RaiXGear Chapter 17
-Raiken's P.O.V.-
Once we arrive at my home, I immediately went up the door and knocked. "Onee-san, I'm home." I called out.
Immediately, I hear a response from the other side. "Coming!"
The CPUs and their little sisters joined me by the door, waiting in excitement to see what lies in store for them inside my humble abode. The garden seems to be blooming more than how I usually see it, the flowers growing more and more colorful each passing day. The swing swaying to the slightest of breeze as I gaze into the area around, making me feel slightly nostalgic. I was pretty gone for a little while, so I missed returning to this place.
Naomi finally opened the door, greeting everyone with a smile. "Hello, everyone."
Everybody replied back "Good morning!" in unison.
"Welcome, welcome! I'm glad you all made it safely. Please, come in!" Naomi gently lead everyone inside, me being the last one to close the door.
"Welcome, guys." I added, as everyone took a good look at the wideness of the living room.
It is an open area where either a group or individual can roam around freely. The wide space allows for free interaction all around us. The vases, breakable objects are secured in glass cabinets for display, the furniture nicely positioned around us. It was quite a space.
We also have widescreen TV on the right side wall displaying some of my Gunpla and plastic model kit works on the top shelf above it. Beside the TV is a large glass cabinet with LED lights on each corner, containing 3 of my custom Gunpla dioramas that I used to enter in competitions back on Earth.
The dining table is just nearby, where a party can sit on. There are some neatly prepared mats and meals on the table, forks, spoons and other utensils neatly lined up for convenience. One bowl was currently there, which is a bowl of udon noodles. The other foods my sister was making is still being made in the kitchen, which is separated by 2 large, long credenzas with some family photos displayed there. There is also a little storage rack for the keys around the house, and my car.
Lady Vert's attention was drawn to the Gunpla and model kits displayed on the top shelf of our TV, and the cabinet containing my dioramas. She was in awe, considering she collects figurines as well, which is not really related much to plastic modeling process-wise, but still worth noting.
Rom and Ram also took attention to the displays there. Also, they looked more than eager to check out the second floor, which some doors can be viewed from below.
Uni and Noire took notice of one the picture frames containing images of me as a commander in uniform. "I'm impressed you have candid shots. Whoever took these pictures is a real professional." Noire remarked.
"Yeah. We should have these sorts of photographs too." Uni added, taking a look at one of my pictures.
"Y-Yeah…but…i-it's only for this purpose, r-right?" Noire nervously fidgeted, as she immediately thought of cosplay photos.
Neptune immediately jumps of the couch, Blanc sitting along, glancing blandly around the place, but with an impressed expression. Nepgear stood behind Neptune as she does so. "Wow, this couch is super-duper comfy! I could almost sleep on it!" Neptune said.
"Haha…" I chuckled, as Nepgear looks at me with a smile.
"This place is really cool…Can we please check the rest later?" she asked.
"Of course, my Lady. But first, let me help you with all your luggage." I bowed my head a little before arranging everyone's bags. "Alright, everyone. I'm gonna get your rooms ready, so please enjoy yourselves here." I bowed before I began towing everyone's bags upstairs one by one.
"Let me help you, Raiken." Nepgear grabbed her and Neptune's belongings and assisted me upstairs.
[Vert's P.O.V.]
When I saw Raiken and Nepgear walk up the stairs, I immediately felt a certain aura surrounding them. Raiken is generating this atmosphere that is similar to how the romantic men in my visual novel games act.
I decided to follow them and spy on them. I went upstairs, which is unusual of me as I am patient enough to wait for the permission to access other areas of other people's homes. "How unladylike of me, but my curiosity must be satisfied." I thought to myself.
I hid myself on the wall as the two converse, every one of our luggage placed neatly onto a certain area. I listened in closely, curious.
"—I really would love to see them. You told me you would show them, right?" Nepgear's tone of voice almost had me nearly squealing. She sounded…very suggestive.
"I did promise you that I'll show you, right? Then…I'll lead you to my room." Raiken sounded very inviting…and charming…
But then, my sense of morals suddenly spiked up, as I immediately felt danger on Nepgear's part. I decided to peek from behind the wall, as Raiken leads Nepgear to the second door on the right. I immediately, but discreetly followed them, anxious.
"O-Oh my…! It looks…amazing…!" Nepgear suddenly squealed. "Oh, Raiken…I always wanted to see this…!" I overhear her screaming in excitement.
