Chapter 3: Knightmare Training
AN: Before the chapter starts, quick information first alright. Alex won't be getting Vidar right away or off the bat as his Knightmare, later he will. In chapter four, Alex will use a costume made Gloucester before going Vidar later in the story. Now that's out of the way, let's start with chapter three.
Set it Off by P.O.D (Tweaked Remix)
After calming down and getting myself ready, I set myself down in the waiting pilot seat, the cockpit hatch already open and got my first look at the Glasgow's cockpit. This was the early model, basic cockpit. There were four main monitors one on each side at head height and two more at the front with one at the same level as the side-mounted screens. The other was mounted above and at an angle, probably to give the pilot a slight view upwards.
Below the front monitors were three smaller, circle-shaped displays and most likely for providing other essential information. Just below the side monitors were what I think and suspected are the Knightmare's main controls. A pair of box-like control sticks which when gripped would wrap around in front of the pilot's fingers. Each controller possessed four small buttons on the forward inside edge and one large button on the top, where the thumb operated. The controllers were each mounted on a thick, pipe-like rail, clearly allowing them to be moved forward and back to control the Glasgow's moments. Overall, the layout of the screens made me think of the interior of a modern tank as the screens were in a similar position.
But anyway, moving on.
Once Guilford joined me, he knelt outside the cockpit and gave me a quick rundown on how everything worked. The two-foot pedals operated the Glasgow's land spinners, each one controlling its respective side. This meant I could, for example, put more throttle on one land spinner than on the other to help me turn faster. The two controllers, much like in a fighter plane, controlled the unit's direction and weapons. The system was akin to a tank, pushing the left one forward while pulling the right one back would turn the Glasgow to the right on spot and operating just one would turn the unit more slowly.
The four small buttons were used to select which weapon to use while the large button fired/operated whichever weapon was selected. The four monitors displayed the view outside of Glasgow's head. The lower front screen could also display other information such as video communications or I like to call it a vid-com, there's also maps, and other tactical displays for the screen to display. I figure as much but moving.
A pair of large orange levers were positioned next to the seat, one on each side which operated the ejection mechanism. By lifting both levers, it would activate the system and ejected the entire cockpit block from the Knightmare which would then land via parachutes and an inflating raft on the underside. Ejector seat, huh? Sounds helpful and very useful for the event if the pilots need to get out.
Guilford then handed me what looked like a large black USB drive with a raised golden crest on it and device that looks like a Bluetooth headset. The levers were raised now, pushing them back down would move the seat inside and close the cockpit hatch.
"This is the Knightmare's activation key. It's basically liked a car key and you need it to activate the unit. All you must do is plug it in and input the authorization code. The code for this unit is XF12-F1F3. Once you're ready, close the hatch and start it up. You'll need to press the buttons on top of the controllers to deploy your land spinners. Then head outside slowly so you can get a feel for how the machine handles. Once you've done that, I'll join you. that headset will allow you to answer your vid-com without having to use any of the controls," Guilford explained, getting me to nod my head in understanding and had him climbed his way back down.
"Alright, let's get started," I thought, getting ready myself ready and start the Knightmare up.
I put the activation key in my lap for the moment and pushed down on the two ejection levers. I got a slight hum, having the seat slid inside the cockpit with the hatch closed and sealed with a hiss. I was in darkness for a moment and had the cockpit lights came on, bringing the light back to a comfortable level.
At first, I felt slightly cramped, but I soon found it was closer than I have expected and well do. I quickly plugged the activation key in and slipped the headset over my right ear. Now to punch in the authorization code.
XF12-F1F3
The screens came to life, now showing the outside view from Glasgow's perspective. I could see the technicians had already opened the door in front for me, revealing a large concreted area. I gripped the controllers firmly, pressing the two large buttons as Guilford had told me.
Grinning with excitement, I shoved the right stick forward while pulling hardback on the left.
The Glasgow responded smartly, pulling into a sharp left-hand turn with ease. I quickly came to a stop when I was far outside from the hanger and soon saw another Glasgow coming outside, being Guilford's. The other until stopped a short distance from the hanger, facing me across the hundred or so meters which separated us.
Then all the sudden, my headset beeped softly, indicating an incoming call which I answer.
"Yes?" I responded, having a small window popped up on the screen in front me, showing Guilford sitting a cockpit just like mine.
"Looks like you've got a handle on moving around pretty quickly. That's good," Guilford commented, giving me a friendly smirk.
"Yeah, it's a lot easier to handle than I expected," I said, honesty and look forward to my Knightmare training.
