STAGE 1: New Gundam, Double Breaker!
A Gunpla gets up or something
Extract from the Journal of Kyosuke Asatte
Let's get something out of the way first.
None of this was my idea.
I mean, it sort of was…
But I was… well, sort of… pushed into a crazy quest.
It makes more sense if I explain it myself.
The story you are about to read in this journal-diary-whatever is a mostly accurate account of what happened to me when I signed up to Gunbre Academy, thinking I would get a straight-forward education in Platsky Physics, a new field of science that had been created as a result of the advent of Platsky Particle technology.
Yeah, it's kinda boring, I will admit. But if it's for the betterment of humanity, I'm willing to pursue it.
But what happened can only be described as… bizarre. It was like something out of an anime or manga.
But this isn't anime. This is my real life now.
Let the curtains rise on the opening scenes of this little show.
I was right outside of Gunbre Academy, standing under the hot sun, bags all over my body. Before me was the building where I would spend the better part of four years or so learning all about the ins and outs of Platsky Physics. I had successfully applied for the course and packed all my stuff to move into the dorms.
Here, before the gates is where the first of the odd events occurred.
And continued on, if you keep leafing through this journal of mine.
This episode concerns my first few days at Gunbre Academy.
Wish me luck.
Gunbre Academy.
Part of a massive academic city project dedicated to educating Platsky engineers, Gunpla Builders and Battlers. While the primary focus of the facility was research into the more utilitarian uses of the strange particles, this was balanced out by the enthusiasm of the Gunpla Battle side of the institute. Those who were in that sector lived and breathed Gunpla. They devoted themselves to honing their mind and craft through friendly competition.
Oh yeah. There's no better way to set the scene by copying one's academy's pamphlet.
Gunpla Battle. The current primary usage of Platsky particles. There was a reason that Gunbre was named as it is; first and foremost, it was a company that focused on providing high quality tools to such battlers, even serving as a rival corporation to Platsky Particle System Engineering (PPSE) back in the day.
Quick aside here, you remember Madcatz controllers? Yeah, those ones you'd give your siblings when they wanted to play on the Playstation with you. The Gunbre company basically did the same thing, but for Gunpla battle, creating third-party addons for GP Battletops and stuff. Except they were really high quality.
Well, not as good as the PPSE stuff, but then again, my GP Adapter 7X from them lasted way longer than the GP Base I had, so they have that going for them.
Gunpla Battle transcended cultural and language barrier- okay, seriously, what the heck is this?
It's literally just a sport. Like soccer, or chess-boxing. I mean, I can't deny the revolutionary nature of the Platsky and how heated some people get over it, but again, Gunpla Battle isn't everything! I'm not the kind of person to commit a murder over my plastic roboboi, no matter how much I love her! Just because we invented cool modern stuff like Super Slam Buds Medley competitive tournaments doesn't mean we just straight-up throw out equally cool older stuff like Chess-boxing!
Who even wrote this pamphlet? Meijin Kawaguchi? I really need to talk to whoever's writing these...
In any case… The success of the research into Platsky and training of more scientists could have great effect on Japan's future… perhaps even the world.
So there I was. Standing before the gates of Gunbre Academy. I will admit, my heart was pounding with excitement.
Why wouldn't it be? For years, I had dreamed of being able to work in such a field, ever since my first win in a Gunpla battle back in Junior High. I wanted to see what more the particles could do.
As the bus pulled away from the bus stop one final time, I gazed up at the facility. It was a massive building with two different, circular towers. Originally, this place was a small nuclear power plant which had been decommissioned following a natural disaster back in the early 2010s.
Today, no radioactive material remained here, only the radiation of the future; Platsky particles.
Within the original exhaust tower was now the Platsky Research wing. Part of the wall of the tower had been replaced with glass, allowing natural light to fill the insides by day. The top of the cone had been removed, replaced by a nice patio. On the far right of the building was a domed structure; some kind of stadium, I assumed. Where the original cooling pools had been were now tennis courts.
Other facilities here included a Gundam Café, a Gunpla store near the reception, a large circular pool where the secondary cooling tower had been, a running circuit around the back, a greenhouse, and of course, in the distance were four different dormitory and residential blocks, named after different Gundam carrier ships; Archangel, Ptolemaios, Diva and Argama. The last of which would be my new residence for the next four years.
"No going back, Kyosuke." I muttered to myself, "This is the beginning of something great. I'm going to change the damn world here."
"How about focusing on changing the normal world first?" someone by my side called, nudging my shoulder.
I turned to face the girl by my side, "What do you think I mean- Yui?!"
Now that was a face I was familiar with! I hadn't seen her for years, but here she was, right before me again; Yui Mikagura from grade school.
"Kyosuke!" she stepped back, "I can't believe it! It's you!"
"Ditto. I thought you'd moved away to Australia all those years ago!" I rubbed my eyes with my free hand, "Wait, don't tell me that you…"
"You got it! I'm a student here too! This is great!" She smiled happily, her light brown hair blowing in the wind, her white bow fluttering in the breeze, "What field are you in? I'm currently in my second year of studies into Gunpla Battle!"
"Well… I'm doing a degree on Platsky engineering." I began walking down the footpath, my bags swaying on my back as I walked towards the facility, "I'm more interested in the theory side of battle, to be honest, and the best way to take advantage of the tech."
Yui paused, "…Huh? That's… odd. I thought you'd be more into the battle side, considered how well you fought."
"I mean, I'll still have plenty of time to fight. I'm just really... Focused… on… pushing… the boundaries… of…" I panted, my feet pushing against the stone steps, "one's… abilities…"
"H-Hey, you need help with those?"
She was clearly referring to my massive backpack and sub-packs attached onto the side containing important supplies that I would need sooner rather than later.
"No…" I growled, making it to the top of the stairs and letting out a sigh, "No, I'm fine, don't worry."
"You haven't changed a bit, Kyo! You're all about trying to push your limits, aren't you?" Yui grinned, "Why, you even still overload your bags with books and stuff just like back then!"
"You never know when you might need it!" I replied, wiping sweat away from my forehead.
"That's what I've always liked about you… You've got something to you, Kyo. It's like… a spark, on its way to light an inferno! You're going to do great things. It's like… you're a newtype! The reformation of humanity!"
"Please… No."
"You're right, that's actually a little cringe. I binged all of Gundam Narrative and X last night." She scratched the back of her head.
I grinned, "Ah, never change, my friend. By the way, where is room PRA-010A?"
"A Platsky Research Area… You're headed straight for a lab right now, before even putting down your stuff?"
"Science waits for nobody!" I replied, waving a finger in the air, "I can worry about my stuff anytime later, but when knowledge is at stake, I have no time to waste!"
Reaching forwards, I pushed open to doors to the academy, a burst of cool air rushing over my body as I entered the building.
"When did you become this studious, Kyo…?"
"That, and class is going to start in 10 minutes." I replied, "You should get moving too, Yui."
The girl's irises visibly shrunk, "OH NO! I'll talk to you later, Kyo! I'm going to be late if I don't hurry!"
"Be careful, okay? I'll be sure to ask you if I need any help with anything." I waved, "Now, go! There's no time to lose!"
She turned to run, before stopping and looking back at me, "Almost forgot! Welcome… to Gunbre, Kyo!"
"I get it! See you later!"
With those words, we split off, heading off towards our respective classes.
Well, for me, it was more like lumbering, but really, who cares?
A problem had presented itself. I was lost.
The building was massive, but even more so within. I had easily gotten lost within the hallways of the building, wandering aimlessly.
That is, until I ended up bumping face-first into someone's chest.
"Oh geez! Sorry, sorry, I wasn't looking where I was going, I was trying to find a classroom, and I got lost!" I quickly apologized, pulling myself away quickly.
"No, it was my fault." The black-green haired woman spoke, "I, too, was distracted. My apologies."
"Would you happen to know where PRA-010A is?"
"Actually, I was heading there now." The woman spoke, "But… aren't you going to put down your bags into your dorm first?"
"I'd be really late if I did." I replied, "I prefer to be early to my classes, so I don't miss anything in particular."
"I see. That's a nice mindset to have towards your studies." She led me down the hallways. It was now I noticed she had a large travel luggage rolling behind her, an object within rattling and clanking as it moved.
"Are you a professor here?"
"Well, yes. I assume, then, that you're one of my students." She smiled.
It was now my brain finally finished recovering from the impact.
"W-Wait. You're Professor McGriff?"
She nodded, "That is correct. So, you've heard of me?"
Heard of her?! She was amazing! She worked on the ROBOTA project, aiding to complete the programs required to create advanced AI! She worked on the development an AI-piloted humanoid drone for space exploration! She was a researcher and developer at the cutting edge of Platsky technology!
"Y-Yeah! I've really been interested in your work on Platsky Computing and Artificial Intelligence…" I gibbered excitedly.
She… Just had an idiot run into her on the way to a lecture.
"Oh my gosh, I am really sorry! I just walked into you!"
"Calm down, young woman. Don't worry." She smiled, "Today is my first day as a lecturer, as well."
"Y-You're going to be teaching us?"
"Well yes. That is what lecturing is."
My already imploding brain almost shut down at these words. I like your words, magic woman…
"Oh, here it is. It might be wise to take note of this location." She spoke, tapping an ID card on the door's keypad, "Kyosuke, I anticipate your insight into the future."
I nodded, jaw wide open, "U… Uh huh."
With those words, I stepped through the doors of the hall, silently maneuvering past the awkward stares of the students within and taking a seat.
It was here I finally closed my wide-open jaw.
The professor wheeled her luggage behind the desk, clearing her throat, "Today, I would like to ask you; what is, truly, impossible?"
Murmurs sounded throughout the room. It did sound like a rather strange question to begin with.
A student raised his hand, "Professor… Many things are constrained by the laws of science."
"An astute observation. Let's try to expand further on this." She plugged in her laptop, a projector lighting up the wall behind her, "Artificial Intelligence. Once, it was considered science fiction. It appeared as a tool for warfare in fictional stories such as the Mobile Dolls and Zero System in Gundam Wing."
An image of one such Mobile Doll appeared on the screen behind her.
"There were many ethical questions raised about AI. If they did exist, what laws would they be ruled under? Asimov brought up four laws, if one counts the Zeroth law, by which these life-forms would be regulated by. However, these laws serve primarily as a prevention of human death at the hands of AI or, as some media would have us believe, the 'robot apocalypse'. This was the constraint by which the development of the 'impossible' technology of AI was held back by. But now, it could be said that AI could follow the same laws as a human being."
"Excuse me, Professor, but that would mean that it would have to be exactly the same as a human, wouldn't it?"
"Would it need to be? A human child born into the world knows nothing. They are easily swayed by the opinions and views of those around them. From these experiences, a personality, and some may believe a soul is formed. The same goes for newly created AI." She reached down into the briefcase, "Viewing these issues from a different lens and with the aid of what does exist, the definition of what one wishes to achieve changes. As such, the boundaries of the impossible are restrained."
She grunted slightly, lifting what looked like a large model of an SD Gundam onto the table, about the size of a bottle of wine. It was grey, with a strange yellow U-shaped antenna upon its head. Black lines broke up the grey body, running down the arms and legs.
"This is that very impossibility given life; ROBOTA Project Prototype unit 07." She reached onto its back, flicking a switch, "Good morning, Stargazer."
The machine's eyes lit up with green light, irises appearing on the twin LCD screens. The black strips on her body filled with yellow light, particles flying from her frame slightly. It blinked, looking around the room and stretching slightly.
Everyone let out awed gasps. I am not ashamed to admit that, I too made such a sound.
"Stargazer is modelled and named after the GSX-401FW 'Stargazer' Gundam from the series of the same name. Naturally, she does not feature the solar sail of the in-series unit, but on Earth, such a tool isn't necessary." The professor explained, clearly geeking out slightly, "She was born unarmed with a child-like mind, and learns from experience. In fact, she, along with her many other brother and sister units, are currently being investigated as to whether they are truly 'alive', but that is a whole entire other field of research."
Stargazer sat down on the table, waving. With each movement, soft whirrs and hums sounded from the machine's servos.
"Can she talk?" another student asked.
"…Yes." The robot replied in a soft voice, her face-plate moving in conjunction with the words. She looked away, sitting down.
"She is capable of speech using technology similar to 'Vocaloids'. Stargazer is just very shy in front of big crowds like this. It's actually quite amazing that she managed to manifest such a personality… She is also able to connect up to the internet using the inbuilt router on her head if she wishes to gather information." The professor pointed at the AI's antennas, "I'm not saying that is the reason she is very shy… But that's not the subject I wish to talk about right now. Her body is powered by Platsky particles, as may be observed on her limbs."
The AI ran a hand on the glowing lines on her arms and legs.
"With the aid of Platsky, what one believes is impossible becomes entirely possible." The professor spoke, "In the past, this statement was applied to technology that would become commonplace in the future; for example, electrical systems, or programming. Platsky engineering is the next evolution of such technology. So now, I ask this of you, students; nothing is impossible, merely constrained. If a soul could be born of code and steel, then I believe that Platsky technology is capable of breaking through the boundaries of the impossible. That is what you are to study in this field; the impossible, given form. Welcome, everyone, to the course."
"W-Welcome!" Stargazer repeated, "I-I hope you all do your best!" she bowed respectfully.
"Professor, before we move on, I have one last question!" a voice called from the back, "How well does she actually fight?"
The room went silent.
The professor looked up, "Pardon?"
"If she's powered by Platsky, she can manipulate it well, right? That would mean she's good at Gunpla battle, right?"
Stargazer looked over at the student, "…I-Is that a challenge?"
"Ah… yes, Gunpla battle." The professor muttered, "That is something she can do as well. Actually, her method of controlling Gunpla is a little different compared to how a human controls it. She uploads her AI into the control systems. As a result, instead of the disconnect between the MS and the human pilot and input lag that results as such, she is able to react near instantly."
"Basically, I become the Gunpla." Stargazer cut in, "…I'm not very good as far as CPU players go, though."
"However, she is rather competitive regardless." The professor shot a glance at the AI, "Sometimes, I wonder if she's too competitive."
"Professor McGriff, if I may." The AI spoke, "I would be interested in battling against her after this lecture."
"I suppose I don't see the harm in doing so. You have spent quite a while locked up inside that briefcase, so I guess it'd be nice to watch you warm up to movement again." She patted the AI on the head, "Well, you head it straight from her. Meet her after class at the library,and I would recommend not bringing your best Gunpla in case you lose."
"Hah. May the best fighter win."
"Anyway, now that's out of the way, let's begin with revising some of the basics of Platsky physics." The professor sat the AI down on a chair next to her, "So, Platsky Particles are known to originate from..."
The rest of the class was mostly uneventful. Luckily, I had revised most of the basics earlier, so I was able to just re-familiarize myself with some of the basics. However, the AI intrigued me.
It seemed… Well, she seemed so alive. As if there was some kind of hidden depth to her. When she said that she was able to battle just like that, I just had to know more. There was just something about her that drew me closer…
As I lifted my bags out of the room, I suddenly felt a tug on my pants leg.
"Excuse me, young man. I'm sorry to interrupt, but could you help me?"
Of course it was the AI. It was really short, and the cold metallic hands were a dead giveaway.
I bent over, "Yeah?"
"I'm… I'm too slow. My short footsteps prevent me from gaining as much distance as a human being per step. As such, I need assistance to get to the site of my match against Miss Koura." The AI seemed so fragile, so delicate when she asked this question. Almost… child-like.
"I see. I'm actually quite interested in seeing how you'll do, actually. Do you need a lift?"
"Please?"
I turned to Professor McGriff, "Should I…?"
"Stargazer seems to have asked you, so I think you should be able to handle her. Besides, I have some further preparations to make here for the next lecture." The lecturer nodded, "However, if I find out you have broken her in any way, shape or form, I will ensure your body is never found."
Where did that come from?
I shuddered, "I-I'll protect her like my own life!"
"You'd better." The professor grinned, suddenly showing a side I hadn't seen before now, "Go kick their butts, Gazer!"
"Yes, professor!" the small MS saluted, "Command acknowledged!"
She held up her arms, "Please grip me by my torso as you would a young child, sir…."
"Kyosuke. Call me Kyo, for short." I bent down, picking up the AI and walking out into the hallway. She was surprisingly light for something so advanced; about the weight of a small dog, in fact, "Also, I believe you may have made a mistake."
"Where?"
"Oh, I'm actually a girl."
The AI seemed to freeze up for a few seconds, scanning my face. Her eyes seemed to be 'squinting' as she did.
"...Facial recognition indicates-"
"Yeah, I get it, it's actually a bit of a problem for me." I sighed, striding down the concrete, "People keep thinking I'm a guy."
Throughout my life, this recurring problem had led to much hilarity and embarrassment, mostly at my expense. I had a lot of male-appearing features, for some reason, and my chest was… Well, it's a bit of a sensitive topic, but I'll just say that I was underdeveloped. Not that I cared, particularly.
Why should I care about what others think of my outwards appearance if I have other goals of my own to aspire to?
"My apologies, Kyo. I shall correct this oversight as soon as possible."
"No need to be so serious about it, little guy." I grinned, "I've gotten over it a while ago. People just keep saying I look like a guy."
"That is… fine." The mech pulled herself up, "I've gotten similar comments, as four out of the six preceding prototypes of my kind were male AI."
"Really? It just amazes me that things like you exist." I stopped myself, "A-Agh. I'm sorry, I really shouldn't refer to you as a 'thing'."
"That, too, is no problem. I am an AI. As such, I do not fit into the classification of 'human', nor 'animal'. As such, many are inclined to refer to my kind as 'things'." She seemed a little bothered, "That… That bothers me."
"You're just… You're beyond human." I stood on an escalator, "Tell me, what were the others like?"
"Each iteration had slight modifications to their frame. Originally, we were designed as emotional support units."
"You mean… Like a pet dog?"
