Hello everyone. R-0 here and welcoming you to the next chapter of Gundam SEED: Twin's Fate Entwined. Apologize for the significant delay as school got kinda hectic. Before I commence the R&A section, I won't be able to respond to everyone as I wish to talk about the Remaster, but all the reviews would make the A/N a little over-crowded. As such, do not be annoyed that I do not respond to your review.
Zombyra: Ok, before I address this review, I have to make a point that addresses everyone:
Please say something about the chapter if you're going to post a review! It's more aggravating that one would think. I know it's probably fun to read my responses to reviews, but don't just use that as an excuse to ask questions. I look forward to hearing that your opinions on the specific chapter. Please don't post a review for the sole purpose of asking a question as it's more frustrating than you think.
Anyway, my thoughts on homages? Well, I'm cool with homages if they're intentionally made to be homages and aren't just blatantly ripping off something. A good example is the R-1 from Super Robot Wars as it looks and acts like a Gundam, one of the most iconic mecha in anime. A perfect mecha for the massive mech nerd who is Ryusei, however, it has enough self-identity to be awesome as its own thing. That's making a nice homage. Another example is the Tieren with its appearance and serial number which are radically similar to the Zaku II. What I don't like, however, is when its blatant like the ZAKU Warriors, GOUF Igniteds and DOM Troopers.
Guest: All I'll say is that we have our own definitions of evil. In order to be evil, I believe a character has to fulfil certain prerequisites. They are selfish, manipulative, uncaring and downright unstable. Flay ticks all of these boxes and then some.
I already debunked the typical argument about daddy blowing up being responsible her behaviour as she behaved the same way prior to it, just on a smaller scale. His death didn't cause her negative behavioural traits, just aggravated them. It's likely to assume that she would have just gone on hating Coordinators and being an insensitive bitch if he survived (That's not assuming that she would have probably died during their descent to earth due to either being on the shuttle (Her motivation for joining the EA is lost) or on the Montgomery with her father). She illustrated dishonesty by apologising to Kira just because she was told to, manipulation by burdening Kira with saving her father as well as lack of caring and insensitivity with her "I don't want to associate myself with you Coordinators!" outburst right in front of Kira. Even on a subconscious level, she had all these traits before he died.
Also, the whole "She's not evil because she redeemed herself!" argument is stupid as well. A character doesn't just have to stay good or evil throughout a series. That's like saying that Vegeta wasn't evil to start with and became good or was always good and just pretended to be evil which is retarded or that Durandal is evil because he did a few morally questionable things despite having the best intentions and weren't done out of selfish impulse like Flay's actions. They can alternate between them. Flay was initially neutral then shifted into evil and then back to neutral as she realized that she just incited nuclear war. She was never "Good", though. A more extreme example is the cast of Akame Ga Kiru/Kill. They all do VERY morally questionable things, but they are all portrayed as being "decent" people. Flay doesn't do this.
Ok, why would I replace one of the most memorable SEED characters with some John Doe? If anything, I look forward to developing her character without having Kira wrapped around her pinky. It makes for a new interesting dynamic as her relationship with him was what altered her opinion on Coordinators on a subconscious level. Without that relationship, she could be completely different.
I never said she was deserving of death, just that her death had purpose within the context of SEED. It helped push Kira over the edge and give him the power to take on Rau.
Ok, I need to address this: I don't care about this Dragoon Swordsman fellow (Not to say that I dislike him or anything as I'm sure that he is a nice character) and I don't care what his opinions are. He may be a nice guy, for all I know, but this is my story and my views on the Cosmic Era. We all have our own views on things and it's annoying me that people keep mentioning him like his opinion on things is gospel law. You don't have to agree with my views, just stop telling me that his are the only right views. What does it matter if he says that Flay's not evil? That doesn't mean that it's gospel truth. Just let me have my opinion on things and accept that they don't have to coincide with his. Again, I'm not saying I dislike the guy, I just don't care to constantly have his thoughts on things be brought up like they're the only correct ones.
Don 77: Again, I stopped watching Doctor Who a few years ago, but I sometimes see him and he is kinda gary stu-ish. I distinctly remember more than four girls holding an attraction to him through the small amount of seasons I've seen of him. Not love, but attraction (Amy is a good example of this distinction). Also, the fact that he's willing to kill at points kinda just hammers home that he's a tragic individual with a tragic past which is, again, a Mary Sue cliché. Also, it doesn't matter that he's a Time Lord, being so intelligent to the point where nothing shocks you is still a Mary Sue trait. Again, I don't dislike the Doctor. He's quirky and cheerful and just hilarious at points. He's a good Gary Stu because the series is self-aware of it and pokes fun at it. Another example of a self-aware Mary Sue is the old Dante (Not reboot) from Devil May Cry. He's half demon, incredibly powerful, the son of the only demon to turn against his brothers, has rugged good looks, white hair and blue eyes, a kickass sense of style and hangs around with incredibly gorgeous women while his enemies cower at his feet when they realize that he's the son of Sparda. These are all very Gary Stu-ish traits, but it's off-set by his goofy personality and being a complete slob who lazes in his club, eats pizza and treats everything like a joke. It's the same case with the Doctor.
Fireminer: Well, he's not gonna be Jesus Yamato anymore so that's a bit of an invalid statement.
Well, this is an episode where explosions are unnecessary. This isn't a Michael Bay movie where it's needed every five seconds.
