(Disclaimer: I do not own the Zoids franchise. Copyright goes to Tomy for making this fantastic series. All I own are this story, its characters and some concept Zoids that might appear.)
Zoids: Lost Eden
Chapter 14: The Gathering Storm
Upon returning to the Hydrarchos, the three girls were immediately welcomed in by Captain Ash, notifying them of a transmission from their masked leader.
"The Hydrarchos is to supplant the forces attacking in the east. From the scout's reports, we predict that the bulk of their forces would be landing in Akua Harbour. Take them out before they can land and we eliminate the last traces of the Republican Army on this continent." The masked man gives an eerie grin.
"And what of the Empire? I do not think Muroa will simply let us slide after that failure in Mount Cybele." Captain Ash brings the matter up.
"Indeed. He has already sent his dogs to keep a closer watch on me now. But this is a minor setback. The continent is huge. Zenebas barely has enough to defend every encampment. In a way, I have to thank the Republic. They've done well to throw Zenebas off our scent for so long." The Viscount smiled. "It won't be long before the cracks in the Emperor's rule starts to widen."
The two commanders continued to discuss their formation and the composition of the army they'll be using as the three girls listened in attentively on the side. Despite this, Sakura notices something odd which she lets slip in a hushed murmur.
"I don't understand…"
"Did you say something?" The remark caught the attention of Seral who immediately turns to face her.
"Wouldn't the Republic landing be beneficial for us? Wasn't the goal to tire both forces out before taking over? In that case, why—" Sakura wonders but Vishna immediately cut in.
"The Viscount's loyalty is being tested it seems. Perhaps this is merely a show of strength to force the Empire to turn a blind eye on us again. We can always wait it out but if we do that, both the Retaliation Force and the Neo-Zenebas army would be looking for us. Not a lot of places to hide either." Vishna explained.
"Wow. You said something smart for once." Seral teased. Vishna just glared at their older comrade.
"I still feel uneasy about this." Sakura sighed. "Almost like I'm just a pawn in some grand game." As if on cue, the masked man seems to have caught on to this feeling as he immediately turns to the young pilot.
"You appear to have misgivings about my plan Lieutenant." He asks.
"A-ah! N-no sir! I-I'm probably just tired from the previous missions." Sakura immediately explains.
"I suppose facing a renewed Republican defence force is a daunting prospect. Still, even the Republic has to split its forces. They are poking for cracks in the walls so to speak. I trust they won't be able to get through from the East if you will be the ones to guard it." The Viscount reassures her.
"No sir, they won't." Sakura replied with resolution.
"There is the possibility of them slipping through somewhere else." Captain Ash reminded them but the Viscount just smiled.
"Then that is Zenebas' failure, not ours. You do not have to worry about that Captain. Concentrate on your charge and let them deal with the others. It would be a shame if Kimmel were to perish while defending the territories in the north…"
Upon hearing this small detail however, Captain Ash perked up. "The north? Why? Are we expecting something from that direction?" He shoots the Viscount an accusing glance. The masked man knew very well why. Nonetheless, he just gave him a smile.
"All in good time Captain. All in good time…" He muttered before transmissions cut off, leaving Ash alone with his own soldiers.
"Is something coming from back home?" Ash muttered to himself. "Why aren't we assigned to secure that front then? If we really are expecting reinforcements from the Dark Continent then it would be easier if we can meet up with them directly."
"The Emperor might find it all the more suspicious if we volunteered to defend those territories. They'll know something is up." Seral tried to come up with an explanation.
"I don't know. If only we have a way to contact the continent, everything would be clearer. What we should be striving for—fighting for!" Ash grits his teeth.
"Hasn't the Viscount led us all this far? Is there any reason to doubt him now?" Seral asked. "He's kept us alive so far."
"Well…he did send us all on a wild goose chase over a single Zoid." Vishna voiced out. "And he seems to be a little distant as of late. And then there was Mount Cybele of course."
"Didn't he stay behind to buy us time though?" Sakura piped up.
"Yes. But he did request you to stay behind while the rest of us moved on. Almost looked like he was trying to get rid of you if you ask me." Vishna explains.
"His own knights probably had something to do with it. They really seem to hate us after all." Seral added.
"No, I don't think that's it." Ash dismisses the thought. "Besides, even if his lackeys loathe your existence, the Viscount himself seems to like you Sakura and not just as a soldier I mean."
Sakura felt slightly flattered and bothered at the same time. The Viscount after all, was at least twice her age.
"I still don't like this Captain." Vishna sighed.
