Disclaimer: I do not own Danball Senki, the concept and its characters, they all belong to their respective owners. All I own is my OC and nothing else. I also made up some LBXs and attack moves but I make no claim on it because the idea still belongs to their respective owners, just to let you guys know. Also, I made a sketch of what Rei looks like so please see my profile and check the link to the site :)
Chapter VI: Is Jealousy Blooming?
First Liberator and now a possible kidnapping due to terrorism? Just how long gone is the world anyway? It feels like Reina-san and I are part of the few unlucky souls who either had parents who had lots of enemies or the people who saw something dangerous and yet didn't know it was and was now being hunted because of it. When Jin and I took her to NICS everyone knew something had gone wrong, even Ban and the others stopped teasing me the moment they saw the urgent reactions on our faces. I understand we have a world to save but we're just kids… just how far can we go before we lose the will to fight?
"I have already alerted your father of your current location, Reina-san. Just to be on the safe side he requested that we keep an eye on you should this be just a prelude to something even more dangerous." Secretary Kaios informed her just as the meeting was about to end.
"I will be having Jin and Rei keep watch on you, seeing as you may have no combat experience when it comes to LBX battles." He further elaborated and my eyes went wide when he pointed out that I was to act as one of her body guards. Did he finally think that I could fend for myself? I smiled inwardly to myself at the thought of finally being recognized by the Secretary as someone who can actually be capable of fighting those Liberators. Reina-san nodded at the idea and turned to us with a bow.
"Sorry for the inconvenience." She apologized but I assured her it was alright. Heck, I even felt more pumped up at the idea since I wanted to prove how capable I actually am.
"Well, well. Isn't this a lucky thing for you, Rei?" Jessica giggled and I raised a curious eyebrow at her. The meeting had already been adjourned when Jessica ran up to me with that face of hers that I knew meant trouble. I inwardly prayed that it wasn't something embarrassing but this was Jessica we're talking about… she always loved to bring up the juicy ones.
"Oh don't give me that look. You know as well as I do what I'm trying to say." She added in but when I still gave her a quizzical look, she sighed and wrapped her arm around my shoulders while pulling me closer so she couldn't be heard by anyone but me.
"You and Jin on patrol eh? Somehow I feel thankful for dad even if he didn't really know about all this…" I turned crimson at her insinuation and quickly backed away from her.
"What on earth are you talking about!? I have no intention of doing what you are thinking whatsoever." I defended. My purpose was only to show how competent I was, nothing more nothing less. To think that Jessica would even insinuate something going on between me and Jin is beyond even my comprehension. It's not like I like Jin more than just a friend, right? I barely even know him!
"Rei. We have a mission to do." Jin called out to me and I turned red again when Jessica patted me on the back, wishing me good luck, before running off with Ban and Yuuya.
"Did something happen? I thought we were supposed to watch over Reina-san?" I asked worriedly, doing my best to avoid eye contact. Ugh, Jessica's repetitive teases about me and Jin have finally reached its melting point. I can't even look at Jin in the eyes without turning red like a tomato. Either Jin didn't see it or he's playing innocent, I didn't know since he quickly looked away and walked towards the control room with me trying my best to keep up pace.
"We are but it doesn't stop us from doing outside missions as well. Seeing as Liberator is on the move again, we'll need all the man power we can get before they make any more dangerous moves." Jin elaborated and my eyes widened when I saw Reina-san quickly typing out commands and digits into the computer. For a girl our age or maybe two years older than us, she really knows how to handle a computer very well.
"Ah, Jin and Rei. So glad you could make it." Secretary Kaios greeted us when we made it to the center of the control room. I saw Reina-san stop typing, her eyes shifting to us for a second before she went back to work.
