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 that is in Romanji or Pinyin and base Cantonese will be translated, or stated otherwise. Read And Review!

White Sun Missions:

Emotional Trauma: Sami Vs Mel

Breaking Bones: Max Vs Mel

Friendly Clash?: Andy Vs Mel

Pain, pain go away: Andy Vs Gabe

The Dragon's Vengeance: Max Vs Gabe

Tactical Measures: Andy & Max Vs Gabe & Gary

Tried and True Testing: Andy & Max & Sami Vs Mel

Time: ???

Place: Orange Star HQ, Sami's troop

"Where am I? Andy? Max? Mel? Hmm . . ." Sami mumbled.

"Hey Sami . . ." Mel said softly on the screen.

"Mel! What's going on?" She demanded. "What are you doing!?"

"I'm sorry, but you have to get past me to find out." It pained him to say it, but he said it. He was only partially in control of his body and mind.

"What? How could you?"

"I've seen you all in action lately, but I need to see if you guys can do better against me."

'Dammit! No! Stop! Damn you!' Mel swore as he ran through his conscious.

'Sorry, Sonja's orders. Heh.' Dark thought to Mel.

"What?! I can't believe this! Who put you up to this? The Blue Mooners?"

"No, this is my own idea . . . but not totally, Sonja will fill you in, in a month or so. But for now, see you later." He was about to disconnect.

'Gah! DAMN IT! Let me talk to her!'

'No.'

'I'll find you wherever you are in my mind! Then I'll kick your ass!'

"No! Wait!" Sami said tearing up.

"Sorry . . ." He went off.

Place: White Sun HQ

'Damn! Damn! Damn!' Mel swore again. 'You! You filth! What are you doing with my body!?'

"Just using it to follow orders. That's all." Dark said out loud. "Don't worry Mel . . .I won't hurt her."

Place: Orange Star HQ

"What's going on? What's he doing? This doesn't work well with me . . . I might as well go and find out what he wants anyway." She started to cry. "This is too much . . .and after what he said . . .that traitor! All right everyone! We have to do our best and take down Mel's forces!"

Place: Mel's mind

"Damn! Where am I?" Mel sat in the darkness. "I'm not losing myself! Not when I have so much to do still." He lit a match that was 'in' his pocket. "Eh . . .where'd this match come from . . .? Okay . . .maybe I've lost it . . ." He stared at it then threw it away.

"You haven't lost a thing."

". . .who's there?"

" . . .just someone you may or may not remember." Came the voice.

". . .you."

"Yeah . . .me." Dark said, keeping his arms crossed. He looked just like he did in the video file, except he was dressed like Mel.

"What do you want?"

"I'm the other part of Dark . . .I'm here to make sure you don't get lost in your own mind. That and I'm here to show you around in some of the things that you ought to see. It might help you learn more about some of those latent skills you might have hiding in that lanky body of yours."

". . .so?"

"You'll see." The long-haired figure led Mel towards a hallway. "This . . .this place is basically your inner conscience."

"I know that! But how'd I get here!? I don't believe in that psycho crap where you can get trapped in your own mind! That's impossible!"

"Too bad you're an En user then. You guys all have your moments."

". . .what about you then?"

". . .me? Me . . .well you'll find out when you need to." He shrugged.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

". . .one day . . .the most fierce battle in your life . . .may cost you your life."

". . .wha . . ."

"Actually you know what? Don't pay that any mind." He smiled. "It's nothing."

". . .huh . . .nothing . . .sure . . ."

"Well then . . .here we are. This is somewhere in your past. Take a look . . ."

". . .what . . .what is it?"

". . .the day your parents were slain and you took it upon yourself to . . .do whatever it was that you do. I didn't check in too deep on it. It doesn't involve me anyway."

". . .hmm . . ." Mel looked at the door. " . . .you want me to go in?"

". . .well . . .it's up to you."

". . .hmm . . .fine." He opened the door. "What can this . . .holy – "

Time: Later

Place: The mind

". . .what . . .why . . .why do these still remain!?" Mel said as he sat holding his head between his hands. "Argh! I . . .I didn't . . .want to remember these!"

". . .sorry . . .but . . ."

"Don't apologize to me!"

". . ." Dark shook his head. "Well . . .let's see what's happened during the battle. Come on, I'll take you to where you can observe this.

". . .where I can observe? Can't I interfere? Can't you!?"

". . .nope." He gave Mel an apologetic glance. "Not now."

"Damn." Mel slumped his shoulders in defeat. ". . .all right . . .I'll watch and protest then."

Time: Days into the fierce battle

Place: White Sun HQ

"I'm really sorry . . .but, orders are orders." Dark said, drawing his gun.

'Damn! I can't stop him! No!'

'Sorry Mel, but I've gotta do it.'

