Chapter 18: War on two fronts (part 3)
4.32 AM (11 km away from Hiyakawa Booth)
"Will they be here?" Takeru asked himself while boosting his Shiranui across the mountain range.
When he said "they", he obviously referred to the rebels. He was expecting to meet them very soon once his squad arrive Hiyakawa. Takeru and his Yuuko sensei has changed the events of this coup d'état by a great deal. To prevent unnecessary leak of information to the enemies, squad 207 even cut off their transmission to Yokohama base in order to avoid the possibility of the enemy may intercept it. Furthermore, the escape route was leaked in a time frame that it would give Takeru all the necessary advantage that he need to play his cards right. Due to that kind of intentional leakage in information by Yuuko sensei and the old spy Yoroi, they were able to manipulate the UN Army, the US 11th Fleet, the Imperial Army and even the rebel army to act according to their plan.
However, as time passed, there were so many things that simply went beyond his speculation. That group of assassin that he engaged a while ago has clearly struck his confidence hard. They were able to evade through the barricades of the UN army and the US 108th Battalion unnoticed. Worse, they even laid waiting for Takeru's squad to approach them. Whoever those assassins were, they were clearly informed about Takeru's movement and that of the US army.
And since those assassins used the guise of the rebel army, it wouldn't hurt to let the rebel army informed about the escape route of the Shogun. This meant they have already leaked the escape route to the rebels. In this scenario, the assassin's suspicious track will be perfectly covered with all sorts of movements of the unwary rebel army. Everyone will assume that those assassins were a part of the rebel army and the rebels will be blamed for everything. Therefore, it wasn't overcautious to assume that the rebels already arrived at the Hiyakawa Booth and preparing a pincer attack at the moment. Their travel routes were obviously more convenient for speeding with highway terrains compare to Takeru's travel route.
Matching the boost jump timing with his squadron, Takeru cautiously watched the surroundings for any hint of an ambush. His retinal display however showed no such thing. Only ally's markers appeared on his radar and there is no trace of any sort TSFs in the surrounding area. However, the look can be really deceptive. The local terrain was of course mountain range. Therefore, both optics and radar sensor function of a TSF could be easily fooled in such kind of terrain. It was so easy of a job to camouflage and hid squadrons of TSFs away from being notice. The radar scan could also easily be nullified with some type of EMC measurement.
Takeru's plan has mostly gone haywire due to the unexpected disappearance of the US 66th Battalion and with the unexpected appearance of those assassins. Because of that, Takeru was shocked, but not anywhere nearly as much as everyone else. His friends, his mentor and even the Royal Guards couldn't help but doubted about Naoya's cause by now. Since the assassin took the guise of the rebel so effectively, everyone but Takeru would think that those assassins were belonged to the rebel army. And this seed of doubt in everyone heart will do Takeru nothing but trouble for him to play his trump cards in the future.
Whoever they were, the one who sent those assassins has really upset Takeru's plan a great deal. Without a doubt, the disappearance of the 66thUS Battalion was probably their work as well. Because, even if Yuuko sensei could have messed up with the CIA's information, she won't do anything as risky as let Takeru's squadron retreated unguarded. That wasn't in the plan at least.
"Beep beep beep"
Takeru's radar sensor suddenly blipped. Several TSFs were detected with the previous scan. From the direction of three o'clock, an overwhelming number of unknown IFFs appeared on the screen. They were all moving at an extremely ridiculous speed. The opponent didn't bother hiding their force.
Takeru's heart raced. This couldn't belong to the US 66th Battalion. The distance is still too far for his Shiranui's sensor to detect those US stealthy TSFs. The Shiranui's optic function has yet able to recognize those TSFs. Only the radar sensor worked. This meant…
"Keep on moving in formation. Do not slow down at all cost. 1st Lt. Tsukuyomi and the Royal Guards will protect the flank. Once we passed through the Hiyakawa Booth, we will be safe" Marimo ordered. "Fire at will if you must. Your top priority is to escape. And you Shirogane, do not repeat what you just did"
"Roger that" Takeru replied in harmony with his friends. He knew it better than anyone else that he should never did something like that in the first place. Even though the incident turned out well due to his recklessness, he in fact has betrayed everyone trust in him including Marimo, his friends and even the Royal Guards. That was however never his intention from the beginning… Though, Takeru wasn't surprise at all hearing such an aggressive order 'Fire at will if you must' from Marimo. It was supposed to be 'Do not open fire unless you were ordered' as Takeru's memory of the last loop. However, after the assassination attempt on Izu Skyline, there was no way Marimo would so readily to settle this ordeal peacefully.
