Chapter Six - Going, Going, Gone...
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In the White Base's infirmatory, Washu was finishing up checking out Ashura as he slept. If anything, it was to see how Ashura's body had changed when Meg's possible life essence entered him. Outside, both Anthony and Crystallis, two of the many who saw Ashura's change, waited outside.
"So, how's Ashura, Washu?" Anthony asked as the scientist walked out of the sick bay.
"He'll live. Give him time to rest and heal and he'll be back to full strength in no time." Washu said. "The thing I'm worried about is is that super mode he used. He's never done that before."
"You think it has to do with Meg's body disappearing?" Crystallis asked. "And that light as well?"
"Most likely." Washu said. "For the time being, we'll hafta watch over him whenever he uses it."
"Understood." Anthony said. He walked away and headed to the cell which held AfterAshura. The hedgehog was covered in bandages
"What do you want?" AfterAshura scoffed.
"Just making sure you're being good." Anthony said. "You caused us a whole lot of trouble..."
"And I'd do it again, too." AfterAshura said. "You and your little friends took my world and I'm going to take yours."
"Who sent you to do what you did?" Anthony asked.
"I killed Meg on my own free will. Some stupid bald guy told me to destroy that city." AfterAshura said.
"Bald guy?" Anthony said, acting confused.
"Yeah, some Lex Luthor." AfterAshura said. "He's working with the MADS as well. Something about cloning Ashura and Merc. Then again, nothing'll replace losing Dark Crystallis and Pricon to those two."
"Why are you telling me this?" Anthony asked.
"Luthor promised that when I destroyed that city, he'd give me a city for me to rule over on that planet. He lied. I had those...Rift Hunters...after me." AfterAshura said. "I wanted to kill him, but I had other things. I wanted to kill Megan. She was my sister and she chose that goody-two-shoes Ashura. She betrayed me!"
"Maybe...but, perhaps YOU betrayed HER." Anthony said. This shocked AfterAshura.
"Muh-ME?!" AfterAshura said, shocked. "Buh...buh..." He sat there, thinking. "He lied to me again..."
"Who? Luthor?" Anthony asked.
"Yes...he...he said Megan didn't love me, that she loved Ashura... even showed me videos of them together..." AfterAshura said.
"They were having fun most likely, After." Anthony said. "Haven't you thought about the fact that Megan dearly loved you and just wanted you to be good again?" AfterAshura looked down, then covered his face.
"My god... what have I done?!" AfterAshura said, on the verge of tears. "He tricked me. He lied to me. I destroyed a city...killed my sister...tried to kill my other self...for what? Huh?"
"AfterAshura, I know you won't get off that easy for what you did..." Anthony began.
"Gamemaster Anthony Bault." AfterAshura said, looking up at Anthony. "Stop the Metallix. Take down Lex Luthor."
"Don't worry, we will." Anthony said. With that, Anthony walked away. As he did, AfterAshura watched.
"I'm sorry, Megan..." AfterAshura whispered. "...but I'll make sure you'll live on anyway I can."
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In one of the meeting rooms, many of the robot pilots were conversing about what to do next.
"Alright, so we have a big number of robot pilots and mechs." Amuro said. "That's fine and all, but we need more firepower."
"I kinda wish I could use the Dendrobium." Kou said, leaning back. "I mean, it's a freaking tank, but it only works in space."
"A shame, really." Amuro mused.
[Bah! TigerZord, DragonZord and the Thunder MegaZord is all we need!] DragonMetal said. [The rest of you can go to hell!]
[DragonMetal, really!] Metal Amy said.
[Well, it's true!] DragonMetal retorted.
"I love the bravado, but what we need is to drag out the big guns. Mazinkaiser, Shin Getter, Nu Gundam...er..." Koji began before stopping.
"What's wrong, Koji?" Sayaka asked.
"I just realized something... Mazinger Z still doesn't have Jet Scrander..." Koji said, causing the group to facefault.
"Oh, Koji..." Sayaka groaned.
"I did hear from Boss, though." Tetsuya said, standing up. "He did get Boss Borot fixed and was gonna get here with Jet Scrander, so..."
"That's great!" Koji said. "Wait, Boss Borot with Jet Scrander?!"
"Ahem... let's get back to the topic at hand." Ryouma said. "Yes, I do agree we're gonna need to pull out the big guns, but I doubt we should do it so soon."
"Agreed. If it gets too hairy, we'll get them." Amuro said. As they agreed, sirens went off. "Another attack?!"
"Alright, more action!" Koji said. With that, they rushed to the bridge to find out what's going on.
"Noah, what's going on?" Amuro said.
"That..." Bright said, pointing straight ahead. In their viewscreen was a massive Gundam-like mech. Amuro reconized it immediately.
"De-De-Devil Gundam!?" he said, shocked. "But, how?! I heard it was destroyed!"
"I don't know, but it looks like it's back and deadlier than ever..." Koji said. "Oh, yeah, I've been waiting for this. A REAL challenge!"
"Something's not right..." Vegeta said.
"What do you mean, father?" Trunks asked.
"Can't you feel it? There's someone in there." Vegeta said.
"Yeah, you're right... but who?!" Trunks said.
"Guess we're gonna hafta break that thing open and find out!" Sonic said, already racing out.
"Sonic, wait a... oh, never mind." Tails said. With that, the others raced out.
