"Well, today is November 16 After Disaster Stella 122. And as anyone, or no one can see since this is a private journal I try to spice it up by using the apparently full name of the calendar, at least in some parts of the solar system. A day has passed since that "Incubation Party", and a day since I was challenged by Stellaris, and my god news does spread incredibly fast since numerous messages on my notebook prove it. In a few hours I have to go through the whole initiation ceremony so I need to prepare for that. But there is also some good news here and there, Miru and Damon will be attending the school alongside me so it's nice that I have some backup. They also brought that new MCA Suit, and judging by their temper I'll see them in action soon. There is also… Katma, I can only hope for the best about that one, maybe she can explain what was "that" about ? And we could become good friends ? Time will show it. But aside from our relationship I can only say one thing, the "Gundam" Kuiper looks really cool in that colour scheme"-Akatsuki Augus's private journal, Ad Stella 122
MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM DEMON INCARNATE
CHAPTER 9: LIMITERS OFF
"So, I'll be sharing my crib with you ? Nice"-Damon said as Akatsuki helped him unloading boxes inside Akatsuki's, well former lonely room. But every room had a few beds it wasn't taking much space if someone move in with him
"Yep, but now the acclimatisation problem is the less of the three, trouble number 1 is Stellaris. And Trouble number 2 is the whole GUND-ARM Inc. endeavour"-Akatsuki said showing it on his hands as Damon nodded in agreement
"Right, but you defeated Stellaris once. So it's not like you don't know what to expect"-Damon said unloading the last box
"Yeah, the problem is what Europa Corporation brought here with him. And you've heard the rumours about what they are designing"-Akatsuki said as both he and Damon left their room
"Don't be crazy, do you really believe that a mobile suit could clone itself ? You've seen too much anime"-Damon told him as Akatsuki only shaked his head
"Maybe that's not what it really is ? EC experimented with cloaking tech before and the Jogaila is the prime example of it, even though that was a prototype and really imperfect in that department"-Akatsuki said as Damon only chuckled
"Or maybe it just deploys dummy balloons to cover its tracks ? Cause that's the scenario I choose to believe. We'll only need to wait and see"-Damon said as they reached the Earth House's common room
"That's the problem, the lack of knowledge and prep time plus fighting an unseen prototype could be a recipe for a cut V-Fin , loss of the Holder title and packing my bags home"-Akatsuki said as Damon patted him on the back
"No worries buddy, if it was like that Barbatos wouldn't even pass the quali. And that Galaxia residing in your room proves it. If it's you and your Katana with the tailblade you are unstoppable"-Damon said as Akatsuki smiled at the redhead
"That's buddy"-Akatsuki said as he and Damon high-fived
"No probs, wonder how Miru is doing ?"-Damon asked as he and Akatsuki began to search for his sister
"And there !"-Miru said unloading the last ammo box with the help of Miorine, Chuchu and Suletta next to the cage holding Miru's Aiolo
"The hell is even in those boxes , because they are heavy as hell"-Chuchu said looking down at the boxes marked with TSC's logo. The hazel eyed blonde only smiled as she opened one of the boxes much to the shock of the Inner Rim girls, well aside from Miorine who did her research. Inside the box there resides a small missile that was supposed to be loaded on the Aiolo's wing.
"Isn't the live ammunition banned in the Outer Rim ?"-Miorine asked as Miru chuckled
"Only in M/J regs. Mercenary groups and TSC still use live ammo. Hell, I brought a giant 300 millimetre smoothbore rifle and machine gun, what do you think those TSC crews were unloading ? Speaking of which I need to get to work on painting the shells"-Miru said as Chuchu now had another question
"You know that those bullets will turn the pilots into puree ?"-Chuchu asked as Miru chuckled
"They won't if I don't aim at the cockpit, who cares if their pilot suits will turn a bit brown ?"-Miru asked as Chuchu grinned
"I like you already"-Chuchu said extending her fist that Miru countered with her own resulting in a fist pump celebrating the birth of the new friendship
"Is that all you brought ?"-Suletta asked as Miru turned her head
"We also brought some gym equipment, because you need to be at your physical peak to pilot a Mobile Suit , especially a 300-plus year old Gundam Frame"-Miru said as Chuchu's eyes lit up
"Please tell me you brought a training bag ?"-Chuchu asked as Miru only smirked resulting in another fist-pump
"Speaking of piloting, where is Katma ? After I helped her with her boxes she vanished"-Miru asked as Chuchu pointed at the Gundam Kuiper
"Nika snatched her away, apparently to do some prime things about the Kuiper or whatever it's called. Scans and things like that"-Chuchu said as all four looked up to the cage holding the Gundam Kuiper, freshly unloaded
"And that's all I need"-Nika said, unplugging her notebook from the Kuiper as Katma helped her out of the cockpit, Nika used the occasion to look at Battle Maiden's attire. And much to her surprise she looked different than most photos showed. She wore military pants instead of a skirt or Asticassia shorts , with a top that revealed most of her skin that could rival Secelia in questionable attire choices. Topped off by the Asticassia uniform jacket. Katma than noticed Nika's expression before turning towards her
"Something's wrong ? Do I have something on my face ?"-Katma asked as Nika snapped out
"Excuse me, Katma. But it's kinda odd seeing you so casual. I mean you always wear skirts or pilot suits on every photo"-Nika explained as Katma chuckled a bit before looking aside
"This is what I wear when the Fraternity doesn't order me around. I don't like skirts, so I only put them on when I have to do formal stuff. This is my first time in years I'm on my own without anyone from the Fraternity keeping me on the leash. There are also some other reasons"-Katma said looking over towards Akatsuki. And Nika noticed it so she decided to not press that button
"Well, what about your parents ? I don't have them but sure someone like you needed their help to get where you are ?"-Nika asked as Katma turned back towards her
"I don't have parents, i'm an orphan"-Katma said as Nika put her hand over her mouth
"Oh i'm sorry ! I didn't mean that, it's just-"-Nika was cut off by Katma
"The Fraternity said something else I know. Let's just say that they don't want some of the stuff to slip out. No offence taken but just don't become a loudspeaker saying "THE BATTLE MAIDEN IS AN OPRHAN !" ok ?"-Katma asked as Nika nodded
"Right ! Of course ! You're my idol and I wouldn't want to make your life hell here. Besides I want to work on the Gundam Kuiper"-Nika said as Katma smiled at her before patting her back
"No worries Nika, you'll get to work on it"-Katma said as they walked away from the Kuiper's cage
"Are you sure that this is the Earth House ? It looks so vague"-Lafter said as she alongside Azee served as bodyguards for Kudelia
"I was expecting that, considering how Earthians are treated by the Inner Rimmers"-Kudelia said as Azee sighed
"Miss Kudelia, please don't use that name, it sounds disgusting"-Azee said as the trio walked in the Earth House. Since Kudelia also wanted to visit Akatsuki and Azee and Lafter wanted to talk though the last rules before leaving them on their own, not to mention that the new weapons for Barbatos have been delivered on Mikazuki's request. And since Ride was too busy with paperwork of all the new stuff being delivered to Asticassia
"Honey ?"-Kudelia asked as Akatsuki turned towards Kudelia surprised
"Mama ! You didn't say that you will be visiting"-Akatsuki said as he hugged his step mother
"Since I was around I wanted to visit you in school, wow, you look so adult in that white, black and gold"-Kudelia said as Akatsuki separated from Kudelia
"Thanks Mama, we're doing fine with the little resources we have. And we're starting up that company, even though there are some complications"-Akatsuki said as Kudelia raised her eyebrow
"What complications ?"-Kudelia asked as Akatsuki blushed in embarrassment
"He will duel Stellaris again, of course with beams set on lethal"-Miorine said as Kudelia's facial expression changed to a frown as Akatsuki backed a bit. Luckily someone broke the silence
"Well we brought backup weapons from Mars so you won't be going to battle naked, we also have something for you two"- Lafter said turning towards Miru and Damon who walked up towards the two older Turbines with Azee giving each a gun carrying case much to Earth House's shock and surprise
"Guns , remember not to go Gung-ho with them"-Azee said as the siblings stood on attention before Miru took out her pistol , loading it and putting it into her pocket
"I feel that we will become great friends"-Miru said as Lafter then turned to Akatsuki giving him a notepad
"All the equipment we brought for Barbatos, your dad insisted on sending them for you"-Lafter said as Akatsuki scrolled through the weapons, and his eyes were widened by all the equipment he got. One of the two most important was a full double barrelled beam machine gun fuelled by an E-Pac installed in the back. The other of the two was something that the original Barbatos used all until the 6th form. The Wrench mace, with its new colour scheme designed by Miru bringing the dinosaur look of the weapon even more out. While Akatsuki's quick combat based Japanese sword techniques and martial arts wasn't really fit for such a weapon he always admitted that it was useful and always kept it around whenever he was going for a tournament
"Plus a bonus"-Azee said throwing him a memory stick that he cached
"What is that ?"-Akatsuki asked
"New version of Fumitan 5.11, but this one is special, she was rewired to serve as an mobile suit assist AI"-Lafter explained as Akatsuki looked at her with disgust and feeling of having his pride as a pride mocked before than turning towards Kudelia guessing that it was her who insisted on botching Barbatos with an autopilot
"No worries, it doesn't affect your piloting. It only serves as an assistance"-Lafter quickly explained as she gave two other memory sticks to Miru and Damon. But just as Akatsuki wanted to ask more about it he received a message on his notebook before sighing, it was Secelia saying that it was time for the ceremony.