On the side note, the command "fire at will" was directed at everyone else in his squad but Takeru. Because the only weapons remained at his disposal were but two combat knives and one melee halberd. He has lost a shield and a melee halberd during the fight against those two idiotic Tengu Eishis then losing his assault rifle during the fight against the assassins a moment ago. Takeru was so sure that once this operation is over, he got more than just some detentions and punishment waiting for his act of recklessness. Even if it was unavoidable, he extravagantly wasted military resource in an unnecessary manner.
Back to the topic, Takeru was about to be tested once again between the resolve to complete his mission over his comrades. Yuuhi was after all still inside his machine. The top priority remained unchanged, Yuuhi's safety.
However, there was no way that the Royal Guards could hold back this amount of TSFs appeared on the radar just by themselves. There are more TSFs than he could count. Besides, that kind of ridiculous speed of those TSFs which displayed on the radar could only belong to the Type 94-Shiranui. A whole company of Shiranui… Even if they were 1st Lt. Tsukuyomi and the idiot-trio, it would be unthinkable for them to stop that amount of TSFs just by themselves. Even if Takeru and the rest of the squad joined the fight, the result was probably the same. This kind of terrain won't promote a one-against-many fight at all. No recklessness will save his squad this time. Takeru knew it better than anyone else. Takeru immediately think about his Joker card. Should he use it here and now? Otherwise, there was probably no alternative way for him and everyone else to pass through the Hiyakawa Booth at this rate.
"To the UN army and Honor Guard commanders. We mean no harm. You must halt immediately. I repeat. We mean no harm. You must halt immediately. Your current action is a grave violation of Japan's national sovereignty" An unknown woman's voice aired on the open channel.
Immediately, several indigo color Shiranuis propelled through the city ruin appeared on Takeru's retinal display. His worst expectation came true.
"The Fuji Instructional Corp… how?" Marimo anxiously muttered
This was probably the worst opponent that one could face. The aggressor painting on the armor of those Shiranuis was the unique trade mark of the most elite corps of the Empire of Japan. The Fuji Instructional Corp was the opponent this time. Even the US army has a tough time against them in the last coup. Even knowing that these guys were the bona fide rebels, Takeru couldn't feel any worse compare to those assassins he just engaged. Completely drenched in his old cold sweat, Takeru stared at the approaching rebels. Maybe he has no other choice but to use his trump card here…
Suddenly, the atmosphere was completely drowned in gunfire sound. In split seconds, several indigo color Shiranuis scorched aflame without any prior warning. Immediately, from the direction of 11 o'clock of the rebels, multiple unknown IFF marking TSFs appeared and brazenly intercepted between Takeru's squadron and the rebels.
The speed of the newcomers was just as insane as the Fuji corps. In a single instance, the two forces deftly clashed against one another. The newcomers then quickly formed a wall and prevented the rebels from approaching Takeru's squad while pressing the advantage of their surprise attack. Out of the corner of his camera, Takeru could spot dozens of Strike Eagles and even Raptors among the force of the newcomers.
"They are finally here" Takeru softly muttered while sighing out in relief
"This is the American Army 66th TSF Armored Battalion, hurry up and get out of here. Let us handle this" a man's voice was aired through Takeru's headset fluently in Japanese.
Everyone at the scene was faltered due to the sudden arrival of their saviors. But only for a single second.
"This 207's commander, copy that." Marimo replied
"The plan has changed slightly. But keep going. We will protect your back" the man continued speaking.
"Copy that. All unit in squad 207, maintain formation at maximum combat speed" ordered Marimo.
"Roger"
Then, a familiar face was displayed through Takeru's retinal system. "To the 207th TSF armored Platoon. I am Major Walken, commander of the American Army's 66th TSF Armored Battalion. Our platoon will be your escort from here on. Alpha, Delta Company and the 108th TSF Armored Battalion will buy us some time holding back the enemies."
"I was saved by you once again" Takeru kept that thought to himself while looking at the well built man displayed on his HUD. Then, without wasting the precious chance create by the US army, Takeru boosted his Shiranui and matched his speed with the escorts. In split seconds, the distance between Takeru's squad and the rebels expand significantly. The blazing battle ground at his back quickly and gradually became but embers. It was just as Takeru's expectation; the rebels couldn't risk harming the Shogun by recklessly force their way through the US army while firing their gun. Even if the rebels could guess which TSF is the Shogun is based on the formation, there is still the danger of hitting her by accident. And if that happens, they become the traitors. Therefore the safest way to secure the Shogun unharmed would be to surround and apprehend the whole squad and force the squadron to drop weapons.
Knowing the enemies he faced this time were the bona fide rebels who wished to get the Shogun to justify their action, they won't attack Takeru's squad recklessly. This time, Takeru was certain that his plan is proceeding to his advantage.
"All units maintain formation at maximum combat speed and synchronize your boost jump to 180 seconds interval. Also, from now on, the 207th TSF Armored Platoon will be under the command of my 66th Armored Battalion." Major Walken ordered.