Probably not. If anything, their interactions in this canon are going to be relatively minimal. I can't really tell you why, but you'll see soon enough.
whyjae: To be honest, there was a long period of time, when I was younger, when Lacus didn't bother me as much. Now that I'm older, however, I see everything wrong with her character. If you want to just see one single thing that perfectly encompasses everything wrong with Lacus, look at Hilda, Mars and Herbert (Aka: the fake Black-Tri-Stars). Why are they loyal to Lacus? Where did they come from? How in the holy hell did Lacus manage to have three Mobile Suits that are still in the experimental stage be perfected when months of ZAFT work couldn't along with the Strike Freedom and Infinite Justice which easily outclass ZAFT's strongest Mobile Suit (Durandal says the Destiny is the strongest himself) in every way? These three just solidify that everything happens at Lacus' convenience. It's also horrible that she never proves her mettle and spends all her time sitting in a chair looking pretty (Despite the fact that I think that every other female character is better looking) and spouting pretentious babble while crying "Don't shoot at the cockpit!" At least Cagalli will actually get in a Mobile Suit and try and do something herself! The fact that her sheer appearance causes people to gasp in awe is angering in itself.
Well, I'd still join ZAFT because, in the end, every atrocity they committed was committed by the EA first and usually their atrocities were much worse in comparison. In relation to the EA, ZAFT are freaking saints. I don't see ZAFT forces mowing down refugee camps and nuking civilian colonies out of pure prejudice. In the end, the EA always struck first and, when ZAFT went on the offensive, they cowered in their bunkers. While Patrick is a freaking psycho, he's nowhere as bad as Blue Cosmos or LOGOs. He wanted what he believed was best for Coordinators while they just wanted to profit off of war and make themselves feel less inadequate. The only ever truly morally questionable thing that they did in a wartime scenario was during the assault on Panama base where they slaughtered the EA forces even after they surrendered and, even then, I can sort of get why. Now that the EA have Mobile Suits that stomp the shit out of their GINNs, ZAFT can't afford to pull any punches. Even then, ZAFT has never resorted to killing civilians like the EA has. The snazzy uniforms and luxury ships are just an added bonus to not being part of an army ran by racist warmongers and equally racist psychopaths (I reference you to the Coordinator rape face EA soldier in Phase 9 of Destiny) who experiment on and indoctrinate children and ultimately proving their hypocrisy.
NaruSaku fan 100: I didn't say there would be lemons, I said that there may or may not be lemons. It's neither here nor there.
Well, there are numerous characters in fiction who are there simply to be hated. Within the context of the Cosmic Era itself, there's one definite who is clear as day: Djibril. There is no possible way you can like this guy. He is made to be absolute scum with zero likeability. Why would such a thing be done in fiction? It's usually done to provoke the audience into being on the "Good" guys' side more and having more belief in their mission to stop this character. That's one such example and there are many.
thedarkpokemaster: Again, I don't approve of just bashing a character in fics. If you're gonna give a character that deserves to be punished punishment, then it should be managed in a way where you're not being blatant about it or are doing it to just be spiteful.
Guest: It is something I disapprove of and, while it is fun to voice your dislike over a character, that should not reflect in your writing. It comes off as juvenile and immature when you do such a thing.
SLITH: That's kinda my attitude. I hate Flay, but it was still pretty bad to see her go (Though it was less of an emotional thing for me). To be honest, as long as you don't fanboyishly like Lacus, I'm not that bothered.
Guest: I don't think my depiction of the characters is anything special. I just try and remain as impartial and true to canon as I can.
Anyway, without further ado, let's begin. I will quickly mention that I am going to try and write this battle scene in a different way. I'm gonna try and write it as a whole scene without any line breaks. If this doesn't work, please let me know.
Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to Gundam SEED or its respective materials.
Chapter 11: First Awakening
"The Defendant fails to understand how much he threatened the ship's safety as a result of his actions." Came the scathing, disapproving tone of the ship's XO as a certain protagonist sat silently, forced to endure it.
After his recent shenanigans involving a Pink-Haired Songstress, Kira Yamato has now been taken to the Captain's quarters to face punishment for his actions that almost endangered the whole ship. Now on trial, he faces Mu La Flaga, Murrue Ramius and Natarle Badgiruel who are conducting said trail. He's filled with tension as the surrounding figures all gaze at him intently, he feeling as if a spotlight is being shined on him.
"That comment is no more than an analogy." Mu remarks. "I ask that it be taken out of the minutes."
"I authorize its deletion." Murrue responds, Kira maintaining focus on her.
"Er… Let's see…" Mu continues warily, his eyes focused heavily on the book outlining procedures for these situations. "In the first place, I believe that taking a civilian as a hostage goes against Article 4 in the Cosica Treaty."
"The actions taken fall under Exception Section C of the same article 'measures taken during wartime'" Natarle responds swiftly.
" 'Exception Section C'? I've never heard of that…" Mu mutters, hastily scanning through the book, trying to locate the aforementioned entry.
Both Natarle and Mu seem unawares of Kira and the Captain maintaining focus on one another.
"Ah, but the Nazca-Class withdrew and we escaped the difficult situation because we released the hostage!" Mu reasons.
"It could have ended much differently." Natarle counters.
"Kira Yamato," Murrue addresses the accused, seemingly ready to pass verdict. "Is there anything you would wish to add?" He maintains silence. "Why did you take such action without authorisation?"
"I didn't rescue her just so that she could become a hostage!" Kira explains, a very clear sense of anger in his tone."
"Right, of course." Mu interjects. "If anything, you just wanted to get 'closer' to her, right?" He asks with a playful tone, annoying both Kira and Natarle.