"Correct. Our goal was to provide emotional aid to individuals who are struggling with harsh circumstances. The original plan, following the creation of the initial unit 'Knight', was for mass-production. However, following legal discussion, the mass-produced ROBOTA units actually run a simpler version of our AI."
Mass production units? That was intriguing. Perhaps I should get one for myself… regardless…
"Oh, that sounds quite… Disturbing, if you think of it in human terms."
"Granted, it is quite shocking to think of neutered brains being sold as mere toys." She nodded, "I find it preferential to think of them as our children, just as I am the professor's."
I stepped off the walkway, "You seem to have thought a lot about this."
"Thinking is my purpose."
"Yeah, well… Hey, you don't suppose you could take two people fighting you at once, could you?"
"I see. You wish to do battle against me, correct?"
"Exactly. I want to see the capabilities of an AI like you for myself."
"As do I, actually." The AI's eyes lit up, "I do not have any way to explain what I feel… But somehow, my body feels some kind of strange pressure from your own."
"A-Am I holding you too hard?"
"No… I think I am feeling the sensation known as… Warmth." She spoke, looking up at my face, "This is unusual, as my temperature sensors do not pick it up, yet my own body… senses it somehow across my entire frame."
"Don't think too hard about it." I rolled my eyes, "You're probably imagining things."
"I am an AI. I do not think I can 'imagine'."
"Well, maybe you are."
We kept walking along the hallways, silently considering the mech's words.
"Before you ask, no, I do not have recollection of dreaming of electronic sheep."
I smiled, "Shoot. How did you know?"
"Well, well, well. What do we have here?"
An orange haired boy stood in our way, "You seem to be lost, boy. That's an awfully nice Gunpla you have there. Shame if… I was to take it, wouldn't it?"
I shot the boy a glare, "Who the hell are you supposed to be? And are you trying to steal this AI?"
"You're sharp, kid. I'll give you that." He grinned, "I am Shogo. I've come to become the strongest Gunpla Battler there is, and I heard you were new!"
"Wow! I never would have figured out on my own that the person hauling bags and suitcases is new! No way, you absolute champ." I scoffed.
Something about this guy gave me bad vibes.
"Are you mocking me? Me, a proud member of Laplace's Shield?"
"You couldn't figure that out on your own? The heck's a Laplace's Shield, anyway?" I laughed, "Maybe you aren't as smart as I thought."
"Listen here, you! I'll have you know that if you get in my way, you're going down!" he yelled, "I'm going to be the strongest, even if it means breaking apart that Gunpla in your hands right own and taking its parts for myself!"
The AI looked up at him.
"Why, if I didn't know better, I'd say it looks scared of me!"
The mech didn't respond, merely scanning over his body.
"Do not assume that I am intimidated by an individual such as you." She spoke at last, "Shogo Morita. Your record states that you have managed to destroy many plastic battle robots in your time, enough to land you a spot on the Gunpla Council team 'Laplace's Shield'. However, academically, you have failed every single assessment this year; in fact, judging by your records, you are likely to fail this year and will have to return home empty handed to your family, of whom your divorced mother currently works as a Platsky researcher at minimum wage. It would be a shame if you, as you humans say, 'flunked out' and-"
"H-Hey! Shut up! I don't care what you know about me, you dumb hunk of plastic!" he cried, "I… I'm perfectly capable of… passing this course… and..."
"Firstly, my body is comprised of a steel alloy. A more apt expression would be 'dumb hunk of steel'. Secondly, you say that, yet your body indicates your fear of my knowledge of your past." The AI's eyes narrowed, "Your message of your desire to be the best plastic robot battle game player has been acknowledged. I do not know what Kyo has to say of your goals, but I personally find them narrow-minded and unlikely to grant you productive work in your later life. I shall now perform a search to locate the nearest most viable available site of possible employment based upon your extrapolated future results, if you so wish."
The boy stared, speechless at the AI.
I shrugged, "What she said. Nice talking to you."
"H-Hey! Boy, this isn't over! I'M GOING TO DESTROY YOU, AND YOUR LITTLE METAL FRIEND TOO!" he called out after me as we walked away.
I turned to the AI, "Hey, by the way, was any of that true?"
"Mostly. I had his file on record. I am, after all, aiding a staff member here. However, the second paragraph may have been exaggerated."
"You mean that you can't research… all that?"
"It's not that I can't, it's rather that I enjoyed his despair." The mech hummed, "After all, if he did strike and damage me, the professor would most likely allocate unreasonable amounts of resources into ensuring his demise, as she has in the past."
"...Wait, in the past?" I shuddered again, "Remind me not to get on her bad side, then."
"Noted."
The doors to the library swung open. It had taken us more than a little bit to arrive at the site, but only because I was unfamiliar with the many halls and rooms. Luckily, I happened to be holding the mechanical culmination of years of human research and technological wizardry in AI form in my hands, so I was able to make it.
Now that's something you don't hear everyday.
"Here we are, Gazer." I breathed, looking around in awe at the room, "The library…"
The cavernous building housed tables and shelves of all kind everywhere. Each shelf was filled with hundreds of books and magazines about Gundam.
Perhaps once all this was over, I'd be able to finally find a copy of Plamo Kyoshiro and read it for myself.
On the other end of the room was a massive glowing blue chamber; a Platsky testbed for experimenting with stats of one's Gunpla. Next to it were tables covered in empty Gunpla boxes, airbrushes, computers and tools of all kinds. Plush seats were scattered around the room.
The room was so impressive, I just had to take a seat and take it all in, placing Stargazer down gently by my side.
"I, too, am impressed." The AI simply stated, "This place would make an adequate, albeit strange battlefield."
I turned to face the AI, "Huh? Aren't we going to fight on a Battletop?"
"Wow, you really are clueless, aren't you?"
A purple-haired girl entered the room behind me, "We're going to be using Platsky Frames. Everyone uses P-Frames here, I thought you knew that."
I got up, looking at her, "I don't believe we've been introduced. I'm Kyosuke. Stargazer here invited me to fight against her as well."
"You? You look kinda weak, kid. I don't think you'd last a second out there." The girl scoffed, "Call me Iori, by the way. I'm the class rep for room GB4."
Class representative? What was this, some kind of high school?
"Don't underestimate me." I replied, "I've been fighting for years, and I think I've got a few tricks up my sleeve that will surprise my opponents."
"Tricks mean nothing here." She spat, "Not since those stupid new battle restrictions came into play."
"Battle restrictions?"
Stargazer turned to look at me, "I am informed of such. Would you like me to inform you?"
"No, let her figure it out for herself." Iori walked towards a room at the back of the library, "Since you're one of the tech-heads out here, I don't suppose you have your own Gundam, do you? We have a spare Revive Gundam up the back you can use. It's a little battered up, but then again, that just means it won't make much difference once you're done with it."
I clenched my fists. Those bad vibes were positively radiating away from her as she said those words.
"As a matter of fact, I do have my own Gunpla!" I exclaimed, more forcefully than I would like to admit, reaching into one of my sub-bags and pulling out a container, "Look at it and weep, you overconfident jerk!"
Within was the results of my own foray into Gunpla battle, of which I am not going to reveal the details of right now because it's more dramatic if I show it off later on in the chapter.
Yeah. Just wait a few paragraphs. You can do that, right?
"W-Wow. That looks a little intimidating, actually." The girl gaped, before scoffing, "Shame you can't use it to its full potential."
"I beg to differ! I'll take you on, right here, right now!" I growled, "Stargazer, how long will it take for you to prepare for battle?"
"About a minute or so. I just need to decide which unit I would like to use first." She walked over to Iori, "Miss Koura, you said-"
"Don't call me Koura. I'm Iori."
"Miss Iori, you insinuated you have spare Gunpla in the back room. May I use one?"
"Knock yourself out."
"… That is a strange request."
I laughed, "She means yes, Stargazer. C'mon, let's both get ready."
One quick parts-swap onto the Platsky Frame later, I was ready. I was actually quite impressed at the ease of the integration of the parts, actually. Despite how hard it was to physically take apart my MS, fitting the new parts onto the frame was… easy.
A little too easy, perhaps. I was worried that the parts might fall off, actually.
There were several differently colored frames available, apparently with different stats. I ended up picking the red 'Striker' frame on account of its higher attack power compared to the default 'Standard' frame. This came at the cost of its thruster fuel and movement speed, however.
That was okay, however. I did enjoy being a slow tank rather than a speedy glass cannon.
Still, the burning question remained; why would Gunpla need stats? Surely the ability of its pilot would determine how good it was, wouldn't it?
"Hey, are you spacing out or something?" Iori asked, "Put on the VR headset and get ready already!"
I shook myself awake, "Oh, right."
So, from what I could gather, fighting with a Platsky frame required a little more setup than a standard Gunpla Battle.
Entering the back room revealed a large room illuminated by blue light, with six orb-shaped pods. Stepping into one revealed a 360 degree cockpit looking setup, complete with joysticks, foot-pedals, and an awesome chair. My inner Gundam nerd was screaming at the sight of the impressive machinery.
"These VR pods are something else." I grinned, wriggling my hands into the joysticks, "How do they afford all this?"
"C'mon, you're a nerd working in the science division. It's all the stuff they do over there that makes this possible."
"I only started today…" I growled, "Whatever. What button do I press to start this thing?"
"The particle dispersion systems are showing that the other room is pretty much ready. Floor the accelerator when you're ready for takeoff."
Particle dispersion… throughout an entire room?
Then what use was the Platsky frame…?
Grabbing the sticks, I cleared my throat.
"Kyosuke Asatte! LAUNCHING!"
I slammed the throttle forwards.
The bars around the blue and white MS in the scanner hissed, moving aside, revealing the blue and white MS. It's green eyes lit up, illuminating its glossy body.
It dropped into a launch posture, its stance lowering on the catapult. The VSBRs on its skirts swung downwards in preparation for flight, its sextet of thrusters upon its backpack roaring into life.
The GN Drive on her back flashed green, before glowing red.
She rocketed down the catapult, her golden skirts reflecting the shining blue light. The C-Funnels mounted on her arms glowed with light as we left the launch chamber, taking to the air.
There she was. My creation. Sporting not one, but two Hi-Mega cannons; one on the head, the other mounted atop the cockpit on the torso. A pair of sensors jutted from the knees, red lights glowing forth. These aided me in aiming my weapons in flight.
The GN Drive on the back, being a near-perpetual generator, served to solve the ZZ's native energy issues. Of course, this had the side-effect of preventing the Trans-Am from functioning due to the high power usage of the large MS.
A power pipe connected the drive to the main body, sapping away that sweet, sweet GN particle goodness into the main reactor.
She was… My Double And A Half Zeta.
'BEGIN MISSION'
I performed a flip, landing with a three-point landing on the floor of my battlefield. Getting to my feet, I was unsurprised to see that it was the library room we were just in.
"So, this is the battlefield, huh…"
A sensor screamed above me. I pulled out my giant beam sabre, blocking the attack.
A blue and red MS landed before me. It had the head and body of a GP02, the backpack and arms of the GP01, and the legs of Ground Gundam. In her hands was a simple beam sabre, a NT-1 beam rifle coupled on her waist.
"You're quick to react." Iori muttered.
"As are you. It's a bit of a dirty move to attack a newbie who just launched, isn't it?" I asked, raising my sabre.
"Whatever. GET OVER HERE!" she roared.
Lavender light danced. I smirked, leaping away and firing up my boosters, taking to the air and raising the double Beam Rifle.
The targeting scope zoomed in on my target. There was no way she could get away now.
But then, just as I squeezed the trigger, my targeting system suddenly flicked over to a nearby white box! The beam shots whizzed off into the distance uselessly.
"What the hell!?" I exclaimed, my scope rapidly hopping between white crates all over the room, "What is this?! Why can't I lock on!?"
"Oh, I see you've fallen victim of that stupid lock-on system. Turn off crate targeting in the settings." Iori yawned.
Having done so, I rubbed my forehead, once again catching sight of my opponent in my sights, "Alright, I'm ready. Are we gonna throw down, or what?"
"No, actually."
"No?!"
"This is a G-Cube battle. It's the only battle type allowed in this stupid place." The blue MS folded its arms grumpily, "Those stupid crates have 'Particles' inside them. Try breaking one open."
I turned to look at one such crate. Raising my rifle, I pulled the trigger, spitting out a pair of lavender shots.
Upon hitting the box, it broke open, a red icon whizzing out and into my MS's body. Suddenly, part of my cockpit before me lit up.
"Hey, hang on. That unlocked my Hi-Mega Cannon…" I slowly peered over the rest of the controls, "Hold up! What the heck is this?!"
The panel before me had 6 different large buttons, each with a different name of an attack on my MS; the VSBRs, the Hi-Mega, the second beam sabre, the micro-missiles, the funnels, and the shield's mega-particle cannons.
That's it. Forget about my backpack sabers, secondary Hi-Mega Cannon and Head Vulcans. Those were nowhere to be seen on the panel.
"Every time you break a crate, you gain particles. Particles unlock those specific weapons on the big buttons in front of you."
"T-That's it?! What about my Vulcans?"
"You have to select it in the pre-battle menu. Though… I'd imagine if you picked the Head Vulcans, you wouldn't be allowed to use your Hi-Mega cannon, because that weapon's also on your head, and only one weapon is allowed per body part… and shield."
"That… That is so incredibly stupid!" I exclaimed, "Then that means… Custom weapons like my second Hi-Mega are…"
"Not allowed. They only serve decorate purposes."
Oh. Hell. No.
"What about my funnels?"
"They do pre-set flight paths. You can't control them to the same degree as in regular Gunpla Battle."
With each word, I could feel my rage building up.
"What the actual heck?" I finally screamed, "Who came up with these rules? They're restricting all kinds of fighting styles!"
"It's the council's rules, unfortunately." Iori spat, "Nobody likes 'em, but they say that it's for our own good. Furthermore, they enforce a rank system everyone has to obey if they want to battle, and higher ranked players can get better parts, and-"
"Hold on! Did you say 'get better parts'?"
"That was the other thing I wanted to talk about."
A sign flashed up in the middle of my screen.
'BEGIN QUEST: DEFEAT 20 NEUTRAL FORCE UNITS'
All of a sudden, in a flash of light, hundreds of GMs and Zakus spawned on the floor before me.
"That. Those are AR units; each time you defeat one, it might either break into its component pieces or more particles. You can collect and hold 5 of these pieces. At battle's end, you can get these 'part tickets' to trade in for parts with the council."
"Th-This isn't… That's…!" I punched the controls, "That's ridiculous! What about PVP?"
"Same thing. Except the Platsky frames will eject your parts if you take too much damage, and you can claim the parts for your own from fallen opponents. Also, PVP is the only thing that can actually do damage against you."
"So let me get this straight; this entire battle system is based around keeping up a part economy. Stronger fighters get better parts, which in turn let them defeat more people and ARs. Since weaker fighters can only get weaker parts, they stand no chance against stronger foes. Finally, the suits themselves are gimped, so it's even harder to become a strong fighter."
"Yep, that's the size of it." Iori rolled her eyes.
I turned to face the army of holographic Zakus and GM's before me. The very thought of those ridiculous rules burned within my head, my rage slowly building the longer I thought about and considered them.
My vision filled with a burning crimson.
I leapt into the fray, beam fire and bullets glancing off my body and chipping away at a virtual health-bar. I spun, ramming my blade into the forehead of a virtual foe. Raising the MS, I used it as a shield, catching several bullets, before hurling the AR machine aside.
It exploded, dropping a pair of legs and feet onto the ground. These parts were absorbed into me with a brief flash of light, appearing in two out of five slots on the display before me; I suppose that was the inventory of parts I could 'carry' on my gunpla. I swung out my beam rifle, firing at the last few stragglers. With a single shot, each one exploded into a rainbow of plastic and scarlet light. A triple burst of pink light streaked across the room towards my location, but I merely leapt aside, catching a glimpse at the AR unit that fired; a GM.
I raised my shield before me. Glowing light gathered around the Mega-Particle Cannons upon it, before a bright yellow beam blasted out from the end, sweeping through the sea of plastic. I leapt through the crowd, my cannon still burning away, I leapt into the air, swinging the circular plate beneath me and riding on the force of the explosions towards my assailant. I kicked the MS into the group of other AR suits, a massive explosion ripping through the crowd. Parts went flying from the blast, raining around behind me. A final GM ran at me, beam sabre raised. I swung a hand out, planting my hand into its head, before swinging downwards and cleanly tearing it off, smashing the barrels of my rifle into its body and unleashing a volley of shots, destroying every last piece of it.
'QUEST COMPLETE' flashed across the display.
But I didn't feel like I had accomplished anything. This whole thing just felt… fake. Synthetic. Instead of the rush of emotions and pounding heart I felt after a normal Gunpla Battle, the only emotion I felt was… dread. Disdain.
Not once did that familiar pressure of battle manifest upon me.
"Nicely done." Iori called out to me, "That's only the beginning of 'em, however. Prepare yourself for the next objective!"
Another 'QUEST COMPLETE' flashed across the screens.
"…That wasn't supposed to happen."
All of a sudden, a door to a room flew open, a massive RX-78-2 Gunpla storming out and flopping face-first on the ground. The resulting shockwave from the impact shattered several AR stragglers in its wake.
'BEGIN MAIN QUEST: DESTROY PG GUNDAM'
"I'm sorry to have kept you two waiting." The Gundam spoke in that familiar AI voice, "I was attempting to leave the back room when attackers appeared around me. Naturally, I retaliated."
"The system must have recognized you as a boss CPU player or something and tried to spawn in backup." I muttered.
"Whatever. Isn't piloting a PG Gundam a little unfair for a battle against HGs?" Iori asked.
"I do not recall you requesting for a fair battle against me. Furthermore, this is also my first time operating in battle. As such, I felt it was better to balance myself out by picking a larger, thus more powerful unit." The RX-78-2 rose to her feet, bowing, "Let us begin."