"I don't either." Captain Ash likewise sighed. "Return to your duties for now. I need to have a word with Zhou."
"Aye Captain!"
The three girls immediately made their way back downstairs to help with the final tuning of their respective Zoids. With the girls gone, Gregory Ash descends to the main laboratory to meet with the eccentric scientist.
"No good, this one's vacated too." Janus sighed. As per Naruse's investigation into the seized documents from Mount Cybele, the Retaliation Force has acted upon the Viscount's other hidden bases. Itsuki predicted that he will at least change the locations of these but he didn't expect them to move this fast.
"And here I was thinking that maybe we could hit at least three locations before they move out." Itsuki muttered, his white Blade Liger surveying what is left of an abandoned warehouse and research facility.
"From the looks of it, the base seemed to have been vacated in a hurry. That makes this what-? The second base we've hit?" Alta asked.
"Third. At this point, I'm inclined to believe that he got one on us." Itsuki replied. "Bastard moves fast."
"This doesn't make sense." Naruse muttered from behind Itsuki's seat in the cockpit. She had been given a laptop to work with so she could continue decoding the retrieved data even while she's inside the Blade Liger. "If the Viscount really pulled out all of his forces, Emperor Muroa will figure something's up. Zenebas will take notice for sure."
"I've fought the Viscount before. He won't hesitate to risk his allies if he feels that it would win him the war." Itsuki interjected.
"I know him and even for him, this is way too risky."
"Sir!" Rio reports in; the other Blade Liger and the Dibison had returned from a scouting mission on the west side. "We only found tracks belonging to an array of different Zoids further down the desert. Sand has erased most of them however. Trail is dead."
"I see." Itsuki noted. "We should probably head to the other base. Our next target would be—"
"Wait! I'm receiving a transmission from Ms. Eleanor." Alta calls their attention. She hooks up the communications panel of all five Zoids through her Wolf's headgear.
"Good evening Lieutenant. Good work on the battle at the Central Mountains." Eleanor greeted the battle group.
"Thank you. However, we have something much more concerning. As you can see—"
"The Viscount's bases have all been deserted yes. That is the matter I needed to discuss with you. Take a look at this—" With a flick of her fingers, Eleanor showed them aerial images of a large force of Zoids assembling a few miles out of Akua Harbour. The battle group's expression turned grim at the sight. Over five hundred Zoids have been assembled seemingly in preparation for something big.
"They're planning to intercept our landing forces huh? Come to think of it, the army is about to return in a few days."
"Yes. The Alexander is to reinforce the meager defensive line we were able to scrap up to defend the harbor. Command has decided to split our landing forces. The bulk of them will be arriving from the east but we are able to split our battle groups and launch a diversion further up north thanks to our new unlikely ally." Eleanor explained.
"And who is this new ally?" Itsuki asked. Eleanor paused for a bit before turning to look at Naruse.
"This ally is…the Guylos Empire."
Naruse's eyes grew wide as saucers upon hearing the old name. "The Guylos Empire…survived?"
"Elements of its government and military brass and soldiers managed to retreat to the East and Dark continents. Communications however, are sorely limited thanks to Zenebas' jamming net so it was only when our top brass was able to evacuate to the east did things move to the negotiating table." Eleanor looks at Naruse directly. "Emperor Rudolph himself has survived Valhalla it seems."
"This is an interesting development." Alta muttered. "Wasn't your side fighting so Guylos could usurp the throne for themselves again?"
"I-I don't know what to think anymore." Naruse sank back. "Then what has the Viscount been fighting for this entire time?"
"I don't know. Nonetheless, this just means that the Viscount's actions are no longer representing the 'will of Guylos'. Our mission of fighting them still hasn't changed." Itsuki tries to shake off any remaining feeling of uncertainty within the young girl.
"Plus, the Dark Spiner jamming network prevented even us from contacting our allies in the East." Alta added. "That man probably took advantage of the current situation to rally the Guylos stragglers to his side."
"Probably." Naruse nods, staring the soldier straight in the eye. "So, what about me?"
"What about you?" Itsuki asks.
"With this recent development surely, your concerns of a possible Guylos uprising are quelled by now. At this point, I have nothing more to offer your side."
"This may be an alliance but it is still a rather shaky one. Ms. Naruse, the citizens of this land are very wary of your Empire. The wounds we bore fighting in that war runs deep and the damage done to our homes were very extensive. It will be a long time before the two sides can fully live in peace side by side." Eleanor explains.