"Did you need something from us, Secretary Kaios?" I wondered before my eyes wandered to the huge screen that was showing a lot of data being inputted into it. Secretary Kaios motioned us to the huge screen where he ordered Reina-san to show us a live video feed from Egypt, the huge pyramid towering in the midst of the small city. I was about to ask what could be the issue in Egypt, when the sound of explosions and people screaming erupted from the feed. Reina-san zoomed in closer on the location of the commotion and I saw to my horror that a portion of the city was on fire. People screamed and ran everywhere, the police doing their best to save any people that was close enough to the explosions. My hands clenched tightly into fists, knowing full well the only people responsible for this mayhem.
Liberator.
"Liberator has managed to capture the central government building. The president and his employees have already been evacuated but it's important that we flush out the LBXs running rogue in the building. NICS' system was built on the Egypt's encoding processor. If Liberator were to get their hands on it then it'd spell trouble for us. That is why I'm sending all of you for this mission."
"What? But wouldn't that leave NICS with fewer defenses?" I asked in surprise and Secretary Kaios smiled.
"I left that job to Reina-san here." He answered and both Jin and I turned to the girl who was busy typing away quickly on the keyboards.
"But I thought Reina-san had no experience in LBX battles? How can she defend this whole building without using LBXs?" I questioned and that was when Reina-san stopped and turned to us.
"Reina-san here is gifted with her father's mind too. A mind of a strategist and a scientist. I'm having her produce us a new layer of defense against Liberators LBXs."
"Is that even possible?" I hear Ran-san say in awe and I turned to find everyone gathering in the control room. Even Ami and Kazuya were here along with Professor Yamano. A new defense against Liberator even without our help? Can Reina-san even do it?
"By looking through Aegis it is possible." Reina-san added and my eyes widened in surprise by what she had just said. Does she intend me to let her check Aegis?
"It is true, we can use the data of Aegis' Defense Function and make our own shield for NICS while Ban and everyone are out on a mission. The only set back is that we have to borrow Aegis from Rei-san. Such encoding may take at least a day and they have to leave now, I don't think it will be wise to-,"
"It's alright, Professor Yamano. I will travel with them while setting up the shield. From here to Egypt it will take at least a day. By that time I will already be done with the encryptions."
"Are you sure, Reina-san? Is it even possible to set it up from that distance?" Professor Yamano asked and Reina-san nodded. Everyone seemed in awe at the idea and that was when I raised my hand to object. Even if it is from that distance, all of us will be on a mission… who can even protect Reina?
"I'm sorry but I have to object. We may be able to protect her on our way to Egypt but Reina-san will be left completely defenseless on the way back. I can handle without my shield well in battle so you don't have to worry. We did promise her father we will watch over her so I think her staying behind will be safer." I state but my opinion was quickly shot down by Secretary Kaios.
"You may have a point but NICS safety is a top priority too. Liberator's main goal is to capture all those related to the unlocking of the main memory computer, I doubt they'd take notice of Reina-san's abrupt appearance into the field."
"What about those kidnappers who are after her? Why did you even assign me and Jin as her guards if you had such confidence to say she wouldn't get hurt?" I argued, my voice straining to what sounded like disappointment and anger. Who wouldn't be mad? She was almost kidnapped a while back and then he plans to let her out onto the field even with that risk? I find it unfair that I had to fight my way to prove myself just to be able to aid in this quest whereas all she had to do was show her technical skills. We are both in danger but I know how to use an LBX whereas Reina-san can't. She won't be able to protect herself if something were to happen.
"Are you questioning my order, Rei?" Secretary Kaios asked, his tone making me bite my mouth shut. I wanted to retaliate and say yes but I should know my place. He must have a meaning to all of this, isn't that why he was part of the heads of NICS? Did I really just question him? Was it because I was too clouded with envy at the thought of Reina-san being acknowledged much earlier than me?
Since when did I stoop so low?
I took a deep breath and stared back at Secretary Kaios and shook my head. That is right, what matters is that I already proved myself to him, I don't want him to suddenly second-guess that opinion of me just because I acted like a spoiled kid. I more mature than that.
