Chapter 1: The Shattering of Normalcy
In another universe that is similar yet also different to ours, humans have entered an age where they have migrated into outer space to solve Earth's overpopulation and dwindling resources. Large cylindrical habitats called Space Colonies, now exist scattered throughout the stars. Their sole existence to allow humans to live in space and explore the vast sea of stars for resources that can sustain their way of life.
It is during this period that humans had discovered an ancient alien artifact, a large empty space ship containing technology leagues above what they currently possess drifting in the darkness of space. Within the vessel they discovered something that would solve all of humanity's problems. The G-System as it was called, was a complex machine that was completely self-sufficient and contained information on a wide array of technology that it could easily replicate with ease. With the G-System humanity was able to solve many of the crisis' that it faced and was on the path of eternal peace and prosperity. But tragedy struck when humans whose hearts were tainted with ambition and greed began to rise up and take over the world. Using the G-System humans created weapons of war known as Mobile Suits and waged war for control of the Earth Sphere and the multiple colonies that existed.
Within the G-System existed an A.I. who at first wanted to help the humans that it had met after drifting from space for a time it could no longer remember. Upon seeing the humans misuse its technology, It, along with the space-ship that housed the G-System disappeared from the eyes of the humans that it had come to cherish.
Many years have passed in this universe and war still ensues even without the existence of the G-System. Many have died in a hopeless stalemate between multiple warring factions that has shown no signs of conclusion. In order to end this stalemate and bring peace to their universe, the nations of Earth have decided to conduct a search for the missing G-System hoping it would have what they need to stop the endless conflict.
And now these problems belonging to a different universe spreads to those that should not have been dragged into its conflict…
"...tion all passeng "...tion all passengers, please return to your seats, and fasten your seatbelts. We will be arriving at our destination shortly. Attention all passengers, please return to your seats and fasten your seatbelts..."
The sudden announcement woke me up from my deep slumber. I slowly opened my eyes and checked the window to my left, seeing that it was already morning. I stretched out my hands as I yawned from the seat and checked to see if my seatbelt was alright. After checking if everything was fine, I could feel the plane slowly start to descend. Using my phone as a makeshift mirror I inspected my face, making sure that I didn't look haggard. After combing my unruly brown hair, I quickly spruced up myself with a wet towel offered by one of the flight attendants. The trip was about to end and I was finally going to touch the ground.
8:00 A.M., Japan, Tokyo International Airport.
It was a rather monotonous day. Passengers shuttling in and about, meeting up with their loved ones, or moving on to their next connecting flights. After picking up my luggage, I quickly maneuvered past the crowds of people within the airport. Stepping out of the airport, I was greeted by groups of people holding placards with names written on them. My eyes darted left and right searching for one with my name written on it. I put on a relaxed expression after I found who I was looking for. I fixed myself up, dusting the shoulder of my suit and straightening my necktie.
"Hey! I'm over here!" I called out to the person at the other side of the road waiting near the smoking area.
The girl was in her early 20's, she wore short-shorts and an open denim jacket with the ends of her shirt tied up to her bust, leaving her abdomen completely exposed. Her red colored high-heels looked obviously expensive, as was the designer bag that hanged from her left arm. This ravishing, outgoing style was completed by a perfect tan, two red pigtails adorned with colorful accessories and a pair of sunglasses resting on her face.
The girl smiled at me as she put down the placard she was holding, waving her free hand and calling me over to her. "Heya! You're Prof. O'Hara's exchange student, right?"
I made my way to where the girl was, carefully looking for any incoming vehicles that might run me over if I didn't know any better as I pulled my luggage.
After reaching the smoking area I extended my hand offering a handshake to my new acquaintance, "That's me, names Clive, Clive Winbolt. Just call me Clive, it's what most people call me, and I'm not a fan of being called Mr. Winbolt." I said with a relaxed smile on my face.
The girl shook my hand with a firm grip, a large grin formed across her face, "I honestly thought I'd be talking to an uptight know-it-all who'd be making remarks to how I dressed, I'm happy that I was wrong! Nice to meet you Clive, names Miyo, Hamasaki Miyo! Here's hoping to a fun campus life here in Japan!"
Her words ringing in my head, I started to imagine what my life would be starting from now. It was an all-new experience studying abroad. After taking a deep breath, calming myself down from the excitement that I felt, "Yeah, shall we get going? Or is there someplace you'd like to stop by first?" I asked ready to start this new chapter in my life.
Just outside of planet Earth, a mysterious invisible vessel was monitoring the land from outer space. Within the confines of this vessel sat a man wearing an unknown country's military uniform. His face obscured by the dim room he was in, his eyes remained closed as his chin was resting on the palm of his left hand, an air of impatience filled the room. When suddenly multiple monitors began to light up.