"Just keep in mind that Glasgow is our oldest Knightmare currently in use which is why we use them as training units, officers, and guards. The Sutherland and Gloucester are a bit more of a handful if you're not careful, but we don't need to worry about that right now," Guilford explained which makes sense.
I have read from online that Glasgow is the oldest models of Knightmare in the 4th generation. The Sutherland and Gloucester are 5th generations which have some as costume made for certain pilots and good large number of units of them, being the general Knightmare that a good number use to this very day. That makes sense and should focus on what will happen.
"For today, we're just focusing on the basics of Knightmare combat. Think you're up for it?" The knight asked, being sure that I'm ready for the training.
I grinned in response, feeling excited all the sudden and looking forward to my training.
"That sounds like a challenge, Lord Guilford. Don't hold back on my account," I challenged, getting Guilford smirked in response.
"Very well then, I won't. For starters, I'll charge you while you stay where you are. Your job is simply to avoid my attack in any way you can. Understand?" The knight informed.
Before I could respond, Guilford's Glasgow deployed both its stun tonfas and charged forward with a resounding tire screech, heading straight at me. I tensed myself as the gap between our machines shrank quickly, but the tense and worried were wash away as I forced with a calm mind.
"Wait for it. Wait for it…," I thought, seeing Guilford, getting close within striking distance until…
"Now!"
Guilford came within range, he launched forward with his Knightmare's right arm. I countered by quickly dodged to the left before grabbing hold of the arm with both hands. Then using his machine's own momentum against it, I swung him around and throw the knight away to left as hard as I could.
Guilford quickly came to a stop and turned back to face me again.
I panted slightly from the short adrenaline rush I was now experiencing. My body shook a little, regaining sense back and calm down.
"Now that…was fun," I thought with a small smirk forming up on my face.
"Excellent move Alex, using your opponent's momentum against him. Good thinking," Guilford announced with a slight hint of praise evident in his tone.
"I should explain that in combat if your Knightmare loses its head then the ejection system is activated automatically. For training purposes, that feature is disabled and if your head is destroyed, you lose. Keep that in mind," He informed, making great senses.
"I'll be sure to remember that. What's next?" I asked, having little thought on what training I will go through soon enough.
Time Skip
For the next few hours, two or three, but I lost count as my training with the knight kept going. Guildford ran me through all the basics related to piloting a Knightmare in combat and we sparred with our stun tonfas. My Glasgow nearly lost its head, almost and after we started.
I realized that close combat was obviously Guilford's specialty, nothing I tried at first could break through his guard. I was able to start landing the occasional hit on his Knightmare but somehow a clean strike to the head eluded me.
By the three or two hours have went by, both of our Glasgows looked like they have fallen off a cliff, dents and scratches covered almost every surface. The heads were untouched as they were guard, but my head had a few scratches. It was because from a few near misses by the knight's attacks. I started to realize that if I kept fighting this way, I will lose due to the knight's greater experience and this kept me from winning.
"Time to try something a little different. I don't know if this will work, but let's give it a go," I thought as I plot my Knightmare to dodge another well-aimed attack and had a plan forming in my head.
I waited for Guilford to charged me again, I waited until he was almost on top of me. I then dropped the Glasgow down on one knee, causing the knight's attack to miss my head completely and now it's my turn. The knight had little time to get back up as my machine's arms wrapped around his unit's lower torso before lifting it off the ground and leaning to the sight. I slammed the head straight into the ground and finally won the training with the knight.
Despite impacting at a relatively low speed, Glasgow's weight crushed the machine's head immediately on impact with the concrete. All the way through the attack, I could hear Guilford's astonished gasping and followed by a loud grunt as his Knightmare hit the ground.
My eyes widen in shock and was concern for the knight, hoping I did not hurt him.
"Guilford! Are you alright?! I shouted/asked in concern, being careful on lowing the Glasgow onto its side.
I checked and looked at the vid-com window to opened again for me to see the knight. I saw Guilford hanging to one side of his cockpit with no visible injuries, causing me to sigh in relief and glad that he was not hurt as much.
But soon to my surprise and shock, the knight was laughing, despite the hard treatment he just gone through. I was a little taken back at this.
"Hahaha! Well done, Alex! I never expected you to pull off a move like that! Look likes you win!" Guilford roared as his laughter continued despite his rather unorthodox position.
"I guess I did. But really, it's not like I had it planned this whole time," I said, grinning back at the knight while rubbing my neck.
"That's why I'm impressed. In a real battle, being able to come up with new strategies on the fly is an important skill. So, you should be proud you were able to do it so quickly," Guilford said, finishing his laughing fit by now.
