Vandread Fanfic - Slayer of God: Beyond the Time
Rating – Sci-Fi and a little romance here and there
Best viewed with the font Verdana, 10 point
Note: Sorry for the REALLY LONG wait. College stuff. Don't you just hate em? And yes, KaiserPhoenix, keep your assumptions to yourself. About killing Rick yet again, it will always be a possibility. :p
Chapter 2: Return of the White-Winged Angel
You could be anywhere
These precious memories are throbbing
The road goes on and on, no matter how far I go
I remember your golden brilliance
Alchemy of Love by Megumi Hayashibara
Nirvana finally arrived within the orbit of the remote planet of Destinia. It was located a few lightyears away from Neo Terra. The planet was virtually not suitable for living as plants and crops couldn't grow on the soil. Therefore, it only served as a military outpost.
"Destinia is within range." One of the crew informed.
"We also received a signal from the battleship Muramasa. It seems that there are many more ships already landed." Another crew said.
BC flashed a smile.
"I see. Seems that everyone is thinking the same. Prepare to land."
"Roger."
The mysterious woman, now known as Hotaru Inaho was sitting on the platform overlooking Paeksis Plasma, the core of Nirvana. Upon detecting her presence, the object glowed. Hotaru smiled.
"I'm back, sister."
"I thought you already gone."
"I was...brought back."
"...I see."
"I don't know how I can be of help but I'll try, sister."
The Paeksis again glowed as if it agreed to what she said.
Axel was dozing off in his Vanguard when a girl called him from below.
"Brother Axel!"
Axel woke up and looked down who called him. It was Mara.
"Mara? What's up?"
"Can you come down here for a minute?"
"Yeah. Give me a moment."
Axel descended the ladder and approached the blonde haired girl.
"Alright, I'm here. What now?"
Mara smiled and pulled Axel out of the area.
"What the--? Hey, where are you dragging me?"
"You'll see."
The two passed by Erick and Barnette. The couple stared at both of them.
"Hey Mara. Where are you taking that young man?" Erick asked his daughter.
Mara grinned at her father.
"Hee. You'll see."
"Stop pulling me..." Axel protested.
Erick and Barnette watched them disappear from view.
"What was that all about?" Barnette asked.
Erick pulled her closer. He planted a kiss on her forehead.
"Why don't we find out?"
Bart entered the infirmary after he was cleared to leave the bridge. Duero was reading a book like he always does. He looked up at Bart the moment he entered.
"Bart, glad for you stop by."
Bart stared at the book the doctor's been reading.
"Hm. Still reading old books, huh? Guess you'll never change."
Duero smiled by that remark.
"I take that as a compliment. These ancient books from Earth are really interesting."
Bart heaved a sigh.
"Spare me the sermons. I just stop by to relax."
"It is difficult being a great helmsman, eh?"
"Har, har. Very funny. So, where's Parfet?"
"We got separated on Terra."
"You seem rather calm about it."
"The captain just informed me that she is aboard Muramasa with Raymond and Gasco."
"I see."
"So, how about you? Gonna be single till kingdom come?"
"Oh, cut it. I can be single as long as I want."
"But sooner or later you got to have an heir to your business, right?"
Bart sighed.
"I know but to tell the truth, I'm tired of having this business. Maybe I should join the military. At least I can get a position on higher up because of my qualifications."
"Well, it's not my place to say about it. But think it thoroughly."
Bart nodded.
"Yeah. I will."
Rick and Meia were on their way to the park when they saw Erick and Barnette at the entrance.
"They're...peeking?" Rick asked.
"Let's ask what they're up to." Meia said.
Rick tapped Erick on his shoulder.
"What are you doing, man?"
Barnette turned to them.
"Wanna see what our children are up to?"
"Our...children?" Meia asked.
"Let's see..." Rick looked into the park to see Mara dragging Axel. Clearly, Axel was protesting the whole thing. Rick focused his view on the other side and saw Janette was waiting for them. She looked so nervous that she'll break down any minute. Rick smiled.
"What's wrong, dear?" Meia asked.
"I think we better leave the kids, Meia. The same goes to both of you."
"But..." Barnette tried to protest but was cut off by Erick.
"He's right, Barnette. We shouldn't interfere in our kids' relationship. They're old enough now."
Barnette gave a thought and nod. With that, the four left their three children. Rick glanced at the park.
(Good luck, kid.)
Hibiki entered his room and suddenly was hugged by Dita.
"Oh, hey. What's up?"
Dita looked up at him.
"Nothing. I just miss you. That's all."
"I see. We're gonna land soon."
"I know. I already finished with the preparations."
Hibiki kissed her on the cheek.
"Thanks. What will I ever do without you?"
Dita giggled by the comment.
Mara finally let go of Axel as soon as they arrived.
"Hey, why did you drag me here for?"
