Chapter 2: Become one.
"Why the long face, anak?" The veteran asks the young boy as they both sit on the chair together. Admiring the statue of goddess Nike that stood in the middle of the memorial park.
"My c-classmates…" the boy looked down trying to muster his courage within him.
"What about' em?"
"They mocking my heroes…they said that Nikkes are useless ….they are scraps….a failure. They said it's the Nikkes fault why we haven't reclaim the surface…"
"What did you say to them?"
"They were wrong!" The boy looked back at his father with a determination in his eyes. "The Nikkes are the reason why I am still here with you, and they never knew that…"
The veteran hums with a smile on his face as he gently rubs the back of his son. "Yes, most of them never know that. They never knew how much they sacrificed for us…that's why we must support them more than ever…"
"Papa? How can I support them?"
"You know how when you grow up, anak…" the veteran said as he dearly held on to his only son. "Let's go now….it's time to wake up."
"What?" The boy asks with his suspicious eyes staring at his father.
"You heard me…it's time to wake up, and save them…..PILOT!"
*GASP*
The rookie commander opens his eyes while he feels his chest coil up, and breathes out from his lung once more. Once his chest lay rest, and vision starts to clear out. He finds himself staring at the face of the monitor with its blue light shining back at his weary eyes.
"Wakey Wakey, kid!"
The pilot laughs in its robotic voice which sends the commander rouse up from his bed, and falls to the other side of the sheet causing collateral damage to other equipment. After that, he scrambles anything he can find on the floor until he grabs something underneath the cart. Then, he stands up, and raises the scalpel with its edge point at the humanoid automaton.
"Is that how your parents taught you how to greet a person?" The pilot calmly said as he leaned on his bed.
"Who are you!? No, What are you!?" Ian shakingly points the scalpel at the automaton while his wild eyes frantically glancing side to side.
"Well, I am no man, that's for sure, but I am the one who saved you from death, kiddo." The Pilot points to himself as he answers with his honest voice.
Thanks to his words, it made some spark in his cortex, and let memories of the past start flooding his mind.
"So….it wasn't a dream…I was really saved." Ian lowers the scalpel, and holds on to his aching head. Trying to sort his memories piece by piece until he gets a clear picture of his situation.
"Ya know what…I leave you here alone for a while, and let you sort yourself out first, eh." The automaton pilot said as he backed away from him till his back hit against the door. "Also, watch yourself with that scalpel, remember I just recently mend your wounds. By God, I don't want to stitch something flesh again, ya know what I mean."
"Y-Yeah…"
Ian nods in agreement as he places the scalpel back to the tray on the cart. In response, the Pilot gives him a thumbs up, and swiftly opens the door behind him. Leaving the commander all alone in the room.
"I can't believe it…I survived…." Ian mutters in disbelief as he lets his finger brush through his dark short hair. Suddenly his lips start to crave for water. So, he let his eyes wander in this room. Searching for something to quench his thirst. "Ah, there it is.."
*Pssshhhhh*
Ian let his tongue drown from water falling from the faucet until it quenched his thirst. As soon as he was satisfied, he lifted his head away from the sink, and wiped his lips. Then, his pupil grew wide when he saw his reflection in the mirror.
In that mirror, he saw half of his face was burnt beyond recognition. It burnt so bad that his brown skin lost its color. It melted to the point that it looks ragged, and wrinkled while his left ear is non-existence. At the same time, he noticed his bare body had a burnt scar that spread from his left arm to shoulder, and to the rest of his left chest. Although, he was not fazed by this revelation because if he compares himself, and to his squad….he is lucky, he thought.
"Ah….Forgive me for not being able to salvage your…well, appearance."
Ian looked at the corner of the mirror, and saw the automaton pilot enter the room with a package, and clothes in his frame hands.
"Well, as you can see…I am more of a soldier, not a surgeon."
"No worries, I was already ugly the moment I was born. So, nothing changed much about my looks ..." Ian let out a bitter laugh as he finished the rest of his business and returned to his spot on the bed. Sitting on it as he breathes out his weary sigh.
"Hahahaha, self burn hahahahaha….hmmm…Did I say it way too early isn't it?" The pilot awkwardly laughed as he rubbed his nape. "Sorry, I didn't mean to say that."
"No….it's not about that." Ian shakes his head, and he contemplates all of his actions in his life. "I am wondering….whether I deserved to live."
"The fuck you talking about?" The Pilot monitor blinks, and sits beside the rookie commander. "I saw your handiwork last night, I can tell you fought tooth and nail against a foe twice your size, and still survived against it. Even in deathbed, you survived against it. I don't know what else doubts you, but after going through that shit. I can vouch that you have every right to live, and tell the tale, kid."
"Yes, I survived it all….but at the cost of the lives of my squad. Those girls whom I promised to bring home….I failed them." Ian takes out the dog-tags of his squad. Watching the blood on their name, and recalling the memories of their death that kept playing, and playing behind his pale eyes. "I survived because….I am just lucky."
"I see where this is going…." The pilot jumps out from the bed, and stands before the sole survivor as he snaps his finger in front of his eyes. Causing Ian to wake up from his disturbed thoughts, and glance at the monitor on the pilot's face. "Look you survived, not because you are lucky. You survived because you have a willpower that can overcome insurmountable odds. The same traits that are shared among the greatest Pilot that I fought alongside with….the only reason why they died is not because you are weak. It's because you are just a man. A person with limits."
"Well….whether be it luck or willpower. That doesn't change a damn thing, because in the end I failed them, and I will continue to fail miserably because….just like you said. I am nothing, but a man." Ian retorts with his defeated spirit staring at the ground.
"True….but, what if I tell you that 'man' is no longer you."
"What?" Ian lifts up his baffle eyes, and it leaves him dumbstruck when he hears his puzzling words.
"The syringe that saved your life is not just a miracle drug. It's a nanite augmentation." Pilot said as he showed the familiar syringe in front of Ian. "This augmentation has a 80% fatality rate. Only few survive the process, but you kid..You are one of those few."
"I-I don't follow….what it means surviving this augmentation?"
"The simple man you knew has now been enhanced to become the pinnacle of humanity."
" Are you saying right now, I have a fighting chance against the Rapture?"
