Chapter 4

Disclaimer: I do not own Ace Combat

7 years later… Kevin Johnson, 17, is at the Charles Winstrom Public Library. It is here that he should be researching for his literature report on famous legends. But instead, Kevin is pulling any book off the shelves that has to do with fighter aircraft. It was two weeks earlier that he saw three F-14's flying over his town practicing maneuvers. Kevin was just fascinated by them. Their speed, agility, and formation, captivated him. He saw them after a fight with two street punks, who tried to rob Katie's purse. He chased them down an alley, and caught up to them as they were attempting to climb over a caged fence. Kevin grabbed both their ankles and pulled both boys to the ground. As one was getting to his feet, Kevin uppercut him, sending the poor punk crashing into the wall. As Kevin turns to face his other opponent, he is met with a fist to his face, causing a purple bruise to appear on his face. Kevin recollected himself, and sent a punch of his own into the guys stomach. Next, he grabbed a trash can lid on the floor, and started bashing the two delinquents with it. This continued for about another minute, until both boys decided that staying was suicide, so they took off running down the same alley from which they entered. As the two cowards ran with their tails between their legs, Kevin threw the trash can lid like a frisbee, knocking down one of the boys. It wasn't until after he picked up Katie's purse did he notice the roaring sound. The same sound he heard seven years ago in that fiery alley. He looked up and saw the three tomcats flying in perfect formation. He then thought to himself, "They can protect a hell of a lot better than I can. Maybe… Maybe I should think about joining the military. What am I thinking? Everyone's been telling me I should keep playing football. That it will land me into college, and possibly get me into the pros. I don't know. What should I do Lord?" Kevin then stood there for a moment and waited. "I'm sure you'll give me an answer later."

But as the days passed on, Kevin thought of those fighter jets more and more. That's why he was at the library, reading about jets instead of working on his report. He read about the history of the air force and their roles in previous wars. About witness and pilot accounts on some famous dogfights. About the usage of certain fighter and attacker aircraft. Kevin just ate all this up. It was two days before the deadline of his literature report and Kevin hasn't even gotten started. He realized this and put the books away disappointingly. He wanted to continue reading them, but knew he could procrastinate any longer. He then took out his book on the Razgriz demon and began writing his report, he knew that the faster he got this done, the faster he can get to reading his favorite books again. Two days later, after two sleepless nights and a numbed right hand, he finished his report and turned it in. Three weeks later, he got his report back with a big, red B+ on it. Kevin was happy with, though he could barely remember what he said in it. All he could remember was the words, when history witnesses a great change, Razgriz reveals itself. First as a dark demon. As a demon, it rains death upon the land, and then it dies. After a period of slumber, Razgriz returns. This time, as a great hero.

Kevin was more than just a self-promoted vigilante of Plymouth. He was also a stand-out running back at Lincoln Watters High School. He joined the team because both Katie and Henry begged him too, so to please them, Kevin signed up and made the team as a running back. When he was given a slip for his uniform, Kevin didn't know or care what number he was given. He just wrote down the first number that came into his head. That number was sixteen.

For Kevin's freshman year, he never got any playing time. He was only second string after all and played back-up for Quentin Hews. Quentin was a senior who played his position for all four years in high school and held the school record for most all time rushing yards when he graduated. At the graduation ceremony, Quentin was given a special honorary award and had his number, 38, retired. He also received a football scholarship at Greendale University. But when Quentin left the holed grounds of Lincoln Watters High School forever, Kevin took his place and left a legacy of his own.

In Kevin's sophomore year, he proved to be a force to be reckoned with. He was no Quentin Hews, but he was a better than average back. Henry Lighter, Kevin's long-time associate, made the team along with Kevin as a second string quarterback and finally made it t a starter in his junior year. When he first got his uniform, Henry was so stoked because he would be wearing number five. He was stoked because it was the same number as Michael Veybacke, the starting quarterback of the Ribbon City Pirates, and was a future hall of famer. In Henry's and Kevin's junior year, they both played on the same field at the same time, with Henry as the quarterback and Kevin as the running back.

1 year later… Its late in the high school football season. Kevin is debating with himself over whether to join the air force academy or go into college the same way as Quentin and get a degree. But that would have to wait because now, the Lincoln Watters Eagles where in the league championship game, the biggest and last game of the year.

It's the fourth quarter. Ten seconds left. No timeouts left. The Eagles are down by three and are on the Bulls seven yard line. And the coach is going for the win. He decides to call YZ 32 right wing, or a handoff to Kevin to run up the right side. The offense is in the huddle getting the play.

"Coach is calling YZ 32 right wing. You ready for it Kevin" asked Henry.