"Now then, take your machine back to the hangar so the technicians can get to work on repairing it. I will follow on foot since this thing's fully shut down after that," He said, getting me to nod my head and close the link.
I slowly piloted my way back to the hangar, having the fatigue from the last few hours finally hit me. Not surprising, given I have been fending off a professional solider the entire time, no surprise there. I backed the Glasgow into its bay before unplugging the activation key and opening the hatch.
As I stepped out, I could see all the nearby maintenance crew looking right at me. I was at first confused but changed as a few started to clap. The whole entire group was clapping loudly, causing me to blush in embarrassment from all the attention. This was new to me, but I should have seen this coming for now on.
I finally climbed down to the floor, three of the men came over to me.
"Now that was some show! It's been awhile since anyone pulled one over on Lord Guilford like that!" One exclaimed, offering his hand to me which I shook firmly and give him a wry smile.
"Thanks for the complement," I said before seeing the other technicians walked past us and stared at the now-ruined Glasgow.
"Well, you didn't half do a number on this thing, did you?" One of them remarked while the other man sighed is resignation.
"I know it looks bad, but you should see the other guy," I joked, causing all three of them to burst out laughing. I was close on joining join but stopped myself when I spotted Guilford re-entering the hangar.
Almost immediately the laughing stopped as all the technicians tried desperately to look busy and hoped the knight wouldn't ask them anything.
"What was all that about?" Guilford asked as he approached.
"Just having a bit of a laugh at your expense, my Lord," I replied.
"Oh really? Please do tell," Guilford said, eyeing me suspiciously.
I quickly have the rundown of the previous conversation, including my little jab at him. The knight chuckled lightly at that part so I least I got away with it…this time.
"I'd admit you weren't wrong. Now then, it's just gone four in the afternoon. So, we should report back to Princess Cornelia and inform her of your progress," Guilford said, having the two of us leaving the technicians to their work and made our back to the palace.
Small Time Skip
Guilford and I entered Cornelia's office. I was surprised to see that Euphemia was present this time. Darlton was nowhere to be see and I could guest that he must be busy this time. The pink-haired girl smiled happily at our arrival while her sister's expression was much reserved. We stopped just in front of her desk, having both of us standing at attention.
"At ease, both of you," Cornelia announced, allowing us to relax a bit.
After all my hard work, I felt like I needed all the relaxation I could get and some food in my stomach.
"I take it you've finished training for today, Guilford?" She asked, having the knight nodded in response.
"Yes, your highness."
"And how would you rate our young friend's performance thus far?"
"So far, I'd say he has a fair amount of natural talent. On top of that, he's clearly a quick learner. His proficiency with a gun is impressive to say the least and I don't believe he requires any further help from myself in that regard. In Knightmare combat, he's demonstrated a great deal of potential in such a short time. He already managed to best me once so far and I'll freely admit I never saw it coming," Guilford explained, getting the princess' eyes to widened at this revelation.
"You're saying Alex was able to defeat you, my Knight?" She asked to which Guilford nodded.
Cleary interested, Cornelia now turned her gaze on me and said, "Please Alex, do explain. I'm curious as to how you managed such an impressive feat."
I nodded my head before describing the incident as best I could. Cornelia listened intently, having her expression shifting to a mixture of confusion and admiration as I described the move I used to win.
"And that's more or less what happened, your highness," I said, finishing my explanation.
"Well, it seems congratulations are in order. But I'm curious as to how you came up with such an unusual technique?" She asked.
"Well, your highness, I got the idea form one of the sports in my world which we call wrestling. In that context, we refer to what I did as a spear tackle where it involves the tackled player being lifted and dropped on their back, neck, or head which is why it's also illegal. Since the objective was destroy the head of Lord Guilford's Glasgow, I decided it was worth a shot, especially as I suspected he wouldn't expect it," I explained.
"Well, I must say I'm impressed. I look forward to seeing how you progress in the next few days," Cornelia said with an unusually warm smile gracing her features.
"Thank you, my lady," I said with a bow in response.
"Well, I think you deserve a break after all you've done today," Cornelia said which I agreed with as I need a break.
"Guilford, since Darlton's busy with other matters at the moment, I'll need you to remain here." She said.
"I live to serve, my lady," Guilford said, bowing.
I soon decided to voice a question that pop into my head and something I can do to relax.
"Your highness, do you by any chance have a library in the palace somewhere? I can't really think of much else to do and I've always enjoyed a good read," I said, speaking my question out.
