Chapter 6: Empathy
( watch?v=WSEdM4h-11k
-Himitsu Kichi)
A soft howling wind travels through North District. The people gather to pray in small crowds in fear of the roaring bombs could come from the south to smite them. Me, Fleur, and the rest of the troupe carefully step through this part of town where his business was.
A boy and girl comforted each other under the awning of an empty bistro. The surviving business owners disappear into their shops and flip the open sign for everyone. The few gather to the front for food, bread, comics. The owners offered them food and services at a discount or if they needed the food, it would be free of charge.
I didn't think city folks could be this generous. Where's Fleur? He ran to the casino and shouted at them, "Open it up."
"Sir.. Are you sure?"
"Yes give them stuffed animals for all I care! No bidding required! It's.. What do they call it- a festival."
Fleur.. I shake my head. "They have some delicious coffee, m'am? Want the rest?"
"No, you can keep it."
"Keep it? What are you talking about?" He gives it to a busy worker passing by, "Oh, thank you."
"They take good care of their own. Just like on my planet," Baron takes a sip.
"Mine, too. For a place so huge with so many faces.. It makes me happy they can pitch together and help so fast.."
John maintains a blank expression, "People can change."
"Yes, they can. Isn't that right, John?"
"It's fascinating to see this many people help for nothing in return. I've never seen it before."
"Hey, John," I thought about his past, "What's your home like?"
"It's a small, lonely place. But I am in their debt.
Fleur waves for us to come in to his casino. "Well, I guess we should go then."
Inside all the children and parents stayed together and played. "This place is so... Kid friendly now." Irony.
The arcade games and boards were occupied, those who didn't participate were allowed to watch a live performance with improvised scraps and props.
Adrien greeted us. Keeping a straight smile, he welcomed us warmly, "Hey, how may I help you?" He had a cast around his arm.
"Rest for a while, Adrien. You're wounded."
He tilts his head, "Are you sure?" he sits down on a bench.
"It's fine. We'll just talk to Fleur."
"Oh, you must be the angel troupe... thanks."
Fleur shouts and bangs the table, "Come on! Where are the deck of cards?!"
"Fleur, this is a hockey table."
Some people never change.
"Oh well then," he pulls out the pucks, "Want to play?"
We did that for a few hours until we got a call from Takuto that the army would take care of the rest. So we had to return to ship. Not without one last goodbye from Adrien.
On the way back to bridge he was looking through the window at the planet. "He'll be alright," I told him.
"Yes, he will be. Thank you, Mori. There's still much work that needs to be done however. To the bridge.
"Right."
At the bridge, Takuto scanned a copy of the new orders as we stood before him.
"Everything looks good so far. Right now, we have new orders from Shiva herself. Hmm. Coco?"
"Yes, Takuto. We have a valuable ambassador on the planet of Magic that has requested for our protection. Recently, the planet is neutral. Two separate houses are split between war and peace. The political environment is dangerous for her, and she will need to be evacuated."
"Ambassador? Hey, isn't that planet part of the Seldor Alliance?"
She takes the copy of the orders from Takuto's hands. A map of the system shows up. North East of New Vega, the planet Magic appeared on screen. It was a terran planet with little industrial activity. No lights, nothing but green.
"We're concerned for the ambassador's safety. Our forces will move to the planet as soon as possible. However it will take sometime. To guarantee results, Milfeulle will be a part of Vindictus' fleet."
BEEP.
"Yes, that's right! I'll be helping as much as I can! You can count on me."
Coco giggled. "You guys must be best-friends."
"Oh no," she snorted, "But we are close. Milfie used to have a crush on Takuto actually- Isn't that right?"
"Hey.. Don't tease me."
Takuto kept a straight face while the troupe and I chuckled. "Let's head for Magic. We can relax along the way," he returns to the observatory deck and rests in his chair on the platform of the bridge.
"Yes, sir.."
"Oh, send some cakes, too."
Coco and Milfie exchange looks and return to their duty. "You're all dismissed."
Everyone sighs in relief and head their separate ways until I'm the only one in the hallway. I think for a while, "The New Angel troupe..Heh. We didn't do so bad a job. But they didn't seem to be surprised at all. An all male troupe.. Maybe there's something noteworthy I can do.. Like free a system. Defeat an evil race. Hmm."
John walked past me with a box of cookies. "Hmm? Hey, John," I walk up to him. "What are the cookies for?"
"They're for Natsume."
"Oh, must be dessert. But wait, are you sure that's healthy?"
"Her calorie intake is much higher than ours. Cholesterol levels are at a reduction of-"
"Yeah, that.. Makes sense. Hey, can I ask you something?"
"On the way to the infirmary, you may."
He walks forward and as I catch up I ask, "How come.. Takuto and the old angels aren't surprised?"
"About what?"
"That this is an all Angel troupe and I'm leading it. It's something isn't it?"
"The idea of a male troupe was ruled out until they saw our results on the halo system compared to other participants. However, they have high expectations for our performance."
"Like what? We did a lot?"