' . . .'

"Prove it!" Sami said, not trying to stop her tears from flowing, she was getting more and more pained as she watched 'Mel' defeat her men one by one. "Does it have to end this way . . .?" She asked, activating her power.

"No . . .it doesn't, it ends like this . . ." Dark used Mel's Destruction Strike and ended the battle.

"Why did you beat me?" Sami burst into tears.

'She's all yours Mel . . .' Dark said.

'Huh . . .wha . . .'

'Your body is yours to control as of now.'

"Whoa!"

". . .Mel . . .?"

"Because, I need to . . .I . . .I . . ." Mel stammered realizing where he was again. Back in the 'real' world.

"What?" She asked, wiping away the tears.

"I'm . . .sorry . . .but you'll understand soon enough . . .I'll tell you by then." He shook his head as he watched gas slowly leak into the Orange Star HQ. ". . .I . . .I don't know anymore."

"Okay . . .I . . .oh . . ." She yawned then fell to the floor.

"Bring her to our base . . .quickly now, before the others come to." Mel said to Gabe, who was looking curiously at Mel.

"Sure thing . . ." ' . . .uh . . .it's like he just woke up or something . . .' Gabe nodded and walked out.

"I'm sorry 'mi . . ." Mel said.

"Unnh . . ."

Time: Moments later

Place: White Sun HQ

". . .I've got her Mel." Gabe said carrying the girl over his shoulder. ". . .as well as her men, who've been moved to the holding areas."

" . . .all right. I need to deal with Max now . . ."

"Oh . . ."

"Keep her safe now will you?"

"Sure . . .I'll just leave her in your room."

". . .what!?"

"Well . . .that is the safest place right now."

". . .fine." Mel said. 'I understand what you want Dark. I think.'

'Good to hear . . .now then, defeat Max.'

"Yeah . . .Max isn't gonna last too long either."

Place: Orange Star HQ Max's troop.

"What? Mel! Andy! Sami! Where are you guys?" The blue-haired man looked about in a panic.

"Hey Max . . ." Mel said from the com-link.

"What? Mel, where are the others?" Max demanded.

"You'll find out soon enough."

"Huh? What are you up to?"

"Sorry . . ." Mel sighed.

"Wait! What are you doing?"

"Hey listen . . ."

"What?"

"The way this is going, don't take it too . . .never mind. Let's see what you're made of! All right men, move out!"

"What the!? White units?"

" . . .yes . . .this is White Sun, a republic of Yellow Comet, my forces are stationed here."

Time: Later

Place: White Sun HQ

". . .uh . . .wha . . .where . . .am . . .I?" Sami looked around where she was laying. A soft bed. ". . .weird. Wait . . .that voice. I know that voice . . .that voice . . ."

". . .are you well?" Mel asked as he walked into the room.

". . .Mel . . .why . . .why are you doing this . . .?"

". . .I can't explain . . .it's like something tried to take over my body . . ."

". . .oh . . .yeah right!" She sat up on the bed. "You jerk!" She slapped him across the face.

"Ow! Honest! I mean it!"

"How . . .how can you toy with us like that!?" She demanded as tears started flowing again.

". . .I told you! I'm not! Somebody took over my body!"

". . .hmph. Again with that . . ."

". . .fine, if you don't believe me, then just leave . . . all right then?"

" . . ."

"But I can't guarantee your safety if you go out . . .okay Sami . . .?"

". . .Mel . . ."

"You know I won't do anything to hurt you on purpose . . .or without reason." He reasoned.

". . .okay . . .but . . .why then?"

"I'll tell you later . . .all right? This is something I have to do. Understand?"

". . .mmm." She nodded, wiping away her tears.

"Good. Just stick around here for a bit . . .there's something I have to deal with."

"What?"

"You'll see."

". . .oh . . ." She gasped. ". . .you mean Max is out there fighting with you right now!?"

". . .yeah . . ."

". . .all right . . ." She yawned softly. "I'm tired . . ."

"Must still be that gas in your system . . ."

". . .you gassed me!?"

". . .sorry."

". . hmm. Well . . .are you gonna talk with Max sooner or later?"

". . .later more or less." She said yawning. "Ah . . .can I stay right here?"

"Sure." Mel said.

"Good . . .this bed is comfy." She laid back down and resumed sleeping off the effects of the gas.

Time: A few days later, 3:00 p.m.

Place: White Sun HQ

"Damn!" Mel muttered as he watched Max plow through his men like grass. "I knew having low defense is a lousy tactic . . ."

'True, true.' Dark said.

"Wha . . ."

'In here stupid.'

'I know that!'

'Well . . .you'll have to be more careful!'

"Right . . ."