Since the highest ranking officer is obviously Major Walken, it was better for him to assimilate the top chain of command in order to avoid confusion in ordering and to speed up the procedure. That was the same as the last loop.
"We will use NOE mode after passing Fujimidai ruins. After that we will proceed to Tougasa Mountain for resupply. The Yokohama UN Army has already set up a supply point there waiting for us." ordered Major Walken.
"Your plan worked, sensei" Takeru silently murmured. His Yuuko sensei was undoubtedly a genius. Even with so many deviations, unforeseen events happened during this coup, the mad scientist's plan still proceed well. It was like she didn't need Takeru's future knowledge to begin with.
3.43 (AM Atami city ruin)
"Withdraw… I will not give chase. But if you still insist fighting, I won't be merciful" declared the death god.
Several seconds has passed, yet no one made a move. 22 rebelled TSFs scattered and floated in the air carefully watched the death blocking their flight path. No one has yet releasing a barrage of lead at the death god so he could claim revenge for his fallen comrades.
The left half body of the UN Shiranui was visibly damaged to some extent. This proved that even the death god herself was no one invincible or indestructible. She was after all just a blood and flesh human and her steed was just a destructible metallic machine just like everyone else. The unknown UN Eishi is but a human being and a normal girl at that. Her machine is but a Shiranui just like majority of the rebel's TSFs. Furthermore, she is all alone by herself. What is there to be afraid of? Logical speaking, there is no reason for everyone to feel scare or to hesitate against something like this. No matter what the UN Shiranui intend to do; nothing will stop the advance of the rebels. But, even so, nobody make their move against the death god. The first move to trigger the fight was silently held back for an unknown amount of time. The supposed death match became but a staring contest.
Nobody made their move or gave out any sensible order. Nobody in fact understood why none of them did that, even Piranha 01 himself who was currently in the commanding role. Whether they were shocked at the death god's craziness, recklessness or perhaps admire her unmatched bravery or they were simply hesitate due to the extremely dense and menacing killing intent in the air exude by the unknown UN Eishi, doubting whether this was just a thoughtless bravado or in fact a trap; nobody knew which it was. But everyone at the scene couldn't do anything else but staring at the death god. Her words, her present and her battle style carved both awe and fear to the lookers. The death god is such an intimidating figure. Her word and action held that much weight.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"They took it" Hayase murmured to herself.
The rebel received the psychological attack just as she has expected. Her gamble paid. But… "Now, what am I going to do?" Hayase wrecked her brain to think of the next sensible action that she should take. However, nothing came up in her mind. This stage wasn't planned. This stage was just plainly absurd and illogical in any sense. It wasn't in the original plan of the defenders at all. This stage was but the adlibbing result of Hayase's recklessness and her own snap decisions. The only thing that was however planned on the stage was the fear and nervousness of fighting against Hayase herself carved deep inside the heart of her opponents. This was thankfully the fruit of her impossible feat one-against-nine at the eve of the battle. It was undoubtedly Hayase's best weapon right now.
"What should I do now?" Hayase questioned herself once again. She took out 4 rebel TSFs a brief moment ago thanks to the surprise element on her side. But now, the remaining 22 TSFs won't go down that easily. No, it was just some self-encouragement when Hayase think that she would have a hard time taking down the rest of 22 rebel TSFs. Without anyone tell her, Hayase knew it was already a miracle to survive fighting against this odd, let alone speaking about wiping them out.
"What should I do now?" Hayase need to maintain this stage as long as she can. It was probably the best outcome if she could maintain this stage unchanged for the next 20 minutes, until the time expire. No more fighting, no more killing, no further bloodshed.
Every trigger she pulled scared her. Every time she swung down her blade, she felt nothing but pure disgust. Every life she took haunted her. There was no way that she wouldn't have no remorse killing those rebel Eishis. Where on the Earth people could find a girl of her age taking human's life without feeling anything? But, she has no room for such thought right now. If she didn't kill, she will be killed. Hayase is Storm Vanguard 01, an ace of the Valkyries, she is the corner stone that lay the foundation of her friends' confidence. There was no room for her to be weak. Any single hesitation could mean her death and inevitably lead to the death of her squad mates. Any sign of weakness could lead to the failure of the whole operation. That alone was inexcusable. That alone was plainly unacceptable. That goes against the Valkyries's motto and Hayase's determination.
"What should I do now?" Nevertheless, Hayase need to upkeep this situation as long as she can, the longer the better. This was the situation where every second count.
Suddenly, the Earth shook. Various deafening explosions and gunfire noise were heard. A portion of the Atami city was then lit aflame.