"In their young age, formality and praise was common. However, they're getting older. Emotions can be much more reserved over time."
"So they're much happier before?" I frown at the abstract idea of them being friends and chatty all the time. That doesn't seem like them at all. "Why-"
"The reasons can vary but it all leads to stress. Maybe they are having trouble fully bonding to you, after something they lost."
"Lost, but- wait, is it Soldum?"
"It is plausible. However, there may be other reasons."
There was just the sound of our footsteps in the hallway. We approached the front door of the infirmary hissed open.
( watch?v=NUeXsaRbBZs&list=SPEFF4AADD8D95DF99
-Vanilla's theme)
Natsumi chewed on a few cookies while watching.. An old romance movie in black and white.
"I brought cookies."
She turns around and smiles with her bright dimples. "I'll leave them on the table beside the bed."
Nom.. Nom..
Cera carries a board inside, "Good morning, Natsumi."
"Good morning, Dr. Cera!"
She checks her temperature, "All fine. I think you should be healthy enough to roam the ship by tomorrow."
"That's great."
"Wait, really, Dr. Cera?"
She disintegrates the cookies in her mouth still.
"Yes," Cera pats her on the head, "I have John to thank for treating the patient."
"Nano-Nano helped. She deserves credit."
"No," she shakes her head, "Nano-Nano, is usually busy with Kazuya."
Heh.. No wonder I haven't seen him around. I sigh. Forever alone..
"You seem to be in a daze. Do you need rest?" John asks. "No..I'm fine."
Dr. Cera continues, "You care for your patients really well for someone so young. You remind of Vanilla."
"Vanilla? That's a big statement, Dr. Cera.. Vanilla is kind and gentle, John can be-"
"I know, Mori. But I've lived long enough and take care of and work with others on a personal level. There's much more beneath the surface than you think. Besides Nano-Nano is much more outgoing and playful than her mother."
"I guess. Wait, she's her mom?!" I stare blankly with my mouth open.
"Oh my, did I say too much?" she laughed.
"Mom...wait.. Nano-Nano.. Isn't Takuto married to-" my head boiled.
"That's right."
I fell, but John caught me in his arms. "Rest for a while," he lies me down on the bed.
After a few minutes, I get out of bed. Natsumi is still watching her movie and Dr. Cera is with John outside the clinic. He waves his arms over the patients and heals them with a flash of light from his hands and chest.
So he is like Vanilla. I might have guessed.. "Mori, would you like to watch this movie with me?" Natsumi offers a cookie.
I check the time. We might be traveling through space for a few more hours. I should check up on the others. "Sorry, Natsumi. I should patrol the ship. Maybe next time."
"Okay, see you!"
Where do I go next? Maybe I should check on the hangar.. I took the elevator and walked through the hallways for a while until I found the mechanics busy in the hangar readying the Emblem Frames.
Tap Tap Tap
"This is going to take all night... Ah, Ricky will have to wait."
"Oh hey, Creta!"
She jumped and dropped her wrench and it banged off the balcony. "Eh? No..."
"S-sorry. Did I-"
"It's alright..I've been at work for so many years, I've been accident prone. "No, I mean about Ricky. You watch him?"
"Yes...he's grown to be a very handsome young man and a very talented singer. Oh, sorry. It must be strange to still like him at this age," she checks the bags under her eyes.
"So your mind has been on him," I rub my head. She sighs, "I could be his mom, practically," she jokes. "That's not a bad thing. I just thought you worked all day in the hangar. It's good to have hobbies."
"Keep a move on!" Baron waves for a crew of two heaving a piece of cannon.
A younger girl is groaning while the elderly mechanic is catching his breath. "Aren't you pushing a bit too much?" I intervened. "Yeah.. He is."
"We need to hurry and get ready for the next mission. Need to be on my best. Usually I don' push the guys and gals, but things need to be done, y'know."
"Don't worry," I reassure, "Just give them space for a while. He shakes his head, "Why should I?"
"They might not be able to repair your ship in combat if they're tired."
"You got a point there, take it easy you two. Sorry for your grandpa, miss. Make sure he's alright," Baron salutes me and leaves.
"Grandpa?" he checks the baldspot on his head, and a deeply offended face warps around the sweat pouring over him. "Hahhaha," she points mockingly at him.
"What are you laughing at, Coronet?"
"It's...It's just so fuuny, Croix. He thinks you're my-"
"Well if I was, I'd give you a time-out."
"Wait, wait, what?" she hisses.
They glare and begin to tug and pull on the cannon. They argue and tug the piece to the emblem frame.
"Those two.."
"Don't worry about them," Creta holds her wrench. I look up surprised, "Hey.. How did you-"
"Meow," Nano-Nano lands perched in front of me. "Thanks, Nano-Nano. Oh, Mori. There was something I wanted to tell you.."
"Let me tell her!"
"Hahah, okay, Nano."
"Alexander has new modules, it can now repair itself! Ta-da!" she throws a pipe at the ship leaving a dent. However the dent begins to bulge and disappear.