Kevin was tired, hurt, and was bleeding from his mouth. He spit out some blood onto the grass and said "Give me the ball."

"That's the sun of the gun that got us here. Okay, you guys know what to do. I want to see a whole bunch of bodies in Bulls uniforms all over the gridiron. Let's make it happen."

The team clapped and broke the huddle. They got into the I formation. Henry was behind the center, setting up. Kevin was standing behind his fullback, Tommy Kirkland. He just stood there looking at the opposing defense. Preparing in his mind what will happen in the next few seconds. Henry called hike and received the snap. The offensive line hit the nearest body wearing red; Kevin started his run and received the hand off from Henry. He then stayed behind Tommy's number 41 as he hit the hole. Tommy went to his left and dived down, knocking down two Bulls players. Kevin ran end zone right in front of him. He was at the five, the four, the two. All of a sudden a Bull safety went for a hit on Kevin. Kevin braced for impact, they collided. The safety's helmet hit him straight in the stomach; Kevin took the impact and made a sort of spin move to the left. His arm stretched out, the second safety met him, hitting him in the stomach like the other one, helmet first. The force knocked Kevin back, his arm still stretched out. He falls. The ball is 2 centimeters away from the goal line. Time runs out No touchdown. Complains from Kevin's teammates about dirty hits. The refs say they never say it. Game over. Final score, Bulls 24 Eagles 21. Kevin is still on the ground. Henry kneels next to him, placing his hand on his shoulder. His mouth opened to speak, but Kevin knew what was going to come out. It was a dirty hit and the refs never called it. He knew they lost by less than an inch. All Kevin wanted to do was lay there and not get up ever. He is then picked up by Henry and another teammate as they head back to the locker rooms. Kevin escaped their grasp and walked back to the lockers by his own power. Henry and the other guy understood. Kevin didn't want anyone to think that he was hurt. He walked back as if he was alright, but the truth was, he felt like hell.

1 month later. Kevin made his decision; he was going to the Air Force Academy. He sent in his registration forms and some footage of his games. The footage was Henry's idea. He said that it is to show off his athleticism and maybe get a scholarship to make the academy a little more fun. As for Henry, he did the same to the Army Academy. Both thought that they were best for military service, to keep peace throughout the world. Kevin was actually surprised, yet proud of the choice Henry made. But later on, Kevin's past would catch up with him.

3 months later… Kevin returned home from school around the same time he always had. He was heading up to his room to play his guitar when the phone rang. It was a person from Katie's work. He told Kevin that Katie wanted to see him and that he should go to the hospital immediately. Kevin was horrified. He hung up the phone, ran into his car, and went straight to St. Francis Hospital as fast as he could. When he arrived, a nurse told him where to find his adopted mother.

When he entered her room, Katie was laying there in a bed with all sorts of tubes in her. Kevin broke his emotionless face upon the sight of her. He ran in and sat in a chair next to her.

"What happened? What's wrong?" Asked a shocked teenager.

Katie just smiled at him and held his hand. Then in her sweetest voice she spoke. "Kevin. I'm afraid my time with you is short. Soon… I won't be here anymore."

"No no no no. You're going to be okay. You'll be all better before you know it. And when we get home, I'll get you your favorite cake from Mystic's…"

"I'm sorry my child. I'm sorry. I should have told you, but I was afraid that you would worry about me…. Before I go, please make me this promise." Said Katie through some horrible sounding coughs.

"Anything Kate. Anything." Said Kevin in a sad voice. The first time Katei ever heard Kevin talk like that.

"Promise me, to always remain pure. To always stay kind. I know you never quite opened up to anyone or even me, but I know you have a lot of feelings inside of you waiting to come out. I know someday that you will. I'll always be watching you, just like your parents. I love you Kevin, like any mother would for her child." Replied Katie with tears falling down her cheeks like a waterfall.

"I love you too. And I promise. I promise you Katie." Said Kevin, crying. He then hugged Katie and never let go. He was still embracing here when she took her last breath and died. Kevin was heartbroken. Another family member has now passed away, and once again he was alone. Kevin later found out that Kate was very sick for the past few weeks. There was no medicine, no cure. She didn't want to worry him; she felt that he shouldn't have to fear losing another mother. She knew that it was a little selfish to do this, but she thought it was the best. Kevin was taken home by the guy who called him, for Kevin was in no condition to drive. He went straight to his room and cried his eyes out. This was the first time he ever cried out of sadness, it hurt, it hurt a lot. He later fell asleep; his pillow soaked in is tears, dreaming about Katie when she was alive.

