Author's Notes
Thanks, Titanic X, for the review and for letting me know that it is, indeed, "Vatras" Sword. (' Wow, that's embarrassing.) I'll edit prior chapters to fix this.
Speaking of canon errors, I realized by rewatching I think episode 14 or 15 that Fenn doesn't need to eat. That would explain why I didn't show him eating in the original-I was thinking to myself as I went through all the scenes with food, "Wow, I totally forgot about Fenn. He has to eat, too, right?"-and my forgetful self went and added more details in that, while cute, aren't in line with the canon. I'll have to edit those out, too. I also remembered how limited Zero's flight was supposed to be in the first several episodes, most notably in episode 15 when Guneagle shows up. I've been having him and Aleda just zip back and forth from the base to solid ground XD But, I don't feel very bad about that, because in episode 18, Zero has absolutely no trouble flying super high, and in the Minov Sea Boundary of season 2 he and other Lacroan robots fly around with no problems over a space of nothingness-so, there! Ha!
It's a good thing I decided to rewatch bits of the first season to refresh my memory, though. I didn't watch the first season over as much as the second season back in the day, because the second was SO much better in terms of pacing, battle choreography, and character development. I forgot about several critical world-building details given in the first season. I probably need to watch the whole series over again just to be safe (which I don't mind) XD
So, this chapter has mostly relationship-building stuff between the characters, and I'm not talking about just the main romance. These scenes are setup, and I searched for things to eliminate, but I couldn't decide on any of them. Let me know if you think there are some things I could trim. I hope you find this chapter cute, funny, and vivid. :)
Disclaimer: SD Gundam Force belongs to Bandai and Sunrise. This fanfiction is based on their world and their characters. Aleda and her foster family are my original characters. The rest of the characters and the setting belong to Bandai and Sunrise.
Chapter 6: Chivalrous Excuses
Fenn had fallen asleep in Aleda's lap by the time Baku finished all of his stories. The last one was about how Baku and Entengo had chased down a would-be assassin. "...And I cut him down in one stroke!" Baku swung his imaginary sword dramatically.
Aleda squirmed in her seat. "It sounds like there's a lot of fighting in Ark."
"Well, yeah, the warlords want to take over as much land as possible. Most of them are greedy and corrupt, but Lord Buritenmaru is strong, honorable, and just," Baku said. "When he asked me to join him, I seized the chance, because I wanted to help that great leader bring peace to my home world."
The door to the lounge opened, and a faint bubbly sound announced the entrance of a Lacroan Gundam. "Are you making the lady listen to your blabber?" Zero said.
"She asked."
"I doubt she wanted to hear you talk to yourself for two hours." As Zero spoke, Fenn stirred awake to the sound of his voice.
"She was listening! She liked my stories," Baku gloated.
Aleda nodded. "They were interesting." She glanced down at the Lacroan Spirit. "Hi, Fenn, are you awake?" she said, grinning and petting him.
Fenn gurgled happily, but then he wiggled free, stretched, and floated to Zero. "I missed you, too, Fenn," Zero said happily, welcoming his fluffball into his hands.
"While you're cuddling your pet, I'm going to go train," Baku declared provocatively.
Zero growled, "Fenn is an important part of our fight against the Dark Axis! Tending to him is a suitable preparation for our upcoming battles."
"You keep telling yourself that."
Aleda yawned behind her mouthguard as the males began their usual squabble.
"Uncivilized, provocative simpleton! I'll show you tomorrow that I am not the one who needs the most training!"
"And I'll show you who's the simpleton!" Baku shot back. "See you later, Flower Knight!"
"It's 'Winged Knight'!"
The door slid shut, leaving Zero with Aleda and Fenn. "I apologize, milady, for that samurai's rudeness. He is not as courteous as I."
The Gundamess chuckled, "It's okay. You both were fine." She rubbed her eyescreens with one hand.