"It's time, come on Suletta"-Akatsuki said as he walked away and made his way towards his E-bike with Suletta following him
"What's going on ?"-Kudelia asked as Miorine sighed
"It's a stupid tradition set by my father. Akatsuki has to get though a stupid initiation ceremony"-Miorine explained as Akatsuki mounted his E-bike with Suletta blushing grabbing him from the back just as Akatsuki without a word slid on his goggles and rode away passing Kudelia who tried to look her son in the eyes but could see nothing from behind the goggles, the only thing she could see was the worried look on Suletta's face as the small E-bike jumped out of the Earth House riding away towards the main building. Meanwhile Kudelia sat down on the nearest chair helped by Miru and Damon
"Do you want some tea miss Augus ?"-Aliya asked trying to comfort their guest
"I would love some , thank you"-Kudelia said as Aliya nodded before walking away
"Who is that anyways ?"-Chuchu asked in the distance as Nika slightly hit her on the arm
"That's the Maiden of Revolution, she was the one that led the Outer Rim out of Gjallarhorn Peacekeeping Group's influence. Kudelia Aina Augus, and Akatsuki's step mother"-Nika explained as Katma frowned
"Kinda weird seeing how everything falls though her fingers"-Katma said before walking away much to Nika's confusion. Meanwhile Miorine sat beside Kudelia
"Is everything ok Miss Kudelia ?"-Miorine asked as she got closer to Kudelia who put her hand onto her tummy
"I'm fine dear, it's only to start to worry about your fiancé. And since he always gets into fights im beginning to worry he won't make to the altar in one piece. I started this whole endeavour so that Akatsuki wouldn't have to alone. Instead they fight among each other"-Kudelia explained as Miorine sighed
"Akatsuki, while being a complete airhead, and sometimes a complete idiot. Isn't from what I've manage to see a type to give up. But I do agree with what he stands for. He always moves forward on his own way without looking back and takes any challenge thrown at him"-Miorine said as Kudelia chuckled
"While I don't agree about the idiot part. I do agree that sometimes he lets his emotions speak rather than his mind. At least his mind Is cool from all the cool air. And since our family is about to expand I can see that he will be a good older brother. Oh, I see that you took a liking to the good luck charm ! His mother will be so happy"-Kudelia said as Miorine nodded in agreement until she got to the "older brother" part
"Wait, what do you mean by older brother ?"-Miorine asked as not it was Kudelia's turn to be confused
"He didn't say that he will have a little sister ?"-Kudelia asked as Miorine turned her head
"No, in fact not at all"
"Umm , Suki ? Why did you ask me to come along ?"-Suletta asked blushing from the position she was in holding onto Akatsuki's back
"There is one reason, and that is because I need a morale boost. I did the same thing when you dueled Elan so consider this as payback from you"-Akatsuki said as the dust was hitting his face aside from his goggle protected eyes
"Right, watch out !"-Suletta exclaimed as Akatsuki hit the brakes to see how many students were cramped up around the main school building where the Duelling Committee Lounge resided. And since it was the middle of a weekday it was weird to see students lurking around the school. And much to both Holders surprise they were standing around them like some kind of the deities
"Suki ?"-Suletta asked confused as Akatsuki parked the bike before getting off it and helping Suletta causing whispers among the crowd
"Let's just ignore it and get with it"-Akatsuki whispered to her ear as they made their way through the corridors to reach the final elevator with a piercing look of the students residing on them like a burning mark. And much to their surprise the lounge was also filled with students being separated from the core stage by a few girls from the Grassley House, Akatsuki had heard about them as they were the most popular people in the school before he, and later other sports pilots came. Especially about the one called Renee, who according to Rumours put him on the #1 spot of her "Backup boyfriend list". But as with any things revolving around girls he ignored it. But then his attention went towards Eneo who stood waiting for him. Both of them exchanged a look raising up tension in the room as the crowd continued to whispered among themselves
"Akatsuki, now that you're here we can begin"-Shaddiq said as now there was another problem
"So, who will go through with the initiation ?"-Secelia asked all the committee members shared a look before Shaddiq looked at Suletta
"How about the Mercury Lady ? Since Akatsuki helped though with her duel it would be good to repay the good deed"-Shaddiq said, but as Akatsuki wanted to object Suletta stood up on attention
"I'll do it !"-She exclaimed before walking up towards the centre of the stage as Secelia gestured Akatsuki to do the same as now he was facing Eneo eye to eye. Shaddiq only gave Suletta a piece of paper with the duel data as Suletta took a breath in and out. 'Move Forward Gain Two Move Forward Gain Two'-she thought as she remembered all the times Akatsuki did it and stretched out her arms
"B-Both parties, deposit your s-souls on Libra's scales ! The duel will be between Eneo Stellaris and Akatsuki Augus, the duel will take place on the Area 1 with the rules set by both parties ! Any objections ?!"-She frantically asked as Eneo raised his hand
"If I would win, I don't want that Holder title"-Eneo said causing awes from the crowd
"And why if I might ask ?"-Secelia asked in her teasing trying to get Eneo to crack
"Because I haven't come here to get married, I've come here to learn and to duel him. Besides, what kind of gentleman would try to break an engagement without proper motivation ? My prize won't be a shiny uniform or a bride. Only a bruise on his pride"-Eneo explained as Akatsuki felt the itch on said pride. Was that to toy with him ? Or to leave a message saying 'you kept everything but you still lost and that's the only thing that matters' ?
"I-I'm sure the dueling committee can arrange that, what about you Su-Akatsuki Augus ?"-Suletta said keeping everything formal
"I have no objections"-Akatsuki said as Suletta continued
"Ok, Eneo Stellaris, what do you put on your scale ?"-Suletta asked as Eneo knew exactly what he wanted
"The attack on Demon Incarnate's pride will be enough, no other thing I want or require"-Eneo said as he smirked
"Akatsuki Augus, what will you put on the scale ?"-Suletta asked as Akatsuki wiped his lips
"That Eneo Stellaris will admit that I'm a better pilot"-Akatsuki said as Eneo also smirked. 'Let it be Augus, if you can take a hit to your pride then I also can'-he thought as the final part came
"A-Alea Iacta Est, the duel is approved !"-Suletta exclaimed, uniting her hands. Meanwhile thanks to numerous students live streaming the event on their notebooks. The Earth House members and Kudelia alongside her bodyguards watched the entire scene proceed "So it is then, the path of war"-Miorine said as Kudelia gripped her good luck charm
"But that's suicide ! The heat of a beam saber alone is enough to fry a human alive !"-Martin exclaimed before being hit on the back of the head both by Nika and Miru
"You don't know Akatsuki ! Even if those are incredibly high odds he will prevail ! Like his dad who survived and personally slaughtered a Mobile Armour"-Miru exclaimed causing the Earth House to look at her
"Are you serious ? Those the Mobile Armours that slaughtered millions of people and destroyed numerous colonies, ships and mobile suits ?"-Chuchu asked as Miru , Damon and to their surprise Nika all nodded
"Yeah ! Mr Mikazuki with a borrowed sword and blood lusting Barbatos Lupus butchered it like in the days of the Calamity like a rebellious Devil !"-Damon explained as Nika nodded
"And it was from that Mobile Armour from which the tail and most of the materials to rebuild the Lupus into Lupus Rex and later into the AA"-she added as then Kudelia turned towards them
"And that cost him his left arm, and both of his legs"-Kudelia said turning the whole atmosphere grim
"No worries miss Kudelia, Akatsuki is not connected with Barbatos by AV. So there no chance he will lose the control of his limbs"-Damon said as Kudelia cheered up a bit before sipping her tea
"We can only hope for the best"
"May the better pilot win tomorrow"-Eneo said, extending his hand towards Akatsuki after all the dust fell with the two still standing in the centre of the lounge. Akatsuki shaked his hand as the two young men shared a smirk of respect
"And may that duel be the one to be the final proof who is better"-Akatsuki replied letting go of Eneo's hand
"We will see"-Eneo replied before leaving the lounge walking through the crowd
"Hey, are you ok ?"-Suletta asked walking up towards Akatsuki
"Yeah, it's just I don't get it. I understand that there is a code of respect between sports pilots. It's just why he challenges me and wants nothing in return ?"-Akatsuki asked as Suletta counted on her fingers before coming up with an explanation
"Maybe it's the duel alone that he seeks for ? Every duel I fought was for something, Miorine's honour, my ability to stay in school, and recently now Aerial. It seems that Stellaris want the fight alone as some kind of closure ?"-Suletta asked as Akatsuki unfolded his arms as they left the lounge
"I don't know if that duel two years ago knocked off his pride so much that he came ALLLLLL the way here from Europa for the sole purpose to duel me ?"-Akatsuki asked as they got on board the elevator.