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Outside, the mecha were launched and ready to fight. The Tornado X, holding Anthony and Crystallis, flew overhead, looking for a good drop point to get them in the fight.
"Amuro said that Devil Gundam was destroyed..." Anthony said. "So, how is he still standing?!"
"The Metallix may have rebuilt him or built a Mark Two." Tails said.
"But, wouldn't a Mark Two Devil Gundam be...oh, I dunno...weaker?" Crystallis asked.
"Likely, unless they were able to recreate the DG Cells." Tails said.
"Oh, that sounds great." Anthony said, sarcastically.
"Well, well, well, look who's here to play!" Metal Overlord said, arriving on top of the Devil Gundam. "I was hoping the King of Hearts would show up, but you guys are better."
"Stuff it, faker!" Sonic said. "You and your Metallix better pack up and leave! There's no way you can win!"
"Oh, on the contrary. We have a trump card. Take a look in the cockpit." Metal Overlord said, the cockpit opening, allowing everyone to see Sabian inside, a crazed look on his face.
"SABIAN!" Sonic shouted.
"Sabian!? That's one of the guys we're looking for!" Amuro said.
"That's him?!" Koji said, a tad shocked.
"Let him GO!" Crystallis shouted, flying down and striking Metal Overlord, sending flying off Devil Gundam's shoulder.
"ARGH! Miserable PEST! Devil Gundam, grab her!" Metal Overlord shouted. Before Crystallis could do anything, Devil Gundam's shoulder transformed into an extra hand and arm and grabbed her.
"CRYSTY!" Sonic shouted. He went Super and flew towards the Gundam.
"I don't think so." Metal Overlord said. "Metallix, ATTACK!" With that, numerous Metal Sonics appeared from the ground with one thing in mind: Kill.
"It's an ambush!" Sayaka shouted.
"Scatter and take them out!" Amuro shouted. No sooner did he say that, that Vegeta began firing Final Flashes all over the place, one of them nearly striking the Nadesico.
"VEGETA! What do you think you're doing?! You nearly hit us!" the voice of Yurika cried out on a radio Vegeta had on him.
"Oh, shut up!" Vegeta shouted back as she kept yelling.
"Hey, I could use a little bit of backup here!" Akito cried as his Aestivalis began getting swamped by the swarms of Metallix. At that, Ryoko's Aesti arrived, knocking them away.
"Really, Tenkawa, you need to fight back more..." Ryoko said, annoyed.
"Uh... right. Thanks, Ryoko." Akito said. At that, he noticed a Metallix unit ready to strike Ryoko's Aesti from behind. "WATCH OUT!" He shoved her out of the way and fired what appeared to be a rocket punch through the Metallix's head. The rocket punch was controlled, though, seeing as it came back thanks to a wire connected to the arm.
"Uh... thanks..." Ryoko said, making her Aesti standing up. If Akito could have seen her, he would have seen her blushing, if anything because he had saved her life. That ended when numerous Metallix began piling up on them. All around the battlefield, Metallix began getting the upper hand on the robot pilots. The only ones not getting into the fight was Metal Overlord and Devil Gundam.
"Heheheheh. Isn't this sweet, Crystallis?" Metal Overlord said. "Your dear friends, fighting in an unwinnable war. They know they're doomed and all they're doing is prolonging the inevitable. Why don't they just give up?"
"Because they know they'll win! You're the one fighting the unwinnable war!" Crystallis shouted.
"Oh, is that so?" Metal Overlord said. "By the way, where's your knight in Shining Gundam Armor?"
"He isn't available for the moment..." a voice called out. Metal Overlord looked to see the Tornado X racing towards the Devil Gundam, Anthony holding on outside, his lightsaber out and activated. "Mind taking me?!" As he said that, Anthony grazed the new arm holding Crystallis, releasing her. Crystallis took off into the air, far from the Devil Gundam's reach.
"NO! ARGH! DAMN YOU, GAMEMASTER!" Metal Overlord shouted
[Oh, you don't have to worry about the Gamemaster...] The voice of DragonMetal said. Metal Overlord turned to see DragonMetal hovering there. He looked like he went through hell, which he did, seeing as he went hand to hand with the swarms of Metallix. [You hafta worry about me.]
"Traitor... you'll get what you DESERVE!" Metal Overlord said, flying towards the Ranger-Robo, the two engaging in a fight.
"GAH! Can't these things take a break?!" Koji shouted as he had Mazinger Z swipe a bunch of Metallix away from him. "Man, I wish I DID bring Jet Scrander..."
"KABUTOOOOOO!" a voice called out. Koji and Mazinger looked up to see Boss Borot fall out of the sky and belly flop on a bunch of Metallix, destroying.
"Boss! Man, am I glad to see you!" Koji said. "Where's Scrander?"
"Up there!" Boss said, Borot pointing to the sky. "I'll hold them off! You get to the Scrander!" With that, Boss began valiently fighting off the Metallix, giving Koji enough room to get Mazinger Z running. As Mazinger got up to speed, Jet Scrander flew in. With a mighty leap, Mazinger Z got high enough for Jet Scrander's belt to hook on.
"Alright! Mazinger Z, lord of the skies!" Koji shouted as Mazinger Z straightened itself out in the air. At that moment, Great Mazinger, Getter Dragon and the GP-01 joined him. "Hey, guys! Having a tough time?"