Slight sweat drops on my face, as I try to peek through the door, only to be stopped by Raiken's tone "I knew you'd like it…Very nice line up, isn't it?" I blushed, listening to the sound of his voice.
"O-Oh my…my little Nepgear, please reconsider your decisions for this-!" I thought to myself as I began to peek on the two with my own eyes, only to see them standing, looking around the area of his room.
So much for my naughty thoughts. "Oh, thank goodness. I thought Raiken would have deflowered her already…" I immediately sneak away, feeling much relief.
[Nepgear's P.O.V.]
When I enter Raiken's room for the first time, I was immediately struck with awe, as I look at Raiken's room. It was also quite wide and open. It's easy to roam around the room without worrying about knocking something over.
What truly caught my eye is the number of display cabinets placed on the walls, each containing his vast collection of anime figures, collectibles and most of all, plastic model kits representing units from the Gundam universe. Also, custom colored models are in some specific cabinets, some of them included in dioramas.
On another side of the room, there is his large table. On top of it are various shelves containing modelling supplies
"How did you save up for all of these…?" I asked him.
Raiken placed his hands on his hips with pride. "Well, it took me a bit of time to get all of these. Well, I use a large part of my salary sometimes when there are a ton of releases announced."
I stepped closer to one specific shelf where a lot of his custom models are displayed, each unit in proud stances. "I see…these ones are very well done…I…I love them!" my eyes begin to glitter with glee.
"Thank you…I'm glad you noticed those. I learned a lot from my father when he was still here." he bowed his head as he said so. "Well, I'll show you more about this place later. For now, let's get their bags to the proper rooms."
We went out of the room after that. I felt much satisfaction to be able to see all of his models. We then began to place the bags into specific rooms.
A few hours after setting up each room for the other girls, we finally came across the room Neptune and I are to be sleeping in. It was also a huge space, but not as huge as Raiken's room. I'm jealous about that, actually. But there are two beds which is convenient. Our room also has a TV and a study table fit to place laptops or books on.
"Well, here you go." Raiken placed down our bags. "I hope you like it. And it's just next to my room. So whenever you need anything, please don't hesitate to come by next door." he smiled.
"O-Of course, Raiken. Thank you. Umm…shall we get going?" I fidgeted, shifting my position to the door.
"Yeah. Food is almost ready." Raiken opened the door for me and we walked downstairs together.
"Hey, Jr.! Food's done! I'm so starving!" Neptune immediately ogled at the delicious set of meals set on the dining table.
"Come on, everybody. Let's eat!" Naomi called out. And we all followed her to the table, settling down.
-A few hours later-
Everyone gathers around the living room, sitting on the sofas and couches. Raiken sets down a few papers on the table on the center. Also, he brought a whiteboard and a marker with him. He hasn't changed his outfit though, as he feels it is most appropriate for this next thing we are about to discuss.
"Well then, everyone. As I am instructed by the Commander in Chief of the entire EFF, I am supposed to…well…this is awkward…" Raiken turned around for a bit, fixing his hair nervously.
"Please go on, Raiken." I decided to speak up to help him out.
"S-Sorry…it just feels awkward because you are all higher in authority than me…" he replied hesitantly.
"Oh, if it came from your leader, then we might as well listen to you. Come on, Raiken. Continue." Noire also spoke, using her obviously authoritative tone.
Raiken, being an official of the EFF, had a certain amount of authority, but when it comes to us, he feels as if he needs to be extra careful with his execution of orders.
"A-Ahem. Anyway, I was tasked to help you girls with each of your nations by training you girls how to be effective leaders…" he was holding a pointer in his hands as he said so. "Now I know what you are all thinking, why am I supposed to teach you even though you are already doing your jobs? Umm…the reason is simple; I came to give you a bit of an extra boost when it comes to the knowledge."
"So basically, you're going to provide us with your knowledge of leadership skills, Raiken?" I asked.
"Y-Yes…But…it won't be only study sessions. I will also give you our brand of training. We will put your minds and bodies to the test. I know you are all CPUs, but physical training is also kind of necessary." he continued.
"But we are already capable of fighting monsters, Raiken—" Noire tried to reply, but Vert intervened.
"We get your point, dear. But why go the extra mile? We can do well with study sessions."
"…" Raiken stayed silent for a moment. All of us were waiting anxiously for an answer.
"Why, Raiken?" Blanc said.
"Because I want you guys to become even stronger in my own special way."