"We will have to see, do you think Barbatos is ready ?"-Suletta asked as Akatsuki nodded
"Barbatos is always ready to fight whenever it needs to"-Akatsuki said as Suletta smiled at him
"Ok, and I know that you wouldn't take a challenge if you couldn't win it Suki, but did you had to put the beams on lethal mode ?"-Suletta asked turning away from Akatsuki
"Because he wanted to do it on M/J regulations and I agreed, there is nothing wrong with that"-Akatsuki explained as Suletta continued to look at the wall of the elevator
"But that was space, and here you are inside a colony. We've learned about how the beam technology can affect the structure of a colony, and that how vulnerable the Gundam frame's cockpit position is and-"-Suletta was cut off by something completely unexpected, a kiss on the cheek
"Are you done ?"-Akatsuki asked backing away from Suletta who shrieked before backing away
"S-Suki ?! What was that about !?"-Suletta asked as Akatsuki smiled
"So that I could calm you down from all the tension, and so I can get you to turn towards me"-Akatsuki explained before slightly bowing down to her
"I hereby promise on my honour as a pilot and as a self-proclaimed samurai that nothing will happen to me"-Akatsuki said as only it was then he realised what he did just few seconds before he got up blushing
"I-I'm sorry ! I-If that felt uncomfortable for you !"-He quickly exclaimed as Suletta put h-her hands up
"N-No ! Y-You didn't d-do a-anything w-wrong ! It f-felt weird b-but you only w-wanted t-to calm me down !"-Suletta quickly countered
"S-So everything is cool right ?"-Akatsuki asked as Suletta nodded
"Y-Yes ! You're still my best friend"-Suletta said as the elevator ride finished with the duo making their way back towards the Earth House
"And that's the final one"-Akatsuki said peeling off the skin of the date, it was already the evening and instead of supposedly preparing the Barbatos with Nika he was here alone secluded inside Miorine's greenhouse. At least that's what the Earth House members thought. Right now he was only buying himself some time. And according to what Nika told him she finally made a big leap forward in terms of removing the limiters plastered on by TSC in fear of Akatsuki suffering though the same fate as his father. Completely forgetting that Akatsuki didn't take a life threatening alteration of his spine three times before connecting with the body of a giant machine. So he spent his time preparing a new batch of fruits for himself
"Closing yourself while everyone is worried ? Great job at loosening up the tension"-A voice said as Akatsuki turned around to see Miorine
"Oh, Miorine, and if you want to scold me for coming here alone I want to remind you that you gave me the key code"-Akatsuki said as he began to clean the table returning his view back towards the table. Miorine frowned before walking up towards Akatsuki who simply continued his task
"I'm not angry because you closed yourself away here. I'm angry because you made your mother worried"-Miorine explained as Akatsuki turned back towards her
"I haven't done that to get her worried"-Akatsuki explained as Miorine raised her eyebrow
"You know that she is pregnant right ? And anything remotely making her worried could make her feel pain though all the emotion ? Besides why didn't you told us that you will have a little sister ?"-Miorine asked as Akatsuki unfolded his arms
"I haven't thought about it. I mean if you had a sibling would you tell me ?"-Akatsuki asked as Miorine turned her head
"Of course ! Because we are supposed to get married and marriages work on trust. First of all Suletta and Elan, then you and Secelia, at least that seemed like a one time thing. And then you pull off a stunt with accepting that duel without talking to me even if I was literally there. I do respect that you never back away from a challenge, but there is a difference between a challenge and getting yourself hurt over something as stupid as pride"-Miorine said as Akatsuki nodded before something stuck out
"But, aren't we supposed to be pretending so that you can go to Earth ? Also have you ever said those things to your other fiancés before Guel ?"-Akatsuki asked as Miorine was getting more and more angry before managing to grab his shoulders standing on the fingers of her high heels, and from different perspective it could look hilarious
"I literally threw my pride away in front of my old man just to save Suletta and found a company ! And so far thanks to you I haven't done anything to progress, I have no employees and no infrastructure ! I spend my free time sitting here trying not to go insane from what either of you will pull off next time ! And for your second question, yes, well kinda, I had another fiancé before coming here"-Miorine said turning away from Akatsuki much to his surprise considering what she said to both of them
"But you said you didn't care for anyone and only wanted to escape"-Akatsuki said as Miorine sighed knowing that this will turn into a longer conversation
"Yes, but that was years ago before I came here. I had a friend, her name was Yursula, her family runs a magnetic fluid business company inside the group. She was my best, and only friend. But she is also very weak and fragile so she needs a cane to walk and couldn't leave her home front so her parents built her an entire theme park inside of it but never mind of that. As children I made her promise that I would marry her in the future. But years passed and she couldn't go to Asticassia with me because of her condition and we lost touch"-Miorine explained as Akatsuki now had another set of questions
"Oh, so you did love someone, wait, ah so that's why you don't really like me that much ! You simply have a different preference"-Akatsuki finally exclaimed as Miorine turned back towards him
"What ?! NO !, I'm not-ah ! What made you think that ?!"-Miorine asked connecting her dots about what he meant with "preferences" while Akatsuki wiped his cheek
"Well, you keep beating me and calling me names"-Akatsuki said as Miorine sighed tired from her groom's obliviousness that Kudelia thought off as adorable
"Im calling your names because in your obliviousness you keep losing common sense and think with your fists rather than your brain and that can get you killed"-Miorine said as Akatsuki had another thought
"Wait, does this mean you are worried about me ?"-Akatsuki then asked as Miorine then lit up
"No I tell you to screw off OF COURSE I'M WORRIED ! Tomorrow you throw your life on a scale just for some people's entertainment and for the sake of childish pride. You're not like those rich children duking it out with their expensive toys for the sake of money or fame. You're only a woundable airhead martial artist with an oversized knife who simply wants a good fight. And if you want to counter it this is a quote from miss Kudelia and not me"-Miorine said as Akatsuki raised his eyebrow
"Mama would never call a katana an oversized knife"-Akatsuki said in a manner that made Miorine also raise her eyebrow
"Ok, I modified that part but the rest of the quote is completely original. All I want to say is, just don't die"-Miorine said grabbing something on her arm, and as Akatsuki took a closer look he realised what she was holding onto, the good luck charm
"I see you wear the good luck charm my mom made, I think its suits you well"-Akatsuki said as Miorine blushed
"I-I only wear it because Miss Kudelia wears one ! And I have some things to do around here so get out !"-Miorine said pushing Akatsuki away out of the greenhouse and closed the door in front of Akatsuki who took out a date out of a bag and made his way back to the Earth House
'I can't sleep'-was Akatsuki's only thought as he laid on his bed. And that reason wasn't his new Roommate's snoring. His main thought was on what was supposed to happen in just several hours. But he also waited for another thing and that was a certain message. And it came as Akatsuki grabbed his notebook to read the message
Barbatos's cage, I think I made a discovery and I need your help
The message said as Akatsuki then got up from his bed and put on his blue TSC jacket over his pajamas and silently made his way towards Barbatos's cage. He walked up the stairs to see Barbatos's cockpit being open. As he peaked inside he saw Nika taking apart the interior of Barbatos wearing a jacket and a head torch having couple of tools laying around
"So, what have you found ?"-Akatsuki asked as Nika gestured to the several cables hidden behind the piloting chair
"It's there, I've studied blueprints probably thousands of times and made a discovery, behind those cables resides what appears to be the limiters holding back your full connection with Barbatos, I called you for help because I need you to take apart some of the cables and some stuff while I connect it with my notepad"-Nika explained as Akatsuki was confused by what she meant
"What ?"-Akatsuki asked as Nika turned her head around
"Removing limiters connecting a human being with a body of a giant machine is riskful. And since I know what you could do with it I want to put a safety measure inside. As a mechanic im responsible for the life of the pilot"-Nika argued as Akatsuki thought about it before he thought of something
"So how will I able to tap into the deeper connection while in battle ?"-Akatsuki asked as Nika pondered for a second before coming up with an answer
"We will set a signal ! The interior camera will be on throughout entire duel, when the time you will consider right comes I'll press the button on the notepad ripping off the limiters and deleting them from the connection"-Nika explained as Akatsuki nodded
"Right, I believe a thumbs up should be a good signal"-Akatsuki said as Nika nodded before she prepared herself to pass another message, and this one being the most crucial one
"Akatsuki, you realise that those limiters are not analogue ? If I delete them it's a one way trip"-Nika explained to him, he meanwhile thought about and took a look on his hands and then his legs knowing how big the consequences would be as Miorine's words echoed throughout his head "you keep losing common sense and think with your fists rather than your brain and that can get you killed"-Miorine's voice echoed throughout his head before the promise that he made towards Suletta in the elevator. "I hereby promise on my honour as a pilot and as a self-proclaimed samurai that nothing will happen to me"-His voice said as another thought clouded though his head. 'What use I would have as a husband if I couldn't move my arms or legs ?'-he thought as his two fiancés clouded his mind. But it was for his selfish decision that he got here and he knew that it was his decision to make as his mechanic waited for his reply
"Sometimes you need to a risk taker, let's get to work"-Akatsuki said as Nika nodded and both got to work. Everything as covertly and silently so that the Earth House students wouldn't find out about it. For the next 2 hours Akatsuki worked though Barbatos's inner system according to Nika's instructions while she wrote an app to connect it with the main software inside the Gundam frame. Luckily for them both the system was a mirror image of the one inside of Aerial so Nika had some experience with it thanks to the flight unit. Nika also asked about the Fumitan AI and asked about installing it on board Barbatos but that idea was quickly rejected by the pilot due to according to him "the lack of testing" and Nika could agree on that, ever since the Calamity Conflict installing AI on board Mobile Suits was seen as a taboo. Especially something that wasn't an assist AI responsible for few functions and instead being a full voice support. After they finished they put the parts back together and closed the hatch before the two separated and returned back to their bedrooms both of them falling dead asleep