"Whoa," I jump back. "The Alexander has a few more modules not fully translated yet... The language is so hard," she picks up a red chip in her hand. I take it from her gently and examine it.
The Eden heiroglyphs sparkle, vaguely taking the shape of letters..As...ult..
"As...ult..Assault?"
Creta swipes it form her and looks at one more time. She plugs in the words to the Alexander.
"new module installed"
"How- how did you- It's lost technology, written in Edenian language" she stars at me like some sort of ghost. Nano-Nano pats my eyepatch, "Creta, can lost technology be implanted in someone's body?"
She ponders, "Well.. It's possible. Mori, where did you crash?"
"I'm not sure actually, but it was with the Emblem Frames."
"So Lost Technology is somewhere out there in the NEUE system..You learn something new everyday...," she finishes her work on my Emblem Frame and jumps off. "Mori, if you have time, please help me translate the modules whenever you can," she carries the chip into an office on the west wing, "I'm going to install these for now, I'll see you later."
"Bye...," I turn to Nano-Nano, "Say, Nano..I heard you were.. Vanilla's daughter."
"Oh, did Dr. Cera tell you, Nya? She is-"
I cut to the point, "Whatever happened to the old Emblem Frames?"
She frowns and leans backward, "It's hard to explain..but they were scuttled.."
"Scuttled?" I bobbed surprised, "Why?"
"It's hard to explain, but Ranpha will tell you about it when we meet her."
"Ranpha.. You mean, Ms. Franboise-"
She runs for the hangar, "Kazuya's calling, I'll find you later, Mori!"
Dang, she left already. Well..I don't have much else to do.. I should head to the bridge.
"Magic is in orbit, Takuto," Coco nods below the platform of the bridge. Looking down, he gave the order to halt the ship. The planet looked fine so far, we should be moving..
The crew and bridge waited quietly, Milfie's fleet managed to stay quiet too. Not a word from Ms. Sakuraba.
"What are we stopping for?"
Woooo A massive whale and herd of fish floated by us. It waved its tail at us and propelled through space. "Is that-"
"It's a space whale, Mori."
The space whale carried schools of fish like a blimp through the desolate stars. Sharks, shrimp in its mouth.
"It's beautiful..but.. How is it-"
"Not a long time ago, we though space couldn't support life without oxygen. But whales don't have oxygen in the depths of the ocean. They uses gills or create their own, like this whale.
It passes by us and disappears. "It's so pretty," Milfeulle said.
"But now it has to go," Takuto replies, "Like so many others."
The radar beeps. Coco reads the dots and stands up, "It's Ranpha."
"Bring her on the line."
A blonde in red robe comes on the line. "Takuto, is that you?"
"Ranpha, hah, I haven't seen you in ages." Milfeulle chimes in waving her hand, "Hey don't forget me! Welcome back Ranpha!"
"Hey guys," she waves, "So you will be protecting me?"
"You bet, Ranpha! I'll do my best, even if I'm new at being a commander..," she rubs her lip, "Hmm."
"No worries, Milfie. We'll bring you on board the Vindictus with me and Ranpha. While that happens. Ranpha can you tell us what happened to make you send for help?"
"I have something important for you, but I have to tell you about in private. It's too important."
"Alright, you're clear to enter then. Ranpha."
"Okay, here I come!"
Her diplomatic shuttle flew majestically through small nebula clouds into the hangar.
The crew claps. "Alright, Mori, saint Angel Troupe, you're dismissed. Ranpha and I will be discussing important business."
"Sir, what about Magic?"
He examines the planet on screen for a while. "Magic hasn't declared war on us yet. They might take a while before they join the Seldorians. Take it easy until then. Especially you, too, Mori," he heads for the elevator.
"Hey, wait!"
Takuto stops, "Yes?"
"Uh..," dangit, I didn't know what to say, "About the angel troupe.. Do you miss the others?" I guess that's a start. "All the time. But there are some people I miss much more."
"Like who?"
"I don't remember."
"But why do you miss them?"
"After so many years, you forget the people you should remember...In space, you meet all sorts of people. Good and bad. I miss all of them. Now is there anything else you need to ask?"
"Eonia.. Is he really.. Alive?"
"I can't believe it either.. That's right, didn't the records say-"
"I know nothing about him. I just met the wrong people."
"I see- Well, goodbye, Mori. Don't be too hard on yourself.. Sometimes on the inside..," he stops talking, and is in a daze. The elevator shuts behind him.
I look down and clench my fist. Kazuya pats me on the back, "Don't dwell on it. It's all in the past."
I shake my head and leave the briefing room. It's been a long day, but I can finally rest.
"Attention crew we are departing magic for the safety of New Vega airbase."
So they already built a base? The Transbaal navy sure is fast. Creta, Croix, and Coronet carry a box through the hallway. "Hey, what's in the box?"
"Top secret."
"I see.." Takuto stomps by me. "Hey Takuto!"
