Orange Star: A revised history

Commanding Officer Mel

Disclaimer: I still don't own the company that made Advance Wars but I do own a copy of the game as usual.

Author's note – And anything in it is in Romanji or Pinyin and base Cantonese. Read And Review!

Time: Morning

Place: Mel's house

"Hmph." She walked over to the nightstand and took her glasses from it and peered through them. "What are we doing today?"

". . .well . . .I have to talk to Kanbei about a few things first with Gabe and Gary. You and the girls can go shopping if you want, we'll maybe see you at lunch or dinner or something."

"Talk about what?"

"I personally have no clue. Some political crud or something like that."

"Oh. Okay . . ." She thought about it . . .then she decided that it wasn't worth asking about, so she just shrugged and walked over to the closet, pulling out a skirt. "Does this look good?" She said, holding it up.

". . .uh, sure." Mel raised an eyebrow, and went on with his morning routine of : waking up. Done. Showering. Done. Now brushing his teeth, then finding something to eat.

"You're not even looking." She said pouting.

". . .(spits) sorry." He turned around and took a glance. "Sure. It looks just fine." He finished brushing his teeth and grabbed a clean shirt and khaki pants out of the closet and got dressed. "What are you gonna do now?"

". . .probably go back to sleep." She gave a yawn. She'd decided that going out wasn't the best thing to do at the moment. She fell down to her knees as her loose night-shirt hung off to the side exposing her left shoulder.

"Sleepy-head." He teased.

"Hmph. At least I can sleep in unlike someone!"

"Huh." He shrugged and headed outside. "I'll see you then Sami."

"Okay. Night-night." She yawned and flopped back onto the bed.

". . .(sigh) girls . . ." Mel just shook his head as he pulled up his jacket and marched out of the house.

Time: 8:15 am

Place: Imperial Palace

Mel, Gabe and Gary sat at a large table with Kanbei, Sonja, Alice and Allison. Mel peered over his tea cup as he downed its contents.

"Where's Sami, Mel?" Sonja asked.

"Asleep."

"Why?"

"Lazy."

"Hmm . . ." Sonja thoughtfully grabbed a rice ball with her chopsticks and ate it. "That's different. She normally gets up early."

"Since she moved in . . .she's been like that." Mel said, pouring himself more tea.

"Really? I thought that girl was . . .uh . . . 'hyperactive' or something like that." Gary said prodding at a rice ball.

"Who knows? And who cares?" Gabe said catching a fly between his chopsticks. "Eww . . ."

"Yuck."

". . .right . . .anyway . . .you six." Kanbei said, motioning with his chopsticks.

"Yes?" Mel said, looking carefully at a map that Kanbei had laid out in the middle of the table.

"This is Yellow Comet territory here on the map. However, due to recent and past uprisings, I need someone to ensure it doesn't happen again. This is where you six come in."

"Uh huh . . ." Gary looked intently at the position where Kanbei was pointing at.

"This peninsula is known as the territory of the Rising Sun. Those forces there however need some training and what not. And I will see to it that they will be ready by the time you have finished your schooling next year."

"Uh, sir . . .you do realize that we're still a year off though?" Gary said.

"I am aware of that. But if you don't remember, usually the last year of University in any country is Field Training."

". . .I . . .I didn't know that." Gary sat back, his face in something between shock and surprise.

"Well neither did we. So leave it at that Gary." Mel said, poking at a rice ball.

"Either way, you all do accept of course?" Kanbei asked.

"Okay . . .group discussion." They all huddled up and talked.

"Sounds interesting . . ."

"Could work."

"Never really wanted to leave home." Alice sighed.

"Yellow Comet is where I can learn more about its culture . . ." Gabe muttered.

"Import Games!" Gary said.

"Baka . . ." Mel said under his breath.

". . .hmm . . ."

"All right?"

"Yeah!"

"All right sir . . .we accept. Do we have any arguments though if we call the region White Sun?" Mel finished.

"Not really."

"Nope."

"Don't really care."

"Then it's settled. Mel the White Sun region will be in the command of you and your friends when you all graduate."

"Okay!"

"However, since you all are of Orange Star, I have also declared that White Sun may take sides with both countries in times of trouble. However, doing times of trouble White Sun will first ally itself with Yellow Comet during all matters. As well, it is to remain neutral unless attacked."

"Uhh . . .guys?" Mel asked, looking slightly troubled.

"Well . . .it seems reasonable enough."

"I understand that Yellow Comet desires the need for White Sun's aid, so it's seems to be all right."

"Okay . . .it's settled then, we accept." Mel said, somewhat worried that he might have made the wrong choice, but in all matters, it seemed to work. "Very well then. You will have troops ready though?"

"Of course, they will begin training soon enough. Once I get that prepared. The forces will be ready upon your return."

". . .I see." Mel was a bit more relaxed knowing that there'd be forces ready for them.

"Now that it's all settled . . .I believe that is all."

"All right, thank you sir. We'll be off." Mel said bowing respectfully before heading out. "Wanna come Sonja?"

". . .okay!" Sonja headed out after them. "Daddy, I'm gonna be off for a bit, see you later!"

"All right Sonja. Have fun." Kanbei stood alone, in the war room and turned out staring into the open window. "I do hope that war won't be necessary though . . ."

Time: 9:25 am

Place: Mel's Quarters

The whole lot of them stood there trying to drag Sami out of bed.

"I don't wanna! Lemme sleep!"

"But you said . . ."

"I don't care Mel! Now get lost! I'm trying to get some sleep!"

" . . .YOU SLEPT FOR A VERY LONG TIME!"

"So? I like to sleep in on holidays!" She whined as Mel attempted to drag her out.

"We're going out today!!!"

"Don't wanna." She whined as Mel had managed to get her out of bed.

". . .(sigh) . . .Sonja?"

"Uh huh?"

". . .you know what to do . . .guys, leave." With that he and the other two guys left.

". . .what are you three planning?" Sami asked, hiding behind a pillow.

". . .oh, nothing much." Sonja said.

