Chapter 3

Hello, everyone! In celebration of New Year, here's the next chapter!

And not only that! Today is a dual update! I got the next chapter of my Transformers fanfic posted.

Enjoy!

February 10, 2029...

Main Hall, Los Angeles Ranger Academy, 9:07am

Cassey was bored.

For over an hour, she and her sister Cass were both standing at the Main Hall along with those who passed the first exam of the semester while waiting for Commander Branston to arrive. Most of them have just returned from their one-week break after the combat exam seven days prior.

With a sigh, she remembered how they all fared last week. It was brutal. For more than 14 hours, at least 3,000 students were tested by the Fightmasters in the art of Jaeger Bushido. Of those, more than 1,000 had dropped out even before the test had began. And by the time it was finished, only 850 had passed.

Which they were both fortunate to be part of.

However, Cassey knew that it was not over yet. The next phase of their curriculum would now focus on expanding their knowledge about all things related to Jaegers and Kaijus. And as she thought about it, she just realized how far she and her sister still have to go before they can be considered as Rangers.

"You know, we've been standing here for 1 hour, 11 minutes and 23 seconds already." Cass said rather impatiently beside her.

Cassey sighed. "Get use to it. We still have 5 more months to go." Around them, people were starting to complain too, but not because they were tired. After all, training rigorously for one month has increased their stamina and this was just a piece of cake for them. No, the reason that they were complaining was because of boredom. Forced to wait for an hour while standing, it was somewhat surprising that no one had suffered a mental breakdown already.

Compared to this, facing a Kaiju seems to be a better alternative.

Suddenly, the door on the far side of the raised platform in front of them opened. First to enter was one of the Fightmasters, Mr. Himura. A slim Japanese man at mid-forties, he taught them much about the art of Jaeger Bushido. Behind him came a blonde-haired woman in her early thirties, Ms. Wells. A British descent, she is a teacher of Kaiju anatomy and behaviour.

The third one to enter was a man in his late forties. Mr. Moore was a former Chief Engineer in the Jaeger Program. Now, he was teaching about the basic workings of a Jaeger as well as how to properly handle them.

The fourth one was a bald and lean man named Mr. Kingsley. A half-American and half-British, he was an Assault Specialist. His job is to teach the trainees on how to kill a Kaiju.

And last but not the least, the reason for their boredom.

Commander Eric Branston of Los Angeles Shatterdome.

Tall and broad-chested with sandy-blonde hair and a stern face, Commander Branston entered the room with an air of authority in him. Immediately, all conversation ceased as the group stopped in front of the students. Just one look at him, and Cassey knew that they will need to listen to every word he's going to say. People like Branston, there's no room for argument.

"Greetings everyone, and welcome back to the Los Angeles Ranger Academy." Branston said with an impassive expression. "I trust that everything was good during your one-week break?"

Murmurs broke out among the gathered trainees, with most of them saying "No".

"Not bad. Considering we just spent one month of training non-stop for fourteen hours a day and six days a week." Cass muttered beside her sister.

Cassey rolled her eyes. Of the two of them, Cass was just slightly more mature. At least, to her. However, she also complains a lot more than her. An attitude that was sometimes a bit tiresome.

"At least, it's over now." Cassey reminded before focusing her attention back at Commander Branston.

"Now, I guess you're all wondering why it took 1 hour, 18 minutes and 36 seconds for us to arrive and stand before you." The man said with a slight smirk. "The truth is, we've been here for more than two hours already. Long before all of you entered this room."

Cries of shock and outrage immediately rang throughout the room.

"But, Commander! That's unfair!" One trainee protested.

"Yeah! We could have just use that time on learning rather than waiting." A second trainee said. As for the twins, they just shook their heads in disbelief.

"That's totally unfair!" Cass whispered in frustration. "We spent more than an hour standing here like idiots!" Around them, similar sentences were shouted at Commander Branston.

Surprisingly, the man remained calm all throughout their protests. However, Cassey could noticed a slight hint of irritation in his face. Before things got out of control, Branston raised his hand in a placating manner.

"Calm down, everybody." He said. "All will be explained soon."

Gradually, the noises died down until at last, their attention was again focused on him. With a nod of satisfaction, Commander Branston spoke once more.

"First things first," He raised an index finger, "look behind you on the far side of this room."