"Yep. Lots of talks, meetings and paperwork. Possibly standoffs with giant Zoids haha!" Janus laughs to himself catching the attention of his two superiors. "A-Ah! Well…sorry."
"In any case, that's the situation we now find ourselves in." Eleanor slinks back to her chair. "Return to us Lieutenant. We will need your strength in this coming battle."
"Yes ma'am!" Itsuki replied. Eleanor gives him a smile and the transmission cuts off. Immediately, Rio turns to her colleague.
"Do not do that again!" She warns Janus sternly.
"Ahahaha…sorry."
"Thank you for not just disposing of me Lieutenant." Naruse sighs in relief. "I'm sorry I'm not able to be of much help anymore."
"I made a promise to your friend back in that mountain. I gave her my word." Itsuki assures the young girl. "Should we make it out alive in the coming battle, you should probably move to the Eastern Continent. You're a capable girl. I'm sure you can arrange that through your Empire."
"Hmm…" Naruse thought to herself. "Perhaps I should visit my family too."
"Perhaps." Itsuki nods before turning his attention back on his battle group. The four were now chatting amongst themselves over small matters.
"Defending the landing forces huh? Cool~ We get to be heroes!" Janus muttered, all pumped up and ready to go.
"How can you be excited at a time like this?" Kiro sighed. "I'm a little worried about the outcome."
"Me too. Ha…Hahaha! My boots are shaking." Rio added.
"Personally, I've always wanted to see a Gojulas Giga up close!" Janus piped up. "That thing's one sweet fighting machine! Hey Kiro? Want to see who can shoot down the most Zoids between us?"
"At a time like this?" Kiro looks at his ally quizzically before breaking into a small smile. "Sure. I can take you on!"
"Guys…" Rio tries to reason with them but decides against it. "Alright, I'm in. I hope you don't make it too easy for me boys!"
"In your dreams Rio!"
Alta just chuckled at their conversation before turning back to their group's leader. "Too energetic for your taste?"
"Nah, they're young. It's healthy for them to be like this." Itsuki chuckled. He turns to face his group. "We have our orders. Finish all your preparations in five minutes. Then we make for Akua Harbor. Move!"
"Sir, yes sir!" Came an enthusiastic chorus.
In the meantime, hidden in the depths of the southernmost part of the central mountain range, the Dragoon Nest lay waiting, having just finished transmissions with the Hydrarchos. Both the Zero X and the Warshark were making their rounds; the Warshark covering a wider range due to its ability to tunnel underground. Inside, the Viscount stood by, his face calm as he finishes addressing the troops he was sending over to Akua Harbor.
"You've grown quite fond of that girl my lord." Alexei brings up just as the masked man closes the communications panel.
"Heh! Probably."
"Tch!" Alexei feels a small anger rising up within him but nonetheless, he tries to keep his cool. The Viscount senses this however.
"What's the matter Alexei? You seem troubled."
"Nothing of any concern sir. Just...frustrated at failing you up in the mountains." Alexei tries to deflect the issue. "And of course, losing my Zoid."
"Haha! I see. Hmm…" The Viscount walks over to the glass pane overlooking one of the Dragoon's hangars. "Take the Fire Fox in the meantime. It's doing no good just sitting there."
"The Fox?!" Alexei suddenly shot back, his voice betraying the irritation he felt. "To use a Zoid produced by that lowly Republic—!"
"—is a prudent course of action given that it's performance is quite high and you have no Zoid that you can use right now. Why? Are you questioning my orders Alexei?" The Viscount suddenly turns to face him. Despite his mask concealing his face, Alexei could feel an intimidating presence and a sharp stare directed at him.
"If that is your will sir. Forgive me. I spoke out of line." Alexei bows down, taking care to keep his head low.
"Good. Caitlyn's shift is almost over. Take over hers."
"Yes sir!" Alexei replies before excusing himself. Along the way, he encounters Reynard waiting by the door.
"You look like a girl rejected by her lover Alexei." Reynard teased.
"Shut up!" The knight gives his colleague a sharp nudge with his shoulder before walking down the halls. Reynard just chuckled upon seeing the arrogant knight looking so irritated. With Alexei gone, it was now Reynard's turn to enter the room.
"Is this professional jealousy I'm seeing here? Or is it something else eh, Masky?" Reynard casually strolls in. Unlike the others, he has no qualms about addressing the Viscount so informally, being a mercenary rather than a soldier under his command. The Viscount just turns to him with a smile.
"A bit of both perhaps."