"Mel . . .?" Sami had fallen asleep in the command room the night before and she blinked slowly as she readjusted to her surroundings. ". . .eh . . .oh . . .right . . .I was here with you . . ."

" . . .you're up late today Sami . . ." Mel said.

". . .sorry, it's just that dinner was really, really filling and . . .yeah." She said rubbing at her eyes.

". . .okay . . ."

"Mel! You coward! Tell me where the rest of them are!" Max shouted on the communication screen.

". . .I am not a bloody coward . . .and . . .they're safe." Mel said.

". . .really?"

"Yeah . . .Sami?"

". . .hmm . . .oh, hi . . .yeah, I'm . . .sleepy . . ." She yawned and waved goodbye. "Bye-bye Max."

"Sami! Wait!" Max shouted as she headed off.

"Sorry, save your greetings for later . . ." Mel said.

"Mel! I'm coming for you!" Max shouted. "Good thing I'm ready! Max Force!"

"Commander! He's using his Max Force on us!"

"Too bad he didn't account for my own CO Power."

"Mel! You're going down!" Max taunted.

"I'm sorry, but . . .you lose . . .now! Destruction Strike. Go." Mel gave his usually emotionless flourish as he drew the gun, aimed through the window and fired.

Place: Orange Star HQ

"No! How can this be? He . . .he . . .he's a monster!" Max gasped.

". . .nope . . .but . . . meh." Mel shrugged as he activated the gas in Max's HQ. "All right . . .take him away too, boys."

"Sure thing." His men nodded, as they entered the Orange Star HQ and began dragging out the unconscious occupants.

Time: The next day

Place: Orange Star HQ Andy's troop

"Huh? Sami? Max? Mel?" Andy looked around as he felt his head spin.

"All right Andy . . .it's just you and me." Mel said on the com-link.

"Huh? Mel? What are you talking about?"

"You'll see."

"What the . . .those White units, can it be?" Andy was in shock. "The White Sun!?"

"Yes it is . . .now it's time to fight!"

"Wait!"

"Too late!" Mel was serious. 'I have to finish this once and for all.'

"I can't believe I'm fighting my best friend. This is too weird."

"I understand . . .it's just that . . .well, I'll tell you later."

Time: The next day

Place: Battlefield

Units were everywhere, soldiers shooting, tanks rolling slowly across the plains of White Sun. Andy's troops paled in comparison to Mel's Special Forces.

"I can't lose to you Mel! There's no way!"

"No . . .you just lose!" Mel said as his forces started moving in closer and closer.

"NO! I can't lose!" Andy shouted.

"This is going to be the shortest battle I ever had." Mel said. "Or is it just an unfair advantage on my part?" He shrugged.

". . .Mel?" Sami poked her head out from outside the command room.

"Yes Sami?"

"What the!? Sami's there too!?" Andy just stared in a daze. "What's she doing!?"

"Staying where it's safe."

"Where it's safe!? Gimme a break, how can she be safe when . . ."

"Knock him out Gabe." Mel said.

"Sure thing . . ." Gabe came from behind Andy. "I got the rest of them already with tranquilizers . . .you're next Andy. Sorry."

"Huh!? What? What are you – " Andy passed out after Gabe shot him with a dart.

"All right Gabe . . .you know what to do . . .I need to take a rest . . .using my powers . . .I'm drained again . . ." He said.

". . .right. I'll handle everything for the next few days. All right?"

". . .don't go too hard on them all right?"

"Me? The Black Dragon of White Sun . . .go too hard!? Never!"

". . .Black . . .Dragon!?"

". . .heh. I just made that up. But don't worry, I'll handle it."

"A moment." Gary said from the com-link.

"What the . . .what do you want Gary!?" Gabe asked annoyed.

". . .I'm here to make sure you don't screw anything up. It's my job to be your back-up." The sniper said calmly. "As well . . .it's good to see you're still in good health Mel."

". . .ha . . .that's a joke. But I guess I'm still okay now."

"Well . . .I'll be off." Gary nodded. "This shall be . . .interesting."

". . .so true." Gabe agreed. "I'll take care of things for now."

"Good luck then you two." Mel sighed as he slowly made his way too the main White Sun HQ with his men.

Time: ???

Place: Dragon's Claw Island

"Hey . . .! . . .damn! Where are they!?" Andy muttered as he woke up after being drugged.

"Commander Andy! Are you all right?"

". . .yeah . . .but my head . . .it hurts . . .and . . .what happened?"

". . .we've all been knocked out."

". . .oh . . ."

"Well . . .where ever we are . . .it's creepy here."

". . .why's that?"

"This place. . . .it's dark and there's the Fog of War everywhere. It's like a cemetery or something."

" . . .welcome to the Dragon's Claw." Gabe said darkly on the com-link.

"Whoa! Gabe!"

"Yeah . . .it's me."

