Chapter 13: Enemy Origin Revealed
Disclaimer: I don't own Vandread or the Ace Combat series.
The Odyssey of Discovery: Gryphus 1
Meia sits in the meeting room hands interlocked in worry, she was worried about Kyle's safety because the Harvesters are out there waiting for them. Is he alive or dead?
'Don't be like that, Meia. There is no way Kyle would let himself get killed so easily, he's a fierce warrior and has an unbreakable will. Yet why can't I shake this sense of worry off?' The Dread leader thought to herself.
The alarm goes off prompting her to believe the Harvesters are here and rush to the hanger. Arriving there, she watches Rabat's ship, F-22 Raptor and two additional aircraft land in the Nirvana's hanger. Armed guards ready their laser rifles as they watch the door to Rabat's ship open and ramp extend outward. Rabat holds Hibiki on his shoulder.
He asked them, "You lost something?" He tosses the unconscious lad and Dita runs over, placing his head on her lap.
Kyle, Mori and Catherine step out of their fighters and remove their helmets. The Nirvana space pirates are surprised to see two females with Kyle and thought they hailed from Mejale like them. However, only Meia and select few know the truth about Catherine and Mori.
One demanded, "Identify yourselves!" Kyle told Catherine and Mori about the women of Mejale and their prejudice against men and the two were appalled.
Catherine did the honors, "The name's Catherine and this is my friend, Mori Akaboshi. We're part of Tianlong Squadron."
Rabat shook his head at Hibiki, "How long is the kid going to be so reckless?" He take a step forward before the guards point their guns at him.
Barnette said, "Hold it right there. There has been a change of policy, you men aren't allowed to roam free on this ship."
Rabat blinked in surprise, "Why? Did something happen?"
Barnette ordered the guards next to her, "Take him, Hibiki and Kyle to the brig." She then directed her gaze to the two newcomers, "As for you two, follow me to the bridge." Not wanting to cause a scene, Catherine and Mori follow her and Meia to the bridge while the guards lead Kyle and Rabat to the brig.
Once they arrive at the bridge, the four women see Magno and BC waiting for them.
Meia said to Magno, "These two are Catherine and Mori Akaboshi, captain. They're friends of Kyle and aren't from Mejale."
Barnette whipped around to face them, "What? You're friends with that man?! Cease your interaction with him this instant! Men are our sworn enemy!"
Catherine tried to calmly explain, "I don't understand why you have such a strong disdain for men, Ms. Barnette. Sure, there are sick men out there but Kyle isn't one of them. Beneath that calm, stoic exterior he's actually a friendly guy once you get to know him." However, the dark-green haired woman isn't fazed.
Meia unveiled next, "Their flight lead was a male named Chang that Kyle mentioned. Where is he by the way? I thought he'd be with you two."
Barnette "politely" asked, "Yes, where is he?"
Catherine answered with a heavy heart, "Chang sacrificed his life protecting us. He's dead."
Barnette mocked, "Tsk, what a fool. I bet Chang had connections with the Harvesters otherwise he wouldn't have taken the coward's way out." Little did she know this insult applied to men in general including Gryphus Squadron.
Catherine and Mori snap after that insult on their flight lead.
The British woman said in sarcasm, "Wow, girl I salute your intelligence about men, bitch. Did you get a metal for that? Your observation is awesome. Picked that up from hanging out with women that have similar views of the opposite sex? I had no idea someone could be insensitive to another person's feelings or opinion." Mori tackles Barnette in complete rage and proceeds to land punches on her.
Mori screamed, "How dare you say such things about Chang! He helped me and Catherine in ways you could never understand. He comforted me when I was scorned by my mafia family. I couldn't take it and ran away. The Akaboshi surname was hated in Japan due to our mafia lifestyle. I didn't want that passed on to me. Chang was a kind-hearted man to me and I often came to him for advice or simply wanted to keep me company. He's precious to me and Catherine. You think his death was enjoyable to us? It was the opposite! I couldn't sleep for weeks because every time I did sleep, that scene played in front of me. What gives you the right to judge him? He died a noble warrior's death and his last words to us were how much he loved us and wanted us to move on." Catherine wanted to stop her friend but her pain and anger toward Barnette stops her.