Time: . . .10 seconds later

Place: Same place . . .

A scream of excruciating pain exited the doorway as Mel walked out. The girls gave Sami a wedgie. Then a splash had sounded and the sound of another scream came out. They had also dunked her in a tub of cold water. The last scream emitted as a threat.

"Mel!!! I'll get you!!!"

"If you can catch me Sami!" Mel said running off laughing with the other two.

Time: A bit later

Place: Yellow Comet Mall

Sami sat down looking rather peeved and sore at Mel and Sonja.

"It's not my fault you didn't get up." Mel said drinking a pop.

". . .hmph . . ."

". . .either way, are you still sore?"

". . .what do you think?" She asked wincing. The wedgie she received was probably the first, and it proved to be incredibly painful. She pouted as she rubbed gingerly at the spot on her posterior. ". . .you owe me an apology at least."

"Fine, fine, sorry." He said, kissing her on the forehead. "You know, you do look a lot cuter without those glasses on your face."

"Hmm . . .but I didn't wanna put on my contacts today. You know, pain in the butt . . ."

"Haha . . .that's a bad one Sami."

"Hmph!"

"You're awfully moody for someone who's slept for an extra 5 hours."

"Yeah, well I have the right to be moody."

'Crap . . .it's gotta be that time of month . . .again.' Mel thought to himself as he downed the rest of his drink and tossed it into the trash. "Come on, let's go, the rest of them are probably waiting for us." He then tapped Sonja on the shoulder, "You too."

". . .eh? Oh, it's just you Mel. All right, let's go home then, I really couldn't find anything to buy today . . ."

"Okay." Mel shrugged, and he slid his hands back into his pockets and walked out. "I'll be at the car with the rest of them. If you two wanna talk that is . . ." With that and a final two fingered wave, he headed off.

"Well?"

"Do you have anything to say?"

"Not really . . ."

"I'm really sorry about giving you a wedgie and all . . .but Mel said you wouldn't get up so . . .yeah . . ."

"Oh don't worry about it . . ." 'I AM SO GOING TO GET HER FOR THAT . . .'

"Really? Thanks! Let's go then!" Sonja then sped off outside towards the car.

Time: 5:00 p.m.

Place: Royal Palace

Sami lay down on the couch and stared brainlessly at the TV, while Mel had gone off to have a computer death match of something or other with the others. She flicked the television off and she then hung upside down, her head resting on the floor.

"You know, doing that isn't very healthy Sami." Kanbei said, observing the girl.

"Huh? Oh, it doesn't really matter." She sighed, "I'm probably going to go back upstairs or something . . ."

"All right, if you insist. Tell them that dinner will be ready in half an hour."

"Okay . . ." Sami pulled herself back up and started up the stairs.

The sound of gunfire and whatnot echoed in the room, as Mel had just been picked off by Gary.

"DAMMIT!"

"HAHAHA! WHAT THE!?"

"Heh."

"Not so fast. Bye!"

"NOOOO!!!"

"I think not! TELEFRAG!"

"DAMN!"

"SHIMATA!"

"AIYA!!!"

"NOOO!!!" Various screams and yells from the six computer stations sounded and the six players were busily trying to mow each other down.

"Why won't you die!?"

"Cause I'm too good."

"Why don't you 'Too good' this!?"

"GAH!!! YOU KILLED ME!"

"MUAHAHAHAHHAHAHA!"

"MEL I'LL GET YOU!"

"NEVER! BURN!" Mel replied as he mowed down Gary. Sami then tapped him on the shoulder and hit the 'auto crash' Key on Mel's keyboard.

"Huh? . . .Wait a sec . . ."

". . .NO!!!" was everyone's shout of dismay.

"Now that I have everyone's undivided attention, dinner's ready in half an hour and . . . you guys really need to stop yelling and trying to kill each other, it's scary."

"Oh . . .okay." Mel said.

"Hmm . . .you really ought to invite me next time you guys play."

"Sorry Mei." Mel said, using her pet name.

"Hmph. It's okay." She was slightly peeved that he'd actually use that name when their friends were around.

"So, what do you want to do now?"

"Nothing's on TV and now that your game is over, I guess we could just chat or something."

"That sounds good. Come on." He headed downstairs with her, resting his arm loosely over her shoulder.

"Kay . . ." She complied and led him to the couch she was sitting upside down on earlier.

"Why is there an indent on this couch Sami?" Mel asked spotting a strange mark on it.

"I was sitting on it for the past hour. The seat is really squishy." She said, flopping back upside on that indent.

"Kanbei doesn't seem to mind that you're lying on his couch like that."

"Nope, he's like an uncle to me, so I'm fine. I went to school here, Sonja taught me some of the language to help me get by."

"I see."

"How are you related to Sonja again?"

"Family friend. I also lived with her for a bit, exchange and whatnot, but of course, I finished schooling in Orange Star."

"I see. But you seem to be rather professional terms with her father too."

"Well what do you expect? He's given me some authority in this country just this morning . . ."

"Oh? Wow, that's serious stuff."

"Yeah. I know. I wonder why I even accepted it . . .but, who knows? It might help."

"Yeah, I guess." She said, playing with a strand of stray hair. "Don't bother turning on the TV, I told you, nothing good's on." She sighed, closing her eyes.

"All right. If you say so." Mel tossed the controller back on the table and ran a hand through his hair, which was getting increasingly longer. He probably even failed to notice the short ponytail that was growing in the back.

"Say . . .Mel?"

"Huh? Yeah?"

"You know, I think you need to get your hair cut soon. When was the last time you had it cut?"

". . .uhh . . .before school ended?" Mel said, scratching his head. "Why?"

"Either you're doing it unconsciously or something, but you've never noticed that tail of hair in the back?"

"Huh?"

"This." She said, yanking it playfully.

"Ouch! Hey easy on the hair!"

"Hmph, so you never did notice you've grown at least 6 inches of extra long hair in the last few months huh?"

"Not really."

"You are so ignorant Mel. Let's go get that cut."