The notebook woke him up at the set hour, it was 6:30 in the morning. Akatsuki slowly got up from his bed before taking a quick look over his surroundings, he grabbed some of his clothes and put them on before making his way towards Barbatos's cage, but since he had 3:00 hours before the duel he could dedicate his time for preparation. And that would be some exercise to get himself in shape before stepping inside the cockpit. Just as always ever since the grand prix. As he stood over the balustrade Akatsuki took off his shirt and grabbed it from the other side using it as a pull rod. Of course only an insane man would do it from such a height and possibility to break their spine. But those people weren't pumped up by adrenaline. And right now it wasn't just him as most of the students were now up and tense waiting for two mobile suits supposedly leagues above what the Inner Rim had. Not only him but also the duelling committee underlings were working on setting up numerous cameras around the arena 1. According to many students and bookmakers this would be one of, if not the biggest and most-watched duel in the history of Asticassia. After managing 75 pull-ups he gave up on that before managing to crawl back behind the balustrade before taking a sip of his water. After a few minutes of rest laying on the cold metal he got back up and began other exercises. Push-ups , sit-ups and plenty of water and juice. And it continued like that for the next 2 hours before he made his way towards the Earth House's bathroom to get himself cleaned up. Mostly to get a morning shower. After 15 minutes of cold water shower thoughts later he continued with the rest of his morning routine. Brushing his hair and teeth and putting a morning piece of bubble-gum inside his mouth, a habit he got from his father. He put on his Asticassia uniform and his jacket even though he had a duel before the first lesson and finally left the bathroom being ready for the day. Judging by an early hour of the day he was on his own walking like a spectre across a graveyard. He used that to his advantage and that meant cooking breakfast for himself. He opened the fridge to see what the Earth House had. And much to his surprise it was fairly well-equipped. Perhaps because of the farm animals, after 15 minutes or so Akatsuki got himself a full breakfast. An omelette, two toasts with cheese and bacon and a glass of milk. He began to consume it as he could hear and see that the Earth House was beginning to wake up. He then checked his watch to see what hour it was, '7:20, damn I woke up early'-he thought as now Damon walked up to him
"Hey Demon ! So 2:0 with Stellaris ?"-Damon asked as Akatsuki high-fived him
"Yep, that's why I woke up early"-Akatsuki said taking last bites of his toast
"And it seems you made use of your prep time fully, using our fridge"-Chuchu said as Akatsuki chuckled
"Full nutritious breakfast is important"-Akatsuki said in a tone as Miru then walked up to grab herself a soda can
"Says the guy who spent a year making an ad campaign selling peanut butter bars"-Miru said as Akatsuki frowned
"Hey, in my defence those bars were actually tasty, it's not like I sold crap to my fans. Besides Damon got a role in one of them so everyone was happy"-Akatsuki said as the Earth House picked up the steam with everyone following their morning routines. Meanwhile Akatsuki spent his morning talking with Nika as they packed up the Equipment on board the transporter. And since the lack of knowledge of what mobile suit Eneo used they went with the Wrench Mace and the Beam machine gun as spare equipment with 3 spare E-packs waiting inside the transporter. Of course he could ditch his katana in favour of packing in some more E-packs and grenades but that idea wasn't even brought up since Nika knew Akatsuki would never ditch his trademark weapon. And as Nika was preparing last things with him Suletta was chatting with Lilique before she got a message on her notebook
Mercury lady
You were chosen by the duelling committee to be the witness for the upcoming duel. In the file below I've sent you the duel beginning process so that you can study it and prepare yourself
Shaddiq Zenelli
"Right…"-Suletta said looking on her notebook as Lilique interrupted her train of thought
"Something is wrong miss Suletta ?"-Lilique asked as Suletta turned back towards her
"It's ok Lilique, it's just I have something to do"-Suletta said looking on the red good luck charm residing on her hand before leaving Lilique alone making her way towards Nika and Akatsuki
"Suki !"-Suletta exclaimed as Akatsuki turned towards his fiancé
"Suletta ! Good morning !"-Akatsuki said as Suletta stopped in front of him
"I got the message from that Shaddiq guy, I'll be the witness of your duel"-Suletta said looking down as Akatsuki smiled
"Good, that means I'll have a guardian angel watching over me"-Akatsuki said as Suletta blushed from the comment
"Suki.."-Suletta silently said as Nika then noticed what Suletta was grabbing on her hand
"Just remember what have you promised me yesterday"-She silently added as Akatsuki slightly bowed teasingly
"I did promise on my honour did I ?"-Akatsuki asked as Nika patted on Akatsuki's back
"I'm sorry to break apart this love fest but I need to borrow Akatsuki for the last final tuning inside"-Nika teased as both Akatsuki and Suletta blushed
"Nika ! It's not like that ! Besides I need to make my way towards the committee"-Suletta said as then Akatsuki looked on his notebook to check the hour
"But there is still an hour and a half left"-Akatsuki said as Suletta continued to make excuses
"I'll take a long walk ! Good luck Suki !"-Suletta said, rushing off as Nika and Akatsuki shared a "eh ?" look before they got to work
'So, I have to say "Fix Release" at the end ? Suki is right, it should be just be just a countdown'-Suletta thought as the elevator finished its ride before she got out of it and made it towards the lounge. After opening the door she saw Shaddiq staring at the arena 1 with Secelia and Ryouji doing something on their Notepads. She took another look to see the new Jeturk representative after Guel was kicked out of their house. Lauda Neil who kept stroking his hair. Her first instinct was to say hi but Lauda only grunted at her sending her piercing look as Suletta walked up to the centre
"Mercury Lady ! You came earlier to prepare ?"-Shaddiq asked not even turning around watching Haro drones flying around the Arena 1
"I-I p-prepared on my way here"-Suletta said also watching the drones perform their task and preparing for transmitting the duel
"It's exciting isn't it ? It seems this is how the Romans would feel waiting for Gladiators to battle. Considering that the winning signal will be cutting off the head of the opponents Mobile Suit instead of just an antenna"-Shaddiq said as Suletta nodded
"I believe in Suk-Akatsuki's abilities, and he defeated him already"-Suletta said absolutely certain of her groom's abilities
"Do you ? Do you think he is strong enough ? To defend both you and Miorine ?"-Shaddiq asked as Suletta immediately smiled
"Of course ! He is an incredible pilot and probably better than I can ever imagine to be ! He's an excellent swordsman and knows various styles of Martial Arts ! He is also a good cook and one of the nicest people I've ever met. I believe in him and I believe that he can win"-Suletta exclaimed as Shaddiq continued to look through the window not even turning towards Suletta
"Right, you can sit on the sofa before we will send the signal to the pilots"-Shaddiq said as Suletta said besides Secelia who had a weird grin on her face. Suletta swallowed air and decided to begin conversation
"You seem excited miss Secelia"-Suletta said as Secelia turned towards her
"Of course I am, its Marsboy finally kicking asses !"-Secelia exclaimed as Suletta nodded
"Right, you also believe in him ?"-Suletta asked as Secelia lifted her eyebrow
"I would be stupid if I didn't. Besides, 70% of the betting ones also agree with me. Besides you said it yourself, he's a leagues above others pilot. And adding to it"-Secelia cut herself before putting her mouth close to Suletta's ear
"He has an incredible tongue and you can grind meat on his chest"-Secelia whispered as Suletta blushed as Secelia backed away
"I-I've never seen him bare-chested"-Suletta whispered blushing as Secelia laughed
"Well then Mercury Girl, you're in for a treat when your wedding night comes. Besides he will win based on tech alone, one is a random suit and other is a literal Demon from hell. Right Ryouji ?"-Secelia asked as Ryouji continued to look through the cameras on his notepad
"I believe you should focus on your task Secelia"-Ryouji said as Secelia puffed up
"Ah come on Ryouji, just show us tech data for that Stellaris guy's mobile suit"-Secelia asked as Ryouji sighed before asking Haro to show the data for Europa Corporation's suit. And his eyes widened as he saw the stats, especially the height
"23 meters"-He silently whispered as Secelia and Suletta peaked and Suletta's hand went immediately to the good luck charm stroking it afraid
"Ok Eneo, let's give it a one final test run"-A technician said as Eneo nodded and grabbed something that looked like visor of a helmet instead of a regular headset and slid it on his ears before sitting inside, something that could be called a cockpit. With it lacking everything that makes it able to move a mobile suit, no yokes, no pedals. Just a few buttons responsible for basic functions. Instead it only contained an enclosement with holes for arms and two enclosements for the legs. Eneo put his legs inside before he plugged himself into the connection port in the seat. His next step was closing the hatch and firing up the main reactor sending the vibration around the cockpit as the main monitor lit up to life showing the dark space around the giant mobile suit
"Im ready"-Eneo said putting it his arms inside the enclosements as the technician looked at the notepad with a displayed button
"Right, im beginning the GUND resonance sequence"-the technician said over the comms pressing the button as Eneo felt a massive sting of pain as if it wasn't for his hands being locked in place he would try to rip himself out. But he went through it and after a second the pain disappeared with GUND-format lines lighting up though his face as a consequence for such a deep connection
"Ok, move your right hand"-The technician said as Eneo willed the suit's arm to move. 'Shame that you don't have it Augus, it's incredible'-Eneo thought moving his hand as it was his own
"Right hand working fine, now try your left"-The technician added as Eneo clashed his left fist against his open right resulting in a small shockwave around the storage space where Europa Corporation was testing their mobile suit. If it could be called a mobile suit and not an analogue Mobile Armour controlled by a man.
