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 would look like so please check my profile for the link.

Chapter VIII: Miscalculation

After I had narrated the story, I looked up to see them all silent and deep in thought. I didn't think that I'd be baring my whole 'trust' issues to them but they earned it. That's right, they earned my trust and after so many years, I didn't think I'd be opening up to strangers again. No, let me rephrase that, they're all no longer strangers but friends.

"Wow…I-I didn't think you actually hid a past like that." Jessica finally said, breaking the silence that was nearly suffocating.

"I know it's a petty reason to say that it was because of this that I had problems trusting people but it wasn't just the fact that I couldn't go and battle with him. His death also made me fear the fact that someday, if I ever trust another, then I will only be met with the same end result. I fear the idea of being left behind by the people I trust…"

"Aki's death was beyond your control, I'm sure he didn't want to leave you hanging but it happened. Accidents happen…" Kazuya assured me but I could only hug myself at the memory, I know Kazuya's words ring the truth but his death wasn't something I could easily forget. He gave me the courage and he was my first real friend. The expectations and dreams all gone in the blink of an eye… I just couldn't stomach his death to happen so fast.

"So your fear from trusting others is because you fear loss. The idea of losing someone is painful so you distance yourself from others to avoid the same pain… Doesn't that feel lonely, Rei?"

"It's lonely, Ami. More than anything, I want to make friends but when his deaths comes up in my mind, I hesitate. Being left behind is more painful." I reply, my eyes looking outside, the night sky covered in twinkling stars.

"But you don't have to worry, Rei. If you want to move forward then you have to reach out to the hands reaching for you." Ban assured me, his smile reaching till the corners of his eyes as if he was trying to smile for my sake too. I could feel tears begin to well up in my eyes at the sight of these people whom, under a twist of fate, gathered like a light shining down on me.

"Ban-san's right! No matter what we'll be here so you won't feel lonely!" Hiro added in enthusiastically making me smile a bit when Ran punched him lightly on the shoulder.

"You're being too noisy, Hiro! But he's right, Rei-san. We're not going anywhere so you don't have to worry." She nodded in assurance and I felt Yuuya pat me on the shoulder making me look up to see his face smiling down on me.

"You can take my word for it that they meant all what they have said. I was lost once too but they helped me out. They gave me a reason to keep going and now… I'm no longer lonely because of them. I know it'll be hard but we'll get over that hill together."

"You have people here who would do anything to help a friend, Rei. Even though we've not had much time with each other, you and Jin risked your lives for me. It's only right I do the same, not as a debt to repay but as both a thanks and gratitude for what you have done for me too." I snapped up to see Reina-san looking at me with a small smile on her face. The tears continued to overflow as it trailed down my face but it was Jin's words who finally completed it and made me cry like a little child from the overflowing love they gave me.

"People come and go but memories of them never leave us. Aki may be gone but he's there isn't he? In your heart, the reason you cry is because you miss him. Isn't that tantamount to how much you care about him? So don't lock him away, don't lock us away. No matter what, even if we may all go to different places, we'll always be connected in here." Jin moved his hand to his chest as his eyes looked at me with warmth as I cried in front of them, all the pent up loneliness pooling out as I felt them all patting me reassuringly, their warmth almost like I was back home.

"Thank you so much!" I gurgled earning me a light chuckle from all of them.

"Once again, welcome home, Rei."

"Rei?" I flinched and quickly wiped my tears away and I turned to find Jin by the entrance to the deck. Metamo-R steadily maneuvered our ship through the night sky as my eyes returned to the view.

"If you're going to ask why I'm here, I couldn't sleep so I came here to watch the sky." I explained and froze when I felt his weight shift to the railing. I turned carefully to face him and saw him looking out as well, his arms supporting his body as it leaned on the railing.

"Humans really are weird, aren't they?" He suddenly added making me look at him curiously as to what he was alluding to by saying that.

"Pardon?"

"The way they forge connections and bonds… like some magic that brings down even the sturdiest of walls."