"Aw . . .but I thought I looked cool."

"So you did notice it."

"Yeah . . ."

"Well too bad, I think you look demented."

"Fine, fine. Tomorrow though. All the places are closed . . .thank goodness . . ."

"Hmph."

"To be honest, it never occurred to me that my hair was that long."

"Well that's your problem . . .hmm . . .something smells good, dinner must be ready."

"Oh? Right! Let's go!" He dashed off before she could grab him by his hair again.

". . .he's sweet, but he's rather crazy at the same time." She sighed as she followed at a leisurely pace.

They sat at the table, chopsticks in hand as they busied themselves in the snarfing of food.

"Hey! Hands off the teriyaki!"

"No way! It's mine!"

"Never!!! DIE!!!"

"Don't make me use these chopsticks!"

"How about I stick these where the sun don't shine?"

"How about I don't your and before you to death?"

"Now, now, there's no need to fight over the teriyaki, I have more . . ." Kanbei said, putting a hand between the fighting students. By then, Mel had Gabe's throat, Gary had pulled out a rifle, Sami was standing on Allison and Alice had managed to pin Sonja to the ground. "Good grief, I didn't know you all liked it that much." He muttered and pried them off of each other. After getting resettled, everyone was staring daggers at each other.

"Death Match in the rec room after dinner." Mel muttered through a mouthful of udon noodles.

"Agreed." Everyone else said, with icy glares.

Time: 8:00 p.m.

Place: Sonja's Computer Rec Room

"Why won't you die?"

"Where are you?"

"Hehehehe . . ."

"Huh? Dammit!"

"Stupid piece of junk!"

"Take this ponytail boy!"

"SINE!!!"

"BURN!!!"

"Sami!!!"

"Argh! Where's my rocket launcher at?"

"You're looking at it."

"SURPRISE ATTACK!!! Crap."

"Bye-bye Gabe."

"No!"

"Fear my mad sniping – damn." What do you get when you stick a bunch of teriyaki high university students together in a room with computers equipped with games that involve trying to mow each other down? This is what you get, a bunch of 18-year-olds intent on trying to give each other a new virtual orifice somewhere. Of course, eventually the teriyaki and cola wore off and they all flopped onto the floor semi-conscious.

"Mel?" Sami mumbled.

"Uh-huh?"

"What time is it?"

"Ten . . ."

"Oh."

"Where's my coffee?" Sonja moaned.

"Where'd I toss my coat?" Gabe said, staggering up, then collapsing again.

"Where're my glasses?" Gary muttered, feeling around the ground, until he grabbed Allison's leg.

"Eek! Let GO!!!"

"Don't have to scream . . . baka" Alice groaned.

"Mel-oniichan? I think I'm gonna be sick."

"Sorry Sonja can't move right now. Disorientated now. Seeing rainbows."

"Sami wanna go sleep now." Sami said, delirious from motion sickness.

"I'd love to help you now Sami, but I can't move. Rainbow colours don't help either."

Time: 9:00 p.m.

Place: Orange Star

Andy sat at his desk examining the various plans he had been working out on Mel's car. He was about finished, and since no one bothered to visit other than Nell, it occupied most of his time. Getting up and stretching, he grabbed the can of pop on the desk and downed the remaining contents in a single gulp.

"Dang it. This is really boring." He muttered. "I wonder if they miss me?" He took a seat on the floor and gazed out the window at the hazy sky. Little did he know of what was going on in Yellow Comet and elsewhere . . .

Time: ???

Place: Blue Moon

"Huh? Who are you? What the?" A gunshot rang out, and then there was a dead silence.

"That was far too easy, now Blue Moon will be under our command, without the rest of the country knowing. It makes it even easier considering it's a militant government. Now keep it under raps until I return with Orange Star's Supreme Commander." The black clad figure said as he headed off. His subordinate looked a bit confused, but sighed and cleared out the body and decided to put his feet up on the desk.

"Hmph, I guess this is better than being a pilot or something." He muttered, as he heard the klaxons blaring, indicating an invasion, and take over . . .

Time: The next day, 1:00 am

Place: Imperial Palace

A shrill high-pitched scream echoed in the night. Then a string of curse words in Japanese filled the night air.

"#($(#&$(&#($&(#&$!#&!$)&)#$(%&!(#&((#&)#$&)#&)#&$)(&(#$)#&)($#)($)#$&%#&$)&()&$(#&$(&#)#$$)()#%()$&#(%&#()$&#)$&()&$())(#&()&#%)&#!!!" Screamed Sonja as she tried to get up to chase Sami, but only managed to fall flat on her face. The pain was far too intense. That and she couldn't see a thing in the dark. Sami had got her back, bad. She had snuck up on Sonja in the middle of the night, grabbed the elastic on her panties and yanked up, HARD. Resulting in an atomic wedgie of mass proportions. Thankfully Kanbei slept with earplugs, Mel was unconscious in his own quarters and wasn't a light sleeper, and the other four were sleeping at their own homes. The only reason this happened was that Sami insisted she sleep at the palace that night to get her revenge from the morning.

Time: 2:00 am

Place: Mel's quarters

After eluding Sonja by jumping out the first floor window and climbing into the window Mel's quarters, Sami snuck back into the bedroom, and found Mel standing there.

"Uh oh . . ." She groaned.

" . . .Ugh . . ." Mel mumbled as he walked blindly past her.

"What the? Oh jeez, he's sleep walking or something . . ." She said, rubbing her tired eyes. "Mel?"

" . . ."

"Scary . . ." She said to herself as she creeped over and slid back into her bed. Just then, there was a slight thump on the bed, and Sami turned and looked. Mel had collapsed on it after his bout of sleepwalking. "Dammit . . ." Sami muttered to herself. "He'll probably wonder why I'm back here and play some mean prank on me. Oh well, him being here has its perks." She mused, as she snuggled next to him. "Mmm."

