Chapter 41: Preparations
Ever since the declaration of the coming attack, the city had come alive with activity as those who were called in arrived to answer the call. Seeing such a massive horde of DRAGONs left a sense of awe as to what was to come. Though Alain had to admit, with his past experiences in Arzenal, seeing so many large types gathering in one place came with a bit of intimidation about it.
"But, guess we can't blame them when they're preparing for war, huh?" Alain mused as he turned to Naomi, the pinkette nodding as she tapped away at a datapad. The two were seated atop the flight mode Halberd set out in the cleared testing grounds just outside of the production facility. Naomi was doing some final checks on its new modifications and there was no hiding the excited smile on the girl's face.
"Gotta hand it to our new friends, they sure as hell know how to overhaul a ride. Look at these projections! The new engine and battery alone should more than shore up Halberd's weight problem. Baby's gonna be faster than ever once I get her up in the air again!"
"Good a time as any for a test flight."
"Yeah yeah, but I can do that late," Naomi beamed. "We're here to test out Wyvern. I can do some flying around once we're done. Plus, you also have that duel with Ikuchi afterwards."
"If they ever get around to bringing him out," Alain muttered, a leg bouncing impatiently as he looked towards the facility in the distance. "I know they still gotta test output, but c'mon…"
"Sorry for the wait!" That ever-familiar sound of flowing particles pierced the air alongside the voice of Mio. A second later, with a heavy metallic thump, the new and improved Wyvern landed before the Arzenal pilots. True to what they'd been told, as much as the project had been a restoration, so too was it an upgrade. Gone were the harder edges and shapes of the armor taken from different Para-mail models, replaced instead with smooth, sharp lines akin to the Ryushinki, maintaining the ghost grey and blue marked color scheme of Alain's preference. The familiar arrangement of the wings that had been built around the Drives had been totally reworked. Now, the Drives were positioned in new containment units that were closer to the shoulders along with a new wing array at the back with visibly folded "feathers" along their length with a slight drift of particles ebbing from the verniers. The head retained a familiar shape to the old, yet seemingly just to spice it up, the v-fin antenna was entirely new. Like a pair of dragon's horns arching back from the forehead.
But what really caught Alain's interest was of course the new weapons. At the back of the waist was the frame of the familiar model of beam rifle, a gleaming bayonet mounted beneath the barrel. But moreso intriguing to Alain were the upgrades. Mounted along the hips were two identical swords, only slightly smaller than the typical model used on a Para-mail. The edges were not metallic though but instead were some ceramic material the same bright green color as the particle emissions. Even more impressive, a set of barrels mounted on both sides of the flat and a trigger mounted beneath each hilt indicated these new swords were a lot more than just melee weapons. Finally, there was the new shield. Alain could only call the thing yet another blade. A seam down the center indicated it could split in two. And the outer edges of the curved structure looked ready for cutting the same as the new swords.
In fact, that was what Alain could call Wyvern's new form as a whole. A blade, sharpened to a new, finer point than it previously had been. One that he could only hope would be able to match a monster like the Siegfried the next time they fought. The cockpit hissed open, and Mio quickly hopped down from the machine, grinning as she approached Alain and Naomi.
"So? How's our work looking?"
"Incredible," Alain whispered, which made the engineer beam in pride even more. "Definitely work that'll make our Armorers pissed when they see it. So big guy, how's the new look treating you?"
"Simply saying 'new look' does not quite do this justice," stated the machine. "Mio and her engineering team have done far more than simply repair the damage done to my frame."
"Like I said, complete and total overhaul to replace the stuff you've been slapping onto this fella," Mio tapped one of the leg armor panels to punctuate her point. "More efficient electronics and avionics that sync up better with the quantum computer along with retrofitted motors in the limbs that improve efficiency in movement and transforming. Same deal with Naomi's Halberd. I still can't believe how your place treats machines."