"Hah, not just a fighting chance kid…it enhances every part of your body, your muscles, your bones, and your brain…..in other words, you are on your way to become a pilot. The only thing left is the skillset to become one." Before Ian opens his lips, the automaton grabs him by the shoulders as he gives his ultimatum to him. "Look kid, I am giving you a choice…..I can send you back to wherever you belong, let your guilt swallow you, and waste your potential or…..let me hone your skills, and turn you into a certified pilot. Become One…. Which one will it be, kid?"
Yet again, these familiar questions took him back from the time he also asked himself. He too questions himself whether he let himself be consumed by his guilt or fight on. Back then, he didn't know if he could really keep his promises because he damn well knows that his limits are the reason why he failed them. However, that concern is no longer a valid reason because right now he was told that there is a chance….a chance that he might gain a power that will help him overcome his limits. The power that will make him strong enough to avoid losing someone again in his life.
"I can't let my failure get the better of me…I have promises to keep…and a people who depend on me." Ian said bitterly to the dog-tags in his hand. Without hesitation, he clasps the iron palm of the automaton, and shakes it. " I do it…teach me….teach me to become a pilot!"
"Alright! Alright! Alright!" The Pilot happily returned the gesture, and let go as he gave him a thumbs up. "Now we're talking, hehehehehe….Oh, I almost forgot. My name is Jake O' Connor by the way."
"Ian…Ian Lastimosa."
"Lastimosa…." Jake monitors blink in wonder. "Are you somehow?….. Does the name Tai Lastimosa ring any bells to you?"
"No, I haven't heard that name before" Ian replies with his narrow eyes.
"I see…." Jake backs away for a moment until he shrugs his shoulders, and dismisses the topic. "Forget that I asked….anyway here's your new pair of clothes, and your MRE"
Ian caught the things that the automaton threw at him. After close inspection, he received a green military jumpsuit that used to be worn by the Airforce, and a package with warm food.
"Once you are done, meet me outside, and we start our training."
"Roger.." Ian replied as the pilot nodded in approval, and left the room. Then, he looks at his things, and remembers someone back home. "Papa….I am afraid you have to wait for a while."
Sometime Later…..
As soon as he steps outside the room, he finds himself wandering around the chamber of concrete, and steel. This spacious chamber is filled with a variety of military hardware and vehicles. Then, at the center of this chamber is an elevator shaft that leads to the surface. It seems like they are in some sort of military underground bunker, but where? Either way, that is not important. Right now, he must find that weird robot who happened to adorn itself with a tactical gear, and name himself like a person. Which is strange because it's a robot unless…..
*Bam* *Bam* *Bam*
Ian wakes up from his thoughts when the ground below him trembles and sees a tall shadow loom over him. He looks to his back, and recognizes the very same mech who saved him yesterday.
"Y-you are real!" Ian stares in disbelief at the 25 foot tall exoskeleton mech that towers before him.
"Ah, greetings, Citizen. It's good to see you in good health." The towering mech said while its eyeball in the middle of its torso was focused on him. At the same time, Ian is frozen in awe, and in disbelief that he is actually standing before a giant mech. A talking giant mech to be precise. "I am EV-2517, Ion-Class Titan. You may refer me as 'EV""
"Y-you can talk?" Ian asks with his wide eyes still frozen in awe.
"Yep, and she can crack you some jokes too" Jake chips in as he leans on the big object that is covered with a blanket. While Ian looks at him with his brow raised with doubts. "Don't believe me? EV hit him with your classics, eh"
The Ion titan nods its eyeball, and speaks with confidence. " A neutron enters a bar and asks: "How much is a drink?" the bartender replies: "For you? No charge.""
…..
"Hah."
Ian let out a small chuckle as he found her physics joke clever, and witty. Although, it made the automaton shock, and upset.
"Now way! That joke is as dry as sandpaper. That shit ain't funny, yo." Jake shakes his head and throws a tantrum.
"Sorry, but jokes like that get me anytime."
"From your response, I conclude that my joking skills have been improved." EV blink her eyelid as she places her palm on her chest. "Thank you, Citizen. Your evaluation made me more confident in my abilities."
"No! You still suck!" Jake protests.
"Analysis, Your opinion is objective, there is a possibility that your humor does not align with the majority of the population. Conclusion: my comedy skills have improved more than I perceived. Due to your inferior humor it made my calculations error which caused delays to register my true potential." Ev retorts with her eyeball glaring back at the pilot.
"It seems like this conversation has a big story behind it." Ian rubbing his chin as he glanced back, and forth between the Ion titan, and the automaton pilot.
"Ah-uh….I….Shut up, just get in the Sim Pod!" Jake takes out the blanket. Revealing a large spherical object that connected with a variety of tubes, and wires. Then, he slams his fist against the pod, forcing itself to open. Revealing, a chair inside a confined, and dark space. "Move, rookie!"
"Okay, Okay sheesh…." Ian complies as he rubs his nape. Then, he takes a seat inside the sim pod as he wanders his eyes to observe this confined space."Jake, what is this anyway?"
"It's a simulation pod, or sim pod for short. It's where we spend most of our training sessions…" Jake answers as he tinkering the device on his wrist. Recalibrating the pod.
"Jake?"
"Yeah?"
"Your mech…EV. What kind of robot was she again?" Ian ask
"She is Titan, Ion class if you have paid attention to her introduction." Jake replies without taking out his monitor on his wrist.
"Ah, Titan…whew, she is one hell of a robot. I bet it's amazing operating such a cool mech like her.." Ian praises the Titan with awe. Disbelieved that his whole entire life will lead to becoming a 'Titan' pilot. Funny, he thought that becoming a commander was the highest point of his life.
"She is…..the best part of the job. Soon, you'll become one as well." At the final push of the button, he approaches the sim pod to pull down the lever. "Here we go, Lastimosa. It's time."
Suddenly, the hatch closes itself, and blankets his sight with nothing,but darkness. Then, a green light flashes before his eyes, and takes his consciousness into the virtual world.
Light flashes before his eyes, bringing him to another reality. As soon as his vision adapts to his surroundings. The dark confine pod he knew is gone, instead he finds himself standing in a bright corridor, and clean walls.
"Ah, finally we are here."
Ian dropped his jaw when he saw the pilot appear from nowhere which caused him to raise his finger in questions.
"How did you…?"