"I guess. To think that after so long… I finally found something to walk towards to. I always thought that minimizing contact with others was the easiest way to go and yet…Even if I was doing it for everyone, never in my life did I feel so cold and alone." I sighed sadly and imagined their faces, all cheering me up and encouraging me.

"So thank you. Really, you don't know how much this all means to me. I can't believe I'm putting my trust again on the line like this…" I hiccupped, tears streaming down my face for the nth time. Is it really alright, Aki? To move forward like this with new people? I was always afraid of being left behind by those who mattered to me. When you died, I really didn't know what to do. It made me question if trusting people was such a good thing when in the end they would only end up leaving you. Is it really alright now? Will it be okay to risk one more time?

"I'm sure Aki has been waiting for this day. I doubt he wanted you to wallow in regret forever because of him. Deep down, I think he too wanted you to meet us, to tell you to get up and walk forward. After all, like I said, no one really leaves. Only their bodies decay but their memories remain." Jin patted me on the head, comforting me. I was lucky it was dark, I couldn't live with myself if he saw me blushing madly from what he just did. Before Aki, this has been the second time someone comforted me like this. It's reassuring and warm, the same warmth I missed when Aki was still been alive.

"It's warm…"

"Hn?"

"It's been a while since I've felt this free. Thank you." I say with much more clarity, tears still stained my face but I was no longer crying. I could feel a genuine smile form on my lips as I turned to Jin and said my gratitude. He was shocked at first but he returned the gesture with his soft smile as he pulled his hand away just as the door opened and we both flinched to see light flood the whole room.

"Rei? So this is where you-," Jessica slurred sleepily before she stopped midway, her eyes trying to focus in the dim room.

"Jin, that you too?" Her voice sounded clearer this time with a tinge of surprise and suspicion in it. Her eyes darted back to me before she rubbed both her eyes and a smirk formed on her lips, making me shiver.

"So~ since when have you been lying to us? I knew you were in denial! I'm getting Ami and Ran to pay up." Jessica added causing me to blush red when the pieces began to arrange themselves in my mind.

"Wait, Jessica! You misunderstand!"

"Misunderstand? Are we going to go through this again, Rei?" She huffed while Jin watched us both in confusion. It was better that way, the less he pieced together, the higher chances that I wouldn't suffer from embarrassment. The last I wanted to do with my new found friendship with them is make it awkward by misunderstandings.

"Jin? So this is where you went." I heard Ban yawn before he too froze and turned to me.

"Rei? What are you doing here?"

"They were having a little rendezvous in the night." Jessica implied making me turn even redder.

"Jessica! Stop don't-," But I was too late to explain my side when I saw Ban's eyes widen before he turned red like he had just realized something.

"Is that true, Jin?" Ban turned to Jin and to my horror and dismay-

Jin misunderstood the implication.

"Is that wrong? I'm not denying that I saw her leave the room when I came to get something to drink. I thought she was still worried about her trust with us so I followed her to the deck to check up on her." Jin explained which all the more made Jessica snicker.

"How sweet. See, Rei, there really is a chance."

"Jessica! Not another word." I hissed and grabbed her before turning to Jin and Ban.

"Well, it's late and we have a mission tomorrow so… Good night!" I quickly said and dragged Jessica out with me back to our rooms.

"No means no! I have no feelings for him whatsoever." I whispered and Jessica snorted making me cover her mouth. It was still late and to be honest, I didn't want Ran, Ami and Reina hearing this and make my situation even worse.

"But did you for a second think he might have the same feelings for you?" Jessica added making me blush again before I shook my head.

"Don't be silly! How could you even say that when we barely just met and I doubt feelings like that develop so quickly."

"So you did contemplate the idea? I knew it."

"No, I didn't! Why are we even discussing this? We're just friends. Name one time we even became more than that!" I retorted in more of a hiss.

"When you went out on that date!"

"It wasn't even a date. He was just watching over me as my bodyguard, which you guys failed to clearly do. It was out of duty."

"Then why were you sulking when he went with Reina-san to train?"

"Sulking? I did not sulk."

"Yes you did. Even when you denied it, you still had that upset look on your face every time we mentioned it. That's why it was fun teasing you."