"Objection!" The XO declares with annoyance, standing up from her chair to exaggerate her point.
"Will the defence please watch what you say?" Murrue admonishes Mu. He responds with a jovial smirk as Natarle sits herself back down. "Kira Yamato's actions ARE in violation of Article 3, Section B, in violation of Article 10, Section F and go against Article 13, Section 3 of Military Law." Murrue lists off all of his indiscretions. "As such, the defence shall be… Sentenced to death!"
Kira adopts a look of terror at this declaration.
"However…" Murrue begins again. "… This sentence applies to those under a court martial. Military Law holds no weight over the punishment of a civilian." She further explain. "All I'm allowed to do is caution Kira Yamato over the severity of his actions. This court is adjourned" Murrue declares with a final tone.
Kira breathes a sigh of relief before regarding her again.
"U-uh…"
"In other words," Mu speaks up, rising from his chair and pointing his now-closed book at Kira in a lecturing manner. "Don't do stuff like this again without permission." He equally speaks with a final tone, casually tossing the worthless book as Natarle lets out a grunt of annoyance.
"Thank you." Kira responds simply before turning to leave. "Please excuse me." He declares as the door slides open and he floats out.
"Kira!" A familiar voice calls out. The pensive youth turns to the left to see the trio of his friends; Sai, Miriallia and Cagalli all floating over to him. "How did it go?"
"What were you told?" Miriallia asks with equal concern.
"Do you have to clean toilets for a week, too?" Sai asks with a half-joking, half-concerned tone.
"Speak for yourself." Cagalli interjects. "They've got me doing even longer hours in maintenance!" She remarks, trying to bring a lighter atmosphere.
"Both of those are great ideas!" Mu responds as he floats out of the office. "Either of those are perfect punishments!" He remarks before giving the youth a pat on the shoulder and floating off down the corridor. Natarle follows suit, regarding Kira with annoyance, before silently traversing the same corridor.
"They're not punishing me." Kira assures them.
"That's good." Sai responds happily before realizing something. "Doesn't that mean that we're the only ones getting punished?"
"Obviously!" Cagalli remarks. "He's still the Strike's only pilot so it's not like they can wear him out too much with punishment." She pats Sai on the shoulder before regarding Kira again. "I knew you'd be fine."
"You have that much faith in me?" He asks, causing her to adopt a slightly flustered expression.
"Only 'cause there's no one else capable of using that thing!" She explains. "It'd be stupid on their part to ground their only means of defence because you had a moral crisis."
"Regardless, I want to help with you." Kira offers.
"It's alright." Sai assures him. "We'll be meeting up with the Eight Fleet soon enough, anyway so it's not gonna be too bad."
"At least they didn't space us or anything…" Cagalli remarks as they start to walk.
"Cagalli!" Miriallia scolds her as the blond lets out a slight giggle.
"Kuzzey told us that you and Cagalli talked to that girl." Sai addresses Cagalli and Kira as they float down the corridor before placing their feet down. "I hear that the Aegis' pilot is a friend of your, Kira." He informs him, shocking the duo as well as a certain other hidden in the shadows. "Honestly speaking, I was a bit worried."
"Sai…" Kira trails.
"But I'm glad." Sai assures him. "You returned like you said you would."
"I told you he would!" Cagalli remarks, crossing her arms. "Kira isn't the type to just break a promise. He wasn't gonna just throw you all to the wolves."
"I know…" Sai assures her before checking his watch. "My bridge shift starts now so I've gotta get going." Sai informs them as he and Miriallia wave the duo off before floating away, unawares of a certain red-head still floating nearby.
"Anyway, we best get going as well." Cagalli remarks as they both float to a nearby bulkhead and open the door, as Kira starts to enter into the new section, his arm is grabbed by the gloved hand of the blond. "You did the right thing, Kira. I promise you. I'm really proud that you came back." She assures him, giving him a gentle smile.
"Cagalli…" Kira trails before smiling as well. "Thank you."
And with that, she lets go of her grip and they both enter the door. At the last second, however, the blond turns to see the familiar sight of a salmon dress and locks of red hair, a dark expression emanating from the owner of both these things…
With the Gamow…
Elsewhere, the familiar Laurasia-Class is closing in on the location of the lone Earth Forces ship, its hangar still storing the powerful trio of the Duel, Buster and Blitz.
On the bridge, the Ship's Captain stands on one side of the central viewscreen while the aforementioned Mobile Suits' pilots stand on other sides.
"Sure, it is possible to catch up to them before they join the fleet," Nicol admits. ", but we would only have ten minutes once we get there before coming in range of them."
"What you mean is is that we have a good ten minutes?" Dearka remarks inversely.
"I suggest that cowards remain silent." Yzak bites, insulting his teammate, causing Nicol to narrow his eyes in frustration. "Are there ONLY ten minutes or is it a full ten minutes? It's all in how you view it." Yzak explains. "My opinion is that we have a full ten minutes before they join their fleet which is a chance we can't overlook."
"I agree." Dearka adds in. "The success of a surprise attack isn't measured by the actual time spent."
"I know that." Nicol assures them. "But-"
"I hear that the Vesalius will be returning as soon as Lacus is handed over to Commander Laconi's ship." Yzak remarks. "So we'll sink the ship before then." He concludes before regarding the green-haired youth. "Got it?"
"OK!" Dearka agrees, giving a thumbs-up.
"Very well." Nicol responds after a significant pause.