Everyone's eyes widen as he said so, especially our sisters.
"I'm only supposed to give you lessons, yes. But…I feel I can go further and use every bit of knowledge I have gained and share it all with you. Both physical and mental challenges." he bowed his head.
"Well, I guess it's a good idea. Besides, we're getting bored with regular work these days." Uni placed a finger on her chin as she said so.
Raiken then looked up at us seriously. "But first…are you all willing to learn? I will join you in this journey you're about to undertake, just so I can be fair."
Everyone looked at each other for a long moment.
I also began thinking to myself about his proposal. As a CPU Candidate, it is my duty to assist my sister in leading our nation and fighting against invaders effectively. I learned a lot of things during the last war.
But then again, the Federation has a long history of war more than us. A lot of sad wars had occurred, and losses back then were staggering, millions of people and warriors died during the violence that lasted for a really long time. And Raiken served in the military at a very young age too. He must have had a difficult time in his life.
I then believe that learning from him can benefit a lot, not only in terms of power, but also the development of our character.
"…I'm willing." I stood up, a hand on my chest.
Raiken looked up at me in surprise, mumbling my name. "Lady Nepgear…"
Everyone else also looked at me in shock.
"N-Nep Jr., are you serious about this, my little Nep spawn?!" Neptune replied with shock.
"Are you really going to do it…?" Uni asked.
"I feel like Raiken's experience has things that we don't even have. And I wish to learn them all…so I can be of more help to our people. I'm willing to join you, Raiken."
Raiken smiled proudly, seeing the potential and determination in my eyes.
Neptune decides to join in too. "Well, if my little Jr. is really into this…well…I might as well join in, like a proper protagonist should!"
Noire shook her head. "Why are you sisters always like this-!"
"I'm joining too. I wanna know more about the Federation's military arsenal and capabilities." Uni spoke up as well.
Noire sighed. "Ugh. You too, Uni? Fine. I'll join too. I'm willing to learn a bit of extra lessons, so be grateful!" she said in her cocky tone and crossed her arms, acting like her usual tsundere self.
"Of course, I am willing to see how you learned your abilities." Vert also joined in, her breasts jiggling as she shifted her position a bit.
Blanc took a good moment to think, until Rom and Ram decided to approach her and persuade her. "Hey, we better join too, sis! We wanna make Lowee the best nation, right?!" Ram exclaimed.
"T-The best…" Rom softly followed.
"Hmm…it's good to learn new things as well. So, I agree. I will join you, Raiken. No questions asked." Blanc blankly told him.
"…Great. Thank you. I hope through this regiment, I will be able to impart my experiences with you through training…and that you will all be able to make Gamindustri a better place to be…" Raiken smiled, then before he continued, he lowered his gaze to the floor.
"…so that my mistakes in the past can never be repeated." he softly said.
I frown a bit in concern when I heard that last part. "Raiken…"
"…Anyway! I'll be breaking the basics down simpler so you can all comprehend." he said. Then he began a long orientation about the different activities that we will be doing.
After 30 minutes of the meeting, in which Rom and Ram partly slept through because they felt a bit bored, Raiken finally took a deep breath, calming himself down, sitting down on the couch beside Vert.
"Phew…Alright…I guess we all know what to do after tomorrow." he said.
"It seems as though you nearly lost composure, dear. Perhaps it is because we are CPUs, no?" Vert gave him a gentle pat on the shoulder.
"Well…y-yes...after all, at first it didn't feel right when I'm teaching my subordinates like this due to my young age. I'm glad all of you listened to me and opened up questions. Thank you." another sigh of relief comes from him.
"Now that that thingymajig is over, let's check around the rest of this paradise!" Nep stood up and began to run around, checking everything around the house. Meanwhile, the rest of the CPUs ponder upon the said activities that we will be undertaking soon.
"I sure do hope I learn something new. If I don't then I just wasted some time." Noire crossed her arms, sounding condescending.
(Cue BGM: "Yuki no Hana" by Mika Nakashima)
"Noire, please do not assume such nonsense. Raiken is a seasoned warrior and a leader. You should learn to respect your—" Raiken held out a hand to stop Vert from continuing.
"No need to defend me, Lady Vert. All I know is that I'll help you make your nations worth living in. That's all I wish to do. And besides, it's a debt I all owe you for giving me a peaceful life here. I'll do my best." he said as he bowed his head low.
I looked at him in worry as he said those words sadly. I could see the pain once again in his eyes.
