(Shows a pair of eyes opening before the eyes morph into optics)
START Kaitei no Orchestra (Precious Time) (ROMI)
(The optics flash as the camera pans out to show six shadowy mecha before they leap towards the camera, brandishing their weapons)
Hiroi aoi kono basho de tokiga nagarete yuku my precious time (The image fades to show a cat Faunus boy with brown hair and magenta eyes walking down a street close to the ocean, looking down at an image of his mother in his hand. He perks up as he spots a rabbit Faunus girl with light green hair and eyes hugs him, making him yelp. A boy with brown hair and brown eyes joins the girl on the cat Faunus's other side, and gives a thumbs up. A boy with dark purple hair and eyes approaches from the left and smiles a bit before a ninja youth leaps down on the right, his dark grey hair and purple eyes standing out with the purple highlight on the right side of his bangs. The five look up at the sky as a shimmering image of a cheetah Faunus with blue hair and eyes appears behind them. The title appears below them all.)
GRIMMFALL: SHINKALION RISING
Itsu no manika kiete shimatte kakegaeno koega (The image fades to show the cat Faunus standing beside his mother's grave, his eyes fixed on her name)
Tsumaranai hibimo sorega sukide ikitetanda (Memories of her and his family march past as he bows his head)
Higa sashiteru tokomade omoikkiri hashitte (A wind blows past and he perks up as he sees something ahead of him, making him break into a run to try and reach the shadowy, winged humanoid shape as it looks back with yellow optics, holding out a hand)
Shinjirarenai koto bakari menomaeni okiru (The two embrace hands and then a flash of light engulfs the screen, fading to show a large Kaiju-class Grimm being attacked by a blue and white mecha wielding a drill before the two clash)
Taiyou no hou wo miagate tachiagaruno tsurakute (The impact throws off a light that engulfs the screen, dissipating to show the cat Faunus, but battered and wounded, looking at the sky, the sun shining down on him as he reaches up a hand, as if grasping at it)
Susumu koto dake omouto (He tries to stagger to his feet, only to collapse briefly before he lifts his gaze, a yellow optic forming in place of his eye as it glows brightly)
Setsunai tabiwo tsuzukeru kawatta me no okuniwa (The light of the optic fades as the camera moves out to show a green and white mecha armed with a sword and wings on its back attacking a porcupine Kaiju-class Grimm in close combat, only for the Kaiju to fire off a slew of spines from its legs and back, making the mecha block with a shimmering tri-colored Aura)
Natsukashii itoshisa wo motomete (On my way) (Behind the mecha appears an image of a cat Faunus woman, and the mecha lunges forward, its sword glowing as it traps the Grimm in an energy cage before slicing it in half)
Kizutsuke attanowa nikui wake janai nosa (The Grimm explodes before a Faunus Ultra gorilla lunges from behind, making the mecha spin to block with its sword, images of a peaceful world appearing behind it before punching the Faunus Ultra and sending it staggering back)
Sokoni kibouga arunonara my precious time (The images coalesce around the mecha's chest as it fires a blast of green energy from a hidden chest cannon at the screen)
Itsukaraka onaji keshikini kakomarete sugoshite (The screen comes back into view, this time showing the cat Faunus as he stands atop a building in Tokyo, his friends beside him as they eye the distant horizon, a shadowy shape behind Mt. Fuji in the distance)
Akinonai koega sukoshizutsu chiri hajimeta (The boy looks down at an image of his mother in his hands, his friends placing their hands on his shoulders to comfort him as tears streak down his cheeks)
Ameni utareta mamade omoku seouno tsurakute (The camera zooms in on his eyes before panning out to show him looking at the window, the same green and white mecha on the other side, both touching their hands to one another before it shifts to show the cat Faunus's mother as a transparent image behind the mecha)
Ushinau koto dake omouto (The camera zooms in on the mecha's face before panning out to show two Faunus, a fox woman and a bull man, standing atop a hotel in downtown Tokyo)
Togirenai omoino nakade hisshi ni tsukamunosa (The two Faunus lunge for the mecha, only to be blocked by a red and white mecha with two guns and a purple and white mecha wielding two shuriken in its hands Beside them is a white and green mecha armed with a sword and the blue and white mecha with the drill is close by)
Dokomademo dokomademo sagasunda (Find your way) (The five mecha charge towards a large shape as it looms out of the shadows of the two Faunus, and behind them is the shape of a white and blue mecha armed with twin energy blades)