"Great, now shut it off"-the technician said as Eneo nodded
"Right, resonance system shut off and release"-Eneo gave out the command as the arms retracted back as his arms and legs were released from their enclosements and plugged off from the chair before opening the hatch and jumping out of the cockpit. Eneo then took off his headset looking down his technician
"How did it feel ?"-the technician asked as Eneo looked up to the giant V-finned head
"Incredible as always, shame that we can't test out the dummies"-Eneo said trying to look towards the Mobile Suit's back
"Don't worry, we made simulations and virtual test-runs and everything is 100%. Remember what your task is"-The technician said as Eneo nodded
"Yeah, beating Augus. I can't believe that the R department made this incredibly intricate system to defeat an enhanced Gjallarhorn Gundam Frame. Not that i'm saying it's not an incredible Mobile Suit but isn't that a little too much ? I mean they had a whole department regarding holo-CGI"-Eneo said as the technician chuckled
"You know how the CEO board fell ? To have some small military and tuning group defeat their conglomerate money profiting off from cloaking tech. And by a Gundam frame ? Now they want Barbatos to be smashed down to the ground. And both of the Demon's brides will be watching to see it"-The technician said as Eneo continued looking not even phased by what he was saying
"Yeah, now I have the deep connection like him"
Akatsuki sat in the Earth House's locker room already wearing his atmospheric TSC pilot suit. Like always before a duel to get a little peace and quiet. But he felt the lack of support from his father, who ever since he was a boy was giving him a prep talk. So he was there alone, Miorine was residing in her greenhouse and Suletta in the lounge. So he only stared at the dirty floor of the locker room before looking towards the gloves and headset residing on the bench. But he was sent off by the ringing of his phone. He took a look and noticed that it was father
"Dad ?"-Akatsuki asked as meanwhile Mika was inside his own locker room taking off his pilot suit
"Akatsuki, I know that you'll be duelling soon"-Mikazuki said as Akatsuki was surprised
"What ? How did you know ?!"-Akatsuki asked as Mikazuki chuckled
"Your Mama told me, sorry that im not there to give you some prep talk"-Mikazuki said as Akatsuki chuckled
"At least you give me a phone call"-Akatsuki said as Mikazuki put on his regular clothes
"Just do what you always do behind the controls, give your everything to the max"-Mikazuki said as Akatsuki sighed
"Yeah, but I have this feeling. That im beginning to lack behind. Ever since I came here I'm becoming more and more aware that my max is stopping being enough. From the Darilbalde to the Pharact. Barbatos just stands still for the last seven years. While I progress, Barbatos is important to me and is a part of our family and history of Martian Independence"-Akatsuki explained as Mikazuki sat down on the bench inside his locker room
"You think that Barbatos stops you from going all out ? Can see that when your movement is cramped out by the wings. Perhaps it is time for a major overhaul"-Mikazuki said as Akatsuki stared down his gloves and headset
"Maybe, but I'll give my all before Barbatos finally gives up. Perhaps it will be helped by what I did"-Akatsuki said as now Mikazuki was confused
"What did you do ?"-Mikazuki asked as then Akatsuki face palmed knowing that he slipped
"Oh, I have to go ! You'll have to watch and wait. Bye Dad !"-Akatsuki exclaimed, closing down the phone call before letting out a long and deep sigh knowing that his secret "Enhancement" remained a surprise
Miorine Rembran was getting more and more nervous. She tried calling her fiancé but he didn't even answer. As did Suletta, not realising the grim atmosphere around both of them. Currently she made her way towards the Earth House to watch the duel and see Akatsuki off before he would mount Barbatos
"Oh ! Miorine !"-Someone's voice brought Miorine from her thoughts. As she turned around she saw Kudelia alongside Lafter and Azee who served as their bodyguards
"Miss Kudelia"-Miorine silently said frozen by her idol's words
"You're also making your way towards the Earth House ?"-Kudelia asked as Miorine joined them in their walk toward the Earth House
"Yes, I wanted to see Akatsuki off"-Miorine said as Kudelia smiled
"Oh good ! Seeing your future husband go to battle in your honour"-Kudelia exclaimed as Miorine blushed before remembering what caused him to take up the duel. That Eneo kissed her palm in a way that made her feel uncomfortable, of course she would intervene but Akatsuki was faster than her and in only a few seconds a duel was settled. Had he done that to defend her and only masked it behind his pride ? She blushed at the thought of it completely not noticing that they reached the Earth House noticing Chuchu, Damon and Miru sitting on the couch with Miru painting the shell for the smoothbore gun
"Hey kids ! Where is Akatsuki ?"-Kudelia asked as Damon pointed at the door that led to the locker room.
"He locked himself inside, he said he wants to be alone"-Damon explained as Kudelia sighed
"I'll go talk to him. I'm not his father but I can also give a prep talk"-Kudelia said before walking towards the door. Miorine wanted to join her but she decided to talk with him after the duel. When they could be alone. So she decided to sit down on the couch
"Honey ? Are you here ?"-Kudelia asked walking inside the locker room to see her son sitting on the bench
"Mama ? I thought you left back to Mars ?"-Akatsuki asked as Kudelia smiled before walking up towards the bench and sat down next to her son
"I couldn't miss my son's duel. Ever since that Grand Prix I felt shame that I rarely had a chance to watch you pilot. Now that I can see you I can put some of the meetings a few days ahead. Im the chairwoman after all"-Kudelia said chuckling before noticing how grim her son felt
"Honey, what's wrong ?"-Kudelia asked trying to pinch him to get though his feelings before deciding on calling out the big guns and hugged Akatsuki as tightly as she could causing him to relieve
"Ah Mama ! Let me go now !"-Akatsuki said as Kudelia finally paused the hug. But even under all his layers of trying to act adult and self-dependent he could admit that he missed it. But even more he missed his own mom. And her cooking and tea.