"O-Oh…s-sorry…" Noire replied. "I-I didn't mean that you're a waste, you're just a little—"
"Too young to be a leader?" Raiken continued her sentence. Noire's eyes widened when Raiken looked at her directly. She can see the sadness behind his smile. "It's alright. I know your doubts…I'm fine with it." Raiken's face began to change as he bows his head, slightly but surely showing one of sorrow and regret.
"If you keep judging like that, there's no way anybody can be your friend, Noire." Blanc retorted in Raiken's defense.
"W-What?! I don't judge!" Noire scowled.
"You nearly hurt his feelings though, Noire." even Uni pointed it out.
"N-No I didn't—!" Noire tried to defend herself, but she was stopped when Raiken stood up.
"…E-Excuse me. I'll be in my room." Raiken stood up from the couch and walked away to his room, feeling much doubt within.
Vert and Blanc stared at Noire in annoyance, wanting to reprimand her further.
"Noire…I think you said a little too much…" Uni sighed and shakes her head.
"I-I'll go talk to him…please…leave him to me." I stood, determined as I proceeded upstairs. Noire pretty much looked up our direction in concern.
[Raiken's P.O.V.]
I returned to my room, secluding myself away from everyone. As I closed the door, I sighed in disappointment with myself.
"She's right…I'm too young to understand everything…A CPU's job is not easy…" I said as I proceeded to my table where some of my photo frames are and sat down.
A glance towards my family frame, I took the frame and stared solemnly into the picture contained; me and my family a few years ago. As I remember the good old days, I wonder to myself whether I really should be continuing my duties as a warrior and a leader or not.
"Father…I can never reach your caliber. Your leadership skills are second to none…I'm nowhere near your level…" I put down the frame after a long moment, then I hear my door opening and someone walked in. It was Nepgear.
"R-Raiken…a-are you alright?" she slowly approaches me and reluctantly placed her hand on my shoulder.
I turned to her and smiled. "O-Oh, my Lady…"
Judging from the look on her face, she can immediately tell that my smile was fake. When I stood up from my seat, I pat her shoulder back to reassure her.
"I'm fine…Its just…she's kinda right. I'm too young to be working as a military leader." I replied back, rubbing her shoulder gently.
"That's not a reason to be upset, you know…I mean…you're a very powerful soldier…you have fought numerous battles and never gave up…I'm sure your fallen comrades would be happy to see you still alive.
Especially Kurumi…remember?" the name "Kurumi" rang in my head once again, memories begin to flash in my mind as I remember the great things about my past. The lady I once loved, the great friends I had before they fell, everyone who stood up by my side and bonded with me…
Now that I look back, they never thought ill of me, they indeed cared for me no matter how many times I fall down, no matter how much mistakes I have committed before, and no matter how secluded I could be.
When I looked back at my family frame, and the other frame beside it containing another picture of me and my deceased lover, I understood what Nepgear meant. She made me feel a lot better, basically. My feelings for her begin to grow brighter each time she consoles me.
"Y-You're right…I…I have to continue the legacy they left me." I stood up, smiling genuinely this time. "This is the second time you have comforted me, Nepgear. I never knew you would care this much for someone like me. Thank you. Thank you so much." I lowered my head in gratitude.
"That's right, Raiken. Now then, can we go down and check the rest of your place?" she cheerfully asked as I beamed a solemn smile in return.
As we go out of the room I felt reinvigorated by her warm spirit. I returned back to my earlier mood as we begin descending the stairs. Noire immediately stood up, uneasy about my current feeling.
"I…u-uhm…sorry about what…I said." she fumbled her words as she bowed low, wanting to apologize.
I smiled at her, knowing full well what she wanted to say. "It's alright. I'm used to taking these sorts of things to heart. You're kinda right in a way." I fixed my hair for a little bit before continuing. "I'm too young to be a leader."
I turned from them and approached the window, listening to the sound of the birds chirping. "But if it won't hinder me much, it's fine. I can do things my way." the slight breeze blew across the window a little.
Noire smiled "Well, you have quite the conviction."
"…I have a lifetime debt I have to pay for the people who stood with me." I replied softly, turning around to face the girls.
Vert sighed in relief. "Very well then. Now that we are all fine, would you mind giving us a little tour of this place?" she asked.
"Alright. Come, follow me."
I then lead them around the house, showing all the things that they all want to see.
[Narrator's P.O.V.]