"From what I can see, it almost seemed like you were deliberately trying to get on his nerves." Reynard chuckled. "Is that any way to treat someone who likes you?"
"I do not know what you're talking about." The masked man chuckles.
"Figures. I suppose I can assume that your taste is for someone far…younger?" The mercenary eyes him suspiciously.
"Nothing malicious I assure you. Younger pilots are rather impressionable and passionate. Convince them to rally behind a cause and they take it close to heart. This makes them better fighters and in turn, better soldiers." The Viscount explains, pausing to take a sip of liquor by his table. "Not that I expect a mercenary to understand."
"Of course not. Battles are just about precision and control to me. Chamber the right rounds and use the right timing. Kill before you get killed." Reynard clarifies his stance.
"Normally. When Zoids are involved however, the more passion one has, the better her partner responds." The Viscount suddenly turns to Reynard. "Would you like to give it a try? Me and my partner against you?"
"Sure. But then who's going to sign my paycheck once I'm through with you I wonder?" Reynard shoots back with an arrogant grin.
"Heh!" The Viscount rises up from his seat, walking past Reynard to face the glass panels again. "Regarding the matter with Alexei's concerns, I personally don't see anything wrong with wanting to add another person to the team. The Republic is on the move. They will come from the north and from the east. Ash is already suspecting something. I don't expect that bumbling oaf Kimmel to defend the northern areas for long either."
"Haha! And when the Republic returns, well—" A tray of mints catches the mercenary's attention inside the Viscount's personal quarters. He picks one up to eat. "I don't think they'll follow your leadership for too long."
"That's why I have to move now if I am to get away with my intended prize." Turning to Reynard, the Viscount hands him what appears to be a component of sorts.
"This is?"
"Additional updates to the Organoid System. Zhou told me she needed that to start up the antiques we found in the mountain. I believe she'll also install it on the Lieutenant's upgraded Zoid as well." The Viscount explained. "Deliver this component to them then come back as soon as possible."
"Organoid System huh…Very well." Taking the device in hand, Reynard exits the room. Just a few minutes later, the sounds of the Lightning Saix taking off can be heard from within the mobile base. The mercenary was arrogant for sure but he is quick to get the job done.
"Hydrarchos landing. Vacate the strip!" The voice of a flight controller resounded across a large Imperial base as the science vessel docks alongside similar Zoids in the landing strip. Two days have passed since their small stop at the grave robber's town. Most of the Viscount's assembled army had already arrived by now.
"I-Impressive…" Vishna was stunned upon seeing their allies all gathered in one place. Molgas, Merdas, Iguans and Heldigunners make up a huge bulk of the force, all armed with an assortment of guns and missile launchers; the new standardized equipment sticking out like a sore thumb in contrast with the obsolete Zoids. "I've never participated in battle with an army this huge!"
"That's not all." Seral points to a dark shadow looming on the ground. Multitudes of aerial Zoids were converging at the base. Saicurtis and Zabats formed the bulk of the air force supplemented by several handfuls of Redlers sporting different accessories and equipment. The rumbling of the larger Red Horns and Saber Tigers can be heard as well. From the top of the observation deck, Ash can see at least twenty Iron Kongs tucked neatly in the warehouses.
The Remnant force managed to gather over five hundred Zoids in preparation for the attack. It was an impressive sight for sure but the Zoid central to the operation were the antiques excavated from the Central Mountain Range. The Hydrarchos' hangar opened and the first of the three antiques descended on the ground; multiple legs propelling its movement as a long, particle cannon equipped tail dragged behind.
"Death Stingers. Three of them to boot." Sakura felt a shiver upon seeing the infamous scorpion Zoids. Scenes of Valhalla in flames suddenly flashed in her mind.
"Guess this is what Masky meant when he told us to get them while they're still in the water." Seral exclaimed.
"If we can get them in the water of course." Vishna grumbled, a little uncertain about the mission.
"Relax. What's their measly force going to do against three Death Stingers?" Seral argued.
"The Liger Zero…" Sakura muttered to herself as she remembered her friend.
"Liger Zero? Bah, big deal. That rookie pilot's outnumbered three to one. We'll win this for sure." The older girl assures her.
"It will be easier if they'll just surrender but—" Their location gives them a small view of the sea so Sakura turns to that direction. "They'll probably fight harder now. To them, hope is coming in from those waters after all."
"Make way! Make way!" The chief of maintenance orders the equipment to be cleared from the pathway as Reynard's Lightning Saix came barrelling down the base. The swift Zoid shifted a bit before bending downwards so the pilot can alight. Immediately, he makes his way towards the science vessel.