"Not at all!" Ryouma said, smirking. "Just need a bit of breathing room."
"Man, these guys are tough!" Kou said.
"I think it's time to give the others breathing room!" Tetsuya said, smirking himself.
"Let's do this!" Kou said, flying back into the fray, Beam Rifle firing at full blast, saving Diana A and the battleships.
"Oh, yeah... BREAST FIRE!" Koji shouted, Mazinger Z firing his finishing move at the Metallix below, freeing the Aestis from the attacks.
"THUNDER BREAK!" Tetsuya shouted, Great Mazinger firing its finishing move, causing more Metallix to be destroyed, saving the Zords and Wing Gundam.
"Hey, Ryouma, why not show these guys the true power of the Getter G?" Hayato said.
"Yeah! Let's show them the Shine Spark!" Benkei said.
"Alright, let's do this..." Ryouma said. At the same time, the three Getter pilots pressed a special petal which caused the Getter Dragon to flare up with energy. "GETTER SHINE!" With that, Getter Dragon shot up into the air, then, both fists in front of it, made a kamikaze dive towards a group of Metallix. "SHINE...SPAAARK!" At the last moment, Getter Dragon stopped, the energy that surrounded it still flying into the Metallix. In a ball of fire, the Metallix it struck went up.
"Bullseye!" Hayato shouted.
"Uh-oh... more coming!" Benkei said, seeing more Metallix arriving.
"And it'll take a while to charge up another Shine Spark!" Ryouma said.
"Oh, man, we're screwed!" Amuro said, seeing the Metallix himself. He watched in shock as a Metallix prepared to ram its fist into Gundam.
"TENKYOUKEN!" a voice shouted. As Amuro prepared to fire his beam gun, a fireball struck the Metallix unit, destroying it. Everyone turned to where the fireball struck it.
"Wh...what in the world?!" Bright said.
"Who did that?" Yurika asked to no one in particular.
"There are seven more units in the premesis. All Mobile...Fighters?" Ruri said.
"Mobile Fighters?" Yurika said. Ruri was right. Surrounding the battlefield were six Gundams and a white robot horse. One resembled a basic Gundam, except that it had a set of fins that were spread out. It had its hands out in a fireball pose. There was another Gundam almost like it, except it had larger fins and a bow on its left arm. A third near the GP-01 resembled a football player. A fourth by the Aestivalises looked a bit like Napolian...a bit. The fifth helping up Diana A and Boss Borot had a dragon- like montage for its design. The last Gundam looked a bit Russian.
"No way... the Shuffle Alliance?!" Anthony said, reconsing them.
"Interesting..." Washu said. "Burning, Rising, Maxter, Rose, Dragon and Bolt. And Fuunsaiki as well. Once this is over, I'd love to see how they work."
"Well, well, well... they have come at last." Metal Overlord said, his right hand around DragonMetal's neck. From his HUD, he saw the faces of the Gundam pilots and they, in turn, saw his. "Domon Kasshu, Rain Mikamura, Chibodee Crockett, George De Sand, Sai Saichi and Argo Guluski."
"When I heard that the Devil Gundam had returned, I didn't think it was possible." Domon said. "But it looks like they were right."
"Heheheh... you think you can stop it a fifth time?" Metal Overlord said.
"You BET I can!" Domon said.
"Good. I'll let you go and do that once I GET RID OF THIS!" Metal Overlord said. With all his might, he threw DragonMetal. It looked like he was going to achive low orbit.
"DRAGONMETAL!" Crystallis shouted.
"I got him! SCRANDER GO!" Koji shouted. The boosters on Jet Scrander flaring up, Mazinger Z followed the robot through the sky. As he did, Metal Overlord watched as the newcomers went after the Metallix. One by one, the Shuffle Alliance and Rain took down the Metal Sonics one by one, using their unique attacks to dispatch them, until all that was left was Devil Gundam and Metal Overlord.
"Wow... impressive..." Anthony said, eyes wide.
"Alright, you hunk of junk! It's your turn! Both you and the Devil Gundam are going down!" Chibodee said, grinning at the robo-hedgehog.
"You think, Crocket? Devil Gundam, eradicate them!" Metal Overlord said.
"Not so fast! ROSE BITS!" George shouted. From Rose Gundam's cape, a flurry of Rose Bits, designed almost like those used by the Zeon Mobile Armor Elmeth, shot out and zipped towards Devil Gundam and the Metal Overlord. As they surround the two, they "bloom" to life and begin firing beams at the two. Overlord easily dodge the blasts, but Devil Gundam takes the brunt of the attack.
"My turn! DRAGON FANG!" Sai shouted. Dragon Gundam's hands pulled inside its arms and the arms extended towards the two, both of them striking the two. As the Devil Gundam staggered, both Maxter and Bolt Gundam restrained it.
"Domon, NOW!" Chibodee shouted.
"You survived death once, you won't escape it again!" Domon shouted. His body and the Gundam turned gold. The fins behind the Gundam spreaded out and a red, yellow and orange halo appeared around it. Domon and the Burning Gundam raised their right hand, the crest of the King of Hearts appearing on Domon's hand and the guard over Burning Gundam's forearms moved over it's hand. "This hand of mine is BURNING RED! It's loud roar tells me to destroy you!" He raced towards the Devil Gundam. "Erupting! BURNING! FINGER!