Otagaini motomeatte kakera wo tsunagunosa (Shows the six mecha as they stand in a line, each of them holding their weapons at the ready before they charge forward; the green and white mecha fires off its chest cannon as the blue and white mecha spins its drill up, a blue aura engulfing it, the red and white mecha fires its twin guns in a rifle configuration as the purple and white mecha uses its shuriken as weapons, the white and green mecha swings its sword as heat radiates from the blade and the white and blue mecha swipes with its energy blades, releasing a shockwave)
Sokoni kibouga mierukara wow oh wow (The blasts combine to generate an explosion as it hits something before the smoke parts to reveal a scenic image of the city of Tokyo, the tendrils of Satyra retreating from it)
Kimiga tsukutta monogatari saikou no omoide ni nattanda (The image shifts to show the cat Faunus looking down at a photo album of his mother and his friends and family, tears pricking at his eyes before he sees his friends beside him and they hold out their hands, a smile crossing his face as he takes their hands and they pull him out of the darkness into the light)
Bokurano nakani ikitsuzukete soshite arigatou wow (They all hug before a flash of light envelops them, fading shortly after to reveal the six mecha, this time images of the six kids behind them as they charge at a shadowy shape as it looms over them)
Setsunai tabiwo owarasunda miraiwo kaete tsukuruno sa (The image pans to the right to show them all charging, this time transparent scenes of new enemies marching past them - Dr. Robotnik, Sammael, and Moloch - before fading to show the city of Tokyo at sunset, a light shining in this darkening world)
Istumademo akiramezuni oistuzukete (On my way) (The green and white mecha with the wings thrusts its hand out towards an image of the cat Faunus's mother as she reaches out, and their hands clasp before it shows the green and white mecha firing off its chest cannon, the beam this time a shining gold color)
Tashikani kanjitanda kimiga kureta yuuki wo (The blast strikes the enemy before them - Dr. Robotnik - before it shows the mecha with its companions as they join in on the attack with their own moves)
Bokuno subete wo gisei ni torimodosunda bokurano precious time (The image fades to show the six kids standing in front of Tokyo, the title of the series appearing below them)
GRIMMFALL: SHINKALION RISING
OPENING FILES:
CLASSIFIED
DECRYPTING...
FILES DECRYPTED
OPENING FILES: H5 HAYABUSA
The second unit to be activated, the H5 is equipped with a system known as the Yubari Heat System. This makes it suited for cold weather operations. The unit is armed with the Turnstile Sword, a weapon suited for close combat. The sword is capable of generating an energy cage modeled after a turnstile found in modern stations.
In humanoid form it stands at twenty six and a half meters in height and weighs one hundred tons in both battle and default forms. The unit is equipped with wings and thrusters in its ankles for quick movement while it has claws on its feet for traction.
The driver of this unit is Miku Hatsune.
E3 TSUBASA
The third unit to be activated, the E3 is built around the use of ninjutsu. Therefore it makes sense that a ninja would make the best use of it. It is capable of generating illusions and performing ninja moves, and its lighter frame allows it to move with greater agility. It is capable of moving along walls like they were a floor.
This unit is equipped with the Railway Crossing Shuriken, which also double as kunai knives. The shuriken can even be upgraded into a more powerful form.
The driver of this unit is Shinobu Tsukiyama.
CLOSING FILES
TERMINAL ENTERING STANDBY PHASE
"What does it mean to become terrified of something?" The figure leaned forward, their eyes fixed on the audience. "That is what many people have sought to figure out. Of course, it can only be experienced first hand, and not everyone has the same fear. So, when you encounter something terrifying, what course of action will you take? Will you run... or will you fight?"
CHAPTER VIII - DUAL
The interior of the hangar bay was silent as Hokuto observed the two newest units from the observation deck.
They were staggering around as the new presence inside them tried to gain control of the frames; well, the green and white one was.
The purple and white unit was more or less examining itself in detail as the hands flexed.
He waited for a few minutes like he had with Tsuranuki before he raised the mike.
"Units H5 and E3. Can you hear me?" he asked.
The green and white unit yelped in a more sultry female voice at the tone of his voice and landed on her butt as she fell. The purple and white unit looked up, optics dimming as a low hum came from his chest.
"W-Wh-Who are you?!" the green and white unit squeaked. "A-And what happened to us?!"
"Just calm down. Everything will be explained shortly," Hokuto said.
"Why are you referring to us as Units H5 and E3?" the purple and white unit inquired in a deeper, smooth, almost cultured voice.
"..." Hokuto was silent. He remained silent as he toggled the switch to shut down the synthetic voice. The light shut off and he raised the mike to his mouth again.