With the Vesalius…
Elsewhere, a familiar blue-haired youth is traversing the corridors of his Nazca-Class with his blond-haired senior.
"Athrun…" Miguel starts. "You hesitated in the last battle." He remarks simply.
"I know…" Athrun agrees with a sombre tone.
"I can't imagine how hard it must be for you to fight your closest friend," Miguel sympathises. "But you can't afford that kind of hesitation on the battlefield. You have to be ready to fight him with all you've got."
"Kira wouldn't have killed me…" Athrun counters.
"No, but one of his buddies might have." Miguel responds, stunning Athrun as they stop moving, Miguel floats past him and turns to regard him. "He's not the only one out there."
"Miguel…"
"I need you at your best." Miguel's expression turns to an almost hopeful one. "I can't do it on my own."
"I…" Athrun begins before steeling his expression and staring his senior in the eye. "I'll do my best."
"Haro!"
Their tense conversation is broken as a familiar pink robot bounces past Miguel and into Athrun's hands. Athrun lets out a deep sigh in realization.
"Lacus…" He mutters before turning to see a familiar pink-haired princess approaching the two of them. Miguel adopts a look of annoyance and turns his back, moving to float past Athrun.
"I'll leave you two lovebirds alone…" Miguel remarks as Athrun turns to watch him leave.
"Haro seems to be overly excited." A familiar voice calls as Athrun turns to see the Pink-haired princess immediately in front of him. "He's happy to see you after all this time."
"Haro doesn't have any emotion capabilities." Athrun counters in a joking tone. "You are a guest here, but the Vesalius is still a Warship. You can't wander around too much." He explains before ushering her back into her quarters.
"I'm told that everywhere I go." Lacus mutters in annoyance. "It isn't any fun."
"It can't be helped, that's just the kind of position you're in." Athrun remarks, hoping she'll get the picture as he falls back into silence. She giggles for a moment before turning to regard him, seeing that he's staring at her blankly.
"What's the matter, Athrun?"
"Oh, nothing!" Athrun assures her. "I was just wondering how you were feeling. After being taken hostage, you must have gone through a lot."
"I'm fine, thank you." Lacus responds smiling happily at his concern for her. "Your friend treated me very well on the other ship."
"Is that right?" Athrun responds, adopting a sorrowful expression.
"Mr Kira is a very kind person." Lacus remarks. "And very strong."
"He's a fool." Athrun mutters in annoyance. "He insists that he isn't a soldier, yet he still pilots that thing. He's just being used, something about having friends!" He remarks. "It's because his parents are Naturals. That's why…"
Lacus, in hopes of comforting him, attempts to move her hands to his face, but he turns away slightly, denying the affection. She lets out a slightly hurt gasp at this.
"He said that he doesn't want to fight against you." Lacus assures him.
"I know, it's the same for me!" Athrun responds with a heated tone. "Why should I have to…" He trails off as Lacus stares at him with confusion. "Please excuse me." He apologizes before turning to leave.
"You always have that bitter expression lately." Lacus remarks.
"It's not easy to fight a war with a smile on my face." Athrun swiftly responds as the doors swing shut behind him.
With the Archangel… Bridge…
"We'll reach the rendezvous point in about thirty minutes." Murrue informs her XO as they stare at the bridge's primary view-screen. "Somehow, we managed to make it this far."
"Conduct enemy searches and lookouts rigorously!" Natarle commands Dalida and Romero. "Fleets do draw attention so enemies will target them!"
"Yes ma'am!"
Elsewhere, the familiar sights of Tolle and Sai could be located within the Mess Hall, enjoying a momentary reprieve of food as the little girl, Elle, attempts to get a glass of water.
"We went through a lot, but we're almost there." Kuzzey remarks.
"I know…" Sai responds.
"They will let us off, won't they?" Kuzzey asks with a hopeful tone. "Onto Earth, I mean?"
"Of course!" His bespectacled friend assures him.
"It's just because…" Kuzzey start before taking a breath and correcting him. "Remember what Lieutenant Ramius said?"
Sai then quickly recalls that moment when an injured Murrue, at gunpoint told Sai and his entourage, that they would be dealt with by the "Proper Authorities".
"Yeah." Sai responds. "Would the Fleet be those 'Proper Authorities'?"
"You're right." Kuzzey agrees. "But…"
"But…?"
"What'll happen to Kira?" Kuzzey asks with a worried tone. "Will he be allowed to disembark? It's just because he's gotten involved in a lot of stuff, after all…"
Sai adopts a pensive expression. He sits there for a few moment before moving to answer. Suddenly, the familiar hiss of the door sliding open alerts them to the sight of Kira and Cagalli stood there. They regard each other before both moving to pick up something from the dispenser.
Surprisingly, the sound of more footsteps can be heard behind them as a familiar figure enters behind.
"Flay!" Sai stands up, addressing his fiancé with concern. Flay's eyes turn slightly to regard the shocked Coordinator, seemingly locking onto a target.
Fortunately, she seems to miss the annoyed expression that the blond gives her, memories of that dark expression she witnessed flooding Cagalli's mind.
"Flay." Sai speaks again before walking over to her. "Are you alright? Shouldn't you be resting?"
"I'm fine." She responds apathetically, seemingly ignoring Sai as she walks on over to Kira. Cagalli, surprisingly, maintains her distance behind Kira, discretely watching what's about to unfold.
"Kira." She addresses the Coordinator. "I apologize for earlier." She declares, confusing the Coordinator. "I was in such a panic then, that I said things I shouldn't have." She continues, the assembled persons all watching with intrigue. "I'm really sorry."