"Delivery for Ms. Zhou Byakuiei, courtesy of the Viscount." The mercenary announced, calling the attention of the vessel's crew.
"Ah! I was wondering when it would arrive." The eccentric scientist leaps down from one of the maintenance platforms, managing to land just right, surprising onlookers. "You sure live up to your reputation for speed Mr. Ein."
"A mere sprint like this is easy for me and the Lightning Saix." Reynard grins. Having handed the component, he turns to face the young pilot who has caught their leader's attention. "Ms. Nagisa eh? This component is for your upgraded Zoid as well."
"Alright! I better get to work." Zhou turns to the mercenary knight. "Any more orders from the Viscount?"
"Yes." Reynard turns to the Death Stingers. "That black one, it's missing its Charged Particle Cannon correct?"
"An intentional design choice apparently. It's called the Stealth Stinger. It has reinforced armor and black ferrite coating for Stealth Operations. In place of the cannon, this thing is outfitted with powerful laser scissors." The eccentric scientist explained.
"The one used by Genius Deldaros huh?"
"The exact same one, yes." Zhou confirms. "Fixing them was easy—I could do it with my eyes closed. Restoring their combat motivation however, will require this." She holds up the component delivered by Reynard.
"I see." The mercenary now turns back to the three girls. "The Viscount has assigned Ms. Seral Dias to pilot the Stealth Stinger. You will be placed on the vanguard force and strike directly in front of the base while the remaining Stingers are to try to attack from the sides."
"Alright!" Seral nearly jumps up in excitement. A Stealth Stinger was a major upgrade from her Red Horn after all.
"Isn't it dangerous?" Sakura asks.
"Don't worry! This baby's got armor as thick as your skull. Besides, what can they do against a Stealth Stinger?" Seral reassures them.
"Don't I get one of the Death Stingers?" Vishna asks in a joking manner.
"I haven't gotten any orders regarding that. Of course, nobody's stopping you from jumping in one when no one's looking." Reynard shoots back with a sly grin, going along with the joke. "Shoot the intended pilot in the back if you want."
"Nah, I'll stick to my Sabre Tiger." Vishna sighs. "Baby's been with me through thick and thin already."
"What about me?" Sakura asks.
"Ah yes. You are to remain here and guard the Hydrarchos."
"What?!" Needless to say, Sakura was shocked by the order. "B-But, I can still fight on the front lines with Ms. Zhou's Geno Saurer!"
"This is going to be a big battle Ms. Nagisa." The mercenary explains. "We cannot overlook the possibility of the enemy attacking this science vessel."
Sakura felt a surge of frustration well up within her. She was being left out of the equation again for reasons she doesn't understand. Deep inside, though she may not have the spine to say it out loud, she's always thought she was a better pilot than either of her friends. Nonetheless, she decided to just keep quiet about it.
"Understood sir."
"Don't look too glum. If the initial assault fails, they'll probably call on you to take off." The mercenary assures her with a tap on her shoulder. "Well I've stayed long enough. I need to return soon. Do you have any more questions?"
"I do." The old husky voice of Gregory Ash cuts through the hangar. "I would like to know what role would the Remnant Knights be playing in this coming battle. Where is the Viscount stationing your unit?"
The mercenary looks Ash straight in the eye. "The Dragoon Nest has been ordered to maintain their position near the central mountain range, retaining our tactical flexibility should things go bad on either the eastern or northern fronts. That's all." Reynard promptly answered back.
"I see." Captain Ash looked to be deep in thought. "That's all for now."
"Very well. Good hunting Captain." And with that, the Lightning Saix leaves the encampment.
"He seems nice. Not like Arlene and Alexei." Vishna noted.
"Eh? What, you crushing on him or something?" Seral teases.
"Nothing. Just found it odd."
"Zhou, how long will it take until you can get the Lieutenant's Zoid ready?" Ash turns to the eccentric scientist.
"I think I can finish everything tomorrow afternoon. Updating the Death Stingers takes priority after all." The woman replied.
"Indeed." Captain Ash nodded, seemingly satisfied with the progress. "You heard that Lieutenant. You and I are to remain here. On the off chance the Republic manages to push us back, we deploy. Is that understood?"
"Yes sir!" Sakura responds.
"Don't worry." Seral assures her, turning her gaze to the massive army they have accumulated. "The harbour will be ours by noon."