Frowning in confusion, they complied nonetheless and glanced behind them. At first, they don't know what they should be looking at. And then, Cassey saw it. Cleverly hidden on one corner, though not too much that no one would see it, was a small black object with a lens on the front and placed on a metal arm.

A security camera.

"We've been monitoring your actions and behaviour in a separate room, trainees." Commander Branston explained. "For more than an hour, we have watched how all of you will do in a closed environment without doing anything except converse with each other."

"But why?" Cassey finally spoke. She was also confused. There's no reason for them to do that. They all know how to behave properly. At least, she and her sister do.

Branston stared at her intensely for a moment, before gesturing with his hand.

"Mr. Himura, if you please." The commander motioned forward. Immediately, the Japanese man bowed respectfully before speaking.

"Patience is a virtue, this you all know." He said, scanning them over with his piercing gaze. "During a fight with a Kaiju, patience doesn't matter. You must act swift and fast to bring it down and kill it. However," He paused briefly, "patience comes into play when you are waiting for your opponent to arrive." Himura then glanced at Branston who nodded and spoke once again.

"As a Ranger and Jaeger pilot, your mission will not only test your skills, but your patience as well." Commander Branston said. "During an attack, you must endure the long hours of merely standing at your designated position while waiting for the Kaiju. You cannot eat. You cannot sleep. You cannot even piss." He said. A lot of murmurs broke out again at hearing this.

"You will be forced to wait inside your Conn-Pod without doing practically anything." Branston continued. "And I can tell you now, trainees. It won't be easy. That's why some pilots like the late Kaidonovskys always bring their music player. For these kind of situations."

Cassey and many others nodded. It was widely known that the Kaidonovskys had a music player inside Cherno Alpha's Conn-Pod. In fact, it was said that even in the middle of combat, the Russian husband and wife duo were listening to rock music.

"Hence," Branston spoke again, "we have done this simple test. To see if all of you can manage. And so far, you did. However," He raised a finger for emphasis, "this is not the last time it will happen. After all, Kaiju attacks do not happen only once."

They all groaned at this. Of course, they should have already expected it. The PPDC was meant to break their spirit, they will not be lenient to them.

"With that in mind, I expect everyone to always be prepared." Branston looked at them sternly. "Just like a real attack, this kind of test will happen when you least expect it. With varying lengths. And I want all of you to keep it cool together when it happens. Understood?"

"Yes sir." Cassey and the rest answered.

"Good. Now, I believe it's time for more important matters." Branston clasped his hands together. "Those who stands before me are the ones who passed last week's exams." He smiled slightly. "Congratulations, trainees."

They all sighed. Finally, Commander Branston has said what they have all been waiting "I thought he has forgotten about that already." Cass grumbled.

"Anyway, I know you are all getting bored, so I'm going to keep this short." Branston said. "This month will focus on expanding your knowledge about everything related to Jaegers and Kaijus. 'Knowing is half the battle', it was said. At the end of this month will be another exam. And after that, you will proceed to the next phase: Drift compatibility and Pons training. But for now, don't worry about it. That phase is still far off and your focus should be on the current one. Am I clear?"

"Yes, Commander." They chorused.

Branston nodded. "That's it then. Again, our congratulations to all trainees."

With that, Commander Branston finally left, leaving them together with the teachers. With a sigh, Cassey looked at her sister and spoke.

"This is going to be a long month."

...

Classroom 2A, Main Wing, Los Angeles Ranger Academy, 11:37am

"Alright, who can tell me the very basics about Kaiju Blue?" Ms. Wells asked.

Cassey and Cass immediately raised both of their hands. They were sitting behind their individual desks, along with other seventy-eight trainees, on a room similar to a University classroom. Large glass windows were on one side of the wall, giving them a view of the ocean and part of Los Angeles city. To their front, a large screen with their teacher, Ms. Wells, standing beside it was showing a glass container with something bluish inside it.

"Ms. Cassey, Ms. Cass, I can only choose one." Ms. Wells said with a slightly amused expression.

Cassey glanced briefly at her sister, who merely shrugged before sitting back on her seat. With a smile, Cassey answered the question.

"Kaiju blood, or Kaiju Blue as it is always referred to, is a highly toxic and corrossive type of blood only found on Kaijus. It can easily contaminate the surrounding area, especially any bodies of water, and can make them very harmful. When left unattended, it can evaporate into Blue Mist and pollutes the air. A person who have enhaled it will soon enter into shock and die after a few hours if no remedies are administered." She said all of these in one breath, making her gasp for air afterwards. When she sat back down, her sister subtly gave her a thumbs up sign.