"Domon Kasshu, no!" Tetsuya shouted. Landing Great Mazinger, he made the robot race towards God Gundam and, amazingly, CAUGHT the Burning Finger.
"What are you doing?!" Domon asked, trying to push Great Mazinger.
"We need the pilot inside ALIVE!" Tetsuya said, pushing back. Everyone, even Metal Overlord, was stunned to see Great Mazinger holding back the Burning Finger without it melting it's metal hand.
"Woah... it's true." Metal Overlord said. "Super Alloy Z IS superstrong. Gotta remember to snatch some..." At that, his HUD lit up, and the face of his servant appeared.
"Sir, the Metallix has begun it's raid on Cotan!" the servant said. "What shall you do?"
"Hmm... do you know where the traitor landed?" Metal Overlord said.
"Yes, he landed a few seconds ago...but, his position keeps moving slowly." the servant said. "He's in the United States."
"The United States, eh? I'm going there, I'll send Devil to Cotan..." Metal Overlord said. "Overlord out." At that, he looked at Devil Gundam. "Devil Gundam, go to Cotan." Rockets activating, he took off into the sky.
"What? NO!" Domon shouted, seeing Devil Gundam take off into the air. He pulled away from Great Mazinger. "See what you did?! He got away!"
"He's the least of your worries." Metal Overlord said. "I'm sure your friend Koji Kabuto is the only one going after DragonMetal, and who knows? Perhaps my men are there. He'll be all alone. Make your choice carefully...go after me or Devil Gundam. Ta!" With that, Metal Overlord disappeared.
"Oh, no! He got away!" Sayaka said.
"Grrr...what do we do now?" Anthony said.
"We'll hafta seperate our forces." Washu said from Anthony's communicator. Her voice was also heard from the other robots. "Cotan, on a normal day, would have been able to take care of the Devil Gundam, but since they're still reeling from Dark Crystallis' assault and the Heartless attacks, they'll need help. But, then again, whereever DragonMetal landed, he'll need help. He doesn't have the Zords and Mazinger Z by itself isn't enough."
"Do you KNOW where he landed?" Amuro asked.
"Not yet...wait..." Washu said, a bit surprised about something. "Anthony, I'm gonna bring up something on the Tornado X and tell me if you reconize it..." With that, Anthony saw a picture of a turtle-shaped island in the air. Anthony's eyes went wide.
"Animarium..." Anthony whispered. "We need to get there pronto! There's no way DragonMetal or Koji would survive!"
"Alright, I'll take a group to Cotan to assist in capturing Sabian and the Devil Gundam..." the voice of Bright said.
"...And I'll take a group to help the Metal Sonic and Koji!" the voice of Yurika.
"I'll go with White Base. I'm sure you're joining, Kou?" Amuro said.
"You bet! No way am I missing out on fighting alongside the great Amuro Ray!" Kou said.
"Devil Gundam's my business. I'm going, too." Domon said.
"I'm coming, too!" Rain said.
"Rain, I don't think you..." Domon began to say.
"Domon, I think it's better if we did..." Rain said softly. "There's no way I'm leaving you."
"Heh...alright then, Rain." Domon said.
"Hmph... I don't care about that robot. I'm going to...whereever DragonMetal went to." Vegeta said.
"Then, I'm going to help you, father." Trunks said.
"Don't forget about me!" Seiyuka said.
"Sei, I want you to take Wing Gundam and help the other Gundam pilots." Trunks said.
"But..." Seiyuka protested, but was cut off.
"Don't worry, it's okay." Trunks said. "White Base needs firepower. It needs Wing Gundam. I believe in you." He gave Seiyuka a hug and a quick kiss before leaving the cockpit and heading over to the Nadesico with Vegeta.
"I'm going to help Seiyuka on White Base." Sonic said. "Yeah, I know, I should be fighting with you guys, but they need the firepower. Besides, the Nadesico has those Aesti-whatsits"
"No problem, Sonic." Crystallis said. "Oh, uh, Sonic?"
"Yeah, Cryst?" Sonic said.
"You and Seiyuka watch over Ashura." Crystallis said. "I'm joining the others on the Nadesico."
"Alright..." Sonic said, shrugging.
"Hey, Neo-Japan!" Chibodee called out. "What about the rest of us?"
"Hmm... I dunno." Domon said. "I'd say you would be a help with the others, but..."
"I think joining you would be the best thing." Argo said. "White Base needs more help and we're it."
"Yeah! There's no way we're leaving you, bro!" Sai said.
"We shall fight with you to the very end." George said. Even Fuunsaiki agreed, neighing in responce.
"Alright, alright, we'll fight together..." Domon said, laughing a bit.
"Hey, Anthony, what are you going to do?" Tails said. "I'm going with the Nadesico."
"I'm with you, too!" Anthony said. "I,uh..."
"Hmm?" Tails said, wondering what he was going to say.
"Heh, oh, don't worry about it!" Anthony said. As he said that, he looked up to see Great Mazinger and Getter G already on the move, carrying Diana A and Boss Borot with them. "We'd better move!" With that, the two groups were formed and they raced off towards their respective locations, Washu quickly moving to the Nadesico to help out there.
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(A/N: Read Merc Star's "Chaos Rising" to see what happens in Cotan and wheither the heroes can free Sabian Starwalker. Read the next chapter to find out what's going on with the other heroes.)