His face is stern as lightning. Rather than say anything like before he brushed past me. I fell back a few steps. "Hey-"
Ranpha walks up to me apologetically rubbing her hairclips, "Sorry about that. Are you alright?"
"I'm fine, thanks..Hey, I heard you're a Moon Angel Troupe member too. Of the Kung Fu Fighter," I shake her hand anxiously. "Oh, you heard of me?"
"Yeah, I'm a big fan of the Angels. Your quick temper and fast fighter melt the enemy fleet!" She sweats embarrassed, "Did they say that now? Well, it doesn't matter I'm a diplomat now."
"How come? I thought you would be better off fighting not talking to boring old men. Uh, sorry.."
"It's alright. That's exactly why I'm here. To make things..," she claps her hands, "Chop, chop, chop."
"Really," I see the box turn around the hallway. "I don't understand though, why you would be an ambassador for Magic.."
"Sayaka Mori," she crosses her arms over her hips. "Yes, moth- I mean, Ranpha."
"I'm doing this because I would like to relax and settle down in a world with no regrets with a handsome man," she daydreams touching her cheeks and swaying.
"Haha, that does sound nice. But I don't know about a man..."
She pats me on the head, "Then you understand, right? Transbaal has been fighting for a decade now, it's getting old. I want to do something different for a change. All the diplomats feel the same, but they're wimps. They never say what they want. Do you see the problem there?"
"Yeah, thanks, Ranpha-"
"Oh they're moving really fast," she runs for the box, "Hey, guys, wait up!"
"Hmm. They never say what they want. So peace is hard to achieve..," I yawn. "Everyone's made up their minds to do some strange things. What do I want? To be the greatest angel ever, like the old heroes," I sigh. A shame on they weren't like I imagined. Well it's time to get some sleep.
( watch?v=SrQrkZtg-mo
-The Journey Home)
I dreamed vividly that night unexplained rain was pouring heavily. I saw a women covered in a hood carrying me in her hands, drenched in water and the soaking mud, resting me at the front-steps of a barn.
She comforts me with one last hug. "Mom needs to go, Mori. Will you be a good girl and wait here?"
"Mom?"
She steps back, "Don't worry about me, Sayaka," she rubs my cheek. "These people are mommy's friends. They will take good care of you until I come back.. Okay?"
Is this a dream?
I sniffle, "Okay, mom."
"Good girl," she pats me on the head.
She wraps her hand around my mouth, "Shh.."
She covers herself in her rain coat and walks far away from me. The background blurs.
"Wait.. Mom!"
When I come to, I'm standing by the windmill of my step-family's farm. A young man in tattered clothes faces me. His cape blows in the wind, "How's your family ?" he picks me up my toddler self and spins me.
"Hahahah." As he stops me, I cuddle in his arms, "They're really nice."
"That's wonderful," he turns to the sun and the azure skies. "Good news, Mori. I heard your mom is going to visit."
"Really?"
"Yes!" his smile turns into a long face, "I have to go now," he sighs, "I have work to do."
"Wait," I curl my pinkie, "Promise to come back?"
"Sure..," he laughs. We made our pinkie promises as the sun set.
I never saw him again, that boy..
Before me, were the destroyed fighters of Bishop.. "Where- Where am I? Guys? Guys?!"
I cry as loud as I can, but no one answers.
The Arc of a Seldorian flagship with the holy cross burns over the stars. In the center of the ruins their ships are holding a round..stone..
I don't understand.. Is this..
A light comes from the round. The body of a man rises forth...
Is this Lost Technology?
I wake up. The sun of the system is flashing in the corner of the window of my bedroom. Am I still in a dream? I pinch myself. No, the room was very much real. The covers of my books on the bookshelf. The alarm clock, the bedsheets.
I sigh, "Two promises were broken so easily..That boy was probably my best friend, until he disappeared. Then Lisa was there for me.. Until..," I wipe my eyes, "Why does everyone have to leave?" I sniff.
Knock Knock "Hey, Mori are you there? I heard crying.."
It's Kazuya, I wipe my tears with a tissue and rush to the sink to clean my face while he continues to knock. Then I open the door for him. "Mori, is it alright if I come in?"
"Hmm? What do you need? Shouldn't you be with Nano-Nano."
"Nothing..," he scratched his head, "I'm worried about last time, you were.. Looking depressed so I wanted to see if you were okay."
"I'm fine," I choked. He was looking at me. "Oh, I'm sick. Yeah.." He picks up a picture on the board.
"Hey, don't-"
"A family picture, who's the other girl? Is she your sister?" I take it from him. "Lisa. And we were like family."
"S-sorry. What happened, do you still talk to each other?"
"No..She's dead."
"You were on Skylon the other day..too. It must have been hard on your family."
"They're not my real family. I don't want to cause people anymore harm. It's better if I keep myself far away as possible."
"Hey, don't say that. They're still family, blood or not."
"How do you know?"
He hesitates and paces himself. "Oh.. I'm sorry. I'm not sure what to do. Everyone's always leaving..."
"I won't leave, me, you, and the angel troupe, we're inseparable aren't we?"