"Well, they were designed to make sure we couldn't just… fly away from Arzenal and all that," Naomi snarked. "Fuel tanks with just enough capacity to fly the length of Sector D and back, batteries with such low life there was no way you'd go further. Not to mention the armor."
"Freakin' death traps!"
"Was indeed the point."
"Alright how about we get to the actual testing?" Alain suggested, already putting his foot to the lowered lift line. "I trust you have some targets I can try the new toys out on?"
"Oh, I think you'll have some fun with what I've got lined up," Mio chuckled as she wiggled her datapad, already backing away as Alain was lifted to the cockpit. "Oh yeah, we also refitted the cockpit to boot! Kind of had to since the armor breach tore apart the monitors. Ergonomics are still the same though."
"Good to know" Shuffling in, Alain dropped into the seat and buckled in. The controls were indeed as familiar as ever, but Alain noted the distinctive lack of the worn in grooves and other marks from the years of usage, giving just a slight sense of unfamiliarity to his hands as he started up.
"How's it looking?" Mio called over the radio.
"Startup is good," Alain said, checking the monitors as systems info began to fly through. "And everything is still all green. How'd it look when you were flying over here?"
"Same readings you're getting now. But let's be safe. Check the ND Drive sync rate. We ran some tests earlier, but we need to make sure it stays stable. We can test it at full throttle when you and Ikuchi have your duel after we're done with the warmups."
"Got it. Wyvern?"
"Acknowledged." The primary screen of the console shifted over, showing a diagram of the general frame and the active ND Drives. The sync rate meters were hovering a fair bit over the line marking full operation between the eighty-to-ninety percent range.
"Sync rate is good. Twin Drive System is operational."
"Good to hear! Now, to clue you in. Before, Wyvern's Drives were running parallel to one another, not in sync," Mio explained. "So, while your output was around twice that of something like Naomi's Halberd, it was still just shy of the full performance of a Ragna-mail. Enough to keep up through skill alone. However, now that they're properly in sync, the overall output should be squared from the power of just one Drive alone."
"And what does that mean?" Naomi asked.
"That Wyvern can outperform just about any Ragna-mail that isn't in full-tune to its pilot," Mio answered as she flicked through some data, clearly relishing the surprised looks on Naomi and Alain's faces. "Going by the combat records Wyvern gave us access to, that should be plenty to match that red Para-mail you fought before. Still, this is all just theory. You'll have to prove it in a real fight."
"You can bet on that," Alain boasted. "Now… what am I gonna be taking potshots at?"
"Glad you asked! The things might look a bit familiar so don't freak out. And…Go!" Around the testing area, portions of the ground opened to reveal launch tubes. And from those openings flew out a swarm of very familiar circular drones. A quick scan from Wyvern alleviated Alain's sudden alarm, as it showed the drones were entirely unarmed compared to the ones he'd seen tearing into Arzenal. They were simply target dummies and nothing more
"Alright… let's start with the new gun!" Wyvern's right arm shifted back, grasping the handle of the beam rifle and drawing it forward. No sooner did Alain get his first target lock then the weapon fired, the bolt that arced from the muzzle flashing the same deep red as the Enryugo and Seiryugo's weapons. The bolt slammed into the first drone to incinerate it in a ball of fire. A few more shots fired in rapid succession and more of the drones went down, lighting up the sky like it was the Festa.
"Now switch to Burst Mode," Mio ordered. Alain flicked a switch and a second grip flipped out from the rifle just ahead of the primary while within the cockpit, a new targeting scope flipped down over his eye from overhead. Time for the big blast. Alain couldn't help but smirk as the wings followed suit as Wyvern took the familiar firing stance for a Wave Pulse shot.
As the rifle charged, the remaining drones all arced around and began to descend. Apparently, Mio was humoring Alain in lining the things up for the fireworks. And when the shot was released, even with the wings throttled up to reduce recoil, the Wyvern was sent skidding back a bit. It cut through the air and drowned even the explosions from the destroyed drones, vaporizing them on contact and painting the air in ever so brief explosions. The beam's fading left a brief crackling of energy in its path, and Alain whistled at the sight of it.