"Very well. We will all go as planned. Your group will split into two groups for this mission. I'll leave Jessica to watch over Reina-san just for safety measures. Ami, Kazuya, Ran and Hiro will provide back-up and clear the first two floors of the building. Ban, you take Yuuya, Rei and Jin to the third floor via the Duck Shuttle and try to shut down the main server. I have a feeling Liberator will amass majority of their army there so prepare for a tough battle. The moment Kazuya and his group clears the two floors, proceed to aid Ban's group. Understood?" Secretary Kaios instructed and all of us saluted and nodded.
"Roger!"
"Everyone dismiss and prepare your LBXs. The Duck Shuttle will leave in an hour." He added before we all took our leave to head to the maintenance room. I handed Reina-san Aegis before heading there and bumped into Kazuya and Ami conversing with Jessica along the way.
"Ah, Rei!" Jessica waved and I waved back before walking up to them.
"Tough luck you had there. Secretary Kaios isn't really the type to use his authority but you should understand that these are desperate times and he needs complete cooperation from all of us." Kazuya whistled.
"It's alright. I was the one at fault anyway. Questioning the order of a high-ranking official really isn't what should be done by a lower-rank soldier like me."
"But still Dad was a little bit too harsh with that look." Jessica pouted and I chuckled.
"Can't say I wasn't scared but it was only right. I'll be sure to be more obedient next time."
"Well, I wish us the best of luck guys. Liberator will be a tough opponent but we've dealt with much difficult foes than this." Ami encouraged us and all of us grinned in excitement and nodded. I'm with experienced players after all, so I know this will go well. All I have to do is support them and do my best to make this mission a success.
I gripped the defenseless Hel Verse in my hand as we took our seats before the shuttle took off. Jessica sat next to me, her eyes casting me sideway glances which made me all the more uncomfortable. Reina-san sat next to her, her hands attaching multiple wires that hooked Aegis to some laptop she took with her. Ban sat on the seat across from us along with Yuuya, Ami and Kazuya whereas Hiro and Ran were busy having an LBX battle in the simulation room.
"When do you think is the estimated time it will be finished?" Jin asked from beside me. This was the reason why Jessica was watching me ever since we got on the shuttle. Seeing as we are Reina-san's bodyguards, it was reasonable that both of us sat next to her. Jessica was a guard too but only in the ship since Jin, Ban, Yuuya and I were assigned to attack the top floor and stop liberator.
"I think it'll take half a day due to the previous alterations made so it looks like you'll be fully ready for tomorrow's battle." She said before engrossing herself once again in the world of technology.
"I lost again!" We heard Hiro complain as he walked out of the simulation room with a grinning Ran. Hiro's eyes quickly noticed me looking at him before his eyes twinkled in excitement and ran to me.
"Rei-san! Let's battle!" He loudly declared and all of us sweat-dropped at his quick recovery.
"Looks like a good idea, that way it'll ease our tensions. How's about all of us battle this time? A battle royale to determine who wins?" Kazuya suggested and everyone seemed excited at the thought before Ami piped in.
"But of course all of us have to join in and that includes you, Reina-san." She giggled and all of us turned to the girl who was busy typing on the keyboard.
"No thanks." She declined but was too late since Jessica had her by the arm and dragged her with us to the simulation room.
"Aw, come on. You said so yourself that you'll be done within the day. Take the time to chill every now and then. Besides, I know you'll love LBX battles." Jessica encouraged and Reina could only frown at having been disturbed from her work.
"But who's willing to teach me then?" She asked and that was when we all looked at each other and decided to draw lots.
"I never realized you were lucky in these things, Jin." Ban chuckled when we noticed that the one that had drawn the short end of the stick was Jin again. Jin just shrugged and handed Reina-san his Triton which took us all by surprise, after all Ran and Jessica used to tell me that it was very rare he lent someone his LBX. Though he lent Jessica the weapon, never did Jin let her use Triton to fight.
"Since I'll be teaching her, I'll lend her my LBX. This is a battle royale, Reina-san so expect them to all be going after the weak one for easy picking." Jin warned but looked as if he went unheard. Reina's eyes twinkled with wonder at Triton as she held it up and scanned the LBX.