"I'm not sure about that."
"Just believe, it seems hard after what happened, but keep believing, Mori."
"Alright. I'll believe," I mutter.
"What was that?" he puts his hand over his ear.
"I'll believe."
"What? I can't hear you," he laughs. "I said I'LL BELIEVE."
"That's more like it. Hey.. Natsumi got out of the hospital, do you want to visit her?"
"How many days will we be in space?" I yawn.
"A few." I nod to him, "Let me get ready."
I came back in a skirt and a t-shirt. "Uh.. Casual."
"Sheesh, I'm not just a commander. I can dress however I want."
Outside the hospital, Natsumi finishes signing all the documents. "Hey, Natsumi," I wave.
"Kazuya!" they hug, "You're back."
"Of course I am. I'm glad you're alright. Last time.."
She nods, "Yes, yes. But I'm okay. That's the important part."
He scratches his head, and snaps his fingers. "Natsumi, that reminds me. What happened before we found you in the committee?"
Her face is long and deep in though, "I'll tell you somewhere quiet."
"Like where?" She looks around and scans the hallways, "Does this ship have a movie theater?"
We watched a sort of romantic drama. "Right. I need to tell you what I was doing.."
"Yes," Kazuya insisted, "Something just isn't right that the Seldorian dynasty is going to war against Transbaal.. And it's getting the other planets in the NEUE involved too...Lily is our friend and aid to Soldum how could this happen.."
She shakes her head, "It isn't Soldum or Lily's fault."
"Ah, Kazuya, who is Lily?" I ask. "Our friend, and knight of Soldum. You've read it about it right?"
"Soldum...Lily. They just talked about Soldum."
"She's a guard of Soldum. A very smart and brave guard."
"She sounds like someone I'd get along with, reminds me of Lisa."
"No... Lily is.. Rough around the edges."
Natusmi interrupts, "Soldum is exiled with Lily I don't know where."
"Exiled? Is it Lucious..Natsumi te-tell me, why."
"Soldum is getting old and needs a new heir to the throne. Lily was supposed to take the throne, but- He launched a coup against the throne."
"Coup? How is that possible? And who is Lucious I never heard of him. Mori-"
"No clue. But I heard of an order... In the East half of.. NEUE.. Called The Teuton Order. The terrorists that attacked the capitol said they served this order..I wonder.."
"Lucious, his brother, has control to the Eastern half of NEUE in his name, but when he was denied the right to the throne... It was easy for him to take over Seldor.."
"Natsumi," Kaz rose from his seat, "Where were you when this happened?"
She was looking away ashamed by something, "I was with Lily, weeks before the coronation to celebrate with her when it happened. Now I don't know where is.."
Kazuya shrieks, "Take over? That easily? How did they take over without a fight.. What's Lucious' agenda!"
She shakes her head, rubbing her head. The sweat is pouring down her forehead while her fingers shake violently.
"Kazuya, Natsumi needs some time. We shouldn't ask anymore questions."
"Right," he sighs. "Sorry..Natsumi. I don't know what came over me."
"It's alright Kazuya. I tried my best. I heard Lucious is a religious man, I think we can talk to him."
"I hope so.. I really hope.."
We left Natsumi alone to relax. Outside the store, Kaz chewed on bags of potato chips he brought. "I've been an Angel for so many years and I still don't get it. They were brothers, too..."
"Did you ever had a brother, Kazuya?"
"No, but I have a close friend. I fought and didn't get along with. Despite that.. I couldn't see myself wishing him harm and vice versa."
Anise chews gum and puts her baseball cap over head.
"People fight, brothers and sisters, sometimes. I've seen it happen in my community before, and they never talk again.."
"Really? That's.. Outrageous."
She gets up and approaches, "'Ey, are you going to buy something or what?"
"Easy, Azeat. We'll be on our way."
She stops. Surprised. She takes off her sunglasses, "Say that again?"
"Azeat. What about it?"
"It's.. Strange you're calling me by your last name. Are you alright?"
I scratch my head. The informality on board this crew is a refreshing thing. Azeat.. Isn't that the name of some treasure hunter..ohh, I see.
I offer my hand, "So you must be the famous treasure hunter. What are you doing working for Blanmanche?"
"Is something wrong with that? I own this place free and clear of debt. She gets some money while I keep the rest."
"No- no, not at all."
Thump
The lights flickered on and off. "Attention, crew, we've entered a nebula cloud, we will be experiencing turbulence shortly."
When the lights come back up, we see Anise locking up. "Hey, are you closing up already?"
"It's no good without the power. I'm going to shut down for the night."
"But wait, what are you going to do?" Kazuya mouths nervously my name.
"Sleep in here."
"In a nebula cloud? Shouldn't you be helping the ship?" He nudges me.
"It's not my job, I'm here because I sell stuff here."
He whispers loudly and grabs me by the arm, "Mori."
"What's the matter with you? Treasure hunter Anise Azeat, resort to being some lazy store clerk?"
She scoffs, "You must be new. Ow many wars have you been in?"