Time: The next morning

Place: Mel's quarters

Just as Sami had expected, she had a rather unpleasant surprise in store for her. She woke up and blinked, but something seemed . . . out of place. Readjusting her eyes, she realized that the room was upside down.

"Eh?" Then she felt a slight draft. "Huh? Where are my pajamas!?" She yelped, in realization that she was in her underwear. And hanging upside down.

"Good morning Sami." Mel greeted, cheerfully. "What were you doing back here last night?"

"Mel!!! Cut me loose!"

"Ah-ah-ah. I can't do that. I figured you go and try to get Sonja back, then run like heck. When I woke up and found you next to me, I decided to –"

"Play a prank on me?"

"Yup."

"I'm cold!!! Let me down!" She said, beginning to blush furiously.

"You're so cute when you're turning red." He said, hopping up onto the bed and reaching over for the rope tying her to the ceiling. "There we go."

"Huh? Aah!!!" She screamed as she landed on the bed with a soft thud. "You're mean."

"Nope. It's just you Sami."

"Now if you don't mind, get out. I need to get my clothes back on." She said still reddening.

"Okay."

"Go! Go!" She said herding him out of the room.

"Sheesh. Since when does she need privacy? She's accidentally flashed me for goodness knows how many times." Mel said, sitting outside on the couch.

"Ready!" She said hopping out of the room.

"Oh good."

"But one more thing." She then abruptly whacked Mel on the head.

"Ow!"

"That's for being mean."

"Gee, you're so sensitive. It doesn't seem to suit you."

"Hmph. That's when I'm not being serious." She pouted. "And I don't like being serious all the time."

"Oh that's good."

'gurgle'

"What the heck was that?" Mel asked.

"My tummy. I'm hungry." She replied, smiling sheepishly.

"Hmm, a product from last night's mischief I take?"

"Yeah. Getting chased by Sonja doesn't help either."

"Silly girl." He said, kissing her forehead. "All right, I'll protect you from Sonja."

"Yay!"

"But once she gets within 10 feet of me, I'm leaving."

"That's not protection!"

"Well, I'm not gonna let her chase me around. She can chase you."

"Aww."

"Anyway, let's go." He said, walking out of the garden and towards the palace.

Time: 8:00 am

Place: Palace

Sonja shot daggers at Sami. And Sami shot them back. Sonja had been limping for the whole morning, and the fact that she didn't sit down showed that her bum was still sore.

"Morning Sonja." Mel said without turning to look.

"Morning Mel." She then turned to Sami. "Ooh, I am SO going to get you."

"That's what you think Sonja, you can barely walk right now, I'm surprised you managed to chase me around."

"That made it worse." She moaned.

"Well serves you right."

"Grr . . ."

"Aren't you gonna sit down Sonja?" Mel asked, walking up behind her and pushing her down onto her seat.

"AUGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!" Sonja screamed.

"Oops."

"Nice going Mel." Sami said, trying to stifle her laughter.

"What was that noise my dear?"

"Nothing daddy." Sonja said, tears streaming down her face. "Mel!!!"

"What?"

"My ass is sore enough thanks to Sami, but I think you just made it sorer. #($&($((#$)(#()$!!!"

"Lovely . . ." Mel muttered plugging his ears.

"Indeed." Sami replied following suit.

Time: 2:00 p.m.

Place: Sonja's room

Sonja finally got over the pain in her butt, and she sat on her bed packing her bags for Orange Star.

"Let's see, clothes, clothes and more clothes. Great . . .Oh my laptop! And my purse and that's about it." She mumbled as she began stuffing things in her bag. Sami sat on the beanbag chair in the corner and stared out the window. Outside, the guys where beating themselves stupid with bamboo swords.

Time: 2:10 p.m.

Place: Palace Courtyard

"Blade Pulse!" Mel yelled, sending a shockwave across the ground with the bamboo stick.

"Rising Sun!" Gabe countered, leaping vertically and away from the blast. The rising bamboo nicked Mel and sent him back slightly.

"Good shot."

"Heh, ground based attacks don't work if your opponent jumps dude."

"Ah well. Ya!" He leapt up and sent a blazing aerial flame at Gabe.

"Whoa!" He rolled out of the way, but still managed to get singed by the explosive burst. "No fair using En attacks dude!"

"Just because your En attacks are limited to summoning spirits and throwing blades doesn't mean you can't use them."

"Fine." With that, Gabe leapt up and returned a barrage of explosive missiles. "Ninja WRATH!"

"Impressive. But you nailed the straw dummy." Mel said walking from behind it.

"Dammit. 4 way slash!" He leapt straight at Mel and caught him off guard.

"Huh? Ack! Oof!" Mel was knocked off his feet.

"How about that?"

"You got me. But . . . Shadow burst!" Mel sent a burst wave across the ground and Gabe was also knocked off his feet.

"Oof. Grr . . .Dragon . . ."

"Oh damn . . .Destruction . . ."

"BLADE!" The two headed straight for each other, but the forces canceled each other out and they flew backwards and both landed in a pile of hay.

"Very nice. But you two are crazy you know? Using En attacks in an open area. You nearly scorched me while I was playing my GBA."

"Well too bad." Mel groaned from his pile of grass.

"Same here. I didn't know bamboo sticks did so much damage."

"Those are En based weapons stupid." Gary said, examining the surprisingly still intact training weapons. "It appears that Emperor Kanbei must have been adept at using En attacks as well, so he made some training weapons on the same basis of Destructive En so that they wouldn't break."

"Hmm. That's interesting. But wasn't there some stories about an ancient En sword-smith somewhere in the summit of the Meteor range?" Mel asked, getting up.

"Well, where'd you get the Destruction Blade?"

"Kanbei had it forged for me."

"I see. Maybe you should go and 'see' if the legends are true and find the master smith. It might be worth your while if you supply some materials too."

"Heh, with that company he's got, there's a good chance he could get a really scary sword."

"And your point is?"

"Your sword is strong enough as it is, but an upgraded version of the D Blade? I think the world would be in trouble then."

"Why is that?" Mel asked thinking about his own sword.