"Flay…" Kira trails.
"You fought the best you could, to protect us." Kira's mind momentarily flashes back to when Cagalli said the same words. Somewhere, in the recesses of his mind, he registers that Flays doesn't sound as sincere, even with the tears building in her eyes.
"It's alright, Flay." Kira assures her. "You don't have to be so hard on yourself."
"I knew that you were doing your best." Flay continues. "Yet I…"
"Thank you, Flay." Kira responds. "I am really sorry that I couldn't save your father."
"Wars are so unpleasant." Flay mutters. "I wish they would just end."
"I agree." Kira responds.
Unbeknownst to the duo, a certain blond was still observing the conversation and she did notice the same dark expression from Flay that she had seen in that corridor.
This isn't good…
At that moment, the alarms rang fiercely as the Captain's familiar voice calls over the intercom.
"All units, take Level One battlestations!" The voice calls out, alerting everyone in the mess. "I repeat: All units take Level One battlestations!"
And, with that, the quartet all sprang and ran out of the Mess Hall to take their appropriate positions. Unfortunately, Kira, on his way out followed by Cagalli, ran straight into a lines of the little girl named Elle. Due to their speed, the girl was quickly knocked to the ground. Kira, out of concern, slowed down and went to help her, Cagalli also stopping so he doesn't trail too far.
"Are you alright?" He asks with a concerned tone before extending his hand. "Here."
"I'm sorry." Flay quickly appears and helps the girl up. "He was in such a hurry as we're entering another battle." She explains. "We'll be alright, though, as Kira will fight to protect us."
"Really?" Elle asks.
"He's gonna go and beat up all the bad guys." She explains as Kira adopts a sorrowful expression at the exchange. Cagalli momentarily grit her teeth in annoyance.
That's the worst…!
"Kira, Cagalli!" Sai calls out to them from the lift. Both youths quickly run over and join them as Flay stands back up to see them off, holding Elle's hand.
"That's right…" Flay mutters. "He needs to beat them all up." She declares, squeezing the life out of the small girl's hand.
"Oww!" She cries before snatching her hand away and running off, leaving the redhead alone.
Battle Start…
As Mu's Moebius Zero takes off, Kira is just getting into the cockpit of his Strike, Cagalli trails behind with Murdoch holding the hatch open for him. He quickly dives in and fastens himself up. As he's about to close the hatch, however, a hand presses itself on one of his own.
"Kira…" Cagalli addresses him, her slender form hovering in the hatchway. "I need to say something."
"Oi, what are you doing?" Murdoch calls in annoyance. "He needs to sortie!"
"Give me a minute!" She responds.
"You've got less than one!"
"What is it Cagalli?" Kira asks in a concerned tone.
"It's about Flay…" She begins as Kira cocks an eyebrow in confusion.
"Couldn't this wait until after-"
"Don't trust her."
"E-eh?" Kira asks with confusion. "What are you talking about?"
"Kira…" Cagalli begins. "I've been watching her and she's many things, but forgiving and sincere are none of them. She's up to something."
"Cagalli you're just being silly." Kira assures, refusing to believe what he's being told.
"I'm just concerned for one of the few friends I have!" She responds heatedly, clutching his hand even tighter. "Look… If you can't not trust her, will you at least not take everything she says or does at face value? As a friend, I'm asking you."
"Cagalli, I-"
"Please?"
"I-" Kira pauses again before looking her in the eyes. She adopts a pleading expression that he rarely ever sees on her. He knows that she's not the petty kind and wouldn't do this out of some misplaced jealousy. It is with that logic that he makes his answer. "I'll be careful around her."
She adopts a relieved expression and breathes a sigh of relief. "Thank you." She removes her hand from his own and exits the cockpit, adopting her normal expression. "Now go out there and kick some ass!"
Kira swiftly nods in response and shuts the cockpit doors as Miriallia's face appears on the view-screen as the Strike is moved into position to sortie.
"Kira! The attacking forces are one Laurasia-Class as well as the Duel, Buster and Blitz!" She informs him.
"Those three…" Kira mutters in a knowing tone. The Strike is swiftly loaded in place on the launch catapult as the clamps detach and the Strike drops into the Launch Catapult.
"APU activated!" Miriallia calls out. "For the Striker Pack, we'll attach the Aile." She continues as the hangar bay doors close. "Connected to catapult." She informs as the Aile Strike pack parts all descend from their berths and attach to the Strike on either side. "Route Clear, Strike is ready to launch!"
"Kira Yamato, taking off!" He commands as the launch sign reads "CLEAER" and the Mobile Suit takes off, veering down the catapult before reaching the end and detaching from the clamps and fuel line, the Mobile Suit's wings folding open and its Phase Shift activating.
"The Eighth Fleet is heading our way!" Murrue informs the Bridge Crew and the pilots. "Hang in there!"
"Activate Igelstellungs!" Natarle commands. "Activate Anti-Beam Depth Charges and set up all stern missile tubes!"
At that, the familiar automated defence turrets all emerge from their bays as well as the aforementioned missile bays all opening to reveal their payloads.
In response, the approaching Duel, Buster and Blitz all bunch up together, obscuring the Gamow. This allows the Laurasia-Class to fire its Beam Cannon as the trio of Mobile Suits all separate and the two green beams pass by them, striking the left side of the Archangel.
"They've analysed our evasion algorithm!" Murrue realises.