Mara managed a chuckle.
"Hee. You'll know soon."
She then went over Janette who was standing not far from her. After the two done talking, Mara returned to Axel and patted his shoulder.
"Good luck."
"Whaat?"
"Go to her, idiot. She wants to tell you something."
After some pushing from Mara, Axel gave up reluctantly.
"Okay. Fine. You win."
As Axel approached Janette, he saw the girl was staring at him nervously. When he's within 10 feet from her, he asked;
"So, you wanna talk?"
Janette nodded.
"Alright. Why don't we sit down?"
Janette smiled. At this point, all her anxiousness was gone.
"Okay."
After the two found a place to sit, Axel said;
"It's been a while since the last time we talked."
"Umm. Yeah. We're too busy, I guess."
"Right. But I still can't believe how you can put up with your sister's attitude."
Janette could only chuckled by his remark.
"Hee. I got used to it."
Axel flashed a smile at her.
"Yeah. Guess so."
He stared at her for a few moments. Janette was a complete opposite to her sister, Mara. Unlike Mara who was outgoing, cheerful and tend to get things her way, Janette was timid, gentle and never tried to make herself stand out. He, Janette and Mara grew up together in Neo Terra but when Axel busied himself with studies, he lost in touch with them. The only time they get to see each other was on their parent's reunion party last year. But they only changed a few words back then.
Janette, who was aware of Axel staring at her, blushed deeply. And for that moment, both stared at each other. Axel leaned at her and now within a few inches from her.
"Brother Axel, I..." Janette tried to say something but was cut off.
"Hush, Janette. I know what are you going to say but I'm not ready for it. Not now. Forgive me."
Janette looked into the set of amethyst blue eyes and feels a huge burden she's been carrying for years has gone. She then hugged Axel with tears flowed down her cheeks.
"It's okay, brother Axel. I understand."
Axel felt the warmth surrounding him as Janette's arm wrapped around him. And during that moment, he could feel all her feelings she had for him.
(Is this...love? Dad, I understand now.)
He then wrapped his arms around her waist.
"Please hold out your feelings for me. Just a little longer."
"I will."
"Preparation to enter atmosphere is complete." said one of the bridge crew members.
BC gave a nod.
"Good. Enter atmosphere---"
Her command was suddenly cut off by another crew member.
"We're detecting a massive armada coming our way. It's them."
BC cursed under her breath.
"Send a word to all battle ships on Destinia. We'll try to hold them until they arrive. And tell all personnel to get ready for battle."
"Roger."
Bart and Duero were talking when the alarm was turned on.
"ATTENTION ALL PERSONNEL. ENEMIES ARE APPROACHING OUR WAY. RETURN TO YOUR DESIGNATED POST AND PREPARE FOR BATTLE. I REPEAT..."
Bart sighed.
"An absolute timing at its worst. Well, I'll head back to the bridge. Later man."
"Yeah. I might as well get busy too."
Axel hurried to the hangar as soon as they could only to see his parents were waiting for him.
"Aww. Shoot." Axel sighed in frustration.
Meia approached him.
"Axel, I'm against you going out there but I won't try to stop you."
Rick pats his son on the shoulder.
"You made a choice, son. Now go and make us proud."
"Mom, Dad..."
"By the way, I made a few optimizations on your Vanguard. Go get 'em."
Axel smiled.
"Thanks dad."
"Remember. If you screw things up out there, this old man will go out there and show how things done."
Meia stomped on his foot upon hearing that. Rick clutched his foot in agony.
"Oww! I was just kidding. Can't you take a joke?"
"Ignore your father, Axel. Now go. We'll be waiting for you."
Hibiki entered his Vanguard and saw Dita coming at him.
"Hibiki, please be careful."
Hibiki kissed her lightly.
"I will. I'll lead this battle and win it for you."
Dita hugged him upon hearing those words.
"You will. I know you can."
Anton zipped his pilot suit as he approached his Vanguard. He was followed by Aya and Faye.
"Alright. I should be going now."
"Anton, be careful, okay?"
Anton smiled at his wife and kissed her.
"Don't worry. I will."
Faye tugged his father's pants.
"Daddy, I wanna go too."
Anton kneeled in front of her and pulled her cheek. This caused Faye to moan playfully.
"Daddy, it hurts!"
Anton kissed his daughter's cheek.
"I wish you can, honey. But I don't want your mother to beat me up silly."
Aya smiled at her husband's joke.
"That's what I called a good thinking."
Anton smiled and kissed Aya again. He then went into his Vanguard and waved at them.
"I'll be back for dinner! You hear me?"
Janette was activating her Dread when Mara called her via the communicator.
"I saw what happened between you two. Way to go, sis."
Janette blushed deeply.
"Thanks for what you've done for me, sis. Without you..."