"We know that you can cleave someone in two with that. As well, you can put a sizable gash in the hull of a battleship with it too."

"So?"

"So, in a matter of speaking, if you got a new sword, you'd be able to wreak enough havoc to cause wars, so that they'd come and claim that sword, for the main purpose of ruling the world."

"Heh, I doubt that. No one will know but us."

"If you insist, Mel. But how are we gonna get there?"

"Transport copter. I think if I ask Kanbei the right questions, he might tell me how he had the Comet's Wrath made." Just then, Kanbei had stepped out and he had just caught a trace of Mel's statement.

"Eh? The Comet's Wrath you say?"

"Huh? Oh sir. Yes, we were just talking about that."

"It was rumored that a master smith lived in the northern volcanic mountain ranges near the old Imperial City. I decided to explore there to see if it was true. Of course, this was when I was just a young man, not even Emperor. I headed out alone, in search of the master. I took my father's sword with me, it was a fine sword."

"It was?" Gary said, looking surprised.

"I no longer have it. It was destroyed in the process of the creation of Comet's Wrath, so in essence I still have it . . . somewhat."

"I see. So the rumors were true."

"Indeed they were. I found him and I don't know what he saw, but he may have had a sense of my future, and he forged me this blade." He drew the glimmering sword from its sheath and stuck it in the scorched ground. "However, he took my late father's sword, realizing who I was, and he had it destroyed. I was in shock, how could he do such a thing? But I realized that he took it and began to forge a new blade out of the old."

"How, then can I find him, if it was when you were young?"

"I don't know, but he thrived on that Destructive En power that you three seem so adept at. It may have lengthened his life."

"But he wasn't a commanding officer, how could he use it?" Gary questioned.

"Yeah, not everyone can use it. It can only be gained through rigorous training or through birth." Mel said.

"I don't know about you two, but I've heard about experimentation on children when they were young." Gabe said quietly.

"That's disgusting!"

"The only way the power would then be unleashed would be through some horrible trauma early in life, or something similar."

"That's deep man."

"I know. But who knows? Maybe that's the source of our power?"

"Maybe it could be something else."

"You never know."

"AHEM." Kanbei cleared his throat and interrupted their discussion. "Do you three still wish to know?"

"Uh, yeah I guess."

"Very well. As I was saying, if you went to the northern volcano, you might find him."

"How?"

"Very well, I shall show you, based on what I remember. We shall go off today."

"That's great. Perhaps I can have the material sent soon enough then."

"You do know that it will take at least a year to finish forging it?" Kanbei said.

"Oh great. Oh well. I have time." Mel sighed.

"We'll see."

Time: Much later

Place: Mountain Hot Springs

"Well here it is. The Mountain Spring." Kanbei said, stopping the APC.

"Wow! It's so nice!" Sami said.

"I thought you've been here before." Sonja said, looking confused.

"I really don't know. It's been a while since I've come back to Comet."

"Oh, right. Anyway, let's go! I haven't gone to the Hot Springs in a long time!"

"Mel? Are you coming?" Sami asked. She turned to see him tying his shoelace and pulling on a light jacket.

"No, you go ahead, Kanbei is taking us to climb this mountain."

"Isn't that dangerous?"

"No. We know what we're doing. You gals have fun."

"Aw. It's not fun without you guys though."

"You'll live. After all, Sonja's gone long enough without –" Sonja cut him off by making a throat slitting motion. "Oh right. Never mind." He feigned ignorance and turned to face the mountain path.

"All right, up the mountain we go. But Mel are you sure it's a good idea to wear those shoes?" Gabe said, pointing the black leather shoes Mel tended to wear.

"Why are you asking me, when you're wearing shoes like that too?" Mel pointed out.

"Good point."

"Wait . . . there's something important I have to deliver. Kanbei-san, can you have this sent to my home in Orange Star?"

"Very well. It will be sent with great haste then. Eh, who's it for?"

"Um . . . no one in particular . . ." Mel lied, knowing that if he said Andy, Kanbei would question, Sonja would blush, and everyone would be very, very dead.

"Oh. All right then." He then read it. "Andy Lau?"

"Um . . ." before Sonja could even react, Mel had 'accidentally' pushed her into the hot spring pool before she even changed. "Oops." Of course, she had just blushed at the mention of Andy, so Mel pushed her in, so that it looked like her face was red because the hot spring was very hot.

"Why the heck did you do that Mel?" Sami asked aside to him.

"Cuz he said Andy. What do you think? "

"Ooh. Right."

"Mel!!! What was that for?" Sonja screeched from the spring.

"Nothing really. It was accidental. Sorry."

"Fine."

"All right . . .let's go. Now." Mel said hurriedly as he pushed Gabe, Gary and Kanbei onto the mountain path.

"How does he do that?" Alice whispered to Sami.

"Do what?"

"Just whatever the heck he does."

"I dunno. He just does."

"That's not a good enough reason."

"Well I can't help it. He's weird enough as it is."

"Fine." With that, the remaining girls headed to the spring, fished Sonja out and went to change.

Time: Half an hour later

Place: Mountain Path

Gabe leapt from rock to rock, landing neatly each time. He stared out at the summit of the mountain.

"Dammit, we there yet?" Gabe shouted at the other three climbers.

"No. We are not." Kanbei shouted back.

"Give me a general direction of this guy's cave, then I'll scope it out." Gary said, pulling out a telescope.

"A few more miles northwards."

"Only? All right. We're almost there." Mel headed up the dusty path . . .

Time: Meanwhile

Place: Hot Springs

"Ah . . . this is nice." Sami said, settling deeper into the water. "It's so nice . . ."

"Mm-hmm." Sonja said, closing her eyes. "Do you know why Mel pushed me into the spring earlier today?"

"Uh . . ."

"Those were my good clothes." Sonja moaned.

"Um . . .cuz he knew that if your dad said Andy, we'd all be dead."

"Oh."

"So he had to shut you up, before your dad started to ask questions."

"All right. But still. I was anxious to come and soak here, but not THAT anxious."

