AN: Hello and welcome back! I don't got much to say here honestly, I guess just prepare yourselves cause this chapter is a bit more on the serious side.
Ultraman Gallant
Chapter 6: Goodbye and First Encounter
A local park near JSDF Headquarters
It was a warm, sunny day as the members of the JSDF had gathered at a local park. They had the day off and not only was it their day off but it was Asuna's birthday. The team had gathered to celebrate with her and they had found a picnic table for themselves, filling it with a few presents, lunch and of course birthday cake.
Takato Shinkishi, known to few as the Earth's protector, Ultraman Gallant was helping set up as he looked at his fellow JSDF member, Tsubasa, "So Senpai what exactly is a birthday anyway?" Tsubasa raised an eyebrow at him as he looked over at Asuna who seemed to have been talking to Reika about something, "You don't know what a birthday is? Wait, do you Ultramen even have birthdays?"
Takato nodded slowly before frowning, "Uh I think we do, I've been with Daisuke a few times when he said it was his birthday." Tsubasa sighed, "A birthday is exactly as it sounds Taka, it's the day you celebrate when you were born." Takato gave a more confident nod, "Oh ok, then yeah Ultramen definitely have those then."
Tsubasa looked over at Captain Kakuhiro who was signaling them that they'd be having cake soon, "So when's your birthday then?" Takato thought for a moment before chuckling to himself, "I don't know actually, I know how old I am but that's about it." Tsubasa frowned, "How don't you know when your birthday is if you know how old you are?"
Takato shrugged again, "I don't really remember even being born, I told you before I don't have parents cause I kind of just came into existence one day, it's super weird but it's not the most uncommon thing in the land of light. Heck Ultraman Zero who was here a few weeks ago didn't know who his parents were till he was older."
Tsubasa put a hand on his shoulder and smiled, "Right right I remember that much, but again how do you know how old you are?" Takato laughed at his question, "Senpai we're a race of advanced beings made of light, we'd be stupid if we didn't have technology that could at least tell us that much." Tsubasa chuckled, "Right how could I be so stupid to not get that one."
Takato laughed along with him as the two were finally called over for cake. As the group finished singing happy birthday, Asuna blew out the candles and smiled, "Another birthday, another birthday wish." Takato looked at her, "You wish for something when you blow out the candles? What did you wish for?"
Reika frowned and lightly slapped him in the back of the head, causing him to turn towards her, "Come on rookie don't you know you aren't supposed to ask that?" Captain Kakuhiro chuckled and took a sip from his thermos of coffee, "As much as I don't agree with her response, she's right Takato you aren't supposed to ask or else it won't come true." Takato frowned and rubbed the back of his head, "Oh sorry, we didn't really have birthday cake where I'm from."
Reika crossed her arms and shook her head, "Boy you really do come from a backwater village." Asuna giggled at her comment before turning towards him, "Relax Reika, I have no problem telling you Takato because I wish for the same thing every year." Takato perked up, "Really?" Asuna nodded and looked at the cake that was themed after space, "Every year on my birthday is when my parents come into town to see me, so I always wish to have a good few days with them before they go back and I don't see them for another year."
Takato raised an eyebrow, "What do your parents do that they can only see you once a year?" Reika frowned, "Asuna is like me, a JSDF kid." Takato's eyes lit up, "Really? That's so cool." Asuna nodded in agreement and smiled, "They're scientists on board the JSDF research satellite orbiting the Earth, they warn us if a Kaiju is coming towards Earth and help develop a lot of solutions up there. Which is why they only really step away for a few days when it's my birthday."
Captain Kakuhiro smiled slightly, "I joined the JSDF around the same times as them and we were in a unit together for awhile, so when Asuna wanted to join the JSDF I offered to let her join our group since they wanted her to be under a Captain they trusted." Takato smiled, "That's pretty cool! Captain you really got to tell me a few stories about your days as a recruit like me." Captain Kakuhiro nodded, "Oh don't worry Takato, down the line I'll be happy to tell you a few stories about the battles I faced."
Takato nodded as the others started to idly chat, he enjoyed these Earth customs, usually in the Land of Light it was you were either working or training, hardly any personal time. As he finished a piece of cake he heard Tsubasa comment next to him, "Oh hey Daisuke is here." He looked up to see his best friend walking towards them, waving as Takato turned towards his teammate, "Yeah the two of us were gonna discuss something so I promised him a piece of cake if he came over here." Tsubasa nodded, "Ultraman stuff?"