"We are in a simulation, everything you see here, and feel is not real. So, don't have to worry about getting hurt in here because it ain't real anyway. As for me, I am the admin here so I can do whatever I want, and pop out wherever I want." Before Ian could ask another, Jake interrupted him by raising his finger. "Stop…no more questions about the simulation. Right now, we focus on learning your movement. Enabling jump kit assist!"
In a snap of a finger, a small jet pack appeared behind his waist. A similar device that Jake wears around his hip, according to what he observed.
"What is this?" Ian asks in wonder as he pat the bulky jet pack behind his waist.
"We called it a Jumpkits. These devices operate on the principle of relaxed stability. Once the jumpkit calibrates to your movement style, enhanced mobility becomes second nature." Jake explains the device as simply as he can. Though he notices behind Ian's eyes that still has no idea what he is talking about so he decides to display its abilities by running towards the end of the corridor. "Here let me show you."
At first, Ian watches him running at a normal speed. Then, as soon as the jump kit flares up its jet exhaust. The pilot speed is gradually getting faster than a normal person. He was so fast that he swears he can compete with any athlete or elite Nikke. Hell, he can even outrun a motorcycle.
"Your turn!" Jake shouted back after he reached the end of this hundred dash corridor in just a mere seconds.
"*wheew* here we go…."
Ian springs into action, and starts moving his legs across the one hundred meter dash. Then, once his jumpkit kicks up its speed, he feels himself floating in the air, and loses his balance till he trips into the ground.
"Aroy!" Ian moans in pain as he rubs the bruise on his elbow, and his knee. "Hey, I thought that I won't feel anything here!"
"I said that everything you feel, and see is not real. Doesn't mean you are numb to it. Either way, it's just an illusion. Your brain just simulates the pain, but your body never gets harmed. So, don't worry!" Jake shouts back, and Ian swears he can hear him chuckle. "Hurry up, kid. I still have a lot of things to teach you!"
"Next time be clear, okay…" Ian grumbles under his lips, and starts moving his legs again. Within a few seconds, he lost balance and greeted the ground again. Although, this didn't discourage him, instead it made him persistently try it again. After a couple of failed attempts, he finally finds his balance, and controls his movement although he can still find his leg floating sometimes. At least he never stumbles anymore.
"Ah, I see you getting your grip on your movements" Jake rewards the rookie commander with a pat on the back.
"Yeah, also I never break a sweat too." Ian replies in wonder when he realizes that he didn't sweat nor lose breath despite that hundred meter dash that he ran.
"That means that your augmentation is already doing its work. Now let's move to the next lesson. Follow me." Jake gestures to him to follow. Ian nods, and complies. After a minutes of running in this simulation hall, they found themselves standing in a huge, and long gap with a wall on the left side.
"How can we cross this pit without the bridge…?" Ian asks when he notices the lack of means for crossing.
"The fuck is bridge? We pilots don't use bridges!" Jake jumps from the edge, and wallrun across the gap. Leaving the rookie behind with his jaw dropped to the floor. "Time to warm up your jump kit. Basic wall run here, give it a try."
"How!?"
"Just run across the wall, and trust in your jumpkit!"
"What the hell are we doing?" Ian mumble, and reluctantly watches the edge of the gap. Judging by its depth, it's a bottomless pit. "Putang ina…..here we go."
Without hesitation, he jumps from the edge of the gap, and lands both of his feet on the wall. Although, he hesitates to move which leads him falling into his demise.
"AAAAAHHHHH-"
Before he could finish his scream, he finds himself spawn back to where he begins. Yet, the feeling of falling still linger in his chest which leaves him sweating, and catching his breath. He swears falling to the pits then spawning back to the ground feels like waking up from a nightmare.
"TRUST ON YOU 'JUMPKIT'!"
Ian nods, and takes a deep breath. Then, he moves a couple of steps back from the gap as he prepares himself to give it another try, but this time he will trust in his jumpkit. Without hesitation, he bolts, and jumps again from the edge of the gap. As soon as his legs connect on the surface of the wall. He ran across the wall as the exhaust from his Jumpkit kept him up in the air.
"Not bad, Not bad." Jake proudly nods as he watches the rookie land beside him. Then, the rookie looked back across the gap with his eyes glimmering in awe, and pride of his minor achievement. "Up next, go slide under this gap.." Jake points at the wall with a gap underneath. Enough for a person to crouch. Although Jake doesn't want him to crouch….he wants him to slide through it.
"Okay…." Ian reluctantly answers as he tries to picture himself sliding underneath it. Then, he springs into action, bend his knee to touch the floor, and let the jumpkit push him. However, he did it way too close to the wall that he ended up slamming his face against it. His face hit the wall so hard that his entire being disintegrated to pixels, and sent him back in one piece beside his mentor.
"Oh fuck…O fuck.." Ian cursed under his lips while touching every surface of his face. Checking whether he still has his burnt face intact or not. At the same time, this reaction made his mentor chuckle in his amusement.
"Hey, that's part of a learning course…" Jake shrugs his shoulders while Ian gives him glaring eyes. "Now do it again, but this time without losing …pfft….your face."
Ian backs away as he mutters curse words under his breath. Once, he is in position. He takes deep breaths from his lungs as he measures the distance between him, and the gap. Then, he springs into action, and bends his knees in the right moment as the Jumpkit pushes him across the gap. Successfully pass the sliding course.
"Good, Good!" Jake praises him while he turns himself into a trail of light, and passes his student by as he leaves his trail behind. "Follow my trail, the next lesson is just ahead."
After following the trail, the rookie finds himself in another gap, but this time there is no wall. Instead, he is facing another platform that is hanging above him.
"Simple double jump." Jake pops out on the other side with his arms crossed. Waiting for him to cross the gap.
"Ok…Ok…trust in your jumpkit."
Without hesitation, he jumps across the gap while he keeps pushing his leg up in mid-air. To his surprise, the Jumpkit briefly flared its exhaust which sent him up higher till he managed to grab on the edge of the hanging platform. Then, he easily pushes himself up, thanks to his jumpkit assist.
"Ah, you learning fast now let's g-"
"Hold on, mentor…I have some questions for you." Ian asks with his narrow eyes filled with wonder. "Why am I learning these? What do these wallrun, sliding, and double jump relate to operating Titan mech? I just don't see the point for a mech pilot to learn this weird obstacle course."