*Beep*
*Beep*
*Beep*
The crew commandeering the ship scrambled at what the monitors was showing, the man sitting at the middle of the bridge smiled of the implications of what the beeping sounds meant. He rose from his seat and pulled up a phone from nearby, "Gentlemen, all hands to battle stations, get ready for atmospheric entry and prepare to deploy the mobile suits. We've found our missing princess."
Following the man's orders the soldiers scattered from within went to their respective stations, the cloaking on the ship was disabled, revealing a menacing black battleship. The satellites orbiting the planet was too late to notice the imminent threat while it simply rammed over them as it entered into the atmosphere.
The man who commanded the ship was delighted that all of his waiting was not a waste of time, "Alright men, it's time we brought back what belongs to us." He said with an expression similar to a child about to play with their new set of toys.
A few hours after leaving the airport, my new acquaintance and fellow college associate Miyo took me to a nearby café to have a simple brunch. While we waited for our food, she asked me why I decided to continue my academics in Japan. I had come to this country to study robotics engineering from the world's leading innovator in the field of robotics, Professor Jiro O'Hara.
"I've always had a fascination with robots ever since I was a kid," I said to Miyo as she sat from across the table. "I used to love watching robots from television shows and when I was in high school, I decided I wanted to make a robot of my own." Making myself sound like a toddler explaining to their grade school teacher what they want to do in the future.
"Pfft, THAT'S your reason for wanting to study under that hard-headed old man?" She said with an incredulous tone. "I've met a lot of people with varying reasons for wanting to major in robotics, but yours is the most childish one I've ever heard!" She shouted, attracting the attention of the rest of the other customers in the café.
I looked at her straight in the eyes with an air of seriousness, "It's a child's dream, but I still want to make it happen." I reply, wanting to make clear that I'm not planning on doing things half-heartedly. I know that there are better excuses for wanting to pursue a career on robotics, and mine is probably at the top list of the most ridiculous reasons to ever exist. Even so I still want to do it.
Miyo simply smiled and sighed at what I said to her, "You're really honest about what you want huh Clive, I like that in a guy." She said as my face suddenly flushed red from her unexpected comment.
"What do you mean by-", before I could finish the waiter arrived with what we ordered, I decided to let the comment go and eat before the food got cold.
After finishing our food, we proceeded to head to the college where I'll begin studying for the new semester. Miyo insisted that we walk instead of taking a cab as the college isn't very far, that and she simply wanted to make small talk before having to listen to Prof. O'Hara's ramblings. I was in no rush and hoping I could get to know a possible classmate I went along with her idea.
We started the conversation talking about what our hobbies were, the things we liked, hated and whatever question we could think up of on the fly. I was used to talking with a lot people back home so I wouldn't say I was a stranger to socializing. As we conversed on the way to our destination, trying to get to know each other I accidentally bumped into someone and made them stumble.
"Excuse me, I'm sorry for not looking where I was going." I said as I offered a hand to help them get up. Before me was a young girl in her teens, she had bright orange hair and ruby red eyes. Her attire consisted of weird clothing that made me assume it was a costume of some sort. If I knew any better, I would have assumed she was a cosplayer that got lost heading to some sort of event somewhere. The mysterious girl hesitantly reached for my hand, when suddenly Miyo barged in from my side and took hold of the girls' hand, lifting her up and patting her sides down trying to remove the dust on her clothes.
"There, good as new, you should really be careful not to fall around so much missy. Those clothes of yours look expensive." Miyo said to the mysterious girl as she began to twiddle her fingers in embarrassment. Turning her face to my direction she looked at me with deadpan eyes.
"And YOU should look where you're walking next time."
"S-Sorry, I promise I'll be more careful next time."
"S-Sorry, I promise I'll be more careful next time."
The mysterious girl and I apologized at the same time, we turned our heads and stared at each other, her cheeks were red with embarrassment. Before I could say anything else, she abruptly bowed her head down, after which she ran past us and vanished into a crowd. Recovering from the sudden turn of events, we continued our way to the college. Trying to think up of a new topic for conversation.
'I need to avoid contact with people as much as possible.' The mysterious girl thought. This planet that she was in was vastly behind in terms of technology compared to the other universes that she knew of. It was the perfect place to hide in secrecy as the people looking for her would never think of conducting a search on an "Underdeveloped Planet". As she aimlessly wandered the city, she felt a sudden shock throughout her body.
"It can't be, I've been found!" She said in a hushed tone, her mind began to panic at what she had just realized. Sprinting into the middle of the street, paying no heed to the vehicles that are buzzing and telling her to move, she stared at the sky. Her eyes wide in shock at what she was seeing.
"A black battleship… It must be him; he's come to capture me." She shuddered in fear, thinking that all of her efforts to remain hidden would all go to waste. She began to walk away from the bustling city, memories from her past that she wanted to forget resurfacing. She began to remember that fateful day, when she agreed to aid the humans who woke her from deep slumber, and the atrocities that they committed after. After witnessing the foolishness of mankind, she vowed that she would not let anyone misuse the power that she possessed.