"Hiding their line of fire with those machines?" Mu surmises as he gives chase to the Mobile Suit trio. "That's cute!" He remarks as he detaches his Gunbarrels and opens a barrage of fire on the enemies. They all dodge with relative ease as the Zero locks onto the slowest Mobile Suit: The Buster and opening fire. Due to the Mobile Suit's inferior speed, the Zero easily lands a hit, but the Buster's Phase Shift causes it to shrug off the damage with ease.
"That's useless!" Dearka chuckles before returning fire with his Beam Gun. The Zero is able to evade the oncoming fire with its superior speed.
"Lieutenant La Flaga!" Kira calls out as he opens fire on the trio himself, backing up the outnumbered and outpowered Mobile Armour. Unfortunately, he's intercepted as the Duel opens fire on the Strike, a few shots grazing the Strike's shield. Kira quickly turns to boost away as the Duel moves to give chase, the Blitz following close by.
"I'll lure the Mobile Suit away!" Yzak commands. "Nicol, the Legged Ship is yours!"
"Roger!" Nicol responds. He's swiftly intercepted by the Zero who opens fire on it with his Linear Gun. The Blitz is easily able to dodge it as it closes on the Archangel.
The Buster retaliates against the Zero as it combines its two weapons into the Sniper Rifle and takes fire at the Zero. Mu is able to closely evade as he re-attaches his Gunbarrels and boosts away.
Elsewhere, the Strike continues to fire on the Duel, but the blue Mobile Suit is able to evade the shots. Said Mobile Suit holsters its Beam Rifle and brandishes its Beam Sabre which is followed by charging the Strike.
" 'Strike' was it?" Yzak remarks as he slashes at the Strike. Kira quickly blocks the slash with his shield before dashing to his left and firing at the Duel which unfortunately misses. The Duel dashes at the Strike again who flies off in another direction with it giving chase.
"Valiants, fire!" Natarle commands as the two Railguns fire their large yellow bolts at the approaching Blitz. The Mobile Suit activates its Mirage Colloid, cloaking itself.
"I've lost it!" Jackie calls out.
"It must have deployed its Mirage Colloid!" Murrue assumes. "Anti-Beam Charges and get the Anti-Shrapnel Warheads!"
"Fire Anti-Beam Depth Charges!" Natarle commands. "Switch the stern missiles to Anti-Shrapnel warheads!"
The Blitz opens fire, but the depth charges detonate in time and the beam quickly dissipates, causing Nicol to grunt in annoyance.
"Estimate the Blitz's position from the angle of the Beam shot!" Natarle commands as the computer swiftly brings up an estimate indicating that the Blitz is located to the North-west of the Archangel. "Anti-Shrapnel Warheads, fire!"
The Archangel releases its missile as the large number veer towards the Blitz's assumed location. The missile's fronts split apart to reveal clusters of much smaller ones which all continue towards the intended target.
Nicol, realising his predicament, swiftly reactivates the Phase Shift to prevent damage. The Mobile Suit uncloaks as the small non-explosive missiles clang harmlessly against the Blitz's armour.
"That's right, it used to be yours!" Nicol remarks. "Of course you would know its weak points!" He realises as he swiftly re-cloaks the Blitz.
"Disengage Igelstellung Auto-Tracking!" Natarle commands pre-emptively. "Put up a randomised barrage!"
With that, the sentry turrets all open fire in varying directions, hoping to at least nick the armour-less Blitz. Nicol, once again, counters by reactivating its Phase Shift and evading the oncoming fire.
Meanwhile, Yzak continues his aggressive melee assault on Kira with his Duel and Beam Sabre. The Strike opens fire on the Duel, but it retaliates by using its shield to absorb the shots as it continues its charge.
"You're not getting away today!" Yzak declares with gusto.
"I won't be beaten here!" Kira declares as he tosses the Strike's Beam Rifle and brandishes one of its Beam Sabres. Both Suits' sabres clash with each other's shield, both pilots letting out grunts of frustration before backing off from each other. Kira lets out a battle cry as he charges the Duel and they continue their clashing.
Elsewhere, the Zero opens fire on the Buster yet again who continues to easily shrug off the damage.
"You're such a pest!" Dearka exclaims as he unleashes a missile volley. Mu grunts in annoyance as the majority of his Gunbarrels evade the missiles, but one of them is still hit and destroyed. As the Buster flies past it, he swivels around and opens fire with the Linear Gun. The Buster evades the shot before flying past the Zero as they both evade a shot from the Gamow's Beam Cannon. A shot which the Archangel is also fortunate enough to evade.
"Switch to evasive random manoeuvres!" Murrue commands. The Helmsman quickly obliges as the Archangel flies to the right and pivots. "Aim the Gottfrieds and fire!" Murrue continues as left Beam Cannon rises from its berth and exchanging fire with the Gamow who continues its barrage of Beam fire. Unfortunately, the Archangel isn't as fortunate as the Beams graze the side of the ship, causing damage.
"Number six sensor array is hit!" Murrue is informed. "Temperature rising with laminated armour!"
Their misfortune continues as the Blitz manages to breach the Archangel's armour and starts to damage it with its Beam attacks.
"The Armour Cooling System can't keep up!" Dalida calls out. "Temperature within the armour is continuing to rise!"
"It won't last another two hits!" Murrue remarks. "Turn bow! 20 to starboard!"
"The Blitz is approaching!" Jackie exclaims as the Blitz does, indeed, gain much closer to the Archangel.