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In the White Base's infirmatory, Washu was finishing up checking out Ashura as he slept. If anything, it was to see how Ashura's body had changed when Meg's possible life essence entered him. Outside, both Anthony and Crystallis, two of the many who saw Ashura's change, waited outside.
"So, how's Ashura, Washu?" Anthony asked as the scientist walked out of the sick bay.
"He'll live. Give him time to rest and heal and he'll be back to full strength in no time." Washu said. "The thing I'm worried about is is that super mode he used. He's never done that before."
"You think it has to do with Meg's body disappearing?" Crystallis asked. "And that light as well?"
"Most likely." Washu said. "For the time being, we'll hafta watch over him whenever he uses it."
"Understood." Anthony said. He walked away and headed to the cell which held AfterAshura. The hedgehog was covered in bandages
"What do you want?" AfterAshura scoffed.
"Just making sure you're being good." Anthony said. "You caused us a whole lot of trouble..."
"And I'd do it again, too." AfterAshura said. "You and your little friends took my world and I'm going to take yours."
"Who sent you to do what you did?" Anthony asked.
"I killed Meg on my own free will. Some stupid bald guy told me to destroy that city." AfterAshura said.
"Bald guy?" Anthony said, acting confused.
"Yeah, some Lex Luthor." AfterAshura said. "He's working with the MADS as well. Something about cloning Ashura and Merc. Then again, nothing'll replace losing Dark Crystallis and Pricon to those two."
"Why are you telling me this?" Anthony asked.
"Luthor promised that when I destroyed that city, he'd give me a city for me to rule over on that planet. He lied. I had those...Rift Hunters...after me." AfterAshura said. "I wanted to kill him, but I had other things. I wanted to kill Megan. She was my sister and she chose that goody-two-shoes Ashura. She betrayed me!"
"Maybe...but, perhaps YOU betrayed HER." Anthony said. This shocked AfterAshura.
"Muh-ME?!" AfterAshura said, shocked. "Buh...buh..." He sat there, thinking. "He lied to me again..."
"Who? Luthor?" Anthony asked.
"Yes...he...he said Megan didn't love me, that she loved Ashura... even showed me videos of them together..." AfterAshura said.
"They were having fun most likely, After." Anthony said. "Haven't you thought about the fact that Megan dearly loved you and just wanted you to be good again?" AfterAshura looked down, then covered his face.
"My god... what have I done?!" AfterAshura said, on the verge of tears. "He tricked me. He lied to me. I destroyed a city...killed my sister...tried to kill my other self...for what? Huh?"
"AfterAshura, I know you won't get off that easy for what you did..." Anthony began.
"Gamemaster Anthony Bault." AfterAshura said, looking up at Anthony. "Stop the Metallix. Take down Lex Luthor."
"Don't worry, we will." Anthony said. With that, Anthony walked away. As he did, AfterAshura watched.
"I'm sorry, Megan..." AfterAshura whispered. "...but I'll make sure you'll live on anyway I can."
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In one of the meeting rooms, many of the robot pilots were conversing about what to do next.
"Alright, so we have a big number of robot pilots and mechs." Amuro said. "That's fine and all, but we need more firepower."
"I kinda wish I could use the Dendrobium." Kou said, leaning back. "I mean, it's a freaking tank, but it only works in space."
"A shame, really." Amuro mused.
[Bah! TigerZord, DragonZord and the Thunder MegaZord is all we need!] DragonMetal said. [The rest of you can go to hell!]
[DragonMetal, really!] Metal Amy said.
[Well, it's true!] DragonMetal retorted.
"I love the bravado, but what we need is to drag out the big guns. Mazinkaiser, Shin Getter, Nu Gundam...er..." Koji began before stopping.
"What's wrong, Koji?" Sayaka asked.
"I just realized something... Mazinger Z still doesn't have Jet Scrander..." Koji said, causing the group to facefault.
"Oh, Koji..." Sayaka groaned.
"I did hear from Boss, though." Tetsuya said, standing up. "He did get Boss Borot fixed and was gonna get here with Jet Scrander, so..."
"That's great!" Koji said. "Wait, Boss Borot with Jet Scrander?!"
"Ahem... let's get back to the topic at hand." Ryouma said. "Yes, I do agree we're gonna need to pull out the big guns, but I doubt we should do it so soon."
"Agreed. If it gets too hairy, we'll get them." Amuro said. As they agreed, sirens went off. "Another attack?!"
"Alright, more action!" Koji said. With that, they rushed to the bridge to find out what's going on.
"Noah, what's going on?" Amuro said.
"That..." Bright said, pointing straight ahead. In their viewscreen was a massive Gundam-like mech. Amuro reconized it immediately.
"De-De-Devil Gundam!?" he said, shocked. "But, how?! I heard it was destroyed!"
"I don't know, but it looks like it's back and deadlier than ever..." Koji said. "Oh, yeah, I've been waiting for this. A REAL challenge!"
"Something's not right..." Vegeta said.
"What do you mean, father?" Trunks asked.
"Can't you feel it? There's someone in there." Vegeta said.
"Yeah, you're right... but who?!" Trunks said.
"Guess we're gonna hafta break that thing open and find out!" Sonic said, already racing out.
"Sonic, wait a... oh, never mind." Tails said. With that, the others raced out.