Takato nodded and grabbed a plate with cake on it as he went to meet Daisuke, not seeing the eyes of Captain Kakuhiro on him. Takato met him and handed him the piece of cake as he gave him a thankful nod, "Thanks for the cake man, now I'm guessing you wanted to talk about the same thing I wanted to?" Takato frowned, "Ranbu? Yeah." Daisuke sighed and took a bite of cake, "It's been a few weeks and despite him making that move while Zero and Z were here he hasn't done anything."
Takato nodded, "And that's what I'm worried about. You and I both know he's psychotic, why would he be waiting to make a move if he knows he can defeat the both of us and destroy the Earth easily." Daisuke shrugged as he finished up his cake, "Maybe he's afraid of us?" Takato shook his head, "He demolished the others and fled the land of light without much trouble, he's not scared of us. He's waiting for something, playing with us and that makes me afraid of when he's going to strike."
Daisuke gave him a smile and put an arm around his shoulders, "I wouldn't get too paranoid man, even if he does strike, we'll protect the Earth because it's what heroes do." Takato sighed before nodding in agreement, "We can't afford to drop our guard, but you're right. We're Ultra's and we'll fight to our last breath to protect the Earth, no matter what Ranbu throws at us." Daisuke nodded in agreement before the two said their goodbyes, Takato going back to the birthday celebrations, his mind slightly at ease now.
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JSDF Satelite
It was as calm up in space as it was on Earth as Taiga and Rena Nago were preparing the shuttle to head back to Earth. The two couldn't wait to see their daughter, she had been telling them all about the new Ultraman that had come to Earth and how he was defeating all the Kaiju that were attacking Japan.
Taiga handed his wife a piece of luggage and smiled, "I can't wait to see our little girl, and hear all about this new Ultraman, I can't believe he finally showed up again after so many years." Rena nodded and sighed blissfully, "According to Mitsuo she's really coming into her own down there, I can't wait to tell her how proud I am of her."
As they prepared to leave the entire satellite began to shake as alarms started blasting. Another member of the crew ran into the shuttle, "Everyone needs to get to the control deck, something massive has come up on the censors." Rena frowned at her husband, "Well this can't be good."
As the two made their way towards the control center they could see that space was no longer dark, a massive bright light was filling the windows as they continued on towards the control deck. As they reached it the entire crew was there, watching the censors as what seemed to be a massive amount of energy was coming their way.
Taiga Nago turned towards his wife to say something, but no words came out as the entire satellite was engulfed in the light. Muffled screaming could be heard as nothing was left of the satellite as the light consumed it.
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Gallant Opening
Polaris by Blue Encount
ano hi "mamoru" to kimeta, yakusoku wa kono mune ni
A large hand is shown reaching for the earth as the song begins, it's revealed to be Ultraman Gallant who closes his fist around it, signifying he'll protect it before flying down to earth. A guitar solo starts as it shows each character, Takato Shinkishi, Reika, Tsubasa, Asuna, Captain Kakuhiro, Daisuke and Ranbu's human form. Finally the logo is shown.
subete wo ushinau koto de, ima sukueru inochi ga aru no nara
The entire Japan Special Defense Force is shown together before flashing to each of them individually, Takato is shown drawing with Gallant's image behind him, Daisuke helping out at the school with Ultraman Vee behind him,Reika is shown chasing after an alien, Tsubasa is flying in the firehawk, Asuna is working on something in the headquarters and Captain Kakuhiro is shown gazing out a window with his glasses off.
yorokonde zenbu wo ageyou, kono kimochi ga hajimete no ikigai da
Ultraman Gallant is shown with Vee and the rest of the royal knights as Ultraman King appears behind them all, it then suddenly flashes to Takato alone on earth appearing sad before a man shrouded in darkness appears behind him, the darkness disappearing as Daisuke appears next to him.
kizuato wa kakusanaide, zetsubou mo buki ni shite, ikiru to kimetan da yo
Takato gaining a determined face runs into a portal of light and is shown summoning the Gallant Spark and transforms into Gallant as he rises into battle.
seiippai kono namida kakiwakete, kimi ni subete wo ageru kara
Ultraman Gallant arrives into the city fighting several monsters as he switches between his three forms, Lightning Justice, Medieval Justice and Xalted Justice before he settles on Lightning Justice to perform his finisher.