The purple-haired girl frowned, "You cheating bi-"
Without any extra warning, she ran forwards, lashing out twin beam sabres and swinging them towards us. I rolled aside, raising my rifle and firing at the RX-78-2. She leapt out of the way, performing a flip, clinging onto a wall before jumping off, sabre raised over her head.
Iori leapt away from the impact, hefting up her Beam Rifle and unleashing a spray of beam shots. The Gundam's left foot was ripped up by the lavender bolts before landing, and it tripped over, barely catching itself before face-planting.
"You're mine!"
The blue Gunpla ran up the arm of the giant Gunpla, swinging up a foot and kicking it in the head. Using her thrusters to stabilize herself in the air, she continued kicking away at the head, to the repeated protests of the AI.
The Gundam finally raised an arm, swatting her aside. The blue mech rammed into a wall before hovering back up again.
I checked my panel for unlocked 'EX Skills'- as my other weapons were now called. Only the head's Hi-Mega, Shield's Hi-Megas and chest's (?) Beam Sabre were unlocked. Now that I was fighting with a slightly clearer head, I could see… some kind of appeal to the system. It encouraged the use of weapons that would normally be overlooked; in my case, I normally only utilized the C-Funnels to pick off far-off foes, using the Hi-Megas as a last resort to help me escape when surrounded completely.
Clever. But that didn't stop the entire thing from being horribly, incredibly wrong.
I took off once more, running across the floor. Ahead of me, a chair rose up in the distance. The PG chased after me, head Vulcans blazing away and sabres raised. My hand wrapped around a leg of the char, swinging up to the top of the furniture.
The RX-78-2 flew upwards, raising a sabre. I ignored it, focusing on reaching the table top. There, I scanned the vicinity of the cluttered desk for any tools I could use to defend against the gigantic MS.
An Airbrush. Immedieately, a plan formed in my head.
I hefted up the tool, taking aim.
"Kyo, you can't do that! That's against the rules!"
"If she gets a PG, I get to use this!"
"I admire your determination, but I do not believe you fully understand how an airbrush works." The Gundam raised her beam sabre, "Doesn't it require the compressor to be-"
While she was talking, I spun the gun by its hose, hurling it through the air and wrapping it around the head of the Gundam, blinding her. A strong tug on the hose aided by my thrusters was enough to send her stumbling into the chair. She collided, falling backwards from the impact, and I ran across the hose, swinging out my sword. Massive Vulcan bullets spat out at me, but I kept swinging my blade, hacking my way through each.
With a battle cry, I leapt over the MS, Beam Sabre raised over my head.
The lavender cleaved cleanly through the head, and the AI let out an actual, visceral cry of pain, stumbling back. She tore the head off furiously, freeing herself from the spray nozzle and stumbling back upright.
I raised my rifle again, spraying shots at the PG while circle-strafing it from the air. Now deprived of her ranged weaponry and main camera, the titanic MS flailed at me with her sabres, trying to catch me in the many secondary cameras programmed in. Its health- denoted by a small green health bar over her head- dwindled slowly.
"ENOUGH!" the AI suddenly cried out, startling me, "I can still win this battle… Even if it costs me this body!"
All of a sudden, the giant MS gained a crimson aura. I flew back, wishing to observe this development from a safe distance away.
This… Was a bit of a mistake.
The back room door flew open, and out from it flew her bazooka on a cloud of Platsky, glowing a similar scarlet. Snatching it out of the air, she braced the weapon with her free hand, firing a barrage of rockets at the general area before her. Iori leapt away from the blasts, raising her beam sabres and flying forwards.
"You've already lost, Gazer! You couldn't defeat us normally, so you had to cheat in this way!" she yelled, "COWER! FALL KNOWING YOU COULDN'T USE YOUR GUNPLA TO THE BEST OF ITS ABILITY!"
With those words, all hell broke loose.
Iori went straight for the chest. With several swings, she deftly hacked through the physical plastic, ripping away the cockpit door. The Gundam reached down, attempting to tear her away, but the dark blue Gunpla could not fall as easily as that. Cackling like a witch of some sort, she flew inside the Gundam.
A burst of light flashed out from within. The next thing I knew, she was flying out of the AI unit's gaping neck hole, punching out an LED Unit as she flew into the air as she made her escape.
A massive hand clamped around the smaller blue MS.
"Oh shi-"
The PG promptly tossed her into the wall again, dropping onto the ground and breaking into a run towards me.
I slammed my fist down on the 'EX Skill' switch without another thought.
"HI…. MEGA… CANNNOOOONNN!"
I sprung into the air spread-eagled, energy gathering around the forehead barrel. It coalesced into a ball of energy, roaring and glowing bright before taking form as a titanic laser beam spitting out, an all-too familiar tsunami of energy screaming through the room. The rush of emotions and adrenalin shot through my own body as that cosmic glow illuminated the air.
Iori shielded her eyes from the glow of the blast.
Once the energy dissipated, the RX-78-2… well, what remained of it, lay on its back on the ground, smoke rising from its body.
From the cockpit of the unit, a small white flag suddenly popped out with a click, feebly waving in the air.
'MISSION CLEAR!' flashed across my display.
With those words, my first foray with this strange new battle system ended.
But the feeling it left me with… It was as shallow as it sounds here.
The light of the Platsky frames faded, our Gunpla kneeling on the ground where they stood.
"THAT'S IT?! That was a complete rip-off, you hear me?!" Iori screamed, "First, you deploy in a Gunpla that isn't to scale with ours, then I get smacked into a wall, then you go down to this- this…"
"My name's Kyosuke." I stated.
"-Thank you, THIS GUY NAMED KYOSUKE WHO WAS BASICALLY JUST FLAILING AROUND USELESSLY IN HIS GUNPLA AND THAT'S HOW YOU DIE?! IS THIS THE BEST A SUPER AI LIKE YOU CAN DO!?"
"In my defense, I am a utilitarian AI designed to aid the professor with her research. I am not purposely designed for battle." Stargazer's voice filled our cockpits, sounding a little crackly and hoarse.
"THEN WHAT WAS WITH THAT WHOLE 'Even if it costs this body' SCHTICK EARLIER!?"
"In our spare time, the Professor and I particularly enjoy Super Robot Anime." The AI replied, "It is an entertainingly ridiculous and nonsensical view of a prospective future of robotics. I am particularly a fan of Convoy from 'Fight! Super Robot Lifeform-"
"I DON'T GIVE A DAMN ABOUT YOUR FAVORITE ANIME, I WANT A REMATCH!"
"Iori, calm down!" I yelled at last, "Be nice to the AI! She's new to this type of battle too, you know!"
"I know that!" she punched her console, "I… I just want a good battle, okay?! Is that too much to ask? Everyone else here is terrible at battling, and I'm the best person on the class! Nobody wants to ever touch me, so the one time I get to fight against someone who might actually be good, they're an actual noob, and-"
I tuned out the rest of the rant Iori was screaming, realizing that if this went on, it would be all too likely to wear even a robot's patience thin. Something had to be done before the robot revolution began right here. And I was the one who had to do it.
I quickly turned to Stargazer, "I'm so sorry that Iori is treating you like this."
"Do not worry. I'm trying my best not to take offense to such things." The AI spoke, "Sigh… But this speak is quite degrading and taxing on my patience."
"…You realize saying 'sigh' is not the same as actually sighing, right?"
"Is it not?"
It was during this time, the door to the room suddenly flew open with a startling 'CRACK', and a woman with orange hair and a white skirt walked in.
"HALT! Who's using the library for illegal Gunpla battle?!"
Illegal?!
I climbed out of the cockpit, holding up my hands, "Um… I'm new here. Is this illegal?"
"For you two, no." the woman smiled, her green eyes shining, "Why hello there. You can call me Ms Aida. I heard that the class-rep for my homeroom was battling against a newcomer in here, and I decided to check it out."
"You were watching us battling?"
"I was. That was some excellent battling from both of you!" she gestured towards my Gunpla on the ground, "I've never seen somebody react so quickly in battle before or beat this mission so quickly before, especially beginners like you!"
"Was I really doing that? I was just doing what I normally do; I fought like anyone else would." I scratched the back of my head, picking up my Gunpla, "What is so extraordinary about doing that?"
"How would you like to join the Gunpla Battle club? The rules are a little different to what most are used to, but I reckon that Iori has filled you in already about that, right?" the woman continued, "If you were to join, it would be a great social experience and you might make some new friends who-"
The door to the room flew open again, and this time, a more familiar face walked through, "Gazer, I finished my work and saw a lot of people gathering to watch the battle! How did it go?"
Gazer looked up at the professor, "Professor, I was unable to defeat the human opponents. I am, however, intrigued at the Battle Controls and would be interested in acquiring a battle body to allow me to duel properly."
"Oh, that's…" she rubbed her chin, "I'm not much of a Gunpla builder… But rest assured, I'll try to see what I can do for you! I'm all for you continuing to fight out there."
The other woman standing behind her coughed, "A-Anyway! Mr Kyosuke… Would you be interested in joining…"
"Pass. I'm just not feeling it. These controls are limiting and slow." I shook my head, "But I'm more concerned about the underlying hierarchy in place here. There's an economy of parts, with high barriers to entry. People are clearly taking advantage of the system for personal profit, and you're just letting it happen?"
"…She knows. But the student council's orders are absolute. There's really nothing we can do about it." Iori spoke.
So, they were the ones behind this…
"Then let me talk to them! Or just vote them out!"
"In order for us to do that, we need to get higher ranks in battle."
I stared, "So you're telling me that in order to talk to them, I have to play their game?"
"Lots of teams have been formed trying to get rid of the current council."
I could see where this was going quickly.
"…So you want me to form a group with you."
Iori tilted her head, scratching the back of her head, "I'm not forcing you or anything… I'm just sayin'…"
Part of me wanted to say 'Pass'. After all, I came here to study, not battle. I had spent too long messing around outside, and I really needed to make my way to my assigned dorm to put down my bags.
As much as I enjoyed the convenience of having everything I needed right there, I really needed somewhere to unpack my massive collection of Kabature cards.
"I'll… Is it okay if I think about it?" I asked, "I'll go let you know later on. Right now, I've got things to see and people to do."
"Understandable." Professor McGriff muttered, "You are still carrying around all those bags."
"Do you require assistance to navigate to the dormitory?" Gazer asked.
"Nah, I can manage." I rose to my feet, slinging my bags onto my back, "Nice meeting you all, I'm going to take a really long nap."
But as I turned to leave, I couldn't help but notice a slight upset frown on Iori's face.
There was more to this situation than met the eye. The specifics of the battle seemed to imply a larger force in control, profiting off the failures of beginners and creating a strange economy of parts.
But honestly, I was kinda tired and hungry. There was still enough time for me to have a quick nap before the next lectures, and maybe have some lunch in-between somewhere.
"Argama 104-G. This is the place."
When I first stood outside my new residence for the next few years, the sounds of yelling and aggressive keyboard slapping sounded from inside. Naturally, I had a roommate; one who, according to the information she had given me, had been studying here for the past few years already.
She had seemed ordinary enough based on the Emails, but then again, I wasn't quite sure what to expect. I mean, I did just run into an advanced AI and some orange-haired guy who randomly started yelling at me in the hallway. And-not to offend her- Iori seemed to be slightly anxious as well…
I reached for my keycard, tapping it against the electronic lock.
"Four Matildas, one Churchill on the move!"
The dark-orange haired girl yelled into her headset, not taking her eyes off the monitor. Some voices sounded softly in the headset, and she nodded, "AP Shells won't do nuts against the frontal plating. We can't even hit the front from our current angle!"
The room was clean… as long as one didn't look at the walls, covered in posters, blueprints and other assorted pictures of military vehicles. A display cabinet was against the wall of the room, with scale models of more vehicles lined up on display. At the centre of the sea of tanks, a slightly larger brown tank seemed to be the main showpiece, sporting all kinds of battle damage and additional components poking out. Sitting next to it was a singular, heavily battered HG Guntank.
Her back was to me, so she didn't seem to notice that I had entered.
The girl paused, before clicking and shifting her hands on the keyboard, "Mahou, take us forwards steadily. Use the cliffs as cover. Sayori, relay any further information from the radar to me as we adva-"
She paused again, scratching her head.
"…I have the strangest feeling I'm being watched?"
I attempted to speak up, but she quickly brushed it off, "Nevermind. Panzer vor!"
Seeing as she was rather… engaged with whatever tank-based game she was playing, I placed down my bags, beginning to unpack my assorted clothing and other miscellaneous objects from my bag. Of course, she still didn't really seem to notice me that much as I did.
As I pulled out my packed lunch, I couldn't help but think of the home I had left behind; my parents, my younger sister… My pet hamster…
Just this morning, I had waved goodbye to them all, as if I was heading out for a simple trip and returning by the setting sun.
In truth, I probably wouldn't see them for many days…
I mean, there was nothing stopping me from simply going back and visiting, sure. But I would probably be very busy over the semester, so the likelihood of me having such an opportunity seemed so far away.
For a minute, I couldn't help but stew in this fear. I had left everyone I knew and loved behind and now had to live here. I wasn't very competent by any means; in fact, I had only gathered the ridiculous amount of Yen I had as a result of buying and selling stocks as a result of a meme a few years ago, and even then, I wasn't even certain it would be enough for me to survive upon for long.
It's just funny. In 12th grade, all these pressures and expectations are placed upon you. Then, once you graduate high school, all the more is laid upon you. They expect you have your life laid out before you, planned and prepared all of a sudden.
It just doesn't seem to stop…
But I was, and still am, determined to rise above the pain and reach for the highest I can manage, even now.
It was at this moment I was promptly smacked in the face with a surprisingly impactful teddy bear.
"WHO ARE YOU WHAT ARE YOU DOING IN MY ROOM!?" the girl shrieked, continuing to smack me again and again in the face with the bear, "IDENTIFY YOURSELF YOUNG MAN!"
"I LIVE HERE NOW!" I yelled, blocking the strikes and collapsing backwards against the door, "I thought you knew that!"
"…Wait, the transfer was supposed to be on Thursday!" she exclaimed, dropping the bear, "Oh geez… It was today!?"
I rose to my feet again, clearing my throat and attempting to regain some semblance of composure, "I'm Kyosuke Asatte."
"M-Mihou Izumi." The girl blushed slightly, "I… I didn't know you were… Um…"
I rolled my eyes.
She froze up, looking me over again.
"…You looked just like a… oh my go..." she suddenly started bowing repeatedly, "Y-Your name… and the photos… I-I'm sorry! I'm a really bad roommate, aren't I?"
"Hey, look, I'd probably freak out too if a guy wandered into my room unexpectedly." I grinned awkwardly, sitting down on my bed, "Not to mention pretty much everyone else already thinks I'm a guy…"
"R-Really?"
"I've grown accustomed to it by now." I rolled my eyes, "You build up a lot of tolerance to it over the years. So let's drop the subject and start this again."
"R…Right." She got up again, saluting sharply, "I'm Mihou Izumi! I'll be your bunk buddy!"
That's right. When she sent me those orientation E-mails, she did make reference to military vehicles a lot.
"There's no need to be like that."
"I-I'm trying to be a good senior to you!" she scratched the back of her head, "Already I've assaulted you just as I met you… not to mention I wasn't already at attention when you reported in."
"This isn't a military facility…"
"W-Well still! How am I supposed to recover from an introduction as chaotic as a few minutes ago?!" she asked, glancing around, "Y-You probably think I'm really weird… I haven't even cleaned this place up properly… and…"
"I don't mind. It's a lot cleaner than my room back home..." I scratched the back of my head, "Besides, I'm not exactly what most people call normal, myself."
Alright, enough messing around. Time to get down to business.
I cleared my throat, "By the by, I don't suppose you know anything about the Gunpla club, do you?"
"Oh? Yui's club?" she rubbed her chin, "Yeah, I know some stuff. What do you need to know?"
She seems a little familiar with the person running the club if she automatically refers to the club by that title.
"Why is the battle system so watered down? I can't use more than one weapon at a time, and I'm primarily limited to just using two weapons. Is there some kind of setting, or maybe some management I could talk to about it, or…"
"Oh, that's your question." She looked unimpressed, "Yeah, can't really say. I'm more part of the Sensh-uh, Platsky Heavy Systems Engineering Extra Curricular group, so our paths don't really intersect too much."
"Oh."
"Luckily, I happen to have a fairly good idea of what is going on thanks to the people who keep leaving." She grinned, "So, recently, the board for that club lost some funds. As such, they imposed new rules in order to farm money from newbie battlers; the Platsky Frame and G-Cube rules."
"Yeah, the economy of parts did seem quite money-oriented."
"They sucker new people in with the free entry fees-and besides, who doesn't like Gunpla battle?" she seemed to spit the later words, "Only for them to suddenly slap the newbie battlers with large amounts of cash for replacement parts and allowing stronger teams to just steal parts from the newbies. This is to be expected, but the whole 'stealing your opponents parts' bit of the new combat system is what drives people away; they're afraid of bringing their best to the battlefield because it might be lost, and those who are physically more powerful can gain parts easily, only to sell them back to the highest bidder for profit."
"Wait, you mean people essentially-by proxy- steal other people's gunpla and sell it?" I exclaimed, "T-That doesn't seem right! If you lose your Gunpla in battle, the only person forking out cash should be you, to someone else for spare parts!"
It was only after I said that that I promptly did a mental backspace, "Uh, wait, isn't this normal, then?"
"I see what you're getting at. But the real problem is the exorbitant prices." She walked over to her gaming setup, alt-tabbing to another page and typing quickly, "This is the 'Library', the online Gunpla store for Gunbre. Quick question; how much does a HG Gundam cost on store shelves?"
"RX-78-2? I reckon that 1100 yen's a good price for a really cheap one."
"That's nice. For 5000 yen, you can own the head of one on the parts store."
Mihou was probably happy that I wasn't drinking anything, because I would have spat it all over that massive flatscreen monitor, "W-WHAT?! J-JUST TH-THE HEAD?!"
"And that's a cheaper part." She opened up the rest of the cost, "Huh… So, for the rest of the parts… yeah, to own a full Gundam, you need roughly…40000 yen."