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Outside, the mecha were launched and ready to fight. The Tornado X, holding Anthony and Crystallis, flew overhead, looking for a good drop point to get them in the fight.
"Amuro said that Devil Gundam was destroyed..." Anthony said. "So, how is he still standing?!"
"The Metallix may have rebuilt him or built a Mark Two." Tails said.
"But, wouldn't a Mark Two Devil Gundam be...oh, I dunno...weaker?" Crystallis asked.
"Likely, unless they were able to recreate the DG Cells." Tails said.
"Oh, that sounds great." Anthony said, sarcastically.
"Well, well, well, look who's here to play!" Metal Overlord said, arriving on top of the Devil Gundam. "I was hoping the King of Hearts would show up, but you guys are better."
"Stuff it, faker!" Sonic said. "You and your Metallix better pack up and leave! There's no way you can win!"
"Oh, on the contrary. We have a trump card. Take a look in the cockpit." Metal Overlord said, the cockpit opening, allowing everyone to see Sabian inside, a crazed look on his face.
"SABIAN!" Sonic shouted.
"Sabian!? That's one of the guys we're looking for!" Amuro said.
"That's him?!" Koji said, a tad shocked.
"Let him GO!" Crystallis shouted, flying down and striking Metal Overlord, sending flying off Devil Gundam's shoulder.
"ARGH! Miserable PEST! Devil Gundam, grab her!" Metal Overlord shouted. Before Crystallis could do anything, Devil Gundam's shoulder transformed into an extra hand and arm and grabbed her.
"CRYSTY!" Sonic shouted. He went Super and flew towards the Gundam.
"I don't think so." Metal Overlord said. "Metallix, ATTACK!" With that, numerous Metal Sonics appeared from the ground with one thing in mind: Kill.
"It's an ambush!" Sayaka shouted.
"Scatter and take them out!" Amuro shouted. No sooner did he say that, that Vegeta began firing Final Flashes all over the place, one of them nearly striking the Nadesico.
"VEGETA! What do you think you're doing?! You nearly hit us!" the voice of Yurika cried out on a radio Vegeta had on him.
"Oh, shut up!" Vegeta shouted back as she kept yelling.
"Hey, I could use a little bit of backup here!" Akito cried as his Aestivalis began getting swamped by the swarms of Metallix. At that, Ryoko's Aesti arrived, knocking them away.
"Really, Tenkawa, you need to fight back more..." Ryoko said, annoyed.
"Uh... right. Thanks, Ryoko." Akito said. At that, he noticed a Metallix unit ready to strike Ryoko's Aesti from behind. "WATCH OUT!" He shoved her out of the way and fired what appeared to be a rocket punch through the Metallix's head. The rocket punch was controlled, though, seeing as it came back thanks to a wire connected to the arm.
"Uh... thanks..." Ryoko said, making her Aesti standing up. If Akito could have seen her, he would have seen her blushing, if anything because he had saved her life. That ended when numerous Metallix began piling up on them. All around the battlefield, Metallix began getting the upper hand on the robot pilots. The only ones not getting into the fight was Metal Overlord and Devil Gundam.
"Heheheheh. Isn't this sweet, Crystallis?" Metal Overlord said. "Your dear friends, fighting in an unwinnable war. They know they're doomed and all they're doing is prolonging the inevitable. Why don't they just give up?"
"Because they know they'll win! You're the one fighting the unwinnable war!" Crystallis shouted.
"Oh, is that so?" Metal Overlord said. "By the way, where's your knight in Shining Gundam Armor?"
"He isn't available for the moment..." a voice called out. Metal Overlord looked to see the Tornado X racing towards the Devil Gundam, Anthony holding on outside, his lightsaber out and activated. "Mind taking me?!" As he said that, Anthony grazed the new arm holding Crystallis, releasing her. Crystallis took off into the air, far from the Devil Gundam's reach.
"NO! ARGH! DAMN YOU, GAMEMASTER!" Metal Overlord shouted
[Oh, you don't have to worry about the Gamemaster...] The voice of DragonMetal said. Metal Overlord turned to see DragonMetal hovering there. He looked like he went through hell, which he did, seeing as he went hand to hand with the swarms of Metallix. [You hafta worry about me.]
"Traitor... you'll get what you DESERVE!" Metal Overlord said, flying towards the Ranger-Robo, the two engaging in a fight.
"GAH! Can't these things take a break?!" Koji shouted as he had Mazinger Z swipe a bunch of Metallix away from him. "Man, I wish I DID bring Jet Scrander..."
"KABUTOOOOOO!" a voice called out. Koji and Mazinger looked up to see Boss Borot fall out of the sky and belly flop on a bunch of Metallix, destroying.
"Boss! Man, am I glad to see you!" Koji said. "Where's Scrander?"
"Up there!" Boss said, Borot pointing to the sky. "I'll hold them off! You get to the Scrander!" With that, Boss began valiently fighting off the Metallix, giving Koji enough room to get Mazinger Z running. As Mazinger got up to speed, Jet Scrander flew in. With a mighty leap, Mazinger Z got high enough for Jet Scrander's belt to hook on.
"Alright! Mazinger Z, lord of the skies!" Koji shouted as Mazinger Z straightened itself out in the air. At that moment, Great Mazinger, Getter Dragon and the GP-01 joined him. "Hey, guys! Having a tough time?"
