awed by the frightening display before him.
"I'veI've never seen anything so twisted." Sai stuttered as he tried to calm himself.
"Gundam Vlad's power." Rain was crying as she shook her head, trying to will the image from her mind. "I warned him that Vlad could absorb his energy, why didn't he listen?"
Chibodee looked down at Rain and addressed her through his Gundams speakers, "Hey Rain, you know how to stop that thing?"
"Now that Kane's absorbed the power of the Burning Finger, I don't think anything can stop him." Rain lamented as she looked back up at the battle. She quickly gasped when she saw Gundam Vlad rear back with its fist. "DOMON!" She cried.
Domon was staring dumbfounded, and the blur of motion he detected didn't offer enough of a warning. Suddenly he was tumbling head over heels, and his right cheek felt like it shattered completely. He came to a painful rolling stop in front of Dragon Gundam and Gundam Maxter.
"Domon!" Chibodee called out as he reached down to check on Burning Gundam.
"Bro! Say something!" Sai echoed as he finally let Noble Gundam slide to rest in a prone position.
However both Chibodee and Sai quickly focused their attention on Gundam Vlad, which was slowly approaching them. "Rain! Get in there and check on Domon!" Chibodee commanded as he interposed himself between Burning Gundam and Gundam Vlad.
"I'm going!" She confirmed as she started towards the cockpit hatch at a dead run. By the time she reached the hatch Dragon Gundam was standing at Gundam Maxter's side and both machines were settled into determined fighting stances. Chibodee's gundanium gloves were still in place, and Sai held an elongated Fei-Long flag in his hands. Tears were streaming down her face as she finally opened the hatch and leapt inside. Domon was lying flat on his back, his arms splayed out. "Domon, can you hear me!?" She cried as she knelt beside him. She noticed that his eyes, while open, were glazed and non-responsive, blood was dripping from his mouth, and a darkened bruise was rapidly forming on his right cheek. 'At least he's still breathing.' Rain was thankful her husband was still alive, but the tears refused to stop flowing.
[Neo-Australia's Northern Coast.]
George's eyes narrowed at his displays. 'What was that? It seemed like an energy source, but it was gone as soon as it appeared.' "Argo, best to be on our guard. I'm detecting strange energy fluctuations out there."
'Dulin.' Argo thought darkly as he remembered the faint traces of energy that always pre-empted one of her camouflaged attacks. "George we must get to our Gundams. Nastasha, take over here."
"Right! Prepare for battle!" Nastasha called out as she calmly climbed into the chair that Argo vacated.
"You've seen this kind of thing before?" George asked as he ran beside Argo towards the hangar.
Argo nodded, "Yes, Gundam Longshot's camouflage is not perfect. It leaks faint traces of energy as it maintains its cloak. We will be attacked soon."
"Then we may also be facing Phantom Gundam again as well." George commented darkly.
"Doubtful. Your attack nearly blew the Gundam in half. It should be some time yet before Waresa's machine is ready for battle."
"In that case we should be wary of new foes. I highly doubt that Dulin would have the courage to take us both on at once." They finally reached the hangar and stood before their mobile fighters.
"Agreed. We'll launch and stay close to the ship until our enemies reveal themselves." Argo let out a surprised grunt as his shuffle crest began shining furiously. George too took a moment to collect himself as his crest lit with a brilliant fury.
"We need to finish this quickly. I sense that Domon is in danger." George's voice was strained.
"Not just Domon." Argo said in a morbid tone. "I suspect Sai-Saici and Chibodee are next."
The Dosstoy suddenly rocked violently and began to keel, nearly throwing Argo and George off their feet. "Well then, enough dallying. Lets get to it!" George and Argo quickly activated their Gundams and in mere moments both of them were flying besides the Dosstoy over the lush Jungle landscape over Neo-Australia's northern coast.
"Nastasha, where did the shot come from?" Argo asked, his expression determined.