onegai dou ka kienaide kure, ano hi "mamoru" to kimeta
The Firehawk is shown firing at some monsters as a dark force appears within the city, Daisuke transforms into Vee who arrives and attacks a few monsters ,the shadow of Ultraman Ranbu appears as Gallant charges at him, the two locking hands as they fight.
yakusoku wa kono mune ni, kiesou na hikari da to shitemo ike
Takato is shown struggling to stand as Ultraman Gallant's head lines up with his, flashes of his royal knight comrades and the JSDF appear before Takato lets out a scream, the opening finishing with the cast assembled, posing as Ultraman Gallant in his three forms appear behind him along with Ranbu in the shadows and Ultraman Vee before the logo appears.
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The faint sound of something falling could be heard as workers of a power plant went on with their daily routines, none sensing the vibrations around the area getting stronger, that is until it was too late. A massive ball of light crashed into the ground, nearly destroying the power plant itself as a large robotic looking Kaiju rose above it, taller than even Ultraman as it let out a roar.
The workers began to panic as it began to move, seemingly approaching the generators, seemingly beginning to absorb the energy inside as it paid no attention to the workers who were now scrambling for a solution on their mysterious attacker. As they began to flee one turned to another, "What do we do boss?"
The boss frowned and took out a cellphone, "Only thing we can do in this kind of situation, contact the JSDF." He began to dial the number and soon halfway across the city, Captain Kakuhiro answered, holding up a hand to his underlings to get their attention, "This is Captain Matsuo Kakuhiro of the JSDf, how can I help you?"
He listened for a moment before his face soured, "I see, your best chance is to evacuate and completely abandon the plant, we'll handle the rest." He hung up the phone as Reika stood up from the table the group was sitting at, raising an eyebrow, "Everything ok Captain?" Captain Kakuhiro sighed and shook his head, "A large Kaiju has appeared and is absorbing energy from a power plant on the outskirts of the city. We're going back to base to deal with it."
Tsubasa frowned and crossed his arms, "Well I guess the party's over? Time to get back to work." Asuna smiled slightly as the others began to head back towards the car they'd used to get there, "At least we had fun, and once we take care of this I'll have a fun story for my parents when they get here."
Takato nodded in agreement, "That's a positive way to think about it." As they got into the cars Reika frowned, "Something isn't right though, the satellite should've warned us about a Kaiju rampaging around, especially when we're out of headquarters." Kakuhiro gripped the steering wheel and frowned, "That thought had crossed my mind as well, but let's not worry too much and contact them when we get back to base."
The others nodded in agreement as Takato crossed his arms, there was a horrible feeling in his gut. Something was wrong and he could tell but he didn't want to share it. Asuna's parents were up there, and he didn't want to upset her on her birthday. Still he knew that as soon as they got back to base he'd have to call Daisuke, he could already tell that Gallant and Vee would be needed.
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As they got back to headquarters and they settled into the main office they turned on the monitors quickly, getting a quick visual on the Kaiju. Takato frowned at seeing the large behemoth heading towards Tokyo, he didn't recognize the Kaiju and that put them all at a disadvantage.
Still there was worse news to come as Reika turned around from the computer screen she was looking at, "Captain we have a problem, I tried calling the satellite and I didn't get a response, so I checked the feed we have from space and well… you're gonna wanna see this." Captain Kakuhiro nodded, "Bring it up on the main screen." Reika hit her keyboard a few times as the main screen flashed from the Kaiju to space, it was empty, Takato couldn't tell what was completely wrong with this picture until
Tsubasa spoke up, "What happened to the satellite? It's gone without a trace." Asuna put a hand over her mouth to stop herself from gasping, "If it's gone then what happened to the people inside? Where's my parents?" Before any of them could react, a new voice joined the room, "The JSDF satellite was absorbed by that Kaiju you see on the screen, Ligatron."
The group turned around to see a man wearing a JSDF uniform with slicked back white hair behind them. Takato wasn't sure why but he had a bad feeling about him as he walked forward. Captain Kakuhiro frowned at him, "And you would be?" The man chuckled and saluted Captain Kakuhiro, "Mako Yamsei, I'm here from the main headquarters over in Odaiba. We saw what had happened on screen and I was told to come here and brief you on it."