"I..Only one."
"No matter how much you help and fight, things will boil down to despair. I'm only here to work. I've done my part already and I want none of it. This damned space and the lunatics running it."
"Anise! That's a little too harsh."
"Can it, Kaz. Besides it's the truth."
The lights flickered again. "Again? That usually doesn't happen," she steps out from behind the counter and walks into the hallway. The ship is shaking.
"Commander Mori, report to the hangar."
The engine hums throughout the ship eerily and the ceiling rattles. The passengers mutter quietly nervous.
Anise follows behind me and Kazuya. I didn't mind and didn't want to say anything about it. Not until I get to the hangar.
There was total silence and an utter darkness in the hangar room. The mechanics were gathered around the box with Ranpha, Milfeulle, Takuto, and Coco.
"What's the matter?" I ask.
Ranpha walks up to me, "Mori. About the box.. It's a gift from Magic."
"I see, but why-"
"You should see it," she brings me to the crate, which is flashing red. Our hands wrap around the crate and take off the lid. And then we peer into the red shadow of the box. It's a container with a warhead attached.
"They sent me a bomb for a gift.. I wouldn't have minded cheap shoes..."
Creta carefully lifts the bomb out of the box. "Most of the crew is currently unaware.. So we will have to work fast in the nebula cloud before people begin to panic."
They place it before my feet. Ranpha is finicky and jumps behind my shoulder. "You can read Edenian, right? Where's the fuse?"
"...Give me a moment. Wait, it's in Edenian?"
"Yeah, none of our mechanics can read it. But they said you could, isn't that right, Creta?"
"Um yeah."
Tick Tock Tick..
I poke the bomb trying not to shriek, Anise curiously watches with a scowl. Then I.. Walk out the door. "I- I can't do it- I know nothing about defusing bombs. "Wait! You can't leave! It-It's a bomb!"
"I'm not sure how to defuse it though. And- I'm sacred. I'm really scared."
Anise stomps in stretching her arms and cracking her knuckles. " Oh, you're kidding me.. Alright, I'll teach you."
"Thank you, Anise," I walk with her. My eye winks at Kazuya.
"Just hurry up and let me show you how it's done."
"Do you usually disarm bombs?"
"Always. I'm a treasure hunter. Traps are common," she grabs a screw and rips the bolts off. "Now, there's going to be wires, you take a look which one's the red wire leading to the timer, cut it."
She drops her gear, "Done."
"Gee.. Thanks for helping."
"I don't want to get blown up. But I'm not making a habit of helping."
I frown when I look inside the box, "They're all blue."
"Dammit, how about the chip it's built on? You can read it right?"
I squint my eyes as the text begins to make out the words...Ignition wire.
I cut the wire with a pair of pliers easily. The circuit board blinks, "Clever."
"What?" Anise raises an eyebrow. "The bomb just said I'm clever."
Ranpha is having none of it, "Not funny, are you asking to get hit?"
"No, It really is-" Anise smacks me in the back of the head. "Ow."
"Quit joking and defuse it."
The text types "HAHAHA," followed by expletive insults. I growl at it while the rest of the crew watches me uncomfortably.
There was a wire labeled voice box. "I'll teach you to make fun of me!" I snip the wire and kick the bomb across the room.
"Ow, why would you do that? I did nothing to you!" the bomb shrieks.
"What the- did that bomb just speak."
"I told you."
"Shut up. Yo, bomb," she kicks him in the back and he rolls along the hangar.
"Stop that instance! You barbarian."
Ranpha grabs the bomb, "What do you mean barbarian? You're trying to blow us up!"
"Blow you up? I can't do that in a nebula field. My technology doesn't function with the electro-"
"Yeah, yeah. Just get to the point. If you're not here to bomb us, what are you here for?"
"You people are so harsh and direct. Fine, I am Normad. A lost technology from Magic created by EDEN."
"What? A lost baby from Magic fostered by no one?" Milfeulle scratched her head."
"I have no words to describe how I feel about what you just said. However, I am not here to bomb you."
"So would you like some tea, Mr. Normad?"
"Milfie, don't give the enemy tea."
"Enemy? Far from it. I am here on important I was here to harm you my wires would be all red right now. "
"Unless you have spicy food or new shoes, get out."
"Ranpha," Kazuya interrupts while I pick up Normad. "You were a gift form a Magic diplomat, isn't that right? Tell me why they sent you here."
"Yeah, hurry and explain," Ranpha demands.
"Right, you're-"
BOOOM
The ship rocked back and forth. "Enemy fleet detected, angels-" Another explosion knocked us off our feet. Normad dropped hard on the floor and rolled steadily toward the balcony cliff.
"No, no someone help!"
"You're hopeless!" Anise jumped on Kazuya's back and leaps for Normad the moment he falls off, catching him just in time.
"The Seldorians pursued us? It's the only way they could have found us in the nebula."
Normad's voice buzzes, "Help, don't let them catch me!"
"They're after you?" I take him form Anise's hands.