"Ah. Well, then… My lady, I am to rest for the remainder of the day," Zero began. "Would you like me to tell you more of Lacroa? Or perhaps to enjoy a game?" He gestured to the foosball, air hockey, and pool tables.
She looked up at him blearily. "Um, I'd like to, but… I might need to rest, myself. I'm suddenly feeling really tired."
Zero frowned in concern. "Suddenly, milady?" When the Gundamess nodded, her eyescreens displaying half-closed lids, Zero came closer and reached out a hand. "May I feel your forehead?" he asked. Another nod. Zero gently touched her helm, and his frown deepened. "You seem to have over-exerted your magic abilities during the battle this morning. You should indeed take a rest."
"Okay. I'll go to my room and sleep for a while." Aleda started to drift past him.
"Would you like me to escort you, my lady?"
"No, that's okay. I'm fine." She smiled. "Thank you."
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah, I'm not about to collapse or anything." I think.
"Alright, then. Take care of yourself, my lady."
"Thanks. You, too," and with a sweet smile, Aleda turned and departed.
...
She did make it to her room before collapsing on the bed. For the rest of the day, Aleda slept, and Zero attempted to keep himself busy. He wanted to duel with Baku, but he preferred not to tear open his healing wound. Fenn grew bored of pets and snuggles and started to push around the foosball ball. Zero found a book on Neotopian history and started to read, but soon he felt a headache; he had to rely on magic to translate the writing, and the battle of that day had worn him, as well. With a sigh, he laid the book down on a table and leaned back on the couch. He started to doze.
"You look bored."
Zero jolted awake to see brown eyes sneering down at him. "Ah!" He shot upright. "Bakunetsumaru, don't scare me like that!"
"You should never sleep during a war," Baku said. "I always have one eye open at night."
"I'd believe you if I didn't hear your raucous snore every night." Zero stood.
"I don't snore!"
"Yes, you do," Zero said haughtily. He almost raised his fingers to snap a Princess rose onto Baku's helmet, but then he remembered his headache and settled for crossing his arms.
"It's so frustrating that I can't challenge you to a fight right now!" Baku fumed. He surveyed the lounge and jabbed a finger at the foosball table. "Aha!" Fenn paused his play and blinked cluelessly at the Musha Gundam. "Zero, I challenge you to a foosball duel! If you don't accept, then you're the biggest pansy I've ever known!"
"Challenge accepted!" Zero eagerly flew to the foosball table. "Fenn, I'm sorry, but you must move." He plucked up the Spirit and set him on a chair. Fenn grumbled in discontent, puffing irritable sparks from his mouth.
"Alright! Prepare to be defeated!" Baku cried, taking the opposite side.
"No, you should prepare to be crushed by my elegant skill!" Zero declared.
"Winner gets Sayla's next cake!"
"You'll eat nothing but dirt, Bakunetsumaru!"
"Frenn!" Fenn blew a long stream of fire.
...
The next morning, Aleda, having rested well and healed enough to remove her braces and patches, elected to shop for groceries again at a different store. "I'll go with you, milady," Zero offered when he heard her plans.
"Oh, it's fine. You don't have to," Aleda said. She couldn't help but avert her eyes. The charming knight was doing a number on her internal temperature.
"I would like to, though. Especially after yesterday, I worry that the Dark Axis may attack, again, or that you may have a weak spell from magic depletion," Zero pleaded.
"Well, okay, then." She offered him a shy smile. "You can come."
This trip was less eventful and more successful. They brought home all the materials for a hearty breakfast and a juicy dinner. "Mmmm!" Baku hummed in delight as he tasted honey-covered pancakes and just-ever-so-slightly-crispy bacon. "This tastes great, Aleda!"
He, Zero, Fenn, and Aleda were in the kitchen, sitting around the table. Captain, since he was unable to eat, was instead using his time to get a tune-up from Kao Lyn. "It doesn't take a lot to make a good breakfast," Aleda waved off the compliment.