The next morning, Kevin woke up with much rattling at his door. He walked downstairs still with the aching pain. When he answered the door, he couldn't believe his eyes. Dozens of people where standing around his lawn. There was Miss Bellamy, the owner of the baker, Mystic's. There was his literature teacher, Mr. Fairchild. There was also the local mailman, Mr. Hatcher and Mrs. Cameron who owned the market. There was also Henry, Kevin's football coach, all his teammates, and dozens of other locals who have been protected by Kevin or where friends of Katie. Mr. Hatcher was the one ringing the doorbell. When he saw Kevin in his state, he said, "I know yesterday was tough for you Kevin. We all have been affected by Katie's sudden passing. You have are deepest condolences. But we come here to also bring you some good news. You received a letter from the Air Force. And... You're in. They want you to come and play for them. But we also came to give you this. It's not much but it's the least that we can do for you." Some of the people moved aside, revealing a beautiful motorcycle. Rev McDonald then said "We all know that wanted on of these for a while now and it is the least we can do for you for all you've done for us over the years. This way, you can show up at the academy in style. It works the same as your motorbike, so there should be no difficulty."

Mr. Hatcher then said "We also got you this." He handed Kevin an envelope containing a plane ticket to Mirramack where the academy was. "We also got pulled together this." And he handed another envelope to him containing a few thousand dollars.

Kevin could only stand there in awe with everything all he could manage to say was "Thank you. All of you." He said this with more tears falling down his face. Kevin felt better, or at least a little bit. He knew that this must be part of God's plan for him. He then thought, "Katie thanks for everything. You'll always be with me, along with my parents and God. I'll worker harder, harder then I ever have before. I'll be a pilot and I will do everything in my power to protect. I'll also work harder to fulfill my promise to remain kind and open up more." The rest of the day Kevin remained in his home, playing on his guitar and working on a new song.

A few weeks later, Katie's funeral was at the local cemetery. Almost the entire town showed up and Kevin gave a speech about the all the good she has done for him and others. For the remainder of the school year, Kevin was down inside. He kept his normal expression of no feeling, but was still pained by Katie's death. His world was turned upside down. The house felt empty, like all life has been drained from it. Kevin found it hard to concentrate on his studies and his grades did slip a bit. Henry mostly gave Kevin his privacy, but showed up to the house once in a while to check on him. He would invite Kevin over for dinner each week, at first expecting him to decline. But Kevin never did. In truth, he was thankful for Henry's kindness and looked to him as more of a better friend than he would have originally allowed. Henry's parents always thought of Kevin as being a bit crazy and antisocial. But after Kate's untimely death, they warmed up to him. It was hard to not like somebody who the entire town was starting to admire.

Finally, the school year ended, and to Kevin's surprise, he was able to maintain his 3.2 GPA. It was probably because the teachers gave him some slack for his sudden loss, which made Kevin feel a little uneasy. At graduation, when Kevin got his diploma, almost the entire audience applauded for him since the people who came to Katie's funeral, also came for Kevin's honor. It made him feel better, even if it was for one moment. After the ceremony, Kevin just went back home. There was supposed to be a big party at one of the graduate's houses for everyone, but Kevin declined. Parties never interested him. He pulled up his driveway and opened the front door and almost jumped out of his skin.

He was met with a huge shouting of surprise from the living room. Kevin couldn't believe it. Everyone was here, including Henry and his parents and sister. Henry was the mastermind in all this, since he knew Kevin would of gone straight home, skipping the celebration for the graduates. All Kevin could do was smile and try to enjoy himself, and he did. For the first time in his life, Kevin really enjoyed himself in company. He mingled, he laughed, and he even played for the guests on his guitar. Life was good for Kevin, for at least one night anyway. After the festivities, he went to bed and slept easily and forgot his troubles. He forgot his painful past.

The next two months were for summer break and preparation for his trip. When the day before the trip arrived, he had all his things ready to go in one large luggage bag. He tried to pack lightly. Only bringing some basic clothes, jacket, his guitar, and few meager items. But he would never think of leaving without two pictures. One was a picture of his parents and himself as a baby. His mother was holding him and smiling while his dad put one arm around his wife. The other photo was of him and Katie a couple of months ago, on their Christmas vacation to Black Bear Mountain. These where now his two most precious treasures, even more valuable than his guitar or motorcycle. As for his cycle, he didn't know how he could of brought it with him, but Rev. McDonald was able to talk the airlines in having his bike flown in a special cargo bay on the plane.

On the day of his departure, everyone showed up to wish Kevin a safe trip. While on the plane taking off, he waved at his home town and all who reside in it. They were the best of people there, and Kevin would always remember that.

I just want to point out that this took me over three hours to write.