Takato bit his lip, something about this guy rubbed him the wrong way, even his voice and mannerisms seemed off. It wasn't like he could really throw any accusations out anyway, even if the guy was an alien he was clearly working for the good guys. Kakuhiro looked down at his communicator and nodded, "What you're saying seems to be true, I just got the message that command was sending you over here. So tell us, what happened to the satellite?"
Yamsei frowned and walked forward pointing at the screen, "At first we weren't sure ourselves, one moment it was there, the next it disappeared and Ligatron was in its place." Reika frowned and narrowed her eyes at him, "So what? Ligatron clearly didn't blow it up since there's no debris." Yamsei nodded, "Correct, what we did notice was a ball of light making contact with it. That ball of light was Ligatron who completely absorbed the satellite and everything within it, causing it and the people onboard to become one with it."
Asuna's eyes widened as the realization slowly hit them all, "So what does that mean then?" Yamsei sighed, "We've run the tests, those people are now part of Ligatron and they can't escape, hell we don't even know if they're conscious within that Kaiju or not. I was sent here personally to deliver your orders. Destroy Ligatron before it begins to cause mass blackouts throughout Japan."
Tsubasa shot forward, stopping himself from putting his hands on the messenger, "But sir! That would mean killing the people inside of Ligatron, we can't just do that." Yamsei frowned and shook his head, "Command understands that, but we've determined that they're a lost cause."
Asuna let out a small breath before a tear rolled out of her eye, "But, that space station the Kaiju absorbed, my parents were on it." Yamsei turned around and began to walk out the door, his expression neutral, "Everyone had someone they knew on that station, now do your jobs before Command has to send another team to step in." As he left Asuna fell to her knees in tears, Reika joined her in an attempt to comfort her.
Takato felt a pit in his stomach, he was supposed to be Ultraman. Ultraman saves the day, he saves everyone. Could he really consider himself a hero if there wasn't a way to save these people?
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13 Years Ago
10 year old Asuna Nago sat on the floor of her living room, tinkering away at the computer parts in front of her. Her parents had been gone all day and she had been curious and bored, getting the idea to take their computers apart to see how they worked.
As she examined another part she turned at the sound of the front door opening, her parents walking in with bags from the store. She froze as they entered the room, terrified at their reaction as they looked down at the mess before them. Her father raised an eyebrow, "Asuna, did you take our computers apart while we weren't home?"
Asuna shuddered at the potential trouble she was in, nodding slowly as her mother walked into the room as well, "I was curious and I wanted to know how computers work, so I took it apart. I'm sorry, please don't be mad at me." Her mother and father looked at each other for a moment, their faces unreadable as Asuna waited for her punishment.
That is until the two started to laugh, confusing Asuna as her mother walked forward and leaned down, pulling her into a hug, "Oh Asuna why would we punish you? You didn't really break anything and you managed to take everything apart successfully. You're so smart Asuna so why would we want to stop you from using your intelligence?" Asuna blinked, "So you aren't mad?"
Her father shook his head and sat down next to her, grabbing one of the tools she had used, "Of course not, we want you to use that big brain of yours to its fullest potential. Now how about we help you put them back together and then we can have dinner?" Asuna nodded in agreement and began to watch closely as her father started to explain to her what each part was and what it did.
Working on rebuilding the computers was an experience she'd never forget. It was the first time her parents encouraged her intelligence, telling her later that she was a genius and that they wanted to nurture her genius for the betterment of mankind. Ever since then, she felt closer than she ever did to her parents, the genuine love they showed her, making her happy for years to come.
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Present Day
It had been an hour and Asuna had finally calmed down. The team couldn't stop watching the screen though, Ligatron rampaging around the city, looking for its next meal. Asuna frowned as she watched the Kaiju, "I refuse to believe my parents are gone. There has to be something we can do to get through to them."
Captain Kakuhiro sighed and crossed his arms, "Asuna I understand your feelings, however orders are orders and there could be serious consequences if we disobey them. Still your parents are some of my closest friends, if we could find a way to save them then I'd throw away my position to do so."
Takato sat motionless in his chair, he was so conflicted. If allowed to rampage then Ligatron could cause serious damage to Japan and the world, but defeating it would mean taking human lives. As silence filled the room, Tsubasa shot up from his chair, "Captain, I have an idea!"