Mori breaks down and buries her face in Catherine's chest sobbing uncontrollably, Barnette's insult of Chang had ripped open emotional wounds that are struggling to heal. Catherine wraps her arms around the slightly older woman, caressing her red hair while glaring at Barnette and the other woman for their continued bias about men save for Meia, Magno, BC, Gascogne, Mia, Dita and Parfet.
Suddenly a familiar psychotic laughter echoes through the Nirvana's radio frequency and Francesca appears on the monitor.
She mocked, "Poor Mori and Catherine. Did I crush your hearts with Chang's death? Tell me, girls how long did it take for him to die, 5 seconds? Don't worry, you fools will join him shortly. Observe." She shows them a video recording of Tianlong Squadron helping an allied fleet battle the Harvest flagship. Unlike the encounter Kyle and Hibiki had with it, in the video the flagship was alone with no escorts
The flagship charges up its main cannon and fires it on the allied fleet. Mori and Catherine evade but Chang wasn't as lucky, his J-10 gets caught in the cannon fire.
Time seems to slow down as Mori and Catherine watch his fighter disintegrate.
Chang smiled, "Don't give up, girls. You have still have life ahead of you, though it seems I won't be there to see what the future holds for you two. I am honored to have you as my squad mates and your trust in me was unwavering. This is my last order as squad captain, find allies and stop the Harvesters' plan. Don't underestimate the Harvest flagship's capabilities." With that, the J-10 disintegrates completely.
Catherine gasps in horror while Mori shakes her head, tears falling down her face.
She screamed, "CHANG!" The footage ends and Mori cries again, the pain in her heart intensified.
Catherine growled, "You fucking bitch! How dare you show that to us! That's it, you're dead! Hear me? Fucking dead!"
Francesca smiled sadistically, "Oh, really? I don't see it happening anytime soon. Your deaths will be music to my ears, I promise that. Don't think I have forgotten about you, Kyle. If you're so hellbent on revenge, don't worry we will face each other soon. You will have to wait until then. Ta-ta." The monitor closes afterward.
In the brig, Kyle bangs his fist again the laser grid ignoring the pain of his flesh being scorched. Hearing that sadistic woman's voice sent white hot rage through his veins, she had the audacity to reveal how Chang died. Kyle respected the man and he made a mental vow to exact justice in his honor.
Hibiki regained consciousness a while ago and stares at his older brother figure hurting himself.
Hibiki said, "Stop hurting yourself, Kyle. It's pointless." The Aurelian relents and sits down with a grunt staring at his twitching, burnt hand.
Back on the bridge, Magno had enough seeing the pain the two women are going through and demands for Barnette to be placed in the brig and the men freed. The women object but Magno's word was final so the men are released from the brig, Rabat leaves the Nirvana in what Magno perceived as taking the coward's way out.
After that, the old woman closes her gray eyes. Seeing Mori and Catherine react the way they did brought back sad memories of her own.
Every women she recruited had a painful past in one form or another. She gave them a reason to live when they lost hope and like she explained to Bart during the battle of Anpathos, she cursed herself when one of them died in battle. They were like daughters to the old woman. Magno felt sympathetic toward the surviving members of Tianlong Squadron and wished there was something she could do for them to help ease their pain.
Kyle watched Rabat leave before turning to glare at the others, activated Onryo Mode and warned, "Listen up. Another stunt like that will get us killed. Do it again and I'll renounce my squad's oath of protecting you during your return home. In regards to Francesca she will die the most painful death imaginable! I'll break every bone, every ligament, every tendon in her body with no remorse. I suspected her Christmas gift to me was Chang's death and she intentionally recorded and released his warning about the Harvest flagship's capabilities to us. I'll never forgive that bitch for what she has done. Do not bother trying to stop me from carrying out my revenge." During his speech, the crew spots glowing red vein marks beginning to form on his neck and working their way up to his face.