The older princess raised an eyebrow at this before smiling slightly.
"Of course. I'm sure you'll enjoy yourself, seeing as I do keep quite the collection. I quite enjoy reading myself as I find it very relaxing," Cornelia replied which had Euphemia starting to bounce up and down with excitement.
"Oh! Oh! Sister, can I show him the library?! Please?!" Euphemia pleaded, clapping her hands together as she talked.
I noticed Cornelia sighting in defeat and kind of saw this coming. I guess she was the typical doting older sister and clearly found it difficult to say no to a sweet little Euphemia.
"Who am I kidding? There's no way I can say no to a sweet thing like her as well," I thought which she reminds me of someone back in my world, but I push those thoughts aside for now and worried of the now.
"Very well Euphemia. I suppose it wouldn't hurt to have someone who knows the palace as well as you show him the way. Just stay out of trouble this time, understand?" Cornelia said, reminding her sister to stay out of trouble and caused me to wonder about that.
Euphemia smiled and proceeded to drag me out of the door by the arm with strength I never thought a girl like her to have. It was when she dragged me out into the corridor that I realized that she hadn't even replied dot her sister before she dragged me.
"Um…Euphie? What did your sister mean by stay out of trouble this time?" I asked, having the young princess blushed slighting and her expression shifting to embarrassment.
"Well…I may have gone to the library without Sister Cornelia knowing…and accidentally…spilled tea all over her favorite novel," Euphemia nervously replied, attempting to hide her face as she dragged me behind her.
Really? I thought it was worse, but that was something I didn't see coming.
"That's it? I expected something worse," I said, honestly with a shrug of my shoulders.
"I guess my sister can overreact at times, but the book was a present from the late Empress Marianne who Cornelia idolized an awful lot," She replied.
"Late empress? What happened?" I asked, having Euphemia's face grew slightly downcast.
"It was eight years ago; Empress Marianne was killed at the Aries by an unknow group of terrorists. My sister oversaw security at the time and had been told to withdraw her staff on that day. So, she blames herself for what happened. Marianne's daughter, Nunnally, was crippled in the attack, losing her ability to walk and going blind from shock. Both Nunnally and her brother Lelouch were exiled to Japan as political hostages, but were killed during the war," Euphemia explained being sad as we stop walking and I felt bad.
"I see. I'm sorry for you lose. I shouldn't have brought it up like that," I said, apologizing and thought of a way to change the topic to speak again, "So, Lelouch and Nunnally were your half-siblings, right?"
"Yes, they were. I still miss them a lot. Nunnally was such a little firecracker. Hardly a day went by where Lelouch wasn't chasing after her, trying to keep her out of trouble," Euphemia replied, having her face brighten up again.
"There we go! Looking depressed really doesn't suit you, Euphie," I said with a smirk, having the young princess cheeks red up again which she turns away.
"Oh, look we're here!" Euphemia exclaimed, pointing ahead to a huge set of deep brown wooden double doors.
Clearly, no one around here believed in moderation, but I guess some think its overrated anyway. I moved in front of the young princess and tested the nearest of the two doors. To my surprise, the massive door was relatively easy to open, likely due to some hidden mechanism. After all, a royal princess shouldn't have to exert herself opening such a huge door.
"After you, your highness," I offered, holding the door and signifying her like butlers do in countless movies and TV shows I watched.
"Why thank you, captain," Euphemia giggled, playing along with my act as she walks in and I followed her.
The library was not as enormous I first thought or expected. The room was only one story in height, although the walls on both sides and on the same side as the door were mostly taken up by large bookcases which themselves were built into the walls. On the far wall was a large set of windows with a large set of french windows, a pair of french doors to avoid confusion. They opened onto a large rectangular balcony, complete with an elegant table and chairs towards the right-hand corner. Beyond the balcony were the palace's beautiful gardens, being fill with flowers and other plants of various colors.
"I have to say that Cornelia has good taste," I thought, being admired the room and soon saw the young princess already seated herself outside with a book open in her hands.
I was surprised at her speed but move on to find a book for myself. I browsed through the many shelves and discovered the right-hand wall with various non-fictional subjects. This was a good place to start as I search the shelves for anything interesting.
After a few minutes, a book on the technology behind the Knightmare Frames caught my eye. This should be a good start and read. I plucked it from the shelf, being rather thick heavy book than the ones back home and headed out onto the balcony to join the princess.
"So, did you find anything interesting?" Euphemia asked as I sat down opposite her and her tone was curiosity.
"I think so. I always found stuff like this interesting in my world and I can't see how things would be any different here," I replied, holding the book up for her to see before siting it back down and opening it to the first page.