"Shinobu Tsukiyama and Miku Hatsune," he said, using their names.
The purple and white unit - Shinobu - jerked back in shock as he looked up at the camera with his new light blue optics. The green and white unit - Miku - squeaked in shock as her hands flew to her new faceplate. The green and white rabbit ear extensions on the back of her helm folded back in response to her mood.
"Mr...Hayasugi?!" Shinobu whispered. "Is that you?!"
"Yes," the director said. "It's me."
"What in Glob's name happened to us?!" Miku shrieked.
Hokuto sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose with a hand. "It's a long story, but... to put it simply... you guys have been selected to become part of a new project to try and help combat the Kaiju-class Grimm that have been surfacing since fifteen years ago," he began. "This project, called Project SHINKALION, is designed to fight against threats like Mothra which attacked Tokyo almost eight months ago. I'm sure you two remember that."
Shinobu stood up straight, lowering his hands to his sides. "I remember that clearly. When we went to your wife's funeral, Hayato was upset for the entire time, and he was upset for days after."
The cat Faunus nodded. "Yes. And after that attack, I realized something that no one else had noticed until now."
"What?" Miku asked as she lowered her hands from her faceplate.
Here the director lowered his head. "Japan... is engaged in a war of attrition against these beasts... And it's only a matter of time before we run out of support." His tone was grim as he continued. "Each attack we've been losing more and more Hunters and Huntresses to these things. It's gotten to the point where the SDF has to mobilize to bolster the weakened ranks of Huntsmen in our country. Plus, people are starting to lose hope. With each Kaiju attack, more and more people die and damage keeps piling up. So this project is designed to give people hope again. And to liberate Japan from her despair."
He looked up, his gaze locking onto the main monitor showing the two new Shinkalion warriors.
"Just as the Shinkansen liberated us from poverty and boosted us to an economic powerhouse, the very same trains can liberate us from despair. That's the reasoning behind the naming of the project. SHINKAnsen LIberates Our Nation. SHINKALION," he continued. "And that is what we have names the frames you now wear."
"Shinkalion?" Shinobu asked in a confused tone.
"Yes." Hokuto nodded. His eyes fixed on them as both gazed at the camera. "You two, along with your friends, will be the ones to don these frames and take the fight to the Kaiju Grimm when they make their appearances. And as such, it will fall to you to guard the country's cities from the Kaiju."
"..." Both Shinkalions were silent as they took in this information.
"But why us?" Shinobu asked. "Why not anyone else?"
"Because you six are the only ones who can use these frames," Hokuto explained. "While they can be used by others, they are not able to use them to their full potential due to an insufficient compatibility rate."
"And Tsuranuki?" Miku inquired. "He's a part of this too, right? So... where is he?"
Hokuto sighed and rubbed his head with a hand. "I guess it's as good a time as any to explain..."
HOKKAIDO CAPTURE FIELD
Esebu was terrified out of his wits.
He couldn't believe he was about to be drained dry.
The Rope Spider's eyes flickered as it inched closer, its mandibles moving as if savoring the terror and fear it was sensing. Much like a standard Grimm.
But this thing was far from it.
The way it was looking at him was like a predator seeking to eat its prey.
The Shinkalion struggled against his bindings, but it was no use. The spider Grimm seemed to chuckle a little as it pulled away before the two strange containers on its sides lit up.
Esebu began to panic. What was it doing?! What were those things?!
The next thing he knew, a blast of icy cold air struck him dead center and he shivered against his will, his armor starting to ice over from the intense cold. He sensed his internal temperature dropping and he tried to draw his legs closer to his chest, but it was no use. He was bound as tight as a fly in a web.
"Esebu! Get out of there!" Futaba screeched in his head.
"I can't!" Esebu protested over his COMM system. "I'm stuck like a roll of sushi!"
Futaba's exclamation was suddenly cut off and Esebu cried out as the cold finally cut off his COMM system's signal. "Ah, shit!" he muttered.
The Rope Spider adjusted itself as it began to crawl closer, its eyes gleaming as something akin to a tongue slithered out slowly to lick at its mouth components. The blue and white Shinkalion began to shiver, not just from the cold, but also from fright. His optics locked onto it as it came closer to him. "Glob no...!" he whispered.
The Grimm roared in triumph before it drove its mandibles into his throat.
Esebu roared in pain as it began to drain his energy reserves.
"ESEBU!" Futaba's voice was loud in his head as he tried to struggle. But the Rope Spider didn't even budge.