Realizing that Kyle's thirst for vengeance was beginning to consume him, Meia rushed at him and wrapped her arms around his waist, "Kyle, please calm down! Do not let your desire for revenge take over! You're better than this. We don't want to lose you to the darkness. I don't want to lose you, Kyle. So please, calm down." The Dread leader places both hands on the sides of Kyle's face and kisses him on the lips, shocking the crew but Meia ignores them all that matters right now is getting the Aurelian to come back to his senses. When he escaped the revolt with Hibiki, Meia thought over her opinion about Kyle.
To her Kyle was an honest man who wouldn't hesitate to help his comrades. He was a man who lost everything and refused to see the world in positive ways, refusing to let people help him cope with the pain of loss. At that moment Meia discovered she loved Kyle.
The 19-year old Aurelian kisses back, the glowing vein marks disappear. Sensing his hesitation, Meia places his hands on her hips pushing herself against his body to deepen the kiss. After what seems like an eternity, Meia and Kyle separate due to the lack of oxygen. Staring at the blue-haired woman's face, Kyle sees a bright red blush on her cheeks.
Meia could not believe what she just did yet she didn't care. From this moment onward, she promised to be Kyle's physical and emotional support.
The Dread leader placed a hand on Kyle's cheek, gazing into his blue-gray eyes, "I...I...I love you, Kyle Masterson. I know what it's like to lose someone close but you'll heal, we will help you. Please don't push others away. After everything you have been through, you deserve to be loved and have it be returned." Meia rubs his cheek in a display of affection.
Kyle pulled Meia into a hug, "Promise you won't abandon me. I can't bear it." The Dread leader could sense the fear and vulnerability in his voice.
A loving smile formed on Meia's face, "I won't, Kyle. I promise." The two relish in the warmth this embrace provided, Meia casts aside her planet's negative views about the opposite sex. She loves Kyle with all her heart and if her planet didn't understand that then screw them.
Bringing his attention to the others, Kyle returned to his present self, "I want a tribute for Chang to be made. He was a proud man who did his job with pride. The man deserves a tribute at least."
Magno nodded, "It will be done, Kyle." A bit later, Catherine and Mori find themselves having an audience in the cafeteria.
Alex politely asked, "So how exactly did you come to know Chang?"
Mori answered, "Every mafia has its own code. Originally my mafia family was honorable. We protect anyone who was part of the group or relatives of the affiliated person. However, this code faded after the death of the previous leader and when my father took over. Under my father's rule, the people we once looked after were now treated like lowlife. He ordered his men to execute people that barely looked at him the wrong way. I pleaded that he gave up this mistreatment of people who didn't steal from my family. Father laughed at me, stating that he was curing our family of the weakness it had for generations. I asked my mother to back me up but taking note of the fear in her eyes, I realized she was forced to endure this against her will. Not wanting to bear this any longer, I fled the compound while my father ordered his men to bring me back. Fortunately I knew the layout of the district I lived at. It was dark, probably around 9:00pm by the time I fled. My mother became worried about me and phoned the Tokyo Police Department. A patrol unit found me sitting outside a bar and asked me to come with him to the police station. Seeing the fear in my eyes, the police man assured me I didn't do anything wrong and wanted to ask me some questions. I hesitantly complied. At the station I told him the reason I fled the family compound including the sins father committed. This caught the officer's attention because unknown to me, father was posted as the most wanted man on their list. I revealed that I overheard a phone conversation between father and someone else, probably a rival mafia.