"That's almost 36 times the cost if one bought it outside!" I gaped, "T-This is a bold-faced scam, straight and simple!"
"Uh, hang on, forgot to scroll down. Is the Beam Rifle and Shield important? Because I forgot to factor those in."
Rage began to bubble up within me, "They can't just fleece the fans like that! What do they think they are, online textbook stores?!"
Mihou giggled, before growing serious again, "It's probably because most of the parts are 3D printed in-house to make up for demand using recycled runners and parts. Naturally, more powerful parts cost more."
"Recycled parts? Well, at least that's slightly more environmentally-" I did another double-take, "Wait, wouldn't that mean the parts come out in all-black or something? I've seen Ecopla before."
"Yeah. So, naturally, there's a price needed for use of the airbrushes and other painting tools as well if you want your Gunpla to not look like a black-cobbled together mess. I mean, you could also use the software for the holo-pods to electronically paint your gunpla for free, but if you want it to physically look amazing and not it was made out of bitumen, you need to shell out for that too." She gestured over to her shelf of tank models, "This one, I can personally attest is true."
"You gave those fiends money?!"
"Once. And only once. Then I bought my own rig to paint it myself." She grinned grimly, "It really set me back a bit, but it's cheaper than having to deal with M-Ass-umi in the long run."
I growled, "Alright, who's in charge here?! I want to talk to the manager!"
Mihou looked up at me with a shudder, "Y-You're really fired up!"
"Hell yeah I am! Gunpla battle is a famous hobby! And they're using it as a mere excuse to steal money here!" I exclaimed, "This will not stand!"
The orange haired girl put a finger on my lips, "Stop yelling, and I'll tell you. You won't get anyone to agree with you by screaming like a Karen."
"This is a disgrace! I'm ready to kick someone's ass!"
"I get it. You're really outraged, aren't you? But like I said, nobody's going to listen to someone screaming in their faces like that." The way she spoke was cold and commanding… Almost like a drill sergeant or a captain of a battleship, "Asatte, if you want others to listen, listen to them first instead of getting so worked up."
"But…"
"And what does my posterior have to do with this?" she asked, folding her arms and shooting a glare, "You calm down and I'll tell you!"
I took a few deep breaths.
Then a horrible thought crossed my mind.
"H-Hold on, you said it was 'Yui's' club, right?"
"I'M HERE TO DELIVER PAINT WITHOUT THE T!"
I yelled these words as I threw open the door to the mess hall, "YUI MIKAGURA! WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING!?"
Yui stared, wide-eyed, dropping her cup of ramen, "W-What?! Kyo-"
Luckily, there weren't that many people around to stare at us at the time. It would appear that Yui wasn't exactly that popular either, as those that did notice seemed mostly indifferent to my outburst.
"…Oh, shit, sorry. Didn't mean to make you drop lunch." I apologized, "Maybe I'll buy another for you… at 36 times the regular cost?!"
"…The hell you talking about?" she demanded, "What made you so upset all of a sudden?"
"What made me upset?! You can't see it?!" I exclaimed, "Your little Gunpla club is taking advantage of others! It's charging ridiculous prices! It has more inflation than a Deviantart alt and Venezuela combined! There are large groups proxy-stealing from newbie battlers! The barrier to entry is so tall, on the day it falls, humanity receives a grim reminder!"
She frowned, "…That last one is a bit of a stretch…"
"Look, I'm making a point!" I growled, "Explain yourself! There has to be some reason to this insanity! 36 times the usual cost is too much for anyone!"
"Okay, okay! Just quit yelling at me and listen!" she barked at me almost as loudly, before letting out a sigh, "I see your burning temper and lack of foresight hasn't changed much from when you were a kid, too…"
"Hey, I'm still waiting for that explanation!"
"Alright, alright. Just sayin', kinda rude to yell at an old friend like that." She held up her hands, shooting me a glare, "Firstly, you've got the wrong person."
"The heck do you mean? You run the Gunpla club, don't you?"
"Not since last year."
I blankly stared. In my blind rage, I hadn't even considered the possibility that Mihou's information might have been outdated.
But this merely meant I had a different target for my rage.
"Elaborate."
"An incident happened." She looked upset, "One that was a massive blow to my reelection as president of the club. As a result, this new guy named Yuki, along with his vice-president Sena, was voted in instead. He's ruthless. First thing he did was actually abolish the voting system and replace it with one more 'thematically accurate'; you now need to battle your way up a rank ladder, then defeat him in battle to become the president, or even talk to him."
"And nobody stopped him!?"
"He's the president! What the hell were we supposed to do!? Not to mention he just abolished the democratic voting system!"
"So, it's a dictatorship, then?"
"We had no choice. Then, he began establishing all these rules which have been causing everyone so much trouble, such as ranked battles that determined the allocation of resources… I had no say in any of this…" She sighed, "And yet… I feel as if it's all my fault…"
Part of me wanted to say that Yui wasn't at fault… Part of me wanted to say that what she did was all in the past, and was no longer her problem…
It wasn't her fault… None of this was.
…God, I'm a dickhead. On flimsy evidence, I just blindly charged in and accused her of a crime she wasn't guilty of… What the hell was I doing?!
"…I'm sorry for getting mad at you." I sighed. I was no good at apologies…
"Oh, so now you apologize?" she snorted, before looking slightly crestfallen, "Ah… Well, don't worry. I get more than a few people doing this a lot. Eventually, I tuned it all out… Kinda like how you did for your own stuff, actually." She sighed as well, leaning against a wall, "So I won't hold it against you if you're mad at me for this. Besides, I already know you are a bit of a meathead, anyway."
Way to drive the stake in deeper…
"…I'll make it up to you." I placed a hand on her shoulder, "I'll book a meeting with that guy and demand he give up his spot, battles be dammed! Then if you're game, I'll find a way to reinstate you as-"
"Not gonna work." She sighed, "He boards himself up inside the main clubroom with his lackeys these days. He practically lives in there now. Sometimes, we see him and his peons hauling large equipment into there to work on or something. Even if you storm up there, you'd have to physically beat up the guards he has in place if you really want to avoid Gunpla battles, and last I checked, that could get you expelled."
"…So you're really saying the only way I'm going to get to meet with him is to play this stupid game?"
"Pretty much." She looked up at me with wide eyes, "B-But you can't… Your gunpla… We built it together when we were younger! To risk it like this is…"
"Don't be egotistical and think I'm just only doing this for you." I replied, "Yui, what I do now is for the sake of all the Gunpla battlers here. They're being held back from allowing their creativity to flow, and most importantly, they aren't able to push their own limits forwards and break through."
"Kyosuke…"
"That's why Double and A Half Zeta and I are going to fight now to free those limits from the hands that hold them back." I scratched the back of my head, "It's not much, but it's what I can do."
"But you're going to need teammates for that. They only allow three-on-three battles here."
I paused, "Wait, but Iori and I… ah, that must have been an unofficial fight, right."
"Iori? As in, Iori Koura? You fought alongside her?"
"Sort of. Should I not have?"
"Well, you see…" Yui scratched the back of her head, "Iori's… a strange one. People tend to avoid her, because apparently her mother was involved in drug trade or something and served a sentence. Not to mention she can be a little stand-offish at times as well…"
"Even if that is so, she seemed nice enough to me." I replied, "…Hey, wait, you don't have a team?"
"It's ironic… Even though I was once president of the club, nobody wants to team up with me now." She sighed, "Not after… the incident."
Whatever this incident was, it must have been quire catastrophic if it made her feel this way.
My thoughts swirled and gathered, coalescing into a decision. It manifested as single option before me; a single course of action, the only resolution of these circumstances.
Let's form a team.
"…I see. Then, would you be interested in joining my team, then?"
"Your team?! You just started here! You don't have a team!"
"Not yet. It has to start somewhere, and this is it." I declared, "Old friend… Lend me your strength once more! As for the third person… I think Iori should be good for it."
"Iori?"
"She asked me to join her, and she doesn't seem to have a team already, if what you're saying is true." I placed my hands on my hips, "She also is quite the battler."
"…I suppose she's quite ferocious on the field…" she muttered, "Alright, I'll go prepare Lily for battle again."
"Lily?"
"Oh, that's right. You didn't hear from me for a while." She pulled out her phone, "I upgraded the Wing Gundam Sky I fought in all those years ago with new parts. I renamed it Gundam Lily." She held up her phone, revealing a light-blue and white Shining Gundam with Wing Gundam's head and wings on the screen.
"I see it's no longer just a recolor." I whistled.
"Since I was president of the Gunpla club, I decided to pilot something more dignified than a mere repaint." She smiled, "I figured I might as well put those karate classes to use using the motion capture cockpits… but with the new system, I can't do that anymore…"
I placed a hand on her shoulder, "Don't worry. We'll get it back. I don't know about everyone else, but I'm certain that we can defeat the council, and everything that stands in our way!"
"… I sure hope that isn't just wistful dreaming…"
I knocked on the door of the dorm room.
It swung open, revealing the purple-haired girl standing behind it, holding a Seinen manga in one hand, "Oh? Asatte? What are you doing here?"
"I've thought it over, and I'm decided. You still have places on that team, right?" I asked.
"…I don't have a- I mean, o-of course!" she stuttered, "Yeah! Now we just need one more-"
"Found her." I stepped aside, revealing Yui standing behind me. She waved happily.
"…Wait, you're taking me up on trying to free the place?" she looked between the two of us, "…Even her…?"
"Why wouldn't I? I'm very passionate about Gunpla Battle." I replied, "Plus, according to Yui, we need teams of three."
"But why would you pick me? If anything, that robot is way better than me at fighting. Not to mention…" she looked down, "…Well, you know… others don't think too highly of me…"
"Iori. Think again. If Gazer was really better than you, you wouldn't have been able to defeat her, would you?" I asked, "For all her abilities, Gazer's a beginner. While she isn't a bad addition to the team, you have more experience than her."
"…You really want me? There are better fighters…"
"That may be so, but I'm asking for you right now." I held out my hand, "…So, what do you say?"
She looked me over for a few moments, before letting out a laugh.
"We only just met today, and already, you're just inviting me to join a team?"
"Let me think… Yes. That is exactly what's happening." I nodded, "I'm not forcing you or anything, I'm just saying…"
"I dunno. Maybe I'll think about it and tell you roughly three hours later." She smiled, "I'm in for messing up the stupid council's plans. Gundam Sapphire is at your service!"
"Sapphire? That's what it's called?" I looked over her shoulder at the Ground Gundam custom on the shelf behind her, "…It's not the first thing that would come to my mind."
"Hey, who built it and thus has naming rights?" She scoffed, "Besides, your unit is called Double and a Half Zeta. That doesn't even roll off the tongue or anything."
"I-It's a valid name too!" I replied, "Yui, you grew up with me calling it that, you tell her!"
"Actually, I've always wanted to tell you that name was a bit of a mouthful too. If anything, she took the words out of my mouth."
Everyone's a critic…
"Still, it might be a good idea to rename it, in case we need to quickly call out its name in battle quickly or give it orders in a pinch."
"Look, I'll go rename it later or something if it's that big of a deal. It's not a deal-breaker at the moment, is it?"
"Breaker… Hm…" Iori gave me a strange look, "Call her… Double Breaker."
"Huh?"
"I think Double Breaker would be a good name for your Gunpla." She folded her arms with a smirk, "Because it's based on the Double Zeta, and you seem pretty good at breaking stuff down with it, right?"
"That's a bit of a stretch." Yui muttered, "But it does have a certain ring to it."
"You clearly just picked a random word I just said. What if I had said that 'it wasn't the end of the world' or something?"
"Don't be ridiculous. A Gundam called 'The End' would never take off." Iori scoffed, shooting a knowing look to Yui.
"Alright then…" I turned about, "Well, nice meeting you two. I'm going back to my room. We'll discuss more later on."
"Wait, don't you want dinner or something?"
"I mean, it's not that late." I muttered, turning to look out the window.
The sky was filled with glittering stars, the shining moon overhead.
"…Okay, maybe it's a little late." I muttered, "Where did all the time today go…?"
"So yeah… I was just about to go get some dinner from somewhere before going back to my studies." Iori spoke.
"…But that doesn't explain the manga."
"I said I was about to, okay!?" she shot back defensively, "Don't act like you're innocent of doing the exact same thing! Everyone has that moment where they mean to do something, but then they get distracted, then do something else completely!"
Yui giggled, "If you say so… It looks like Kyo and I got here just before it was too late, then."
"L-Look, that only happens every now and again, okay?" she placed the manga aside, "It's not like I'm coming to your room asking for food every night…"
Again, not going to dwell on this. Although I made a mental note to ensure I had a better laid-out schedule.
I buried my face into the bowl of instant ramen, shoveling as much as I could into my mouth. Inside my head, I was just as active, information flicking by in my thoughts.
So there was some sort of ranking system in place here. The higher ranks have more opportunities in battle, crushing the lower ranks beneath their heels. The lower ranks struggle to climb up, due to the high operation costs. It is all run by a dictatorial council.
If they weren't going to play fair, neither would I. Fight fire with fire, all that.
I had to cheese the system.
But how was I to do so? I want to keep some semblance of fairness…
"Are you sure you wouldn't like anything fancier than that bowl, Kyo?" Iori asked, "I mean, we have cash, we can get you a welcome-"
"No, I'm fine." I stated, "I don't need anything fancy right now. I just need to re-organize my facts."
"…Huh? What do you mean by that?"
"I've been collecting information all day." I replied, putting down my fork, "So, I need some time to organize it so I can try to figure out my next move."
"Oh, you mean that you need some time to think." Yui turned to face Iori, "This happens a lot, you see."
"Oh right, you know him from your childhood, right?"
Yui paused, before gaining a small grin, "Yeah… Yeah, I know him. He's a bit of a klutz sometimes, but he has an amazing photographic memory."
Yui, you've betrayed me, Yui…
"Whatever." I muttered under my breath, "Anyway, how well do you two know the P-Frame system?"
"I think I know a bit." Iori bit her lip in thought, "They work by using Platsky particles being dispersed inside the Gunpla. This allows the Gunpla to operate outside of a Battletop for a brief period of time- roughly 12 minutes- thanks to the compressed Platsky reactor inside them."
"Yeah. So for longer battles, they need to be in Platsky field." I nodded, "Alright. So what's the difference between each frame? Why do we need to break crates?"
"Breaking the crates acts as a signal to the frame to allocate slightly more particles to weapons to power up different attacks. However, upon being used, the particles need some time to be re-allocated back to the weapon fully to be re-used." Iori continued, "Thus, the weapon system works as it does in order to prevent over-exertion of the frame. Without it, if one was to repeatedly fire a Hi-Mega Cannon, for example, they might run out of energy for their mobility systems, leaving them as a sitting duck."
"So we need to keep that. Fine." I huffed, "What about mobility? Why have the movement controls been so simplified? In Gunpla Battle, there is a wide range of mobility options like backflipping and such, for example. But here, I can only perform pre-programmed actions."
"The actions are preprogrammed into the console in order to prevent Platsky overuse, similarly to the weapons." Iori gave me a curious look, "But… Well, not to brag, but I know how to turn it off."
"What? You can hack the system?"
"It's not hacking." She scoffed, "I'm just bypassing the security mechanisms of the battle network in order to restore full mobility options to the Gunpla instead of the 'Safe Mode' that is used by default."
"…So you're hacking." Yui repeated.
"…Fine, yeah. Call it that." She scoffed, "But I swear it's not…"
"Well, can you unlock Double Breaker's?"
Double Breaker… Breaker for short. The words rolled off my tongue easier than 'Double and a Half'.
I could get used to this.
"Just say the words!" she flashed a thumbs up, "I happen to know a thing or two about the computers used in the battle system! You're an engineering egghead, right? You might be able to decipher the specs if I send them to you."
Yui let out a giggle.
We both turned to look at her.
"Oh, uh… Well, is it just me, or are we turning into a shonen anime cast? We have the quirky, clumsy protagonist…" she pointed to herself, "The hacker with deep inside connections, and the hot-blooded kid appeal character. What's next, the loli and comically serious character?"
"Listen, my connections aren't that deep." Iori glanced down, "…Although I suppose I can do the 'Comically Serious' part…"
"I'm 'hot-blooded'…?" I stared, "What part of me appeals to kids…?"
"Well, now's a good time as any to come up with a team name!" Yui smiled, "Something that will sound heroic, confident. A name everyone can look up to!"
The words came to my head, and I blurted them out with a grin before I could think them through.
"New Gundam Breaker."
Silence.
"Uh… That's it. That's the team name. What do you two think?"
"…I don't know. Shouldn't it be 'Breakers' since there's three of us?" Yui spoke, "Not to mention our goal isn't explicitly to break Gundams; it's to simply break everyone free from the grasp of the council."
"Look, I thought it sounded cool…"
"Everything sounds cool before you say it out loud, Kyo." Iori rolled her eyes, "So, what are we calling ourselves, anyway?"
"I'm thinking something nice and simple; Side 0."
"We're naming ourselves after a place that doesn't exist." Iori quickly snapped back, "There was only ever really Sides 1 through 8 mentioned."
"No, no, I'm pretty sure Side 0 is a real place in canon. Wouldn't it be, like, the first colony made?" she refuted, "Or at least one of the oldest… You know, like Laplace?"
"…You want to name us after a space colony that, in short order, was the site of a major assassination, then lost the space constitution, and ultimately EXPLODED?!"
"…Yes." She gained steel, "You see, Kyosuke, one of the major players in the Gunbre battle scene here is the Shield of Laplace. A council-supported coalition of strong battlers who manage most of the customization resources outside of the battlefield."
"So, basically lackeys?"
"…Well, Uh… I guess. In a sense, I guess it would be ironic if they were defeated by a team roughly named after the same thing they were; as if we were asserting ourselves as the true Laplace."
"And you were the true council president… I'm cool with that." Iori nodded, "What about you, kid?"