"Heh…I was wondering when you would ask that." Jake confronts the rookie with his monitor shining brightly. " Listen, a Pilot is more than being a Titan operator…we are elite soldiers who were trained to become fast, and agile…graceful, yet devastating. We are trained to see the world differently like using sheer walls as the flanking route, and parkour skills to outmaneuver our foe…we are also taught to fight differently…we use kits that enhance our movement. Varieties of ways to deceive our enemies. Augmentation that enhances our body, and mind. Even overwhelming odds can turn into our favor. These are what we made of, rookie. The Pilots are the dominant force on the battlefield."
His answers left the rookie flabbergasted. Shock for the fact that he was not only being trained to become a 'Pilot', but also to become an elite soldier. Not just any elite soldier, but one who can turn the tide of a battle just being in there alone. However, he still wonders what is the role of the Titan in that equation.
"If that's how powerful the Pilots are…then why need a Titan?"
"Because even pilots have to accept the fact that no matter how good we are….we have limits. So, they gave us a Titan. When a Pilot, and Titan are together, we both cover each of our greatest strength, and our weakness, but….when the Pilot, and the Titan bonds become one. We no longer dominate our enemies….We own the battlefield. Remember though, the only way to stop that bond is an overwhelming force…or an equal."
"Whoa…." Ian said with his jaw hanging in the air."Now….you are training me to become one as well."
"Yes!" Jake replies with an excited tone on his voice box while he firmly pat his shoulder. "Now, are you in the mood to shoot something kid?"
"Amazing. You got an impressive armory here, mentor."
Ian felt awe once again as him, and his mentor walked through the hall that was filled with a variety of weapons displayed on the walls. Although, his mentor let out a weary sigh as he let his metallic finger brushes one of the s.m.g.
"Yeah, too bad most of them don't work against them…" Jake answers with a heavy tone as he lets go of one of the guns while Ian tilts his head in wonder. After passing through the armory, they find themselves in a shooting range with a variety of target displays litter beyond the table in front of them.
"Among the weapons you saw, only these two are the most effective arms that I have right now." Jake said as he gestured on the table. On that table, there are two strange weapons that he never saw before. Firstly, there is a bulky, and heavy bullpup gun with no sign of bolt nor magazine on the receiver. While the other one is some sort of heavy weapon with an exposed battery on the receiver, and combined with a rail type barrel.
"What's this?" Ian asks as he picks up, and examines the strange heavy bullpup gun.
"That's an 'L-Star' it's a Plasma fuel heavy MG." Jake's explanation of the gun made the rookie's eyes grow wide when he heard him that he is holding a Plasma base weapon which is not something common in this world. "Compared to your traditional bullets, and powder…this weapon is loaded with a battery. In one battery, it carries one thousand shots that you can endlessly shoot everything in one go without reloading. Be careful though, these bad boys can overheat easily so don't go overboard with it because you will be forced to change the battery. Now let me show you how you use it."
Jake grabs the L-star from him, and shows him the turn off/on safety button, the heating/ammo counter on the display and its reloading procedure.
"Okay give it a go. Also, try to overload it so you know what it'll do when it overheats."
"*wew* Okay…." Ian takes control of his breath, and he takes a proper position with his L-star aim at the targets. Once he pulls the trigger, a volley of red plasma flashes before his eyes as it evaporates all his targets. Then, he holds on his trigger for so long until the heater counter fills up its bar along with the alarming chime echoes through his ears.
*BEEEEP!*
As soon as it overheated, the upper receiver of the L-star lifted up as it let out hot steamy air from its barrel.
"Now that is something you have to avoid during engagement. So make sure you hit the target before it overheats or bursts fire to give time to cool it off between each shot." Jake explains as he watches the rookie change the barrel, and the battery of the L-star before it seals itself back to normal form. "Now try the other one."
"Let me guess this plasma too?" Ian asks as he picks up, and examines the compact rail gun on his hand.
"Not just any Plasma…It's an Anti-Titan energy weapon, called 'Charged rifle'. This heavy hitter doesn't overheat, nor need for reload, but it makes up with 3 seconds charge time before releasing the projectile. In one battery, it carries thirty shots…..oh did I forget to say that this is 'Anti-Titan'?"
"So youre saying that this gun can pierce through any armored enemy?" Ian asks. In response, the mentor nods, and gestures to try it out for himself. Without hesitation, Ian holds the trigger with its barrel aim at the target. After 3 seconds charge, the rifle spews out an orange beam that penetrates through the target as it evaporates the whole display. "Holy shiit!"
"Now these are the weapons you will be using for the entire war against them." Jake said as he brushed off his palm, and gestured to follow him. "Take those with you….It's time to show you the last course of our pilot session."
"Welcome to Pilot gauntlet!"
The automaton pops out in front of the screen board, and greets the rookie who recently entered the gauntlet halls while his eyes glancing around the room with jaw drop in awe.
"What is this place again?" Ian asks in wonder as he tilts his head.
"See that hallway over there" Jake pointed at the hallway that led into a series of obstacle courses with display targets that scattered along the way. "This is where you put the skills you learned into practice as you mow down your target, and race against the time until you reach the finish line."
"So, you saying that I'll have to do these wallruns, sliding, and double jump across the obstacle course as I shoot my target?" Ian asks with a brow raised with disbelief.
"Yep, don't forget that time is ticking as you do all of it…" Jake nods as he stands before the starting line of the gauntlet, and snaps his fingers "Opening the Pilot gauntlet. Remember par time is two minutes…" as soon as he said that, Ian noticed a board flash in the corner of his eyes. He looked at it, and saw a list of ten Pilot names with time recorded beside them. "You have to do better than that before we continue. Now go try the gauntlet whenever you are ready…"
"Okay…." Ian breathes out the stress from his lungs, and sticks his L-star closer to his chest. Once he is in position, he takes a stance between the line, and ready himself.
"Let's do this!"
Ian springs into action, and runs across the bridge then he hop between each separate floating platform like a jackrabbit. As soon as he land on staircase, he ran up the stairs, and wallrun across the gap until he was suddenly greet with three display target waiting on otherside. Startled by their sudden emergence, he blindly shoots them up which leads to his projectiles taking only one target and overheats his gun at the same time.