"H-how-? Okay so maybe I was a bit upset but it was because he seemed more interested with Reina's skills than mine. I mean I won Artemis and not once did he reflect on how well I played… I'm just worried that maybe I'm lacking in something or maybe I'm not cut out to be a part of this team…" I sighed and sat back on my bed, the revelation leaving Jessica too stunned to speak. Fine, I admit, I was upset and jealous. Jealous because my pride as a renowned player was overshadowed by Reina who just started out. I guess after being lonely for so long, I started to crave for attention or for once to be noticed by someone.

"No one can know okay, Jessica. I'm sorry but I'm human too and I can feel these things as well but everyone just accepted me. I-I don't want them to think that I'm some attention seeking kid. So, I really trust you not to tell anyone about this." I begged, my first test to see if it was still worth it to trust people. Even if I do feel these emotions, I still don't want to tell too much of it to them. I want to slowly learn about them and in return I'll also slowly show myself to them. This was one of the things I still had yet to admit and to think I told it too soon to Jessica. Maybe I'm wrong, maybe I am just an attention seeking child.

"I'm sure no one can hate you for that but if you really want to then I won't tell a soul. I promise it as a friend." Jessica promised with a soft smile. I smiled weakly in return and nodded at her assurance, hoping deep down that it really is okay to trust in others again.

"When the time comes, I promise. I'll open myself more to everyone." I say to her and she grinned before stifling a yawn.

"You better or I'm telling everyone for your sake." She threatened lightly with a snicker before bidding me a good night. I watched her ready herself before turning her back to me and I took that as my cue to look out the window and sigh to myself.

I heard in a book that the fear of happiness is called cherophobia. The aversion to happiness because of the feeling of paying the punishment because good things have happened to you lately. To be accepted by people again and to learn to trust again? It's scary that so many good things have been happening to me lately. That is why I fear the consequences, the idea that it will vanish in a blink of the eye. I don't want that to happen. Not after I finally got out of this shell of mine and made friends.

If ever there is a god out there…can you please just grant this wish of mine?

The duck shuttle landed and I could feel my breathing hitch up as I grabbed Hel Verse tightly in my hands. My second mission and I still can't help but feel anxious about how the battle will turn out. We nearly got killed the last time Liberator attacked us on the ship and the memory always scared me. I can't afford to fail this time.

"As said by Secretary Kaios, your group will split into two groups for this mission. Jessica will watch over Reina-san here inside the duck shuttle. 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. Of course, we made sure to send back-up so we called in a few old friends to help you." Cobra debriefed us before we all turned to the sound of footsteps from behind us.

"Well if it isn't Ban! How long has it been since we last met?" My eyes widened when Ban came to greet three familiar people waiting for us down the duck shuttle.

"Been a while it seems but we're ready for anything when the need arises."

"The Hanged Man. A sacrifice will be paid but this time it looks like we'll be here to stop it."

"Asuka, Gouda and Daiki! What a surprise." Ban greeted along with the others as I stared dumbfounded at the group before me. Last year's Artemis Champion Asuka Kojou was here in the flesh along with Akihabara's two champions Gouda Hanzou and Daiki Sendou. To think such renowned people are gathering before me… It only goes to show one thing.

As part of this group, I must not fail.

"Hm? I see you have new faces in the group. Mind telling us who they are?" Gouda asked when he locked eyes at me and Reina, causing me to gulp as Ami and Ran ushered us forward.

"Ah, this here is Artemis' current champion, Fujiwa Rei." Ban introduced me first causing me to watch in surprise when Asuka nearly choked on her juice that smelled oddly like tomato.

"What!? You mean the one they call the Tactician Empress? I watched your fight with the Lightning Prince and the Iron Beast. It was a nice battle and I can't wait to fight you. I'm sure Vampire Cat is excited to go on par with your Hel. Man, I'm so excited." Asuka shouted excitedly causing me to grin widely at having been noticed by the 4th year Artemis winner herself.