"Don't call me 'kid'. I'm Kyosuke." I cleared my throat, "Side 0, huh? It's a bit… Well, I guess it's not bad, now that I think about it."
"Alright! We got names now! I suppose I might as well fill you in on more details about our battlefield, correct?" she grinned at me, "I know a thing or two, and I know how much you love your information gathering…"
"You read my mind, Yui. So, ranked battles seem to play a large role here."
"Correct. Those higher on the ranks are eligible for discounts in the parts library, in addition to being able to actually trade and receive actual quality goods and services from the other related parties in the system."
Iori spat, "If you're lucky, the higher ranks might 'graciously' let some of their table scraps to you. It's just ass-kissing if you want to make it to the top. I hate it."
"All we can do is fight this system." I replied, "We'll play their little game, give them a taste of their own bitter medicine... But, are there any other details?"
"…Oh no, just remembered. What we're doing is actually a little illegal." Yui spoke up quietly.
"Illegal? What, it's against the rules to speak out against injustice now?"
"Actually, yes! Section 6, Paragraph 4; Harboring or fomenting resistance against the council, or those representing it, is not allowed and is grounds for the aforementioned team to be held in contempt and have a bounty placed upon their heads."
'Harboring resistance?! They're actually going as far to police the thoughts of those under their power?!'
"…They really are a damn dictatorship, huh?" I let out a laugh, "In which case, it appears that we're breaking some rules of their little game anyway!"
"…Your plan is for us to explicitly reveal ourselves instead of resisting in secret?" Iori gaped, before grinning, "You're crazy. I think I'm in love."
Let's hope that was just a figure of speech…
Naturally, Yui started freaking out, "Wait, wait! You can't do that! They're way stronger than you think! I was defeated in battle by them countless times! The entire of the old council was!"
"This time you've got me on your side now." I grinned, rubbing my nose, "Not to brag, but I'm thinking I might just have a trick or two up my sleeve to bring us to victory in this conflict of ours."
Yui stared at me for a few seconds, before looking down, "Ah… That light in your eyes. It's back again. You're really not backing down, are you?"
"We're blowing this place wide open." I spoke with a grin, "And whoever heard of a silent explosion? We go loud, or we go home! Hell, I'll do it right now!"
I rose to my feet, clearing my throat and preparing my best shouting voice.
"O-Oh no… She's fired up…" Yui groaned, "Iori, could you try to hold her back? I think I need to get out of her blast radius before she-"
"Hold back? This is what I've been waiting for months!" her eyes were wide, filled with excitement.
The burning excitement of my eagerness unfortunately got the better of me.
"I'VE COME TO MAKE AN ANNOUNCEMENT! The Council are a bunch of cowards! You're scared of me, aren't ya? So much for your dumb rules sayin' I can't harbor or ferment resistance against you! You can't tell me what to do!" I yelled at the top of my lungs, absolutely giddy, "Look at me! I'm fermenting resistance like a fine wine out here! What are you lot going to do to stop me? WHAT CAN YOU DO TO STOP ME?!"
The rest of the food court stared at me.
I blushed, sitting back down.
"…Social expectations may have bested me now, but the battlefield will prove my point!" I yelled, "There, rant over. Now, it's official. Let us prepare for our ride to victory!"
"…You're still an idiot." Yui gaped.
"That will be for history to decide!" I replied, "Just you wait!"
"Fomenting. It means to instigate or stir up an undesirable or violent actions." A cold voice spoke behind my back, "It is not, in fact, an anaerobic process."
I whipped around, coming face-to-face with a blonde girl glaring holes straight through me.
"And who might you be? Are you also interested in joining my little resistance?" I grinned.
"Kyo, that really isn't a good idea…" Yui spoke.
"Oh come on, we invited Iori, and people don't get along well with her. I'm sure I can be friends with her too."
"That's not what I'm getting at." She spoke, "…Uh… Ryoko IS part of the current council."
I looked into Ryoko's eyes.
"…So, you were saying something about resistance?" she cracked her knuckles.
Well, I got this far. Might as well keep the ball rolling and have some fun with this…
"You heard me the first time!" I scoffed, "Did I stutter?"
"I am under orders to keep you in contempt of the council for harboring such activity." She continued, her tone and glare unchanging, "Soon, there may be rules passed to give me authority to ban those who do so from battle."
"Oh, you're psychic, then?" Iori spoke, "Then tell me, how is it that you could read his mind, but not get it through your thick skull that nobody's happy with these new orders?"
"I have every jurisdiction to confiscate and engage your Gunpla in battle for this dissent, you know."
"Oh please. If my memory serves, you're in the food court, not the stadium or any other similar battle arena. Thus, the council, who merely control the Gunpla club, holds no jurisdiction over this territory." Iori folded her arms, pointing at the council's… enforcer? I guess that this Ryoko girl would be an enforcer.
"Why are you even here? I doubt that you came simply just to tell me off, though I guess it's not out of the reign of possibility."
She did not lift her deadly glare, so I merely gave one back with a smirk.
"I came here to get dinner." She replied after a few more tense moments of staring.
"That so? Then why don't I pay for it? You know, a small treat?" I spoke, my mashed-potato grey matter deeming this an appropriate course of action.
She seemed offended, "That is not necessary. I do not require pity from a rebel such as you."
"Rebel? You're talking about my little rant, right? That old thing? Just some trash-talk before my big grudge match." I replied, "You know how that sort of thing works, right?"
She continued staring at me, not breaking eye contact as she marched across the room towards the food stalls.
"… What have you gotten yourself into, Kyo…" Yui spoke softly.
"That's my line." I replied, folding my arms, "Still… She seems nice. Do either of you two know her?"
"…Ryoko Otori. She was originally part of my council team. She was the only one undefeated by the new council, so she stayed on." Yui sighed, "I… I was friends with her, once. But now… she's cold. Distant."
I smiled, "She seemed a little flustered."
"She gets like that when she doesn't get enough sleep. She explained it to me herself once." Yui spoke, "…In many senses, Kyo, she's a lot like you. She's analytical, at least…"
"I'm actually not the kind of person to analyze the battlefield, you know…?" I laughed, "I just blast the hell out of my opponents with all my guns."
"She's unbeatable in battle. This has given her a sort of…um, how do I put this…" she bit her lip, "Okay, so you know how in movies and stuff, there's like the character who demands fair duels against their opponents while sometimes also helping them out in order to further some kind of justice-seeking scheme, while having this really cool, mysterious air to them?"
"Bishojo?"
"Yeah, that's it. She's one of those."
"I do taste…" Iori sniffed the air, "A tinge of tsundere on her as well."
"…To be honest, I'm not surprised." I folded my arms, "She sounds like a little bit of a threat. But I'm sure we'll burn that bridge once we cross it. So, back to our previously scheduled mischief; where do we meet?"
"You want to establish a rendezvous point?"
"Yeah. I'm thinking maybe my room, if Mihou is okay with i-"
In hindsight, I should have put a trigger warning or whatever those woke people do before mentioning her to Yui.
In my defense, how was I supposed to know she hated her?
"Mihou?! Mihou Izumi is your ROOMMATE?! Of all the god-damn…" she exclaimed, slamming her head on the table and letting out a frustrated growl, "Does the universe want to shit on me all at once?! HELL NO, I'm not dealing with her crap again!"
The sound of sweet, gentle Yui swearing like a toxic gamer all of a sudden was like a gunshot ripping through my head. I could feel the recoil and her hatred suddenly surging out from her in that instant.
"I don't want to see or talk about her stupid ass, or her equally moronic tank-fetish ever again!" she yelled, "HECK NO! We are NOT meeting up in your room!"
Um… So, Yui knows, and hates Mihou… I'll try to remember that.
"Okay, chill, I get it. You have some history with her, rig-"
"I am NOT going to tell YOU anything about that!" she shot me a glare, "Well… not right now, at least. All you need to know is that I'd sooner have you ranting in this cafeteria again than run the risk of coming face-to-face with THA- MMPH!"
Iori, now having clamped a hand over Yui's mouth, most likely to protect everyone from a second barrage of screaming, "Yeah, that's cool. Listen, I know a place. It's an abandoned club-room, still with all the tools and stuff in it for building."
"Wait, an abandoned room?"
"Yeah. The team that previously used it actually went bust recently, so it's quite convenient for us to use it!" She let out a yawn, "…Though, I'm pretty pooped from all this high-stakes yelling stuff though. I can give you a map and let you navigate there to check it out if you want, though."
"You have a map?" my eyes glittered, "I've been lost the whole day! Please!"
"Good idea. While Iori gets some rest and you scout out our new base of operations, I guess I'll go get us registered as a team." Yui peeled Iori's hand off her face, "Alright! Then let's get to work! Team Side Zer-!"
Iori promptly clamped her hand over her mouth again, "Ah… I think we can do without mentioning the team name aloud right now… Don't want to disturb the others…"
"Storeroom GB4. This seems to be the place."
I lowered my phone, looking up at the new base of operations. It was a simple repurposed storeroom, as the name would imply. Apparently most of the teams had such rooms, filled with equipment and resources to allow them to remain operating for longer periods of time.
On the way there, I noticed the prices for the rental of the rooms were quite low; by quite low, I of course mean in comparison to the Gunpla prices. So I began asking why that was to myself. Wouldn't it be in the best interests of the council to make sure that these rooms cost as much as possible?
But upon stepping in and throwing on the lights, I realized why this was the case.
"Woah. This place is loaded!"
Paints everywhere! At least three different types of topcoat! An airbrush and build booth! Those fancy kebab skewers with alligator clips on the end! Actually good tools and not just random stuff I bought from the hardware store! A 3D printer! Good files that weren't attached to fingernail clippers! Actual nub cutters that weren't actually the aforementioned fingernail clip-
Ah. Sorry. Anyway, all you needed to know was that I was in there, absolutely flipping my shit at the crazy crap all over the place.
But what really caught my eyes were the labels on everything.
Labels meant to inform the user of the tools how much they cost to operate.
Ah. So this was the second layer of the deception.
Upon suckering a team to use a seemingly cheap clubroom rental, they would charge money for each tool used. Now, I would understand this business method for stuff that used up electricity or other utilities like airbrushes and the VR pods, in addition to consumable equipment like topcoat and paints. In fact, I even expected as such.
But seriously?! It cost 1 yen to use the God Hand nippers to make A SINGLE CUT.
THEY WERE CHARGING FOR CUTTING OUT YOUR GUNPLA.
BY THE CUT.
"WHAT." I vocalized both in my mind and physically upon reading that label.
This was bordering on the absurd, almost to the point of parody! What sick, money-grubbing monster would go this far to acquire more currency?! To think they'd even go to this unforgivable length to monetize a simple hobby…
My resolve to destroy the council grew by the second. I HAD to destroy them. Both for the sake of my sanity, and the sake of every Gunpla lover here!
"guh… guah… GUAAACHOO! AH-CHOO!"
And with that sneeze, all hell broke loose.
"Who's there!? Drop your weapons, intruder!" I declared, spinning about and raising my rifle which I inexplicably had, all composed and heroic-like, unwavering in my resolve!
…Fine, I didn't do that.
"UWAAAAH! PLEASE DON'T EAT MEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAARGH" would be a more apt description of what I screamed, instinctively diving for the nearest cover.
Which happened to be under the nearest desk.
This was a mistake, as I dove right into a soft body and slammed into several gunpla boxes.
"AAAAAAAGH GET OFF ME! I'M NOT GOING TO EAT YOU!" the source of the screaming yelled in reply.
I finally got up, heart pounding and panting, spotting a small girl with purple hair, large glasses and a cute red bowtie. She shuffled back nervously, absolutely shaken from me basically bodily tackling her.
"Smol girl, I apologize dearly for my sudden, high-velocity intrusion into your enclosed hiding space. I hope you won't hold it against me, you sweet innocent cinnamon roll, and I shall do everything in my power to atone for my unforgivable sin." I spoke upon seeing her, with some dramatic reverb. And yes, I absolutely did sound exactly how you'd expect a lowercase, bold italic action hero-ey protagonist would sound like.
…What? I'm not allowed to take some creative liberties with my own story? Ugh, fine.
"Who the heck are you?! What are you doing in here? Why did you sneeze? Are your glasses broken?" I quickly spat out, "Why are you under a desk?! Did you lose a part to the black hole on the floor? Are you some kind of shrunken down teen detective who knocks her alcoholic investigator uncle out with her bowtie and solves crimes?"
"What?! I'm not allowed to spend time in my own team's room!?" she exclaimed, "D-Did the council send- wait a minute, and was that just the plot of some anime?"
"No, I mean, uh… yeah." I explained, just as flustered as the girl, "W-What I'm trying to say is I'm not from the council, I freaked out and recalled the plot of Detective Cona- I mean, er… I'm Kyosuke Asatte. First year."
"M…Marika Sakurai… Second year." The small girl squeaked, "W…What are you doing in the room of the 08th team?"
"T-This room was supposed to be unused, right?! Iori told me that nobody would be in here! My team was moving here…"
"Um… Well, you see…" she looked down quietly, "…I just wanted to say goodbye…"
"…Ah. You're sentimental about this room…?"
"H-How could I not be?" she spoke softly, "W…We made so many m-memories here… But we couldn't afford to keep it up… Ah… It's dumb for me to waste your time like this… Just… nevermind. I'm just tired and need to get back to my dorm."
She rose to her feet shakily.
I ran to her side, "W-Wait! Do you need help?"
"J-Just because I'm little doesn't mean I need to be babied, m-mister!" she spoke, "I… um… I can find my way back on my own!"
"Wait… I'm sorry for tackling you like that…"
"N-No, it's my fault for taking a nap under the table and sneezing…"
"Do you nap under the table often?"
She blushed, before nodding shyly. "Its smo… smallness is very comforting…" she spoke softly, "I did it all the time back with my group… Sometimes, the leader would even join me for naps there too…"
"I see… Well, you take care of yourself now!"
"I'm just physically small! It's not like you can just order me around like that, y-you know!" she squeaked, "W-Well, nice meeting you anyway!"
With those words, she proceeded to sprint out of the room as quickly as her legs would carry her, looking away from me.
I let out a sigh. Geez, if there was a personification of the word 'moe', I was probably looking at her right there…
Ultimately, it was late for me too, so I just returned back to my dorm without any further adventures for the night.
"Hey, Kyo. It's for you." a voice spoke in the darkness, "Wake up."
I rolled over, squinting at the shining red digits of my alarm clock in the darkness, "Mom, five more minutes… I'm a grown woman, I can deal with it later…."
"No, I'm serious. There's someone at the door and they're demanding that you come out."
"…" I slammed my pillow over my ears, "Call me later."
"…Private Asatte! ON YOUR FEET!"
That sudden commanding voice, accompanied by a shrill whistle, got me to sit bolt upright in my bed in an instant, "Y-Yes?! Who's there? Where did that whistle come from?"
Mihou folded her arms, flicking on the lights, lowering the whistle from her mouth, "So, you're finally awake."
"Was that really necessary?!" I exclaimed, "I was just trying to get some sleep in!"
"Oh, you definitely did. For like ten minutes." The tank enthusiast folded her arms, "You kept rolling over in your bed, muttering about 'Global Pandemics' and 'lockdowns' or something."
"…It didn't happen?"
"No! Of course not! Now hurry up and deal with the people at our door!"
I lifted myself out of bed, "Wonder who could need me at this time?"
"Ryoko Otori and Shogo Morita." Mihou answered plainly, "They announced their names when they arrived. They also loudly announced they came on business from the Shield of Laplace."
I scratched my head at her words, "Hang on, It's pronounced Rap-race, isn't it? Like the word 'Replace'?" I asked, throwing on my shirt and pulling on my jacket.
"No, La-place. It's French." She corrected my correction.
"Really? Ra-prace?"
"No, La-pla… well, I guess yours is pretty close too."
"Oh, that's nice I guess." I muttered, pulling on some shoes, "You speak French?"
"…No, I researched it. Besides, Laplace's transform is an important part of engineering maths, too. You should have known this, studying to be a Platsky Engineer."
"I always just called it Rap-Race." I muttered, "Why didn't anyone tell me until now…?"
"…I suppose it isn't something anyone thought was too important to correct you on."
She tossed on a black coat; part of the black version of the academy's uniform, "Suit up. We're moving out!"
"Are you constantly like this?"
"No-Well, now that you mention it, maybe… But, um…"
"You think yourself something of a tank commander, right?"
"T-That's not it at all!" she looked away, before shrugging, "…You know what? Fine. Let's go with that. There's worse things I could be called."
We threw open the door, and I came face-to-face with the same blonde hair and fierce eyes as last night.
"Asatte." She spoke.
"Ryoko. Good mornin'." I jovially greeted, "You came to join us for breakfast, just like how you joined us for dinner last night?"
"Do not speak to me as if I'm a friend. I come here on council business." She spoke, straight to the point and direct, "I have come to destroy your Gunpla."
I let out a barking laugh, "Destroy? What, you mean your plan is to barge into my room and yeet my HG into the ground with all your might?"
To these words, she looked physically hurt.
"W-What?! What monster do you take me for?! I would never do such a thing! Doing so would be a stain upon my honor!"
"Uh huh. Hey, can you tell me where's the honor in fleecing a bunch of kids who just want to enjoy a simple hobby?" I asked, folding my arms, "I think that if you truly cared about 'honor', you'd be licking quite a few boots asking for forgiveness right about now."
She looked even more offended, "I would never do something… You're incorrigible, you absolute scum!"
I was going to continue, but Mihou stepped forwards, "I apologize for my roommate's hastiness. Perhaps we can settle this peacefully in a manner that will not result in a lasting rivalry."
I turned to my roommate, "What're you sayin'?"
"I could say the same to you. I'm certain that most of her actions right now are motivated by what you said to her last night, not even mentioning your sudden wild outburst in the food court." The tank enthusiast glared at me, "You're angry. She's angry. I've seen what people do when they get absolutely fixated on enraging each other like this; their judgement becomes clouded, leading to rivalry. And once you've set a rival, then your ability to assess a battlefield is jeopardized. You're more likely to prioritize the elimination of your rival, ignoring other possible threats or making large mistakes along the way."