"Good explanation, Ms. Cassey Anderson." Their teacher nodded approvingly. "Kaiju Blue is the blood of Kaijus. Unlike most creatures, however, they are known to be able to survive even if they lose plenty of it. Furthermore, there is some evidence that the Cat IV Kaiju Otachi was actually using her blood as a corrossive weapon, which she used to melt the head of Cherno Alpha."

Ms. Wells grabbed a remote from her desk and pressed a button. On the screen, a video started to play. It seems to be taken from the air during night time, in the middle of a storm. In the distance, a city filled with tall buildings and neon lights can be seen.

Suddenly, a loud horn was heard. The view immediately panned to the right and shows a gigantic mass of metal with arms, legs and a huge head tearing through the water and approaching a giant serpent-like beast with a sac under its neck, twin crests on the snout and a long tail tipped with three prehensile pincers.

"Holy shit, is that Cherno Alpha and Otachi?!" One trainee shouted. Even as he said it, they watched with a mixture of awe and horror as the Kaiju snarled and vomit a stream of blue liquid straight at Cherno's reactor. As the acid touches the hard steel, it began to eat away the head rapidly, exposing the insides and making the searchlight crumble into the ocean. The Kaiju immediately lunged, biting the Jaeger's right hand. As Cherno Alpha raised a fist to smash Otachi's head, Ms. Wells pressed another button and the video stopped playing.

"I believe I do not need to show you all what happened after that." She said with a sympathetic look on all of them.

Cassey glanced around and realized that all of them looked deathly pale and somewhat spooked. Beside her, Cass slowly drummed her fingers against the table, a habit she always does whenever something scares her.

"Now, as you can see in this video, the acid was strong enough to melt through the thick armor." Ms. Wells said. "Based on Dr. Newton Geiszler's research himself, there was something in its sac that enables the blood to become more potent." She explained and pressed another button. On the screen, the video was replaced with a diagram showing Otachi's head and its sac.

"Unfortunately, even after three years, it's still unknown what that chemical or catalyst is. The other ones doesn't possess this special ability, and the baby itself was undeveloped to have a sac. Hopefully though, we won't have another Kaiju attack just to find out." She smiled slightly and clapped her hands. "Now, I think that's it for today. Tomorrow, we will discuss different body types of Kaijus and their similarities. Good day, everyone. Class dismissed."

Cassey and Cass exited the classroom along with the other trainees. All around them, people were discussing what they just learned and saw. As they headed in the cafeteria's direction, Cassey noticed her sister walking silently beside her with a distant expression.

"Hey sis, are you okay?" She asked with concern. She knew that look. Every time Cass was bothered, she would always have that look.

"Do you think we made a mistake by joining here?" Cass spoke softly, stopping in her tracks and gazing down at the floor.

"What makes you say that?" Cassey replied. But she already knew the answer.

"You saw the video, Cassey." Cass said. "If we pass and become a Ranger, we might suffer the same thing."

Cassey sighed. Of course, her sister will be scared. What they just watched was only a video, and yet it already unsettled them. What more if it's real?

"Do you want to quit?" She asked gently. She saw Cass hesitate, shifting in her feet.

"I... I don't know." She mumbled. "I want to make Mom and Dad proud. But I think I'm scared. I mean, we could die." She lifted her head and stared directly at Cassey's blue eyes. "You could die." Cass said, her eyes starting to brim with tears.

"Hey look, it'll be okay." Cassie soothed her and wiped away her sister's tears. "We still have five months left, remember? A lot can still happen." She said. "Besides, if ever we pass, we won't be alone in facing a Kaiju." But even as she said it, Cassey knew there's a high risk of fatality. The Hong Kong incident has proven that no matter how experienced you are, that's not a guarantee that you'll survive.

"I guess so." Cass muttered. "I'm just put off by that video, that's all."

"Don't worry, you're not the only one." Cassey chuckled slightly. Then she smiled. "So, shall we continue our way to the cafeteria?"

"Oh yeah." She grumbled. "I'm hungry."

They both suddenly laughed at this before finally heading to the cafeteria.

February 12, 2029...
Unspecified Beach, Davao, Mindanao, Philippines, 2:13pm

Newton Geislzer stared at the remains of a blue whale in shock.