"Looks like somebody is fired up but dang, Ban. You really have a way of drawing powerful people to you." Gouda chuckled as he slapped me at the back causing me to nearly collide with Jin. Memories of last night made me turn red as I backed away before Gouda grabbed me while pointing at himself.

"The name's Hanzou Gouda. Akihabara champion and owner of Hakai-O Dogma. If you guys need help then I'll be there, Hakai-O Dogma and I will sweep the field clean with his attack function."

"Pleasure to meet you Gouda-san."

"Please, you're reckless enough as it is."

"What was that, Sendou? Asking for another fight are ya!"

"Bring it on then. Me and Nightmare Fear will just beat you up like last time."

"Hehehe… guys… we appreciate the enthusiasm but can do that after the war?" Jessica tried to calm them down before Asuka could pipe in again about joining in on the battle.

"Fine. And who's the other girl with you guys?" Daiki conceded reluctantly before locking his eyes to Reina who observed them quietly.

"Ah, this is Professor Mito's daughter, Mito Reina. She's as good as her father with just managing to build a shield for NICS in a span of one day. She's here to aid us with the infiltration by checking the map layout of the whole building." Ban introduced Rein next ad I saw Daiki raise his eyes in curiosity after he heard Ban mention Reina's last name.

"Mito, you say. The same man who created the proxy war for LBXs? I heard he's a great inventor and scientist."

"Yes, that is my father's dream. To create a war without bloodshed. If you need technical assistance or maintenance then I can help." She offered and I could see her eyes trail to Vampire Cat and turned to Asuka.

"If you want, I can tune all your LBXs before battle starts just to be sure. I studied the components of an LBX through Jin's Triton so I can fix up some problems they are having. Then we can have a higher probability of ensuring victory."

"Really now? If Ban says what you can really do then I trust his judgement. If it means gaining more power and winning this quickly then it's fine by me." Daiki shrugged as he handed his LBX while Gouda and Asuka did the same. I watched in awe along with the others as Reina quickly yet deftly adjusted their LBXs frames and joints. In fact, I almost estimated that it only took her ten minutes to actually tune them up.

"Woah! Look at those movements. It's almost like they're brand new. I know I never let anyone touch my LBX except for Takeru but imagine if he finds out about this. He'll be excited to meet ya!" Asuka said in awe as she controlled Vampire Cat, its movements seemingly more fluid and quick. Even Gouda commented about something when it came to the reduction of time Hakai-O Dogma took to summon its attack function. Daiki said nothing but the way he stared intently at his LBX must mean that Reina did well.

"You're amazing! In such a short time too. You'd make a great mechanic ya know." Asuka complimented and even Gouda and Daiki nodded in agreement.

"Ahem! I know getting to meet each other is fine and all but can you guys do it after the mission?" Cobra coughed to gain our attention causing us all to turn grim, that small happiness quickly sucked away like a vacuum upon the realization that the only time this were to continue would be when we finally put a stop to Liberator.

"Everyone must proceed with caution. Liberator knows we've gathered here so they made sure the control pods would be unusable. We can only go so far as to provide radio back up so make sure you're all ready for this fight. When the explosion goes off everyone will begin the infiltration. Follow the groupings and don't act beyond what you are ordered to, understood?" Cobra gave us one more reminder and we all nodded our heads in understanding. Ami, Kazuya, Daiki, Ran and Hiro left the ship first to clear a path for us whereas Gouda and Jessica stayed behind to guard Rein and the ship. With the Asuka on the team, I knew we'd be fine now with powerful members but I couldn't help but continue to twiddle my thumb anxiously, my mind racing at the many strategies I could think off to keep everyone and myself from getting hurt.

"Calm down, Rei-san. Everything will go smoothly, I'm sure of it." Yuuya tried to reassure me but I could only shake my head as the memories of the battle on the ship still plagued my mind.

"I wish I could, Yuuya. But I'm just worried things might not go the way we planned and I can't help but find a way to adjust should anything go wrong." I replied when we heard the signal beep and we knew that the first group had already managed to clear the first floor.

"That's why you have to trust in us too, Rei. We'll adjust and rely on you too. I doubt they called you the Tactician Empress for no apparent reason." Ban piped in with a reassuring pat on the shoulder making me feel conscious about their willingness to believe in my skills.