Meanwhile on Earth, in an unknown region in the deep forests of Japan, all seemed normal, the wildlife thrived as normal as it could be. Birds can be seen flying into the distance, the trees covering the entire mountainous region, the blue skies, it all looked normal from an adventurer's point of view.
But within these forests lie a secret passageway covered in foliage, behind a stone wall below a steep cliff. Within the hidden door was a long corridor that leads downward to a dimly lit section of the structure. On the ceilings were a couple of security cameras monitoring whatever may enter the unknown facility. Hidden in the elaborate panels on the corridor may open up, hiding sentry guns underneath.
After one can reach the end of the corridor, there are 2 grey GM Sniper Units on standby beside an elevator. The symbols on their shoulders show they are of elite rank.
"Unit One, nothing from the outside." one of them said.
"Staying in this facility though…we need to go to the city for once…" the other whined, sipping on his canteen filled with beer.
Within the elevator, once a person goes down, it reaches a large, underground science facility, an armory and a hangar. A Federation symbol is painted onto a wall to the left on the first step outside the elevator.
Deep within the facility's control center, various military equipment, radar, surveillance and other various equipment can be found throughout the large room. The area had no lights turned on from the ceiling, the various equipment and modules providing the illumination they need. A crew of people work out various modules and cooperate with each other in their prime, scientists laying down papers on the reception desks before leaving the dimly lit room.
One particular figure stood out on the center, analyzing a diagram displayed on a holographic interface, showing various values, statistics and modules pertaining to a sort of weapon, a new mobile suit's display shown, though only by grid imagery.
The figure sitting before the screen had long, orange hair, a young outlook and a stance that commands solemnity, and also authority. She was wearing glasses, holding a folder that contained confidential documents.
A scientist approaches the woman with excitement. "Ma'am, systems all green. The final adjustments have amplified the performance by 21.79 percent. She's almost ready."
"Thank you for the hard work, Xander." the voice sounded young, her figure suggesting she is in her late 30s as the figure shifts her hips. "I'll send the data to the Commander in Chief have him give it to the 4th Core Commander. The SAGA will be taken back and used as a backup unit instead. This shall more than make up for the loss of performance the previous suits have without having to exhaust our GN technology greatly." she stood up from her seat, holding a data chip in her hand.
"The artifact we found has proven to be of great use, though we only scratched the surface of its properties." they look at another screen, showing another part of the facility where a mysterious crystal is held in the air by suspension, emanating blue, radiating light and energy from it. Its origins were unknown to them still. "We are still looking into the crystal…it's properties are beyond this earth…Using part of it as source material for the new unit, I think it will be most effective in combat. Who did you create this suit for, anyway?"
As she smiled, a great deal of sadness can be seen in her eyes, looking at the folder, at a certain picture that cannot be seen by anyone else but her; a familiar blonde man with a scar running down his eye.
An announcer spoke on the radio "Activating Capsule No. 004, containing Unit MBF-P03D[T]." Shortly after, the new suit was finally revealed from a capsule that was elevated upwards and opened from its doors. It was a mobile suit with an intimidating look on its helmet, the inner parts of the armor looking much like a robot's inner skeleton, allowing beyond the range of the human frame, but most elaborate in design with some added armor plates to it.
There are a lot of sharp, light blue parts protruding from all over the unit, on the shoulders, the sides of the helmet and the skirt armor, giving it a menacing vibe. On the underside of each of the arm armor are mounted cannons, each storing bladepistols in the middle of the barrels.
The orange-haired individual looked up at the unit, then downward towards the little picture of the blonde man that she kept within her folder, smiling sadly once more, yet determined as she uttered the words;
"This Gundam is made just for 'him'…"
(A/N) Hello once again, everybody! I know this was long overdue, but I had to comply with college and family and stuff. I have no excuse. I'm sorry if this took too long to write. This took a lot of thinking and redoing and stuff. I had to add a certain mystery at the end because I felt that this will expand a little more in the future because I intended this for the gang's sake. I hope you're all okay with that.
Anyway, I'm glad that you all were patient. Thank you for reading my work, and for the newcomers, welcome! I recommend you go back to the start to catch up on the important parts of the story. Anyway, welcome! I'm still accepting RPs for Nepgear's character and Raiken though. I'm still open. Just send me a PM. I really really need inspiration from them to create more chapters XD.
Don't forget to drop me a fav, follow or a review. I need them feedbacks though...so...yeah. Anyway, thanks for reading and I will see you all in the next chapter!