"Scratch it" Hayase cursed while bitterly looking at the direction of the battleground. No doubt, the position of the prior explosions was C5. That's where her friends making their stance against the rebels. But the timing of that battle cannot be anything worse. Those explosions and gunfire noise surely forced the rebels that facing to take action as soon as possible. Hayase knew they will make their move any time soon.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXX
Piranha 01 discharged a hail of bullets at the silhouette of the grey Shiranui to signal the start of the final battle against the death god anew. "Commence firing. Aim at Bogey 01 and pin her down. We need to join the attack with the remaining of our troops as soon as possible" shouted Piranha 01.
Normally, Piranha 01's decision is the most logically and sensible action in any circumstance. But, in this stage, it was however a deadly mistake.
The moment Piranha 01 pulled the trigger, he was assaulted with an extremely eerie feeling. Chill ran down his spine, his heart throbbed crazily, his lungs functioned awkwardly. Piranha 01 was suffocated with an unknown fear. He couldn't pull his eyes away from that source of fear that was charging toward him in full throttle.
Barrel roll after barrel roll, the grey Shiranui unerringly evaded all of the incoming projectiles from Piranha 01. However, before Hayase could start to relax, within seconds, her Shiranui became the target for the rest of the rebel TSFs. It was getting harder and harder for Hayase to approach the one who trigger the fight at this rate if she was forced into continuous evasion maneuvers. Despite the odd against her, Hayase still plunged her trusted partner at the intended target nevertheless. That black Shiranui who relit the fight shall not escape.
Realize the dangerous position he was in, Piranha 01 immediately moved in formation with his nearby underlings while making use of the superior number to pin the reaper down. But, the rebel formation was too scattered to begin with while the death god was simply too near to Piranha 01. There was a limit on how much they could support Piranha 01 with their suppressive fire. Each and every rebel Eishi was almost frustrated at their IFF's locking system for preventing them throwing a full auto barrage at the reaper. Their gunfire was disconnected and disjointed due to the lock of firearm system when it detected nearby allies on the firing line. None of them could get a clear shot at the death god despite have her surrounded. Instead, it was more like because they have the reaper surrounded, they were unable to shoot her down. It was completely unthinkable for everyone to have their advantage suddenly became disadvantage. But the confusion only existed for some seconds in the rebels. They quickly deployed their melee halberd while continue shooting at the nimble UN Shiranui. If they weren't able to pin her down with suppressive fire, they will do it with their number.
Fluttered in the air like a nimble sparrow, the UN Shiranui unerringly danced amidst a tempest of slug without receiving a shot. Matching her Shiranui coordinates with other rebels TSFs in a straight line, forcing them to stop their shooting, those were merely a simple task for Hayase. But, she could not let this situation developed further into the next step. The cage was getting tighter and tighter. She will be trapped in no time if this situation continues. She will go all out this time. It was time for making full use of the trump card. Neglecting the warning of her radar sensor, Hayase set her sight at her prey. Then, she plunged at her target at full throttle using a rocket boost.
The UN Eishi last desperate effort was just entirely futile. Piranha 01 reckoned. She will clash against three of his subordinates guarding Piranha 01 before she could get him. That rocket boost will prevent her from taking any evading maneuver. This meant she could do nothing but canceled the boost or simply plunged at Piranha 01 in a straight line. The trajectory of the UN Shiranui was thus already set in stone, same goes for the UN death god's fate. Once the Death god's momentum will be stop, colliding with the three rebel TSFs, she will meet her maker with her own Shiranui pinned down and the rest of the rebels fully unleash their rage at her exposed back. During that brief moment, Piranha 01 foresaw a sure win revelation. No matter what, this place will be the tomb of that mysterious UN Eishi.
But, what displayed in the reality was nowhere close to Piranha 01's revelation. The grey Shiranui was fast, almost way too fast for a regular Shiranui. It was as if it wasn't a normal Shiranui at all from any specialist's point of view. Before the first rebel Shiranui could intercept its grey counterpart, it was already left behind several meters in the black smoke of the UN Shiranui's jet engine.
However, the other two black Shiranuis were already laid waiting on the intended flight path of the UN Shiranui, mysteriously missed impaling their target. In a matter of milliseconds, they would have clashed. But, like a mirage, a heat haze of some sort, the three Shiranuis miraculously didn't collided. They were in fact passed each other without touching each other at all.
"Impossible" none of the rebels have enough time to say that thought out loud.