"It's not his fault. If he tried to shut you up conventionally, by covering your mouth, you'd simply bite him, and your dad would ask what that was all about. And then you'd probably have to blab, then we'd all be sunk."

"Oh. Right." Sonja said, reddening.

"Ara ara! Sonja-chan's getting all embarrassed!" Alice said.

"Ooh, yep. So she is!"

"Guys! You're being mean!" Sonja whined.

"It's not our fault Andy makes you blush!" Sami said. "Hey!" Sonja then splashed her.

"What about Mel, huh?"

"He doesn't make me blush! He plays mean pranks on me!"

"At least your boyfriend doesn't let you beat him at video games!"

"And at least yours doesn't go and borrow all your manga and anime either!" This went on until . . .

"Augh!!!"

'Splash!'

"Eh!?" Sami peered over to see who or what had just landed into the water.

"Ugh . . ."

"Mel?"

"Eh? Oh hi Sami . . . very nice." He said observing her chest.

"Huh?" Then she realized what he was looking at. "PERVERT!!!" She then punched him and he flew straight back to the mountain path.

"Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!"

"Where the heck did he even come from!?"

"I don't know, probably fell off the mountain."

"Let's hope he doesn't do that again." Sami muttered, sinking deeper into the water.

Time: Seconds after

Place: Mountain cliff

"Where's Mel? I could have sworn he fell off this cliff." Gabe said looking down.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!!"

'BAM!!!'

"I think that answers our question." Gary said, staring at the point of impact. "There he is."

"Why me?" Mel groaned as he slid down the cliff and back to where the others were.

"Well what was down there? And why are you wet?"

"The hot spring."

"Ooh. You sly dog." Gabe said.

"Shut up." With that he pushed Gabe off the cliff. In which, in the next five seconds, he flew back up and hit the spot next to Mel's indent in the cliff.

"Ouch."

"Would you care to try Gary?"

"Uh, no."

"Oh. All right then. I'll probably dry off once I reach the top." Mel said, wringing out his jacket. "At least I wasn't in that long."

"I will kill you." Gabe muttered. "Then I will toss you back down there."

"If you manage."

"Grr . . ."

"Would you two mind stop arguing for a moment. We've almost arrived." Kanbei said firmly.

"Fine."

"Very well."

Time: 15 minutes later

Place: Volcanic Forge

"Old man?" Kanbei called, as they entered the cave.

"Man it's hot in here." Gary groaned.

"Yeah."

"Who's there?" Came a voice from the shadows.

"It is the Emperor of Yellow Comet!"

"Ah, your majesty. It is good to see you." Said the old man, stepping out of another cave.

"It is good to see you as well Master smith."

"What brings you here?"

"The need for you to forge a blade."

"A blade?"

"Not for me though. For this young man. He has heard of your skill in wielding Destructive En, and he requires your service."

"My service? Who might this young man think he is?" Said the smith.

"I am Mel of Orange Star. A wielder of Destructive En that only some COs could dream of ever using."

"Ah, a student of the arts. I am Maruu, great swordsmith, for those of Destructive En. But why would you require another sword? Is that not one hanging from your belt."

"Yes. But it is not of your legendary craft, as I had it forged from by the Emperor. It is still a Destruction weapon yes, but it is not immensely powerful." He sighed, and pulled out the silver blade.

"Interesting. Very interesting, I am willing, if you have the means, to forge for you a legendary sword, however, I am in need of the various metals needed to forge it."

" . . . speak no further, I shall have it given to you." Kanbei said.

"But sir . . ."

"I do expect you to pay me back Mel."

"Oh. All right."

"What I need is iron, steel, gold, silver and whatever you think is necessary."

"Great . . . this will be a lot then." Mel groaned. "Would alloys work?"

"That seems possible. Have the materials delivered by tomorrow. But let me warn you, it will take quite a long period of time to finish. And it requires you to –"

"Put a small amount of your own energy into it. I know. This is the third weapon I have that emanates Destructive En."

"Ah, what might be the other one, may I ask?"

"A gun, I left it at my quarters."

"A gun . . . very interesting. But enough of this talk, return in the morning with the materials, then I will see what I can do. Be prepared to retrieve the blade in at the least a year."

"Understood. Farewell great master." Mel bowed respectfully, sheathed his sword and the four of them headed out.

"Aiya. That was a hot cave."

"It's a volcanic cave, what do you expect?"

"Good point."

"Now what?"

"We head down to the hot springs, a nice soak would be pleasant." Mel said. Kanbei then sighed.

"Such youth is wasted in the horrors of war. Wait . . . Mel, you do realize that the amount of material needed is indeed quite expensive, in reality, it could perhaps cost more than a bomber unit."

"Is that your bomber, or a regular one?"

"Ah . . ."

"How about just enough for a regular one? I'll give you that much." Mel said, sticking his hands in his still slightly damp pockets.

"Very well my boy. A bomber it is."

"A 'normal' one though."

"Yes, yes, one of your under powered Orange Star class bombers." Kanbei said, slightly annoyed that Mel just probably cost him extra.

"They are not under powered if put in the right hands." Mel said rolling his eyes. And of course, since he was rolling his eyes, he failed to notice he was just about to walk off the cliff he had fallen from earlier. "I bet that I can – "

"Oh dear, that boy is even more reckless than I am." Kanbei muttered as he saw Mel drop who knows how many feet back down into the hot spring.

"Auuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuugh!!!"

'Splash!'

"Say . . . where'd Mel go?" Gary asked, looking around.

"He fell . . . again." Kanbei replied.

"Hoo-boy. I'd think he'd remember by now leaping off volcanoes isn't safe." Gabe said, brushing off some dust.

Time: Presently at 4:00 p.m.

Sami grabbed a towel and the other girls followed suit as they were getting out. A high velocity object falling into the spring then interrupted them . . .

"Ow." Came the voice.

"Which one of them is it now?" Sami muttered, walking into the spring and kicking the wet lump lying semi-conscious in the water.

"Ow."

