Here we are at Chapter 2. Time for some more fun and more drama in Sheena and the protagonist's story. Also, when it comes to their gunpla's abilities, I made it so they worked more like the anime rather than the game so it feels more accurate with the mobile suits' skills and abilities. I do not own Gundam Breaker 4. They belong to their respective owners. I only own my OCs. Here's chapter 2. Enjoy.
Chapter 2: Choosing One's Path
Sheena POV
Things have been splendid in GB4. With the official release, many more players have joined in on the fun. More clans have been formed and more events and tournaments are in the works. What's more, Lilin has finally regained enough strength to join us back in the fun. Her return did cause a bit of a stir, with most people learning that she's an A.I. that has grown to think and feel for herself. Lin was certainly happy for her to be back as well. Those two really have become like sisters. As for Mashima, he's kept his word and stopped constantly flirting with me. He still flirts with other girls though. Lin and her cousin Misa quickly gave him the boot though, and Lilin was never interested either. But, there are plenty of new female players in the game now. I'm sure someone will accept his 'charm', so to speak. As for me, I was waiting for Lilin and Ryu. We agreed to go on a mission together. It's a special mission where there's a prize at the end. That prize, for the team that completes it, is a set of new parts that were previously unavailable in the game. These parts can be acquired in the mission towards the end. However, exactly what parts those are have yet to be revealed. Plenty of players are eager to find out their secrets. As am I. Nothing wrong with making my gunpla stronger after all.
"Sheena," I turn to see Lilin and Ryu approaching me. "Have you been waiting long?"
"No, I recently arrived myself. I'm glad you guys could make it. I trust you're ready for that special mission?' I ask.
Ryu nods and pumps his fist. A man of few words as always. I also see that he altered his Resolve Gundam. He switched out the leg parts of the Lightning Gundam for the Freedom Gundam and added some parts around the calves to make them more robust. He switched the positions of his missile launchers, with two on the shoulders and two on the sides of the railguns. I noticed his Aerial shield has been replaced with a Legilis shield as well. Finally, he switched out the Strike Freedom Gundam's body for the body of the Gundam Livelance Heaven. It looks just as good and just as powerful as the previous version, if not more so now.
"Yes. Aura took extra precautions to keep secret what the new parts are in this mission. But, I believe she took some inspiration from the Gundam Seed franchise," Lilin says.
"There's a lot of spin-offs related to that series. And a number of mobile suits from them all that aren't in the game right now. Who knows what they have hidden away for us," they turn as Tao, Lin, and Mashima join us.
"Oh, I can't wait to try it out. If it'll help my gunpla get stronger, then let's go for it!" and Lin is just as fiery as ever.
"So, who should we send for this mission? It'll be around for a little while, but the first players get the fun of unlocking the secrets of the new mission," Mashima asks.
"Well, I'm really hoping to take part in the mission. It's been so long since I last battled with you guys," Lilin raises a hand.
"Well, she has a point. Why don't we let Lilin go? Let her get back in the game and knock the rust off," Mashima agrees with her.
"I have no problem with it," Lin gives her vote.
Ryu nods in agreement.
"I agree. I'm sure after all that time resting, you're eager to play again. In that case, how about I join you?" I offer.
"I'm afraid that won't be possible," a new voice says.
We turn to see two Petit'gguys walking towards us, one dark blue and one purple. I remember that those can be used for guest accounts, for those who aren't really looking to become players. However, that's not what really got my attention. I recognize that voice.
"Wait... Father, is that you?" I ask, stupefied.
"Wait, that's your dad?!" Tao freaks out.
"Yes, as embarrassing as it is to be seen like this. It is I, Sheena," my father replies.
"But, then that must mean..." I turn to the purple Petit-gguy.
"While I would say it's rude not to recognize your own mother, I suppose I can overlook that this one time, given my current appearance," my mother inspects her form.
"Wait, Sheena's parent actually came to GB4?!" now Lin is freaking out.