Reika scowled at him, "It better be good Tsubasa cause if not then sit back down we don't need to hear any stupidity." Tsubasa ignored her and turned towards Captain Kakuhiro, "Sir I'm pretty confident I could get close to that thing in the Firehawk, maybe if we could shoot a probe into it or something then we could search to see if we could rescue anyone from inside of it." Reika shook her head at the idea, "We don't have time for that, we would need to build the probe and then have you get to its location and then fire it. We'd be wasting valuable time that we don't have."
Before Tsubasa could respond Asuna stood up, "Then let me go with him, I can build the probe on the way there and help Tsubasa get it into Ligatron." Kakuhiro frowned, "Asuna, are you sure? We'd be counting on you and this could be dangerous, your parents would haunt me for the rest of my life if you get hurt from this." Asuna nodded and stood next to Tsubasa, "Please Captain, if there's a chance to save my parents I want to risk it."
Captain Kakuhiro sighed, "Fine, you have 1 hour to get the probe into Ligatron, if not then I'm having Reika and Takato on the ground to start attacking it." Tsubasa and Asuna nodded, both saluting him, "Yes Sir!" As the two started to exit the room Takato stood up and looked at them, "Senpai, Asuna, goodluck, I'll be supporting you from the ground."
Asuna shot him a smile and Tsubasa nodded at him, it wasn't much but in a time where him being Ultraman could result in lives lost, he was choosing to believe in the power of human intelligence. Plus if this didn't work then he feared what he would have to do to save the city.
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He could barely make it out of the building before he could no longer contain his laughter. He knew creating the false identity of Maki Yamsei would pay off but the looks on the faces of the human idiots were too good to be true. Not to mention Gallant himself, the look of realization on his face was everything he could've wanted from the young Ultra, the stunning revelation he may have to end human lives to protect his treasured earth.
Honestly he didn't even orchestrate Ligatron coming to earth, that just happened by chance but seeing Gallant and most likely Vee broken by the situation was better than anything he could've planned. A smile appeared on his face, "Ultraman Gallant! Soon you'll have to face a decision all you stupid heroes must make. TAKING THE LIVES OF THE FEW TO SAVE THE MANY!"
He remembered when he was faced by that choice, the impossible odds of putting down a few to save an entire planet. It was a simple choice really, that goody two shoes Paladin couldn't see. He was made a villain, told that he took the easy way out when really it was the smartest solution. He saved the universe, but was he thanked? No!
He was deemed a villain, he exposed those beings for what they really were, the evil that resides in every living being. That was the day he learned mercy was for the weak. He would do what he did given the option a 1000 times over. He would watch as the two so-called royal knights suffer under the weight of the decision, and when they were at their most vulnerable, then he would teach them a lesson they'd never forget.
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2 Years Ago
Asuna ran up and hugged her parents as people around her passed by her. She had graduated from university at the top of her class, and had been accepted into the JSDF at the same research position her parents were at. It was everything her parents wanted for her, but yet, it wasn't what she wanted. As she finished hugging them she frowned, "Mom, Dad, can we talk about something?"
Her Mom looked at her and smiled, "Of course Asuna, we're so proud of you that you can tell us anything." Asuna sighed, "I don't want to accept the researcher position." Her Dad raised an eyebrow at her, "Why not? It's perfect though. You get to aid the JSDF in creating new technology in protecting the earth and you get to work with us."
Asuna nodded and took a step away from them, "I know that but, I want to be in one of the normal defense bases first before I settle into the researcher role. Being a part of the attack team I feel like I could really put my intelligence to good use and being on the frontlines will help me save more lives than I could being up at the research base."
Her Dad frowned and shook his head, trying to grasp her decision, "But you would be wasting your intelligence, Asuna you're smarter than both of us." Asuna nodded weakly, "But I wouldn't, not to me anyway. You two started out at a defense base too, you learned the value of camaraderie and hard work. You faced dangers everyday and I want to do the same. I know you don't want me in that kind of danger, but this is what I want."
Before her Dad could respond, her Mom put a hand on his shoulder, "Ok, Asuna if this is really what you want then we'll support you." Her Dad looked at his wife and nodded slowly, "We told you once we wanted you to use your brain to your fullest potential, and if this is how you think you will then I'm behind you 100%."