What the heck? There's no way I'd even think that this jerk was-
Woah. What.
I just called her a jerk in my head. I don't even know her personally.
I didn't even notice it, but I had already considered Ryoko a rival. I had already begun to tease her for something that wasn't even under her control, making all kinds of assumptions…
Come to think of it, I don't even know the council itself that well, either. They may be money-grubbing collectively, but what of the individuals in it, like Ryoko? Now that I thought about it, she seemed quite reasonable…
"You seem quite cool-headed, Izumi." The council rep spoke, tilting her head curiously.
"I'm really not. Ultimately, I'm just trying to stop you two from playing a game of 'catch these hands' in the hallway." She replied, "You can only take so much abuse from such a hot-blooded individual, despite the atmosphere you try to exude."
"R-Right." I spoke up, "Uh… So, you want to fight me, right?"
"Well, yes. The council considers you a small threat, thus I came to offer you the option to surrender and forfeit your Gunpla, or fight me right now and forfeit your Gunpla."
"I'll only do that forfeiting thing if I lose, mind you." I replied.
"That is correct. I am willing to continue to allow you to resume your operations-clashing with you during those missions only if my council duties call for it, mind you-if you defeat me in battle." She placed a hand on her forehead, "I'm confident in my abilities enough to believe in my certain victory."
"You've made a mistake, Otori." Mihou replied, "No victory is certain. Even one you believe in as much as this one. There is always an unknown element at play on the field. A shot bouncing off sloped armor might deflect safely away. Or it might go right into your ammunition racks."
"…Any clue what she's talking about?" I asked Ryoko.
"No idea. But regardless of the unknown, I am certain of one thing; we shall duel. A victor shall emerge."
"Are you sure it's a duel? Why would you bring an ally with you if that was the case?" Mihou asked, "What is Shogo doing here?"
"…He's also part of Shield of Laplace, and thus shall oversee our duel to ensure no foul play shall go on."
"…If I may ask, are you sure that it's a good idea for him to do so?" My roommate folded her arms, "He's a thief. He abuses his position to force those beneath him to give him better parts. He is well known as a gunpla thief, and the council has acknowledged such actions as well."
"Yes… Okay, I will admit I lied slightly." she bit her lip, "How do I say this… He loaned me his gunpla for this battle."
"Ah, I see you're keeping your true strength in reserve." I noted, "In case I break up your Gunpla in this training fight, right?"
"…Please, do not think that I'm looking down on you." She bowed, "In time, you will fight my true Gunpla, but for now, please put up with this replacement."
"Alright, there's no need for you to apologize!" I scratched my head, "Let's just… Let's do this. I'm ready."
It was at this moment that the orange-haired kid from yesterday sprinted back, pulling up his pants and doing up his zipper, "'Aight! I'm here to kick your ass on council orders, newbie! Prepare to feel my sheer power!"
"…You didn't tell him, did you?"
"…Would you?" Ryoko refuted.
"...I'll give you that point."
As I walked the hallways by Ryoko's side, I couldn't help but notice the glares and angry looks being given to us as we headed for the specified arena.
I turned to Ryoko, "…You're quite lonely, aren't you?"
She didn't respond, but the silence said all the words that needed to be said.
"There's no need to be so determined all the time, you know." I spoke again, "This isn't a battlefield or a war, you know. Loosen up a little and smile a bit!"
She turned to face me, that stoic expression still on her face, "You don't think this is worth fighting over? You were at my throat a few moments ago."
"Look, if there was a way to change the council's mind by just talking to them, I'm all for it. I'm a busy girl, and I don't have time to fight all the way through everyone." I smiled, "But one thing I can't stand is people messing with this hobby. It's a pretty big deal for a lot of people, me included."
"…What we do… Is for the same reason." She replied.
"Hey, sure, tell yourself that, but we live in a mostly free country. I'm allowed to speak out. On the other hand, your rules say I can't." I folded my arms, overhearing several sounds of agreement from the students around us, "Of course I'm striking out a bit."
"Gooood… Morning!"
Yui ran up behind me, shaking my shoulder, "How are you doing today, Kyo? I've registered us up as a tea…" she trailed off, realizing who I was walking alongside.
"She challenged me." I quickly explained, "One versus one. Just a sort of 'welcome to the league' battle."
"…And you agreed?" the chestnut-haired girl shivered, "Kyo, I know Ryoko won't just let you win! You're nowhere near good enough to take her…! And you don't even have that on your side anymore! You know that it only activates once and again, and only on a-"
A grin crossed my face.
"I understand how risky my battle is, but to give up now… What example would that set to them?" I gestured to the crowd surrounding us, "Besides, Ryoko seems trustworthy enough that I don't think I'm being tricked into a rigged battle I cannot win.
"I suppose so… But still, you're using a level one Platsky Frame, while Shogo's is roughly level 20 and designed for high damage output at close range."
Cue prompt record scratch.
"You can level up those damn things?"
"You DIDN'T KNOW?!" Yui exclaimed, "Oh no… Just… come back alive. Please. We can't afford you losing… literally!"
For the first time since I had met her, Ryoko let out a grin, as a new feeling of dread filled the air…
I lowered myself into the cockpit again, closing my eyes as the hatch hissed shut and it rotated about.
Outside, I could still hear the muffled sounds of the audience, chittering and chattering. It seems that my declaration last night had garnered quite a crowd; someone had even captured my photo and posted it online.
So to see that very face so brazenly challenging a powerful battler, it must have been quite the spectacle for them.
I took a deep breath again, pulling up my monitor before me and grabbing my control sticks. My blonde opponent flashed up on a viewscreen before me.
"Where's that bravado you displayed in challenging me?" she taunted, "Aren't you going to 'show me what you're made of' or something?"
"You know damn well where it went!" I shot back, "And I'm still going to kick your ass, regardless of how powerful you are!"
"Cute. However, you will soon see just how futile your resistance is."
She's really getting herself pumped up for this fight, isn't she…
I gritted my teeth.
My foe was fearsome. She was physically more powerful than me, thanks to that leveling up system. She had who-knows what kind of experience piloting, a machine that I had never seen before now built by a kid I knew practically nothing about, and she had a massive wave of sheer confident energy radiating away from her; she believed that she was going to win, and had the power to make that belief reality.
Hoo boy. What mess had I gotten myself into…
"Pulling out the villain lines already, I see? Well, the thing about that kind of talk is-"
I slammed my fist down on the launch switch.
Double Breaker rocketed down the catapult, speeding into the simulated environment, flying into a large virtual portal.
Unlike my previous battle, this one was in a simulated environment, it seemed. When the light faded, I stood in a large hangar, surrounded by fuel tanks, trucks and other sorts of equipment one would expect to find within a military base such as Jaburo.
I sprinted across the concrete floor, attempting to locate my first objective.
All of a sudden, a beam streaked across the battlefield, catching me within its destructive light. My MS was staggered for a ridiculously long time, the HP bar ticking down slowly as the beam kept on burning.
'Gotta... Break… Free!'
I fought with the controls, eventually managing to bring up my shield to defend myself slightly from the beam. However, out of the corner of my eye, I could see that part's durability tick down as well as I held my position…
In a merciful few moments, the beam halted for a moment, revealing the source of the powerful attack; a pair of Buster Rifles, wielded by a crudely mashed-up machine that resembled the inbred child of a Zaku, a Gouf and a Gelgoog. The pink monoeye flashed brightly as it lumbered forwards.
Inside her cockpit, Ryoko raised her hand, fixing a black leather glove. She slammed her control sticks forwards, a determined and confident light filling her face.
"I am Ryoko Otori! I fight… for my honor!"
'BEGIN MISSION'
'BEGIN QUEST: BREAK 5 CONTAINERS'
She raised her rifle again, light gathering around the end as she fired out several regular beam shots as opposed to the powerful stream of flame. I sped aside, raising my own rifle to retaliate with a burst of twin lavender shots.
"I see you're just spraying shots at me. Do you have any idea how many opponents that have fallen by my, and Shogo's, hands doing that exact stratagem?" she disconnected the rifles, spreading them outwards and charging up energy around the barrels.
She spun, a wave of yellow death spinning about the enclosed hangar and melting massive streaks across the steel walls. I had no other option but to dodge, leaping for a crate in a corner.
I practically rolled through the holographic container, the red light of the particles washing over my cockpit as one of my weapons unlocked.
The waist VSBRs. Of course they would be the first to unlock.
The problem was, I wasn't all that good at using the VSBRs. They were more often used by me as a sort of 'keep-away' tactic for close-combat, something that wasn't an option at the moment given the machine's strength. I could try to aim with them and take her down from afar, but she was currently leaping all over the place, expertly shooting down multiple crates across the arena to quickly unlock every single one of her machine's weapons.
"Nobody told me she had freakin' Buster Rifles!"
I sprinted quickly across the field, barely managing to break open one more box before a massive 'QUEST FAIL' indicator shone across my screen.
The point was Ryoko's.
So, this wasn't a duel at all. It was merely a sort of twisted sport.
That would need some time to get used to…
'BEGIN QUEST: DESTROY 20 NEUTRAL FORCE UNITS'
Guncannons and Guntanks filled my sight. I swung out my sabre, leaping into the fray and starting out strong, cutting a virtual tank in half. Another attempted to roll up behind me and fire off its guns, but I reached back with my shield arm and ripped off the guns, using them as a club to bash aside a Guntank charging up a shot ahead of me before swinging the arm about and tossing it skywards, raising my rifle and firing off a shot into the damaged limb.
The remaining ammo exploded, raining shards of plastic and virtual flame around me as I soared into the air, the targeting system identifying my next target.
Only for a Gouf's foot to ram into my face, kicking me square in the jaw and ramming me into the ground with enough force to create a small crater.
The Zombie Zaku-never got its name, so I'll call it that-landed on top of me, raising a hand and ramming it into my chest, scraping my Gunpla across the ground as she brought it up before her, looking me dead in the eyes with that singular monoeye.
"Useless!"
It rocketed forwards, repeatedly punching me as it flew forwards, flames flying from those red Gelgoog fists as it battered my chest over and over, denting and cracking my chest Hi-Mega cannon. I furiously attempted to fly away from the assault, but all my movement controls were locked; it appeared as if I was locked in some sort of canned animation.
The Zombie Zaku rammed me up against a fuel tank, a hand on my collar as Ryoko raised a fist.
"Disappear." She simply said, punching forwards.
Pressure in the front of my head. My eyes widened.
That intent to destroy me radiated-no, blasted forth- from her will like a powerful tempest blowing through a canyon.
'Not here.'
A lavender light, followed by a bright crimson flame, illuminated our bodies. The Zombie Zaku flew backwards from the force of the blast, smoking and covered in shrapnel damage. The paint was beginning to chip off, revealing the black plastic beneath.
"WHAT THE HECK, CAPTAIN!?" I heard a voice cry from the sidelines, "YOU LET HER SCRATCH THE PAINTWORK!"
"Shut up!" she yelled in reply, scanning the battlefield, "Did she self-detonate to preserve her pride?"
Another large explosion behind her gave her the answer she was looking for, parts of Guncannon and Tank alike scattering every which way.
'QUEST COMPLETE'
One all.
"You think I would honestly blow myself up so early? This battle has only just begun!"
Another flash of lavender light, followed by a clanking and creaking of joints as I hefted another fuel tank over my head, taking to the air, beam sabre in hand. I flew towards my opponent, the tank raised before me.
"Are you suicidal? You cannot survive the force of the explosion! You think you can honestly survive by closing the distance on a close-combat unit?!" she glared ahead, firing off head-vulcan rounds from the custom Zaku's head and blowing holes in the comparatively flimsy metal of the tank.
She was right, at least half of the way.
The force of the explosion would have torn me asunder. I was right in the middle of the firey blast, after all, covered head to toe in petrol from my previous scheme, and if the blast didn't destroy me, the flames would overcome my unit.
'BEGIN QUEST: DESTROY GUNDAM x4!'
All of a sudden, beam fire began to streak across the room, courtesy of the AI machines. Ryoko snarled, leaping surprisingly nimbly for her machine's appearance.
"Why are the AI missions still going?! I defeated her… didn't I?"
Across the room, she could see parts flying into the air, limbs torn away and sparks flying.
"There you are!"
She recombined her Buster Rifles, taking aim and unleashing another beam blast directly at the source of the explosions, grinding away parts from the sea of white, red and blue before her. RX-78-2, Guncannon and Guntank shrapnel flew forth from her tsunami of flames.
However, a white blur flashed through the final RX-78 scant seconds before the space was filled with burning energy.
'QUEST COMPLETE'
One-two, my favor.
"She managed to best me again?! Wh-" to her credit, she merely cleared her throat, attempting to compose herself, "Onto the next objective, hm."
She spun, grabbing me again as I attempted to stab her through the back.
"You thought you could escape?!" she snarled, "It was a clever trick you pulled, firing your rifles backwards and blowing up the tank to create the illusion of your death…"
"I know, thanks." I made out, wriggling in an attempt to break free from her hold, "My second trick was using the remaining fuel tanks to create a smokescreen for my escape, in addition to completing the first quest. I must say, this whole thing is quite mentally stimulatin-"
"THAT'S ENOUGH FROM YOU!" she slammed me into the ground over and over again, before ramming her rifle right into my head. I spun, deflecting the weak shot with my shield before moving in to bash her weapons aside.
She swung forwards, those flames appearing around her fist as she struck. Sparks flew as she punched me over and over again. I attempted to block the strikes with the C-Funnels, but they shattered and fell away at the furious onslaught.
I pulled myself out of the flaming fists, raising my rifle and shakily taking aim at a crate behind her. Twin arrows of light streaked forth, blowing open the box and unlocking another EX-Skill.
The C-Funnels on my shoulders shook, before disconnecting and speeding forwards, embedding themselves into the Zaku's body.
I could hear a howl of terror from the sidelines as they pierced the plastic.
'Good! I'm doing some actual damage!'
I called back the funnels, before sending them back out again and again, stabbing over and over into my opponent. While she was fighting off the remote weapons, I rose to my feet, preparing to fire.
Only for machine gun fire to ring out, knocking the gun out of my hands.
Another Zaku and a Dom landed on the field, the former armed with the Zaku F2's machine gun and the latter with a large anti-ship rifle and high-mobility upgrades. They had large badges affiliating them with the council on their chestplates and shields.
Then again, I didn't need to look at those badges to know they were bad news.
Judging by the fact that they were already shooting at me, they certainly weren't here to help me!
'NEW PLAYERS HAVE ENTERED THE FIELD!'
I avoided gunfire, flying towards the Dom. It fired off its sniper rifle; a shot I easily dodged as I ducked down, grabbing the barrel of the rifle and ripping it out of its hands, swinging it about and using it to bludgeon the MS. Alas, it wasn't meant to be; he merely flew away, swinging out its heat sabre and circling around to strike.
A grenade shot out behind me, striking my backpack. I tumbled forwards, still clutching onto the sniper rifle, before spinning and trying to take a shot at the Zaku with the weapon.
I missed by centimeters.
The two council MS landed by the Zombie Zaku's side, the Zaku's machine gun putting up a wall of defensive fire against my funnels.
"W-What?! I don't need your help!" Ryoko exclaimed, "Who ordered this insult against me?!"
"Sorry, captain, but Miss Asatte has reinforcements! Look!" the Zaku pointed.
She looked up, spying a light-blue and white Gundam soaring overhead, holding a red and dark blue Gundam in her hands.
"Kyosuke! You jerk!" Iori screamed, dropping to the ground, "You'd honestly begin fighting without us?!"
"It was a duel! We were going to go one on one!"
"No, she challenged you, so that means that she challenged us as well!" Yui spoke, "It's the rules!"
"I don't recall the rules saying anything about that!" Ryoko exclaimed.
"Yeah, well there's no rule saying you can just challenge someone to a duel out of the blue!" Iori shot back, "Look! The poor man hasn't even had his breakfast or anything yet, and you hauled him off to battle!"
My stomach grumbled as she said these words.
"This is no honorable battle!" Yui declared, "So say we; SIDE 0!"
"…Side 0?" the council enforcer stared.
"Yeah, that's the name…" I explained, "Uh… So, are we still dueling or…"
Ryoko sighed, before adjusting her gloves once more, her MS mimicking the motion, "Our battle shall continue uninterrupted. Have at you!"
'BEGIN QUEST: STOP GYAN FROM ESCAPING!'
'BEGIN QUEST: DESTROY 20 NEUTRAL FORCES!'
With those words, the three of us charged into battle. As we ran, I could feel a wind rushing up on my back, propelling me forwards into the fray.
Our wills had combined. We could do this!
"Iori! Take down those Gyans!" Yui called out in that commanding tone I had heard so many times during those battles from my youth.
"I've been waiting for this!" the dark-blue haired girl's eyes flew wide open, a dark grin breaking across her face, "LET ME AT 'EM!"
"I'll provide aid while attempting to maximize collateral to all other targets! And Kyo!" my old friend turned to me.
"Y-Yes?!" I replied.
"Continue the duel!" she took to the skies, light glinting off her suit's gloss coat, "GIVE 'EM ALL YOU GOT!"
Iori snarled, swinging out her rifle and firing it from her hip, ripping into the crowd of AI machines with each burst shot. A Gundam snuck up behind her, raising its rifle to fire upon the Sapphire.
It had made the mistake of even approaching her.
She spun about, flying forwards and slamming the barrel of her rifle into its chest, grabbing onto its collar and pulling the trigger repeatedly at point-blank range. Even with the smoldering hole in his chest, she did not let up, spinning her gun around and using the butt of the beam assault rifle to violently bludgeon its head, shattering the V-Fin and even cracking the faceplate with just a few strikes.
With a simple swing of her shield arm, she beheaded the MS in one final strike, before grasping the head in one hand.