Everyone could barely see how such phenomenal happen. Before the three Shiranuis were about to collide, the UN Shiranui was violently flickered and swayed for a moment. But, it wasn't because the Shiranui was hit by some slugs at all. The unknown UN Eishi recklessly shifted her steed's Jump unit nozzle in a midst of her rocket boost. That was plainly unthinkable. Such command was normally rejected by the OS of any TSF due to various safety reasons for both TSF and the Eishi inside. During such state of speed of a rocket boost, if one was to make any mistake in the control, the fate of that person was already determined together with his TSF. The armor of the TSF may be fine but various delicate part of the machine will not be as lucky. Firstly, the thruster unit was at the risk of being completely destroyed due to that kind of abusing. Secondly, a single collision will snap all the joints and sensor units of a TSF apart at that kind of speed. Thirdly, without the auto balance unit in the play during that kind of maneuver, a single collision will definitely kill the Eishi inside due to the leftover inertia. The Eishi may not flew away from his seat and got smashed onto his screen thanks to the safety seatbelt, but his internal organs won't escape unscathed due to the sudden change in G-force involved. Not even the G absorbing function of the Exo suit could save the Eishi from such fate. That's why during a rocket boost, most of the control of the TSF will be locked.
But, the fact that such unthinkable thing happened was undeniable. Nevertheless, the most impossible aspect about that maneuvering wasn't because the UN reaper was able to shift her thruster nozzle during a rocket boost. It was because she was able to make full use of the wobbling and swaying momentum during such short time span to avoid the theoretically unavoidable collision against her counterparts. The movement of the UN Shiranui was precisely controlled without any error despite its state of uncontrollable drunken like wobbling. It was never touch or even grazed at the rebel Shiranuis during that brief maneuver.
It wasn't a coincident at all. Everyone knew it immediately. It wasn't a miracle at all. Everyone understood it extremely well. The reaper has this planned all along. Bold, people may call it. Reckless, others may judge. Brave, everyone reckoned. Extremely confident, nobody denied it. The UN Eishi has absolute trust in her machine and her own piloting skill. She trusted that her machine will hold and allow such demanding maneuver. She was confident in her skill that she will pull out such a move without any error. Otherwise, such maneuver could never exist in the first place. And that was how the grey bullet plunged straight at Piranha 01 without meeting any resistant on its path.
He was definitely caught off guard. But, Piranha 01 would never allow himself to be taken out in such manner no matter how surprise he was. His past trainings and experiences won't allow him. Reflexively drew out his melee halberd while boosting his Shiranui and sidestep the grey bullet in split seconds, Piranha 01 made the reaper's speed become her nemesis. Because she was so fast that she could barely control her movement the way she expected. The reaper could only slash her blade into thin air, barely missed Piranha 01's Shiranui by a few inches.
Just when the reaper was out of his strike zone, Piranha 01 pointed his gun muzzle at her back. But to his surprise, the reaper also had her muzzle pointed at him in a similar manner while canceling her rocket boost. Without any hesitation, they both squeezed the trigger at the same time.
Effortlessly evading the barrage with an inverted boost, Piranha 01 tried to increase the distance with the reaper as soon as possible. His subordinates were reforming the circle. They will cage the reaper once again from the start. Despicable, unfair, dirty… if other want to call him as such, so be it. The priority was to chase after the Shogun, not fighting against this monstrous UN Eishi. Beside, one must make full use of every advantage he has on the battlefield against an enemy. All fair in love and war.
Compare to the graceful movement of Piranha 01, the reaper's movement was rather completely unsightly. The grey Shiranui masterfully dodged every single bullets threw at it but in a clumsy and reckless manner. Wobbling, flipping, gliding, it was completely a terrible combat form. It was however rather understandable for such thing to happen. The UN Shiranui was canceling its rocket boost while at the same time stopping its leftover inertia, and during such state, it was rather praise worthy for the UN reaper to able to avoid Piranha 01's and his subordinate's barrage completely.
Before Piranha 01 could admire such perfect control of the UN reaper, he was once again shocked by what was displayed to his HUD. The moment the reaper finally regain her balance, she executed another rocket boost with her already beyond exhausted Jump unit at Piranha 01.
Compare to the prior rocket boost the reaper executed, this one was on a whole different level of recklessness. Because the time frame was completely too short for the Shiranui's jump unit to fully recover from its exhausted state. This meant the UN Shiranui won't able to achieve the kind of speed and acceleration it intended. Furthermore, at this distance and this angle, Piranha 01 will have a clear shot at the reaper without fail. No evasion maneuver will save the reaper this time. Not even with those earlier weird movements.
Piranha 01 unhesitatingly squeezed the trigger of his assault rifle and discharged a hail of 66mm bullets and an APCBCHE 120mm shell at the reaper's cockpit. At this distance, he won't miss and the reaper won't able to evade it no matter how good her control was. And his barrage claimed the target this time.
Various 66mm mercilessly struck the UN Shiranui and maimed it down with multiple white sparks on the armor of the reaper. Then came a deafening explosion and a red mushroom rose up skyward when the 120mm shell struck true. Metal fragments of various sizes violently blasted off into different directions. A broken blade flew to the sky in an arc through the growing red mushroom and then stabbed into the ground.