Refusing to see me in pain, Chang offered his assistance to the police. He went to my house and asked for mom. He explained their intentions and looked for information, eventually finding some files including one that held the fate of the previous Akaboshi mafia leader. It turned out father poisoned him in his sleep, taking the man's position as his own. It was also clever, the members would believe he died in his sleep and father promised he'll carry on the man's wishes. What none of us knew is that it was a lie. He executed men who failed him and he came close to doing the same to my mom, he craved absolute power at the expense of others. Now having all the information they needed, Chang thanked my mother and left before father returned. The next day he presented the evidence to the Police Chief, after which they sent the SAT to the meeting place they set up. The disguised officer didn't have to wait long for my father to show up. During the discussion, the mafia trained forces silently took down the guards before moving in to suppress father. But just as they were about to pull out, they were involved in a huge gunfight with some of father's die-hard loyalists. There were casualties on both sides but the SAT prevailed and took father away. He was charged with multiple counts of homicide and attempted murder. He was sentenced to life in prison without the chance for parole. It was like some weight had been removed from our shoulders. Mother thanked the Tokyo Police Department, Chang and SAT for what they did. Wanting to restore the Akaboshi mafia code of honor, mother became the new leader. Over time, the Akaboshi surname became widely known in Japan as a symbol of hope and security, even helped the SAT on occasions. I was offered the chance to become the next Akaboshi mafia leader after mother's time was over but I turned down the offer because of what father's actions did. Few weeks later, I met Chang for the first time since childhood. We used to play together as kids. Seeing the look of hurt in my eyes, Chang asked me if I wanted to become a fighter pilot. After giving it some thought, I accepted his offer. He next introduced me to Mobius 1 and said he will train me. I asked Chang why he won't do it and he said it was for personal reasons. I didn't push him any further and said to Mobius 1 it was an honor to be his student. During an off-day of training, Chang revealed he helped the Tokyo Police Department out of the bottom of his heart, to show that he cared about me. Wished I had the chance to thank him but it won't happen now."
Eugene whispered, "Jesus Christ."
Mori sipped some water then looked at Kyle, "Chang has seen his share of betrayal. The reason why he was so skilled in close-quarters combat is because he was originally a special forces operative. During an important mission, he and his squad were ambushed by China extremists and were pinned down. He asked for reinforcements but there was no response, Chang quickly realized they were set up by one of the higher-ups. His garrison saved his life at the cost of their own. This survivor guilt affected him so bad he quit the special forces and became a fighter pilot. Chang swore one day he would kill the man responsible for his squad's death." Kyle can relate since he went through a similar experience with the death of his family and the near destruction of his hometown.
Catherine took over, "I grew up in a poor neighborhood in London. My parents made enough money just to get by. Mom was close to breaking under the financial struggle but I kept our spirits up, always clinging to the hope that some miracle would happen. This was one of the reasons why I got picked on at school, the kids called me waste of space. Got into a couple of fights with them, broke their fucking jaws. Since that violent altercation, the rest of my school life was boring as hell. Few years later, my parents were severely injured in a car accident. Even though they went into surgery, the doctors knew they didn't have long to live. They were proven right when my parents flat lined and the doctors tried jump starting their hearts but after the third attempt, it was futile. My parents died at 5:00pm. Heartbroken and feeling lost, I ran out of the hospital. It was at this point, Chang approached me. He said he knew my parents well and offered me his sympathy, I refused it saying I didn't want it. He next offered me to join Tianlong Squadron with a gentle smile. I accepted it and like Mori, Ken Kitsuragi taught me everything he knew about close-quarters combat. Once my training was complete, I became an official member of Tianlong Squadron and together me, Mori and Change became the most famous and feared air squadron in Asia. At one point, I developed strong feelings for Chang. Whether they were romantic or not, I can't say. There are two reasons why I tease people. The first is it allows me to forget the sins I have committed through many air battles and the second, well, I just feel like it. Chang was our mentor in his own right, he led us through so many battles even when things looked like we weren't going to make it. For that, I'll be forever grateful to him." Catherine fights to hold back tears wanting to escape, the painful memories of her past nearly overwhelming her.
The audience had different thoughts going through their heads.