"Now, tell me what's wrong ?"-Kudelia asked as Akatsuki finally gave out
"Mama, do you sometimes feel that you peaked your skills with something and your tools cannot provide with more than they already give you ? So much so that you need to take extreme measures to keep yourself on top ?"-Akatsuki asked, trying to get his opinion from someone who he looked up to in other way than just being an incredible pilot. Kudelia only smiled
"Of course, and you don't realise how often I feel it. Just because I don't soar through the stars with incredible speeds like you doesn't mean things like I'm beginning to run off with my tools holding me back. But a tool without a good user is useless. And a great user even with a falling-out tool can beat someone with state of the art weaponry. David defeated Goliath with just a single stone after all, and in terms of taking extreme measures as you call it. I try to keep myself away from using them and only resolve to use them as my trump card"-Kudelia said as Akatsuki smiled as a plan was forming inside his head. But before he could say anything an automated message came on his phone
THE DUEL IS ABOUT TO COMMENCE. ALL PILOTS PARTICIPATING REPORT TO YOUR SUITS
"I have to go, it begins"-Akatsuki said as he got up from the bench and grabbed his headset, gloves and notebook
"Good luck Honey"-Kudelia said as Akatsuki turned towards her showing a thumbs up before opening the door to reveal himself to Miorine, after a brief look Akatsuki only walked away towards the cage as it was beginning to be transported towards the transporter
"Kick his ass !"-Miru screamed as Akatsuki winked at her before in the last second as most of the Earth House crew were helping with transport.
"So, popcorn ?"-Lafter asked taking out a bag as Damon immediately rushed towards the microwave to prepare it with Azee face palming thinking who was acting more childish. Kudelia and Miorine only sat down on the couch as the Haro drones were already showing off the battlefield with two black squares where the interior camera should be on were waiting for connection
"What do think ?"-Kudelia asked as Miorine turned towards her
"About what ?"-Miorine asked as Kudelia pointed at the couch
"The duel of course, do you think Akatsuki will win ?"-Kudelia asked as Miorine knew her answer
"I believe in my future husband"-Was the only reply Kudelia got from her future daughter-in-law
Akatsuki was grabbing onto the balustrade as he was walking up towards the cockpit hatch and noticed Nika and Katma waiting for him wearing normal suits
"Good luck"-Katma said extending her fist as an invitation for a fist pump that Akatsuki took before turning towards Nika who saluted with her hand that wasn't holding the notepad
"It's was an honour to help you"-Nika said as Akatsuki laughed before extending his hand
"Couldn't ask for a better mechanic"-Akatsuki said as Nika shook his hand before Akatsuki sent his look down the notepad nodding in a way for Nika to be prepared as he climbed into Barbatos's cockpit before sliding the notebook into the sheath
"All right, fire it up"-Nika said as Akatsuki followed through the start –up procedure as the chair folded from the rest position to its pilot position as Akatsuki's hands reached the steering yokes. And with a push of a button the single class two reactor lit up to life as Akatsuki begun to gently rev it
"Good luck !"-Nika said, showing Akatsuki a thumbs up before knocking on the hatch signalling for him to close it. And as Nika and Katma walked away Akatsuki did exactly that with a press of a button as the hatch closed down and simultaneously the main monitor activated as outside aside from the demonic screech of the reactor the Emerald gaze of the sleeping beast's eyes lit up finally waking it up from its weeks-long slumber. Akatsuki tuned to Earth House's channel before sliding his gloves on his hands
"Spare weaponry and ammo loaded up"-Till reported
"All outside systems green !"-Ojelo added
"Ready for transport, passing the jurisdiction for the pilot"-Nuno added as Akatsuki smiled inside
"Thank you guys, committee, this is Barbatos AA, leaving for the arena"-Akatsuki reported
"We hear you Barbatos AA, you have a green light"-One of the numerous committee controllers responded as Akatsuki nodded
"Right, Barbatos AA, launching !"-Akatsuki reported as the transporter was making its way towards Area 1.
"B-by the a-agreements of all sides we will b-begin the duel. The w-witness will be Suletta Mercury from the Earth House. T-The winner will be the Mobile Suit that will cut the enemy suit's head"-Suletta reported as the Earth House transporter reached Area 1. After a few minutes the second transporter came as Akatsuki's eyes widened in fear. It was a giant silver and black suit with numerous GUND-Receptors. On its right leg there resided a sword taken from EU-S12-Jogaila and its rifle on left folded up. On its back resided three giant rectangular carriers that carried the main GUND-bits and the secret weapon alongside 4 other GUND-bits residing on the arms and legs. Everything topped off with its head with blood red eyes and black triple V-fin with three vents residing under the main camera. Everyone stared at the giant suit amazed by its intricacy
"Its giant !"-Lafter exclaimed as Miorine gripped her good luck charm in fear but still kept her hope
"Size doesn't matter, Goliath was put down by a single stone. He'll win"-Miorine said as Nika and Katma alongside the Earth House ground crew walked up to the couch and stood around the tv as Nika was looking down at her notepad with sweat going through her forehead
"LP077, Akatsuki Augus, let's go, Barbatos !"-Akatsuki exclaimed as the eyes sent their emerald gaze at the giant suit
"Eneo Stellaris, EU-G-S122 Gundam Gabriel"-Eneo reported in a flat tone as both interior cameras were finally revealed to the students as everyone saw how Eneo was restrained inside
"Gabriel, the name of an archangel"-Secelia silently said to herself as Ryouji continued to look onto the screen amazed
"It appears that he pilots this suit with his mind alone using the GUND-Format, incredible"-Ryouji said as Suletta looked at the screen trying to keep her worries behind a poker face
"B-Both parties face off !"-Suletta exclaimed as couldn't take her eyes off Akatsuki
"Victory is never decided by mobile suit performance alone"-Akatsuki exclaimed the first part of the oath
"Nor by the skill of the pilot, alone"-Eneo continued as the holographic system formed around the two transporters to an environment trying to resemble Mars.
"The result itself is only the truth !"-Both of them exclaimed as Akatsuki set the wings to atmospheric combat
"Fix R-Release !"-Suletta exclaimed as Akatsuki rushed towards the Gundam Gabriel with only its Katana and the beam machine gun. 'Ok, I'll finish this quickly'-he thought as he began to shoot at the Gundam Gabriel with its machine gun as Eneo countered it by using Gabriel's Vulcan guns that Akatsuki dodged. And the first consequence of using full beam set up as the holographic environments were slowly degrading
"Come on Augus, you're fast but you won't be hidden all the time"- Eneo exclaimed before taking out the beam rifle and taking aim with it at Barbatos who continued to dodge and counter fire. Eneo pulled the trigger as a giant violet beam emitted, surprising the viewers. Barbatos also managed to dodge it as the beam hit the wall breaking the hologram illusion. 'So it is them, time for the surprise'-Eneo thought as he put down the rifle before taking out its sword and waiting for the Barbatos, who with only one hand holding the katana began to exchange blows with the Gabriel and adding the tailblade to it. Eneo smirked as with his will alone a spot on one of the legs opened to reveal an armed grenade
"Shit !"-Akatsuki exclaimed flying away as the whole arena was covered with smoke
"Ryouji ! Damage report"-Shaddiq said as Ryouji checked through the Area's check points. And much to his surprise there was none-essential damage to anything
"It appears that it was only a smoke grenade. Perhaps this is only a distraction"-Ryouji said looking at his notepad to see that both suits were still around, but then something strange happened. From two suits the number increased to three, then four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven and finishing on twelve
"Deploy Holo dummies !"-Eneo exclaimed as the GUND-Bits from the side-containers left their resting spots and flew upwards through the smoke. But it wasn't only that, the bits deployed their Holo-projectors as eleven Gabriel's flew upwards surrounding the Barbatos much to the shock of them
"There are twelve of them !?"-Secelia asked as everyone in the lounge remained shocked as the witness only stood still and couldn't move from the shock with only silent whispers from her mouth worried for her fiancé
"Holy crap ! They can clone after all !"-Damon exclaimed as Miorine was now getting worried and Nika was thinking about pressing the button. 'No ! Wait for the signal !'-she thought as the Earth House could see Akatsuki's frightened face
"Fire !"-Eneo exclaimed as the Gabriel's begun to rain violet beams upon Barbatos, who begun to dodge the fire
"Coward ! Hiding behind dummies !"-Akatsuki exclaimed as he flew down and a game of cat and mouse between Barbatos and the Gabriel's. Barbatos got into a chase with two of them as he began to rain down on them with the Beam Machine Gun. That was until the worst words that a pilot could see
AMMUNITION LEVEL APPROACHED ZERO-NO AMMO
"No !"- Akatsuki exclaimed as he put down the machine gun knowing that he was too far from the transporter to grab a spare E-pack. So at least the maneuverability was increased, Barbatos rushed at the two Gabriel's with the katana and managed to deactivate them. But his grin quickly disappeared as another duo of Gabriel's appeared and rained down on Barbatos. And it was too slow for the pilot residing inside the Gundam frame. Barbatos managed to cover himself with his katana bouncing off the beam. But it managed to grace its target and so a part of Barbatos's V-fin fell down to the ground
"Cheater ! It's 9-to-1 ! Damn Spacian !"-Chuchu exclaimed as Kudelia watched the Dantesque scene proceeding on the tv where currently her son was getting thrown around
"I won't give up that easily !"-Akatsuki exclaimed, increasing the thrust as like a thunderbolt Barbatos rushed towards another Gabriel destroying the GUND-bit and sending it to the ground. But that was only the distraction as another two Gabriel's appeared behind Barbatos firing from the back as Akatsuki was finally hit. And it was felt as he hit the front monitor with his head.