Looking at the glowing inferno, the rebel Eishis heaved a sigh of relief. Their nightmare was over. Finally, this time they parted with the UN reaper for good.
4.53 AM (Tougasa Mountain)
Resupplying. Even Tougasa Mountain was no military base, it was still possible to do so for Takeru's squad and the US Army. Along the escape route, several non-military supply points was set up by Yuuko previously at the eve of the coup d'état in order for Takeru to satisfy the plan schedule. Thus, even if Takeru's squad was to miss any military supply point on the route due to some reasons, they would still able to do so afterward to ensure they have enough propellant until they reach their destination. From the look of the situation, major of the TSF in Takeru's squadron was pretty much exhausted in propellant and it was the same for the US Army.
There were quite a few things that keep on bugging Takeru's mind. But given the rank, Takeru almost have no say in the matter. He really wanted to ask the reason why Major Walken was so late in his appearance. But, the 66th Battalion was operated in secret and they didn't actually plan to meet up with Takeru's squad in first place. The 66th Battalion's operation activity wasn't logged in the UN data base just like how the Valkyries's operational procedure. Therefore, if Takeru was to raise such a question, he will stir up quite a commotion. And thus, he could only have his mouth zipped. But, it doesn't matter. He would get the answer from his Yuuko sensei once this whole thing is over.
Takeru's group took turn to resupply. He was the first one to do so. Next in the line was his friends, Marimo, the Royal Guard and the US came last. It was normal for them to do it in that order. The operation's priority was the safety of the Shogun. That's why the coach man and personal guards get to resupply first.
"Your Highness, are you all right?" couldn't stand the silence any more, Takeru asked the girl who currently for some reason still sharing the same cockpit with him. He found it extremely weird that both 1st Lt. Tsukuyomi and Marimo chan haven't fired him of his coachman task despite what happened. He can't tell whether they were on guard seeing the US troop escorting the squad or perhaps they still foolishly trust him on this matter.
"Thank you for your concern, I am perfectly fine." Yuuhi nodded her head "But you need not worry about that. As I told you, I am quite familiar with piloting"
"Ah… yeah you did" scratching his head awkwardly, Takeru nervously spoke. Because the incident against the assassins a while ago, he felt extremely guilty toward this girl. He promised her that he would do his utmost action to protect her. Yet, his action during the incident was just the opposite of his promise.
"Is there something you wish to voice?" Yuuhi asked while gazing into the eyes of the boy
Almost flinched due to the sharpness of the girl, Takeru faltered "N…nothing at all Your Highness."
"Do not speak falsely. You are not making light of me... are you not...?"
"…" Takeru immediately realized the girl who speaking with is a sovereign of a country, not just any normal girl. She was just as adept as his Yuuko sensei in reading a person's thought. Moreover, this girl has an overwhelming present compare to his Yuuko sensei.
Watching Takeru's reaction, Yuuhi sighed. Then she said with a dissatisfy look on her face "…why are you holding back after all that has taken place?"
"Eh?" Takeru was slightly taken aback.
"Never before has anyone approached me with an attitude such as yours" Yuuhi smiled and said
Scratching his head awkwardly, Takeru wasn't sure it was a criticizing or praise. He has a déjà vu that he once having a similar conversation with Yuuhi before. But, he chose to apologize anyway "Sorry"
"It is all right. I find the sense of familiarity you exude quite comfortable. I am sure that Meiya could let her guard down around you for that reason. Would you let me do what little I can to repay you… for what you have done for the both of us?" shaking her head, Yuuhi insisted
He was quite wasn't sure if he truly did something to deserve such praise from Yuuhi or he actually being much helpful to Yuuhi. Continuing scratching his head, Takeru was at loss of what to say.
"…Am I truly unable to assist you?" asked Yuuhi in a lonely tone
"Well, I will take you up on that offer"
"Mn?" Yuuhi nodded and gestured for the boy to start speaking
"Actually, I have been thinking about my action during that incident on the Izu Skyline. I indeed feel guilty of betraying everyone trust in me, including 1st Lt. Tsukuyomi and Your Highness. But… please forgive my insolence; I actually do not regret taking such action at all. It was however deserved to be criticized of an act, but I didn't feel guilty doing that at all… I meant I felt guilty of betraying everyone expectation in me, not that I actually feel guilty of committing such act."
"…" Yuuhi was stunned and started listening to the boy's word even more intently.
"I think it was because of my own selfishness that giving me such contradiction. Sorry, it must be really confusing for you… What I want to say is…"
Takeru stopped speaking as he heard a distinguish sound. To be precise, it was unmistakably the noise of jet engine. This was the signal. It's time.
3.51 AM (Atami city)
Metal fragments rained down to the earth. Smoke and dust rose up to the sky. There was nothing in front of Piranha 01 that indicated the reaper was still alive.