"Yes, yes! I'm lost technology, of course they are. If they find me, I don't know what they'll do."
A ram crashes through the hangar wall, there's a loud bang of equipment flying while the mechanics rush for cover. The lights flash red and the ram begins to hiss. A door slides open showing black figures shrouded in mist.
"Everyone, run!" Normad pleads.
"You don't have time to remind us."
Ranpha paces herself, ready for a fight, "Anise, can you fight?"
"I sure can," she cracks her knuckles.
A squad of troops rush past them, crouch and fire lasers into the ram. "Run, ambassador."
" Aw, I was warmed up." Kazuya grabs Anise and Ranpha follows me as we enter the hallway and take a left.
"Hey, let go of me!"
"You heard the squad, we have to protect Ranpha."
Milfuelle hides behind us with Takuto covering the door. "I'll go to the bridge and restore order. Can you protect Ranpha until then?"
"Yes, Takuto."
He carries Ms. Sakuraba with her through the fray of soldiers and gunfire. Anise pokes the talking bomb, Normad. "I would appreciate it if you didn't that. I'm afraid you might steal me."
"Shut up, I'm a shopkeeper," she crosses her arms.
"Arrggh," I man flew into a wall. Kazuya pulls out a pistol while Anise steps forward ready to beat down the enemy.
A huge knight in black and white juggernaut armor stomped through the door. The wings of his helmet folded in his surroundings and the visor of his helmet flashes blue.
"What is that?" Ranpha steps back.
A pair of soldiers rush forward and beat him with their rifles making soft thumps against his heavy armor. He looked down on the grown men below and reached for his sword. With both hands firmly attached to his long sword he ignited the blue beam of his blade and cut through them.
The remaining soldier fell back, he fired all his ammo into the enemy. The knight slaps him with his elbow with a THUNK.
Unimpeded he turned to us. His eyes were on Normad. Thump Thump Thump.
"No you don't!" Anise jump kicks at his helmet, falling over him. She rolled to the side and dealt a jab to the side. He slowly turned around and drew his sword.
"I still remember the moves," she pulls out her daggers.
"Anise-" Kazuya runs forward, but a shield blocks him. Natsumi runs forward. "Kazuya, we need to hurry somewhere safe. This way," she bobs her head to the rear.
"I'll keep him at bay, just keep moving, okay?"
"Right."
We regrouped in the theater, resting. "What were those things?"
Natsumi stood beside the door, "Teutons. Knights from Luciou's order."
"That thing," Anise breathes frustration, "... Nothing could dent him."
"They sent the strongest after me. They know how valuable I am as a lost technology. Oh, I shouldn't have been dug up by the Magicians. None of this would have happened."
Not sure what to say, I pat him, "Slow down. One thing at a time. What do the magicians have to do with this?"
"Teutons are digging up lost technology in Magic. The people there can't leave the planet, they have to do whatever the Order wants."
"They took Magic over, too...," Natsumi scowled.
A shot rings in the hallways and we all fall silent. A few minutes pass by and Normad continues to talk, "Ranpha, have they shown you the outskirts of the capitol?"
"No, it's been quiet and restrictive. I wanted to see what shops they had in the East."
"That's where the Teutons are. Their presence is kept a secret, the planet searches for lost technology, and they can live in peace."
"But is it really worth it? They were talking so much in the committee about fighting.. Or working together."
"That I do not know, Ranpha. But it's my duty to stay with you on behalf the people of Magic. Here, I believe I can speak freely."
Anise smirks, "You're just a weapon."
"I am an intelligent machine," he retorted, "Besides, my conscious and mind is unfit to be used for an explosion. The Teutons would use me like the people on Magic."
"Big deal.. Why should we help?"
"Because, Anise important people are on that planet. Friends and family."
"I'm being peptalked by a bomb. I can't believe this."
"That's enough, Anise."
Ranpha taps on Normad, "Someone important to me is still on that planet. If you speak up to Shiva, will you help me see her again?"
"Yes, of course."
( watch/?v=yHNMlmBg3VI
Code Geass, ost- Zero)
Tap Tap Tap
"Someone's coming," Natsumi backs up and we all huddle close together. A cloud of smoke drops on us. "Ack, Ack, Ack." The bitter smell clogged my nose, and the cloud was thick as a shadow.
"No, let me go! Ranpha! Guys!"
"I'll take this, thank you very much," a voice called.
"He's taking me, he's-"
"Quiet, already!" Anise kickis something, a smoke canister. They roll to the walls and we can clearly see a man in mage robes and a face mask in front of us. "Oh, you must be Azeat. Nice to see you."
She hurls a dagger at him, but he burns it to ashes. "Who are you?" she lowkicks his knee, but he grabs on to her leg, "Manny Caravera. And I believe you've stolen something from the Teutons. They paid me money to get it back from you."
"Over my dead body," she punches him in the face. Manny clutches his face. "Damn you," he launches a firebolt at her, but she steps to the side.
"Goodbye, Anise. Perhaps we can do battle another time," he drops a smoke bomb on the floor and floats up the ceiling.