"So, I guess you're really interested in military stuff, huh?" She asked, having shift in her voice.
"Yeah. At first, I don't why and that's pretty much how it always been for me, but I guess since my old man joined the Marines and was inspired throughout my young years. So, that's one of the main reasons I wanted to join the military at some point," I answered, having some back thoughts of home and remember what little of my family, the family that I don't hold close to anymore.
"I see," The young princess said with a trace of sadness creeping into her voice which made me feel bad since I was the one who cause it.
I should fix that and really can't see her be sad like this.
"Is everything alright, Euphie?" I asked in concerned, hoping that I didn't upset her.
"I just find quite sad. You're finally got a chance to do what you've always wanted to, but you've lost your home in the process and never see your family again. Don't you feel it's too much of a price?" Euphemia asked, looking me in the eyes with her gaze filled with concern.
I thought about her question and wonder in deep thought. Of course, there are a few things I will miss and some not so much. I may have a lost my home, but I feel different here in this world and see this as a chance to do something great with my life. My family…I'm not sure they will miss me as I feel and have little connection with now. I wasn't close to my second stepfather or half-sisters. I had move out since I was ten after my mother had a massive break down when seeing my face and attacked me. Why, because the face that bares close matching to my father and man she misses so much. I can't blame her and wish things would work different back then.
I know that I can't change that, but now I can by living here, in this world and live my dream.
"When you put it that way, I suppose you're right. Certainly, I would've preferred not to have given up where I came from and some things I had, but it looks I wasn't given that choice. So, there's really no sense in complaining about it," I started, getting the princess's attention and smiled at her to speak again, "I'm in an amazing new world, the guest of two beautiful princesses, and I'm getting the chance to live out my dream. How many people can say that?"
The young royal's expression changed back to her bubbly self from the reply I gave her.
"I suppose you're right, Alex," Euphemia said, being happy again and understand my answer.
I returned to my book but stopped when the young prince piped up again.
"So, you think my sister is beautiful, do you?"
I was startled by this unexpectedly forward question, causing me to cough loudly and had her giggling at my reaction.
"I-I beg your pardon?" I asked, cursing myself for being honest as it can be a curse and blissing at times.
"You heard me," She replied.
Euphemia wasn't about to let me talk my way out of this and her smile told me she might not tell her sister about this. Key word being might, and anything can happen.
"Well, I really can't deny your sister is one of the most beautiful women I've ever had the pleasure of meeting, if not the most beautiful," I explained, feeling my cheeks heat up.
"You're certainly not the first person to say that. But unlike most people, I get the feeling you're being completely honest which I appreciate. I wouldn't try saying it to her face just yet," Euphemia said, making a good point.
"Yes, I can imagine how well that would g down. I'd probably be executed for it," I said.
"Maybe, but there's something that makes think otherwise. Not sure what, but something about the way she described you when she was explaining the situation to me before. She seems to view you differently to how she views most people," The young princess said.
Interesting and it seems like something I should be on the lookout.
"Who knows? Maybe we'll find out someday," I said, having the princess nodding in response.
After that, the two of us continued reading, pausing to ask each other questions and learn more about the other. Euphemia interested in me personally which surprised me. Then again, I was a commoner from another world. So, why wouldn't she be curious?
In the end, the conversation devolved into the two of use recounting funny/embarrassing stories about us and some families. Every time Euphemia laughed either at something I said or something she said, makes me feel happy. I began to see why Cornelia seemed to dote on her younger sister so much. Some need a heart of stone not to want to protect someone so sweet.
"I've got to say, Euphie. I have always wondered what it would be like to have a little sister. I didn't have much bond with half-sisters, but now. Now I think I know and feel very happy," I stated, catching the princess off guard and had flushed cheeks.
"Well, I'm glad that I could cheer you up so much, Alex," Euphemia said with a bright smile on her face.
I smiled back, being happy and cheer up.
"And who knows? If you play your cards right, that may just happen for real. My sister does seem to like you," She said.
"Really? I find that hard to believe. Besides, she's a princess and I did only meet like yesterday," I said with a raised eyebrow.
"That may be so, but Cornelia wouldn't do so much to help just anyone. It may be small, but there's something there."
"While I appreciated the seal of approval, but I think I'll stick to staying on her good side for now, Euphie."
The young princess and I kept enjoying the relaxing time we had in the library as I felt a great deal of life and happiness in me. This feeling was strong and better than one I had back at my world. I'm happy here and look forward to what I will find in this world that is now my new home.