Eugene felt sorry for the girls. He understood the bond every parent and child had and it's a devastating event when they die. The parent gave his/her child guidance and protected them from harm while wishing them good luck in the future.
Mia was incensed at the display of such cruelty Mori had to experience. Right now she was tempted to go to the shooting room and vent her anger at the targets, seeing that man's face on all of them.
Alex felt his heart clench at Mori's tale. Having experienced a similar event with his father including the part where he needed to have titanium replace the lost organic counterpart in his lower back. He started developing a kinship with the two girls at that moment.
Catherine felt a hand placed over hers and saw Alex giving her a comforting smile, "I'm sorry you two had to go through such an ordeal. Chang did what he believed was right, Catherine. I am certain he wouldn't want you to blame yourself. He'll always be with you in spirit. Fight in his memory, that would let him know you loved him. Mori, Catherine, you are not alone now, you got us to turn to for comfort. I speak for all of us." The surviving members of Tianlong Squadron look around to see the audience giving them nods of agreement.
Later that day, a tribute was made for Chang. It was nothing fancy, just a small one that served its purpose.
Kyle pays his respects to the fallen pilot, thanking him for all he's done not only for his country but for Tianlong Squadron. During the tribute the Mejale pirates realize they betrayed Kyle's trust and for the first time the women except Barnette rejected their planet's belief about men being the sworn enemy.
Once he finished paying his respects, Kyle glared at the women, "I'll forgive you this time but do something that stupid again, I won't be as lenient." Turning around, Kyle walks away holding the bridge of his nose.
'Do not tell me I'm going soft!' He thought.
Alex asked, "Catherine, I have a question. Is brown your natural hair color?"
Catherine replied, "No, it's not. My family had blonde hair and I inherited it from my mother. After their death, however I dyed it brown. In some way it helps me forget the pain of loss. As for Mori dyed her hair red instead of the normal black color Asian people have due to their genetics, I think it was of personal choice."
Alex bowed his head, "Sorry I asked."
Catherine shook her head, "It's okay, Alex. You meant no harm."
Suddenly the alarms go off indicating the Harvest flagship has arrived along with its escorts.
The fighter pilots board their aircraft and move out to intercept the enemy.
Meia ordered, "Commence attack!" She gets a "roger" from the pilots.
Gryphus 1 chases after some Su-27 Flankers dodging gunfire and releasing chaff to jam enemy radar-homing missiles, executing a hard right turn he arms the XLAAM and downs 4 Flankers with ease. The other Su-27s seek to avenge their fallen comrades, readying their heat-seeking missiles and fire Gryphus 1 releases flares to direct the missiles. He fires the XLAAM in retaliation turning the remaining Flankers into raging fireball.
The Aurelian sighed in disappointment, "These guys are too easy. When will the Harvesters give me a real challenge?" Close by, the Archangel battles with the Gleipnir 2.0.
Archangel fires her four 16" guns the shells hit the enemy's hall but the armor was thicker than originally thought, Gryphus 1's suspicions were correct. The Harvesters did some upgrades on the airborne fortress.
However, no matter how thick the armor might be focused fire at one area will allow damage to build up and eventually weaken the armor enough to create a gaping hole.
The Gleipnir 2.0 fires its Mason cannons at the opponent, Archangel evades the laser beams and fires her guns again, inflicting minor damage. Its radar detects cube-types closing in from 4 o'clock low and arms its SAMs. Gaining locks the Archangel fires the surface-to-air missiles at the cube-types taking them out with no difficulty.
The Dread pilots are doing fairly well against the Harvesters when the enemy gives them a surprise.
The cube-types combine to create evil, demonic versions of Vandread Dita, Meia and Jura.
On the bridge, BC gasped in shock, "What? They're able to make copies of the Vandreads?"
Belvedere said, "Captain, a new kind of enemy is rapidly approaching!" Out in space the unidentified enemy makes its presence known. It was an F-22 Raptor just like Kyle's except its color was black!