In just a few hours, the entire army was assembled and Ash descended down with his Dark Spiner, briefing the rest of the soldiers about the plan; how to strike and which positions to take up. This leaves the Hydrarchos relatively empty save for Zhou and her team of mechanics and scientists working on the Stealth Stinger. From the top of the walkway, Sakura stares down at her new Zoid. No work was currently being done on it as the Stealth Stinger took priority. Nonetheless, it was at the very least, ninety percent complete and the glint of sharp swords eerily caught the overhead lights.
"I hope they finish you up by tomorrow…" She muttered.
"You seem to be excited to head out tomorrow." Seral surprises her by suddenly calling out from the dark. She looks at her younger comrade with a knowing smile.
"We used to be friends back then. I—" Sakura tries to explain but Seral could tell what's on her mind.
"You want to be the one to fight her. I know how good you fight Sakura. You can probably disable her without killing her." Seral steps over until she was level with the younger pilot. "Too bad things don't work out the way you want them to huh?"
"It never does." Sakura just sighed.
"If I end up facing her—the pilot of the blue-eyed Liger Zero, I won't hold back. I will seize victory at all costs." Seral's voice takes on a more serious and darker tone. "I'll kill her if she gets in my way."
"Seral—!"
"So…I'm apologizing in advance. Think of it this way. I'm killing her so you don't have to." Seral taps Sakura on the back as she turns to leave. "My Stealth Stinger's adjustments are almost complete. I'll be going now. See you on the battlefield."
Now left alone, the heaviness of the current situation started to hit Sakura in full force. Her knees felt weak as she sat down, cursing her current predicament.
"God why—?!" Sakura cursed. "Please come back alive. Both of you."
In contrast to the Imperial base, the defense forces gathered at Akua Harbor looked glum. Not even the sight of the Alexander docking and unloading its Gunbluster force were enough to rejuvenate their spirits. They needed to hold the line until the rest of their reinforcements arrive and with their forces outmatched and outnumbered, it wasn't looking very good.
Due to her mechanic and grave robber background, Kiminari had taken Alyx with him to help with the repairs and renovation of the harbour's Zoids. The two of them worked tirelessly alongside the other technicians, pulling in long hours in order to get each and every Zoid battle-ready tomorrow.
"Thanks for the hard work!" A young female operator greeted the two as they sat near a bunch of weapon crates having just finished work on ten Shield Ligers in the past three hours. The operator had brought them some bread and water which she placed on one of the smaller boxes.
"Thanks!" Alyx smiled as she immediately dug in the meager rations given to them.
"It's no trouble. Without your help, we probably wouldn't even be done with ten percent of this base's Zoids!"
"Yeah? Well, job's not over yet." Kiminari spoke up. "There's a couple of Zoids in Hangar G that's been giving the other mechanics a lot of trouble. I need to head out there after this."
"More work huh?"
"Yep." Kiminari sighed, taking the bread in his hands.
"It's going to be a big battle huh?" Alyx mutters under her breath as she glances up to see her Liger Zero being outfitted with another CAS armor. Green heavy armor pieces lined up her Zoid while a giant pair of guns was in the process of being lowered to fit into her Zoid's back.
"Panzer armor huh?" Alyx noted.
"You'll be carrying forty percent of our battle group's artillery and ammunition. Make sure you don't waste it." Kiminari tries to instill some fighting words in his comrade but was only greeted with silence. "Your previous missions were all up against Zenebas unmanned BLOX. Think you can handle the stress of fighting manned opponents this time?"
"Back at Kalanes City, we had to deal with the bandits and raiders. I have…killed people even back then. We had no choice after all. It was either us or them." Alyx explained with a long sigh. "God knows that logic was the one that got us into this whole mess."
"I see."
Alyx stands up, stretching her arms. "Well, this will be my first time fighting a massive army though. Admittedly, I am very nervous. I'm about to become a mass murderer after all!" She nearly screams it out loud, echoing across the wide hangar. "Ooohh! Damn, I needed to get that out!"
"Sucks to be you huh? I wouldn't know how to relate. I'm a mechanic and scientist. I don't kill people. You guys…do that for us." Kiminari stands up as well, placing a comforting hand on the nervous pilot's shoulder. "Come with me to Hangar G. I'll show you something cool."
"Sure." Alyx nodded and followed the older mechanic to the large hangar.
"Relax kid. It's just like playing a video game. Only with live ammunition and no restarts."
Writer's Note: Chapter 14 is here! The deep breath before the plunge. Events here are loosely connected with the Liger Zero Phoenix supplemental story.
Special thanks to Ashten_Pyrono for the kind words!