Yet, the chill that carved inside his spine didn't subside one bit. His hair was still standing on the edge. His breathing has yet gone back to normal. Even hearing countless gasps of relief from his subordinate, Piranha 01's mood didn't improve one bit. He was still tense and alert.
A drop of cold sweat dripped down of Piranha 01's cheek and rested on his lap. Suddenly, a silhouette of a certain monster appeared on Piranha 01's HUD.
Immediately, Piranha 01 pulled the trigger of his assault rifle by reflex and slammed on the pedal throttle of his Shiranui hard. He had to get away quick.
The veil of black smoke in front of Piranha 01 was blown away as a silhouette dashed after Piranha 01's fleeing Shiranui. The shadow's speed was so fast that the inverted boost of Piranha 01's Shiranui couldn't compare to. A forward rocket boost, it was the same technique that the reaper has continuously used a moment ago.
The barrage that Piranha 01 discharged missed its intended target by a hair breadth as the charging shadow evaded with an eerie wobbling movement. No use shooting the monster in this kind of angle, Piranha 01 immediately realized in that instant. He instantly discarded his rifle and held the pre-deploy melee halberd in two hands, preparing for the inevitable melee with the undead monster.
The monster was finally in his strike zone, Piranha 01 immediately executed a diagonal cut with an impeccable timing and precision.
A chilling sound was heard and an object looked like a charred broken arm flew across the battle field. Piranha 01's slash found its target. Yet, the shadowy monster didn't stop. It continued its reckless dash, using the jerking impact of Piranha 01's slash; it then evaded the black Shiranui with a small flip. In the blink of eye, both the black Shiranui and the shadowy monster met each other back to back.
Reflexively, Piranha 01 yanked his control stick wildly to meet the monster head to head again. However, the moment his Shiranui turned back, he saw a flipping grey Shiranui pointed its gun directly at him at point blank.
A dreadful sound echoed the battlefield. Then, an earthshaking thudding sound shook the whole atmosphere. Dust and debris unceremoniously erupted into the air covered a fallen rebel Shiranui.
A broken and tattered metallic TSF hovered and stared at the rest of the rebel TSFs as if it was challenging them to attack. "Come at me", even the reaper didn't voice it. It was how the remaining rebel troops perceived from the UN TSF's stance.
The grey Shiranui was battered beyond description. Well, it couldn't even be described as a grey Shiranui anymore. The paint on its armor was completely different now. Some parts were scorched black. Some were heated in a glowing red state. Some was discolored, showing the silver color of the metal alloy underneath.
It was a wonder how the UN Shiranui could executed those insane movement a moment ago. The left arm of the UN Shiranui was completely served across the shoulder. Right arm still attached, but, a large portion of its forearm armor was completely blown off, showing various engines inside. Torso area was still intact, with the exception of various dents and holes. Electric sparks cackled throughout the area of the abdomen. Battered and ragged beyond help, and yet the UN Shiranui still hovered in mid air and pointed its gun muzzle at the rebel TSFs in an ominous manner. "Come at me" its message was made clear without being said.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Hayase's breathing was ragged. Her stress level obviously went off the chart according to the Eishi condition parameter. Wiping off the sweat on her forehead, she still couldn't believe that she was still alive. No, it was wrong to phrase it in that way. Hayase didn't think that her bet could turn out so well in her favor.
The second rocket boost has surely made Hayase a living target for her opponent. It was a sure hit situation. It was a frontal charge without any rebel TSFs at her Shiranui back, the speed and acceleration was way too slow, the angle too, made it a perfect clean direct hit situation. Knowing that, she bet that her opponent will aim at her cockpit in such scenario. Her opponent would never want to miss such a chance to end the battle. Thus, she solely focused on guarding the cockpit region with her broken sword arm. Her bet miraculously paid.
The 120mm shell blasted off the left hand of Hayase's Shiranui along with her blade. The super carbon melee halberd couldn't hold the impact, cracked and flew off the hand of Hayase's Shiranui. The left forearm, too, couldn't withstand the explosion, yield and incinerated during that instance along with the remaining of the melee halberd in the Shiranui grasp. However, it wasn't enough to cancel out the impact of the explosion. Even using the limb of her Shiranui as a substituted shield, it wasn't enough for Hayase to withstand such an impact. Nevertheless, the sensitivity in control function of the XM3 made the most impossible maneuvers become possible. During that kind of fleeting time frame, Hayase barely made it, turning her Shiranui sideway and miraculously evade the furious scorching torrent that was close to a breath of a fire dragon.