"Hot damn!"
"Same output as Seiryugo's artillery cannons at full blast," Mio chuckled, her and Naomi's eyes twinkling at the data on display. "Alright now to try out your new toys! Give the Striker Sabers a go at it!"
"Got it." The Wyvern stowed its rifle and drew the hip mounted blades. The edges of the new swords began to hum as their edges gained a slight glow and the next wave of drones launched from the ports. Alain pushed the throttle and rocketed into the air as Wyvern opened a guide window for Alain to reference as the first drone came within swinging range. The blade cut right into it, the resistance no different from the beam sabers he was otherwise used to. As the next drone charged in, the left-hand blade with a quick shift of the blade sideways and the grip shifting forwards took on a form akin to a rifle. A pull of the trigger sent a rain of beam shots firing from both barrels, pelting the incoming drone and sending it careening downwards before it exploded.
Alain shifted into a flipping dodge as one of the drones tried to bash into him, carrying the sword still in blade mode around to cut through it. While still in the flip, the left sword switched back to blade mode and both were brought together, locking together at the pommel. Now wielding the combined glaive, Wyvern spun the blade before thrusting it backwards, piercing through the next drone. And as the last one came around, the shield was driven forward, slamming into the drone's center with a screech of metal.
"Well… Alain just got a lot scarier as a close ranged fighter," Naomi supposed as she watched the drones fall from en masse. "And he was already damn good at it before. So Alain, you like the new toys?"
"Definitely different, but I like 'em," Alain chuckled. "Always did like getting up close and personal so this is right up my alley. So, Mio… these guides say the shield can split in two. Guessing when it does it works like a pair of arm blades."
"They can also store into the slot between the new wings," Mio explained. "Frees up the arms so it's easier to use both Striker Blades. Plus, if you check…"
"There's added verniers to link up with the ND Drives," Alain finished. "Just how damn fast is the big guy supposed to be now?"
"I'd happily help you test that out in a dog fight," As Alain's radar pinged, the Seiryugo descended before him, Ikuchi appearing on the video-comms. "We saw your little display on the way in."
"If it so pleases…" Unsurprisingly, Enryugo came down to join them as Salamandinay appeared on the monitor, accompanied of course by Naga and Kaname in their machines. "I will be acting as an official for your duel. A formal way for our peoples to put an end to our long war wouldn't you say?"
"Oiiii! Don't go leaving us out of this!" And as the rest of them were setting down, Villkiss came flying in alongside Tusk's Air Runner, a quite frustrated looking Ange appearing on the line. "You could've at least told us when this was all starting! Seriously…"
"Ehehe, sorry!" Naomi laughed. "Alain and I got here first thing after we woke up. Lots of things to finish going over. Plus, I had to fix his hair after he chopped the tail off with a knife."
"Huh… I thought something looked a bit different," Tusk mused.
"Can we just get on with it?!" Alain shouted. Every machine that was in the air set down to the ground. The others disembarked for a better view while Alain and Ikuchi remained in theirs as they stood well apart. As the others gathered at a safe distance, Salmandinay stepped out from Enryugo's cockpit to speak. Alain had no doubts that the priestesses were watching as well through the machine itself. We've garnered quite the crowd, he thought, an amused smirk on his face.
"In recognition of the intent of both parties, I, Salamandinay of Clan Freyja, will oversee this duel on behalf of the Priestesses! Today, the long war between the People of Aura and the Norma, one started by misunderstanding and misguided intentions, will come to an end. And who better to end this war than the two chosen by the machines created by our forebears to combat our mutual enemy? Ikuchi, Scion of Clan Freyr and pilot of Seiryugo. Alain, son of the Ancient Humans, pilot of the Wyvern. A former foe now turned friend. I ask that my fellow priestesses recognize that as we approach the eve of our fight to reclaim Aura, that it is these two who will lay to rest this conflict. All so that we may move forward as friends and allies into the next!"