Then, he lands on the platform as he forces his knee to bend, and slide while his attention is on his steaming gun. While he tries to change the battery, he notices something odd in the corner of his eye. He glanced up, and saw himself sliding closer, and faster towards the wall with a gap underneath. Before he knows it, he spawn back to where he started while his horrified eyes stare at the ground, catching his panic breath.
"You okay, kid?"
"Okay!?" Ian shot a glaring glance at the automaton. "Mentor, I just saw my fucking body slide underneath without my head!"
"Hahahahaha, relax kid I've been there too. Wanna hear how I also lose my head?" Jake chuckles in his amusement. In response, Ian shakes his head because he has no interest in listening to some silly tales. Right now, he wants to focus on how to improve his aim, and movement. "Okay then….but before you go, take this!"
Ian flinched when he saw his mentor throw something at him. So, he quickly raises his hand, and catches in the mid-air. Upon his examination, he was given a bag filled with three grenades.
"Now try to use it against a group of enemies. Also, remember, don't rush, just take your time, and keep moving until you get a grasp on your movement."
"Ok…" Ian nods as he absolves the hint that his mentor gave to him. So, he enters the pilot gauntlet once more.
Ian proceeds the same procedure on the first obstacle until he reaches the staircase. Then as he ran across the wall, he took out his grenade, cooked it, and tossed it at his enemies. Although, the grenade didn't land, instead it bounced off from the edge, and returned back into his eyes.
*BOOOOOM!*
"Hahahahaha! Achievement unlock: Return to sender! Muahahahahaha!" Jake laughs from the top of his voice box as he rolls back, and forth on the floor. While Ian grumbles under his breath, and ignores him as he takes another try on the gauntlet.
Once he crosses the line, he does the same movement on the first two obstacles, but this time he doesn't use the grenades. Instead he lands in front of the mob, and takes them out with a careful shot then he runs towards the wall, and slides underneath the gap where he meets another two targets. So, he crouches up, and takes them up with another careful shot, then he runs past them, and double jumps to reach the highwall.
After that, he wallrun across the gap where he meet two target on each corner. He tries to shoot them in full-auto while running on the wall just to end up missing his shots as he passes through them. After that miserable performance, he notices a sharp turn in the hallway. So, he jumps to reach the other wall only for him to fall to the ground due to a poor decision he made on that stunt.
"Fuck! Fuck!" Ian runs across the lower field. Then, he stops, and shoots another target above him. Once he reaches the highwall, he double jumps to grab on the edges, and push himself up till he lands his feet on the surface. Then, he runs across the bridge, and reaches the finish line.
"1 minute, and 10 seconds however, you miss two targets so there will be a penalty score…that'll leave you in 9th place on the results board, kid" Jake mutters as he reads the details on the results board on the wall. Then, he looks back, and notices the disappointment plaster on the rookie's face. "Ah, don't let it down you, kid…remember there is no shame in losing, a real shame will be you stop trying. Now give it another go. This time learn from your mistakes, and take advantage of the field presented to you.."
"Yes mentor…" Ian replies as he finds his new courage from his mentor's advice. However, he stops mid way when another question pops out from his mind. "Mentor…?"
"Yeah?"
"I-I realize something…." Ian lowers his L-star, and looks back at his mentor with doubts in his eyes. "Why are you doing all of this? Why are you training me to become a Pilot…when there is only one Titan?"
"Hmmm…It seems like I owe you an explanation." Jake let out a heavy sigh as he rubs his nape. Then, he confronted his student, and gave his honest answer. "Look….this body. There is a human mind trapped inside this simulacrum body.." Upon this revelation, it made Ian flabbergasted by the facts that this automaton used to be a person. Similar to those Nikkes in some way. "This human mind is slowly degrading as each day pass….sooner or later, that mind will cease to exist, and when it does, all it is left is nothing, but an empty shell. That's why I am training you to become a pilot because once my time in this world has come to an end. At least I can depart at peace knowing that my titan. My dear EV has someone to take care of her…"
"So…you are on borrowed time."
"Yes…and you are the only chance I got so please…" Jake pleaded before his student. "Don't give up, kid. It might be hard in the first place, but that is normal. I swear, with a month of practice, and with my guidance you will be a Pilot to be reckoned with…"
"Who said I am giving up?" Ian replies with his brow raise which makes the Simulacrum pilot blink, and gasp in surprise. "Mentor….I never felt so glad that you said that I can be a Pilot. That moment…you gave me hope…a hope for me to become a better man than I was before. So, don't worry, mentor. I will not give up because this too is my only chance to make up with all of my mistakes..I will give it all until my body breaks."
"Oh…oh I see *cough* *cough*" Jake pretends to cough to cope with his awkward reaction. "Well, looks like I got nothing to worry about…anyway move along, kid. There is nothing to see. Also, please don't tell EV that I just beg like a teary puppy."
"Heh…I'll try." Ian left a remark with a smirk on his lips which made the mentor blink his monitor. Before his mentor whines regarding his snarky response, Ian quickly runs ahead of him, and takes another plunge on the Pilot's gauntlet. Racing across the gauntlet with hope. Hoping that one day he will become a proper pilot.
One Month Later….
Ian inhales, and exhales from his lungs as he prepares himself for another Gauntlet run. However, this time his mind is sharp, his focus is on point, and his body is ready. He knows what to do now.
Without hesitation, the rookie crosses the line, and jumps from the bridge as he wallrun across the obstacles. Skipping the floating platform, and the staircase by transitioning on the other side of the walls. Then, he met with a first mob, but this time he flies above them as he tosses the grenade below him. Leaving an explosion behind him as he slid underneath the gap. Then, he dispatch the two target while he slid pass through them, and follow up by launching himself to the air, and wallrun to reach the high wall.
After that stunt, he runs through the wall again, and fires up his L-star in burst shots which lead to successfully taking out his two targets. Once he approaches the sharp turn, he jumps, and briefly bursts his jumpkit in mid-air to reach the other wall. Then, he wallrun again with his L-star raise, and taking out another two targets with burst shots. Not for long, he starts feeling he is losing his footing on the wall. So, he quickly kicks himself up, and lands on the pillar in the middle as he uses it to launch himself to reach the end platform. Once he lands on the ground, he sprints as fast as he can until he reaches the finish line.
"You were flying that time…"
"Yeah…." Ian said while he looked at the results board. From what he had read, he is in 6th place, under 37.40 secs. "But, not high enough. One more!"