"What are the Strike and Zero doing?" Natarle queries.
"They're battling the Duel and Buster!" Sai responds.
Indeed, at that moment, the Duel was still in deep combat with the Strike, both Mobile Suits exchanging blows as Beam Sabers continue to clash against shields.
"You're not making this easy for me!" Yzak remarks as Kira starts to feel the stress well up within him.
The situation looks grim as the Zero is being pushed back by the Buster, whatever edge the Mobile Armour may have had is lost as the Mobile Suit pursues it with relative ease. Elsewhere, the Blitz has finally breached the Archangel's defensive perimeter and is firing at point-blank range against the Archangel's hull, heavily damaging the plate of metal.
"We can't use the cannons!" Natarle remarks. "Where is the Strike?!"
"Kira! Kira!" Miriallia calls over the communicator, alerting the pilot. "The enemy's come right up to the bridge! You need to get back here!"
Kira momentarily disregards the vicious Duel to observe the large explosions emanating from the Archangel. A look of concern is very prominent on Kira's features.
"The Archangel…" Kira mutters as the memory of where he failed to prevent the destruction of the Montgomery flashed across his mind. He cannot allow that to happen again. He can't fail yet another ship full of helpless people… Most of all however, he can't fail his friends. They are counting on him!
Somewhere within the deep recesses of his mind, a large purple seed appears and explodes within his consciousness, a wave of clarity and ironic relaxation fills him as he realizes what he needs to do and how he must do it.
"I will not let you sink the Archangel!" Kira declares with a final tone, his violet eyes eerily hollow. He regards the assaulting Duel for a moment before swiftly evading its oncoming slash and flying behind it.
"What?!" Yzak exclaims as he isn't fast enough to react as the Strike's Beam Sabre slashes and impacts against the area next to his cockpit, leaving it dangerously exposed as the Strike flies away towards the Archangel. "Take this!" He exclaims as he sheaths his Beam Sabre and opens fire with the Beam Rifle. Unfortunately, his shots prove useless as the Strike effortlessly evades them all. "He dodged them all?!"
The Strike closes in on its target, the Blitz still infliciting damage on the Archangel's hull. The Strike readies its Beam Sabre and swiftly closes in.
"Stop it!" He exclaims as he slashes down at the Blitz who quickly evades backwards to avoid the slash. Kira is undeterred as he drops the Beam Sabre, charges forward and knees the Blitz away, causing Nicol to cry in terror.
The Duel quickly flanks the Strike with its Beam Sabre, hoping to land a hit.
"Gotcha!" Yzak exclaims. Kira responds by equipping one of the Strike's Assault Knives and lunging it into the exposed wound he had created earlier in the Duel. This cause damage to the Duel's inner working, Yzak crying out as the cockpit explodes, the Duel helplessly floating away before being caught by the Blitz.
"Yzak!" Nicol cries with concern. "Yzak are you alright?!" Nicol quickly activates his communicator. "Dearka!"
"What's wrong, Nicol?!" Dearka asks with a panicked tone.
"It's Yzak."
"It hurts, It hurts!" Yzak lets out a pained cry as he covers his blood-stained face, small pieces of shrapnel also impaling parts of his body.
"Yzak?" Dearka queries.
"Dearka, we must retreat!" Nicol commands. "The Fleet is coming!"
"Dammit!" He exclaims as the trio quickly retreat.
The Strike quickly lands on the upper deck of the Archangel and remains there, its pilot inside breathing heavily as the bridge crew watch with an awed expression at what they just witnessed.
"They left!" Mu informs him over the communicator. "You were marvellous, Kid!"
"Lieutenant…" Kira trails as the hollowed look in his eyes disappears, replacing them with his normal irises.
"Why…" Murrue trialed. "No, you're unbelievable…"
"Not really…"
"The Eighth Fleet has arrived!" A voice calls out in relief.
Meanwhile…
Elsewhere, a single redhead sits on her bed, a familiar dark expression clear on her features.
"That's right, he has to beat up all the bad guys…" She mutters before a sadistic smirk crosses her features. "Otherwise, the war will never end..."
So not much of a difference here. I'm gonna be honest and say that this next handful of chapters are going to be a freaking
chore for me because of how much of a carbon copy they are of canon. It's insanely hard to write them, but I'd prefer not to just skip them over as it breaks flow.
On another note, the Remaster has just finished. My honest opinion was that it was pretty bad. I know that a lot of fanboys are making the argument that we should never have expected much because it isn't a reboot, but I can still gripe about it. Why? Because all of the promotional stuff leading up to both Remasters was designed to mislead people into thinking that there would be legitimate changes for the better; The main poster for the Destiny Remaster shows the Destiny standing in front of a defeated Rouge and Freedom, implying that it will have a much more powerful and impactful role. WRONG! It still just becomes Kira and Athrun's bitch along with poor Shinn.
The over-hyping of the Perfect Strike and Rouge Phoenix. Seriously, they hyped the hell out of these two things and what happened? Perfect Strike was in it for ONE episode! Now the Phoenix's ultimate fate is what pissed me off the most. Seeing a new pack for the Rouge filled me with hope that Cagalli would be using and this, in turn, would mean that her character gets fixed and she's back to her strong self. WRONG! She still sits in her cockpit, cries all the time and her new pack does jack-shit until Kira uses it in space (Which, ironically, is probably the highlight of the Remaster). Again, misleading advertising.