The spider continued to sap his energy levels. Esebu felt his frame starting to slow down. It was subtle, but it was happening, and he began to worry that somehow he would even die like this! He didn't want to die like this. Not one bit!
In desperation, he flared his Aura, throwing the Rope Spider off with the suddenness of the move. The Rope Spider narrowed its eyes as it sprang away, baring its mandibles. Esebu looked up, his chest heaving as he flared his optics. While his Aura had saved him, it was only a matter of time before the thing came back to sip a little more of his energy resveres - and possibly his life force, as well.
"B-Bastard...!" he growled.
The Rope Spider just stayed where it was. It turned and leapt away, deciding to come back when its prey had exhausted itself in its attempts to escape. But Esebu was not going anywhere. The strength of the cables holding him made sure of that. And when coupled with the cold starting to seep into his systems, he was sure the thing would be back in a matter of minutes.
"Esebu, are you all right?!" came the panicked voice of Futaba.
"Y-Yes... Just a bit exhausted..." Esebu responded. "It tried to sap my energy reserves..."
"That's bad news!" the operations coordinator exclaimed. "You have to get free from that webbing!"
"A lot easier said than done, mind you!" Esebu retorted as he struggled. "This stuff is super strong!"
"Well, do what you can. Help is on the way!" Futaba remarked.
TOKYO SDI HEADQUARTERS
LAUNCH BAY
The two trains sat at their departure stations, engines running.
"Now, you two know where to go, right?" Hokuto asked.
"Yes, we do," Shinobu replied, his voice sounding more cultured and refined than his old human voice.
Miku was silent, but the purple and white Shinkalion figured she was in agreement with him.
"Good. Your mission is to go assist Esebu in taking down this Grimm. It's proving to be difficult for him to do alone," the director said.
"What is his situation like?" Miku asked finally, her voice being more sultry and husky in comparison to her human voice. And actually it made Shinobu's frame shudder a bit. But he brushed it aside as he directed his attention to the mission at hand. He slowly started to shift his wheels forward, but he didn't go just yet.
"Esebu is currently being held captive by the Kaiju-class Grimm. It's started to drain his energy reserves as well as lower his internal temperature to try and keep him weakened," Hokuto explained. "Your mission is to get there before the thing drains him dry."
"I take it there is a risk for this?" Shinobu inquired.
"..." Hokuto's silence was enough to make him frown in his thoughts. "...There is... a good chance that if your souls are not ejected, you could lose your life like this..." he muttered softly. "Especially in a situation like this."
"All the more reason for us to go then," Miku noted.
"Yes. So good luck. We're counting on you two!" the director said.
The two Shinkalions started their engines as the signal turned green. Already the two tunnels in front were opening, and they put more power to their wheels.
"Shinobu, E3 Tsubasa..." Shinobu said.
"Miku, H5 Hayabusa..." Miku stated.
"...all aboard!" both declared as one.
The two put their engines into full speed as they exited their stations and sped into the tunnels. The doors closed shut behind them and Shinobu flicked on his lights.
In truth, he wasn't sure about this whole thing. But right now, he had a friend to save. And maybe once this was over, they could get some answers.
UNKNOWN LOCATION
Sammael couldn't help but smirk as he watched the blue and white mecha struggle against his bindings as the Rope Spider continued to siphon away his energy reserves.
The Rope Spider was proving to be the best Grimm ever created.
Not only had it immobilized and trapped the train mecha, it was also draining him of his energy slowly but surely. And the cold generators on its sides prevented him from doing much except squirm.
Beside him I.O.N.E.S.C.O.U. stood, his optics pulsing as a hum rumbled free from his chest.
"My friend, your Grimm has proven to be exceptional," he remarked.
"Yes. If only because I have taken the time to implement techniques I have picked up over my tenure as a scientist," the Devil Gundam rumbled. Then he turned his green optics to the Fallen. "I take it that the robot has been sapped of his energy?"
"Not fully. It's still draining him," Sammael remarked. "It should finish draining him within the hour, if all goes as planned."
The Fallen/Gundam hybrid nodded in approval. "Good. Once he has been taken care of, then we can focus on other objectives..."
The red-haired Fallen was in agreement, but in some ways, there were always things that seemed to disrupt his plans. Like the ancient entity of Cheyenne Mountain all those years ago had. He could recall it as clear as day, along with the attack on the outpost of those extraterrestrials. He couldn't quite recall what they were known as, but they had been a veritable nuisance with their ability to change shape. And it didn't help matters that several of them had escaped during the last few days of combat.