"That's enough!"
Ian halts his legs, and looks back at his mentor with his bewilder eyes. "Umm…I haven't mastered my movement yet…"
"No matter, you will master all of it on the field." Jake dismisses his concern, and starts tinkering on his wrist. "Right now, I think it's time for you to learn the other half of being a Pilot, the Titan. Let's go call one in…."
"A-are you…are you serious, mentor? Are you finally going to teach me how to drive a Titan?"
"Yes"
"Diyos miyo!" Ian pumps his fist to the air, and he giggles with glee like a child taking into a toy store. "Finally it's about time!"
"That's the spirit!" Jake nods his head with excitement. "But first we are going to need a lil more spac-!"
Suddenly, Ian, and Jake watch the whole virtual world fall apart as the picture starts to ripple like a static on T.V monitor. After that, darkness blankets their eyes, and returns them back to the real world.
6-4 SIMPOD OS V04.11B
ROOT: $ SYSTEM ERROR: LOW POWER_
"Alright rookie, sounds like about to hit a fan. I am pulling you out." Jake said while Ian heard the sound of the hatch open before him.
"What's going on?" Ian asks while he blink his eyes, trying to adjust from the light that shines in his blurry vision.
"They are killing us, well they are trying anyway." Jake answers as he assists the rookie to step out from the Sim pod.
"Kill who? What!?" Ian was stumped from what he heard that it managed to clear his sight.
"The aliens or what you call Raptures…Come follow me." Jake runs ahead of him while Ian follows behind. After the short run, they both stand on the elevator while the Simulacrum activates it on his wrist.
"Where is EV?"
"Outside waiting for you…" Jake said with his monitor staring above as they both feel the platform lifting up to the surface.
"Waiting for me?" Ian asks with sweat on his forehead. Anxious about the fact that the Titan is waiting for him while their hideout is under attack by Rapture. "Why?"
"Let's say it's your lucky day. You can finally operate a real Titan, and test her in real combat."
"You call this lucky! Diyos ko, mentor I haven't operated a mech ever in my life. Let alone being taught one. I don't think this is good ide-"
"Trust me, Kid." Jake interrupts him while he raises his finger. "Operating a Titan is not that hard as you thought….remember, trust in yourself, and the Titan. Then, victory is guaranteed."
"Man, sometimes I really have no idea what's going on with that CPU in your hea-…"
"Focus, rookie. We are here!"
Light shines through the gap as the gate splits itself apart before them. Then, they were both greeted by a 25 foot tall 'Ion-class Titan' with its eyeball shining brightly like an Azure sun.
"EV where's the enemy?" Jake asks as he drags his anxious rookie with him.
"Enemies Raptures will be here soon. E.T.A three minutes." Ev answers in her feminine yet robotic voice. While she pointed her finger at the mountain of scraps that surrounded on all sides.
"Good, we still have time." Jake said and gave his thumbs up to his student. "EV, transfer authorization code to new pilot link Echo-Victor, Two-Five-One-Seven."
"Authorization confirmed, EV-2517 is ready to transfer to a new Pilot. Ian Lastimosa." EV eyeball fades away as she kneels on the ground while opening the cockpit on her torso.
"I don't think I am read-"
"Lastimosa!" Jake grabs his shoulder firmly with his monitor shining brightly with hope, and faith. "Take my Titan, it's time to prove yourself whether you are worthy to become one. This is the real thing. Take care of her…"
After that last advice, the simulacrum sent his rookie away with a good pat in the back, and waved his hand goodbye. However, the reluctant rookie halts, and asks for another guidance.
"H-hold on, did you have any good tips? Like which pedal should I press, a steering wheel? a yoke? Or a button to start her up?"
"You idiot you are not driving a car! That Titan is modified for a neural link!" Jake's answer left a huge question mark on the rookie's head. Leaving him no choice to explain it as simply as he can "I can't believe I am saying this….Listen! Once you, and EV become one. Your Titan will be like an extension of your body. In short, whatever you think you do, she will do as well!"
*WRRRIIIIIIIIIIIII*
"Fuck there is no time go! Go!" Jake shouts as he retreats back to the bunker while Ian hurriedly bolts towards the Ion Titan, and climbs up to the cockpit as he sits back on his pilot chair.
Without any warning, the Titan suddenly punches the ground as it rises from the earth, and stands still. Then it closes the hatch itself, leaving the anxious rookie in the dark.
Protocol 1: Link to Pilot.
"Establishing a neural link."
Green light flashes before Ian's eye. At the same time, he winces in pain as he feels like his brain is being siphoned from his skull. After that procedure, the connection left him panting, and his conscious weary. Surprisingly though, he feels his chest start pumping like crazy until his weariness fades away which makes him question how much the augmentation enhances his body.
"Neural Link: Established…Ian Lastimosa, you are now confirmed as an acting pilot of EV-2517."
Ian takes a deep breath, and readied himself for another unexpected event. "Ok…what else?"
Protocol 2: Uphold the mission: Survive
"We must survive the attack, and clear the area."
As soon as she says her piece, Ian can hear the sounds of bullets bouncing off outside of the chassis.
"Warning! I am detecting incoming enemy forces"
EV said while she clears up the visual HUD inside her cockpit. Once, the rookie pilot can see the situation outside. He observes that they are surrounded by packs of minion Raptures that gather all over the top of scrap hills while they take pot shots at them.
Protocol 3: Protect the Pilot
"What should I do? Why are you not moving?" Ian shouts in panic when the Titan is not moving even though he is trying to think of moving the legs.
"Hold on, Pilot. Re-initializing a critical system." EV replied calmly while she witnessed the bullets bouncing off from her energy shield. "Vortex shield online….Pilot, raise your arm, and activate the vortex shield to block incoming enemy fire."
"Okay…" Ian complies with her advice. To his surprise, he really lifts up the Titan arm, and activates this swirling energy shield just by thinking about it. At the same time, he saw something odd. He notices that his vortex shield is catching the projectiles that the Rapture throws at him.
"Release the button to launch any captured objects back to the enemy."
Upon releasing his shield, Ian speechlessly watches the captured missiles, and bullets sent back to the Raptures as it blasts the whole pack into a fiery ball of flame.
"Putang ina….Did I just send it back to them!"
"Affirmative…Reminder: Vortex shields have limited energy, so it is utmost advice to make sure to use it sparingly. The abilities are displayed on your lower hud."