". . .what . . .what are you doing!?"

"Sorry, but Mel said to deal with you."

"What?"

"See if you can survive . . ." He said walking away.

"What! Gabe! Wait up!"

" . . .you've got to survive against my assassins for ten days."

"Ten days!?"

"Have fun Andy." He was about to leave.

"Wait! What's going on? Why are the White Sunners attacking us?"

"It's a . . .trial of sorts." Gabe muttered.

"A what?"

"A test . . .whatever, just see if you can handle this!"

Time: The sixth day of chaos

Place: Orange Star HQ

"Ouch! Dude, this is harsh!" Andy said, invoking Hyper Repair. "There . . .that should keep them going a bit longer . . ."

"Sorry, but your pain isn't gonna leave just yet! Special Technique . . .Painful Death!" Gabe answered with his ultimate attack. "Hehe . . .just watch your troops fall before your eyes!"

". . .I remember hearing about this . . .as long as I don't try and move . . .I should be fine . . ."

"Moving or not . . .it's turned your defense inside out . . .your men are still weakened by it no matter what!" The long-haired ninja laughed.

". . .what!?"

"Just watch . . ." He sneered as blades of En rained upon the battlefield, impaling each and everyone of Andy's units, poisoning them to a broken state.

". . .crap . . ."

"Four more days . . .can you hold out?"

" . . .damn straight I will!"

". . .good to hear . . ." Gabe cut off the communications.

Place: White Sun HQ

". . .Alice . . ."

"Yes?" His girlfriend looked slightly worried.

"Is this overdoing it?"

". . .yeah . . ."

". . .thought so."

". . .but . . ."

"Let's hold off a little bit. This isn't our battle to be won after all . . ."

"Really?"

"It's all a ruse."

"Right."

"To find . . .the man in black."

"Aren't you wearing black!?"

"I don't count! I'm one of the good guys!"

"Then why are we beating up on Orange Star!?

"How should I know!?"

". . .Gabriel . . ." Alice muttered his full name.

". . .what!? What!?"

". . .I can't believe you." She sighed.

"B-b-b-b-b-b-but . . ."

"Whatever . . ."

"Ugh . . . "Gabe gave a breath. ". . .well . . .let's just make sure we don't over do it. That's all I can do."

Time: Last day in Dragon's Claw

Place: White Sun/Orange Star HQs

"I survived! Now tell me what's going on!" Andy demanded.

"Not yet, there's more to this than anything you can think up . . ."

"Huh?"

"You'll see . . .later." Gabe walked off.

"Get back here!"

"Sorry . . ."

" . . .darn! Nothing, not a single trace of info about anything else!" Andy muttered as he decided to have his men slowly find a way out of the maze of mountainous paths and forests.

Time: Meanwhile

Place: White Sun Main HQ

". . .ooh . . .this is boring." Sami sighed as she stretched.

". . .tell me about it." Mel said.

". . .well . . .isn't this like fraternizing with the enemy?"

"No . . .I told you . . .didn't I? This is all a plot . . .don't tell the others though."

". . .a plot . . .? What for?"

"I can't tell you that. That's too important as of now."

"Mel . . ."

"Sorry."

". . .fine . . .if you're not gonna tell . . .I guess it's for our own good right?"

"Right Sami."

"I understand."

"Now then . . .I think Andy should have gotten past Gabe now . . ."

". . .oh?"

"Yeah . . .now Gabe's probably going to interfere with Max for the time being."

". . .fun." Sami said.

"Hey . . .Sami?"

"Hmm?"

"Where are your glasses?"

"Huh . . .? Oh those . . ."

"What?"

"You know what? I've been going blind for the last few days . . .heh . . .I kinda left them in one of my bags and I can't find them."

". . .oh."

"Yeah . . .haven't you noticed I can't really maintain normal eye-contact lately?"

"That's why I'm asking." He said. "You're like looking off into space."

". . .mmm. I see."

"I think I found them when I was going through some things." He reached into his pocket. "Are these yours?" He handed her a simple looking black case.

". . .oh! You found them!"

"So they are yours."

"Thanks Mel . . ." She smiled as she put them on. "That's better."

"You look cute 'mi."

"Hmm."

Place: Hydra's Point OS HQ

"Huh . . .? What?" Max groaned as he sat up.

". . ." Gabe was silent on the com-link.

"You! Who are you?"

"A former student. And now an officer of White Sun."

"Max!" Andy shouted, his men moving in.

"Kid! What happened?" Max asked the boy.

"I lived, but this 'friend' of mine attacked, just like the last one . . ." He said angrily.

"Good grief! What's going on?" Max was aghast.

"Never mind the happy reunions, it's time to show you both a thing or two." Gabe said.

"!!! What!?"