"We didn't see it." Was her dark response.
"If we just continue flying in, her next shot will take one of our heads." George spoke to Argo.
"I don't think so." Argo fired his graviton hammer from his shoulder, and quickly attached it to its beam chain. He began slowly spinning it over his head until he picked up speed. He began rotating the weapon directly in front of him and with a battle cry, he fired his verniers. George quickly caught on and was right behind him. Argo grinned as shots began rapidly flying from a spot in the dense foliage. The bolts were bouncing harmlessly from his impromptu shield. "You have the position George?" Argo asked as a smile grew on his face.
George's expression mirrored Argo's, "I've got her." George dipped below Argo's protection and fired his verniers. He drew his beam rapier and stabbed and reared back to strike. Before he could land his attack a colorless shape leaped above him into the air. "There she is!" George called out.
Argo let out a battle cry as he delivered a shoulder blow, suddenly the cloak dropped, revealing Gundam Longshot. "Damn you shuffle Alliance!" Anne Dulin's accented voice cursed them as she righted herself and fired several shots at Bolt Gundam.
Argo grunted as the shots bounced off his heavy armor, "You haven't learned yet that your weapon isn't powerful enough to defeat me?" He drew back his graviton hammer and swung with all his might, Dulin barely dodged it in time.
"You're right Gulskii, I should wizen up and let him deal with you!" Anne replied. As soon as Gundam Longshot landed another Gundam burst from the earth behind it. It stood taller than Gundam Longshot, and it possessed a much wider girth. The Mobile Fighter's color was an amalgamation of white and the gleam of steel. The Chevron on its brow was gray, but otherwise indistinct. The eyes were blue. Strapped to its back was an enormous paddle. "Gulskii, allow me to introduce you to Alexei Pavlovski, representative of Neo-Ukraine, and his Steel Gundam!" As soon as Anne finished her introduction, Steel Gundam's Verniers fired and it hefted its massive paddle in both hands. It went straight for Bolt Gundam and began attacking. Gundam Longshot turned to regard Gundam Rose. "I suppose that leaves you ta me Jack of Diamonds."
"En Guarde!" George answered as he launched himself at Anne.
[Neo-Australian Desert.]
"This isn't going to be easy Sai." Chibodee spared a glance at his side and was comforted by the sight of Dragon Gundam.
"I know bro. But we can't let this loser get away with what he's done. We have to stop him here!" Sai replied.
Chibodee looked down at Allenby, still wrapped in his jacket as comfortably as he could make her. She was still sleeping. 'I have to beat him for her sake as well. I made a promise, and I intend to keep it.' Chibodee's eyes hardened as he looked upon that advancing Gundam Vlad, still emitting its evil aura, and still blood red. 'I won't let him crush my dream! I'll stop him right here today!' With a battle cry Chibodee fired his verniers, followed a split second later by Sai.
Chibodee reared back and struck out with a mighty punch, but Gundam Vlad nimbly leapt over the blow and delivered a kick to Gundam Maxter's back. Chibodee struggled to maintain his balance as he quickly turned and skidded upon the ground. He watched as Sai took his turn, rapidly thrusting his weapon at Gundam Vlad. Amazingly while Sai's movements were so fast they were merely a blur to Chibodee's eyes, none of the blows landed, but Gundam Vlad didn't seem to be moving at all. 'He's moving so fast my eyes can't even detect it!' Chibodee realized with dread.
"Haven't you realized you don't stand a chance?" Kane's voice assaulted them mercilessly. Sai suddenly gasped as one of Gundam Vlad's claws wrapped around Dragon Gundam's throat, effortlessly lifting the mobile fighter into the air. Sai dropped his weapon as he tried to relieve the pressure around his neck. "I have the power to destroy you whenever I wish." Kane taunted.