"But, still. Thanks for making it." He took another chomp of bacon.
Zero forked a piece of hash browns into his mouth. "Yes, milady. Thank you for making us this delightful breakfast," he praised.
Aleda reddened from all the attention. "O-oh. Well, you helped me get everything."
"I only carried the food. You should accept the compliment."
"Thank you." Though her eyes were glued to her pancakes, she grinned.
After they finished eating, Aleda set to cleaning the kitchen; dishes needed to be washed. Baku stretched. "Aaaaaah," he sighed. "That was good! I'm ready to take on today's training regiment, now. I'm sure Gunbike has something tough for us."
"Ah, we do have training, now, don't we?" Zero said, a little disappointed. He turned to Aleda. "I'm sorry, Lady Aleda. I would have offered to help clean, but I must join this session."
"It's okay."
A purple rose popped into the Knight Gundam's hand. "Please accept this as a token of my appreciation for that scrumptious breakfast. I hope I can give you better thanks another time."
"This is fine," Aleda said as she accepted the rose. She could feel her face heating, again, and she struggled to maintain an even voice. "Thank yous—er, thank you," she stammered. Why did I slip into a Northeastern accent, all of a sudden? I don't even have that accent! she bemoaned.
"The pleasure is all mine, milady." Zero bowed, then flashed a smile that could melt the arctic. "I shall see you later."
"See you."
"And, er, milady? If you would like, feel free to join us in the training room after you're finished. I know that the lounge is… under repairs…" He looked away guiltily.
Aleda laughed and nodded. "Sure. Don't worry about it."
The Knight Gundam, relieved, eased into a smile. "Then, until later, my lady."
"'Bye, Zero."
Zero turned and, to his surprise, saw no red Musha Gundam behind him. He entered the hallway and found Baku waiting there with a sly smile. "Are you done, lover-boy?"
The Knight Gundam flushed red; whether with anger or embarrassment, Baku could not tell. "Chivalrous behavior does not entail romance!" he protested.
"Save it for the judge! Let's go before Gunbike gives us 200 extra pushups."
Zero huffed and followed Baku, but a couple of roses sprouted from the Musha Gundam's back.
...
Once Aleda finished the dishes, half-an-hour had passed, and she thought of joining her companions. Before then, though, she had to add the latest Princess rose to her collection. She took it to her room and found a glass on her dresser with three purple roses. "There," Aleda said, slipping the new rose into the water. "I'll have to get a real vase for them when I can."
A beeping sound inside her audio sensor caught her attention. She pressed a button implanted just behind her helmet's right triangular, wing-ish shaped decal. "Yes?"
"Aleda, this is Mom. Are you okay?" came a feminine voice.
"Uh, yeah, Mom. Why?"
"We heard the news about dangerous things happening in Neotopia, recently, and we were worried."
"Oh, I'm fine. I wasn't very close to those attacks," Aleda fibbed.
"Thank goodness! Some people got hurt."
Aleda nodded sympathetically even though no one could see her. Her wings drooped at the news. The SDG hadn't told her about any casualties.
"How are you doing? We haven't heard from you in a while."
"I'm doing fine. I made some friends," Aleda said, breaking into a smile.
"Really? That's great! Have you found out anything new?"
"Uh…um, no."
"…Are you sure?"
Aleda sighed. Her mother could always tell. "Well, I might have found a matching symbol to my pendant."
"Really?! Where?!"
"I…" She wracked her processor for anything to say that wouldn't give away the SDG. "…found it in a picture. In the library. Mom. Are you sure you and Dad never saw anyone else like me?" The SDG had existed for almost ten years, according to Bell Wood. Surely something had to have slipped.
"No. Nothing at all. We searched as hard as we could—we even brought in robotics experts—but there was nothing."
"Those people who did scans of me when I was five?"
"Huh?"
"The experts were the people I remember who scanned me when I was five years old, right?"