Sammael looked back to the screen showing the fight, and his Seer moved in closer. A glint appeared in his red eyes. "Soon, my friend... Soon..." he purred.
HOKKAIDO CAPTURE FIELD
Esebu was now starting to feel the drain on his systems.
His energy reserves were getting sucked dry by that Rope Spider, and there was no way he could break free.
It was taking all his strength and willpower to remain online.
"D-Dammit..." he stammered; due to the cold his systems were sluggish.
Esebu looked around, trying to get an idea as to where the Rope Spider was coming from next. He had a few small bite marks on his neck from that thing, including some near his shoulders. It seemed like it was savoring his energy, like it was a tasty treat.
His frame shuddered against his will as he watched the Rope Spider come closer from the left this time, its mandibles lashing together in anticipation of its next treat.
"S-Shit...!" Esebu growled. "S-Stay... b-back!"
The Grimm didn't answer, nor did it halt its advance. Esebu began to shake in terror as it came, trying to figure out a plan. But so far there was nothing he could do. He was trapped, unable to move or do anything except have his energy drained away. And if that happened... for all he knew, he could really die like this!
He was so tempted to just disconnect, but the only problem was he didn't know how. Sure he knew how to connect to the frame, but how to disconnect was an entirely different matter. From what he knew, the link worked both ways with the tendril his soul followed, but when the power was drained from his batteries was when he was usually sent back to his human form.
The Shinkalion was effectively trapped.
He glanced up, his optics locking onto those of the Rope Spider as it inched closer, as if savoring his last moments before he was drained dry.
"Please..." he whispered. "Don't..."
The spider reared back to drive its mandibles into his neck once more...
Only for a loud horn to blare in the background.
His helm shot up as the Rope Spider looked around, seeking the source of the sound. And so did Esebu.
The next thing he knew, a flash of light came from the side of the capture field and he gaped in shock at the sleek purple and white shape as it barreled down one of the rail tracks.
The incoming train was painted primarily white with purple going along the front of the train and across the top of it. The sides had red-orange stripes separating the purple and white, and on its side was a sakura cherry blossom tree, the words JR East Japan Railway Company below it. The Rope Spider whirled around at the sound of this new shinkansen, and with a squealing roar, it leapt off the cables binding Esebu tightly.
"W-What...?" Esebu was too stunned to even make a coherent sentence. His optics were watching the newcomer as it sped around, avoiding the gooey cables like it was... a ninja train...?
Then, the unexpected happened.
"CHANGE! SHINKALION!" came a new voice, deep and rather cultured.
The shinkansen's front and rear engines separated from the rest of the train before they linked up. Then, much to Esebu's surprise, the upper half folded out to reveal a pair of arms and shoulder guards much like his own, and the nose of the train became the chest of the unknown mecha it was turning into. The rear of the train unfolded into a pair of legs, with primarily white upper legs and purple lower legs, protected by the shell of the rear engine. The new machine's head emerged from the chest of its humanoid form, a pair of light blue optics flaring online. The new mecha landed on the rail closest to Esebu and crouched, holding two fingers in front of its faceplate.
The new robot looked just like him, almost. Except for the colors. The robot's shoulder guards were purple at the top, separated from the white bottom half with a yellow stripe. The chest was the same colors, with red lines fading to orange though instead. The legs were primarily white on the top and purple on the bottom, but on the middle sections there appeared to be a fishnetting pattern that was golden in color. Even on the forearms that pattern was visible. The helmet of the new robot was purple, but a silver component resembling a ninja's headband adorned its forehead and on the center was a symbol resembling a split crescent moon.
Esebu was shocked as this new mecha - no, this new Shinkalion - held out a hand and summoned a pair of strangely shaped kunai knives. He grabbed them both and then slapped them together to form a shuriken of sorts. This shuriken was an orange color, and on its blades were yellow and black stripes, resembling the crossing gates used across the country.
The unknown Shinkalion tensed his frame before he threw the shuriken - right at Esebu!
He screamed as the projectile came at him...
Only to cut clean through the ropes binding his arms to his sides.
Esebu was in shock as the ropes fell away. He looked down rather stupidly at his hands before the realization hit home and he looked up. The Rope Spider was coming back, and it was not looking happy.
The Shinkalion grasped at the ropes binding his legs together and with a grunt, he tugged on them with his full strength.
They strained under his grip, but after a few seconds of pulling, they broke with a loud snap.
Esebu fell, landing briefly on the web below him before he sprang off, landing on the rail closest to him. He grasped his arms and started to rub them, shivering from the cold. "Geez! It's so friggin' cold!" he muttered.