"All right! Show me what you can do . . ."

"Wait!"

"Far too late . . .I've waited long enough. Your task . . .is to defeat me . . .or try!"

Time: Days into the battle

"Here's my best shot!" Max shouted as he invoked Max Force.

"The Dragon hungers for fresh prey . . ."

"What power is that!? Crap!" Max looked at the monitor, as the white troops appeared to replenish themselves off of his own.

" . . .I guess I'll call it a draw this time around. I've done enough damage to your troops to prove a point." Gabe laughed. "Well then . . .I surrender." He raised his hands in defeat.

"Why are you doing this!?" Max demanded.

"Heh . . .you've survived so far, but I'm in no position to answer your questions . . ." Gabe shrugged.

"Why are you attacking us? You're a neutral!"

"I told you, I'm not answering anything . . .you'll see though." He left laughing to himself.

Time: The next day, and after some checking, May

Place: Sol River

" . . .come on . . .they're arriving!" Gabe said.

"I got it covered . . .they can't win!" Gary responded from his HQ.

"Hold it right there Andy and Max . . ."

"You! It's you! Gary what are you doing here as well?" Andy shouted in amazement.

"I'm a White Sunner as well Andy . . ." The sniper answered.

" . . .!? No way!"

"Who are these guys?" Max asked the young officer.

"My old classmates . . ."

"I remember now! Those three almost took down the whole tournament with their powers . . ."

"Hold it right here boys . . ." Came a voice.

"Mel!"

" . . .Mel . . ."

"Show them what you can really do guys . . ."

"What?!" Max and Andy looked in shock.

"That isn't their real power. Just try and deal with them."

"Heh, heh, heh . . ."

"Damn! I knew there was more to them than what they let off . . ."

"Let's move out Andy, cover me with your indirect units, I'll blaze a trail to their bases." Max gave Andy the general strategy.

"Gotcha Max!"

Time: A week into the battle

Place: White Sun HQ: Gabe

". . .so . . .they're trying for that? Gary, provide me cover fire. I'm building a wall of heavy units."

"Right."

Place: White Sun HQ: Gary

". . .they're showing much more persistence than usual." Gary said to himself. "Well then . . .we'll just let them have it full force."

"Oi! Gary, don't do anything stupid now." His partner shouted.

"I know . . .but now then . . .rockets away!"

Place: Orange Star HQ: Andy

"Whoa! Max watch it you're getting . . .too late . . ." Andy groaned as he saw Max's main unit get hammered into the ground."

"Andy! Do something!"

"I can't! His long range is much stronger than mine!"

"What!?"

"He's like that Grit guy!"

"Damn it!"

"It's no good either. Gabe's units are like yours!"

"Yeah? So what? I can still rip right through them like paper dolls!"

Place: White Sun HQ: Gabe

". . .so they found my weakness . . .too bad. I'll let them have it soon enough."

The battle continued raging as white and orange units poured from bases, staining the country of White Sun red . . .

Place: ???

". . .interesting . . .those fools are up to something . . .but what? Whatever it may be, I intend to find out . . ."

Place: White Sun HQ: Itsunia

". . .Mel?"

" . . .hmm? Oh Sami . . ." Mel looked over his shoulder to see the girl standing at his door. "What?"

". . .what's going on out there? The officers here won't tell me anything."

"Of course they won't."

". . .right." She sighed. "Do you have any idea what's going on?"

"I'd say it's a blood bath right now."

"Why's that?"

". . .there's no need to ask. I know it."

" . . ." She nodded silently."

". . .do you want to know what's going on?"

". . .sort of . . ."

" . . .I'll tell you when you need to know then. Okay?"

"Hmm . . .all right Mel."

". . .well then . . .shall we be off?"

"Off to where?"

"I dunno."

". . .oh." She looked at him. ". . .heehee . . ." She giggled softly.

". . .what's the matter?"

"It's just like how you used to be back then." She continued laughing.

"Oh?"

"Before all this stupid . . .bloodshed. I remember it so well."

" . . .ah."

"Well . . .I can't do anything about it now . . .except to fight . . .but . . ."

"Ah . . .the more you think about it, the more painful it gets."

". . .I know." She sighed.

"Well . . .I guess we can't do much but wait for now." Mel said as he followed her out of the room.

Time: The next day

Place: Sol River Battle

"Ouch! Need a tune-up!" Andy said as he watched his troops suffer. "Let's go! Hyper Repair!"

"Phew! You're still alive. Well then, I'm coming through!" Max said activating Max Force. "Eat this!"

"Not so fast! Cross cut . . .X-cutter!" Gabe slashed his sword, creating a giant shockwave on the battlefield, destroying half of the remaining orange troops. "There we go."