"Yeah, that was them. I forget their names."
"I guess it doesn't matter," Aleda said. "They didn't figure anything out."
"No, they didn't."
A thoughtful pause entered between the two. Then, Aleda asked, "How is everyone at home?"
"We're doing well. The twins are doing well in school, Dominic is making ends meet just fine, and Abby's getting good grades on her assignments. Ember finished up her science fair project—"
"Oh, how'd that go?"
"She did well. Her project was chosen for regionals, like her big brother and sister. The teachers said they weren't surprised another Vaughn was picked. And Felix recently got a girlfriend."
"Really?" Aleda laughed.
"Really."
"I didn't think he ever would."
"I have a feeling his friends gave him the extra push he needed to ask her out." Her mother chuckled, too.
Aleda and her adoptive mother continued to talk about the Vaughn family for another forty minutes.
"—and the funding came in for your Dad's next project."
"That's great!" Aleda smiled.
"Aleda, dear, I've been thinking…"
Aleda's smile loosened.
"Why don't you bring home that picture, and we can all figure this out, together? Your father's next project has a good chance of successfully sending probes through portals. If we search through them, we might find your original world."
Aleda sighed. Here it is, again. "I'm sorry, Mom. I think I have a better chance out here. We don't know how many dimensions there are, and it could take years more to search through them all, so…"
"Unless the picture gave you a big clue, I don't think you'll have better luck there," Mrs. Vaughn said gently.
"It did! It, um, had a caption saying that this other pendant was found around here, so I'm going to track it down."
A sigh came from the other end of the phone. "Alright, sweetie. Just stay safe, okay? And remember, you can ask for our help whenever you need."
"I know, Mom." Then, softly, "Thanks."
"You're welcome. I'll let you go so I can meet your Dad for lunch."
"Alright."
"I'll tell him you're doing well."
"Thanks. Tell him I love him."
"Sure. I love you."
"I love you, too, Mom. 'Bye."
"'Bye, Little Wing."
The connection closed with a click. Aleda groaned and plopped herself on her bed. I feel so bad lying to them, she inwardly agonized. She turned her head and saw the digital clock on the wall. "11:46." Her eyes widened. "Oh, no! I was going to go meet them!" The Lacroan Gundamess bounced into the air and shot past the sliding doors into the hallway.
...
Zero had set himself on the way to Kao Lyn's work shop. Kao Lyn's schedule was as erratic as his own movements, so when Zero had been summoned by intercom for a checkup on his patched side, he'd had to abandon the training session immediately before Kao Lyn became occupied again. Lady Aleda has not come, he thought, disappointed. I suppose she does not wish to. She's shy, so perhaps I'm forcing her too much.
He rounded a corner in such deep thought that he collided into someone. He grabbed the arms of the person to steady her. "I'm so sorry—!" He gaped into emerald eyes. "Lady Aleda!" Her presence shocked him like a smack in the face, leaving red on his cheeks. No time to put on a suave air as he usually did; he'd already tripped. "I-I'm sorry," Zero stammered in embarrassment. "Are you alright, milady? I should have paid more attention."
"No, I'm fine!" Aleda's eyes squeezed shut in shame. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry. So sorry! I should have gone slower. I was flying too fast...sorry." She opened her eyes gingerly.
But, Zero smiled reassuringly. "No, you are not at fault, milady. I should look before stepping into another passage way."
"You're okay?" Aleda asked. "I didn't hurt your injury, did I?"
"No, no. It is almost healed completely, thanks to you," Zero reassured her.
"Really?"
"Yes, really." Zero released her and stretched to each side to demonstrate. "See? If I had been unwell, then I would not have trained with Gunbike, today."
"Okay, that's good," Aleda sighed gratefully.
"Are you on your way to the training room, my lady?"
"Yeah. Where are you going?"
"Kao Lyn wanted to see my injury."
"Oh."