"Rei-san! Time to get ready." Yuuya called me and I snapped back to reality and looked away from the duo who were now absorbed in the corner. I felt a twinge of something bitter settle in the pit of my stomach but quickly shook those thoughts away as I walked on over to the preparation area.
I wonder what that feeling was just now?
"Seeing as Reina-san will be taking my place in the battle. I'll be the referee for this battle royale." Jin announced when we were all gathering ourselves on the huge D-Cube that simulated a plateau. Everyone seemed so pumped up at fighting that even I was infected by the surge of energy. I glanced to Reina who gripped Triton tightly and I could see her eyes brimming with something akin to excitement too. I wonder what Jin taught her?
"I am so going to beat you again, Hiro." Ran challenged but Hiro scoffed as he took out his Achilles D9 and aimed it at both me and Ran.
"Ha! Rei-san will be participating so I don't intend to lose to you again, Ran! Rei-san and I still have some unfinished business to settle." He grinned and a smile formed on my lips as I shouted at him to bring it on.
"I guess this'll be the first time I get to see how a new Artemis winner will fare in battle. Believe it or not I don't intend to lose." Ban chuckled and I shook my head.
"I'll prove to you how strong the current Artemis winner is, Ban. I will beat you." I challenge and everyone begins to laugh as Jin starts up the rules.
"A battle royale for all the champions and contestants of Artemis. It's been a while since then." Yuuya smiles to himself before being lightly punched by Kazuya on the shoulder.
"Haha, been a while since I last battled you guys. Ami and I aren't that weak compared to last time." Kazuya grinned.
"Oh let's just start the battle already. I'm tired of waiting." Jessica pouted and Ami giggled as she took out her Pandora.
"Well, Jin I think it's about time we begin." She said and Jin nodded as the field opened and we all sent our LBXs into the battle field.
"Let the battle royale begin!"
BATTLE START
"Tsk." I clicked my tongue when Jin announced the battle and Hiro suddenly started going after me. Without my shield, I was forced to use Hel Verse's spear to block Achilles D9's attack and make a comeback by attacking Pandora who was wide open since Achilles Deed was occupying her at the moment.
"Mou! That was unfair, Rei." Ami pouted playfully and I chuckled as I dodged her moves and made her ram Pandora onto Minerva Kai.
"You're wide open, Rei! Attack Function!" Ban shouted and I clicked my tongue when I saw Odin MkII readying itself for Gungnir.
ATTACK FUNCTION: GUNGNIR
"Damn it, if only Aegis were-," I was about to say and my eyes widened in surprise when Liu Bei quickly intercepted the attack and used it to send Odin MkII flying to a nearby earthen wall.
"Don't think that I owe you one, Yuuya." I laughed and I saw Yuuya only smile as he nodded and sent Liu Bei to attack me. I quickly dodged his attack and used Hel Verse's spear and slammed it to the ground. The spear turned into a trident and Yuuya's eyes widened when he realized what I was about to do.
"Attack Function!" I shouted and water started forming from the trident. Everyone scrambled to get away but I smirked since I knew who I would be aiming it at.
ATTACK FUNCTION: OCEAN BLAST
The jet stream of water started to head on over to Achilles Deed and Minerva Kai, both of whom who were stuck trying to overpower each other. Kazuya noticed the attack and dodged just in time whereas Ran didn't fare so well when Minerva Kai was quickly drenched in high power water.
"Rei-san, whose side are you on?" Ran complained when Achilles Deed managed to incapacitate her, taking Minerva Kai out of the battle royale.
"Sorry but I take no sides when it's a battle." I grin.
"Looks like it's just you and me, Rei-san." Hiro grins but before he could run to me, Ami blocks his path and starts attacking him with quick yet precise blows from Pandora.
"How mean, Hiro. Have you forgotten about me and the others?" Ami giggled and Hiro frowned when he realized that our awaited battle had yet to take place.
"Rei-san!" Hel Verse turned just in time to dodge an attack from Liu Bei but I failed to notice Odin MkII who appeared behind me and sent Hel Verse hitting the solid floor.