"I'll deal with the damages!" Gary piped up. "Let's see . . .here, here, here and here!" He used Ultimate Maintenance and repaired the white troops.

"Time to finish this!" Gabe said. "Move out everyone! Make this one count!"

"You heard him guys! Move in and fire!" Gary ordered.

Place: Orange Star HQ: Andy

". . .ugh . . .it's not good." Andy groaned. "We're done for."

". . .dammit Andy! Knock it off! We HAVE to win this!"

". . .yeah . . .but can we!? They're really strong!"

"I thought you liked hard battles!"

"Yeah I do . . .but this is crazy!"

"I'll agree with you. These two are monsters!"

"Who're you calling monsters!?" Gary asked.

"Yeah!? We'll show you monsters!"

Time: . . .in a matter of hours

"All right, you lost! Now get outta here!" Gary shouted as he released knockout gas into the Orange Star Headquarters.

"Yawn . . .huh . . .?" Andy and his men, as well as Max's men soon drifted off to sleep again.

"Take 'em away!"

Time: The next day

Place: White Sun HQ: Itsunia

"Sami! There you are!" Andy shouted on the com-link.

"Hmm? Andy?" Sami looked at the screen.

"What happened?"

"Hmm? I've been sitting here for the past few weeks or so . . .that's all." She yawned.

"All right, the three of you show me what you can do!" Mel said coming from behind her.

"Mel!?"

"What the?" Andy was in shock. "Not again! Sami, you're gonna help us this time right!?"

"I . . .I . . .I . . .No! I don't want to!" She shouted back. "I'm . . .I'm staying!" She hid behind Mel.

"But you have to . . .Sami" Andy was mad.

"Yeah! What are you doing!?"

" . . .no!"

"It's not good . . .she's more loyal to Mel than to Orange Star. Let's go without her." Andy muttered.

"I . . .but . . .oh . . ." Sami protested. ". . .it's not good . . .is it Mel?" She asked.

"Not really Sami . . ."

" . . .I understand . . ."

"Okay . . .let's go, now," Mel said, "I don't have time to waste."

" . . .ha . . .this is rich . . ." Max laughed weakly. "You don't have time to waste? We'll waste you then! We'll get you traitor!"

"What!? I'm no traitor! Take that back!"

"Yeah, prove it." Max spat.

"I will then . . .but prepare for defeat!"

"Two on one? We don't think so!" Andy said. "Come to think of it though, he beat us the first three times . . ."

"But we beat his pals!" Max laughed.

"Barely!" Gabe and Gary shouted from the main HQ.

"Grr . . ." Max growled.

"Shut up! Let's see if you can beat me!"

"Time to take him down!"

"All right! Move out boys! We'll crush him like a bug!"

Time: Later . . .

Place: Itsunia

Mel's units were being shot out of the sky.

"Just like I want you to . . .too bad for you two . . ."

"What do you mean?" Sami asked.

". . .remember the strategy I used against you the first time?"

"You mean you sent your air units to be destroyed on purpose!?"

"Those units generate the highest En out of the rest. By having those units destroyed, it's generally faster to charge your CO Power, then you can unleash it early on."

"Oh . . .interesting." She said.

". . .now then . . .time for the rest of the air crew to sacrifice themselves . . ."

"What!?"

" . . .it's necessary if I'm going to be able to do what I'm going to do . . ."

" . . ." She looked at him curiously. ". . .what do you . . . oh my god . . .not that!"

" . . .you know what I mean?"

". . .that . . .sacrifice or something attack . . .that destroys an entire army . . ."

"Exactly . . ."

"Mel . . .no don't do it! It'll take it's toll on you too!"

". . .not if I can handle it."

'Are you sure your body can handle it?' Dark asked.

' . . .Dark!? Where have you been!?'

'Just here and there in your mind. That's all.'

' . . .so is there anymore for me to know about myself?'

'As a matter of fact . . .yes. I'll let part of me take control for the rest of this battle if you don't mind. This way, you won't wear yourself out so easily.'

'How?'

'I have my ways. Now then . . .come along.'

'Whoa! Not this again!'

Place: The Mind

". . .damn . . .I hate it when you do that." Mel groaned.

"My bad." Dark shrugged. "Now then . . .I'll make sure Miss Sami doesn't get into too much trouble."

"Oh?"

" . . .she'll vouch for you later. Don't worry."

". . .and?"

". . .so will Sonja. So it'll be fine. Now then . . .there might be something to do with that newly acquired sword of yours. It . . .it's different from your own."

"Really?"

" . . .it has . . .dark energy in it . . ."

". . .yeah right."

"No . . .this is true. Your own sword is a fire elemental. I know that for a fact."

"Yeah . . ."

"Well then . . .let us delve deeper into the origin of the Origin."

"Whuzzah?"

". . .never mind." Dark sighed.