"Would you like to come with me to meet Kao Lyn?"
"I haven't met him, yet, have I?" Aleda mused. "I guess I'd like to."
"Then, allow me to escort you."
"Okay. But, aren't I escorting you?" Aleda pointed out. "It's your appointment."
"I-I suppose so." Zero scratched his chin. "Well, er, um...Let us go, milady."
Aleda, smiling, followed him.
At the lab, Kao Lyn answered the door wearing a purple Mardi Gras mask. "Uhm... Kao Lyn, sir," Zero began. "Why do you have that mask?"
"I'm feeling festive!" Kao Lyn said, twirling excitedly.
"Well... Lady Aleda, this energetic man is Kao Lyn, the creator of all of the Gundams in Neotopia." Zero politely stepped aside to allow her to step to the human. "And Kao Lyn, this is Lady Aleda, a Gundamess of Lacroa."
"It's a pleasure to meet you," Kao Lyn said.
"Nice to meet you," Aleda said.
Kao Lyn extended a hand, and Aleda gently shook it. "So," Kao Lyn started, turning to Zero, "come on in, and let's check those marks."
Zero blinked. "Kao Lyn, sir, surely you don't plan to check my injury with the mask on?"
"What does it matter? Just come on in."
The Gundams exchanged a puzzled look, and then Zero inched across the threshold. Turning, he said, "See you soon, milady," with a quick bow.
Aleda flashed a quick smile. The door closed. Aleda waited, leaning against the wall, for only a few minutes before the Knight Gundam emerged again. No bubbly old man came out with him.
"How was it?" Aleda gently pushed off the wall and resumed her levitation.
"My injury is almost completely healed," Zero said happily. "He removed the patch! I'm glad I no longer have to bear that terrible mar on my naturally elegant appearance."
The hammy comment elicited a giggle from the Gundamess. "Aw, you're still handsome," she accidentally spit out.
"What?"
"U-uhm... you were still handsome even with the patch—I mean, are handsome—uh..." Aleda, with hot cheeks, averted her gaze.
"Oh, I uh, erm, thank you milady," Zero blubbered. He turned his head to hide his pink-tinted faceguard. In just a moment, he'd recover from that surprisingly charming statement, as long as he didn't look at that adorable face for the next few seconds.
"S-so, you're all better?"
"Essentially, yes, milady." Zero, his mask of charm restored, returned his gaze to her green eyes.
"That's great!" Aleda beamed.
Zero nodded and glanced at a digital time readout on the wall. "The Gundam Force is still training. Would you like to join me and the others, my lady?"
Aleda bobbed her head in assent.
As they flew to join their companions, Aleda spoke up, "Does Kao Lyn usually wear a mask?"
"No, milady. I am just as puzzled as you are," Zero admitted. "I do not know why he chose to employ such a disguise, today."
"Hmm."
In the training room, Shute struggled to keep pace with his Gundam fellows. He panted breathlessly through the 200 sit-ups, and by the 30th lap around the room (which was the size of a high-school basketball gym), he was crawling across the floor. "Git up, runt!" Gunbike yelled. "Bein' a human don't give ya an excuse to wimp out!"
The Lacroans walked in on this sad scene. "Who'd ya bring to our Gundam Force drills, Zero?" Gunbike demanded to know.
"This is Lady Aleda," Zero said.
"Aha! The new recruit I've heard about!" Gunbike reared up in excitement. "Fall in line, rookie, and I'll get ya in shape!"
"Uh, sir, but—!" Zero began to protest.
But, Aleda squeaked, "Y-Yes, sir!" and rushed to join the jog.
"Watcha standin' there gapin' for?" Gunbike barked at Zero. "Start runnin'!"
"Yes, sir!" Zero scrambled to obey.
The Gundam Force and Aleda continued their gruesome workout for another 30 minutes, and then they broke for lunch. "I can cook something," Aleda offered the group.