"The war is about to begin. I trust you with my back, alright." Jin finally joined in causing me to turn serious yet happy deep inside. To think I was worried about what he thought of my skills as a player. For him to put his faith on me like that. I guess I really have a long way to go to better understand them.

"Then let's go! I won't let you guys down." No longer was I possessed by my fear. So long as they still continue to believe in me then I will not let them see me fail. I will prove to them what I can do, Ban is right. They don't call me the Tactician Empress for nothing.

"Ban, you and I will provide the frontal attack and defense while Jin, Yuuya and Asuka will aid us from behind. Should we get into a pinch, I'll try to see if I can use Aegis while you four try to find an opening. Judging by the way the map is designed, the computer should be on the third floor inside a secret room, and we'll use Triton's Ocean Blast and Hel Verse's Thunder Crash for multiple damages." I strategies before the signal goes off and we know it's our cue to make it for the stair and towards the third floor.

I'll make sure Liberator never gets the chance to use Egypt for war.

Smoke and explosions greeted us as we ran into the building. Kazuya and Ran continued to clean the first floor while announcing to us that Hiro, Ami and Daiki proceeded to the second floor to clear the field. We passed them a quick good luck before made a run to the stairs, some rogue LBXs guarding the stair but we quickly incapacitated them.

"This is too easy. Where's the thrill." Asuka laughed excitedly, almost like a playful taunt as her Vampire Cat cleared the field with a quick swipe of its trident. Several LBXs greeted us when we reached the third floor and that was when I saw Ami passed out making us run to her.

"What happened?" I asked in alarm. Several explosions resounded before we heard a static signal from the earpieces Cobra handed to us.

'H-hello… give… status… Ene…blocked…There's…signal.' Jessica tried to shout at us from the intercom. Kazuya clicked his tongue in irritation as his Achilles Deed blasted off a few LBXs that tried to jump at us.

"Signal's been fuzzy when we reached the second floor. My bet's they cut us off. Ami got caught in a nasty trap so she got zapped. Hiro and I have been trying to hold the fort here. Daiki was supposed to help Ami out but with this many LBXs the exit is completely guarded." Kazuya recounted to us the events making my blood boil at how low Liberator would go just to achieve their end.

"We can open up an exit but it would only mean that one of us has to stay."

"Are you crazy, Rei-san? Going up to the third floor with one less person is dangerous. There's a reason why we have Asuka-san, Gouda-san and Daiki-san to help. Even the hero needs more allies to assure a victory." Hiro argued before I saw Yuuya stop him.

"I'll stay behind. Liu Bei's Byakko Shohazan can provide an opening and we'll use that timing to get Ami out."

"But-,"

*Roar*

We all froze at the familiar sound as memories of that time on the ship made us look to the exit. There before us stood the frightening droid known as Nidhogg, its malevolent red eyes glaring at us as multiple LBXs surrounded it like a wall.

"We have to get Ami out here now. Daiki take her, we'll try to bide you time." Ban wasted no moment before he quickly motioned Odin MkII to stay still and block the path that led the enemy LBXs to us. Triton and Vampire Cat followed before I turned to Hiro, Yuuya and Daiki who was carrying Ami.

"We'll be fine so go." I assured them, my voice so sure even I was surprised by it. They nodded reluctantly but their look was enough to assure me that they knew-

This time… we would win.

"Now this is the battle I've been waiting for." Asuka gripped her CCM excitedly and agreed with her as I turned to the droid who howled at us, my eyes glaring at the huge metallic monster.

"It's time Nidhogg returned to where it came from."

*Roar*

The rogue LBXs took that as their cue to attack as they all began to make their way towards us. I quickly inputted commands onto my CCM and Hel Verse rocketed as its lance skewered three LBXs in a row. The explosion affected nearby LBXs as I quickly made Hel Verse back away from the explosion. Ban took my place and then followed by Jin as they both work hand in hand to obliterate half of the giant LBX wall protecting Nidhogg.

"Attack Function!"