Asuna smiled and leaped to hug her parents, "Mom, Dad, this really is what I want, thank you for understanding." Her Mom hugged back and smiled, "We'll put a call to our old friend Mitsuo Kakuhiro, he's a captain now with his own team and would love to have you onboard. But Asuna, you need to understand we won't be able to see you often, now that you can live on your own we have to go back up the satellite full time. No real options to visit."
Asuna frowned, "I know, I factored that into my choice. I'll miss both of you but just because we're apart doesn't mean we aren't together." Her Dad put a hand on her shoulder and gave her a bright smile, "But don't you worry, because we promise that every year on your birthday we'll come visit you."
Asuna smiled and hugged them again, though she would be away from her parents she now had a major reason to look forward to her birthday each year.
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Present Day
It didn't take long for Daisuke to arrive outside JSDF headquarters. Takato would've preferred to have met him elsewhere to avoid suspicions but they were on alert and the Captain didn't want him leaving the base. Daisuke crossed his arms as Takato finished explaining the situation to him, "This… this isn't good."
Takato nodded in agreement, "You can feel them right? The human spirits inside of Ligatron. Their bodies may have been absorbed but they're still alive in that thing."
Daisuke frowned, "Yeah I can feel it, they're fighting with everything they have, but it's not enough, we need to do something." Takato sighed and turned towards the wall, "But we can't destroy it, Asuna's parents, the other people, they'd die and we'd be responsible."
Daisuke looked over at the direction Ligatron was in, a pit in his stomach, "I don't want to destroy it either. We're stuck between a rock and a hard place here." Takato screamed at the top of his lungs, punching the wall and leaving a small hole as Daisuke jumped a bit from his outburst, "Dammit, we're supposed to save everyone! What kind of heroes are we if we let people die?"
Before Daisuke could respond he heard a laugh from behind them, Mako Yamsei walking over to them, "Is that what you joined the JSDF for? To be a hero? Well let me tell you that you can still call yourself a hero even if some people die in the process."
Daisuke immediately didn't like this guy, there was something off about him, "You're wrong, there's always a way to save everyone." Yamsei chuckled as the two glared at him, "Is that really what you believe? You who isn't even a member of the JSDF."
Takato frowned, "Mr. Yamsei you really don't believe that it's ok to just destroy Ligatron do you? Those people will die." Yamsei nodded and shrugged his shoulders, "You're a rookie so you still haven't learned. Sometimes for the greater good of the world and the galaxy at large you have to get your hands dirty. If you really want to be a hero I suggest you stop being so naive and learn to sacrifice the few for the many, before it's too late."
Daisuke glared at him as Takato went silent, "What's naive is really believing that you need to sacrifice anyone instead of trying to find the solution that would save everyone. Are you really so jaded that you don't even want to try?" Yamsei laughed before turning to Daisuke, the two locking eyes, "The solution that would save everyone? You truly are naive. There isn't always that kind of solution. Sometimes it's kill or be killed, take out the threat or let others suffer. I suggest you boys learn that before the person being killed is yourselves."
He turned around to leave, laughing as he did, leaving the two to look at each other. Takato didn't want to believe him, but he had a feeling in his gut that this man would stand in their way in the future. He could only hope he was wrong as he waited for Tsubasa and Asuna to get the probe into Ligatron.
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It was silence as the hum of the firehawk was the only thing keeping him from going insane. Asuna had been hard at work, building the probe that was going to shoot into Ligatron and he hadn't wanted to interrupt her. It killed him that she wasn't being her usual cheerful if not scary self at times.
He heard a sigh from her, causing him to clear his throat to get her attention, "So you've never really mentioned your parents, are you close?" Asuna looked over at him, a mix of annoyance and confusion on her face, "I've mentioned them, you just never pay attention whenever I talk. Always thinking about what girl you're dating next or the Firehawk."
Tsubasa sighed as he kept his eyes on the sky, "I know I'm a jerk but just humor me, but trust me conversation will help me focus." Asuna rolled her eyes, he was at least trying, "Fine, yeah my parents and I are really close. I was lucky enough to grow up with them really nurturing me and encouraging me to grow my intelligence. I feel lucky to have such loving parents."
Tsubasa nodded and whistled, "I uh, I can't really relate to that. But I'm pretty sure I've told you about my Dad." Asuna frowned, she had just bragged about her perfect relationship with her parents to the person who had the worst relationship with his parents, "Sorry, I didn't mean to rub that in your face."