"But, milady, you're so tired!" Zero objected.
"I'm okay," Aleda insisted with a masking smile to hide the soreness in her joints.
So, the three male Gundams and Shute waited for Aleda to whip up hamburgers. Zero flitted around the stove, pleading to help. "Are you certain that you need no help, Lady Aleda?" he asked for the umpteenth time.
"Yes, I'm fine. The stove only has room for one person, anyways."
"I could pass you the ingredients?"
"Zero, it's time to leave the lady alone," Baku rebuked, yanking him away by the cape.
"Hey! Don't touch my cape!" Zero growled, snatching the folds out of the Musha Gundam's hand. But, with a regretful glance at Aleda, he wandered to the kitchen table after Baku.
"Seriously, Zero, I'd have thought that of all people, you'd know when to give a girl space," Baku continued, unperturbed.
"I feel guilty to task so much work to a lady. 'Tis unchivalrous."
"I dunno what else you thought was going to happen when Aleda walked in on our drills."
Shute rolled his eyes as the bickering pair sat next to him and Captain. "Gunbike has always been zealous," Captain commented. "He likes to include everyone possible in his training."
"I thought she might like to watch, or to learn a few lessons in self-defense," Zero defended himself.
"Aha! So, you wanted her to watch you show off!" Baku accused loudly.
Zero dove across the table and clapped his metal hand against the samurai's vents. "Shh! Quiet, Baku!"
Baku pushed him off. "So, you admit it!"
Zero wrestled to smother him. "No, I don't want you to give her the wrong impression!" he hissed. "I was trying to stave off her boredom!"
Aleda glanced at them across the room, a disapproving frown starting behind her mouthguard. "I thought you weren't going to fight in the kitchen."
Zero sweat nervously. "N-No, milady! We aren't intending to fight at all! I-It's our exercise routine!" His palm pressed Baku's face.
"O-oh, uh, okay." Aleda quickly returned her attention to stirring butter around the cooking pan over the stove.
Baku smirked behind Zero's hand, and the two Gundams resumed their whispered struggle. "Guys, stop!" Shute hissed when Zero nearly bumped a plate over the table's edge.
Captain stood to intervene, but Aleda glanced at them again, curiously, and both combatants froze. Zero slipped off the table. "Ack!" His levitation caught him, and he twisted upright. "Aha..." he chuckled nervously at Aleda's inquiring gaze. Aleda, when their eyes met, shyly dodged his glance. Steam hissed out of Zero's vents and helm to release his embarrassment, while Baku snickered.
The Gundamess soon finished cooking the hamburgers and settled down to eat with her new friends. Zero, Baku, and Shute praised the taste and juicy texture, earning shy blushes from Aleda. After clean up, the Gundam Force had a break in the schedule. So, the Winged Knight asked the winged Gundamess, "Would you like me to teach you magic, now, milady?"
"Yeah," Aleda said eagerly, with an emphatic nod. Though her answer was short and her voice was soft in volume, her eyes glimmered almost blindingly bright with excitement.
"Then let us return to the training room," Zero said, grinning to see her energy.
Author's Notes
I hope this chapter gave more insight into Aleda's character and her dynamics with other characters, both OC and canon. For shame, Aleda, fibbing to your Mom and Dad! Though she's not the only character keeping a secret I'm excited to see how that one turns out.
Next chapter is all stuff that I've written before, so it'll be out relatively quickly-I think. Even after my obsessive edits and cropping old fluff, I think I'm going to have to find another break to end the chapter on than I was planning, because as it is now, Chapter 7 is freakin' long! (Freakin' long = 12 pages TNR single-spaced) I may have to split it into two parts, somehow. I'll try to handle it gracefully. But once it's done, it'll be awesome, because Aleda will finally be learning magic from her favorite knight, and a tutor-protege relationship requires a lot of one-on-one extended close contact. :)
Please review! Tell me about lore inconsistencies, please!
-Penelopi