"I take it these are your friends, Sheena?" my father looks over them.
Even in a gunpla form, I could recognize that scrutinizing look of his. He does that to everyone he meets for the first time.
"Yes, these are my friends. My clan. This is Tao, Lin, Lilin, Mashima, and Ryu. Everyone, these are my parents," I introduce everyone.
"H-hi, it's a pleasure to meet you," Tao bows his head.
"Hello," Lilin greets them, while Ryu nods his head.
"Father, what were you talking about before?" I ask.
"I meant it as I said. It won't be possible... because I decided that you are done with this game," my father announces, much to my shock.
"Father, what are you talking about? I thought we already agreed that I was going to continue playing with my friends here while also attending to my duties with the family," I thought we already settled this.
"While I didn't specifically agree, I let you be for a while. However, I just don't see the value in this game. It is a distraction from your duties as heir to our family. I want you to stop and focus on more important things," my father explained.
"But, that's ridiculous! This is really important to her, and to us. She's an important member of our clan, and also our friend," Lin gets angry.
"Lin, please calm down!" Tao says.
"While we appreciate your care for our daughter, this is a family matter. It doesn't concern you, so we ask that you kindly stand aside," my mother joins my father's side.
"Of course, this involves us. You mess with one member of our clan, you mess with all of us, parent or not!" Mashima comes to my defense now.
"Sheena, I sincerely hope your other friends have more manners than this. This is precisely my point. These people don't understand the importance of the duties our family attends to," my father says.
I couldn't let that comment slide, "Father, Mother, I appreciate your concern, but I disagree. These people are my friends and I care about them a great deal. They understand me. They were there for me when I was struggling, when I was unsure of myself. They gave me the courage to face my future head-on," I explain.
"If friends are what you need, then my not the friends at your school? Or even the children of some of our associates. They can be your friends," Mother suggests.
"That's not the same. The battle we've face here together in GB4. The challenges. The lessons we've learned together. How much we've grown as a team and as friends. Those experiences and memories can't be replaced simply by replacing them with other people. Especially if those people haven't played GB4 like we have," I argue.
"Experiences that won't help you in the real world. I admit, I was surprised and a little impressed with how much more confidant you've become, but how can a mere video game help you grow into the person needed to succeed me as the heir in our family? I just don't see the appeal of it," my father shakes his head.
"Then why don't we fix that?' a new voice enters the fray and we all look to see none other than Meister Jin appear.
"It's Meister Jin!" Tao almost shrieks.
"I'm sorry, but you are?" my mother asks.
"He's Meister Jin, the top player in GB4. He also works with the developers for the game. Basically, he's the most important person in this world. So, you come to GB4, you'd better listen to him," Mashima explains.
"I couldn't help but overhear your current predicament. While far be it from me to interfere in family affairs, when it involves GB4 or the bonds of a clan, and this involves both, I can't turn away. So, since this involves GB4, let's settle this like we always do in GB4. With a gunpla battle," Meister Jin proposes.
I was thankful he came to our aid. But a gunpla battle to decide this? There's some merit in that. We had a similar situation back when we first went up against Freedom Fleet in the battle tournament. A bet to settle things.
"And how exactly would a 'gunpla battle' settle this? Our family matters are no game," Father says.
"Oh, but GB4 is exactly that, a game. I'm simply asking you to settle this fairly, so no bitter feelings are left behind. The new special mission for the game is about to begin. I'll make it so your match will be the first match. Three-on-three. If you win, then Sheena will listen to your request. But, if Sheena and her friends win, then you must respect her wishes and not take her from GB4. Does that sound reasonable?" Meister Jin explains.
"I believe that is fair, Meister Jin. Thank you," I nod to his idea, as do the rest of my clan.
My father sighs, "Very well, we accept this proposal,"
"Hah, this should be easy. They've never played GB4 before. They're total rookies," Mashima laughs.
"WE will not be fighting. We had a feeling this might resort to a form of force, so we came prepared. Come forward," my father calls out.