She picked up her pace, sprinting as far away from the city as possible to avoid dragging civilians in what was about to happen, she sprinted towards a forest that was nearby, where deep within motes of energy began to converge, and from out of thin air a white robot began to materialize.
'I don't trust humans, but that doesn't mean that I hate them. I won't abide arbitrary killing, so If I have the power to stop tragedies from happening then I'll fight.' The girl said in her mind, steeling her resolve for the battlefield she was headed to.
After our slight detour we had finally arrived at our destination, the Tokyo Metropolitan Robotics University. As we entered the school gates, I was greeted by the sight of students going about, minding their own business. Miyo walked forward, and I simply followed her as she guided me to the Professor's office. She led me into a hallway that was bustling with students, some making idle conversation and talking about their academics, others heading towards I assume their classes. As we turned to the right of the hallway, I could see the sign leading to the Professor's faculty.
After turning around my direction, Miyo clasped her two hands together and bowed her head, "Sorry to break it to you but I really need to go now! I already missed my first class and I don't want to be late for the next!" She said as she ran through the hallway," The Professors office is straight over there you shouldn't miss it!" She shouted as she disappeared into the crowd of students shuffling about.
I took a moment to take a deep breath and sighed as my supposed "Tour Guide" bailed on me as we were close to our destination. Regaining my composure, I resumed walking down the hallway, looking at the signs written on the doors as I searched for Professor O'Hara's office. Spotting a peculiar plaque with his name on it I gulped as I reached for the door knob, immediately stopping a few centimeters as I forgot simple manners.
I knocked on the door three times, "Come in, I'm not busy." A stern voice came from the other side of the door. I gulped as I slowly twisted the doorknob, I was getting nervous now of all times. Pushing the door, I slowly entered the office while I closed the door behind me and was greeted by the sight of an old man wearing a lab coat, "Greetings, I'm Professor Jiro O'Hara, to what business do I owe you."
I simply stared at him for a few seconds, noting his slouched posture as he stood a few meters ahead of me before finally registering his question, "O-Oh sorry, I'm Clive Winbolt, the exchange student that Professor Moses recommended to you." I said as my right hand rubbed the back of my neck.
"I see, so you're Moses' star pupil. I can see that you're very nervous, did something happen to you before you entered?"
"Oh no!" I waved my hand dismissively trying to not cause a misunderstanding. "I just thought what an honor it is to finally get to meet you Professor."
"I seldom receive such treatment from my colleagues, it's good to know that there are some youngsters who appreciate my work." Professor O'Hara said as he suddenly sighed. "If only my blasted assistant gave me that kind of respect."
"I see… would it be alright of me to ask who this assistant of yours is?" I asked. "I don't see them in this room."
"Oh, that would be miss Hamasaki, she's a brilliant girl and most would call her a genius, if not for her 'eccentric' personality that is."
I Inhaled sharply as I suddenly remembered the wonderful girl who ditched me on the hallway, the idea of working together with her was going to be hectic based on my first impression of her. I was snapped from my thoughts as the Professor snapped his fingers in front of me, gaining my attention.
"It seems you've already met her from your reaction, my apologies for any form of discomfort she's committed." He said, "Now that introductions are finished, let's handle your admission."
"But before that, allow me to say, Welco-" Before the Professor could finish a sudden earthquake occurred. Seeing as he was about to fall on the floor, I quickly moved and held his shoulders to help him keep balance. As we did our best to remain standing, the sound of explosions could be heard from afar. Students outside the office could be heard screaming as the other Professors and guards asked everyone to calm down.
I quickly moved together with the Professor towards the window as the tremors began to cease, checking to see what was going on outside. "What is happening that could cause such a-" Professor O'Hara said as he suddenly stopped mid-sentence, his eyes staring wide at what it had registered. I looked to the direction he was looking at and couldn't believe what I was seeing.
There was a ship floating in midair, raining down cannon fire towards the city. Objects that were too small to see from this distance were moving about causing terror. Fire and panic were quickly spreading through the city, screams could be heard in different directions. I couldn't believe what I was seeing, it was far from an ordinary terrorist attack.
As I rubbed my eyes, I managed to notice one peculiar object. A white humanoid figure with wings that vaguely resembled something that I've seen. It was moving through the air towards what was causing carnage, the warmongers took notice of it and fired at its direction, it dodged and weaved at its enemies when I suddenly saw a bright ray of light, small explosions appearing throughout the sky.
I took out my phone and opened up my camera, zooming to the spectacle happening in the city, I was shocked at what I saw. Those flying objects were robots- not just any robots, their designs were even more familiar to me. Those are Mobile Suits, and as I turned my phone to what they were shooting at, "You have got to be kidding me." I said, "surprised" wasn't enough to describe what I was feeling right now.
'I thought It was just fiction, something you could only see in front of television or a toy store. It never occurred to me that I would actually see one in real life. But right before my eyes, flying above the buildings… It's a Gundam, Wing Gundam!'