"Hey! No tag team allowed." I laughed and Ban and Yuuya grinned before they both engaged me in battle. Achilles Deed appeared behind Hel Verse and I used that as a moment to grab Achilles Deed by the arm and throw it to block Liu Bei and Odin MkII from chasing me.
"That's just playing dirty, Rei-san." Kazuya frowned when he dodged Liu Bei but was quickly incapacitated by Odin MkII. I chuckled and made a run to Pandora to take her out.
"Sorry, Kazuya but all's fair in love and war." I grinned when Ami's eyes widened when she saw her screen turn blank, Hel Verse's spear stabbing Pandora by the neck.
"You may have saved me this time, Rei-san but expect no mercy from me." Hiro finally shouted excitedly, our long-awaited battle finally before us. I licked my lips as I analyzed my situation and my eyes widened when I realized that something felt off.
"Hey… where's Triton?" I finally asked and all of the remaining players froze when they noticed that Reina-san had yet to move from the field. I clicked my tongue when I saw Jin smirk and that was when Triton jumped from the mountain top, getting ready for an attack function.
"Attack Function!" She shouted and as the hammer glowed, my eyes widened when I realized who she was aiming it at.
"Sorry, Hiro but I'm not willing to back out yet." I frown and before Hiro could ask, I grabbed him the same way I did to Achilles Deed and threw Achilles D9 towards Triton.
ATTACK FUNCTION: GROUND WALL
Reina swung the massive hammer and aimed it square on Hiro's Achilles D9, sending it slamming to a mountain nearby. Bluish light emitted from Achilles D9 and I knew that that attack had now incapacitated Hiro. I turned to see Hiro and his face looked more shocked than upset as his eyes darted to Reina-san who was still unfazed by the sudden change of target.
"How the hell did you master Triton in such a short amount of time? Even I had a hard time wielding that huge hammer." Jessica said in alarm, when Liu Bei and Odin MkII had just incapacitated her Jeanne D.
"I taught her the basics. She learned by just observing and practicing while all of you took the time to battle each other since you thought to save the 'weak' for last." Jin strategized and even I couldn't help but feel surprised at her fast development. Her eyes shone a deep yearning to win and I knew that was enough to help her to get by and try to beat us.
"A quick learner eh. But I'm not going to lose though." Ban grinned and attacked Triton who dodged his move with the hammer. Liu Bei took this as a chance to attack me but I used Hel Verse's spear to jump and avoid his sword. At this rate if what Jin said is true then I have to get rid of her first before Ban. If she takes in more info from battles then she'll be a tough opponent by the time I make it to her. I could clearly see Ban struggle a bit from Reina-san's move and my eyes widened in surprise again when Ban was sent slamming to the ground.
"Attack Function!" I shouted and an electric current exploded from the ground which took Yuuya by surprise. The ground exploded, sending debris towards Liu Bei, Odin MkII and Triton. Everyone tried to scramble away from the attack and I used this as a chance to get to Triton and quickly incapacitate it with a stab of my spear.
"Hm. It was good while it lasted." Reina-san only said and I sighed in relief.
"Sorry but you became a threat the moment Jin told us what you could do." I say but my mind refused to further say the other reason why. I'd rather lose to Yuuya and Ban since they are much more experienced players. Losing to Reina would only make me look weaker since I lost to a rookie and I hate being looked down upon. I find it unfair that Jin had to use such a tactic on us even if I knew that he just wanted to help Reina. Even everyone seemed surprised that she was actually an adept player even if this was her first time. It irked me in a way since my name as an Artemis winner wasn't enough to assure them I was capable on my own. Reina-san didn't learn that by herself unlike me she learned that from-,
Wait what am I even saying?
I clicked my tongue and frowned when I realized that I was actually jealous of Reina-san being noticed for her skills than me. After all, I had to prove so many things to them and yet they still doubted what I could do… wait aren't I any different? Didn't they to do their best too to gain my trust but it took me a while to accept it? Could Jin actually have done this on purpose to show me what he meant that time back in the mall? My eyes turned to Jin and I noticed him congratulating Reina-san and I frowned. No, he wouldn't do something like that so quickly. Would it just mean that he favored Reina's skill over mine? Not once did he ever say anything about my fighting style and it's making me worried as to what he thought of my skills. I mean, I only beat him that time because of Overload… did it mean that I was incompetent when I didn't use such a power?