A moment later, I spot three players walking up behind my parents. One was using a Gundam Kimaris Vidar with a red, grey, and white paint scheme. The second one is using a Gundam Barbatos Lupus Rex that's painted in white camo colors. The last on, standing in the middle of the group, has a more custom design. It has the head part of the Gaia Gundam, the body of the Abyss Gundam, the arms of the Saviour Gundam, the legs of the Chaos Gundam, and the backpack of the Oowashi Akatsuki Gundam. That one is painted in a gleaming silver paint scheme with hints of black.
"And who are they?" Lilin asks.
"We are known as Blitzkrieg. I am the clan leader; call me Nagamo. These are two of my teammates, Suki and Mukuro," Nagamo says, introducing the Kimaris and Barbatos players respectively.
"Wait, why does that clan name sound familiar?" Tao scratches his head.
"That's because they're known as a mercenary clan," Meister Jin says. "They compete in gunpla battles for their clients... provided they are paid for their services. However, they're quite skilled actually,"
"I'm honored that the famed Meister Jin knows of us. Anyway, Sheena's parents hired us as extra muscle. If this is going to get settled in a gunpla battle, then it seems our services will be needed after all," Nagamo says.
I look back to my parents, "Mother, Father, you'd really go this far to keep me out of GB4?" I could barely believe he hated this game that much.
"I'm only doing what's best for you, Sheena. Please, there's no need for any of this nonsense. Just come home with us and we can have a long discussion about all of this as a family," Father pleads with me.
But I won't back down, "I'm sorry, Father, Mother... but I won't go along with that. I told you before that I will work hard and fulfill my duties as heir to the family. But, I refuse to give up on GB4, on my friends. There's no reason I can't have both. So, if you want me to go, then you'll have to force me to."
"Yeah, we're right there with you, Sheena. Nobody tears our clan apart!" Lin pumps her fists.
"Alright then, we'll have a gunpla battle to decide this. All act as the witness of the battle. Sheena's parents have their champions. What about your clan?" Meister Jin asks.
"I will go. This is about my future, so I must fight in this one," I raise my hand.
"I want to fight with Sheena. I want to fight for my friend," Lilin raises hers.
"Excellent, and the last fighter..." Meister Jin looks at Ryu.
Ryu nods his head and raises a fist. I knew I could count on him. Just like always.
"Hmm, looks like this will actually be a challenge. To face the ace of Celestial Blades himself. I was hoping to face you actually, one gunpla fighter to another," Nagamo notes.
"Hmm? Is this player special?" my mother asks.
"He's more special than you realize, Mother. Ryu is the leader and ace of our team. And he's helped me more times than I care to count. He may not speak much, but his actions say plenty," I inform her.
"Alright, with that being said, let's get ready for the special mission. Teams, take your places. The rest of us will watch on the monitors," Meister Jin says.
I go with Lilin and Ryu to the launch bay, but I stop Ryu for a moment.
"Ryu, thanks again for agreeing to fight with me. I never thought my parents would do something like this. But still, I appreciate it," I stare at my hand for a moment, causing Ryu to cock his head. "My apologies. I guess it's just nerves. I may not be fighting them upfront, but still... to face off against my parents like this. I must admit I was not expecting it. I'm a little nervous," I voice my concerns.
I could always speak my mind with Ryu. His presence always put me at ease. Just then, he takes my hand into his.
"Huh?" I gasp.
I look at Ryu and he simply nods his head. It's those simple gestures that say so much to me.
I couldn't help but smile, "Thank you, Ryu. I'll be alright now. Come on, we wouldn't want to keep Lilin waiting,"
We head to the launch bays and take off a moment later to begin the mission. No matter what happens, I will not lose. I will not be taken away from this clan... And I will not be taken away from Ryu.
And that's the chapter. A little shorter than usual, but I felt this was a good stopping point since the next part would be the actual mission. That will come in the next chapter. Until then, please Read and Review.