BACKPACK FLIGHT SYSTEM SLIGHTLY DAMAGED: 70% OPERABLE
"Crap !"-Akatsuki exclaimed as he turned around and finally countered back with his own GUND-bits beginning to both shield himself and return fire as he returned back to the ground with the Gabriel's flying around it like vultures with Akatsuki pushing it as far as he could but the Gabriel's were faster than him as he slowly took out one Gabriel at a time, but the time was extending and was slowly approaching the 10th minute. But even though the GUND-bits were forming an incredible Holo-shield finally a bullet passed hitting Barbatos's right leg
RIGHT LEG SYSTEMS DAMAGED: REQUIRED REPAIRS !
"Ah !"-Akatsuki was thrown from his seat, hitting his head as he spat out blood. Barbatos threw its tailblade and managed to destroy two more Gabriel's before jumping towards another Gabriel slightly damaging the GUND-bit and damaging the hologram as it glittered. The violet beams continued to rain upon Barbatos that continued to receive minor damage upon minor damage. Meanwhile Eneo continued to order the remaining bits to fire with one condition. Not aim at the head. 'Come on Augus, I know that it's not your max'-he thought as meanwhile not only Barbatos was receiving damage. But also its pilot, Akatsuki's grunts were echoing throughout notebooks, notepads and screens. Akatsuki was bleeding from his mouth and forehead, but the cup of bitterness was already poured though as the Demon Incarnate was hit once again as he was jolted up from his seat before falling down on his arm breaking it. And only an ear raping scream of pain could be heard as everyone was now frightened. From a knight's battle between two pilots it was a fight for survival for one
"Shaddiq, end it. This is a butchery and not a duel"-Secelia got up from the sofa determent
"No, I want to see how it ends"-Shaddiq said as Secelia was pointing at the screen and Akatsuki fighting to not only keep Barbatos but also himself from falling apart
"He's gonna die that's how it ends !"-Secelia exclaimed as Shaddiq finally turned towards Secelia
"Only the witness can pause it"-Shaddiq said pointing at Suletta who stood like a deer in headlights without moving and only stroked her good luck charm and splattered un-understandable babble completely paralyzed from fear. Secelia noticed it and walked up to her
"Mercury Girl, I know you're afraid. But only you can stop it. And if you won't do anything, Mar-Akatsuki will die"-Secelia said as Suletta couldn't even manage to babble out an answer. Secelia couldn't help but to sympathize with her as she helped Suletta sit on the sofa
"She can't even talk !"-Secelia said as Shaddiq didn't even turn towards her
"Lauda, what do you think ?"-Shaddiq asked turning towards the blue haired boy only kept stroking his hair
"Continue, let's allow them to finish each other off"
"Nika ! Contact with him and tell him to give up !"-Miorine screamed at Nika who tried to connect with the radio, but only got static as her eyes widened
"One the of the attacks must have damaged the radio"-Nika said as Miorine tried to call Suletta but only got voicemail. 'Damn it, if I won't do anything he'll die !'-she thought as meanwhile Kudelia had a harder time with breathing
'It's over, I lost.'-Akatsuki thought of tanking another attack with his Katana causing it to fall out of his hand. The Demon Incarnate laid there on its knees with remaining Gabriel's flying around it like vultures. Akatsuki simply sat, waiting for his head to be blown off.
"Is it over, Barbatos ?"-Akatsuki asked as he felt tingling in his head, as if the suit tried to remind him of his last trump card. He looked at both of his hands and his broken arm before taking a long breath in. Memories of the last two months began to fly through his head "Those are the symbols of your victory , from now on both of you are Holders. And by that my fiancées", "Thank you , I'll put it under my piloting suit !", "Why did you turn on the full access ? I told you to only allow the known numbers, we won. And nobody can throw you out !" "And know that if you lose this duel, Akatsuki will have to face him. And if he will lose , we'll be all done" And those words echoed throughout his mind as the thoughts of both his fiancés put a giant 'NO!' on giving up. 'It's time'-Akatsuki thought as he gathered what strength he had left in his broken arm up, and raised a thumbs up
"Right"-Nika said out loud bringing attention to herself as she pressed the button. It brought so much attention that Azee took a look and her face went pale
"What have you done ?"-Azee asked grabbing Nika by her shoulders
"What we agreed on, gave him a chance"-Nika said as meanwhile Akatsuki immediately felt an immense pain of levels that made his broken arm feel like entering a bit too hot water. He tried to rip himself out as meanwhile in the Earth House everyone was watching in horror
"You, you took off the limiters"-Lafter said as Kudelia's face went pale
"We've talked about this, Akatsuki had the trigger"-Nika explained as Miorine turned around
"Are you not realising that we don't know if he will walk !?"-Miorine screamed at her as Nika only pointed back at the screen as Akatsuki stopped screaming, and only sat with his eyes closed as everyone watching had felt their heart stop
"Oi Barbatos, we're not done yet ?"-Akatsuki asked as his face lit up before opening his eyes to reveal their blood red colour as everyone was gasping. Especially everyone in the Earth House
"̷̛̺̳͙͗͂̇̕ͅṆ̴̭̠̖͊͌̀͆ŏ̵͕̝̙̩̒"̶̙͔͒-an old digitized voice of Orga echoed throughout the cockpit as outside the emerald gaze turned into a Ruby-red glare hungry for blood
"̵̢̑͗Ŵ̶̟̦̽̿́͆ě̶̹̲̩'̷̦͉̀͐͐ͅḷ̶̳̫͔̏́̓l̷͙̠̰̤͍̒̇̊́͘ ̷̢͙̱͊̀͂̀͜č̸̭͕̟͒͘r̵̯͕̅̋͠á̷͔̅͗s̸̻̦͘h̷͓͉̯̀̾ ̵̻̱̠͂̽̌e̷̛̜̖̖͍̖̍̎̈́v̷̥̝̽͗e̶̮̟͚̠͔͊͑͗͠ŗ̸̥̥̘̑̒y̵̘̐͒̔̀͆t̸͙̙͕̽ͅh̸̡̞̞̖͌̅̓i̷̯̓̌͒̎n̷̢͕̗͛͒̇͋ǵ̶̱̦͘ ̸̫͈̄ͅi̷̡̖̲̥̱̒́ṉ̵̭͖͆͗ ̸̺͗͐o̸̘̼̣̻̪̎̃̚ừ̶̮͉̳̅̀̀r̶̛̗̄̓̀͐ ̴̼̻̬̇̔̈́̉w̶̝̰̙͕̳̏̕ā̸̡̊̌̏̅ỳ̶̼̭̺̓͛̌ ̵̜͖̇͠͠!̵͂̏̐͘͜"̶̹̯̏̀̓͜-the voice continued as Akatsuki now wasn't looking though his own eyes. But Barbatos's, he also had a nosebleed. That he licked off
"Let's go"-Akatsuki silently said as Barbatos rushed before grabbing his Katana and taking care of one of the Gabriel's before jumping towards another one as the last Gabriel's began to flee. The GUND-bits flew rapidly around the Barbatos as the backpack activated sending Barbatos flying
"Wait, he doesn't move anything"-Chuchu said as the camera showed Akatsuki not even slightly moving the yokes or pedals
"The beast was finally released from its leash"-Lafter silently said remembering the battle with Hashmal. And what consequences Akatsuki's father suffered. So alongside the rest she waited for the signal from Akatsuki after the duel. If he would give another signal
"Now this is a fight !"-Eneo exclaimed as Barbatos got rid of another Gabriel as four remained. Barbatos was going so over the top that its exhaust fumes were turning red leaving a red mark across the arena
"So this is the power that ended the Calamity Conflict, incredible"-Shaddiq said unknowingly quoting a famous War Criminal as Barbatos got rid of two Gabriel's as Eneo was finally aiming at the Head as Barbatos like a dancer was dodging the rapid fire before flying upwards and sending the tailblade though the bits destroying them leaving the real Gundam Gabriel alone. The Gabriel took out its rifle as it began to fire at Barbatos who was dodging every single beam, with one barely dodging the head as Barbatos spun around mid-air before launching his tailblade piercing the armour of the Gabriel near its cockpit sending everyone to shock and surprise. The gentleman's deal was not to aim for or near the cockpit. But Akatsuki didn't care as he used the tailblade to thrust himself towards Gabriel using the GUND-bits as a barrage, destroying any chance for Gabriel to jump back to its victory. But before Eneo could imagine activating his other GUND-bits a tri-clawed foot already kicked the cockpit before sending a series of punches and kicks before ending it with probably the most impressive kick in Akatsuki's career. With the help of his thrusters he managed to perform a 180-barrel roll before kicking Gabriel's head before returning upwards and cutting off Gabriel's head. He beheaded the angel before flying off a side from the fallen Gabriel
WINNER: AKATSUKI AUGUS
Barbatos looked down on Gabriel's head as the holographic arena dissolved as the Haro drones were looking at the beast. Barbatos walked through the head smashing it to pieces adding to the pettiness for the Europa Corporation mechanics. The Barbatos itself looked stained. With the cut off V-fin, the numerous holes from beams and stained paint from all the burns made it seemed like a real demon. Barbatos's eyes turned back to green as Akatsuki opened his eyes to see himself back inside the cockpit