Afterward, Hayase was actually expecting her opponent would let his guard down after witnessing such explosion. Turned out he didn't. Since she has twice using the same trick, her enemy was more alerted this time. The moment the first 66mm shell hit her Shiranui's armor in that black smoke, Hayase dashed out using a rocket boost toward the gunfire source. The rest of the rebel was still in awe, she could take advantage of this situation to take out her prey. It was different from the second rocket boost, this time, Hayase's Jump unit had enough propellant to satisfy her demand due to the short rest. Both speed and acceleration was within her margin of expectation. However, she immediately was in a disadvantageous situation where her Shiranui was forced to fight with the rebel Shiranui in a melee combat with a broken arm and without a blade deployed. Her prey wasn't just any harmless rabbit. He was exceptionally experienced in combat, maybe even more experienced compare to Isumi.
In that instance, an image transmitted into Hayase's head. She remembered a certain move of an Eishi who could even outdo Hayase herself in term of eccentric control. He was however the toughest opponent Hayase ever fought against and probably the most unique Eishi Hayase has ever seen with his bizarre acrobatic maneuvers.
Without thinking, Hayase's body immediately reacted to the image in her mind. The control pattern of that certain maneuver which was recorded in the SSS course displayed to Hayase through memory. Grabbing the control stick tightly, Hayase calmly executed the maneuver.
The diagonal slash which supposed to hack down Hayase's Shiranui to halves was denied without using any trick. The Shiranui's left arm that was broken and charred after several explosions was used as a disposable shield to deflect the power of the cut away from the main body of the grey Shiranui. Then, everything else was already in motion. Hayase did exactly what the image in her mind telling her to. Lightly shook her control stick while making full use of the inertia of her opponent attack, Hayase sent her Shiranui to a forward slanted flip. The moment her Shiranui finished crossover the rebel TSF, her gun nozzle was already pointed at her opponent exposed back. Then, the rebel Eishi who intended to finish Hayase off, mistakenly turned his Shiranui back, making it the best opportunity for Hayase to end the fight. Her nozzle was now pointing at his cockpit instead. The fight was put to an end when Hayase squeeze the trigger. No it was actually already end the moment Hayase executed that lifesaving maneuver. Nobody could envision such kind of movement existed, much less there was someone capable of execute it. That's why, fending off against such absurdity of a movement was impossible for Piranha 01. Reckless it was, illogical it was, incomprehensive it was, but Hayase knew just how effective that irregular maneuver can be. Even Hayase herself was unexpectedly taken down in one blow when the creator of this maneuver first used it against her.
Hayase's gamble paid. Her prey was taken down. However, her Shiranui was now in no state for battle. So all she could do now was to put up a bravado toward the remaining combatants. The one that Hayase has just taken out was surely one of the commanding officer of this group since his position and equipment was obviously that of an Interceptor. Thus, taking out such an opponent, Hayase dealt quite an impact on the rebel's morale. Moreover, since that guy was the one who first relit the fight, and he, too, was the first to go down. This meant to serve as a warning for the rest of the combatants. It was an application of a psychological warfare strategy, 'Sha yi jing bai', executing one enemy to warn hundred. It was fear that crippling the rebel's morale. It was fear that stopped them from doing anything. Hopefully this tactic will buy Hayase enough time until then…
However, that was what Hayase tried to deceive herself into believing. She knew it was too good to be true if anyone would actually buy such obvious bluff. Nobody will buy this bluff for sure. Hayase could clearly understand it. Even every bluffs she threw has been working so far, this bluff was different. With one glance, anyone could tell that Hayase's Shiranui was in no condition for battle. With a quick scan using the self checking OS, Hayase could see clearly that her steed was in no shape for another battle at all. All she could see after the checking was red color of exhaustion and stack of warning and error notices. Majority joint parts were already in bad shape. The remaining right arm of her Shiranui would definitely break in no time in its current condition if Hayase was to push another battle. Auxiliary power dropped significantly to optimal level. Left Jump unit was damaged and at risk of being overloaded any time. In conclusion, another battle was obviously impossible. The best she could do right now is but put up a bravado for another 10 minutes.
However, none of Hayase's speculation came true. Several flare signals were shot upon the sky of Atami city. Hayase realized it wasn't one of her own. It was meant for the rebels instead. Looking at the color of the flare, Hayase could do nothing but heaved a sigh of relief. They were thankfully retreating signal.
The rebels immediately pulled without wasting any second the moment they witness the flare. Collecting the remains of their comrade's TSF, they hastily withdrew. At the same time, the gunfight at C5 also came to a full stop. No more explosions or shooting noise was heard.
Looking at the withdrawing troops, Hayase heaved a sigh of relief once again. Then, connecting to her friends, she asked "Kazama, what is the situation over there?"
"No casualty. The rebels are withdrawing"
"Good, I am all right as well. Now, moving to the escape route and regroup with captain Izumi"
"Roger that"
Moving her Shiranui toward the designed escape route, Hayase couldn't help but wonder why the rebels withdraw so easily.