"He got away," Ranpha runs to the ceiling where there is a hole.
"Not yet, I'm going after him," Anise leaps up the ceiling. Her hands are hanging on the edge, "Go to the next floor and tell them to shut off the air conditioning."
"Yes."
We escape into the hallway. Two knights spot us and slowly stomp toward us. Kazuya pulls out his gun and fires two shots at them. Both bounce off of him. "N-Now's your chance!" he drops the weapon and runs for his life.
They turn right banging on the floor and walls while we break for the second floor. "Elevator is probably broken," I warn and climb up the stairs. Only one knight remains to chase us and he screeches to a stop at the stairs.
"He can't get too high up." Ranpha jumped on the Knight, "Hypppper kick!"
THOOMF
"That was easy," Ranpha fluffs her hair.
"Good job," I smile.
At the second floor, the rest of the crew is holding off the knights with gun fire as they climb up the central block's stairs. "Who's in charge?" I shout.
"I am!" a man raises his hand. "Shut the AC off, the ambassador's cargo is stolen and Anise is pursuing the thief."
"But-The Ambassador. We should-"
"I'm alright! Do as your told already!"
He nods and reluctantly runs to a wall. He pulls it down and presses a few buttons on the control panel. "AC shut off."
"What were you expecting to-"
BOOOM. The ground beneath the lower stairs gave way and the knight were eaten up by the chasm. Manny glided in freefall landing with a hard thud on the floor gasping for air.
"Got you!"
"Anise, what the hell did you just do?"
Anise climbed from the rubble, "Nothing, Manny did all the work."
The arms of soldiers punched through the brick. "Argh, they just won't quit," she grabs Manny and Normad, dragging them up the stairs through the haze of lasers. "Dammit," she groaned. Anise heaved them when she neared the top of the stairs.
"Normad!" I catched him.
"Thank you for saving me. You are awfully kind."
"We can worry about that later, Takuto? Where is he?'
"Attention bridge, prepare for some turbulence."
"Wait, what did he say-" my body flew into a wall face first. All the furniture and equipment rained down on me. "Argh," I leaped and ducked for cover. I found a chair and ducked under as a monitor shattered against it.
"The Ship is now free of the ram. Any remaining angels present, report to the bridge."
"Who's the new angel commander? I haven't seen the angel troupe here, yet," Ranpha complained. "Eh... I am."
"You?" she pointed.
"It's hard to believe, just trust me. Now where's the angel troupe?"
"I let them play in the game room, they should be in the hangar.. I hope. Guys..," she sighed.
"They're rough around the edges but I trust them," I run for the bridge.
"Good luck!" she chanted.
At the hangar, Saint Angel Troupe assembled.
"Where were you?" Fleur offers me my helmet.
"Important business. Are we ready to lift-off?"
Anise brings in Manny.
"What are you doing letting him in here?" Baron shouts.
"You need an extra emblem frame to shake off the new fleet they have, isn't that right, Manny?"
"You little- Why, yes."
"Creta!" she yells. She opens up another hangar door, where 3 more Emblem Frames were stored. "There's still more, good. We'll take the Desperado."
"I thought this wasn't your job. Why the sudden change?"
"I won't let the ship explode. Treasure hunter or not, I still have a stake in the Vindictus."
"Then let's lift-off."
A few minutes later were approaching the ship that boarded us. The Ark, Eonia's ship.
Takuto appears on the screen, "So Eonia, it's been a while."
"Don't be so casual. I almost died after all."
"Yes, but it's the truth. I was getting used to you not being around."
"Well, the Teutons will surely change that. I presume they're wrecking your ship," his cyborg eye zoomed in like a single binocular.
"I hope not. So, Eonia. How did you manage to survive?"
"Look at my arms and my legs," he points to his charred skin and robotic limbs. "Your chrono-break cannon... Has left me scarred."
"Such is the fate of the wicked, fallen prince."
"Yeah, I'm with Fleur. You deserved it."
"Guys," I hush them.
Eonia shakes his head,
"I was left to bleed to death, had I not installed the escape pod to my bridge and activated it.. I would have been cremated," he clutches his chest where a red sphere beats violently. "The pain I went through, was like swimming in lava..I watched myself being stitched together by a droid. In that eternal hell, I remembered.. You left me to rot until the end of time, and I would have.. If not for the Seldor Order. I owe them my thanks for rescuing me."
"Touching story," Takuto said sarcastically.
"We are fighting for a good cause, why won't you understand?"
"Your methods are destructive. Transbaal doesn't need an extremist or to expand. We can live each other in harmony."
"Are you sure, after what happened. The Val-Faask, Verel, the Wicked Angels?"
Takuto laughs nervously, "I have my orders."
Eonia turns to me, "You can avoid more bloodshed, surrender. The Teutons have mercy, so long as you submit to their will."
"No. I'm going to defend this ship no matter what. The fate of the Galaxy is in my hands and the Angels depend on me. I wont' let them down."
"Very well then."
And so the battle begins.