". . .right."

"Come along. Oh . . .and as long as I'm commanding . . .don't worry about consuming En . . .I've got a trump card against that."

". . .which is?"

". . .I'm not telling." He smirked.

". . .that's no fair."

"Life's never fair."

"So what now?"

"Follow that . . . 'corridor' and you'll learn more . . ." He pointed to the front. "Do try not to lose yourself however like last time . . ."

"Right."

Place: WS HQ

". . .right then . . .time to let Max have it." Dark said blinking, after he took control.

" . . .Mel?"

"Yes Sami?"

". . .what . . .you're going to actually do it?"

"I need to."

" . . ." She turned away. "I don't need to watch it then . . ."

"Please do whatever else then Sami . . ."

" . . .mm-hmm." She ran off to her room.

". . .all right." Dark stepped out to the main compound of the HQ. "Now then . . .Origin . . .lend me your power!" He pulled the blade out of his coat and swung it, then jammed it straight into the earth. ". . .Armageddon . . .come to me now!"

Place: Orange Star HQ: Max

"What . . .what's going on out there!?"

"Sir . . .we're detecting seismic activity!"

"What!? That can't be!"

"Now . . .there seems to be some sort of interference coming from the sky, it's blocking out our satellites!"

"What!? Hey! What's this!? Where'd that charged En I had!? Whoa! It's like someone just yanked it away from me!"

"Sir, your readings show that you would have been able to use your power, now it's gone!"

"The same is happening at Andy's HQ!"

"What the!?"

Place: WS Compound

"No, not so fast you two. . . The destruction being caused . . .isn't me . . .but you!" Dark gave the sword a kick with his heel, jabbing it deeper into the earth. The moment it entered, geysers and meteors of flame began rising and falling, scorching the terrain and the entire Orange Star battalion that had amassed itself in Itsunia. "ARMAGEDDON!"

Place: Orange Star HQ

" . . .what the!?" Andy stood in horror. "No . . .no . . .way."

"SHIT! SHIT! SHIT! What was that!? The . . .all of them . . .gone!" Max yelled.

Place: WS HQ

". . .it's over. You guys lose." Dark muttered.

'Hey . . .Mel . . .are you done in there?'

'Yeah, yeah . . .I think you're right. Origin is a dark weapon . . .'

'Told ya so.'

'Now then . . .ready to come back?'

'Sure . . .'

"Gah!" Mel screamed as he felt what seemed to be his brain being ripped out of his skull. ". . .ha . . .ha . . ."

'That wasn't too bad was it?'

'What did you do?'

'I just took your Armageddon skill and . . .yeah. Take it from there.'

'You destroyed them all.'

'Basically.'

'Well that's good to know.'

'You know what?'

'What?' Mel asked.

'You know . . .you should be out cold about now.'

'Why?'

'Just because.'

". . .I don't understand why I'd be . . .ugh." Mel passed out onto the ground.

Place: Sami's room window

Sami had taken a small peek outside just to see what Mel had managed to do.

". . .oh geez . . .everyone's dead . . .ick. Hmm? What's that thing . . .oh my . . .Mel!" She spotted him lying face down on the ground. "MEL!" She ran out of her room and down the stairs.

". . .oh hey Sami, what the!?" Gary watched her zoom past him. "What's her problem?"

". . .if I didn't know better . . .something happened to Mel." Gabe said.

"Really?"

"Probably. She never does anything unless he's involved."

". . .oh. Well it's not my problem. Not yet."

Place: Outer Compound

"Mel! Mel! Wake up! Wake up! Mel!" Sami lay his head on her lap as she gently shook him. "Come on! Please! I don't want to lose you!" She started to cry.

". . .what's going on? What's the matter!?" Gabe asked as he came out. "What is . . .oh."

"Do something! Gabe! Anything!"

" . . .what's . . .what's wrong?"

"He's out cold!"

". . .well . . .I can't do anything about that."

". . .perhaps I can though." Came a soft voice.

". . .what . . .Sonja!?" Sami looked up to see her friend standing at the main gate of the compound.

"I've already dealt with Max and Andy as it is. Now then . . .what's wrong with nii-chan?"

" . . .I dunno."

". . .o-nii-chan?" Sonja poked Mel.

"That's not gonna do a thing!" Sami whined.

"Stop that Sami, that's unbecoming of you. Or have you grown soft?"

". . .a bit . . ." She admitted.

". . .it's no good if you're becoming soft Sami . . ." Sonja said.

". . .but . . ."

"Ugh . . .my head . . ." Came a groan.

"I guess that solves everything." Gabe shrugged. "He's awake."

". . .Mel!" Sami squealed happily.

". . .ugh . . .what . . .is it over and done with yet?"

"Yeah . . .you won . . ."