"I, Aura Midgardia, High Priestess, recognize this duel! Honorable Knights of both our peoples, with your clash here, this war will be ended so we may raise the flag of peace long denied in our collective foolishness. May a new dawn await both of our peoples, as we fight to liberate each other from Embryo's grasp!"
"May your clash be one of excellence!" Salamandinay called. "Now… begin!" No sooner was the signal given than both machines shot forward with their Drives roaring. Wyvern drew its new blades, and Seiryugo ignited a beam saber from its extended arm. Slashes collided in hard delivered swings, the air sparking from the strikes. The battle on the ground lasted only a second as both Wyvern and Seiryugo blasted skywards, a wall of particles trailing in the machines' wake as they raced across the atmosphere. Higher they rose, painting the sky in contrails of emerald light as the exchanges of slashes turned into attempts with their ranged weaponry to disable their rival.
"Looking at it from down here…" Ange commented, "It looks like a dance."
"Some would say combat and dancing are much closer than one would think," Salamandinay commented. "Both activities involve rapt attention to one's partner. Spotting calls, giving responses and answering in kind. Also, they can allow one to communicate without words. Warriors of old often felt that the crossing of blades could just as easily lead to understanding as simple conversation. As if the clashing of wills was its own way to speak."
As the exchange of blows and fire continued in the sky, Alain couldn't help but give a manic grin as his eyes darted to maintain focus on the Seiryugo. No matter how often Ikuchi tried to dart out of view, when he moved, Alain responded in kind. The battle raged as the two warriors kept pace with each other's increasingly daring maneuvers, almost losing sight of the ground below as they moved further and higher from the facility.
"How long has it been?" Alain wondered. "Just how long has it been since I got to enjoy myself like this?! Since I had this much flying around, this much fun getting to fight someone?!"
"It's because our motivations are pure!" Ikuchi answered as their blades slammed together, Ikuchi's descent forcing them to start careening downwards towards the ruins below. "No war to think of, no risk of wondering which move will save or doom you! It's enjoyable because there's no malice or dread behind it. Even a fight can be something one has fun with so long as both hold respect for the other!"
"Heh… spoken like a real Ace!" Alain agreed as they broke away and rocketed towards the earth. The two machines slammed back to the ground, skidding across the ancient roads as their wings flared to life to bring them to a stop, the thrusters blowing debris and vegetation from the derelicts around the Varia-mails as their blades collided once again.
"It's a shame it can't always be this way," Alain's smile turned to a bitter scowl as he stared at the locked together blades. "But that's why I have to keep fighting. So that I can find a world where this kind of fight is the norm and not the exception. Where I don't have to see any more kids die before they're even adults. A world for new trails in the sky!"
"Then I suppose we should help you and the others find that world," Ikuchi answered. "So then… how should we end our decisive fight?"
"How about something flashy? Like say… going full tilt with these ND Drives."
"Very well then. Let us finally bring an end to our peoples' conflict?" The ND Drives of both machines began to roar with increased ferocity as their particle expulsion sped up. A crimson aura enveloped both as they broke away, darting into the air once more as those in the distance now saw the clashing machines as blazing red lights in the sky.
And then those blazing red trails began to close in, every collision flashing through the air as sparks of light. But when they returned to their starting grounds, as dust cleared and crimson glows faded, the two machines stood with their blades remaining crossed. Not in a mark of fighting, but in a salute to each other. The end of their fight, ANDthe war. As the audience watched, cockpits opened and both Alain and Ikuchi stepped out. Reaching across the gap, the two clasped hands, a satisfied smirk on both their faces.
"Never really thought I'd be saying it to a DRAGON," Alain admitted. "But I'll be excited to fly with ya' next time."
