"Plenty of Britannian soldiers are electing to battle without their Knightmares," Darlton informed Guilford over his headset. They were preparing their attack against Japan. "This is anticipated to be an easy victory, but I wouldn't let your guard down, Lieutenant."
"Yes, sir," Guilford agreed over speaker. If he had his way, he wouldn't let any of the idiots without Knightmares onto the battlefield, but it was out of his control. If it was permitted, then he had no say in the matter. It was known that the Japanese army would have tanks, guns, and bombs. Guilford, however, doubted that they would use their most powerful bombs. It would amass great collateral damage on the Japanese side. Their greatest concern would be tanks, if they were a concern at all. However, the Japanese were surely very strategic. This would be a game of strategy more than anything else. Guilford silently thanked Cornelia for her teaching.
As his squadron marched forward, he scanned for enemies, seeing none. There was a silence that had fallen. He narrowed his eyes, looking for the slightest movement. Then, the thing he was dreading occurred. He and his men were ambushed. The Japanese were surrounding them on all sides, guns blazing. The men without Knightmares were charging forward, but quickly being gunned down.
"Aim for the tanks," he commanded the soldiers in Knightmares. "Your Slash Harkens should do the job."
As a result of his commands, several tanks were taken out. There were still a great number of opposing tanks at the ready. Many Britannians had already fallen. The other Knightmare pilots were continuing to attack the tanks, their battle spreading out. Out of the corner of his eye, Guilford saw Blanks. She was abandoning her Knightmare.
How could she be exiting her Knightmare at a time like this? Guilford screamed at her, ignoring the fact that she couldn't hear. She was bent over one of her fallen comrades, one of the ones stupid enough to charge into battle without his Knightmare frame, trying to help him to his feet.
Guilford saw it before she did. One of the Japanese gunmen, in the safety of tank fire, had her in his sights. A clear shot rang out, the bullet whizzing sightlessly through the air, its journey ending in a pool of scarlet. Blanks had been hit directly in the chest. There was nothing Guilford could do about it now. With a bellow of rage, he charged for the tank, and the gunman who had just killed his sister.
In a flash, redemption was brought to Blanks. The tank hardly stood a chance against his Knightmare, and he quickly smashed it to pieces. Now wasn't the time for games. Not when soldiers were suffering for the arrogant stupidity of others. They would win this battle, he would see to it.
"All able-bodied Knightmare pilots," he said, addressing all of the troops, "Herd the Japanese tanks together. Bring them to my signal. We'll crush them all at once. Show no mercy."
His commands were quickly responded to. He could see several tanks retreating in his direction. As they showed up along the horizon, he quickly crushed them. Their metal was defenseless against the Slash Harkens. Consulting his map of the city, he was able to plan traps to ensnare his enemy. After several moments, he and his men were able to continue pushing forward and overwhelm the city. The Britannian soldiers without Knightmare frames were finally moving out of his way. Eventually, thanks to his inconsolable rage, the battle had been won.
"Excellent work in your sector, Lieutenant," Darlton congratulated him several minutes after the chaos and confusion of battle died down. "You've been quite the Spearhead, haven't you? Thanks to you this battle was a clear and easy victory."
"Thank you, sir," Guilford said, sharply. "Just doing my duty." His mind was elsewhere. He removed his headpiece, hoping that Darlton was not intending to continue their conversation. He quickly jumped down from his Knighmare, running back to the area where he had last seen Blanks. He had to make sure she was alright. There was a dark voice in the back of his mind, preparing him for the worst. He tried to push this voice out of his head, unable to accept the fact that Blanks could have died.
She hadn't moved. She was lying on her back, her maroon uniform darkened by her own blood. She smiled up at Guilford as he approached. He collapsed to his knees with relief at her side. He took her hand in his, holding it tightly.
"Hey, Gil," she said, her voice soft. "Don't look so worried. We won, didn't we?"
"What were you thinking?" he asked sharply, ignoring the wetness that blocked his vision. "Abandoning your Knightmare like that, you could have been killed." Blanks' smile widened.
"I'm not goin' anywhere, Gil," she said, squeezing his hand feebly. "I'm fine."
"You're reporting to the hospital," Guilford said, taking her in his arms. She was light, which was not surprising. Blanks nestled in against his chest, closing her eyes. Guilford kissed her forehead. "I'm so glad you're alright," he whispered.
"Guilford," she said, laughing lightly. "What would I do without you?"