"Put him down!!!" Chibodee roared as he launched his next attack. Both of his fists were flying faster than ever before, but he still couldn't land any blows, and Gundam Vlad's claw remained where it was, slowly strangling the life from Dragon Gundam. "Damn you!!" Chibodee called as desperation started to settle in, his blows started to grow wild.
'I've gotta hit him while he's distracted.' Sai thought to himself as darkness crept at his vision. His lungs seemed ready to explode in his chest, but still he managed to pull both of his legs to his body, and snap them out as hard as he could manage. Sai's attack caught Gundam Vlad below the arm, and it instantly released him. Fortunately the blow also delivered it right into Chibodee's path.
Chibodee shouted out in joy as his fists finally started connecting, pummeling Gundam Vlad as quickly and as viciously as he could. His advantage was short lived. With a roar Kane caught both of Gundam Maxter's arms in a vice grip and lanced out with a kick. Chibodee grunted and bent over with the blow, only to be caught in the back of the head by Gundam Vlad's elbow. The ground quickly rushed up to meet Chibodee, and he landed with a painful thud.
Sai was there in an instant, leaping through the air with his foot extended. Kane backed away from Chibodee to avoid the attack and growled in frustration as he was prevented from finishing his foe off. Sai did not let up with his assault, he attacked with everything he had, and Kane was forced to focus all his attention on avoiding the blows. 'Damn them! They won't stay down long enough for me to finish one off!' Kane thought bitterly, his anger rising.
His rage only increased when Gundam Maxter rose to its feet and quickly joined Dragon Gundam. The two mobile fighters fought side by side, attacking together with cold precision without mercy. Kane was forced to block the blows, if he tried dodging one, he'd only fall into the attack of the other. Kane's eyes widened when he saw two Gundam sized fists bearing down on him. He grunted from the double blow, and his mobile fighter was sent reeling. With an angry roar Kane fired his verniers, only to be carried back into another double blow. This time Gundam Vlad was flipped head over heels and crashed mercilessly to the earth.
"I'd say its time to finish him off bro!" Sai exclaimed as Dragon Gundam and Gundam Maxter stood tall over Gundam Vlad.
"Fine with me. I'd say it's a perfect time to try that combination attack we were toying with!" Chibodee answered as he cracked his knuckles for effect.
"Right!" Sai agreed as he took in a deep breath and released it.
'What are they babbling about? What combination attack?' Kane thought to himself as he finally pushed himself to his feet.
"BURSTING MACHINEGUN!!!" Chibodee began as Gundam Maxter was surrounded by an intense golden glow, and drew its right arm back.
Sai responded by folding his arms and lifting one leg up to cover the other, Dragon Gundam too entered hyper mode, "SHIN, RYUSEI, KOCHOKEN!!!"
Kane's eyes widened in shock as he realized what he was facing. In a near panic he threw his arms up to shield his eyes from the glow. 'DAMN!!! I've only one chance!'
"ATTACK!!!" Chibodee and Sai cried simultaneously. Chibodee let his fist fly, and Sai leapt into its path. With a bright flash of light there were ten mirror images of a blazing Dragon Gundam spiraling towards Gundam Vlad. The very air crackled with power as Sai approached his enemy.
Kane shouted in a mixture of fear and anger as he thrusted both arms out, as if he planned to push the oncoming attack away. Gundam Vlads' claws began to glow a bright red, and its armor returned to its original white and gray hues. With a final cry Kane's eyes widened ever farther as energy pooled around him. The moment Sai crashed into him head on there was a brilliant flash of white light. Chibodee had to turn his gaze away from the glow. Then his Gundam was buffeted by the violent expulsion of air and heat from the attack.
'Damn! I never imagined we'd attain that kind of power! This is amazing!' Chibodee mused as he tried valiantly to hold his ground. Then as suddenly as the disturbance appeared it was gone. Chibodee blinked several times before his vision focused, and his heart grew cold at what he saw.