The ninja-like Shinkalion landed beside him, looking at him with those blue optics. "Are you okay?" he asked.
Esebu nodded. "Yeah, though I'm gonna be feeling this for a while!" he remarked. "By the way, who are you?"
"The name is..." The newcomer's voice trailed off as he looked down, as if trying to think. He glanced at his shuriken and then he perked up. He glanced to Esebu. "The name's Fumikiri," he said.
Esebu tilted his helm to the side in confusion, only to hear the Rope Spider squeal in rage as it leapt towards them, its eyes flashing.
The two Shinkalions dodged the gooey cables as they were launched for them, landing atop another rail and glancing down at them in mild shock.
Esebu was by now panting from having his energy drained. He slumped to his knees, his vision flashing with a warning.
WARNING!
ENERGY LEVELS AT 47%
AURA RESERVES AT 45%
BATTERY OPERATION TIME: 10 HOURS
"Shit...!" was all he could rasp.
"Esebu... let us handle this," Fumikiri said as he hefted his shuriken.
"We?" Esebu asked. Now suspicion was filling his processor. "And how'd you know my name?"
"The humans weren't the only ones observing that fight against the Faunus Ultra that day," was all his companion said just as another train horn blared.
Esebu snapped his helm up in shock as he watched a second shinkansen coming down the rails. This one threw the Shinkalion for a loop, as he had only seen it a few times before on family trips to Hokkaido. But it was there.
The H5 Hayabusa.
The exterior finish of the H5 was similar to the E5, with a color scheme of "Tokiwa" (常盤) green for the upper body and "Hiun" (飛雲) white for the lower body, separated by a "Saika" (彩香) purple stripe intended to evoke images of lilac, lupin, and lavender flowers for which Hokkaido was famous. On its side was the symbol of the JR Hokkaido Railway Company - an eagle with a pair of mountains behind it.
Then...
"CHANGE! SHINKALION!" This time, the voice was more sultry and huskier, a female voice.
The shinkansen's front and rear engines separated from the rest of the train before they linked up. Then, as with Fumikiri, the upper half folded out to reveal a pair of arms and shoulder guards much like his own, and the nose of the train became the chest of the unknown mecha it was turning into. The rear of the train unfolded into a pair of legs, with primarily white upper legs and green lower legs, protected by the shell of the rear engine. The new machine's head emerged from the chest of its humanoid form, a pair of bright yellow optics flaring online. The new mecha landed on the rail not too far off and grasped a sword in one hand, swinging it before letting it hang at its side.
The new Shinkalion was clearly supposed to be female, as the upper legs appeared to have more of a curve to them than he and Fumikiri, Esebu noted. Her upper legs were primarily white with a few orange accents on them while her lower legs were green, with orange claws on her feet for traction, he guessed. The locomotive shell of the rear engine clung to her thighs like a skirt of some kind, but also acted as armor for her legs. Her chest was clearly the nose of her shinkansen form, and her shoulders, like him and Fumikiri, were covered by shoulder guards made from the back of the front engine. The upper part of her chest was green with a purple stripe bisecting it from the white lower half. The same went for her shoulder guards. Her lower arms were protected by white armor as well. Her helm was mostly grey, with some hints of green and silver culminating in a silver commander's fin, but more feminine in style and shape. An orange vent rested on either side of her pure white faceplate. But what surprised him was the fact that this femme had wings. Well, not true wings, but more like some kind of thruster emitters.
The sword was also interesting, as it looked to be made from part of a turnstile in a train station. The only differences were the glowing pinkish orange blade and the hilt extending out from the turnstile component.
Esebu rubbed his optics for a moment, surprised that there was a female Shinkalion here instead of another male.
"Hey. Stop staring!" the femme snapped. "We have a mission, do we not?"
The blue and white Shinkalion yelped and turned away, his faceplate burning a beet red. "R-Right!" he squeaked.
The female turned to Fumikiri. "You have a plan, I take it?" she asked.
"I do," the ninja Shinkalion replied. "So I need you to strike when I give the signal."
"Hai." The femme nodded and got into a stance that Esebu recognized as a kendo stance. She turned to him and shook her helm as she saw he was about to move. "No. You stay here," she said. "Especially seeing as how you are running low on power."
Esebu knew she was right, but he just couldn't sit by and let them handle it. He staggered to his feet, fighting against the exhaustion and fatigue that was creeping up on him. His legs shook, but he forced it aside as he glanced to where his drill lay. "Sorry... but I can't let you fight this thing alone!" he rasped. "You don't know what it can do..."