*WRIIIIIIII!*
"More of them on our left!" Ian shouts as he watches dozens of Rapture minions racing down from the scraps hills while they fire their mounted guns, and cannon which causes them to kneel when explosions erupt on the Titan chassis. "EV you alright!?"
"All systems green…Shield status: 70%"
Ian glances up, and notices a white bar up on his HUD. Which causes his eye to grow wide when he realizes this mech possesses an energy shield. A piece of technology that humanity never had. However, he casts his curiosity aside for now when he notices that the shield bar is steadily dwindling from enemy fires.
"EV when we can move!? My vortex shield is still in cooldown, and we are sitting ducks!"
"Pilot, acolyte pod is online. This shoulder mounted rocket pod will lock onto multiple enemies. The longer you tag your targets, the more locks you achieve."
"Got it" Ian said as he tagged his target. Then, a rocket pod rises from the shoulder of the titan, launching off six missiles as it dives into the six Raptures. Causing the whole field to erupt with clouds of flames as the iron limbs, and bolts fly to the air.
"Neural Link complete. Primary Control, and Motion Link established."
"Yeah! It's about time to mo-Whoa!?"
When the Ion Titan raises its one leg, it quickly loses its balance, and falls to the ground while it manages to crush a Rapture minion under its knee.
"Pilot?" EV raises her eyeball in wonder.
"Sorry…It just feels weird. Don't worry I get us up"
The Ion Titan raises itself from the ground while its limbs are still wobbling. Once the rookie pilot gets a grasp on its movement, the Titan swiftly takes the 'splitter rifle' from the back of its waist, and charges towards the Raptures.
"Woohoo let's go!"
The Ion Titan leap forward, and crash the minion under its iron foot. In retaliation, the Titan raises the splitter rifle, and its rocket pod from the shoulder. Unleashing a volley of plasma, and rocket upon the remaining Raptures. Decimating the entire pack until nothing left for them to fight back. Once the dust settles, the field is filled with corpses of smoking Raptures while in the middle is a lone Ion Titan standing before its slain foe.
"Warning! Incoming shells!" EV warns her pilot as she watches a volley of artillery sphere whizzing through the skies. "Pilot, use the thruster to quickly outmaneuver the incoming shells."
Ian complies with her words which lead the Ion Titan to burst out the jet exhaust from its back, and dash away in great distance as they avoid the explosion that erupts behind them.
"Thruster on Titan….Now that's awesome!" Ian mumbles as he takes a deep breath while he controls his Titan to move behind cover of the wrecked truck. "Any idea where it comes from?"
"Scanning" The Ion titan peek behind cover with its keen eyeball watching the field. " Detecting Rapture artillery at the top of the overpass….Issue detected! The Artillery is protected by a barrier type Rapture. Conclusion: Rocket pod is ineffective, and our splitter rifle is out of range."
"What about that support?….it looks like it's on its last leg. Bet if we hit that thing it will topple them like a house of cards, eh" Ian suggested.
"House of cards? Pilot, I don't see any house made of Cards in there?" EV blinks in wonder, while Ian is left speechless from her questions. "Either way, we can use the Laser shot pod to take out that support."
"Y-yes…let's do that."
The Raptures on the overpass are patiently watching the field, and wait for its target to appear. Then, its red eyes flared up when it saw the Titan stand up from its cover. Yet, it hesitates when it notices something bright glowing on its shoulder. Before it realizes what it is, a laser beam spews out from the Titan shoulder, and pierces through the support. At first nothing happen….Suddenly the ground below them collapsed as the concrete, and dust swallowed them below.
"Interesting tactic, pilot. Using environmental destruction can eliminate our enemy more efficiently. Recording your tactics in my Stratagem data." EV blink her eyeball in awe for her new pilot ingenuity.
"Well, a wise man told me once. Always use the environment to your advantage-…wait" Ian pauses when he notices a red light shining within the dust.
"Detecting Rapture signature. Pilot, get ready!"
The Ion Titan stands its ground, and ready its Splitter rifle while its eyeball focuses on the horizon.
*WRIIIIIIIIII*
A giant four legged Lord class Rapture called 'Laitance', emerges from the rubble with a fiery eye burning with hate, and blood lust. Without warning, it bolts ahead as it fires all of its missiles, and energy weapons towards the Titan.
"Excessive damage! Warning! Warning! Warning!" EV warns her pilot when the Rapture manages to strip the shield away from her chassis.
"I know! I know!" Ian controls his Titan to dash away with his Vortex shield raise, and catch the projectile. Then, he released the projectiles back, unfortunately it didn't hit anything. So, he decides to back away, and take cover behind the boulder of scraps to avoid further damage.
"Pilot, use the Trip wire to deter the threat."
"Yeah, I see no sign of that thing stopping…better try it." Ian nods in agreement while he waits for that Lord Rapture to get closer.
Once it gets closer to them, the Ion titan steps away from its cover with its pod raised from its shoulder. Then, the pod spews a tripwire in front of the Laitance causing it to break on its track, and leap above the trip wire which causes EV, and Ian gets caught in surprise.
"Pilot, watch out!"
"Nah, I don't think so."
All of sudden, the Ion Titan kicked the Laitance in mid-air. Causing it to stumble, and fall towards the trip-wire. Upon landing, a cloud of flame consumes its legs as it sends its body coil up from the explosion.
"Laser Core Ready, Pilot use it to eliminate the threat."
In the single push of a button on his arm chair, the Ion Titan stares at the Laitance while it stretches its shoulder to the back. Then, the Titan eyeball gradually glowing hot, and red along with a high pitch sound whistle to the air. In a flash, a red beam of light was released from the Ion eyes, and poured it down at the Lord Rapture. Melting the entire body into a pool of magma.
"Enemy Rapture down."
"Diyos ko…that's quite an overkill." Ian was left in shock when he realized that he just activated the ultimate of the Titan. Despite knowing the stories of Laser core from his Mentor lesson, witnessing it with own eyes left a strong impression on him. It left him with awe, fear, and gladness….glad that this powerful Titan is on his side.
"Well done, Pilot. Our combat effectiveness has increased."
"Yeah….I don't know what you said, but I am glad we both made it out alive." Ian sighs in relief as he wipes the sweat from his forehead.