"Not at all!" Ryouma said, smirking. "Just need a bit of breathing room."
"Man, these guys are tough!" Kou said.
"I think it's time to give the others breathing room!" Tetsuya said, smirking himself.
"Let's do this!" Kou said, flying back into the fray, Beam Rifle firing at full blast, saving Diana A and the battleships.
"Oh, yeah... BREAST FIRE!" Koji shouted, Mazinger Z firing his finishing move at the Metallix below, freeing the Aestis from the attacks.
"THUNDER BREAK!" Tetsuya shouted, Great Mazinger firing its finishing move, causing more Metallix to be destroyed, saving the Zords and Wing Gundam.
"Hey, Ryouma, why not show these guys the true power of the Getter G?" Hayato said.
"Yeah! Let's show them the Shine Spark!" Benkei said.
"Alright, let's do this..." Ryouma said. At the same time, the three Getter pilots pressed a special petal which caused the Getter Dragon to flare up with energy. "GETTER SHINE!" With that, Getter Dragon shot up into the air, then, both fists in front of it, made a kamikaze dive towards a group of Metallix. "SHINE...SPAAARK!" At the last moment, Getter Dragon stopped, the energy that surrounded it still flying into the Metallix. In a ball of fire, the Metallix it struck went up.
"Bullseye!" Hayato shouted.
"Uh-oh... more coming!" Benkei said, seeing more Metallix arriving.
"And it'll take a while to charge up another Shine Spark!" Ryouma said.
"Oh, man, we're screwed!" Amuro said, seeing the Metallix himself. He watched in shock as a Metallix prepared to ram its fist into Gundam.
"TENKYOUKEN!" a voice shouted. As Amuro prepared to fire his beam gun, a fireball struck the Metallix unit, destroying it. Everyone turned to where the fireball struck it.
"Wh...what in the world?!" Bright said.
"Who did that?" Yurika asked to no one in particular.
"There are seven more units in the premesis. All Mobile...Fighters?" Ruri said.
"Mobile Fighters?" Yurika said. Ruri was right. Surrounding the battlefield were six Gundams and a white robot horse. One resembled a basic Gundam, except that it had a set of fins that were spread out. It had its hands out in a fireball pose. There was another Gundam almost like it, except it had larger fins and a bow on its left arm. A third near the GP-01 resembled a football player. A fourth by the Aestivalises looked a bit like Napolian...a bit. The fifth helping up Diana A and Boss Borot had a dragon- like montage for its design. The last Gundam looked a bit Russian.
"No way... the Shuffle Alliance?!" Anthony said, reconsing them.
"Interesting..." Washu said. "Burning, Rising, Maxter, Rose, Dragon and Bolt. And Fuunsaiki as well. Once this is over, I'd love to see how they work."
"Well, well, well... they have come at last." Metal Overlord said, his right hand around DragonMetal's neck. From his HUD, he saw the faces of the Gundam pilots and they, in turn, saw his. "Domon Kasshu, Rain Mikamura, Chibodee Crockett, George De Sand, Sai Saichi and Argo Guluski."
"When I heard that the Devil Gundam had returned, I didn't think it was possible." Domon said. "But it looks like they were right."
"Heheheh... you think you can stop it a fifth time?" Metal Overlord said.
"You BET I can!" Domon said.
"Good. I'll let you go and do that once I GET RID OF THIS!" Metal Overlord said. With all his might, he threw DragonMetal. It looked like he was going to achive low orbit.
"DRAGONMETAL!" Crystallis shouted.
"I got him! SCRANDER GO!" Koji shouted. The boosters on Jet Scrander flaring up, Mazinger Z followed the robot through the sky. As he did, Metal Overlord watched as the newcomers went after the Metallix. One by one, the Shuffle Alliance and Rain took down the Metal Sonics one by one, using their unique attacks to dispatch them, until all that was left was Devil Gundam and Metal Overlord.
"Wow... impressive..." Anthony said, eyes wide.
"Alright, you hunk of junk! It's your turn! Both you and the Devil Gundam are going down!" Chibodee said, grinning at the robo-hedgehog.
"You think, Crocket? Devil Gundam, eradicate them!" Metal Overlord said.
"Not so fast! ROSE BITS!" George shouted. From Rose Gundam's cape, a flurry of Rose Bits, designed almost like those used by the Zeon Mobile Armor Elmeth, shot out and zipped towards Devil Gundam and the Metal Overlord. As they surround the two, they "bloom" to life and begin firing beams at the two. Overlord easily dodge the blasts, but Devil Gundam takes the brunt of the attack.
"My turn! DRAGON FANG!" Sai shouted. Dragon Gundam's hands pulled inside its arms and the arms extended towards the two, both of them striking the two. As the Devil Gundam staggered, both Maxter and Bolt Gundam restrained it.
"Domon, NOW!" Chibodee shouted.
"You survived death once, you won't escape it again!" Domon shouted. His body and the Gundam turned gold. The fins behind the Gundam spreaded out and a red, yellow and orange halo appeared around it. Domon and the Burning Gundam raised their right hand, the crest of the King of Hearts appearing on Domon's hand and the guard over Burning Gundam's forearms moved over it's hand. "This hand of mine is BURNING RED! It's loud roar tells me to destroy you!" He raced towards the Devil Gundam. "Erupting! BURNING! FINGER!