ATTACK FUNCTION: WHALE CANNON

A huge blue seal engulfed the entire field where Nidhogg and its guards stood. Asuka's Vampire Cat twirled its lance before slamming it to the ground, causing a huge eruption of water to blast from the seal, damaging surrounding LBXs in its wake. I took this as a cue and just like last time on the ship, Hel Verse jumped into the fray as its lance separated to form a trident.

"Attack Function!"

ATTACK FUNCTION: THUNDER CRASH

The electric shock mixed with the strong pressure of the water caused an explosion as several LBXs from left and right began to explode. I felt Jin grab me by the hand as he dragged me away from explosion and towards a room where Ban and Asuka were motioning us to follow. I could still hear Nidhogg growl from within the mayhem and I knew that even with that kind of power, it was still alive.

"Is everyone alright?" Ban asked us and well nodded while we took refuge behind the metal door that led to an empty computer room. We walked carefully towards the center, scanning each area to make sure no rogue LBXs were in sight. When we deemed the room clean, we all sighed tiredly as we collapsed to the floor.

"I didn't think Nidhogg would appear so quickly into the battle. I was expecting it to be the last guard but it looks like I miscalculated." I apologized before I paused when I felt something soft still holding onto my hand.

"Y-you know, Jin. You can let go now." I finally managed to say with a squeak when I realized that I was still holding hands with him. He seemed to finally notice and apologized quickly as he let go of my hand.

"Sorry."

"N-no it's fine, really no need to apologize." I assured him before the sound of banging metal made us turn quickly to the metal door.

"Still not enough, huh." I clicked my tongue as I calculated the scenarios that this could turn to our favor. Another bang followed making us flinch in anticipation for the next move before the banging stopped and we heard a click. Bluish light shone on the floor and we turned to find the huge screen brought to life and we saw a hooded figure with a snarling demon mask glaring from the screen.

"Nidhogg is an unstoppable tracker. Once it is inputted a command it will not stop until that order is fulfilled. I had assumed my earlier threat on the ship was enough to make you understand but clearly that is not the case." Liberator finally said making me glare at the figure on the screen.

"I'd rather die than help the likes of you!" I shouted causing the figure to laugh evilly while tutting at my declaration.

"Such an immature way of thinking. Do you really think I'll listen to a word all of you would say? Clearly, you have a long way to go. Although, trapping you here was not my intention but it looks like we are the favored ones today." Liberator chuckled making our eyes narrow into thin slits as we stared at the figure.

"What do you mean?" Ban jumped into the conversation and we say the figure turn to the screen behind him. Our eyes growing wide in alarm when we saw the duck shuttle in view, Jessica, Cobra and Gouda unconscious, wisps of electricity emitting from their bodies.

"What did you do?!" I growled before the screen shifted and we saw Reina's unconscious body being surrounded by rogue LBXs. An explosion resounded from outside the ship and the screen shifted again to show Daiki and Yuuya along with Kazuya, Hiro and Ran trying to get into the ship while fighting off the horde of rogue LBXs that tried to get to them. Ami was still barely conscious but even then she wasn't stable enough to get Pandora to fight.

"This is their fate if you wish to continue this rebellion. Our existence is to eliminate the worthless, the bug of this slowly rotting world. The perfect reset our Master Mizel has wished will finally come to fruition. Surrender us Fujiwa Rei and in exchange we will even spare you from getting deleted. You have only until sunset to decide before we decide to blast this shuttle and kill everyone within the vicinity."

"The people have nothing to do with this! Leave them out of this fight." I shouted angrily before Jin and Asuka tried to stop me from trying to kick the screen out of anger.

"This world has more to pay and they deserve to be punished for it. The clock is ticking, better make your decision…" The screen goes black and I collapse to the floor, knowing full well the outcome of this war.

Suuupppperrrr late! I know... I'm not in my best condition lately. With graduation around the corner, well I've been busy with requirements. So many to do so little time :( But this story is not dead. I'll do what I can so forgive me for my random updates. Thank you for the reviews, you don't know how much they reassure me to keep writing this!

So please fave and review!