"Yes, that is true," Fumikiri said. "But it is also imperative that you take it easy, Esebu. We can handle this from here."
The femme nodded. "And before you ask, my name is Haifu, Esebu," she said, as if sensing the question forming in his processor.
The two Shinkalions turned and leapt off the rail, Fumikiri landing on the spider's webbing while Haifu hefted her sword and flipped, landing atop another rail further up.
Esebu watched as they waited, the Rope Spider observing them both. Then it was on the move, its legs skittering along the webbing as more of that goopy cable shot from its mouth to try and bind them together. Fumikiri's optics flashed as he summoned his shuriken and threw it, the blades whirring like a buzz saw. The spider's cables were deflected by it, but then more of them were fired, and Haifu was on the move. Her optics pulsed and she leapt off the rail she was perched on, her sword glowing a brilliant pinkish orange. She let out a short cry and slashed, cutting through the cables with ease, like a knife through butter. She landed on the webbing before she leapt off, her left foot lashing out in a roundhouse that knocked the spider back. It staggered, losing its grip on its web.
Fumikiri saw his opening and launched himself off the webbing, his right foot kicking upward and sending the Rope Spider skyward.
"Now, Haifu!" he cried.
The femme nodded and held up her sword. A flash of light erupted from it, and then Esebu saw the red circle with the line in the center on the side. 'The hell?!' he thought. 'What kind of weapon is that?!'
She held her sword up just as a flash of light came off of the blade. Then, much to Esebu's surprise, he stared in shock as two energy gates - like those of a turnstile in the train station - formed on either side of the Rope Spider, trapping it as two gates clasped shut on either side. Haifu's wings flared as pinkish-green particles emitted from them, boosting her speed as she lunged for the spider. "HAAAAH! Turnstile Sword!"
At the same time, Fumikiri summoned his shuriken again, holding it up before he threw it. "Fumikiri Shuriken!"
Both Shinkalions connected their weapons with the Rope Spider, cutting it clean in half.
Or so they thought.
Esebu had seen what they had not: the scaly grey metal that covered it spreading out. And as soon as their weapons had made contact... it started to repair itself.
He couldn't let them fight this thing alone!
Ignoring the fatigue in his systems, Esebu scrambled over to where his drill lay and he grasped it before turning back to the Rope Spider. "Wait!" he cried. "STOP!"
But the two didn't hear him. He had to get to them, and fast!
The Shinkalion charged forward, his treads whirring in his audios as he reached the edge of the rail and leapt off, his Aura seething as he channeled it into his drill. "RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!"
His optics pulsed as he thrust his drill forward, slamming it into the healing gap. "AAAAAAAAH!"
Both Fumikiri and Haifu were caught off guard by his sudden attack as he jammed his drill into the Grimm's midsection. "What in Glob's name are you doing?!" Fumikiri barked.
"Trying to save your sorry asses!" Esebu shot back. "This thing can regenerate!"
Haifu was shocked by the statement, only to stare in shock at the truth in front of her.
The Rope Spider was indeed healing itself... or trying to, as Esebu's drill was going full speed, slowly drilling deeper into its abdomen.
Haifu looked to Fumikiri in confusion and concern before he lowered his helm and a seething purple, reddish orange, and white Aura began to form around his frame. He looked up, his optics hard as he separated his shuriken into kunai.
She took the hint and focused, her own Aura - green, purple, and white - beginning to seethe over her own frame and down to her sword.
The threesome broke off as the Rope Spider started to struggle against its bindings. "Let's finish this," she said.
"Yeah!" Esebu gasped, panting heavily.
"On three then!" Fumikiri said. "One..."
Esebu dimmed his optics a shade as he dove down.
"Two..."
Fumikiri tensed as he hefted his kunai and prepared to throw them.
"Three..." Haifu held her sword at the ready.
"GO!"
All three Shinkalions dove for the Rope Spider, their weapons wreathed in Aura. Esebu's drill dug deep into its chest while Fumikiri threw his kunai towards the spider Grimm's midsection, Haifu slashing clean down the back with her blade.
The three simultaneous blows were enough to finish off the Rope Spider. It let out a squealing roar before it exploded into smoke, the webbing vanishing into smoke as well. The three descended down to the platform below.