There are also two other offences that the Remaster makes: Firstly, the gross misallocation of the Remaster budget. Things that didn't need to be Remastered (Like a transport plane taking off) were instead of things that needed to be. For example, the titular mecha of your anime could have perhaps done with some new animation like you did with the Strike and "Freedom, right? I guess that's not the mind-set they had as all the Destiny gets is a zoom-in camera shot of its head, it hovering and not fighting and breaching a Destroy, but its angled at such a distance where you can't appreciate the remastered Destiny at all due to how tiny it is. The Destiny desperately needed new animation as its original animation was garbage, making it look clumsy and downright ugly and they instead chose to just pump it all into the Strike Freedom and Infinite Justice. Hell, even the Legend got new and better animation than the Destiny!
Continuing on from this, there were just scenes that seemed like they ignored the bits that needed remastering. A good example is Phase 41 during the Akatsuki and Destiny's shoot-out. The animation there is some of the worst I've EVER seen in anime, period. Did they remaster that? Nope. They instead remastered the Strike Freedom's grand entrance. Another good example is Phase 34. Next to the final battle (Which I'll get to in a minute), it was the one thing that would have severely benefited from the entire battle being worked up. Did they? Nope.
My point is that things that desperately needed working on and it seems like they just tried to pander to all the fanboys who salivate over Kira, Athrun, their respective mecha and Lacus instead of actually improving on the weaker animated parts of their series. The biggest evidence of this is the fact that they remastered the AsuCaga kiss scene that probably had some of the better animation from the original series and still ignored the scenes that desperately needed new animation more as theirs was 100X more garbage in comparison. Again, I reference the Akatsuki VS Destiny scene; the scene with probably with the easily most garbage animation in the series was ignored over remastering the kiss scene that already had good animation to begin with. As I said, blatant fan pandering.
Now the final battle… Oh, boy, that piece of shit. It was bad enough watching a hopelessly one-sided battle for just two episodes. They now have the gall to extend it to three?! And I love the laziness of this supposed "New" ending when all it is is them just blatantly splitting Final PLUS into two episodes. This ploy worked on the fans who hadn't even seen Final PLUS! Continuing that trend of laziness, instead of using new animation, they directly rip the new animation from the OP and just shoved it in there.
They don't fix any of the characters either. Rey still has a complete 180 as a result of a single sentence from Kira. Shinn still devolves into a raging dog who's slapped aside by Athrun (Which I'll get to in a minute) and Talia goes against her freaking character, abandoning all common sense to be with the man who she left just so she could have a child only for her to now go back to him and orphaning said child which she broke up with him to have… What the actual fuck?!
I want to quickly re-iterate that this does not mean that I wish Durandal should have won. No, that's not what I think. ORB winning is fine, but only if the battle was fierce and intense, both sides suffering heavy casualties and losing a few of their aces (Shinn killing Athrun while Kira is forced to kill Rey, Kira and Shinn KOing each other as the battle rages on, Lacus and the Eternal crew sacrificing themselves to destroy Messiah, Murrue and Talia KOing each other) as it shows the resolve and determination of both sides.
Also, for those of you who think that the battle turned out exactly as intended, there is one thing I wish to say: What is the overall theme of the final battle? Freedom VS Destiny. So then why did the two Mobile Suits that embody these themes NOT do battle in a final climatic battle? Some of you probably believe that Shinn was inferior to Athrun and could never hope to defeat him. I believe differently. I don't even think Athrun is Kira's equal nor the strongest Le Creuset Team member. Athrun has only fought Kira on even grounds when he was in the superior Mobile Suit Aegis. Yzak accomplished the same in the inferior Duel. Likewise, when the situation was reversed, Athrun got raped by Kira (Freedom VS Saviour). Shinn, however, managed to fight on even grounds against Kira in the same situation.
Now my biggest annoyance is this, of all of the fucking things they chose to remaster, they chose the Infinite Justice casually sheathing its Beam Sabres and fly away like he just swatted a fly. Way to trample even more over Shinn's character! I'm even further aggravated by the fact that Final PLUS is now canon, basically meaning that Shinn caved to Athrun and Kira, immediately conforming to their way of thinking and that Lacus is basically in charge of everything.
Overall, the Remasters were a blatant unashamed cash grab so that Bandai/Sunrise could recover from the financial bomb that was AGE.
Before anyone asks, if you want to know how I felt the battle should have gone, please read my two-chapter fic called "Resolution of Destiny". That should give you a solid idea of what I wanted as well as the direction my Destiny re-write will go. All I wish to say is that both TFE (after a certain point) and my Destiny continuation will be radically different from canon so I can only fairly warn you to be prepared. Hopefully, this has given you a more clearer idea on where I stand with Destiny in its current form. SEED is alright up to about Phase 30 where the series then felt the need to shove in your face how important and "awesome" Lacus is.
On a happier basis. I think I found the next anime that I've fallen in absolute love with: Knights of Sidonia. Seriously, I'm in love with the universe and I never got bored watching the episodes over and over again. I also read the manga so seeing all the stuff happen is just making me depressed when you know how badly things go to shit and how dark it gets. I really like the Mecha designs, the characters are all interesting in their own way and it's handling of a harem is pretty good in terms of not making it incessantly romantic or ecchi. It's instead just a guy being a bro with these girls and they like him for it, nothing more nothing less.
Anyway, that's it for now! Expect another chapter VERY soon! On one last final note, R&A will be temporarily suspended until chapter 15. There will be no R&A for chapters 12, 13 and 14 and I will be only replying to 14's reviews. As a result, chapters will be noticeably shorter.
R-0 Out!