"It's alright, sis. I just glad to help. Now let's go and show those guys."
Janette gave a nod as she prayed silently for their safety.
(Mom, dad. I'll be back. I promise.)
Erick and Barnette were watching the Dread entering formation with mixed feelings.
"Is it alright letting her do so?" Barnette asked.
"She'll be alright, dear." Erick replied as he brought her head closer.
"I hope you're right, darling."
"I always do, dear. She might not be as aggressive as you but she does inherit your steely resolve."
"Me? Aggressive?" Barnette chuckled.
"Uh, well. Before we get together, I mean."
"And that's the reason you loved me, right?" Barnette asked teasingly.
Erick smiled at her as his hand ran down her hips. Her face turned red.
"Yeah. But right now, I love you because of those blushing cheeks. Do you want to have another round?"
As much as she wants it, she couldn't help but think of their daughter.
"Not now, darling. Our daughter is out there. You can have me after Janette returns, okay?"
Erick sighed. He smiled and kissed her lightly.
"Yeah. Sure thing, honey. I'll go and prepare my Vanguard just in case something happens."
"Defensive formation complete. Enemy is within sight." Informed one of the crew on the bridge.
The screen shows 3 huge armadas and thousands of fighters were coming on their way. BC took a deep breath.
"Good. Try to be defensive as long as possible until reinforcements arrive. Once they opened fire, that's our cue to begin battle." BC commands.
"ROGER!"
"And Bart, prepare the main gun and fire on my command."
"You got it, Captain." Bart replied from the navigation room.
Hotaru, had been with the Paeksis all this time, could feel the presence of the enemy.
"It begins..."
"So it seems. The Creator, are they powerful?"
"From what I've known, they are indeed powerful until the Gods sealed all their kind. Now, the seal is broken and they will claim what they should have all this millennia."
"What will happen to everyone should they win this war?"
"You should know better of that, sister."
"...I see."
"Go and help them."
"Me? I don't think I can."
"There is no harm in trying."
"...I'll see what I can do."
Meia was watching the battle from the window of her room until Rick entered.
"Meia..."
"Axel, I hope he's okay..."
Rick hugged her from behind.
"He'll be okay. He's old enough now..."
"But..."
"Hush. Remember, Meia. I was about his age when I started piloting a Vanguard."
Meia smiled upon hearing that.
"I remember. You were so reckless and I was there berating you because of your attitude."
"Hey, I came out good in the end, right?"
Meia held his hand tight. She never want to let go of this man. Her affection will always remain strong if not stronger.
"Yeah, I know you will always do, Rick."
The battle was fast and furious. Despite having a greater number of fighters, the enemies were having a tough time breaking down a highly disciplined and fortified defence led by Hibiki.
"I don't know how long we can hold them off..." Axel said through the communicator.
"Just hang in there, Axel." Anton said.
"This isn't good at all. We can't launch a counter attack or we'll risk of exposing a loophole in our defense." Mara stated.
"I don't want to hear anymore complaining. Just do as we planned until reinforcements arrive." Hibiki finally said.
"What? Looks like they had withdrawn their fighter." Janette said.
BC looked at the development in surprise.
"That's odd. They have the chance to end this battle. I wonder why..."
Rick entered the bridge along with Meia. As he was gasping for breath, he informed;
"Hurry! Steer clear! Their vessels are planning to blast us into oblivion!"
BC took a quick glance at their mother ships and saw a giant cannon appeared.
"Everyone, steer clear from the path!" she commands.
"It's too late! The blast is heading straight for us!" screamed one of the crew.
Meia hugged Rick tightly.
"Rick..."
"Meia..."
Suddenly, a familiar feeling struck Rick. A feeling that he almost forget all these years. Rick looked around the bridge.
"This sensation..."
Suddenly, a brilliant white light appeared as the canon blast hit its intended target. In that moment, Rick could feel the atmosphere of Nirvana, Meia still clinging to him and his foot is still on the floor. In other words, he's still alive. No, everyone is still alive.
"What...happened..?" Bart asked.
"Status report!" BC said.
"We are detecting a high concentration of energy right in front of us. But..."
"But what?"
"This energy wave is similar to..."
Before the status officer could finish, Rick uttered a few words as the white light finally disappears to reveal a white Vanguard with its wings outstretched magnificently.
"It is you..."
Meia too, stared at the Vanguard in astonishment.
"Vanguard...X..."
Suddenly, all eyes were on the object that just arrived. Even the enemies ceased their attacks upon witnessing the white Vanguard easily absorbed their canon blast.
"Isn't that..." Hibiki muttered.
Axel was speechless like everyone else until Janette said;
"The White-Winged Angel has returned..."
Exposing these lonely feathers, showing only your flight
In this dazzling time, let's keep dancing, until our strength runs out...
Thunderbird by T.M.Revolution