ENERGY PERCENT LOW-SWITCHING TO EMERGENCY POWER: MOVEMENT IMPOSSIBLE
WARNING: MAJOR OVERHEATING-EMERGENCY COOLING COMMERCING
Akatsuki opened the hatch before he managed to get himself out of the cockpit. He alongside Kudelia and other TSC members were immediately relieved. He could still walk. Akatsuki managed to grab the zip line with his working hand as it allowed him to go down towards the ground
"Damn it, again. Open the hatch and release the zip line. Cut the resonance"-Eneo said as he was released and made his way down to the ground to see Akatsuki standing and looking towards the cameras. Akatsuki only lifted up his fist in triumph as everyone begun to cheer and chanting Akatsuki's name. Eneo walked up towards Akatsuki
"Good job, you are a better pilot"-Eneo said as Akatsuki fell on his knees before Eneo caught him from hitting his head on the ground
"My god, CALL THE RECOVERY CREWS !"-Eneo screamed as then the lounge got to work
"Ryouji, get the medics there, we cannot afford for a dead person"-Shaddiq said as Ryouji immediately contacted the recovery crews as Secelia looked towards Suletta
"Mercury Girl. Does the Earth House have Med-Pods ?"-Secelia asked as Suletta only shaked her head still not able to speak
"Right, expected from Earth House. Ryouji ! Prepare the medical wing and contact the recovery crews"
'Am I in a bed ? Does hell have beds ? I'm sure they are made out of spikes, or spiders, or spiky spiders ? Spikers'-Akatsuki thought as he opened his eyes to see that he was wearing an oxygen mask. He slowly managed to get up to see Kudelia, Azee, Lafter, Miru, Damon, Suletta and Miorine talking with a doctor
"He is lucky that Miss Dote gave him access to the Burion medical wing. Two weeks and he will be up and running"-the doctor said before leaving the medical wing as Akatsuki turned around towards Kudelia
"Honey !"-Kudelia exclaimed before hugging him as tightly as she could in a way not to squish his internal organs before looking at him with an angry facial expression
"What could you possibly be thinking !? You know what could've happened to you ?! You could've ended up as a cripple ! Or worse, killed !"-Kudelia screamed at him as Akatsuki put is head down
"This is why I kept it only as a trump card. And for the other, I've had my reasons"-Akatsuki said turning towards Miorine and Suletta. Nor realising that he was bare chested and it was first time his fiancés seen me without a shirt. Miorine managed to kept her blush to minimum but Suletta was read as a tomato. 'Miss Secelia was right, he really is muscular'-Suletta thought as Kudelia sighed
"I understand that defending your bride's honour is important. But there is a difference between getting a cut or a small scar and GETTING YOURSELF ALMOST CRIPPLED AND DEAD !"-Kudelia exclaimed as Akatsuki nodded
"I understand, but I don't feel any remorse. I took the risk for my own stupidity of taking up that duel. And as you see I can move my legs and arms. So I think it was worth it, and what about Barbatos ?"-Akatsuki asked
"Nika got to work on it, she said to pass you that she will get Barbatos ready in a few weeks"-Miorine said as Kudelia sighed
"I'll come to you before I leave for home. Your mother won't be happy about it. Get well soon Honey"-Kudelia said kissing her son's forehead as everyone begun to leave
"Get well buddy"-Damon said as he held the door for Suletta
"You're not going Miorine ?"-Suletta asked
"Not yet, I won't a word with him alone"-Miorine said as Suletta walked out leaving the princess of the management strategy and her beaten up future husband inside the med-pod
"So, you weren't taught anything by that beating you just took ?"-Miorine asked as Akatsuki laid back in the pod
"Of course I did, I risked my life and limb because Eneo made you uncomfortable. I pushed myself to the limit and this is the result. At least you should be happy that there probably won't be any more duels because everyone else will be shitting bricks about the thought of challenging me after seeing, this"-Akatsuki said as Miorine chuckled
"At least something got through that thick numbskull of yours once. And for that I have a reward from you"-Miorine said as Akatsuki got up from the med pod
"You serious ?"-he asked as Miorine nodded
"Close your eyes first"-Miorine said as Akatsuki obeyed his future life. And felt something warm and soft on his cheek for a second
"That was for not-dying, I'll visit you tomorrow. I have a company to start"-Miorine said leaving Akatsuki alone in the medical wing, and after few minutes he finally understood what happened before simply staring up into the ceiling
CHAPTER 9: END
CHAPTER 9 EPILOGUE #1
"Guess who Marsboy ?"-Secelia said walking inside the Medical Wing holding a box under her arm
"Hey Secelia, I wanted to thank for saving my life"-Akatsuki muffled from under the oxygen mask Secelia only chuckled before walking up towards the med pod
"No problem, In fact I wanted to stop it when you broke your arm. But that Shaddick wanted to see a Calamity Conflict mock-up instead of thinking about the safety of the duellists. But it's not about why you ended up here. I have a gift from the mechanical students from Burion. Consider it your trophy"-Secelia said as Akatsuki got up from the med pod and took off the oxygen mask to see Secelia holding a box
"What's that ?"-Akatsuki asked as Secelia grinned at him
"I thought sitting here alone for two weeks would be a pain, well it is a pain in the ass considering how small this pod is. So I asked Ryouji and other Burion students to make you a companion"-Secelia said as Akatsuki opened the box to reveal something interesting. A custom blue Haro, that's eyes lit up in red colour
"Hello Akatsuki, I'm your personal Haro unit and your best friend. I'm available for anything you desire"-The robot said in a pitched up voice as both of the panels on the upper side of the robot lifted up to flap. Akatsuki put Haro down on the floor and noticed another gift, '250 things to do with your Haro' book.
"Thank you"-Akatsuki said blushing as Secelia chuckled
"No problem Marsboy, I don't want you to go crazy all alone here. Happy that you like the gift, see ya and get well !"-Secelia said before leaving the medical wing
"So Haro, can you give me rundown on your basic functions ?"-Akatsuki asked as Haro lit up again
"listing up the basic functions"
CHAPTER 9 EPILOGUE #1: END
CHAPTER 9 EPILOGUE #2
"You're cruel"-Nika said giving Shaddiq a memory stick data she downloaded from Barbatos to Shaddiq who continued to keep his trademark smile
"If saving Earth and Space is cruel then you're more of a Demon than your pilot. It's always a pleasure doing business with you Nika"-Shaddiq said ruffling Nika's hair before leaving as she only stood there watching the sundown. 'Please Akatsuki, I hope that one day you'll forgive me'-she thought before being surprised
"Nika ? What are you doing here ?"-Katma asked as Nika was surprised by the battle maiden's appearance
"I was only watching the sundown, it's nice isn't it ?"-Nika asked as Katma also bent down on the bench giving Nika a view on what resided under the jacket resulting in a blush from the blue haired girl
"Yeah, nice. We should probably get going, you said you wanted to repair Barbatos did you ?"-Katma asked, extending her hand for Nika to reach. That she took with a blush, the mechanic and pilot made their way back to the Earth House as working on Barbatos allowed Nika to finally clean her mind
CHAPTER 9 EPILOGUE #2: END
A/N: I'm sorry for how long it took, but we mark this the longest chapter yet. And is also the first real original story that is not based on an episode from the show. But for now we will return onto the main storyline for the next two chapters planning to adapt episodes 8 and 9. We will see a little of Akatsuki since currently he is bedridden and out of action. Well in terms of fighting. But we will also see more Miorine and Akatsuki as that part of the triangle I felt was a bit underdeveloped. And in terms of duels. Yes, Barbatos had its limiters installed back to prevent Akatsuki from losing his legs like his dad did, so the AA's performance was halted with it being on the level of the late 6th form/Early Lupus. And since Barbatos took quite a beating it will also affect Akatsuki's performance in the duel with the Grassley House causing consequences for his mobile suit. But we'll have to wait and see. And of course I don't own Gundam, that belongs to Bandai and Sunrise