With a clench of those fingers, she crushed it like a soda can, letting out a war-cry.
She proceeded to drop-kick the rest of the sparking and smoking MS into the fleeing Gyans, before speeding across the room, swinging out twin beam sabers.
Yui, flicked her rifle out, taking aim at a Council peon, launching a torrent of fire that bisected the air. The Zaku predictably dodged, raising his machine gun up to retaliate.
Gundam Lily dropped out of the skies, raising her shield and deflecting the shots, before exploding forwards with a burst of sudden, powerful acceleration, swinging out her shield. She rammed the shield into a passing Guncannon, taking it along for the ride, before swinging up her arm and flinging the red MS into the Zaku, pulling out her sabre and retreating backwards with a wince, backed into a corner with the Dom gaining a bead on her with a pilfered bazooka.
"Oh no you don't!"
She raised her sabre, flying forwards with the blade flashing out before her. Her wings rippled and shook as air curved over them. She part-boosted, part-glided up into the air, pulling herself into a stall before tossing the blade into the air, kicking it into the Dom's cockpit.
The hilt spun as it flew through the air, uselessly clattering off the Dom.
Only to be caught by the Lily as it glided by, who pulled up and cleanly sliced the Dom's arm off.
I slammed the end of the sniper rifle against the floor, snapping off the long barrel. Hefting up my gun before me, I sped forwards, ramming the jagged end of the barrel into Ryoko's chest and pulling the trigger.
The bullet went in, sure. But then it bounced off uselessly, bursting out of the Zaku's cockpit piece.
The cockpit piece of the Gunpla exploded off, revealing a piece of metal beneath. The Council enforcer frowned at the sight, bringing out her heat-hawk and spinning it in her hand, before raising it before her with both hands.
I raised the gun, firing off several more shots at her hand. She deftly cleaved each shell in half with measured, swift movements of her axe, before spinning it once more and hurling it into my shoulder.
The heat-blade sliced into the armor, melting and crackling as it ate through the plastic. I lowered my weapon, pulling it free-
That was a mistake.
The Zaku sprinted forwards, grabbing onto my arm and bending it backwards. There was an audible crack as the joint shattered and particles flew free.
A piercing pain shot through my skull.
I let out a panicked yelp at this, swinging down my other hand and grasping the Zaku's head cables. With a single movement, I cleanly ripped off the head, leaping backwards and tossing it aside.
Ryoko flew forwards once more, snatching up her axe from the ground and swinging it about, ready to slice into me again. I blocked it with my remaining shield arm, launching my C-Funnels forwards to strike at her.
The funnels rammed into her over and over again, embedding themselves all over her body. But even this didn't seem to phase the Zaku, who just fired up her boosters and rocketed towards me at full speed.
"KYO! YOU'RE SPACING OUT AGAIN! GET YOUR HEAD IN THE GAME!"
Yui flew in, her sabre raised and blocking the axe's strike.
"She got my arm! That was my shooty arm!"
"Well, that's no good!" she kicked Ryoko back, raising her shield and preparing for another strike, "Switch out with me!"
"B-But-"
She lunged forwards, parrying an axe swing and stabbing forwards into the Zaku's leg with the tip of her blade, gritting her teeth. The enforcer ripped her leg free, wires and sparks flying forth from the hole.
"Have you forgotten?! You're not a duelist, Kyo!" she turned to me briefly, her guard still up, "You know what you have to do, right?!"
My eyes widened as she said those words.
"Hey, are you okay?"
I poked my head out of the dumpster with a grunt, letting the not-garbage smelling air fill my lungs, "Are you here to just beat me up again?"
The girl before me tilted her head, placing her hands over her mouth, "Oh my… Uh, anyway. I'm… uh… oh my god, what happened to you?"
"Oh, this?" I pulled myself out of the trash, falling to the ground, "This happens to me everyday. The other kids steal my lunchbox and toss it into the dumpster. Look, I already know you're going to do that, or pelt me with trash or something, so just get it over with."
In the distance, I could hear laughing and giggling. As usual, I ignored it. I had better things to do than deal with such things.
"…But what about the black eye!?" the chestnut haired girl exclaimed.
"Oh, someone threw an entire apple at me yesterday." I went back to searching for my lunch, "Now, leave me the hell alone. I'm not even sure why you jerks even want to pick on me. I'm just trying to be like everyone else."
She grabbed my forearm.
"Do you need some help?"
"Look, I already know when you people say that kind of thing, you're just going to hurt me even more. Drop the niceties and just hit me already." I grunted, "I hate people who can't be genuine."
"What does it look like?"
This was strange. None of them had ever said that kind of thing to me before. She must be trying something new.
"It's not anything fancy. Just one of those plastic takeout containers, you know the ones." I replied, "Let me guess, you filled one with your own poo or something and you're going to give it to me saying it's fudge or something."
"Wh-What the hell?!"
"Right, that's too far. You made some sandwiches, dipped them in the toilet, and put them in the box to give to me, right?"
"NO! That's disgusting!" she exclaimed, "Y-You honestly think someone would do that?!"
"I don't need to explain myself to you. You probably already heard it all from them." I motioned to the crowd of people observing in the distance.
Just get to the part where you start throwing trash at me already. I'm sick of you trying to get under my skin like this.
"…Is it because your mother here part-time? And she's known for being very strict?"
"Wow, amazing. I didn't freaking know that before." I huffed.
"...Get out of the rubbish right this moment."
That seriousness shook me. That sudden impulse of strong determination rippled through my body.
I ignored it. The more I ignored these kinds of feelings, the easier it was for me to just keep focusing on my studies, after all.
"Kyosuke Asatte, get out of that dumpster right now!" she commanded in that sharp tone of voice I had heard so many times before.
It was like a gunshot right next to my head.
I shook. I could smell the adrenalin pumping through my veins as I peered back out of the skip.
She was still standing there. Arms wide open. Inviting. It had to be some kind of deception, right?
I pulled myself out, hopping off the side and landing on the bitumen.
"Now wha-"
I didn't get to finish my sentence as a pair of arms wrapped around my body. Warmth filled my body.
Normally, when someone did this, it meant it was just a distraction for them to steal my stuff and toss it back in the dumpster again. I knew this because every time they did so, those bad vibes filled the air. You know, an air of false politeness. An obvious fakeness.
But when she held me… She didn't give off those waves at all.
"Come on, let's get you cleaned up. I'll buy you some lunch." She let go of me, walking off.
"Why? What did I do for you? I'm just some girl you literally found in the trash… Where I belong."
"Kyosuke… Do you really want to just keep living like this? Having to dig through everyone's smelly garbage for lunch? Being hurt just because you think you're trash?"
I blinked.
"But I am. I wasn't even planned or anything. Dad left years ago saying that." I replied, "I am trash. He said so back then, and I've been failing at everything ever since. When do things start getting better, anyway?"
The girl looked at me with those sad eyes, "...But your sister-"
"She's not my sister. She's the daughter of the other scientist who my mom married." I leaned back, "…My old father told me I was a failure. He said he could just create a better me. So really, why do I still exist?"
The wind in the air pushed white clouds through the skies above.
"…And you believe him? Do you believe that your life is just decided by what others think of you?"
"My life was decided for me when I was created. There are better versions of me out there, so why should I bother?"
"Where? Where is this better version of you?"
I paused.
"…He said he could make one."
"But he didn't. You're you. And as you, you get to call the shots."
A wave of coolness washed into the air. It was like submerging myself into water.
But it wasn't from the wind…
"And as far as I know, there's only one Kyosuke Asatte." She held out her hand, "Come on, let's go get you cleaned up."
"But… But what do I do?"
The girl smiled innocently, the sun lighting up that smiling, shining face.
That day… When we first met, Yui…
That was where I had broken the fate I had been given.
"You already know what to do, don't you?"
I'm not a failure. I'm not going to just keep fighting and being something I'm not.
I'm not made to be a duelist. I'm not meant to just sit here, taking heavy damage and struggling against this foe.
Double Breaker's original purpose… I had forgotten it in my haste to defeat the council. It wasn't built for noble duels, nor was it built as a protector of justice. Its purpose wasn't any of those things.
Yui called out to me, "Hey, you're doing that thing again!"
Iori turned to face my cockpit camera, "What are you doing, Kyo?! You're spacing out!"
It was…
It was built for me.
And I'm going to break everyone free from here!
Now I face out, I hold out!
I Reach Out to the Truth of my life!
Seeking to seize on the whole moment!
Yeah!
"Yui, I'm trusting you!" I looked up, my eyes shining with purpose, "Iori! Try to keep up!"
With that, my burning spirit was renewed.
I flew across the battlefield towards the cluster of enemies, gripping my beam sabre with my good arm and spinning, cleaving a good seven or so units. A Guncannon rocketed towards me, its guns raised.
I shoved my sword away, flying forwards.
Yeah,
Naked truth lies, only if you realize!
Appearing in nobody's eyes, till they sterilize!
Missiles filled the air in a large cloud of flame. I weaved between each, periodically using my funnels to shield myself from the artillery. Spinning, I landed an axe-kick on the tank, kicking off its cockpit.
Iori sprinted over, leaping up and catching the part, before pitching it into a Gyan. The impact caused it to falter briefly, giving me time to ram a C-Funnel through its cockpit.
As it exploded, we leapt into the air together, Iori grabbing onto my damaged arm and using it to swing me about and hurl me at the final Gyan. I flipped out my VSBRs, unleashing a barrage of shots into the MS before tucking up into a ball and bracing for the impact.
'QUEST COMPLETE'
Stop the guerrilla warfare to keep it fair,
Bro,
Change your rage to a smarter, greater cause!
The flames surrounded me as I rolled back out, performing a three-point landing and punching a crate just before me.
The particles filtered into my body, activating the rocket pods on my back.
"DEFENSIVE FIRE GOIN' UP!"
You know the stake is high, stardom is near!
Those who sympathized you died, Killers pass you by!
The arrows of flame swirled and pirouetted through the darkness of the hangar, each one locking onto an AR MS. Iori followed my lead, leaping around and firing her rifle at the general surroundings.
Do not waste your time hating flirting guys!
Use your might to AIs,
Do justice to them all!
Her shots pierced a fuel tank. It was like a human-sized flashbang going off in the Gunpla-sized arena, everyone was blinded for a moment. Smoke and flame illuminated the darkness, as the lights in the hangar flickered out.
The Zaku-operating Peon looked up, "The hell was that?"
"Exactly."
Now I face out, I hold out!
I Reach Out to the Truth of my life!
Seeking to seize on the whole moment to now, break away!
Dark blue hands grasped the Zaku's head, snapping it free from the body in one swift movement before digging its hands into the neck cavity.
Though struggle as he might, the Zaku's chestplate was torn in half, a sickening crack sounding as the dark blue beast shredded it up. Iori let out a cackle, her eyes going wide as she struck over and over again. She tore an ammunition pack off her waist, slamming it down the remains of the torso before leaping back and firing upon it.
The bullets went up, firing off wildly in every single direction and covering the MS in burning flames.
"You witch!" the Dom pilot yelled, swinging up his bazookas- yes, multiple bazookas, tied together using some ropes- and pulling the trigger, unleashing a barrage of rockets towards her, "I'm not dying here!"
Iori's eyes flicked over to him, seeming to glaze over for a few seconds.
A powerful lavender aura surrounded her.
An aura of pure, unreasonable fury.
Oh God, let me out! Can you let me out?
Can you set me free from this dark inner world?
Save me now,
Last beat in the soul!
The rockets struck the Sapphire, but she still didn't move. She let out a giggle, then a frenzied laugh that filled the darkness.
The smoke from the blast combined with that already filling the room, creating a thick black haze. The Dom began to move, a trail of smoke flying from his back as he dodge away.
"I'm not dying… I'm not dying here!" he repeated over and over again, panic filling his voice.
But his voice was almost drowned out by the bloodthirsty, frenzied laughs.
The purple glow of death filled the smoke.
The Dom pilot screamed, swinging his twin heat sabers from his backpack, speeding backwards up against a wall, "I'm going to live… I'm going to live…!"
The lavender glow pierced the air, and he swung, deflecting the strike.
The beam sabre hilt fell backwards into the smoke, clattering onto the ground.
"W-What?!"
It was this moment a semi truck with a gas trailer slammed into his head.
Demonic emerald flames burned the smoke away.
The air was almost pitch-black with smoke when the reaper came for him, clutching a shipping container in her hands and using it as a baton to cave in the Dom's head. She punched a fist forwards into the remains, ripping out the monoeye camera.
The Dom pushed her away, attempting to run off. The scattering beam gun on his chest roared to life, spraying sparks of yellow light before him.
Iori raised her shield, absorbing the shots, before moving in for the kill.
"Die, screaming."
'Kill' was no exaggeration. It was exactly what she did. She rammed her shield's tip into the Dom's cockpit, shattering the plastic and exposing the plastic beneath. The Dom's pilot flailed, attempting to pull himself free, but Iori twisted around the shield, drilling even deeper into the mech's body.
Yeah! Flooded apple pie!
Left until somebody cries!
Goddamn, always talking shizzle behind man get left behind!
Once the hole was large enough, she ripped her shield free, lunging and reaching inside and ripping out joints and polycaps. She spun around her rifle, using it to shoot out the Dom's hands as they attempted to grasp for her. She burrowed deeper and deeper into the body, using her saber to hollow out the machine.
Come on and quit that shizzle tell me what you really want!
Louder ladies! I can feel nothing in the tone of your voice!
Raising her hand, she pulled another beam sabre from her calf, holding it in a reverse grip as she stabbed her foe over and over again, then…
I'm sorry I didn't see much more. A combination of the smoke, the flames and just the sheer aggressiveness of Iori's attack made me turn away. I wish I could describe it in detail so much better here, I really do! But it was like watching a wild animal eviscerating a carcass. She ripped and tore away at the black plastic, parts and pieces flying everywhere and the sound of shattering plastic filling the air.
And the Dom's pilot was screaming bloody murder the whole time as she gored his machine.
Closer it gets, y'all know how everything reflects!
Your soul and spirits lost, pretends gets rejects!
The Sapphire slammed her foe on the ground a final time, looking up to the heavens and letting out a primal roar.
Iori raised the remains of the Dom, now stripped to a Platsky frame, over her head, before slamming it into the ground one final time.
Look man, you are one who actually you detest!
I guess they're good reasons why you can't see next!
"AHAHAHAHAHA! WHAT SHOULD I OBLITERATE NEXT?!" she cackled, grasping her face and waving away the smoke, emerging to a crowd of AR MS, "WHAT'S THIS?! MORE GARBAGE! SEND ME A TRUE CHALLENGER!"
With a rasping hiss and another roar, she leapt into the sea of holograms and frames, holding up her remaining sword with both hands and forcefully impaling a Gundam on the end, using her hand to grab its leg and rip it in half.
Now I face up, I make head!
I bleach out cock and bull of this globe!
Thinking and seeing on the whole moment!
Now! It's! on!
I followed behind her, blocking a Guncannon's fists with my dead arm, before twisting about and firing a rocket at it, blowing it in half. I rushed forwards to continue my attack, but I nearly ran into the Gundam Sapphire's murderous fury.
Correction; strike the 'nearly'.
She wrapped her hands around my damaged arm again, spinning me over her head like a sling, before hurling me into a Guntank's path of fire. I slammed into it, explosions covering my entire body as I ploughed through the hologram.
I rolled upon the concrete, slamming against the bulkhead of the hangar.
Oh God, it's enough!
Are you satisfied?
It's already disgusting to dance with your palm!
Save me now, Last beat in the soul!
"WHO'S NEXT?! WHO'S NEXT?!" the frenzied girl screamed, grabbing a Gundam's arm and using it as a morning star to shatter more and more enemies. Another set of missiles hit the side of her head, and she spun around to face the Guntank that had fired the volley.
"YOU DARE SHOOT ME?!" her voice echoed once more, a ferocious glint appearing in her eyes, "YOU! DARE! SHOOT! ME?!"
Without looking back, she hurled the arm aside, before taking to the air and scanning the area.
Her eyes fell on the large columns supporting the roof of the hangar, and a fanged smile crossed her face.
"You chose just the wrong place to piss me off."
She dove back to the ground, singling out that poor Guntank and ripping off its arms.
"You like shooting, huh!? You think shooting me is fun, huh?!" she taunted, circling it, "Let me teach you a quick lesson, then!"
She rammed her fist into its body, grabbing onto the frame inside. She pulled the AR unit up to her face, those shining green eyes glaring holes into the virtual cockpit.
"When you shoot me, you make sure it god-damn well kills me the first time."
She soared up at the girder, Guntank in tow. With a cry, she hurled it towards a large supporting girder in the hangar. She ripped out her remaining ammunition box, hurling it like a fastball at the MS.
The box exploded on contact with the tank. And the tank exploded on contact with the girder.
Rebar shattered and deformed, concrete blasting away and shattering.
With a shower of metal and sparks, the lights of the base flickered and died with shattering glass and arcing electricity. The roof shook, dust beginning to fall. I hovered backwards from the shattering steel and stone above, avoiding falling debris. More explosions and smoke, as warning alarms began to shriek out.
Yui looked up from her duel with Ryoko, her eyes wide in panic.
The council enforcer actually shuddered, "W-Where did this…?!"
"Ah, this performance… Rejoice, you filth! REJOICE! THIS SYMPHONY OF DESTRUCTION SHALL BE YOUR REQUIEM!" Iori cackled, soaring out of the smoke, "A REQUIEM OF YOUR FOOLISH BRAVADO!"
Large rocks and lighting began to crumble in on the base, those massive bulkheads rattling on their railings. One fell free, slamming down upon a large group of AR suits and crushing them beneath.
Those furious hands wrapped around my shoulders, pulling me away from where I had become rooted to the ground.
"Follow me, my brother! FROM THE DEPTHS OF HADES, WE RIDE TO OUR VALHALLA, AND THE RAGNAROK OF OUR OPPOSITION!"