Was I really weak to begin with?
"Rei-san look out!" My eyes widened as my mind snapped back to reality when I saw Odin MkII slamming Hel Verse to the wall. Wait? Where did Liu Bei go? My eyes scanned the field and I saw Liu Bei incapacitated by the side making me frown. So it looks like a battle between me and Ban then.
"Are you alright, Rei? You looked out of it for a minute." Ban asked worriedly and I quickly shook my head in response as I kicked Odin MkII away and made Hel Verse jab it repeatedly with the spear. Ban dodged all the moves and the last one sent Hel Verse flying to the wall since Odin MkII grabbed the spear. I clicked my tongue again in annoyance, my mind too clouded to concentrate. Even everyone seemed to notice my change in mood since I could see the concern look on their faces.
"I'm sorry but…" I say and made Hel Verse turn and ram at Odin MkII which surprised everyone on the field.
"I refuse to look weak." I mutter so low for them to hear and dodge the oncoming onslaught of Ban. A myriad of jab attacks were returned as Hel Verse's move hasten, my eyes beginning to throb as I tried to hold back Overload from activating. I refuse to use such a power to beat Ban. I will make myself stronger by my own means.
"Rei-san? Are you really alright? You're turning pale." Ami asked me worriedly and I nodded as I hazily yet clumsily dodged Odin MkII's movements and slammed it to the ground with a kick. I tried to stab it with the spear but Ban grabbed it and twirled Hel Verse to the sky. I cursed inwardly to myself when I saw Odin MkII take flight and was about to stab Hel Verse with its weapon. I quickly inputted some commands and Hel Verse dodged just in time to grab Odin MkII's spear and I use it as a chance to stab Odin MkII on the stomach.
"Atta-," I was about to shout when my vision dimmed for that minute and I kneeled to the ground, black spots dancing in my vision. I could hear Jin call off the fight as everyone struggled to get to me, Yuuya and Kazuya trying to help me up.
"Rei-san!? What's wrong?" Jessica tried to ask me but I could shake my head in response. What on earth is going on? Why do I feel so mentally drained for some reason? Didn't Jin and Ban say that using Overload would drain me but not once in this fight did I use it, so why am I so tired?
"Rei-san, your eyes…" Ran gasped and I turned to the mirror to only to gasp in shock. I could see wisps of light on the edge of my irises but what made it different was the fact that it was turning redder every time I tried to hold it back. I closed my eyes to try and calm my breathing and when I opened them, they returned to normal but the effects of trying to stop them still left me fatigued.
"Sorry, I tried to stop it from controlling me but the rush of battle got to me, I think. Looks like trying to stop it only makes me even more fatigued for some odd reason." I apologized but deep down I wondered if maybe my emotions had something to do with it. I mean, I've battled with Ban and the others before and not once did it activate. Could it have something to do with the fact that I was too intent to prove myself to them that I got carried away? Ugh, my head hurts just trying to think.
"I think you should rest for a bit. You look like you climbed fifty flights of steps!" Hiro worriedly said and I gave him a slight smile nodded.
"Yeah, I think I should…" I sigh tiredly as I rest myself on the preparation area's chairs. I catch Reina and Jin leaving together with Ban to discuss something and I felt that odd twinge again as I closed my eyes and tried to erase those thoughts.
'Stupid emotions…'
Gosh it took forever but here it is guys! I am so sorry for the super late update. Tokyo Ghoul got to me and well... yeah I think you guys already know what happened next. Thank you so much for those who still supported this story of mine especially to those who messaged me and review my story. As promised I will update this to the best I can. In fact, I have a sequel already in mind but until then... just stay tuned and don't forget to fave and review guys :)
-xXGemini14Xx-