Tsubasa shook his head, "It's fine, don't worry about it. You're really worried about them and I promise you I'll do everything in my power to reunite you with them." Asuna gave him a small smile, "Thank you Tsubasa, honestly I'd accept never talking to them again if it meant rescuing them."
Tsubasa chuckled softly, "Now now let's not go that far. Let's get this probe into Ligatron and see what we're dealing with." Asuna nodded in agreement, "Well it's ready so let's do this, and maybe with a little luck we can save them." She loaded it into the weapons chamber as Tsubasa flew closer to Ligatron, who was completely ignoring them in favor of absorbing more energy.
He hit the button, launching it into Ligatron, "Well if we can't save your parents then I can guarantee Ultraman definitely can." Asuna looked at the sensors on the Firehawk, data from inside of Ligatron coming up on the screen causing her to smile, "According to the probe my parents are still in Ligatron, if the data is correct then maybe I can reach them through the probe."
Tsubasa nodded, "Captain, did you hear that? Asuna thinks she can reach the people inside of Ligatron." He heard a sigh back, "Alright, I'll continue to have Reika and Takato on standby, but if you can't reach them then I'm sending them in to attack Ligatron from the ground." Tsubasa nodded and turned to Asuna, "Well you heard the Captain, get trying to contact them."
Asuna nodded and began to fiddle with the controls of the Firehawk, trying to set up a communication, "Mom, Dad, can you hear me? It's me Asuna, you're inside an alien creature called Ligatron and you need to fight it. You can break out, you just need to break its hold over you." She repeated the message several more times as Tsubasa watched on, she wasn't getting through to them. Her parents may have not been reacting but Ligatron was.
The kaiju stopped absorbing energy for a moment and turned towards the Firehawk, firing lasers from its hands and causing Tsubasa to quickly maneuver the VTOL out of the way. He cursed under his breath before turning to Asuna, "Keep trying but hold on, it might get a little bumpy." He started to try and avoid the lasers, all the while thinking to himself how nice it would be for Ultraman to show up right about now.
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Across the city at the JSDF headquarters, Takato listened in to what was happening and turned towards Daisuke, "Ligatron is attacking them, I think it's time we step in." Daisuke nodded, bringing the Vee Flasher out of his pocket, "Ok but what about not being able to destroy Ligatron?" Takato frowned, "I've been thinking and with Asuna trying to reach the people inside, then maybe if we weaken it she'll be successful."
Daisuke smiled, "It's a better plan than what I could think of so lets do it." The two nodded at each other as Takato made the Gallant Spark appear as they both raised their respective transformation devices to the sky, "GALLANT!" "VEE!"
As the Firehawk continued to try and evade Ligatron, Tsubasa let out a sigh of relief as Ultraman Gallant and Vee appeared, hitting Ligatron away and sending it to the ground. Gallant gave them a thumbs up as Tsubasa turned towards Asuna, "Looks like Ultraman is here to help us out."
Asuna nodded as the two Ultramen started to try and restrain Ligatron, hitting it a few times as it roared at them, firing lasers from its hands that Gallant blocked with its shield. Ligatron didn't seem phased by the attacks though as it knocked Vee away with ease, sending him to the ground annoyed, "Gallant this thing is strong, we better hope this plan works."
Gallant nodded as he glowed, changing to his Xalted Justice form and summoned his energy lance, "We can't give up just cause it's strong, we need to keep fighting."
He wrapped the energy lance around Ligatron, causing it to roar as Vee ran up again, punching it several times before kicking Ligatron, sending it down to the ground. As Ligatron gradually began to weaken Asuna sent out another message to the inside of Ligatron, everything flashing white around her. As she opened her eyes again she found herself in a void, face to face with her parents.
She shot forward, hugging them, "Mom! Dad! You're ok." The two of them smiled at her before her Mom swept a stray piece of hair from her eyes, "Asuna, we don't have much strength left. We wanted to say one last goodbye." Asuna frowned, "What? No, what are you talking about? We're going to save you from Ligatron."
Her Dad shook his head, "Unfortunately Asuna, it's not possible anymore, our physical bodies are gone, absorbed into Ligatron. All that's left is our consciousnesses." Asuna let out a sob as she embraced her parents, "Then we'll get you out of it and I'll find a way to put you into new bodies, I'm smart enough to do that."