Iori blasted off into the air, hauling me out of the wreckage. Through the fallen bay doors, I could see falling rain and a gray sky outside. Thunder blasted and lighting crackled as we rocketed towards the aperture into the darkness of the storm.
A large piece of debris fell in our way.
I fired off everything I had; funnels, missiles, VSBRs. The attacks blasted a hole in the debris, as we shot out like a shooting star into the stormy skies beyond.
A blanket of trees covered the earth below.
'QUEST COMPLETE'
A massive tongue of fire reached out behind us as Iori let go of me. We rode the shockwave, tumbling through the air and into the mud. I tumbled head-over-heels repeatedly, before slamming face-down into the ground one final time.
A light-blue foot was the first thing I saw when I looked up.
"Does she always become a manga villain in battles?" I asked.
"I mean, I've heard she gets pretty heated when fighting, but I never thought it got like this…"
"Still, she managed to eliminate the rest of our opponents and all the AR suits, so that's a plus, right?"
"Yeah, thank you both." Yui smiled, before turning back towards the woods and raising her saber, "Now, I believe that we had some unfinished business with Ryoko, right?"
I nodded silently.
"Your arm is damaged. Let me finish her off, Kyo." The chestnut haired girl bowed, "I won't miss!"
'MAIN QUEST: Defeat Ryoko!'
The damaged, headless Zaku streaked through the woods, smoke and sparks trailing from behind it as it flew.
"Destroying the arena. Irreparably wrecking Council property." Its pilot spoke sternly, "Getting in the way of council duties. And worst of all, stirring up this rebellious sect behind you. Even one of these things is enough for me to place a ban upon you."
"Ryoko, you know that even if you did that, I'll still find a way to return to the battlefield." My old friend replied, "Earlier, I didn't start this team because I wasn't sure I could stand up to both you and Yuki. I was too scared, paralyzed by my fear."
Yuki? Who is… I'm guessing he must be like the Council President or someone equally high-ranking in the council.
The blonde let out a 'tch', adjusting her glove, "And what's so different now? You're still the same battler as you were before! If anything, you have thrown away your honor in exchange for this false bravado! You know you can't win!"
"You're wrong. There's one difference now."
Yui looked up with that bright grin on her face, "I'm with my best friend now! We're an unstoppable team!"
Lily fanned out her wings, flying forwards with an outstretched blade.
The Council Enforcer side-stepped the charge, grabbing her arm and throwing her over her head, "There's no physical difference! You're still the same weak fighter you were before!"
"And you're still the Ryoko I knew from all those days ago!" Yui replied with a laugh, zipping around to her side and actually punching her shoulder playfully, "Come on! Is it so hard to believe in the power of friendship?"
"What are you babbling on about?! The power of friendship?! What does that even have to do with this fight?!" she lunged, swinging her axe down. She was moving surprisingly well for a headless Zaku!
Spinning about her saber, Yui popped the front of her shield open, ejecting the second saber hilt into the air.
"Catch!"
She kicked the hilt to the Zaku, who reached up with her free hand and grasped it, tossing away her axe. She ignited the sword, taking up a difference fighting stance.
"You are foolish for choosing to discard your secondary beam saber." Ryoko spoke, "Are you trying to impress me with a display of honor in our duel?"
"Maaaybe~?" Yui sung, "I know you too well, Ko-ko! You're not going to be swayed by anything I say here, so I'll just have to show you how different these circumstances are in a fair fight!"
She reached up, removing her Gunpla's head and holding it out, "Kyo, I'm sorry, but can you hold on to the head for a bit?"
As I took hold of the part, I looked up at my friend. I was going to ask her what she was thinking; this was a battle to the death! She needed everything that she had to win!
But that smile told me everything that I needed to know.
I was taking things too seriously. So was Ryoko. But Yui was grinning, positively radiating joy and excitement.
That was the difference now.
She was treating it as a game, where she could easily recover after each loss. Toying with her opponent. No, it was more than that; in her heart, she felt as if she had already won! Why was this? Could it have been because of my appearance?
Was that the source of this confidence?
She didn't respond, only lunging forwards with her saber.
Now I face out, I hold out!
I Reach Out to the Truth of my life!
Seeking to seize the whole moment to now break away!
Ryoko ignited her blade, emerald flames roaring up as she made her own lunge towards her opponent. The two clashed in the middle, locking blades.
Lily leapt around, before landing and swinging for the Zaku's body. The firey edges of their weapons collided, erupting into a shower of sparks; Ryoko had guarded against the wild swing. Without another second in between, she made a brief retreat before continuing her advance once more, aiming for the light-blue chestplate of her foe.
Oh God let me out!
Can you let me out?
Can you set me free from this dark inner world?
Save me now, Last beat in the soul!
The light-blue Gundam turned to the side, spreading out her wings and using it to shield her body, before firing up her thrusters and flying overhead, landing behind the Zaku once more and striking her back.
The large radio backpack fell away, falling to the ground with a neat slice through the middle.
Ryoko spun, kicking Yui aside before raising up her leg and firing off a trinity of missiles from the rocket pod.
Yui's fist began to glow, and she raised her hand, slotting away her sword onto her waist.
"This hand of mine glows with an awesome power!" she recited, the glow overcoming her body, "Its loud roar tells me to claim victory!"
Now I face up, I make head!
I bleach out cock and bull of this globe!
Thinking and seeing on the whole moment!
Now! It's! on!
The golden vents on her shoulders opened up, smoke hissing out of them. The legs were next to follow, boosters on the calves flicking open and firing up.
"TAKE THIS! OUR LOVE! OUR ANGER! AND ALL OUR-"
It was then that the missiles hit. It was still rather impressive that she managed to get through as much of the chant as she did.
She burst out of the smoke, her wings outstretched and her glowing palm raised before her with a cry of, "SHINING! FINNNNGGEEEER!"
With that burning palm, she punched off Ryoko's left arm, before grabbing onto the neck joint and flipping her over her head with her other hand and throwing her to the ground...
Oh God, it's enough!
Are you satisfied?
It's already disgusting to dance with your palm!
Save me now, Last beat in the soul!
The two clashed again and again, the Zaku and the Gundam circling around each other. Yui pulled out a larger sword from her waist, igniting the engraved 'G GUNDAM' blade and casting aside her shield, gripping the hilt with both hands.
The two landed apart from each other, glaring each other down in the pouring rain.
"You've changed, Ryo." Yui spoke, "You said you fought for your honor once, didn't you?"
"Honor is a qualitative term." Ryoko replied, adjusting her glove, "Today's allies may become tomorrow's enemies. What you once aligned with may become what you go against. The only thing one can believe in is the power within oneself."
"Then we must agree to disagree."
The Gundam raised her blade before her, pointing it diagonally forwards.
The Zaku repeated this action, the tips of both beam swords touching in the center.
Turning about, both took several steps away from each other, the howling wind between them picking up as crashing thunder sounded in the distance. Water buffeted both their bodies as they turned to face each other once more.
They turned about, bringing their swords to their side and preparing to charge at each other one final time.
One final burst of lightning and a crack of thunder.
Whoever moved first, whoever showed a sign of weakness, whoever struck before the other could retaliate… This final swing would decide this entire battle.
Yui twitched.
Ryoko launched forwards, swinging out her blade.
I was about to move in to ram her out of the way, when Yui moved once again, swiftly reaching for the rifle from her back and gripping it with both hands.
"Gotcha!"
She pulled the trigger, firing at full blast at the Zaku. The beam saber was blasted out of her hands, followed by the rest of her body being consumed in the stream of light.
Ryoko's eyes widened, "H-How disrespect…Wait, no -!"
The metal around the cockpit fell away, flames erupting from the limbs. The arms cracked, the beam guns exploding in the forearms. The remaining missiles in the rocket pods exploded, ripping the legs asunder.
With a final burst of fire, the entire MS went critical.
Her own Buster Rifle clattered away from the debris, unused and cold.
Parts showered down upon us, I raised my shield, bouncing several parts off.
"What a fearsome duo…" I mused.
'MISSION CLEAR!'
I pulled myself out of the cockpit.
Right into a crowd of cheering, awed bystanders.
"W-What the- What are you guys doing here?"
I tried my best to listen to what everyone was saying, but it was all a jumble of emotion and words.
"You really did it! You guys beat Ryoko!"
"Damn! Your rank must be so high from that!"
"Did you see how the Witch managed to defeat Kyururu and Shuta?! That was some real slasher shit!"
"Who is that boy? He's new here, right?"
I blushed, scratching the back of my head.
A hand was placed on my shoulder.
"ALRIGHT EVERYONE! We'll be fielding all your pressing questions, but not if you're all yellin' at once, y'hear?!" Iori commanded, "WHO'S UP FIRST?!"
The room quietened down. Probably because they just witnessed the girl violently eviscerate two Gunplas in the past few minutes.
"What are your plans for the future?" someone called out.
I cleared my throat, "Um, I guess I'll be actually beating up a lot more council guys in the near future. Who they will be… I dunno, give us some recommendations, and I'll try better to actually do something in battle instead of just running away…"
"Kyosuke? You did help!"
"Are you kidding? I just barely scratched that Zombie Zaku thing! I was barely doing a thing against her until you came in and started tearing everything up."
"I was? Oh, crap." She slapped her forehead, "I did that thing again, didn't I?"
"Yeah, you kinda did." Yui walked up, "Kyosuke, are you hurt?"
"Well… Not really." My stomach rumbled, "Well, I mean, I didn't even get my breakfast yet. Does that count as me being hurt?"
"Thank goodness." She smiled, "I rushed Iori out as soon as you entered the cockpit."
"You were planning to cheat? In this duel?" I mock-gasped, "I'm offended! You didn't think I was strong enough on my own to win?"
Iori looked at me, about to reply, when Yui clamped her hand over her mouth, "Well, no. It's just that... I didn't trust the council to follow Ryoko's wishes. Even though she wished to fight one-on-one, doing so would be against council regulations. A battle team requires a team of three."
The Council enforcer, herself sitting beside her cockpit in the corner of the room, nodded silently.
I walked over to her, parting the crowds as I moved.
Unlike the rest of the room, nobody wanted to talk to her.
She just looked so lonely, sitting there…
"You were willing to break the rules you were supposed to uphold for our duel?" I asked.
"…My duplicity is one that, if revealed, would certainly outlaw me." She replied coolly, turning away, "I trust you shall not reveal as such, however. Let us just say that this was merely a 'taster' of the war you have unleashed unto yourself."
I let out a laugh, "Yui was totally right! You really do remind me of me!"
"I like to think I'm more refined than you." She replied.
"Sure sure… Hey, are you sure you don't want to join our team, though? Even though you're on the Council right now, my offer from last night still stands." I held out my hand, "You managed to disable my Gundam severely by just breaking one arm like that! You could have totally destroyed me if you were fighting to kill…. And let's not forget, you were piloting someone else's machine. You're something else."
She looked up at me. For a moment, I thought I saw a flicker of rebellion flash in those mysterious eyes…
She pushed my hand away.
"My allegiance is with the Council. I have no business defecting from them." She rose to her feet, "Do not mistake my duel with you as an attempt to kindle a friendship, or as an application to join… Side 0."
A tinge of some implacable emotion punctuated those words.
"We are enemies. It would do you good to remember that, Kyosuke Asatte!"
I shrugged, "And you better remember your own words too; today's enemies can also become tomorrow's allies."
For a moment, a whisper of a smile seemed to tug at the side of her lips.
"We shall meet again."
"You're right. And when we do…" I bowed, "I promise I'll buy you some lunch or something, maybe we can go see a movie. There's only so much a lone wolf can accomplish, after all."
She left, disappearing into the raucous crowd silently.
Iori grinned when I sat down next to her in the food court, "Hi, Kyo! So, that's our first battle down, right? Let's keep up the pressure on those Council chumps until we free this whole place!"
"Actually, I'm not here for that." I picked up my plastic fork, jamming it into the fish and chips, "I'm here to ask you some questions."
That seemed to change her stance. She sat near-bolt upright, turning to face me, "…Ah. I see. What's wrong?"
"…Earlier, you went all manga villain on us. Even if you're really hyped to destroy the council like I am, I just wanted to check up on you to see if you're okay."
She blinked, before looking down, "…I'm not exactly happy about talking about it, you know. It's just… well, can I just say that I have my reasons and get you off my back?"
"That's alright. I have my own secrets I don't like talking about." I nodded, "But the way you fought… You were actively seeking to destroy all the parts of your opponents, preventing them from rebuilding their Gunpla."
"So they can never fight us again. Is that not the point?"
She wants to destroy her enemies in that way…
"We're not here to destroy. We're here to liberate." I spoke, "I don't care what kind of crap they throw at us. What makes us different from any other team here if we just do the same thing the council does to maintain its power?"
"This is war, Kyo!" Iori exclaimed, "You expect us to attempt to use non-lethal take-downs in battle? To fire dinky tranquilizer rounds? Give me a break. They refuse to show us mercy, so why should I? They were going to destroy Double Breaker if I hadn't destroyed them all. Even Yui was forced to use her Buster Rifle to destroy Ryoko after baiting her into that duel!"
"I've heard that an eye for an eye makes the world blind. Call me naïve or idealistic, but I want everyone to still be able to enjoy Gunpla battle after all is said and done." I looked into those lavender eyes, "I don't want to be just another battle team. I want us to break away from that."
Iori nodded, thinking over my words, "I see… But a war like this has no place for an idealist like that. We need to emerge victorious, regardless of our foes. And the only way to do that is via the destruction of all opposition."
"…We're not at war. We're playing Gunpla battle. Some of these guys don't have a choice if they want to climb the ladder."
"If they don't like it, then they shouldn't be playing."
She took another sip of her coffee, "If Gunpla battle was truly a game, then my mother wouldn't have had to go into the business she did. I would not be the daughter of a mafia boss. I would not have had to spend my final secondary school years with her in probation. As far as I'm concerned, Gunpla battle is a war. A war I was born into, and one I shall emerge victorious."
The mafia?
"…Wait, your mother was a GM?"
"My destiny was sealed in her final duel against that GP officer." She swirled about her coffee, "Do you think people just stay away from me because they don't like me? Psh. They're just scared of associating with someone who had ties to the GM like that. They don't see me as a person. I'm a hazard to them for the sins of my mother. I cannot change that fact, merely accept it as a part of who I am."
I placed my hand on her shoulder.
"You can change your destiny. Iori… I'm here. You can tell me anything."
"Thanks. You know, you're one of the few people who wasn't instantly repulsed when I started tearing things up. You're weird, kid."
I laughed nervously.
Iori Koura… What a strange girl.
I just hope that someday, I'll be able to help her break out of her own ways, just as I did all those years ago…
We met inside our new club room that evening. We had pooled together our funds to help deal with the rent already, so it was effectively our own now.
We held a toast, with soda and plastic cups. We repaired our Gunpla one final time for the night, and said our goodnights to each other.
Outside, upon the door, was the new sign I had taped over the 08th GP Team sign, proudly displaying our team name and logo.
With that, Side 0 was officially born. And we were to be the ones to free the academy.
"Um… Are you guys done?"
I peered under the desk as I was about to leave. That shy glasses-wearing girl was there again, having been awakened from her nap beneath the table.
"Yeah." I sat down by her side, "We're the new owners of this room now. We were just… well, celebrating that fact. Were you down here the whole time?"
Marika nodded quietly, "You have… good friends. I really hope you're successful in your missions."
"Me too."
We sat there in the darkness for the longest time, just enjoying each other's company.
"…You said that your previous leader would join you under here too."
She nodded silently.
"What was she like?"
"…She loved tanks. She wouldn't stop talking about it to her best friend whenever she came to visit." She reminisced, "…She also told me stories from her own past Gunpla escapades. Her team was also fighting for a cause, but it was more a personal thing…"
"I see. I think I'm her roommate."
"Your roommate is Yukari?"
…Nope, drawing a blank here.
"Uh… No, Mihou Izumi."
"Oh, that's her friend." Marika replied, "The commander of the tank… What's she like?"
"I… I dunno. Barely know her. I've only moved in yesterday, after all."
"Mmm…" Marika's eyelids grew heavy, "Uh… hm… Kyosuke… can you take me back to my room? It's Archangel 125-F… Sora should know what to do when I get back…"
I stared, "You want me to carry you back? But…"
She didn't respond, instead falling asleep on the spot.
With a begrudging sigh, I hefted her over my shoulders and began the long journey back towards the dorms.
"Dammit, Ryoko… Does it look like I'm made of cash!? That was my favorite Gunpla!"
"It was sacrificed for a good cause."
"A good cause?! You didn't even harm our target that badly!"
"That is not my concern." She turned away, "This ultimately sounds like a problem for you. I'm going to report back to Yuki. Good evening."
The tapping of her footsteps echoed in the hallway.
The orange-haired boy growled, clenching his fists, "Shit… What the heck do I look like, your little plaything?!"
"Ugh… I'll have to use that shitty thing again. I'll have my revenge… And Koura's the way I'll get it!"
Isn't it strange, how fate just seems to twist and turn in ways we never think are possible? One moment, someone could be on the battlefield, fighting for her life, only to find that it has irrecoverably changed in an instant.
As I write this by the light of the flashlight under my pillow, I can't help but wonder what fate has in store for my fascinating new roommate tomorrow, and the challenges we will face on this battlefield called Life.
Ultimately, there's nothing we can do but spearhead that offensive and travel upon bright way into our future!
Even so, for some it seems impossible to break away from the fate wrought in their destiny.
Take Iori Koura, for example. When a ghost from her past arises, she will have to face it head-on. Will she rise to the occasion, or succumb to that dark destiny?
New Gundam Breaker has entered the playing field.
Could this the key to freedom they have been looking for?
Next time on New Gundam Double Breaker!
Stage 2: A Duel I Cannot Lose! You can change your Destiny!
All Units! Advance!
Song used in this chapter: Persona 4 Reincarnation- Reach Out to the Truth