"Oh great . . ."

". . .now . . .now what's going to happen?"

". . .I've taken the liberty to give you guys more . . .help." Sonja said. "As well . . .I'll tell you later okay Sami-chan?"

"Hmm?"

"Just come with me. Bring Mel too. He needs to lay low for a while."

"What!?"

". . .don't worry. Max and Andy should be able to manage perfectly without you two for a little while."

". . .I hope you're right Sonja." Sami said. "This could get ugly fast."

"I know. Now then . . .take your stuff and Mel's stuff. We have to move quickly."

"Okay . . ."

"We'll help." Gabe said.

"Yeah . . .since he is our commander." Gary agreed.

". . .good. Then you two . . .we're off to the island chain of Yellow Comet. You know where right?"

"Yup."

"That's good." Sonja nodded. "We should be able to handle this situation then."

". . .Sonja?" Sami started.

"Mm-hmm?"

"What's happening now?"

". . .I'm not too sure to be honest . . .but I'll learn more soon enough . . ."

Place: ???

"This stinks of something weird . . ." Grit muttered as he took a drag of his cigarette. ". . .I reckon I ought to swing by Yellow Comet soon . . .Sonja's up to something . . .I can tell."

". . .what are you doing Grit?" Olaf shouted.

"Nothing sir . . ."

"Good. Then . . .do whatever. I don't have any need for you as of now."

"Okeydokey bearded one." The lanky man sauntered off to the heliport. "All right . . .take me to Yellow Comet ya hear?"

"Yes sir."

"Ah . . .I reckon I should take a nap while I'm getting there . . ."

"Good idea sir."

". . .all right . . .let's move out."

Place: Yellow Comet Region

"Daddy?"

"Yes Sonja?"

"I need to check something. I'll take command."

"Sonja . . .I won't let you be placed in harm's way! It's dishonorable!"

"Daddy!" She whined.

"But . . .but . . ."

"Oh . . .don't worry. How about this . . .if I even get close to any trouble, I'll run away okay?"

". . .do you promise?"

"But of course daddy." She nodded. "That and Mel-nii-chan can take care of me."

". . .was he defeated!?"

"No . . .it's just that . . .well . . .I don't know actually."

". . .interesting. Very well Sonja . . .go and do whatever you want . . ." Kanbei sighed.

"Thank you daddy!" She ran off.

". . .ah . . .my dear Sonja . . .what will I do with you?"

Time: The morning

Place: Yellow Comet Isles HQ

". . .where am I?" Mel groaned. "And what's this weight here . . ." He reached around for his glasses. After finding them, he put them on and peered at something that was lying on his chest. ". . .Sami!?"

". . .zzz . . ." The redhead snored quietly as she shifted about.

". . .oh boy . . .where am I?"

"Morning nii-chan. I hope you slept well." Sonja said at the doorway.

". . .Sonja . . .where . . .am I?"

"Yellow Comet HQ. All your things are here, so don't worry."

". . .I noticed." He pointed to Sami, who was still rolling about fitfully.

". . .she insisted . . ."

". . .I see . . .ugh . . .have I been in my uniform all day?"

"Yeah . . ."

"Sick . . ." Mel said unbuttoning his shirt and tossing it onto the ground. "Where's the bathroom?"

"Over there." She pointed.

"Good . . ."

"Hmm . . .?" Sami woke up and looked around. "Oh . . .morning Mel!"

"Morning 'mi. I'm taking a shower. Later."

". . .huh . . .Sonja? Where are you goin'?"

"Hmm? I have some things to deal with. You two stay here."

". . .oh . . .okay . . ."

"And if you want something to eat, just look around . . .Mel's bound to have some food in his bags or something."

"Mm-kay." Sami nodded. She sat up on the bed and peered around. ". . .how comforting . . ." She inhaled deeply of the fresh Yellow Comet air. "Still nice . . ." Stretching herself out, she flopped back onto the bed. "Comfy . . ."

Time: Minutes later

"Ah . . .that's better . . ." Mel said as he walked out of the bathroom. "Eh?" His eyes wandered to the bed where Sami had fallen asleep again. "I don't believe it . . ."

". . .zzz."

'She's exposing her stomach again . . .and a bit more.' He reddened as he averted his glance. ' . . .pink . . .cute.'

"Nmm . . ."

". . ." He shook his head and covered her with the blanket. "All right then 'mi. If you're gonna sleep . . .I'll let you sleep." He kissed her forehead and wandered around the HQ.

Place: Yellow Comet HQ: Sonja's current location

The Yellow Cometan girl sat at her desk as she finalized her battle preparations.

"Note to self . . .I have to lose . . .but I'm going to make sure it's not . . .fake. Good. This is great . . .this should be able to help us find our mystery foe . . ."

End of Chapter