Her Mom placed a kiss on her forehead, "We know you are, but Asuna you have to know, even if you don't succeed and this is goodbye, we'll always be with you spirit." Her Dad nodded in agreement and put a hand on her shoulder, "It's up to Ultraman, but we just wanted to say, Happy Birthday Kiddo. You were the best child we could ever hope for."
As the void started to fade, Asuna struggled to stay with her parents as she jolted awake, back on the Firehawk. Asuna let out an angry cry as Gallant watched on. He couldn't fail, no he was going to save those people no matter what.
He began to gather all the energy inside of himself, even if it meant sacrificing himself he wouldn't let anyone die! Watching from the ground, Mako Yamsei frowned, "Oh no Gallant, I'm not ready for you to die. I suppose it's time for a lesson." He removed from his pocket a black and dark blue device, pushing the button on the side. He was engulfed in darkness and from within the black, blue and yellow rise, Ultraman Ranbu appeared.
Landing with a tremor, the black, blue and yellow armored Ultra gathered energy into his arms, firing a dark beam at Ligatron, "GENOCIDE WRECKER!" The beam connected with Ligatron and what seemed like in slow motion it exploded, everyone watching helplessly as everyone within Ligatron was snuffed out in a single moment.
Asuna let out a scream as the vision of her parents disappeared from her mind as the Firehawk flew away. Tsubasa didn't like the look of the new Ultraman that appeared, and with Ligatron gone he figured Gallant and Vee could deal with him. Gallant and Vee were left astonished as Ranbu stood before them, a slight chuckle coming from him as both of them could only utter one word, "Ranbu?"
Ultraman Ranbu bowed to them before laughing, "Ultraman Gallant and Vee, so wonderful to finally meet you." The two royal knights stood up, their anger increasing at what he had just done. They both ran at him, Gallant punching him as he effortlessly avoided his punch, "RANBU HOW COULD YOU DO THAT, KILLING THEM WITHOUT MERCY!"
Ranbu laughed as with a punch he sent Gallant flying, a more sinister laugh coming from him, "Come now Gallant, you knew who you were dealing with. Honestly I was going to let you keep up the charade of trying to save them, but I thought it was time to teach you two that the universe is no fairytale."
Vee tried rushing at him, using his speed to try and confuse him. Ranbu simply yawned and grabbed Vee by the neck, "Flies like you annoy me." The crystal in the center of his forehead glowed as a beam came out of it and hit Vee straight in the face, "DARKIUM SHOT!"
Gallant watched helplessly as Vee began to scream, Ranbu throwing him to the side as Vee shrank away, going back to human form. Gallant tried rushing him again, glowing with light, "RANBU I'LL KILL YOU FOR THAT!" He struck Ranbu in the chest, causing the evil Ultra to stop laughing, "Oh the threats, honestly what would Omega think if he heard that hatred in your voice."
Ranbu reached back with his open palm glowing with energy and struck Gallant, sending him flying back and shrinking down as well, back to human form. Takato found himself on the ground and rushed to a gravely injured and unconscious Daisuke, looking up with anger at Ranbu.
Ranbu looked down at them, "You know I could kill you two right now but honestly this has been the most fun I've had in awhile, I think I'll keep you around. Farewell for now." He teleported away in a black flash, leaving Takato and Daisuke alone with their defeat. They had failed, and not just that they had failed spectacularly.
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It was somber within the command center, Takato sat in the chair, being patched up by Reika who for the first time ever was berating him for trying to go out alone.
Captain Kakuhiro sat in his chair, no doubt mourning the friends he had lost, Tsubasa saying nothing as he stood in the corner, anger building at the evil Ultra that had destroyed their hope. But what hurt him the most, was the loud sobs coming from Asuna as Takato watched on.
Daisuke was critically injured, Ligatron was destroyed, taking everyone with it, and Ranbu showed the two that they were nothing compared to them. He had failed, Ultraman had failed, and within the room everyone knew it.
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NEXT TIME ON ULTRAMAN GALLANT!
Takato lays in his bed, a look of hopelessness on his face
"I can't save anyone anymore."
The JSDF including Captain Kakuhiro arrives in a small village
"The problems this village is facing, even I'm going to be helping out here"
Finally Kakuhiro has Takato pinned against a wall
"Just because you failed to save one person doesn't mean you give up. It means you fight harder to save the next person!"
THE END!