"Domon Kasshu, no!" Tetsuya shouted. Landing Great Mazinger, he made the robot race towards God Gundam and, amazingly, CAUGHT the Burning Finger.
"What are you doing?!" Domon asked, trying to push Great Mazinger.
"We need the pilot inside ALIVE!" Tetsuya said, pushing back. Everyone, even Metal Overlord, was stunned to see Great Mazinger holding back the Burning Finger without it melting it's metal hand.
"Woah... it's true." Metal Overlord said. "Super Alloy Z IS superstrong. Gotta remember to snatch some..." At that, his HUD lit up, and the face of his servant appeared.
"Sir, the Metallix has begun it's raid on Cotan!" the servant said. "What shall you do?"
"Hmm... do you know where the traitor landed?" Metal Overlord said.
"Yes, he landed a few seconds ago...but, his position keeps moving slowly." the servant said. "He's in the United States."
"The United States, eh? I'm going there, I'll send Devil to Cotan..." Metal Overlord said. "Overlord out." At that, he looked at Devil Gundam. "Devil Gundam, go to Cotan." Rockets activating, he took off into the sky.
"What? NO!" Domon shouted, seeing Devil Gundam take off into the air. He pulled away from Great Mazinger. "See what you did?! He got away!"
"He's the least of your worries." Metal Overlord said. "I'm sure your friend Koji Kabuto is the only one going after DragonMetal, and who knows? Perhaps my men are there. He'll be all alone. Make your choice carefully...go after me or Devil Gundam. Ta!" With that, Metal Overlord disappeared.
"Oh, no! He got away!" Sayaka said.
"Grrr...what do we do now?" Anthony said.
"We'll hafta seperate our forces." Washu said from Anthony's communicator. Her voice was also heard from the other robots. "Cotan, on a normal day, would have been able to take care of the Devil Gundam, but since they're still reeling from Dark Crystallis' assault and the Heartless attacks, they'll need help. But, then again, whereever DragonMetal landed, he'll need help. He doesn't have the Zords and Mazinger Z by itself isn't enough."
"Do you KNOW where he landed?" Amuro asked.
"Not yet...wait..." Washu said, a bit surprised about something. "Anthony, I'm gonna bring up something on the Tornado X and tell me if you reconize it..." With that, Anthony saw a picture of a turtle-shaped island in the air. Anthony's eyes went wide.
"Animarium..." Anthony whispered. "We need to get there pronto! There's no way DragonMetal or Koji would survive!"
"Alright, I'll take a group to Cotan to assist in capturing Sabian and the Devil Gundam..." the voice of Bright said.
"...And I'll take a group to help the Metal Sonic and Koji!" the voice of Yurika.
"I'll go with White Base. I'm sure you're joining, Kou?" Amuro said.
"You bet! No way am I missing out on fighting alongside the great Amuro Ray!" Kou said.
"Devil Gundam's my business. I'm going, too." Domon said.
"I'm coming, too!" Rain said.
"Rain, I don't think you..." Domon began to say.
"Domon, I think it's better if we did..." Rain said softly. "There's no way I'm leaving you."
"Heh...alright then, Rain." Domon said.
"Hmph... I don't care about that robot. I'm going to...whereever DragonMetal went to." Vegeta said.
"Then, I'm going to help you, father." Trunks said.
"Don't forget about me!" Seiyuka said.
"Sei, I want you to take Wing Gundam and help the other Gundam pilots." Trunks said.
"But..." Seiyuka protested, but was cut off.
"Don't worry, it's okay." Trunks said. "White Base needs firepower. It needs Wing Gundam. I believe in you." He gave Seiyuka a hug and a quick kiss before leaving the cockpit and heading over to the Nadesico with Vegeta.
"I'm going to help Seiyuka on White Base." Sonic said. "Yeah, I know, I should be fighting with you guys, but they need the firepower. Besides, the Nadesico has those Aesti-whatsits"
"No problem, Sonic." Crystallis said. "Oh, uh, Sonic?"
"Yeah, Cryst?" Sonic said.
"You and Seiyuka watch over Ashura." Crystallis said. "I'm joining the others on the Nadesico."
"Alright..." Sonic said, shrugging.
"Hey, Neo-Japan!" Chibodee called out. "What about the rest of us?"
"Hmm... I dunno." Domon said. "I'd say you would be a help with the others, but..."
"I think joining you would be the best thing." Argo said. "White Base needs more help and we're it."
"Yeah! There's no way we're leaving you, bro!" Sai said.
"We shall fight with you to the very end." George said. Even Fuunsaiki agreed, neighing in responce.
"Alright, alright, we'll fight together..." Domon said, laughing a bit.
"Hey, Anthony, what are you going to do?" Tails said. "I'm going with the Nadesico."
"I'm with you, too!" Anthony said. "I,uh..."
"Hmm?" Tails said, wondering what he was going to say.
"Heh, oh, don't worry about it!" Anthony said. As he said that, he looked up to see Great Mazinger and Getter G already on the move, carrying Diana A and Boss Borot with them. "We'd better move!" With that, the two groups were formed and they raced off towards their respective locations, Washu quickly moving to the Nadesico to help out there.
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(A/N: Read Merc Star's "Chaos Rising" to see what happens in Cotan and wheither the heroes can free Sabian Starwalker. Read the next chapter to find out what's going on with the other heroes.)