"Is it Gary this time?" Allison asked.

"Nope."

"Gabe?" Alice said, looking at the lump.

"No, he doesn't wear white." Sonja said.

"It's Mel." Sami sighed. She then delivered a swift kick to his ribs sending him flying out of the water and onto the stone floor.

"Ouch."

"Now what are you doing here?"

"I fell from the mountain top again. Like I was trying to explain earlier."

"Oh is that so?" Sami said, crossing her arms.

"It is! It is! Ouch! Stop it!" He groaned as she kicked him every few seconds.

"Then why'd Gabe fall in?"

"I pushed him off."

"Oh."

"Now could you please stopping kicking me? I can't feel my ribs."

"Oh! Sorry! Not!" She kicked him again just to make sure he wasn't lying.

"DAMMIT SAMI! I'M TELLING THE TRUTH!" He yelled, leaping back to his feet and causing a small En explosion in the process where he had stomped. That caused her to shrink back.

"Oh. Oops. Sorry." She squeaked softly as he glared at her.

"Grr . . . ouch, my ribs." Mel walked, slightly bent over back into the bathhouse.

"Nice going Sami." Sonja sighed, crossing her arms and shaking her head. "You might have just pissed off the only guy that beat you. You might be in some serious trouble now."

"I ah . . ."

"It's not nice to kick your boyfriend Sami-chan." Allison piped up.

"What about Alice then!?"

"I don't count. It's a typical Yellow Comet thing to kick your perverted boyfriend into the mountainside." Alice said matter-of-factly.

"What if he's not perverted?"

"If it's accidental, it's still okay." Alice responded, looking up at the mountaintop. And as if on cue, Gabe was seen descending into the water. Then Gary followed.

"What is going on? Is falling off a mountain really that fun?" Sonja said, staring up at the high peak. "Looks dangerous and stupid. Now where's my father you two?"

"He's making his (glub) way down . . . Allison why are you trying to drown me?" Gary gasped.

"I'd tell you, but Alice is currently (glub) drowning me too." Gabe said just as he was dunked back in.

"Why isn't my boyfriend here so I could drown him too for doing something stupid?" Sonja sighed.

"Boy-friend?" Came a voice.

"Huh?" Sonja whirled around to see her father.

"Did I hear you just say that?"

"Uh . . .no? You're just hallucinating from climbing that hot volcano. You should take a break father."

"Oh. All right then. I could have sworn I heard . . ."

"It was nothing daddy! Honest!" With that, Sonja ran off.

"Just like her mother . . . uh, why are you two drowning my future commanders?"

"Typical Yellow Comet stereotype girls of beating up perverted boyfriends."

"Right. That. Must have been you two who said 'boyfriend'."

"Uh, sure." Alice said, stepping on Gabe's head.

"We'd better keep Andy a secret from Sonja's dad until later. Way later." Allison said to Gary.

"(glub) (glub)" Which roughly translated to 'Yeah, good idea, now please release the death grip you have on my throat and pull me out of the water before you're short one boyfriend.'

"(glub) (glub) (gark)" Which Gabe had managed. The 'gark' was the sound of him choking on spring water. 'Yeah! That works! NOW LET ME GO! GARK!'

"Oh, that doesn't sound too good. We better let them breathe, then we can finish beating them to death." Alice said, pulling out Gabe.

"I agree. Let's get some of that water out." Allison said, looking intently at the waterlogged Gary.

" . . ."

Time: 7:00 p.m.

Place: Back at the Imperial Palace

"Ah, Mel. I have received word that your sword will take the better part of the year. I shall see to it, that you shall receive it once you finish the year's worth of training."

"Hmm . . .that long?" He sighed and shook his head. How come so many bad things were occurring? Not exactly bad, but painfully annoying. Firstly, falling off a mountain, having to wait an excruciatingly long time to receive the blade of a master (which he accepted), having to pay an extortionate amount (which he also accepted), and finally, falling off the bloody mountain AGAIN, then getting kicked in the ribs, then yelling at Sami.

"Yes that long."

"Aw man."

"Fear not. A year is just a short period of time."

"Not when you're my age . . .ack." He held a hand to his side and half walked, half slid off to his quarters. Normally, his Destructive En field was strong enough to deflect unfocused blows, but maybe, maybe it was Sami that had found a way to pierce it and cause him serious harm.

"You should perhaps tend to that. Whatever it is."

"Just a kick . . . to the ribs. (more like 50 kicks)"

"Oh. Then you should be fine. How much longer are you remaining here?"

"Let's see . . .it's the middle or so of July right now . . .so possibly tomorrow on Friday."

"I see. Perhaps I shall give Sonja my farewells then. It worries me that she may not be safe when I am not around."

"Oh, she's pretty safe when me and Sami are around, so she'll be fine."

"Ah, then I entrust her to you . . .yet again."

"Oh. Okay, great more fun." 'I think I'll just leave it to Andy.' He thought to himself. "I'll be off, I need to repack." Mel said, heading out the door.

"Farewell." Just as Mel was about to leave, he spun around and asked Kanbei,

"I have another small request."

"Oh?"

"I'd like to have your smiths forge me a sword with the no sharp blade at all."

"Why that? How is a blade useful if it is blunt?"

"That way . . .I won't kill anyone by accident."

" . . .I see. Very well, I shall give you this one as a gift and reassurance that you'll be using it to guard Sonja . . ."

"Oh . . . thank you." 'SCORE!!!' Mel thought to himself. He knew that he wasn't going to watch Sonja, so a free sword was definitely worth it."

"It shall be done shortly . . . since it isn't a masterwork."

"Oh. Will it be ready when I return to the academy?"

"Most likely."

"I am extremely grateful sir!" He bowed deeply, then headed out, but he forgot that it was the eleventh tier of the palace and . . . walked straight out off the balcony . . .

"WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!"

'Thud'

Time: 8:00 p.m.

Place: Mel's Quarters

Sami was lying on the couch face down, she looked up as she heard the creaking of the door.