Gundam Vlad was still on its feet, smoke and vapor rolling off its armor. It was charred and scarred, its armor even melted away at some points. It was otherwise undamaged. It didn't escape Chibodee's attention that its colors had changed.
What was more horrifying was the blackened ruins of Dragon Gundam that laid before it. "Sai-Saici!" Chibodee called out. "Sai-Saici, can you hear me!?" Sai didn't answer, and Chibodee felt panic grip at his heart.
Kane was panting heavily inside Gundam Vlad's cockpit. His fingers were trembling uncontrollably, and the hairs on the back on his neck were standing on end. 'That was too close. If I wasn't able to use the power I stole from the Burning Finger, I would have been completely incinerated. Now Dragon Gundam is out of commission. It should be simple to finish off Crockett.'
Chibodee's fists were tightly clenched, and he felt tears rolling down his cheeks. 'Get a grip Chibodee. He could still be alive in there, but you've gotta take care of Kane quickly to help him.' Chibodee's eyes narrowed as he regarded Gundam Vlad with a reborn hatred. "I'll make you pay. I'll get you for this." Chibodee promised.
"Funny, that's exactly what your friend Domon said, and just look how he ended up." Kane answered with a leer in his voice. He was still breathing heavily, but his usual grin still settled on his face.
"You're breathing pretty hard there champ. Normally I'd let you collect yourself, but you don't deserve the courtesy." Chibodee settled firmly into a battle stance.
Kane laughed as he set himself in a battle stance. "You know what, I think I like your attitude Crockett. How about it, why don't we make this an official Gundam Fight match?"
Chibodee's eyebrows arched, "Why now?"
"Frankly," Kane began as he drew in another labored breath, "I'm starting to feel a little winded. I don't want any more of your friends to get any ideas of interfering. In an official battle, it'll be just you and me. Do you think you can handle that?" Kane laughed again, 'If I get him angry enough he'll accept the challenge. One on one he doesn't stand a chance.'
"You don't have to worry, I plan on taking you out myself! GUNDAM FIGHT!!!" Chibodee called out as he fired his verniers, racing towards his foe.
Gundam Vlad's verniers fired as Kane answered with a chilling shout, "READY, GO!!!"
Domon finally started to stir in Rain's arms. He groaned as fresh pain assaulted his face. "Don't try to move yet. You were lucky, the blow didn't break any bones. I imagine it'll be sore for a while though."
"Rain?" He muttered as his vision cleared. Sure enough she was there looking down at him with worry in his eyes. "Gundam Vlad." He began. "What happened?"
She sighed as she helped her husband into a siting position. Once he was settled she answered, "I tried to warn you Domon. Gundam Vlad has the ability to absorb the energy of other Gundams with its nanites." She took his right hand between hers as she continued, "When you used Burning Finger, Kane absorbed that energy and fed it directly into Gundam Vlad's main power supply. The results are obvious, Vlad's strength increased dramatically. He knocked you unconscious with just one punch."
"Where is he now? I have to stop him." Domon tried to rise to his feet, but Rain gently restrained him. "I can't give up now Rain."
"You're in no condition." Rain refused to yield.
"So then we just let him get away?" Domon asked incredulous.
"We don't have any choice in the matter." She lowered her gaze from his face. "We have to go and help Sai-Saici. He's seriously hurt, or worse."
Domon's heart went cold. "How? How did he get hurt?"
"Come on, stand up. Pilot Burning Gundam over to him. I'll explain along the way." Rain helped Domon to his feet and supported him as Burning Gundam slowly walked over to the fallen Dragon Gundam.
When Domon saw Gundam Vlad and Gundam Maxter locked in battle he was immediately overcome by the urge to go to Chibodee's assistance, but once again Rain restrained him. "You can't interfere. It's an official match." She sadly informed him.
Domon's body was seized by a useless anger. 'I failed to defeat him and Sai suffered because of my failure. Now I may have to stand by and watch Chibodee fall as well!? Damn him! Damn him to hell!'