Esebu landed on his feet before his legs gave out and he fell to his hands and knees, dropping his drill as he did so. It vanished before it even hit the ground. Beside him Haifu landed gracefully, dismissing her sword shortly after. Fumikiri landed next in a ninja crouch as he dismissed his kunai. He stood up and slowly made his way over to Esebu. "You look like you've been better," he joked as he held out a hand for the exhausted Shinkalion. Esebu looked up and managed a weak chuckle.
"Yeah... I have been better," he rasped as he took his hand. Esebu allowed himself to be hauled to his feet, his arm draped over Fumikiri's shoulders. Haifu approached and slipped his other arm over her shoulders and shook her helm.
"Boys..." she muttered.
UNKNOWN LOCATION
DARKLANDS
Sammael let out a hum of amusement as he watched the three mecha leave the field. "I must say, despite the loss, your Grimm has proven quite interesting," he told the large Gundam behind him.
I.O.N.E.S.C.O.U. rumbled in thoughtfulness. "Yes. So, I take it you will be using more of them?" he asked.
The red-haired Fallen nodded. "Yes. The idea is sound, but I will make a few adjustments to the base design. However, I will keep the rest the same," he said.
The Devil Gundam felt a pulse of satisfaction in his chest. "I'm glad you intend to use it," he remarked. "Especially given that I never even considered such a thing until now."
"My friend, a whole new world has opened up to you," Sammael explained as he turned to face him. "And that world has much to offer. It can give you the strength to bring down Joseph and his companions, as well as that oaf called a scientist."
"Yes. And despite my initial dislike, you have taken an interest in my work. For that, I am grateful," the Gundam/Fallen said. "And I have an inkling you intend to send another Kaiju to Tokyo?"
"More than that," Sammael grinned. "I intend this time... to make some small part of Tokyo into my next Kaiju. But I need some ideas..."
Now I.O.N.E.S.C.O.U. had an idea. A rumble escaped his vocalizer as a few Grimm came to his processor. "I have one in mind..." he purred.
TOKYO SDI HEADQUARTERS
MAIN OFFICE
"So, you mean to tell me that those two other Shinkalion were really Miku and Shinobu?!" Tsuranuki blurted.
Hokuto nodded as he looked to the trio of teenagers before him. "Yes. They recently stumbled into the pod room and wound up activating the two units, the E3 and H5, respectively." He lowered his head. "I honestly wasn't expecting them to come into the scene right when they did. But it was fortunate as they were able to save you and the E7 from an uncertain fate."
Tsuranuki looked to his two friends. Both were eyeing him critically, and he gulped. "Uh... I... Uh..."
"Tsuranuki, why did you not tell us?" Miku asked.
"Yeah. We would've been able to help," Shinobu said.
"It's that this is supposed to be top secret..." Tsuranuki admitted. "So I couldn't tell any of you guys for fear that it could be exposed..." He rubbed the back of his neck as he averted his gaze. "Especially given Satyra's reach is starting to expand..."
The rabbit Faunus looked a bit fearful before she realized that he had a good point. Shinobu on the other hand narrowed his eyes. He suspected that there was more to it than just keeping it secret from Satyra.
"This project... It seems to me that it's more than just a means to combat Kaiju. Am I right?" he asked.
Director Hayasugi ran a hand through his hair and sighed. "I can't say that is the only reason, but what I can say is this: This project will give the people of Japan hope. That is why it was developed as well."
The ninja frowned, but accepted the explanation regardless.
"Anyway, you two have had your codenames entered into the system. So you're all set," the cat Faunus explained.
The two teens nodded as they saluted. "Yes, sir!"
PROJECT: SHINKALION
FILE 1-X02
UNIT: E3 TSUBASA
HEIGHT: 26.0 METERS
WEIGHT: 95 TONS
COLORS: PURPLE AND WHITE WITH REDDISH ORANGE LININGS
OPTIC COLOR: LIGHT BLUE
WEAPON: RAILWAY CROSSING SHURIKEN
EQUIPMENT: GRAPPLING LINES, SMOKE BOMBS
DRIVER: SHINOBU TSUKIYAMA
AURA COLORS: PURPLE, WHITE, AND REDDISH ORANGE
FILE 1-X03
UNIT: H5 HAYABUSA
HEIGHT: 26.0 METERS
WEIGHT: 100 TONS
COLORS: GREEN, PURPLE, WHITE
OPTIC COLOR: YELLOW ORANGE
WEAPON: TURNSTILE SWORD
EQUIPMENT: YUBARI HEATING SYSTEM
DRIVER: MIKU HATSUNE
AURA COLORS: GREEN, PURPLE, WHITE
CLOSE TERMINAL? Y/N
Y-E-S_
TERMINAL CLOSING...