"Eh? Who's there?"

"Just me. C'mon we have to pack up tonight." Mel mumbled.

"Hmm? Already?"

"Yeah, we have to go back home. I also have a strange feeling something is up . . ."

"Really?"

"You remember Christmas? That was a bit weird that anyone would dare try to pull an attack in a military school."

"Yeah . . .it was weird, and scary."

"Ugh . . .I'm not sure if I'll ever get over plugging those goons." Mel shuddered.

"I thought you were used to it."

"Not at close range."

"Oh. So that's it. Out of curiosity, what was that letter you sent to Andy?"

"I told him to find something inside his room that I had left there a while ago. It may prove useful soon."

"Why is that?"

"It's a notebook on Destructive En. You know, only some people can use it right?"

"Yeah."

"Well, if you can use it, you can also focus it into energy that allows you to use Destructive En techniques in hand to hand combat. Noticeably, most can even use their CO powers as an attack of mass proportions."

"Does that mean I could do it then?"

"That's why we're going home now. So that I can try to explain it to you guys."

"Ooh, fun! Wait . . .will it hurt?"

"That might depend."

"Hmm . . . speaking of hurt . . .what happened to you?"

"I fell out of the palace."

"Oh. Ouchie. Are you okay?"

"I'll live. I don't think that statue outside will though."

"What statue?"

"Uh . . .um . . . er . . ." Mel ran out to take a look at what he managed to land on. HOLY CRAP!!!"

"What is it Mel?" Sami asked.

"Some guy with a big sword!!! I think he was trying to rob us or kill us or something!!!" Mel said, somewhat freaked.

"Now how come you're panicking?"

"LOOK AT THAT COOL-ASS SWORD!!!"

"What . . .the . . . heck . . .was . . . that?" The body groaned.

"IT'S ALIVE!!!" Mel yelled. Then he proceeded to beat it into submission.

"Mel!!! Hold it!"

"Never!!! HEAVY SHOCK!" With that, Mel electrocuted the man with Destructive En.

"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!" Mel then let go of the man and heard a satisfying 'thump' as he hit the ground.

"There we go!"

"Mel . . . like I was saying. That's the gardener. The sword is for cutting and pruning the plants."

"Oh. Oops. Run and hide!" Mel grabbed Sami and ran into the palace laughing weirdly all the way."

"Hoo boy . . .he is way too weird sometimes . . ." Sami sighed, as she was hugging onto his back to avoid falling off.

Time: 9:00 p.m.

Place: Palace

"Great . . . it's the sixth imperial gardener this week. Honestly . . .why on Green Earth would they want to resign?" Kanbei muttered while hanging up on the phone.

"Perhaps the answer is in the question itself." Sonja said cryptically. She had been jabbering nonsense all day to deter her father from figuring out that she was dating Andy.

"What does that mean Sonja?"

"Why is the sky blue?" Sonja asked as she headed to her room.

"Simple really. It's a matter of scattering light in the sky and . . ." Came a voice following her.

"Shut up Mel. That was supposed to be a rhetorical question." Sonja snapped.

"Sonja's getting vile." Sami said, giggling as balancing precariously on Mel's head.

"Get off my head please. I'm surprised that I haven't fallen over yet with a hundred or so pounds of extra weight on my shoulders." Mel said looking absolutely vexed.

"Hush. You fall now." Sami neatly kicked off his head and drove him straight into the ground. Then she landed on his back.

"AUGH! Pain . . ."

"Heehee! Anyway . . .you know what you were saying earlier about Destructive En fighting . . . what was that about?"

"Destructive En fighting?" She said as they continued to walk to her room.

"How do you know about that Sonja?"

"Before father got all 'paranoid' about my safety, he used to have an instructor teach me Kendo."

"Kendo?"

"Sword fighting, I excelled in it, so mother had a sword forged for me. However, since her . . .death, father prohibited me from practicing. I still practiced in secret however, so I can take care of myself Mel. Don't have to worry yourself about following me everywhere."

"But you didn't have it last year."

"I didn't see a need to bring it with me. That was until the attack, I decided that I needed it this year."

"Hmm . . . all right Sonja. I won't worry about you then."

"Can I see the sword Sonja?" Sami asked, she looked around in Sonja's oversized room to see where it was.

"Go right ahead, it's on the wall next to you." Sonja pointed to the blade mounted there. Sami turned, and carefully lifted it off the holders and drew it out. A light En aura pulsed from it, and it glimmered slowly.

"Wow . . .I didn't know you even had that." Mel said, examining it.

"I never told anyone. Most people thought it was just some decoration stuck on my wall. Father let me keep it though."

"I see. So you're gonna bring it?"

"Yep." Sonja took it from Mel and tossed it into her suitcase. "Thankfully it's a private plane. I hate going through customs."

"And thankfully it's your father's plane. Those idiots I hired at Orange Star decided to fly us through Blue Moon and almost got us bombed to death."

"Fun."

"I know. Now . . .what was that about an Imperial gardener?"

"Well . . .it seems like they all get fed up with being assaulted by some random maniac that appears every so often . . ." Sonja trailed off as Mel started to chuckle nervously. "Huh? Hmm . . .eh? Aha! Wait a sec . . . Mel!!!" Sonja screamed and began to chase him around with her sword and attempted to find a way to carve him twenty new orifices . . .

Author's Rant: Well . . .as you can all see, I'm not dead yet! I've finally finished this chapter . . .after much torture of exams, vacation camps and little sister hogging the computer. Anyhow, my other project is in the works, and I've decided to add some chapters to my Drinking Games fic. There were 10, but since AW2 . . .there's gonna be some more madness thanks to new victims! As for the bladeless sword, it was a 'Kenshin-ish' idea, so don't blame me, it occurred to me when I was playing SNK Vs Capcom 2 and I used Hibiki and owned the computer bad. She said, "Don't worry, that was the back of the blade." So that got me thinking, a sword that is just dull . . .and you all know how it all goes. Next chapter might happen sooner or later. Probably later, so see y'all around.