Rain was watching her husbands face intently, and once again she felt tears gather, 'It hurts him more that he thinks he failed his family and friends, then any pain of battle I think.' "Come on, we have to help Sai." She pleaded with him.
Finally after a moment of hesitation Domon's eyes closed, "No, you have to help Sai. You're the doctor Rain, you take care of him. I have to support Chibodee." 'And be ready to avenge him if Kane is able to strike him down.' He thought darkly.
[Meanwhile, at Neo-Australia's northern Coast.]
Anne was long past the point of being frustrated. 'That damned de Sand and his stupid Rose Bits! Every time I try to use my camouflage he finds me almost instantly! At this rate I'll run out of power, and I'm nowhere near close to defeating him!'
"Are you ready to surrender?" George asked as he regarded his foe with beam rapier drawn and at the ready.
Anne growled in impotent rage, she knew she couldn't win. "I never surrender de Sand! I'll live to fight another day. Then I'll kill you! Alexei! You're on your own!" She called out as she fired her verniers and disappeared towards the horizon.
'Stupid woman. I should have known better than to trust her.' Alexei grunted as he once again swung his heavy weapon at Bolt Gundam, but once again missed his mark. 'This is not the kind of battle to which I am suited. I must bring him to the ground and defeat him quickly before de Sand has the chance to interfere.' With a mighty roar Steel Gundam managed to grab one of Bolt Gundam's legs and pulled it violently to the ground below.
"Argo!" George called out in surprise as Bolt Gundam crashed gracelessly. "ROSE BITS!!!" He called out, directing his weapons on an all out attack. "What!?" The lasers were bouncing harmlessly off Steel Gundams armor. The bits that hit it directly did not penetrate, but merely crumpled and fell to the earth below. "That's got to be the strongest armor I've ever seen!" George commented with wide eyes.
"Too bad it won't save him." Argo brought Bolt Gundam to its full height and waited as Steel Gundam quietly landed. "No matter how thick the Gundam's armor it is always vulnerable. If I can't damage his torso, then I'll just have to go straight for his head!"
"You're a fool to announce your strategy to your opponent." Alexei remarked. "But you're a bigger fool to believe you can take Steel Gundam's head. The head section is just as heavily protected as the rest of the unit, even a direct attack won't damage it."
"Let's put that theory to the test! GAIA CRUSHER!!!" Bolt Gundams fist plummeted into the earth with the force of a pile driver. Steel Gundam was quickly pinned in place by an immovable wall of stone.
"What have you done!?" Alexei cried out in alarm as he futilely tried to escape.
Argo's answer was a battle cry as he hefted his Graviton Hammer and sent it plummeting directly into Steel Gundam's head. Alexei cried out in pain as his mobile trace system flashed red. He crumpled into unconsciousness mere moments later.
When the Graviton Hammer fell away George and Argo were both dumbfounded. The Head section remained completely intact, just as Pavlovski boasted it would. "That's simply not possible! How could it have survived such a direct hit?"
"We'll have to worry about that later. We must help the others." Argo fired his verniers and took off, George and the Dosstoy were right behind him.
End
Uhhhhh. I really wanted to end the story with this chapter, but I realized that it could be another twenty or thirty pages. I'm sorry it took this long to update but I'm sure you're all tired of excuses. I hope you enjoyed it and didn't feel miffed by the little attention I gave to George and Argo. I pretty much wrote that in as a filler to remind everyone they were still alive and well. I didn't want to put a lot of effort into that fight, it was just a way to introduce Alexei and Steel Gundam, which will have more important roles in the future. Which brings me to my question. Should I continue on to the fourteenth tournament in this fic? Or should I stop it at the end of the fight between Chibodee and Kane and make a sequel to it? I'm looking forward to your input, and I hope to see some encouraging results in your review. I hope you liked it, and I hope the next update won't take so long. Until Next time.