Just two nights ago, one of his colleagues called him and relayed a news about a 90-feet long whale found dead on a beach in Mindanao, Philippines. At first, he had dismissed it. Blue whales were occassionally being found there, either stranded or caught by local fishermen. However, when he was told that the whale was found with most of its flesh torn, he got curious and immediately caught a flight and flew there.

Now, as he stood there while local authorities secure the area, he felt a chill crawl down his spine. At almost a hundred feet, only a few ocean predators dares to hunt blue whales. Most of the time, it's the sharks. But as far as he knew, no shark in these parts were big enough to take down a large creature such as this.

He took a closer look, inspecting the carcass. Most of it was gone, the lower half missing and the head barely recognizable. As for the organs, well, he couldn't call them that anymore. More like a mass of flesh mixed together and shredded to bits. To him, it seems the whale was mauled... and eaten.

Newton shivered. Whatever did this to the mammal, it was no shark or any sea creature known. For one, there were no predators large enough to inflict such damages. Judging by the looks of it, teeth and claws were used. And no animal in the ocean has that.

Except for one. And even then, he doubt if they should be called animals.

Suddenly, his phone rang. He quickly answered and spoke.

"Hello?"

"Newton!" The unmistakable voice of Hermann said. "Newton! This is important!"

"Hermann? What is it?" Newton frowned. "I'm in the middle of something."

The german scientist grumbled at the other end. "Whatever you're doing, forget it. This is much more important!" He said urgently. "Remember those two Kaijus we detected heading south?"

"Uh, yeah." Newton replied. "Why?" He asked nervously. And as Hermann answered, he almost dropped his phone in terror.

"Our satellites has just detected them again. They are hiding somewhere in Davao, Philippines!"

I'm from the Philippines. Just saying. XD

Which reminds me. I really found it somewhat odd that GdT had used our country as the location for the second attack. :D Though I could somewhat understand why. After all, Philippines is the closest one in Marianas Trench.

Anyway, as you may have noticed, the main focus of this story are the trainees in the Ranger Academy. With the threat of these "Wild" Kaijus as backdrop. Of course, for now, it's my OCs who are getting the spotlight. However, gradually, I will introduce your submitted characters. :)

By the way, I hope you all like my own interpretation of the Jaeger Academy's curriculum. Actually, it was inspired by "Aurora Borealis", another PR fanfic. However, I am in no way copying any of that. I merely got the ideas from canon sources and combined it with my personal take.

Also, I changed some minor things in some chapters. Especially the whale's length. Sorry for the inaccuracy. XD

Now, time to answer your reviews.

avidreaded: My apologies. Given that we only have one movie to draw inspiration from, I'm using original ideas that my mind always comes up to use in this story. However, you do not have to worry. The story will soon pick up. :)

Matrexmaster: No problem!

SigmaBlack: Soon, you'll see your babies. Happy New Year!

BlueLightningStorm: 1) Sorry for that! I thought blue whales are that large. My bad! XD 2) Regarding the turbine, I understand your point. However, I'd also,like to point out that this is not the TRUE Gipsy Danger. Merely an armor that resembles it. The real second one will show up. But you will have to wait for that moment to arrive. :)

Anyway, I forgot to mention that I made a mistake on my poll. I didn't placed the correct choices. XD

But it's fixed now. The poll will be extended up January 7 for this reason. Again, please vote whether you want a faster update with less content or slower update with more on it. :)

Now, I have a BIG announcement.

To celebrate New Year's Eve, if you check my profile page right now, you'll find the publish dates of all my upcoming stories for THIS YEAR!

That's right, I'll be doing a one-shot and at least four other series. Most of which will be sequels. :)

Hopefully, I can manage my time. But I know I can make it, especially with all your support! :D

By the way, I need some bits of advice. My 21st birthday will arrive soon. And since it's an important event for me and my family, we will have a big celebration. However, I can't decide what should I ask my Auntie and Uncle for a gift.

PS3 or PS4?

There are so many games on the former that I'm dying to play. Kingdom Hearts Remixes, Final Fantasy X/X-2 Remasters, Final Fantasy XIII series, Pacific Rim, and so much more.

HOWEVER, PS4 has something that I've been waiting for a long time already.

KINGDOM HEARTS III.

Can someone help me choose? :(

.

.

.

Alright, sorry for that. But anyway, I hope that 2015 will be good for all of us! :D

New friends, new challenges and new stories! This is StoryMakerr014 wishing you all a Happy New Year! :D