"Same for me," Ikuchi nodded. "But now we share a common purpose in this fight. And I'd rather it be as willing allies than begrudging helpers. Though, I'm sure you have some to convince once you return."
"Eh, I'll figure something out," Alain sighed as he put his arms behind his head. "I'm stubborn enough I've gotten even the most hardass sort to give in with enough effort. Plus… now I've got plenty of reasons to not just follow orders like a good little soldier."
"Is that so? Let's just see how the coming battle goes first."
"Sure sure."
After the excitement from watching Alain and Ikuchi's duel, things had calmed down significantly as preparations for the coming invasion continued on. Meanwhile it also served as the perfect chance for the Arzenal gang to get some rest they very much needed. Though, before that, Vivian had something she needed to get done as well. And of course, the other four came with her as she'd returned to Lamia's home.
"So… you'll be leaving along with the attack force?" Lamia was quite calm as Vivian finished explaining her intentions.
"I'm worried about the others, like everyone else," Vivian reiterated. "My friends are all back in that world. If I don't then how can I make sure they can get to see this one?"
"Though… we wouldn't blame you if you stayed," Naomi added. "After all… you found your mom."
"Oh…" Vivian murmured, giving a hum. Lamia was quiet for a moment before standing and walking off into the other room. Vivian looked worried for a moment, though perked up when Alain set a reassuring hand to her shoulder.
"Quiz time! What's this?" Lamia asked the ever-familiar phrase as she walked back into the living room. In the crook of her arms she carried a small tunic. "The answer… is your baby clothes!" Lamia held the small tunic out as Vivian approached, the mother giving a warm smile. "You've gotten so big since then, you wouldn't fit in this anymore. And you've met a lot of people and made a lot of memories. So many caring older sisters and a wonderful older brother to be there for you."
"Y-Yeah," Vivian nodded.
"Then you should go back and see your friends. And don't be worried about me. Your mom is pretty strong!"
"Mom…" Vivian let out an eep as Lamia pulled her into a close hug.
"Thank you for coming back, Mii. I'm so happy I got to meet you again. I hope you let me say 'Welcome home,' one more time."
"You bet!" Vivian promised. "I'll be back before you know it! And when I do, I'll introduce you to everyone else!"
"It's a nice thing, isn't it?" Naomi mused, looking across the others to see they all sported the same smile. "Knowing at least one of us found her family. Means Vivian has more reason to come back. It's simple but… it works, don't you think?"
"I think… a simple motivation is better," Alain mused. "The idea of fighting for some grand ideal, some 'greater good'… I don't think it's always what it's choked up to be. A simple, honest reason to fight. That's all we really need."
"So… what's yours?" Lamia asked, Alain giving a thoughtful hum.
"Easy. I want to make a better life with everyone I love. When we're done with all this soldiering and piloting… I think I just want to settle down and take life slowly for once. Though sitting around also isn't my style. I guess exploring sounds nice. Seeing the world on my own terms, and not because it's always some mission."
"Not gonna be in the shop with me and Chris?" Naomi chuckled.
"I can't just go and leave Wyvern sitting around to rust," Alain reminded her. "Besides, even if it's not as a soldier ,there's no way I'd give up flying the way I want to. So yeah. Exploring would do that for me just fine."
"I think it's a nice idea," Tusk mused. "Something simple, huh…?"
"Well, clearly some of you have a lot to consider," Lamia mused. "Good luck tomorrow, all of you. Come back safe, alright? And Mii, make sure Alain doesn't get into too much trouble with the other girls, alright?"
"Ahh Big Bro'll be fine! Right, Naomi?"
"Oh trust me, we have ways to keep him in line," Naomi's musing came with Alain coughing into a hand as his face flushed. Ange just shook her head in bemusement while Vivian and Lamia laughed.
"A simple reason…" Ange repeated, looking out of the window to the sky above. "What do I want to do after this is done?"