"Feelings mutual, Pilot."
"WOOHOOO NOW THAT'S MY PILOT!"
Ian looks at the corner of his screen, and sees the simulacrum dancing in joy just below his titan feet.
"Mentor!"
Ian excitedly jumps out from the cockpit to greet the simulacrum. No hesitation, they give each other a brotherly hug.
"See, I knew you had it in you. I knew it!"
"Well, what can I say? I learned from the best." Ian said with a smile on his burnt face, and let go of his embrace. Then, his mentor gives him a pat on shoulder, and thumbs up.
"Now you prove that you can be a Pilot…there is one more thing to give you before I announce you as a certified pilot."
"What is it that I still need to learn?"
The simulacrum pilot quietly turns around, and gestures his head to follow him back into the bunker.
"Open it"
EV, and Ian stand before a giant box while the simulacrum stands behind the corner as he leans against the wall. Waiting, and watching the rookie to open the box.
"Here we go" Ian takes a deep breath before he lifts up the cover of the box. Once he opened it, the content before his eyes made him teary, and surprised at the same time. "This is…."
"My pilot gear when I used to have a body back then. Now, it's all yours."
Inside the box, there is a pack of unique ordinance, a wall-hack Kunai and Data knife. Along with a wrist gadget that is capable of cloaking the pilot, hologram, and a grapple device for reaching higher distances. It also has the bulky Jumpkit, and a green camo body armor that is filled with substantial protection, a scarf and ammo pouches. Then It even has the weapon he used back from the simulation, the L-star, and the Charge rifle. Then the last of its list, it's the full face, bulky pilot helmet with a 'X' visor on its face shield.
"Go on, wear it…I wanna see what you look like."
No hesitation, the rookie takes everything he needs from the box, and wears all of them. Minutes passed, Ian took the last thing in the box which was the pilot helmet. Once he puts the helmet on his head, the 'X' visor flares up its blue light as he looks back at his mentor with pride. This act alone almost made the Simulacrum cry in tears if only he had one.
"How do I look?" Ian asks as he adjusts his shoulder to holster the L-star.
"Looking like a certified badass pilot." Jake answers proudly in his voice as he helps the rookie adjust his body armor. Then, he slaps a 6-4 logo patch on his pauldron, and gives a firm pat on his shoulder before letting him go. " I, Lt. Jake O' Connor. Gen 3 Pilot of the 6-4. Hereby declare Ian Lastimosa as the certified Gen 1 Pilot of the 6-4!"
"Welcome to the Family Pilot!" EV congratulates him as she claps.
"6-4…" Ian mutters in wonder as he gently brushes the 6-4 logo on his shoulder. "Forgive me for asking, what is 6-4?"
" The 6-4, is a group of freelance pilots who have been hired to fight for militia."
"So, like mercenaries?"
"No, we are no typical hired thugs who are only after the money…" Jake shakes his head as he puts his arms on his hips. Searching for the best words to describe his group. "We, the 6-4, operate with a unique code of Honor. The 6-4 Pilots always never work for the highest bidder. Instead, we fight for freedom, justice…most of all, we fight for the 'family'. And we do it on our own terms, brother."
"Family huh….so I am part of the Family now?" Ian asks, and feels unsure if he deserved to be part of such an honorable group.
"Yes, you are one of us now Brother!" Jake said with glee as pump his fist up in the air. "So, stand strong, and be proud, brother! Because you deserve every credit you earn after going through such hardship. Also, before I go….Remember, 6-4 is Family, and we will kick their ass!"
In his last words, the simulacrum pilot suddenly fades away, and turns himself into a pixelated dust. Leaving Ian, and EV alone in the chamber.
"W-What!? Mentor! Wh-where did you go!?" Ian glances around the chamber, and feels shock when he witnesses his own mentor disappear in front of him without explanation. "EV what happened? Where did he go?"
The Ion Titan stands silently, and turns its eyeball away.
"EV why are you not saying anyth-?!"
Ian pauses when he hears a sound of a hatch open behind him. He turns back, and sees another pair of Sim Pod. Then, inside of that pod is a lifeless simulacrum body, and it is sitting peacefully in his death chair.
"S-since when?" Ian approaches the lifeless simulacrum, and kneels before it as he holds on to his mentor's arms.
"Yesterday…the mind degradation is getting worse than we expected. To stop his suffering, he personally takes the 'self termination' program in his own hand." EV answers in her monotone voice, and stands beside her new pilot with its squinted eyeball staring at a lifeless simulacrum.
"Then, who am I talking to all the time?" Ian asks as he takes his mentor dog-tags from his frame neck.
"An advanced A.I hologram. Program to fulfill his last wish…"
"I see…you bastard, even in death you still stood by my side." Ian mutters under his grieving lips, and holds tightly on his Mentor dog-tags. Then, he quickly let go of the grief, and gently patted the shoulder of lifeless simulacrum. Thanking him for everything he did. "Don't worry brother, I'll make the 6-4 proud."
"Pilot, what are you doing?" EV blink when she notices the new pilot picks up the corpse of his mentor
"I am going to give him what he deserves…."
"May God guide you into heaven, and give an everlasting peace for your soul, brother."
Ian said his prayer as he put a last piece of rock on the mounds of stones before him. Then, he stands up as he picks up his helmet beside him, and wears it as he looks beyond his horizon.
"Pilot, my energy, and my ammunition is at full capacity. Ready to embark for another expedition" The Ion Titan said as it tower behind her pilot along with her shadow loomed over the grave.
"Is there anything else you want to say for your pilot before we leave?" Ian asks with his 'X' visor lit up its blue light.
"None….I already said my part yesterday, pilot."
"Ok. Let's go EV." Ian said as he raised his arms while the Ion Titan squatted, and grabbed his torso as it put him back to her cockpit.
"Transferring controls to the pilot." EV announced as she closed her hatch as she stood still, and let her eyeball glance at the sun over the horizon. "What's our next mission?"
"Now, it's time to go back to the last civilization of mankind. The Ark."
2 hours Later…..
"BA-01 down! BA-01 down! Please respond! We've been shot down! I repeat we've been!"
"BA-01, this is Ian Lastimosa, Titan pilot of the 6-4. I got fixed on your location, on my way. Hold on tight, and stay alive…that's an order."
To be Continued-?
Up Next: Chapter 3- Crash site.