Pyoro rises into the air, his eyes glowing yellow.
The mysterious entity spoke through Pyoro, "Attention, you have no reason to live except to be used as parts for us."
Ezra informed, "It's a communication from the enemy flagship."
Magno asked, "Can you tell us where you're from?"
The entity replied, "We are messengers from the planet Earth. You must follow the path presented to you, if you don't then the only alternative is complete destruction."
Ezra wondered, "Earth?"
Amarone replied, "That's where our ancestors came from." The mysterious entity releases its hold on Pyoro and the white robot falls to the bridge platform.
Catherine said in shock, "Are you shitting me? We've been fighting our very home planet this entire time? This is some fucked up shit here!" Gryphus 1 battles with his opponent.
The enemy F-22 fires an AIM-9X Sidewinder at Gryphus 1 but the Aurelian pops flares to get the heat-seeking missile off his tail. After performing a U-turn, he fires his own Sidewinder at the target. The enemy stealth fighter pops its flares to get rid of the missile. Gryphus 1 switches to the M61A2 Vulcan Gatling cannon, firing 20mm bullets at the enemy. The black F-22 barrel rolls through the rounds and executes the vector roll, placing it behind Gryphus 1 and fires its Gatling cannon. The Aurelian pulls evasive maneuvers but his opponent is ruthless. Lighting up the afterburners, Gryphus 1 gains distance then swings around to execute Wings of Judgment spinning to create a tornado of light. At the last second the black F-22 flies over the Wings of Judgment.
Crux tries to shake off enemy locks and Fakedread Dita. The copycat aims its shoulder-mounted laser cannons at him and fires, the pink laser beams roaring towards him. He breaks right at the last second and the laser beam's heat leaves a scorch mark on the E-3 Sentry II's underbelly. He readies a pair of Swarm Missiles at the enemy and upon gaining missile lock Crux unleashes its payload Fakedread Dita uses its laser cannons to shoot down the missiles. It raises its demonic gauntlets to deflect 20mm bullets from the E-3's Vulcan Gatling cannons and moves aside to let Fakedread Meia bull rush him.
He gasped, "Shit!" Crux turns hard left to avoid Fakedread Meia.
On the Nirvana's bridge, Ezra alerted, "Captain, the Nirvana's being pulled out of orbit!"
Magno asked, "What did you say?"
Ezra replied, "There's a gas planet nearby and is exerting a strong gravitational pull. The Nirvana is slowly being dragged into it!"
The aged pirate leader growled in frustration, "It's one problem after another." Gryphus 2 comes to Crux's rescue, firing his F-22's Gatling cannon at the red Fakedread to make it break off the attack.
He chases after the target and readies an XLAAM, the missile lock turns red and Gryphus 2 fires. Fakedread Meia uses its tremendous speed to escape its fiery demise and whips around to ram into his stealth fighter but Gryphus 2 evades. Arming the XLAAM the pilot fires at his opponent Fakedread Dita comes to its comrade's aid, downing the missile with its laser cannons.
'This is the toughest battle yet!' Gryphus 2 thought to himself.
A/N: Chapter 13 done. The battle continues in the next chapter.
Catherine and Mori told the crew about their pasts and connection to Chang.
Kyle warned the crew if they pulled something like the revolt again, he will renounce the oath of protecting the crew. He then revealed on how he intends of punishing Francesca. During the speech, his thirst for vengeance began to effect his Onryo Mode causing glowing red vein marks to appear.
Meia, sensing that Kyle's thirst for revenge was beginning to consume him, pleaded him not to give in to the darkness and confessed that she loved him, kissing the emotionally tortured man as proof. She then promised Kyle she'll be there to support him.
The Harvesters finally revealed where they originate from and showed they have the ability to copy the Vandreads and Kyle's F-22.
Lastly, the battle between Gleipnir 2.0 and Archangel has begun.
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Stay tuned for chapter 14.
Vader 23A